While many of you love wearing makeup and search your couch cushions and the bottom of all your purses for loose money so you can buy new products, there are a lot of you out there who actually hate wearing makeup. Trust me when I say that I get it; I used to be one of those girls!

Makeup can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what products to use or how to use them. Plus, sometimes you just don’t want to stand in front of a mirror and put on your face, dammit. But the honest truth: you don’t have to! Having a polished face doesn’t have to mean 35 products and 30 minutes putting them on.

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t step out of my house looking like I’m headed to a photo shoot every day. I often wear just four products or some variation of them (plus Aquaphor!). These products are a simple way to enhance your features and are perfect for people who want to give makeup a chance or who are just starting out. And while I do recommend investing in higher end versions of these products for quality reasons, you certainly don’t have to! There are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives to all products; just make sure you are aware of what you’re getting.

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my websiteand follow me on Twitter!

That’s why I get really excited when brands like Maybelline try to imitate those big makeup brands.  You’ve probably seen those TV ads for their new FIT ME collection of foundations and powders.  They’re a little annoying, but the product is good.  Really good!  I was very impressed with how similar the quality was to my high-end products. Plus, it has SPF 18 in the foundation!

My only real qualm was that I couldn’t test the shade in the store.  They have a wide spectrum of 18 shades said to fit all skintones, but it’s still a necessity for me to test a shade in the store before I buy it.  Also, I recommend using a primer (here’s how it’s done!) with the foundation to help it last.  If you’re looking for something that feels like a high-end brand but is extremely affordable, then check this collection out! But first, get my full rundown here:

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my website and follow me on Twitter!

This year, some of your most-loved (or love-to-hate) celebs are giving up their digital life until their fans donate 1 million dollars by “buying life.” But you don’t have to be a celebrity with 5 million Twitter followers to make a difference.

As you sit in your dorm room (or lecture hall – we know you’re reading this in class!), you might be questioning what you can possibly do to make a difference – after all you are only one person. But, if everyone takes action, then collectively we can make some major strides. Even from that teeny, tiny room you call home.

Print out and put a poster on your door
I’m sure a lot of people walk by your room each day and chances are if there’s something different up on your door, they might take a second to stop and think about what the poster means, and maybe even generate a conversation with you about the topic.

Do your research
Read up on World AIDS Day. The best protection is knowledge. Spread what you know by talking to friends, or the random person who stops by your room after seeing your poster.

Test your knowledge
AVERT has lots of games and quizzes for World AIDS Day. Try one out and pass it along to your friends.

Wear a red ribbon
You can pick one up from your local MAC store. If you pick up a Viva Glam product while you are there, every cent of the selling price will go towards the MAC AIDS Fund.

Practice safe sex
If you’re going to have sex, don’t do it until you’ve had a conversation with your partner about safe sex. If you’re unsure about their sexual history, or they don’t want to talk about it, don’t do it. Once you’ve had a talk about HIV and STDs then make sure you use a always use a condom.

Get tested
If you’re having sex, go get tested. If you don’t know where to go, text your zipcode to “KNOWIT” (566948) to find a testing centre near you.

Get connected
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re connected online. Tweet about it using #WAD2010, post a statistic as your status on Facebook, or post a picture on the Facing AIDS flickr page. Use your connection to spread awareness.

Go to an event
I know this time of year is really busy, but if you have time, check out a World AIDS Day event in your area. Grab your friends and get out there. What else is there to do on a Wednesday night anyway?

[Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.]

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: MAC Briar Rose Beauty Powder

Why this should be in your bag:
Ever since my foray into beauty products began, I’ve been obsessed with blush. Not only does it look so pretty in the pan, but it can do amazing things for your look and complexion. If you’re feeling tired or sluggish from all those midterms (welcome to my freaking life), blush is the perfect makeup pick-me-up!

MAC is the creme de la creme of makeup brands. Known for high-quality products in a variety of extremely fun colors and collections, MAC is where it’s at. This little number is part of their latest release, Venomous Villains. The collection was a collaboration with Disney and as a huge Disney fan, I initially picked up the Beauty Powders for the beautiful compacts. However, the product inside was a pleasant surprise!

(It’s Maleficent!)

How to use it:
Beauty Powders are a funny product; some are sheer and shimmery while others, like Briar Rose, function more as a blush. I like to buff a blush brush in the powder and then – using the handy dandy, built-in mirror – apply it to my cheeks, while smiling. I also make sure to blend it up to my hairline, but subtly. The purple-pink color in the pan becomes a gorgeous true pink when applied and gives a natural glow. There is also a white pearl finish to it, which gives some depth.

(Left: Briar Rose in the pan – gorgeous!. Right: heavy swatch.)

CC Rating: A+
Briar Rose gives me the perfect fall-time flush. It’s easy to apply and blends like a dream! Not chalky or powdery, there is really nothing bad I can say about this one! And talk about the bonus of a beautiful, reusable compact and mirror!

I’m in love with MAC Beauty Powders and will be picking more up when they are released! Unfortunately, like many awesome MAC products, Briar Rose is limited edition and sold out on lots of websites. But trust me, scouring ebay (and using Ebates to get some cash back on that purchase!) is definitely worth it for this one!

[Looking to overhaul your makeup bag? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Being a girl has its perks, especially when it comes to scoring free drinks at the bar. But being a girl also takes a lot of work and costs a whole lot o’ cashola. Just think about all the things we need to pay for that guys don’t: waxing, haircare, makeup, Spanx, the list goes on.

Yeah, keeping ourselves groomed and primped is not easy on the wallet, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg (or a month’s rent).  Here are some of my favorite beauty products that all come in under 20 buckaroos. These things are just as fabulous as the expensive stuff and, hey, anything that’ll make me feel purty without making me cringe at the price is good by me. (Side Note:  You can get a lot of this stuff on Drugstore.com, an awesome website that carries nearly every beauty item you can imagine and has great deals on ‘em too.)

I am one of those girls who looks dead without a little gloss smeared across my lips and MAC’s lipglass is one of my personal faves. It’s ultra glossy, which is ultra sexy, and it lasts a really long time. There are tons of color options but  “Looks Like Sin” and “Lust” are by far my favorites.

Okay, so maybe you’re thinking, “This is supposed to be an article about beauty products, what is chafing gel doing on the list?”  Well, here’s a tip: this chafing gel does the exact same job as those super expensive-o make-up primers (like Smashbox’s oh-so-popular Photo Finish, which costs at least $36), and it costs under $8!  And – bonus! – for us curvy girls, it does its job and works wonderfully against that frustrating and painful chafing you can get in the summertime.

After years of buying uber-expensive mascaras and still having a hard time finding one I totally love, I discovered Lash Blast by Covergirl.  For under $10, it gives you gorgeous thick lashes without clumping. It even won an Allure Editor’s Choice Award, so you know it’s gonna rock your socks.

Unless I’m going out on the town, I usually only put on powder to smooth out my skin, rather than clogging my pores with foundation on a daily basis, and I love Loreal’s True Match.  They have a wide array of colors and it gives great coverage without feeling thick.

Blush is another one of my daily essentials; it gives me just enough color so I look so fresh and so clean and, you know, alive. I love Sephora’s line; it goes on nicely and naturally, there are a number of colors perfect for different skin tones, and it’s totally budget-friendly.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical when I first heard of this product a few years back. I mean, the ’80s-looking bottle is enough to scare anyone off. But I decided to give it a go (my legs looked nearly transparent) and I loooooved it.  It’s not like self-tanner so if you end up streaked, it easily washes off. Really, though, it’s quite easy to do without looking streaky or blotchy, and it truly does smooth out my legs significantly.  Perfect for short shorts, skirts and dresses in the summertime.

There’s really not much that makes me happier after a long week than going to get a mani-pedi with the latest OPI shade. They definitely have the highest quality polish (the stuff lasts over a week) and an insanely large collection of colors ranging from the most basic nudes to gorgeous reds to everything fun & funky in between.  This season they introduced the Hong Kong collection, which I’m totes feelin’, especially this beautiful blue that looks splendid on my freshly pedicured toes.

I will never understand how companies can charge up to $30 for a shine spray. I mean, how hard is it to make?! That’s why I’m head over heels for this Matrix Shine Mist. It gives my hair a lovely shine, helps with frizz and fly-aways, and is made especially for all of us color-treated ladies out there. Oh, and it’s under $10.

It may not always be easy being a girl, but these products certainly help. And with all the money you save, you won’t even need boys to buy you drinks at the bar.

And what about foundation?
And moisturizer?
And bronzer?

HOW ON EARTH IS A GIRL SUPPOSED TO KNOW?!

OK, so it might not be the most difficult decision on earth, but with so many options and so little money, it made me sweat. I may know what the commercials say and what some magazine editors say, but how can any of us really know what products are worth buying? So I turned to my friends (I frantically dialed 5 to get a good sampling/variety of advice) and eventually settled on Almay’s Intense I-Color for Blue Eyes, which was recommended by the one girl who didn’t hang up on me when I told her about my life and death situation. And the stuff is awesome! Just knowing someone who had used and loved it made everything so much easier.

So I decided to take it one step further and find out what beauty products the CollegeCandy writers can’t live without. If they love it that much, it’s gotta be good. And knowing that will make my next CVS run (and yours!) a whole lot smoother.

Lauren H – The New School: Skin’s Apricot Eyes. This is easily the best eye makeup remover I’ve ever used (which sounds stupid, I know, but it is!). It’s a cream instead of a liquid or jelly and it just melts mascara, even waterproof. Plus it’s organic!

Kim – Stanford: Hot red lipstick from Mac. Whenever I want to feel instantly sexy, I put some on and go!

Jessica – Hofstra: Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Matte foundation, because it covers up everything without looking like you just caked makeup on your face.

Katie – Michigan State University: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I literally cannot put make-up on or leave my apartment without this on my face.

Brithny – Duke: Hoola bronzer by Benefit. Because no Asian should ever be white.

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: Bare Minerals Bronzer (all colors) gives you the most amazing, natural all over color, and it’s really good for your skin! Absolutley in love with the stuff.

Jessica – Delaware: I can’t live without Loreal’s Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara! It gives my lashes volume and amazing length and makes eyes look wide awake even if you pulled an all-nighter!

Hannah- Assumption College: Bonne Bell Lip Smackers. Yes, they bring back memories from the 5th grade when trading lip gloss was all the rage, but I still wear it out on weekend nights and get compliments all the time. Plus they smell delicious.

Kelly – University of Iowa: Natural Instincts semi-permanent dye. I get so bored with my hair color (medium mousy brown) so it’s perfect to change it up every month without the repercussion of normal dye. My hair is still recovering from last year when I went platinum blonde… at home.

Charlsie – Hollins University: I can’t live without my YSL Shimmering Lip Gloss. It actually lasts once I put it on my lips, and I always get compliments!

Caitlin – University of Alabama: As CC’s resident beauty guru, I can’t live without any of my products! If I had to pick absolutely one though, probably my T3 Evolution Hair Dryer; that thing is a god-send!

Rachael – University of Miami: Bare Minerals mineral makeup! I absolutely refuse to leave my room without it; it evens out skin tones, covers blemishes, gives me a little bit of color (I actually look alive!!), and still looks completely natural. Seriously, it’s a miracle in powder form.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: My Urban Decay shadow box with primer potion. YDK, Half baked, and Twice baked make my blue eyes look EPIC, and the primer potion makes everything stay perfect all day and all night.

Samantha – UCSB: Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel!! I apply it after washing my face in the morning and right before bed, under my normal Clinique face lotion. During the day it gives my skin a dewy look and keeps me flake free, and at night it goes to work making my skin smooth and preventing pre-mature aging! Can’t live without this stuff!!

Lauren – University of Michigan: Mac Black Tide eyeshadow. I wet my brush and use this as a liner and the little flecks of glitter in it add a hint of fun and make my eyes pop. Plus, this stuff stays on all night. And I mean all night. If I’m too lazy to wash my face (or I find myself with a late night guest), it still looks awesome and fresh the next day. Not that I do that often….

Laura – St. John’s: A good moisturizer with SPF; some days you don’t need anything else.  I love my Oil of Olay that I’ve been using for years.

Norah – Drake University: My pale Irish skin looks vampire-like without a bit of color, so I’m obsessed with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends natural radiance bronzer. The different shades blend together so it looks good on even super-pale people like me, and it’s even good for your skin!

Emmy – Loyola University Chicago: I adore Kiss Me Mascara. This stuff stays on regardless of how much I sweat, cry, or rub my eyes, but it still comes off at night without make-up remover. It is basically magical!

Alex – Lakehead University: L’oreal True Match concealer. I’m Italian which means big, nasty bags under my eyes. I don’t think I have EVER left my house without concealer on said bags.

Nina – Michigan State University: I’m addicted to Clinique astringent (Clarifying Lotion 2)! Twice a day, every day, after your cleanser, ladies.

Teresa – UCSD: Jojoba oil. It’s kind of my all-in-one moisturizer, hair treatment, cuticle oil, makeup remover, etc. Tip: You can find it at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Amanda – Reed: Laura Mercier caviar cream liner – it’s INCREDIBLE.

Sara C – Fordham: Absolutely, without a doubt, my tinted moisturizer from Clarins. Thanks to this little baby (one vial has already lasted me a year and a half), I never need to wear foundation and my skin stays smooth and soft.

What are your beauty must-haves?!

Cuz they do. A lot.

Bow Wow is a classy guy.

Tyra Banks was a mean boss? Shocking.

Mac gets warm and cozy this season.

What’s the deal with Tila Tequila?

10 iPhone apps we ladies could all use.

Today, July 13th, is “Embrace Your Geek Day.” Here are the top 10 totally embraceable things that we geek out for. And we’re not ashamed to admit it. Online.

10. Harry Potter
Ugh, is there anything sexier than a wizard in glasses? I literally screamed when I saw the preview for “The Half Blood Prince” in theaters.

9. Arrested Development
Seriously, I know every single line to this show. Points if you can do every family member’s imitation of a chicken. (Yeah, I can do that too.)

8. Twilight
Okay, admittedly, I’m not a twi-tard, err, I mean “twi-hard,” but I can’t resist drooling over Robert Pattinson’s perfect hair.

7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Joss Whedon is a God. Enough. Said.

6. Anything and everything Apple
iPhone, MacBook, iPod. I want it all. I’m pretty sure there’s an app for that.

5. The Sims
Devastatingly addictive. Who doesn’t love building houses, creating lookalikes of your friends and neighbors, and – oh my god I’ve spent four hours straight on this game.

4. Seth Green
And all of his endeavors. Robot Chicken anyone?

3. GeekStuff4U
I don’t know what this is or what it does, but I approve.

2. Hulu.com
Addictive and full of the best of the best things to geek out to. Missed Andy Samberg’s latest Digital Short? Hulu that sh*t.

1. BO. BURNHAM.
Please, please, please, please marry me.

Melanie currently interning in NYC, taking full advantage of all margarita specials and those blonde summer boys. Stalk her on Twitter: @tinkermellie

A few months ago, we shared our picks for adding more color to your beauty bags. Now the season is in full swing, and we can’t help but feel inspired by all of the colors blooming outdoors, being displayed in store windows and taking center stage at our local beauty counters. This is the perfect time of year to add more punches of color to your beauty routine, no matter how subtle. Find these colorful picks in stores right now.

MAC “Just A Pinch” Gel Blush is a seriously bold red color in its pot, but goes on smooth and sheer when applied to our cheeks and lips. This color looks great on all skintones and can be worn as light or amped up as you like. $18.50, nordstrom.com

Essie Neon Collection

What better way to add color to your look than to add it to your tips and toes? We know that neon can be a bit scary for some, but when worn on the hands and feet, it’s a lot less “in your face”. Get this mini set, and don’t be afraid to try them all. $18, essieshop.com

L’Oreal H.I.P Bright Duos Eyeshadows pack gorgeous, even more rich pigment than the original, into two colors that can be worn together or separately. Highly blendable, these colors go on sheer when applied with a shadow brush. Add more layers to turn up the volume on your desired look. $7, drugstore.com

Bare Escentuals Free To Be Naturally Adventurous Set

With gorgeous, vibrant colors, this 100% pure, preservative-free set allows the user to play up her bohemian style; give yourself exotic eyes, sparkling cheeks, and inspiring lips with all of the lively colors. Includes a blush, two eyecolors, one liner shadow and a gloss housed in a teal clutch. $39.50, sephora.com

Sephora Brand Moroccan Sunrise Bag Collection

We believe beauty junkies can never have too many cosmetic bags. We know these will never be worn with our favorite ensembles, but these tangerine colored bags look so good in our bathrooms, and really make keeping our ever-growing beauty arsenal well-organized. Available in four sizes. From $9, sephora.com

This is the perfect time of year to add more punches of color to your beauty routine, no matter how subtle. Find these colorful picks in stores right now.

Remember when you started college and you got a bunch of cool new stuff? Everything was shiny and new and you were off on a great adventure. A lot has changed since then. Now you’re all disillusioned by jerky professors and “real world” problems. Oh, and your laptop is an antique.

Many of you are thisclose to the end of your college days [weep], which means it’s time to upgrade your shiz for the next phase of your life. But what do you need? And which products are the best?

Look no further; I’m here for your graduating shopping needs. I can’t teach you how to survive out there – because I’m a few credits away from that awful place – but I can help you with that graduation wish list to hand off to the parentals.

Please hold your applause until the end.

1) New computer

You seriously probably still need one of these if you kept the same one for all four (+) years of college. No matter how much you loved that thing, the fact that it weighs 11 pounds and burns your legs when you’re using it means it’s time to let it go. Most real worlders will be spending most of their time at work, so your laptop doesn’t need to have as many bells and whistles as it used to. The mini book is slightly limited in its uses, but it’s small and cute and totally portable. And it can get you onto Facebook, iTunes and AIM, so what more do you need?

If you want something fancier, go with the MacBook. It has a built in camera that will let you chat face to face with your friends, which will be perfect for re-creating the weekend Morning After Recap from afar.

2) Smart Phone

You’ve wanted a Blackberry/iPhone/G1 forever, and now is the time to go for it. You are going to be hella busy out there in real life, so having your calendar, email, phone, music and Facebook updates all coming with you wherever you go is imperative. Especially when you want to sneak out of the office for some happy hour drinks without missing any messages from the boss man.

3) A year subscription to Xbox Live

Ok, this seems random and it will only work if you actually play 360, but the real world is stressful and you’re going to need something to de-stress. Since your friends will mostly be spread all over the country, this is the best way to keep in touch… while owning them in the game.

4) A GPS system.

If you’re moving to a new place for that sick new job (which, by the way, is a major accomplishment in this economy), you are going to need to know where to go. You could stop at the gas station every day to get directions (and a Diet Coke), or you could put this puppy on your dashboard and get everywhere you need to go on time. This will also come in handy when you want to road trip back to school for homecoming, or take a weekend drive to reunite with the roomies.

5) A Flip Cam

Personally, I think everyone should have one of these to document the most memorable (or drunkest) moments in undergrad, but if you haven’t forked over the cash for one just yet, get granny and gramps to do it. This camera is smaller than your regular digi, but holds up to 60 minutes of footage and just fits right into the USB port of your computer for easy uploading. Pair that with iMovie on a MacBook and you could be a YouTube sensation (or superstar among your friends) in no time.

The real world is scary, but fun new toys make it so much more fun.
Good luck out there! (Now you can clap.)