Even I, a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, often get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of beauty tools available out there. It’s hard to not buy every. single. one you see, especially when there areso many different kinds with colored bristles and pretty handles calling to you. But don’t give in! Not only will you end up with a bunch of stuff you don’t need, but you’ll end up with a bunch of really expensive stuff you don’t need (some brushes can be over $50 each!).

To help you look flawless and keep some extra money in your pocket, I’ve rounded up the 10 essential tools that every girl needs in her beauty arsenal. You get these little guys and you’re good to go. Read More »

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: Sigma Complete Brush Kit

Why this should be in your bag: Makeup brushes are essential for any girl who wears eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc (read: EVERYONE). Like most, I started out with cheap brushes from the local drugstore, but quickly realized that if I’m buying quality makeup, I should also be investing in quality brushes. A brush of exceptional quality will have soft bristles, little fall-out and pick up lots of product. It’s amazing how much of a difference a brush makes in your application. Good brushes will allow you to look polished and your best, blending when they should and depositing just the right amount of color! However, I have a pretty hard time parting with 50 of my hard earned dollars for one measly MAC brush. I’ve been searching for an affordable alternative to MAC (and other luxury brands) and I think Sigma might fit that bill! Read More »

I know that all of you out there wash your faces every morning and every night, but do you ever think about the germs and dirt you’re sweeping across those freshly exfoliated cheeks every time you apply your makeup?

It’s disgusting.

Our makeup brushes get really dirty with use, and cleaning them is perhaps the most important yet overlooked step in beauty these days. Think about it: when was the last time you cleaned your brushes? Read More »

It’s hard to stay organized (and beautiful!) when you’re living in the cramped quarters typical of college towns. You barely have enough room for your clothes in most dorms or apartments and without a bathroom to call your own, it’s nearly impossible to store all that makeup you brought along with you. But with a little creativity and a few key pieces, anyone can find a place to keep their makeup, and keep it clean.

Today, I’m showing you how I store my all of my makeup and giving you some other great organizational ideas as well. Read More »

When it comes to beauty there are certain tools that every girl needs in her arsenal. But what are the must-haves and what are the spend-a-lot-of-money-on-stuff-you-don’t-needs?

I know a lot of girls are confused about what brushes to buy and what tools they should have lying around their bathroom counter so I wanted to give you all some insight on what I use regularly. I’m not telling you to go out and buy a $100.00 brush kit full of stuff you’ll never use. Instead, I’m going to explain what everything is and allow you to decide what you need for your daily beauty regime.

In the bedroom…

There’s something in the air in Madrid.

How to stress less.

WTF happened on the Lost finale!?

Clean those makeup brushes.

I’ll buy whatever Freida Pinto is sellin’.

I’ve already expressed how jealous I am of all you sunny spring-break travelers (recap: sooo jealous), but I’m going to put my bitterness aside and talk about toting your makeup in style. Obviously you can’t bring your entire makeup collection with you to Palm Springs, but you’ll need to bring some essentials along to stay beautiful for your nights out.

Makeup cases have come a long way since your 6th grade pink plastic Caboodle and I’m not going to criticize you if you still have it sitting on your dresser, but perhaps you could upgrade your travel style for this occasion. Below are some great cases and bags to help bring your necessities abroad.

Mark expandable black cosmetics case- by Avon- $12: This compact black case has an adorable pink lining and with one zip it expands even further to store more beauty supplies. It is super cheap and even includes a pocket to store full sized brushes.

Bare Escentuals Wine Train Case- $40: This train case can store your makeup at home and also on-the-go. The plastic storage unit inside comes out so that it can be cleaned. It is made of shiny, merlot-colored, polka dotted fabric and is perfect for storing all kinds of makeup and brushes.

e.l.f Metallic makeup organizer- $10: Like all things e.l.f, this makeup organizer is cute and cheap. It has magnetic closure and several pockets, and comes in four metallic shades…I’d go with bronze to match your beach tan. Read More »

What you use to put your makeup on is just as important as what kind of makeup you are using. When you apply makeup with the wrong brush, or one of poor quality, it can ruin your entire beauty queen look. Whether you’re preparing a rockstar look for a night out, a daytime look for class, or just trying to cover up your hangover, your brush’s shape, texture and quality is vital. Here are a few types of brushes that should be on every girl’s vanity (or wish list, hint-hint).

Kabuki Face Brush: Kabuki brushes are huge and perfect for all over face coverage, whether you are applying foundation or bronzer. This kabuki brush is from Too Faced and is made with “teddy bear hair bristles” so it’s soft on sensitive faces. Yes, it’s a little pricey but the texture and longevity make it worth the splurge. If your’re looking for something a little cheaper but still quality you can check out The Balm’s mini version of the kabuki brush.

Concealer Brush: When applying concealer to cover up your blemishes or under eye marks, it can be tempting to skip the brush. But by getting a concealer brush like this one from Bare Escentuals you are keeping your skin clean and getting a fully blended look.

Angled Blush Brush: Using round brushes for blush can create a Bozo-like look, but angled brushes make the cheek color look more natural. A soft angled blush brush like this one from Benefit works best when applied on the apples of the cheeks in an upward sweeping motion. Read More »

[Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it, that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, makeup expert Ali will use her makeup know-how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

In order for makeup to keep you looking fresh and beautiful you need to keep up with fresh products. Yes, it can be a sad day to throw out your favorite MAC eyeshadow because its time has expired, but it is necessary for your skin and your overall look (and feel). Below is some important information about how long your makeup should last, and how to stretch out its shelf life. And don’t worry – we won’t judge you if you hold a moment of silence for your favorite products whose time has come.

Mascara: With such close contact to your eyes, mascara is likely to acquire bacteria and, as a result, should be thrown out after 3 months. Don’t believe me? Smell it. Go on, do it. If the mascara is ready to go you’ll notice a different smell, not to mention the mascara will likely not go on as well. Throw it out!

Foundation: Liquid and condensed powder foundations will likely become cakey or cracked after 6 months to a year and then it’s time to toss em. Loose powder foundation will likely last a little longer. Similar rules apply to blush. Read More »