Nails are one of the easiest fashion accessories to change. Last week, I introduced you all to Custom Nail Solutions, which are custom acrylic nails. Well, if acrylics aren’t your thing, then a good polish should be! My ever-growing nail polish collection just gained some new favorites: Ciate nail polish.

Ciate is one of the UK’s hottest nail polish brands, and it has made its way across the pond to Sephora. I tested them out for you guys, and I was not disappointed…

On my face: Painted Earth Pore Perfecting Primer, MAC Studiofix powder, NARS Multiple in Orgasm,  Urban Decay Naked palette in Buck and Sidecar, Maybelline One on One Mascara

On my nails: Ciate Budoir, OPI Gift of Gold on right ring finger

In my hair: Victoria’s Secret So Sexy De-Tangler, Hana Shine Shield, Free Your Mane Baobab Brilliant Restorative Hair Oil

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.

That being said, it’s not necessary to have all of these tools!  These are just ones that I use most frequently and that I think are worth picking up.  Also, many of my tools are from Sephora or high-end brands, but that doesn’t mean you need to purchase from there!  While higher end brand tools typically last longer, I also have a ton of tools from budget-friendly brands like EcoTools and Sonia Kashuk.  I even use paintbrushes from the craft store!

Please don’t feel like you need to spend a ton of money on these products; this video is really just to show you the types of tools I recommend!

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!

I wanted to share this golden nugget of awesome with you: Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.  Yes, it’s quite the title, but it’s not overcompensating for anything.  I figured what better way to start off the New Year than to erase the dark spots of your past.

Great metaphor, I know!

This product is absolutely amazing! I’ve been using it for two weeks and my spots are already fading.  You all know I’ve been dealing with acne and scarring for a long time, and if you’re facing the same problems, this product is for you.  While it’s above my normal budget ($49.50 for 1 oz), it’s completely worth it.  If you can look past the price, you should check it out.  Watch the vid for all the dirty details and then snag some online at Sephora or Clinique.

Amazing, right? Gah! I love it so much.

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other videos right here!

After spending money on a lot of products that don’t live up to their promise, I can attest that the following four are definitely some of the best products on the market. If you know what’s good for you (and your kisser), get thee to the mall and stock up on these ASAP:

Lip Buffer: C.O. Bigelow’s Soothing Lip Buffer,  made with aloe extract and coco butter, will make your lips perfectly soft and smooth. If you apply the lip buffer onto your lips and take a warm wash cloth and rub the buffer in, you will not only exfoliate your lips, but you will rub in its relaxing peppermint extract. For $4.99 you can pick up a tube that will last you months and months. Although you can buy C.O. Bigelow products through their website, Bath & Body Works also carries them.

Lip Gloss: Nothing gets better than Yves Saint Laurent’s Golden Shimmering Gloss. This YSL lip gloss stays on for hours, and it actually protects the lips with natural oils instead of drying them out like most glosses do. Each tube of lip gloss has real 24-carat-gold flecks (baller!), which cause extra shine and luster on your lips. Although this lip gloss is expensive – $30 a tube – the quality and 31 different shades make it 100% worth every last cent. 

Lipstick: Every girl should find her color and own a fancy tube of lipstick. And if she’s smart, that tube will be one of the many shades of Chanel Hydrabase Creme Lipstick. Chanel is a timeless classic when it comes to lipstick and after trying it just once, it was easy to see why. The product actually makes your lips feel good and look amazing while making your teeth look whiter and your smile look brighter. (Yes, this stuff really does it all!) With a moisturizing finish to it, you are truly getting your $28.50′s worth.

Lip Balm: Lush, known for its handmade and organic products, has one of the best lip balm products around. For $6.95, you should indulge in the Whipstick Lip Balm. This product lasts like nothing else I’ve ever used. If you are looking for a product to put on before bed that will keep your lips moisturized all night long, this lip balm will do the job. Despite a full night of sleep (and drooling) it’s still on my lips when I wake up. And to top it off, the chocolatey-orange scent and taste is to die for.

So there you have it: the best of the best in lip wear.
Your lips are an important part of your life (from smiles to smooches) so give them the love and attention they deserve.

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 purchased by me for review purposes. Because I can never have too much makeup!)

What it is: Balmshell Lip Gloss in ‘Beach Patrol’ and ‘Darling, You Look Fabulous’

Why this should be in your bag: Everyone needs both a nude lip gloss and a vibrant lip gloss. It’s truly amazing what a change lip color makes in your total makeup look, and these two colors can look good on anyone. (And if they are not the right pigment for you, Balmshell has many more to choose from.) They are light, shiny and don’t cake on too much color so you look vampy. Plus, Balmshell gloss is not sticky, so no need to worry about your fabulous blowout getting stuck in your lips. (I don’t understand why most beauty companies haven’t fixed that problem yet!)

(Left – Darling, You Look Fabulous. Right – Beach Patrol.)

How to use it: Like I’ve said before, a lip gloss is fairly no-brainer as far as application goes. But here are a couple tips: To make your lip gloss look seamless and sleek, ensure that your lips are well-hydrated with a clear lip balm (think Chapstick) before application. Some glosses, especially nudes, highlight dryness and flakiness. To make your gloss last longer, lightly dust your lips with a powder first. This gives the gloss something to adhere to, but doesn’t change the color like a lip liner may. And if the gloss is super pigmented, make sure to clean-up after application.

(Left – Darling,You Look Fabulous. Right – Beach Patrol.)

Spend the cash or simply pass? The Balmshell lip glosses I tested out were great, so I say spend! They are even on sale at Sephora right now! $11 is a good price for these, considering the pigmentation and NON-STICKY feel. I hate tacky lip gloss and am constantly on the hunt for good, pigmented glosses without stick. I feel like these glosses are going to last me a good long time and continue to please! Just like it says on the box, Balmshell glosses leave me and my lips “feeling radiant and luscious”!

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 purchased by me for review purposes. Because I can never have too much makeup!)

What it is: Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eyeshadow

Why this should be in your bag: This is THE BEST wet/dry shadow I’ve ever tried! A versatile product like this is a necessity, especially for travel. You can bring a few of these and do completely different eye looks, mixing and matching which ones you use as liners, all-over washes and highlights. All you need is a little water to totally transform the product.

How to use it: Just like Sephora says – “apply your color dry for a natural vibe or dampen your brush and apply wet for an all-out sophisticated stare.” Personally, I use shade 06 Must Have for my daily liner. It’s a matte black (see swatches). First, get your eyeliner brush wet and rub it in the shadow, moistening it and getting some on your brush. Using a steady hand, apply to your upper lash line. If you’re feeling sassy, finish with a cat-eye by flicking your wrist up at the edge of your eyelid! (Learn how to do the perfect cat-eye right here.)

Tip: Dip a q-tip in makeup remover and use it to make the line perfectly straight. Trust me – it takes LOTS of practice to get good at wet shadow liner, but there is really nothing like it!

Left: Color Swatches! Left – Dry; Middle – Wet, 3 coats; Right – Wet, 1 coat.
Right: A sexy cat eye!

Spend the cash or simply pass? Spend, spend, spend. Sephora Collection is known for being high quality and cheaper than many other brands the store sells. I own a few of the darker shades (31 Red Wine, 41 Preppy Look) and they are perfect as liners or crease shadows for a more dramatic look. Good staying power, great pigmentation and again, versatility!

Do you own anyone Sephora shadows? What are your favorite shades?

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.

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.

If you’ve got some extra space and looking for major storage, hit up The Container Store for a large drawer unit that you can keep in your bathroom. Looking for something smaller? Try Target for a set of 6 small storage drawers (like the one I use!) that can fit right on your desk or dresser. And if you’re really crafty, you can even turn your makeup storage into some much needed room decor! Whatever you decide, get that makeup organized. It will not only save you time, but it will protect your brushes and keep your makeup from cracking or going bad too soon.

It’s now almost three weeks since Christmas (and only 353 ’til Christmas Day 2010… not that I’m counting!) and, like many of you, I have a slew of gift cards for different retailers, many of them to Sephora. This year, instead of spending my gift cards on lots of little things, I’m planning a few splurges on beauty products that are really worth my cash.

Whether you’re planning some gift card splurges or just want to upgrade your beauty regime, here are five beauty products worth splurging on:

1. Blow Dryer/Flat Iron

It might be a bit of an exaggeration to say that my life changed when I got my T3 hairdryer for Christmas a few years back, but I can honestly say my locks haven’t been happier… or more hydrated. The same could be said for my CHI flat iron – my hair has never looked this good.

Now, your drugstore blow-dryer/curling iron/flat iron might be doing the trick for now, but higher end styling tools cut down the time you spend on your hair by at least half, and they also make hair look silkier and shinier. Don’t buy it? CollegeCandy.com’s beauty blogger Caitlin just raved about her new T3 Evolution Tourlmaine Blowdryer ($129.50 at BeautyChoice). Great quality flat-irons include those by Farouk CHI ($69.72 at Amazon), GHD’s IV Styler ($240 at Sephora), and Solano’s HAI ($55.95 at Amazon).

As a girl who used to spend 30+ minutes blow drying and 30+ straightening her hair, I guarantee these products are so worth the investment. Seriously, this is one splurge your hair will thank you for.

Find out the other 4 splurges worth making at CollegeFashion.net!

So if you’re like me, part of the fun of being a girl is getting all beautified and purtied up. I mean, beyond the fun that is playing with makeup, what’s the point of putting together a cute outfit if your skin looks dry, your hair looks flat and you smell like a thrift store?

Obviously, my all-time favorite one-stop-shop for all my beauty needs is Sephora. That place has it all… not to mention you can pop in there while you’re shopping and freshen up with their variety of samples. (Confession: sometimes I’ll make Sephora my last stop so I can use all their expensive makeup to get ready for the night!) The sad fact is, beauty products are muy expensive-o and can quickly add up.

Good thing Sephora has a nice stock of too-good-to-be-true goodies for under $20. Let the beautification begin!

Nothing says winter like peppermint hot cocoa and marshmallows, and this Philosophy set helps ya carry that smell around all day. And considering Philosophy’s usual prices, this is quite a steal! Holiday Bonus: The boys’ll find your scent irresistible.

I bought this set a few weeks ago and it’s totally perfect for beauty on-the-go. It comes with a gorgeous palette of eye shadow colors, a blush and 4 choices of lip gloss.  For under $20, you really can’t go wrong.

If there’s one guy out there who knows hair, it is Frederick Fekkai. He’s got tons of products to get your hair lookin’ its best and this spray is by far the most fun. It adds a nice golden shimmer to your hair that’s perfect for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve. Healthy, shiny hair? Yes please.

Perfume rollerballs are a great way to carry around a fragrance for those long days when you need to re-apply. (Like after that 100 question exam that left you sweatin’.)  I love this Stella McCartney scent, but they have a whole lot of options to choose from if Stella isn’t your girl.

Everyday essentials by Bare Escentuals? That are 100% natural? That will make you look perfect without making you break out? I can’t think of anything more heavenly.

If you’re a big Diet Coke/coffee drinker, these Go Smile Touch Up sticks are for you. You just pop one open and it will freshen your breath (because coffee breath is rank) and prevent stains from forming on those pearly whites (because yellow teeth are ranker…)

Bliss creams are. the. best. OMG. I can’t say it enough. This stuff rocks. It smells good, it absorbs quickly, it keeps your hands soft and it’s small enough to fit in your bag.

And for those days when you’re surrounded by snow, stuck in the library and all you can think about is a tropical vacation, try this lovely scent. It’ll take you to Hawaii…for under $20.

One more thing: If you aren’t already a member, be sure to sign up for the Sephora Insider Pass. It’s a free club that gives you points with every purchase and sends you awesome perks (like free $15 gift cards, birthday gifts and more). Yay, Sephora!