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.

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Luckily, it’s an easy fix.

How, you ask? Just use concealer! But not just any concealer. Picking the right one is important, so I’m sharing what I use. I’ve also got a few tips on how to distract people from looking at your circles (even though they probably don’t notice ‘em anyway). So if you’re embarrassed by your raccoon eyes, this is the video is for you.

And if you are a chronic sufferer of dark circles, please leave your own tips below!

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.

When I first encountered primers, I was skeptical and confused. What is this clear liquid? Why is it so important?

Well ladies, this clear liquid is magic and it is important.

Primers are great for gals like me who have oily skin, or if you want your makeup to last super duper long. It basically puts a film over your face, stopping oil from ruining your makeup. There are lots of options for primers and with this video I’m giving you some top ones to try out!

There was an equally awesome/puzzling interview with Fergie (she looks great, poses in yoga moves and has dachshunds). The gift guide contained about 70% of my Christmas list (srsly, check out the Smashbox brushes on p. 100). There were tons of adorable mini skirts, and a ridiculous article where two guys keep diaries for 10 days about everything that goes through their minds. Spoiler alert: These guys think about sex a lot. These guys also happen to write exactly like Cosmo staffers. Hmm…

The crown jewel of the entire issue, though, had to be “Hidden Secrets His Hug Reveals.” Apparently, a hug can mean more than “not just a handshake, not quite a kiss.” Enjoy what Cosmo has to say about:

The Sneak Attack

Cosmo says: If he encircles you from behind, he’s totes “blanketing your body” with his love. Unless he does it all the time—then he’s too much of a pansy to hug you from the front.

Kari says: He better have highly recognizable cologne, because if an unknown dude suddenly wraps his arms around my chest, he’s getting a sample of that self-defense course my sorority held. Other than that, IDK about this “sense of oneness” that you’re going on about, Cosmo. I normally equate those three little words with meaningful eye contact and slow dancing non-ironically to “Forever young”…

The Rub

Cosmo Says: “You can’t see your back,” so rubbing it means he wants to nurture and protect you. Also, rubbing is sexual! So don’t be alarmed if he tries to get frisky. Or, he’s just doing it because he’s sad, can’t verbalize it, and wants you to rub his back (Awww).

Kari Says: Actually, I can see my back, thanks to strategically placed mirrors I use to straighten this one crazy piece of hair at the back of my head… Anyways, whenever I get a back rub, it’s usually because I explicitly asked for it, but my second assumption would definitely be horniness. And I’m not sure how to differentiate between the varieties of back rubbing (counterclockwise if he’s horny? Above the 5^th vertebrae if he’s nurturing), but for future reference, I’ll try to make sure he doesn’t look sad while he’s doing it.

The Pat

Cosmo Says: A) he’s not into you B) he’s mad at you or C) he’s encouraging you. Or maybe D) he just isn’t into PDA or E) he’s on his iPhone.

Kari Says: Thanks, Cosmo for narrowing that one down. If I was left to my own devices I probably would have thought for days about what his “pat” meant. In all seriousness though, the only semblance of rationality I can take away from this analysis is that if you don’t know him that well, pat = bad. If he’s your 5 star chick (or whatever the male equivalent of that is) pat = neutral…or ADD.

The Waist Wrap

Cosmo Says: No surprise here! Homeboy wants to knock boots. Pronto. Oh, and if he touches his forehead to yours, he wants to “merge his thoughts with yours.” Keeper!

Kari Says: If a guy casually hugs you around the waist (as most men do, considering they’re probably taller than you), count to ten before you whip out the condoms. If there is any hip gyration involved in the hug, then yes, Cosmo, you are right on track.

Alright ladies, what’s your fave hugging style? Do you think that guys go home after Beat the Clock and intently discuss their elbow placement during your embrace? Yea, me neither…

"I feel like death warmed over but - DAMN - I look good."

Thanksgiving break seems like a long and luxurious break from the crazy college world, but with all the people you have to see, shopping you have to do and family you have to spend time with, Thanksgiving turns into one exhausting escape. And, considering it has been months (or maybe even years) since you have last seen home people, looking your best is of utmost importance.

Which becomes especially hard after spending Wednesday evening sipping some cocktails. And by “sipping” I mean “chugging by the bar so you didn’t have to deal with running into your ex with his new GF…who was in eighth grade when you guys were seniors…”

We all know what looks back at us in the mirror after a night of drinking: black under eyes, blotchy skin, unsightly blemishes, hand stamps rubbed off on a cheek. Needless to say, it ain’t pretty, nor is it appropriate for the grand Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.

I have a weak spot for binge drinking on Wednesday nights, so I have become quite talented at the morning-after-face-picker-upper. (Because no one – especially my English prof – needs to know that I spent the previous evening enjoying dollar beers and a battle to the top of the leader board of Erotic Photo Hunt.) If you’re looking a little down in the dumps but can’t let grandma see you like that, pair these must-have beauty items with a couple Advil and a giant Dunkin Donuts coffee. Your family will never know just how much you enjoyed the biggest bar night of the year:

Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion in SPF 30: One of the worst effects of alcohol (besides liver damage and the propensity to do really stupid things) is the dehydration. And I am not talking about to your body; I mean to your skin. Combating the hangover, then, requires more than just a few glasses of water; you need a really good moisturizer. I have tried ‘em all (even the expensive ones), but this Eucerin product – available in drug stores! – is by far my favorite. It works fast, is not greasy at all and will protect your skin from the sun all day long as you join your little cousins for a hop in the leaves.

smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener: I blame my mother for this lovely trait, but when I wake up after a night of drinking I look like someone punched me in the eyes. Yes, both of them. In fact, before I discovered this life-changing product, people would often ask me if I got into a bar fight the night before. (That only happened once, damn it!) But this stuff has completely eliminated that problem. Just dab a few dots of this stuff under your eyes and your tired eyes are instantly brightened. Using this is like getting an extra 5 hours of sleep!

benefit High Beam: In addition to the lovely hue of black under my eyes, my hungover skin also tends to take on some shades of waxy gray. Not attractive. While walking through a department store after a night o’ partying, I was accosted by the Benefit makeup lady. Noticing that I was clearly in need of some help, she introduced me to High Beam – only the best beauty invention of all time. Just a few dots of this stuff to your cheekbones adds a dewy shimmer to your skin and instant brightness to an unhappy face. Total face refreshment.

Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Eyeshadow: If all else fails, there’s one easy trick that will make all your hangover problems go away. Well, at least the ones with your face; there is no makeup that can stop the dry heaving. Just dab a little shimmer in the corners of each eye. That’s it. This little trick will instantly brighten your eyes, making you look more awake, alert and, erm alive. Midnight Cowboy by Urban Decay is my favorite; it has the perfect amount of shimmer to open up your eye, but it has enough of a gold tint that it can also be run over the rest of the eyelid for a shimmery holiday look perfect for a family dinner.

So, this Thanksgiving when you’re dining with your family and everyone can’t stop talking about how radiant and beautiful you look (even though you can’t stop those tequila shots from haunting you), you can add me and the geniuses who came up with these facial fresheners to your “thankful for” list.

You’re welcome.

Well get out the Edy’s, Sephora.

Everyone knows that Sephora and I (and Sephora.com) have been going steady since I was 15, but we’re currently on the rocks.   There’s a new makeup store in my life, and it’s name is BeautyTicket.com. Yup, although Sephora was the love of my life, I just can’t control my feelings for this much better beauty stop that recently rocked my world.

But it wasn’t just a one night fling; this is serious. I’m falling in love.

This amazing website carries super great brands like YSL, Smashbox, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay, and Pop, for up to 85% off.  Wow.  I’ll give you a minute to think about how freakin’ amazing that is.  I’m talkin’ Smashbox wooden 4-shadow/blush pallet, originally $45, now $19.00.

These are a few of my favorite current finds, but the merchandise changes so check em’ out quickly:

Smashbox Muse Artist Eye Shadow Pallete: $48 down to $29.99: 10 different colored shadows with a brush!

Yves Saint Laurent “Love Collection” Blush: Was $60, down to $29.99.  This blush is embedded in a foundation so you can use one or the other, or both.  Oh, and its shaped like an adorable pink heart.

Stilla Lip Gloss in Peach: Was $20 down to $7.99. Perfect for nude lips. And, in case you aren’t good with math, that’s also a 60% savings – definitely something to brag about.

Bobbi Brown Essential Mascara in Black: Originally $22, now only $12.99.  This contains conditioning and strengthening ingredients.  I don’t think you’re gonna find Bobbi Brown for much cheaper!

Bonus: People Style Watch is sponsoring a promotion where you can get 15% off your total purchase! Just enter PEOPLE15 in the exclusive code section at checkout. You only have until October 11, though, so get shopping!

Bonus x2: If that first bonus wasn’t enough for you (greedy gal), if you order $25 worth of products you get a free Hard Candy product!  You’ll automatically receive a great extra gift like a lip-gloss ring, liquid blush, or eye shimmer.

I’d say, count me in.

Well many makeup brands want you to think that a simple use of a primer will enhance your makeup and make it last all day and night.  So do we believe it?  Well it’s prime time so here’s the lowdown on all the many different types of primers:

Face Primer: Facial primers are meant to go on a clean face before you apply either foundation or bronzer.  It’s meant to make your makeup go on smoothly, whether you wear liquid, pressed, or loose powder foundation.   There are a couple of facial primers; some are designed to avoid grease, and others are designed to help your makeup last throughout the day. I use Sephora Brand’s Tricks of the Trade Anti Shine Primer, and have got to say I’m pleasantly surprised.  My skin tends to be oily in the summer and it is noticeably less shiny when I apply this cream before my makeup.  Not all shine is eliminated, but I think it’s worth it, especially when I know I’m going to be waitressing all night.
Conclusion: Splurge, it’s worth it.

Eyeshadow Primer: Eyeshadow primer is supposed to make your shadow stay in place (so sparkles and powders aren’t all over your face), and to eliminate creasing, which can ruin your big-eye look.  Personally, I never saw a need for eyeshadow primer. I like to apply a small amount of my facial primer to my lids or blend a little cream shadow with my powder shadow and it tends to do the trick.  However, this primer from Urban Decay has gotten amazing reviews.  Many people are impressed about the longevity of their shadow, so if you have a big night out or an especially tiring day, it may be worth it.
Conclusion: Meh, not quite necessary, but if you’re gonna do it, go with the Urban Decay stuff….

Lash Primer: Eyelash primer is pretty common for plumping and lengthening lashes. My lashes aren’t especially long or thick so I think that lash primer is totes with it for me.  If you have naturally amazing lashes it would be a useless investment, but if not, give it a shot.  Just apply before your normal mascara.  I like to apply the primer, then use a curler, then apply normal mascara, because lashes curl better when there is already something on them.  Try this one: Layer Lash Primer from Smashbox.  
Conclusion: Go for it.

Lip Primer: Silly, silly, silly.  Lip primers (like this one from Smashbox)  are designed to moisturize before your lipstick or gloss, and to keep lips beautiful all day long.  However, I think you probably have all the tools for this already. You know, like lip balm? Just apply the balm of your choice before your lipstick or gloss, and wow, you’re moisturized.  And if you are looking for a long lasting stick, simply get a long-wear formula, like Revlon’s All Day Color Stay.  
Conclusion: Buy yourself a drink tonight instead.

Clean: To wipe away the sweat and sunscreen of the day, use some pocket oil-absorbing wipes.  Try these ones from Clinique.  They will help wipe off the sunscreen and oils on your face so you have a fresh pallet to transition into night.  If you are able to get to a sink, you can use Ponds travel-sized makeup wipes to remove grease and makeup more thoroughly.  You also may want to throw on some extra deodorant (just sayin’….).  This mini Dove deodorant will fit easily in any bag and is less than $2!

Face: You’ll definitely want to reapply your bronzer and up your blush, so try this NARS kit that has both in a tiny compact and comes in three color choices including NARS’ top selling blush, “Orgasm.”

Eyes: The most convenient thing on a day like Memorial Day is to have pallets that have daytime and nighttime colors.  Try this pallet from Urban Decay.  It has pretty light gold colors for a daytime sparkle, then, when you switch to nighttime mode, you can apply the primer to help your color stick, then layer on the deeper brown or blue shade.  Finish off with a thick brown liner pencil to create a more dramatic night party look and top it all off with a (adorable) mini mascara.  This duo by Fresh includes a bold mascara and a lighter look.  You can use the lighter one for day and then add the more voluminous one at night.

Lips: There are many great lip pallets with a variety of colors to go from day to night.  Try this little Cargo tin that has four colors.  The lighter pinks are great for daytime sheer and there are also bright colors to stand out at a party.  If these colors aren’t for your skin tone, there are many other color combos and one is bound to work for you.

All-in-one: If you have an especially small bag and less time to spare you can get this Smashbox all in one compact.  This thing is genius and every woman should have one, whether it’s Memorial Day or not. It is divided into three layers: blush and bronzer, shadows, and lip color.  There are light eye colors for day and a deep purple and brown for night.  The lip colors are also perfect for making a party switch.  Just make sure you toss a sponge and disposable shadow applicators in your bag so you can apply the makeup cleanly.

Along with the beautiful summertime weather we are all so freaking excited about comes the not-so-beautiful summertime shine. Not the shine of the gorgeous sun, not the shine of that hot guy’s beach body, but the shine of your oily face. Not. So. Hot.

Oily faces are definitely not cute and leave you feeling gross, dirty, and, well, oily. Not to mention a reflecting surface for camera flashes. But warm weather doesn’t have to mean a slippery face; there is something you can do about it! There are several types of products out there to help with your shine, from anti-shine powder to oil absorbing blotters.

Below are some of my personal favorite products that are easy to carry with you all summer to stay looking matte and fresh. (Smelling fresh, however, is a whole different article…)

Smashbox’s Anti-Shine Compact: This portable compact comes with a brush and applicator sponge and goes on clear.
Benefits: it helps clear acne, soothes skin, and erases grease.
Downside: While this stuff is a lifesaver during the day, I learned the hard way that oftentimes anti-shine powder doesn’t look so hot under black-lights. So be prepared to look like a scary ghost when you go shake your groove thang at the bar.

Baby Powder: Why spend a ton of money on name brand products when you can throw a little of this stuff on your face? Baby power erases shine and grease from your face, just like with your hair, and is oh-so cheap!  Just put a little bit of powder on a face brush, tap to get excess powder off, then dust it lightly over your face.
Benefit: Cheap. Like, really cheap.
Downside: It’s not portable, so getting a compact may be a good idea for on-the-go. Your face will also smell like a (clean) baby’s butt. That is a downside, right?

Sephora Brand’s “Tricks of the Trade” Primer: This type of anti-shine treatment helps prevent shine before it even happens! Apply this to your face before you apply your foundation, whatever type you choose. It holds your foundation in place and keeps your skin looking matte for up to 8 hours.

Bare Escentuals Blotting Papers: This packet of blotting papers is portable and can fit into your purse or beach bag. Just pull one out and blot the grease away. And these little guys are brilliant; they somehow eliminate only unwanted grease, leaving your natural oils and makeup in place.

Prepare yourself and you will be shine-free in all of your summer selfies.