Well that is the question.

You always hear beauty experts say, “Don’t match your makeup to your outfit.” I disagree.  I think as long as you don’t look like one of Rainbow Brite’s sprites threw up all over you, then go for it.  What’s wrong with a little coordination?

This weekend, I had a masquerade cocktail party which was the perfect excuse to wear really over-the-top eye makeup.  My mask wasn’t all too exciting: black, white, and silver.  My dress was black, my shoes were black.  Yawn.

So I found these fun and sparkly turquoise earrings and decided to match my makeup and nail polish to them for some pops of color.  It was perfectly OK because it wasn’t a total head-to-toe, matchy matchy look.  And everyone loved it!  The key is to not match your makeup to everything on your person.  But matching to one or two accessories or using an outfit color for inspiration is not only an acceptable way to go, but the way to go.

So let’s get down to business, shall we? In this week’s video, I’ll be showing you how to do an fierce turquoise smokey eye.

Read More »

[Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes.]

What It Is:
theBalm Shady Lady Vol. 3 Eyeshadow/Eyeliner Palette

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:
Eyeshadow is an essential for any makeup junkie. Whether you’re all about neutrals or crazy for colors, it’s a great way to enhance your natural beauty and have fun with makeup! I also love the versatility of a shadow that can be used both wet and dry, making it a liner too! And getting a bunch of colors in one handy little package offers not only an array of options, but a really good deal too!

As for this particular product, well, the colors are awesome, the quality even better, and theBalm always has fun, cute packaging and names that make their products even more appealing. According to theBalm: “These nine beautiful shades tucked inside a cute giraffe-print palette can be used wet or dry and can be combined or worn individually for an endless variety of looks.” Read More »

I know you guys have been waiting for another tutorial, and it’s finally here! I had a cocktail party this weekend and usually, I do a super dark smokey eye. This time I wanted to do something different, so I went with a black and gold look that I think turned out fabulously.

And the best part is, it takes under 10 minutes to do! You can’t beat that (especially when you got pre-partying to do)!

I honestly don’t have the time to spend 20 minutes doing my makeup, so I’ve been working on ways to save time. I do my whole face and hair in less than fifteen minutes for class (yes, really), and I figured I should share how I work with you all. I think this look is perfect for the holidays and you could definitely play with a variety of gold color combos. 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: Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Eye Shadow Palette (Wow that’s a mouthful!)

Why this should be in your bag
I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve reviewed a palette! Even though they are super cute and convenient, it’s hard to find one where I would use every single shade.

Make Up For Ever is known for its top-notch cosmetic products, including buttery shadow that blends like no other. I sometimes find companies skimp on the quality in palettes, but trust me, the Rock For Ever Palette is still filled with the formula you know and love (or should try out!).

Upon first glance the Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Palette colors might seem a bit blah. Yeah, sure, black + silver + white = a great smokey eye, but really, what else? But then I saw that shimmering apricot color in the top right corner and my imagination was kick started. This palette can be used to create a myriad of looks, which, surprisingly, include simple, everyday ones. 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: NYX Single Eyeshadow in Champagne and Iced Mocha

Why this should be in your bag: Eyeshadow is the perfect way to highlight a gorgeous set of peepers or just enhance your look. It instantly steps-up your makeup and gives you a little bit more “oomph”! I find wearers of eyeshadow are usually split into two categories: ones who stick to neutrals and ones who love colors. I’m personally more of a neutral kind of gal, so my eyeshadow drawer is overflowing with all sorts of taupes, browns and bronzes. Even though neutrals sound boring, they are so far from it. 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: Jemma Kidd Make Up School Crushed Jewel Creme Duo in 04 Black Diamond

Why this should be in your bag: This versatile little product is perfect for taking you from day to night. It contains a satiny, cream eyeshadow and, when you screw the bottom off, multicolor glitter to go over top. I found that the color I tested, 04 Black Diamond, also had another wonderful use: as a black base for any shadow! I’ve seen people using NYX’s famous Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean for this, but I’ve always found them very unstable and prone to melting off. The Jemma Kidd Make Up School Crushed Jewel Duo has come to solve your intense-eye woes and also provide you with some fun! Read More »

Every (dreadful) Monday, I write a list. Definitely not a to-do list (because it’s not satisfying checking “browse J.Crew’s website” and “Re-watch every episode of Rachel Zoe” off a list) and not “that list” (because I haven’t added to that list… in forever). No, my lists are more about whatever is relevant and weighing heavy on the CollegeCandy readers’ minds (or just mine) right now. Like scarves and jeans and jackets….

The first day of fall came only a week ago and I’ve already stuffed all my shorts into a duffel and shoved them under my bed. Nothing, I tell you, nothing (okay, other than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes), is more enticing about fall than the clothing choices. I mean, where to start? Sweater dresses, boots, comfy jeans? I couldn’t be storing my sundresses and gladiator sandals faster if I tried.

And try I did.

However, as I page through magazines and scroll through my Google reader, I can’t help but notice some of the heinous fall trends popping up that can’t end sooner. Here’s the rundown of what needs to go.

10. Open toed booties
Seriously, what is up with that? Isn’t the point of a boot to keep your foot warm? Why would you make a boot peeptoe? Unattractive and unnecessary.

9. Button Down Plaid Shirts
I thought these died with Kurt Cobain. Why are they still being worn? Enough. 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: Urban Decay Vegan Palette

Why this should be in your bag: Every girl needs a nice eyeshadow palette. They are totally foolproof, since the company itself picked out an array of complimentary shades for you. Whether you’re a shadow newbie, or simply trying to expand your horizons, a palette is a great place to start. It also comes complete with an eyeliner and mini shadow primer. Plus, they are ideal for travel! This palette has a magnetic closure, which ensures that it won’t open in your checked luggage. Also, if you’re an animal lover like me, you’ll really feel good about using totally vegan, cruelty-free products. Even the super cute packaging on this palette is vegan! 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 »

Sometimes daytime makeup can get boring. And sometimes daytime in general (like when you’re at a dull internship)  can get really, really boring. And that is when it’s time to make a change (hello, Michael Jackson reference) and add a little more oomph to your look. But is it possible to go a little bolder on your eyes without crossing into “going out makeup” territory? Yes! It’s called the daytime smokey eye and I’m going to show you how it’s done.

You can do it with any colors you want, but I’m going with some beautiful neutral shades.

Before you watch, though, can we just talk about how it’s been a year since we started CC Beauty Live? I can’t either! This has been such a great experience and I want to give something back to you all for your loyal viewership. So watch the video (all the way to the end!) for my surprise!