Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Palettes and sets are the most fun and exciting makeup products, in my opinion. You’re usually getting a great value and a convenient package of matching products.

Urban Decay is one of my favorite cosmetic brands. They make high-quality products, are always animal-friendly and have a great design aesthetic. The packaging and names of products are always funky and kitschy and, most importantly, what’s inside works! I’ve never tried one of their famed Book of Shadows, but am super excited about testing out numero 4!

How To Use It:

This palette comes with 16 shades of eyeshadows, a mini eyeshadow primer, a mini mascara and a full-size liquid liner! Talk about haulage! What’s unique about this palette is that it also comes with a mini speaker and QR codes that take you to videos of six looks you can create with the palette. You simply scan the code using a smartphone, insert the speaker into the headphone jack, place the phone in the holder and create your look. This is super unique – I’ve never seen another brand utilize technology quite like this, but I feel like many will hop on the bandwagon Urban Decay has started. Here are swatches of the 16 shadows and products!

(L-R: Blue Bus, Gunmetal, Cobra, Baked, Bender, Gravity, Lost, Hijack)

(L-R: Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Midnight Rodeo, Crystal, Bust, Missionary, Skimp, Zephyr)

(L-R: Original Primer Potion, Supercurl Curling Mascara, 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion)

For my look with this palette, I started with the Primer Potion, then used Missionary on the lid and Midnight Rodeo in the crease and outer “V”. Voila!

CC Rating: B

I’m pleased with the new Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume 4. Most of the shadows are up to par as far as quality goes, however, I did find Cobra and Crystal to be very sheer. There was lots of fallout from the two “Midnight” shades (as per usual with Urban Decay), but if you use a stickier base, you can avoid mega glitterface. Overall, the shadows are blendable, smooth and pigmented.

The Primer Potion is one of my everyday, must-haves, and even though I have a full-size bottle currently on the go, I appreciate the mini for travel. I’ve never tried the liquid liner or mascara, but find the liner to be a super-pigmented black. The mascara is slightly dry, but does make your lashes darker and longer. I always curl my lashes, and I can’t say the mascara improves or adds curl.

The mix of shades was a bit strange. There are lots of neutrals in this palette, but a neutral-lover would be better off with the Naked Palette, as it has greater value (12 full-size shadows). I think I would have preferred 2-3 more colorful shades, pumping it up to 8-9 instead of 6. However, that’s just my personal preference!

The QR codes and incorporated technology are a nice idea in theory and a good option for people who are new to makeup. I guess it’s fair to assume that most people who can spend $64 on makeup have a smartphone, but people who don’t have one will find the QR codes useless. I had some trouble scanning the QR codes on my Blackberry Curve, but the iPhone seems to fair fine. The looks are a nice mix and a neat addition.

The value of this palette is undeniable. The eyeshadows in this palette alone are worth over $150, nevermind the Primer Potion, liquid liner or mascara! Even if you are only 100% sure of half of the shadows, you’re still getting a steal at $64. The palette is slightly bulky, making it difficult to travel with. Overall, it’s a fun item, with great quality products, and would make a great addition to any junkie’s arsenal!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

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!

Except when said life-changing beauty product is sold out. Everywhere. As in, I spent two days calling every makeup counter, Sephora, Ulta, random ass beauty store looking for it and it was nowhere. Could not be found. Dunzo. No Mas.

What is this product that has left me crying and over my cell phone limit for the month? The Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow palette, full of 12 gorgeous shades of golds, browns, champagnes, plums and gun metals (sigh). It’s got the perfect range of mattes, shimmers and glitters (swoon), paired with two silky eye liners in brown and black. It is seriously a dream for any eyelid. Not only is it at a killer price point ($44), but it’s also nice and compact, making travelling so easy. It’s my eye makeup soul mate.

But this slice of makeup heaven isn’t available at the momento. And no one seems to really know when it will be. Not the stores I’ve called. Not the websites I’ve checked. And for sure not the woman I grabbed outside the makeup store shrieking, begging and pleading for info.

But guess what? Someone does. And that someone is YOU. Yes, if you want this palette (and trust me, you do), you can know when you can get your little paws on it. Because now you can sign up on Urban Decay’s website and they will alert you when more of Naked Palettes become available.

Gen.ius.

Go to their “Out of Stock” item page and type in what you’re looking for and, presto-chango, as soon as the makeup gods at Urban Decay whip up some more they will alert you! (This also goes for anything they make that is currently sold out.) It’s brilliant! Seriously, I’m so excited I have no words…besides I. can’t. wait. to get that alert.

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 Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Wallflower

Why this should be in your bag:

I truly don’t know any girl who doesn’t own some form of lip product. Whether it be the standard cherry Chapstick or a fancy MAC Lipglass, girls love to play up and take care of their lips. My collection of makeup is definitely most numerous in lip products so clearly I’m always up for trying something new.

Urban Decay describes their new Lip Junkie gloss as “A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.” Sounds pretty great right? One of my biggest peeves with lipgloss is when it’s so sticky that my hair gets stuck in it (Lipglass, I’m looking at you!), so I was really intrigued by this no-stick claim. Thankfully, Urban Decay has pulled through! I’m truly loving their new Lip Junkie Lipgloss. The scent is just sweet enough and the stickiness is at the bare-minimum. With 11 shades, I’m sure everyone can find something they like.

(Swatch of Wallflower.)

How to use it:

Because this gloss doesn’t come with a wand, you need to use the plastic applicator tip. This doesn’t guarantee precision application, but if your shade isn’t too intense (like Wallflower) you shouldn’t need to do any touching up. Wallflower suited my lips perfectly and I find myself constantly reaching for it when I want a nice, neutral pink. Upon application, you feel a slight minty tingle caused by a plumping ingredient, Maxi-Lip. This tingle was totally negligible and didn’t burn like some glosses. As for staying power, well, this isn’t an all-day gloss; I found this definitely required a touch-up after eating or drinking.

(Wallflower on my lips.)

CC Rating: A

Urban Decay Lip Junkie may just be my new favorite lipgloss. Other than the applicator tip (as opposed to a wand), I don’t really have any complaints. In fact, that complaint may be rendered useless, as Urban Decay claims this applicator’s design is superior to many others. It is molded not crimped, which means that it won’t snap off, leaving a mess of goo in your purse.

The 11 shades in this range are super versatile and create a full compliment of lip colors. The tube itself has a gorgeous, sculpted cap and a slim design which means portability. The gloss itself delivers on its promises, although I’m unsure of the plumping power. The scent wasn’t overwhelming and the gloss was just the right amount of sticky. Overall, I was impressed and plan on purchasing this in Crush and Peroxide.

If you’re in the market for a new gloss, give Lip Junkie by Urban Decay a whirl!

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

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!

How to use it: The palette comes with 6 shadows in total. They are diverse, but really work well together. I like using the bottom three in the palette (Twice Baked, Smog and Half Baked) for a bronze smokey eye. The included primer is a new shade, Sin, which intensifies your shadows and makes them pop, all while holding strong.  Simply swipe Smog on your lid, add Twice Baked in the outer “V” and smudged into the crease and then use Half Baked as a highlight and to blend it out towards your brow bone. Urb is a great all over wash, while Minx and Gunmetal are fun highlighters. The three colorful shades work well with the neutrals, making for endless combinations. And who doesn’t love a silky, black eyeliner?

(Top: Zero eyeliner. Middle: Twice Baked, Smog, Half Baked. Bottom: Minx, Urb, Gunmetal)

(Left: Minx – Middle: Minx over Sin Primer Potion – Left: Sin Primer Potion)

CC Rating: A

The packaging and versatility of the Urban Decay Vegan Palette really make it unforgettable. I find myself constantly reaching for this before work, as I know it will make me look great! Urban Decay’s shadows are so smooth and buttery and always look like a million bucks on. Initially, I didn’t like the giant pieces of glitter in Minx, Urb and Gunmetal, but when you build-up the color, they tend to dissipate and not look so obvious. The packaging is absolutely to-die-for and the included eyeliner, primer and mirror make it a great travel buddy. And the animals decorating it remind you that you’re doing a good job by shopping vegan! All in all, the Urban Decay Vegan Palette is fun and functional and will satisfy most makeup junkies. Although not nearly as good of a deal as the Naked Palette (my other new fav!), it’s still a great buy with lots of options.

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?!

For me, shopping for makeup is like a bargain scavenger hunt. Whether I’m using coupons or waiting for a Friends & Family sale, I’ll do whatever it takes to save money. To be honest, I often hesitate to buy high-end products because I know I can usually find a substitute from a drugstore brand.

You know you have discovered gold when you find a great drugstore substitute for a cult product. Over the years of scouring the aisles at Target and CVS, I’ve learned that there are some amazing high-end product replacements out there – you just have to seek them out! Here are 5 of my favorites.

1. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and L’OREAL’s Hip Color Chrome Eyeliner

It easily understandable why people cherish UD’s eyeliners; they have a great color selection and their color payoff is amazing. If you haven’t heard of these eyeliners before, know that they are not your normal black and brown eyeliners; they have colors ranging from vibrant blue to golden yellow.

Don’t get me wrong: UD’s eyeliners are great, but at $16 dollars, I question whether they’re really worth the price. Although their color variety is not as great, L’Oreal’s Hip Color Chrome Eyeliner is a great $9 substitute for UD’s 24/7 liner. In general, I think L’Oreal Hip makes a lot of great substitutes for brands like Urban Decay and MAC because of their funky color variety and amazing pigmentation.

What other other must-have beauty products can you swap?
Get the rest at CollegeFashion.net!

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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.

Just because our economy is in the crapper doesn’t mean your style should be. In fact, one of the best things to come from our current economic….er….challenges is that great discount stores popping up all over the web. We’ve featured a few on CollegeCandy before, but we have a whole new batch of great online shops to pick up the hottest looks at some seriously discounted prices. We know, we know; you love us more than Easter Reese’s.

We get that a lot.

Ruche.com
Pronounced “Roosh,” Ruche is for the modern woman who enjoys a touch of vintage. This site a wide variety of selections from everything like dresses and jackets to purses and shoes and plenty of dazzling accessories. They even have an eco-friendly section where everything is made from all-organic materials! Way to go green and go chic….on the cheap.

ShopDistinction.com
If you’re looking for your favorite celebrity’s handbag but can’t necessarily afford the extravagant prices, this site has the best “inspired” bags at some awesomely cheap prices.  Even more, the site was designed with easy shopping in mind, so you can search for bags by style, color, and designer. Hollerrrr! Besides handbags, they also have some other fabulous accessories like scarves, jewelry, wallets, and even ice cream bath balls! Why the bath balls? Why not?

TheCosmeticMarket.com
They feature lots of name brands like Philosophy and Urban Decay, but at the lowest prices that even poor college students can afford! You can find some awesome deals: Archipelago Sugar Travel Kit for $5, Korres Body Milk for $6, and Bella Shimmer Powder Puff for $12. They even have gourmet food, books and gifts such as KnockKnock Nifty Notes and Animal Terrycloth Bath Gloves! And with free shipping for orders over $75 this is a great chance to get your girlfriends together and go on a web-shopping spree.

CassisRoom.com
The absolute cutest. handbags. ever. Leather hobos, oversized satchels, metallic duffels, croc totes, shoulder bags, layered foldovers…the selection is so diverse that you’re bound to find something you love. And what I love are the real girls modeling. I’m even thinking of applying myself…