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Showing posts with label Darcy Trauger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darcy Trauger. Show all posts

5 Under $20: Best Sephora Finds

Walking into a Sephora store can be like walking into a candy store, as rows upon rows of colorful eye shadows, lipsticks and nail polishes makes it hard to walk out of the store empty-handed. Since 1970, Sephora has been a staple store for those who love cosmetics. Sephora carries over 190 brands of beauty products, but College Gloss has identified a few beauty bargains that shouldn’t be missed.

1. Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer

This best-selling primer works to perfect your skin’s look, which helps to extend the wear of foundation or eye shadow. It evens out the complexion, while hiding imperfections, and is dermatologist tested.



For oily skin, it can be hard to find an exfoliating scrub that doesn’t irritate skin while still unclogging pores and helping to attain a clearer complexion. Clinique’s scrub is gentle and refreshing. It is sure to invigorate oily skin and make it smooth.

3. Too Faced Kabuki Brush

As far as kabuki brushes go, it doesn’t get much cuter than this pink metallic brush from Too Faced cosmetics. The brush is great for on-the-go makeup application, and the synthetic bristles keep this brush clean.


For anyone looking for a great moisturizer that also helps treat and prevent acne, look no further. This lightweight formula calms redness, reduces oil and soothes skin, all while gently treating breakouts.


One of the most unique finds on Sephora is this typography nail polish set. This long-lasting nail polish set comes in two colors, and the results of the typography nail design are fabulous.

For years, Sephora has been a beauty mecca for makeup professionals and amateurs alike; it is a store of amazing cosmetic finds for all. Whether it is makeup, brushes or nail polish, Sephora has some great must-haves at under $20.

By: Darcy Trauger | Images: 1, 2

Stylish Workout Gear for the College Girl


Working out doesn’t have to be something to dread; instead, it can be turned into a positive event by going to the gym with friends and having fun. This list of workout gear is sure to give anyone motivation to get off the couch and into the gym, while also looking stylish.

1. Layered Running Shorts
These shorts are not only super comfortable, but they also come in seven colors that are sure to help you stand out in a sea of grey sweatpants at the gym. The built-in shorts do not ride up and are sure to be a super fit.

2. Patterned Tank
This soft tank goes with any outfit, and the geometric design adds an extra flare. It is also comes in Icy Aqua and Black Jack- two awesome colors to make any outfit pop.

3. Seamless Sports Bra
All of the reviews on this sports bra agree that this is a fantastic purchase. One customer says “I really love this bra! I've come to love seamless workout undies, and these are no exception. They wick very nicely, which is great in hot yoga or spin.” It looks great under workout shirts, and the removable padding also enhances for extra “oomph.”

4. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential to a healthy workout, and this cute water bottle does the trick while still staying fashionable. The bottle comes in three great patterns to match any workout outfit.

5. Colorful Yoga Mat
For those who like the calming effect of yoga, this mat is durable, yet lightweight and chic.

Working out does not have to cost a fortune, and these trendy workout accessories assure that no one has to go to the gym in boring old sweats. No matter if it’s the gym, park or studio, with these workout accessories, any College Gloss girl is sure to look confident and chic while getting in shape.

By: Darcy Trauger 

The Perfect Warm Weather Shoes Under $30



Spring is here and summer is on its way! This season is all about pastels, ankle straps and pops of color. Staying true to the trends, these top five shoes are sure to put a spring in any fashionable girl’s step. Best of all? They're all under $30.


1. Pointed Retro Flats ($20)
Use these flats to add a pop of color to an on-trend black and white outfit. The pointed toe, faux leather look and layered details also give the shoe a fun retro feel that will have all of your friends complimenting your style.


2. Glitter Party Heels ($30)
Colorful heels are always a popular pick for spring and summer shoes. These glitter heels come in a variety of colors to match any outfit for a great night out on the town.


3. Fahrenheit Zara Pump ($17-23)
These adorable coral heels are classic and girly with a punch. Rock these heels at a bachelorette party or night out for cocktails.


4. Dalinda Sandal ($24.50)
Not only does it feature geometric cutouts on the top of the sandal, but also it has a small wedge for a comfortable height boost. Slip this on for comfort while spending a sunny day shopping at an outlet mall.


5. Open Toe Bootie ($17.48)
This shoe can be worn with jeans, skirts or shorts for a casual or dressed up look. It’s a flirtier twist on warmer, wool-lined booties as it’s a thinner, open-toe shoe. It’s practically begging to be worn to some graduation parties and because this shoe is a neutral, it can go with any day dress.

After enduring a long and cold winter, it feels great to be able to trade snow boots for something lighter. Whether the pick is wedges or pumps, it’s hard to go wrong. Shoes can not only complete an outfit, but they can also act as a great accessory. With this list of the cutest spring shoes under $30, it is easy to get spring fever and be ready for the season.

By: Darcy Trauger | Images: Source, listed retail stores

How to Throw a Black Light Party


Although some of those Friday night college parties can be bland, a black light party can be as much fun to throw as it is to attend. Using the right tips and tricks, even a basic white-walled dorm room can be transformed into an electric, club-like atmosphere with strobe lights and flashes of neon colors.

1. Black Light Bulbs
After making the party space as dark as possible, it is essential to replace the normal light bulbs with black light bulbs. The bulbs are crucial to the party because they make anything that is lightly-colored in the room glow.

2. Neon Paint Sticks / Highlighters
This UV makeup comes in six bright colors that are sure to glow under the blacklight for an extra pop to any outfit. It is easy to apply and is easily removed with soap and water. For an alternative, use highlighters! Yes, the highlighters you use to color code your notes in class will also glow under black light, and can be used to decorate white clothing.

3. Tonic Water
Something that is sure to be a crowd pleaser is glow-in-the-dark food, which is easily accomplished using tonic water. Adding a mix of half tonic water and half regular water to jello mix makes for a fun glowing treat.

4. White T-Shirts
White T-shirts will make each guest stand out against the black lights. Plus, these plain shirts can be customized with highlighters. Yellow highlighters show up the best, but feel free to experiment with colors.

This simple but creative theme can be interpreted many ways. But no matter the direction, black light parties don’t have to break the budget. From glowing food to shimmering makeup, it’s sure to be a night worthy of lots of Instagram pics and the admiration of all your friends.

By: Darcy Trauger | Image: Source

Step Into Spring: The Best Spring Trends Under $20


Spring is the time of year that reminds most people of warm weather and the smell of freshly cut grass, and it’s also the time of year new trends are launched. Don’t miss out on these fun new fashions by channeling the runway looks into affordable, yet adorable, pieces.


1. Bold Stripes
Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs all debuted this fashion trend for spring. Whether stripes are worn with denim, for an “all-American” look, or navy, for a nautical look, this style can be worn for seasons to come.

Top Pick: Vertical Striped Shorts


2. Pastels
Spring is usually associated with light colors, and this year is no different. The pastels that took over the runway and are here to stay, especially the ever classic Tiffany blue. Pastels can be worn all over or as a statement piece to brighten up an outfit.

Top Pick: Crew Neck Pocket Tee


3. Cut-Outs/Eyelet
Clothing items with cut-out designs have become huge this season, and this look is not going anywhere anytime soon. Cut-outs can be worn for a flirty daytime look or a daring nighttime outfit that’s bound to turn heads.

Top Pick: Hi-Lo Dress With Cut-Out Midriff


4. Statement Sunglasses
Standout sunglasses are a fun and simple way to add a runway feel to everyday outfits. Sunglasses, in addition to being a fashionable way to protect eyes from UV rays, are also an inexpensive way to accessorize an outfit.

Top Pick: Vintage Retro Style Sunglasses



5. Beautiful Beading
Beading can sometimes read as too “costume.” But the right amount of beading can make an outfit stand out in a crowd without looking like it’s Halloween. The best part is that a beaded item of clothing can be dressed up with heels and a fierce leather jacket or dressed down with flats or sandals.

Top Pick: Embellished Crepe Skirt

Taking a cue from nature, which leaves harsh weather behind for sweeter spring days, trade in dark colors and thick jackets for bright colors and shorts. With these spring fashion trends, anyone can keep up with the latest styles while staying on budget.

By: Darcy Trauger | Image: Source

5 Essential Items to Keep in Your Purse


Purses -- from petite clutches to roomy totes -- can deliver a flare to an outfit. Not only can they provide a fashionable final touch, but they can also serve a more practical function as a spot for the day’s essential beauty items. Purses can be a catchall for all sorts of items, but for the girl who wants to cut down on clutter without without forgetting any necessities, this list is key.

1. The Fashion Emergency Kit
Okay, so the Fashion Emergency Kit isn’t exactly one item, but it’s still important to pack. Weather the problem is a broken zipper or a runaway button that needs to be replaced, the kit is a must have to save any College Gloss girl from a fashion emergency. The small box fits in most bags. It contains an instant button, hair band, nail file and more.

2. Small perfume or body mist
For those constantly on-the-go days a quick pick-me-up of a small spritz of perfume always does the trick. Burberry Body perfume smells floral and clean, which is perfect for daytime or nighttime, and at $8.49 this is a deal too good to miss.

3. Cash
Even though we are in a digital world where a debit or credit card tends to be the tender of choice, it is still smart to carry cash. There’s no need carry a roll of cash, $20 will do. This backup fund will help when plastic isn’t practical like when splitting the bill on girls night out or tipping. Also, it’s important to pack in case there is a malfunction with the card and it doesn’t work.

4. EOS Lip Balm
Don’t forget to pack this essential because there simply is no replacement for chapstick when dry lips start to hurt, and no matter the season, lips may become chapped. This lemon-flavored lip balm is the perfect solution. The lightweight formula soothes cracked lips without being sticky. Best of all, it has SPF 15 to prevent sunburn.

5. Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Lotion
Essence of Beauty Antibacterial Moisturizing hand lotion is a perfect space saver because for its multiple functions. Unlike most antibacterial sanitizers this product not only kills 99.99 percent of germs, it also softens hands while leaving the light scent of sun blossom.

Whatever problems arise throughout the day, whether it is an unsightly scuff mark on shoes or chapped lips, the items on this list are sure to help keep you fresh, fabulous and ready to take on the next challenge.

By: Darcy Trauger | Image: Source

Beauty Buzz: Top 5 At-Home Hair Treatments Under $20


Popular beauty regimens like blow-drying, straightening, coloring and perming hair can take a toll on anyone’s tresses. There are plenty of hair treatments on the market that promise to revitalize hair to a healthy state, and College Gloss has sorted through them to identify the top five hair treatments for hair in need of some TLC.

1. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
For hair that’s damaged from intense coloring or perming, ApHogee Reconstructor is a miracle in a bottle. This product, for about $10, conditions hair from years of damage caused by the chemicals used in common hair processes for all hair types.

2. Pantene Pro-V Overnight Miracle Repair Serum
This product gives a whole new meaning to beauty sleep. Pantene Pro-V Overnight Serum removes six months of damage to hair while sleeping. It costs about $12 for a truly happy, and good looking, morning.

3. Pantene Fine Hair Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment
This treatment is specifically formulated to strengthen fine hair, and it contains a low level of moisturizers so that hair is not weighed down. At $12.35, this is a product that moisturizes hair from root to tip but still adds fullness to fine hair and increases its manageability.

4. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
With a price of only $5.97, anyone’s hair -- and wallet -- will thank them for buying this hair mask. This treatment is perfect for all hair types that are dull, over-processed and over-colored. When used twice a week, Neutrogena Deep Recovery Hair Mask restores hair’s overall health and shine.

5. Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Intense Conditioning Treatment
For anyone who has a hard time finding enough hours in the day for a hair treatment, Alberto VO5 Hot Oil is very useful because it conditions hair in under one minute. This vitamin and protein formula restores shine and minimizes flyaways for the price of $3.99. Because this formula is lightweight, it can also be used for people with oily hair.

Having unruly hair shouldn’t spark thoughts of adopting a circa 2007 Britney Spears shaved haircut because there are several affordable solutions that make unhealthy hair manageable. With all of these helpful treatments damaged hair can be restored back to life.

By: Darcy Trauger | Image: Source

Beauty on a Budget: Top 5 Websites for Make Up Under $20


Makeup has been considered an art form for thousands of years, and women all across the globe partake in the fun of changing up their signature look. Whether the desired look is a daring cat eye with bold red lips or a simple smoky eye, makeup can be a great tool for anyone. However, this art form can sometimes come with a hefty price tag ... luckily these five websites are dedicated to providing lots of top brands at discounted prices.

1. All Cosmetics Wholesale
This website features amazing high-end brands including MAC, NARS, Dior, Too Faced and YSL, as well as drugstore brands we all love like Revlon, Maybelline and Hard Candy. They also sell OPI and China Glaze nail polishes at reduced prices.

Top Pick: NARS Nail Polish in Bad Influence (All Cosmetics Wholesale Price: $10.99, Retail Price: $17.00)

2. Xtras Online
Xtras Online is a great site for low-priced products all over the beauty spectrum, from high-end makeup like Calvin Klein to department store perfumes from designers like Paris Hilton. They also sell hair accessories, extensions and clothing. For an extra sweet treat they include a lollipop with each order.

Top Pick: Collection 2000 Lip & Cheek Tint (Xtras Online Price: $1.63, Retail Price: $6.50)

3. Discount Cosmetics 4 U
This site includes popular brands of makeup along with makeup brushes and bags. They also feature drugstore brands like Rimmel and L'Oreal at a fraction of their store prices.

Top Pick: Urban Decay Eye Shadow Transforming Potion (Discount Cosmetics 4 U Price: $9.10, Retail Price: $15.62)

4. Cosmetic America
This is the perfect site to shop luxurious lines like Chanel and Dior. They have a selection of over 200 low-priced skin care products for women and men as well as fragrances.

Top Pick: Christian Dior Rouge Lipstick (Cosmetic America Price: $14.55, Retail Price: $22.00)

5. Brigette’s Boutique
From shampoo to beauty tools, Brigette’s Boutique has it all. This site has endless bargains on all of the hottest makeup trends and even has everyday .99-cent sales for deals too good to skip.

Top Pick: Too Faced Galaxy Glam Eye Shadow (Brigette’s Boutique Price: $7.50, Retail Price: $17.50)

The art of applying makeup is timeless and should be enjoyed without spending a fortune. It’s all about experimenting and attaining a look that has heads turning and, thankfully, these budget-friendly websites help a college girl’s budget squeeze in a few new buys to achieve the trendiest looks with the hottest designers.

By: Darcy Trauger | Image: Source
 
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