You’ve spent so much time giving this season, why not spend a little time on yourself? New Year’s eve is just around the corner and you need to look hot. We got you covered on the dress front, but what about your makeup?

We brought in the experts to help you out. Tis the season for a holiday makeover at Sephora and CollegeCandy is bringing it all to you!

Want a professional makeover at home? Just visit Mistletoe Makeover, a fun and fabulous new site from Sephora, to virtually try on this season’s hottest makeup trends from “Smokey Sugar Plum” to “Santa’s Little Temptress.” You just upload a photo of yourself, choose a makeup trend, and “try it on.” (They even give you a little outfit to wear that accentuates the look. I did it 4 times…I’m kind of obsessed.)

Following the makeover, you can send your new look to all of your friends to see if Merry Berry is really the look for you… or as a cute and unique holiday eCard with custom message.

Or, you can send it to us at CollegeCandy and we will vote to see who has the best makeover look. If it’s you, you will win a $50 gift card to Sephora.com to treat yourself to some of the real products from your virtual makeover. We will be accepting submissions sent to Lauren@CollegeCandy.com from now until 11:59pm on December 31st, 2008, so head over there now to try on some new beauty looks.

Can’t wait to see your makeovers!

[The holiday site, “Mistletoe Makeover,” was created by digital ad agency, EVB San Francisco, using makeover technology from TAAZ. Enjoy!]

[Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it, that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, makeup expert Ali will use her makeup know-how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

In order for makeup to keep you looking fresh and beautiful you need to keep up with fresh products. Yes, it can be a sad day to throw out your favorite MAC eyeshadow because its time has expired, but it is necessary for your skin and your overall look (and feel). Below is some important information about how long your makeup should last, and how to stretch out its shelf life. And don’t worry - we won’t judge you if you hold a moment of silence for your favorite products whose time has come.

Mascara: With such close contact to your eyes, mascara is likely to acquire bacteria and, as a result, should be thrown out after 3 months. Don’t believe me? Smell it. Go on, do it. If the mascara is ready to go you’ll notice a different smell, not to mention the mascara will likely not go on as well. Throw it out!
Foundation: Liquid and condensed powder foundations will likely become cakey or cracked after 6 months to a year and then it’s time to toss em. Loose powder foundation will likely last a little longer. Similar rules apply to blush. Read More »