Spring is so close to hitting DePauw that I can almost taste it: the re-emerging sun has brightened my mood, the breezy air feels more than refreshing, and porch parties are back in full swing. With the anticipation of warmer weather flowing through campus – especially after Depauwcalypse 2011 – it’s time to start thinking about updating your beauty regimens for spring. That’s where I come in: your self-proclaimed expert on all things affordable. In high school, I used to think that looking fabulous meant spending money I really didn’t have on everything from pricey curling irons to forty dollar face lotion from Canada. Yes, Canada. Also, my sister used to be a Bobbi Brown makeup artist, so naturally, I assumed the only way to achieve flawlessness was to stock up on expensive eye liner and lip gloss. Once I got to college and my bank account shrank from textbooks and Marvins runs, I turned to Wal-Mart as my beauty superstore. I can truthfully confirm that my eyelashes still feel just as flirty slicked with Maybelline mascara as they did with Dior. By combining my drugstore beauty must-haves with this spring’s top trends, I give you a list of beauty buys on a DePauw girl’s budget. Who says looking good has to be expensive?
*All items can be found at Wal-Mart and prices may vary depending on date of purchase.
1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($4.97)
Okay, I know, this is a bizarre first choice, but winter weather has left your lips parched and dry patches on your skin. This all-in-one healing product has endless possibilities in getting your body spring-ready: you can use it as chapstick, rub it into your cuticles, or rejuvenate cracked heels. I literally have tried over ten different chapstick brands, and this is the only one that gives my lips the moisture it needs without constant re-application; it also has less addictive tendencies than Burt’s Bees. I even use this stuff to help heal my red, irritated nose after an inevitable spring cold. Tip: Buy the smaller .35 oz. bottles to store in your school bag.
2. NYC Eyeliner ($1.00)
Don’t let the price scare you into thinking these eyeliners are duds. These gems come in virtually every color, glide on smooth and effortlessly, doesn’t smear, and come off easily if you make a mistake (which is perfect for my impatient tendencies to rush application). A HUGE spring trend is trading in your typical black or brown eyeliner for a pop of color, like purples, blues, and even yellows. These eyeliners also come in double-sided “Duet” versions; two colors in one pencil is definitely a bargain.
3. OPI Nail Polish/Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer ($7.00)
Nail polish is a spring staple for fingers and toes, especially since your feet are free after months spent in snow boots. The ever-so-popular trends for spring are browns and nudes, light blues and lavenders, rosy pinks and peaches, and grays. OPI is seriously my favorite nail polish ever; its rich, smooth texture makes it last forever, and I can’t get enough of the clever names they come up with for each color. Treat yourself to a relaxing mini mani and pedi before you head out for jazz at the Duck. Trust me, your fingers and toes will love you for it.
4. Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron ($17.99)
Spring happens to be both a curse and blessing when it comes to my naturally curly hair. April showers force me to say farewell to my straight winter locks and embrace my unruly waves. The spring 2011 hair experts say to abandon your harsh straighteners for a couple of months and play up your natural, tousled tresses. To help tame and accentuate my curls, I’ve used the same inexpensive curling iron for the past 6 years, and it’s never failed me. This curling iron heats up within thirty seconds and creates perfect curls that last through long nights of frat hopping. Bring out your feminine, flirty side with soft waves for both day and night.
5. Herbal Essences Set Me Up Hairspray ($2.97)
This spring is all about volume! I swear by this Herbal Essences spray, which smoothes flyaways and gives my hair maximum volume without leaving any sticky residue or weighing my hair down. Also, it smells delectable! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten compliments about how good my hair smells after a quick spritz. Use it to pump up teased-out tresses or to smooth and secure this spring’s other hot hairdos: side braids and low buns.
6. Barbasol Beard Buster Soothing Aloe Shaving Cream ($0.99)
You can probably find it sitting by your dad or boyfriend’s bathroom sink, because technically, this shaving cream is intended for treating men’s burly beards; however, if this product is sensitive enough for a man’s face, than it’s definitely worthy of caressing your legs. Let’s be real: expensive shaving gels and creams are a rip-off, especially because none of them have given me as close and smooth of a shave as this 99 cent brand has. Also, the soothing aloe leaves skin soft and touchable, so you can flaunt those gams under flowy spring dresses without hesitation.
7. NYC Liquid Lip Shine ($1.72)
From a previous Her Campus article, you already know my position on lipcolor (love it!), and I can’t get enough of these glosses in shades like Sheer Ruby and Sheer Raspberry. Bold-colored puckers are at the top of the hot list for spring, and these glosses allow you to adjust the color intensity to your own comfort level: one layer gives your lips a kissable shine, two to three layers gives you a bright, juicy pout. Swipe this gloss on your lips for a confidence boost: you’ll feel more alluring—you temptress, you—and I guarantee that you’ll definitely catch the eye of that cute Sigma Chi you’ve been too scared to talk to.
8. Salt Water
Shhh…This final beauty obsession is my most top secret (and the only item on the list not found at Wal-Mart). Have you ever wondered why your hair looks so amazing during a beach vacation? That’s because the salt water mixed with the ocean wind tousles your locks into beach-sexy perfection. While you’re away for spring break, collect ocean water in an empty spray bottle and pack it in your suitcase with the rest of your souvenirs. Spray it in your wet hair post-shower, let it air dry, and Voilá! You have successfully achieved beach-sexy waves without leaving your dorm room. Hello spring!