One of my favorite things to do is discovering the next best makeup products to include in my collection. As a college girl in my junior year, I’ve had to learn which products work best for the day-to-day college lifestyle. Proven to be long-lasting, easy to use, and convenient for on-the-go, these five products are my holy-grail makeup products that everyone should know.
1. L’Oreal True Match Tinted Serum
This tinted serum has to be one of my favorite makeup products of all time! Before using this tinted serum for my base, I used foundation daily, which felt very dry and heavy for day-to-day wear. I was on the hunt for the perfect tinted moisturizer-esque product that was perfect for daily wear, smoothened my skin, and was durable. This product not only smoothens the skin, but it evens your complexion, brightens up your face, and adds a radiant shine that doesn’t make your face look oily. If I only had to use one product every day, it would be this one!
The “True Match” serum lives up to its name, as I found my perfect shade in just one try. I’ve found this formula to be very adaptive to my own skin tone and enhance the natural color of my face without much work. Simply massage into your skin to feel its radiant effects.
The only con to this magical product? The packaging. The formula is perfect, but it comes in a bottle with a dropper that creates a mess with little to no effort. I’ve found makeup spilling over, which is not only a waste of product but also unhygienic. If I could change one thing about this product, I’d add a pump to the top of the bottle instead of a dropper. It would make less of a mess and make for an easier application.
2. Pixi On-the-Glow Blush
My favorite blush to date! Although it’s pricey for a blush ($18), I’ve found it incredibly convenient and useful for on-the-go applications. These products double as blush and lip tint, making them extra helpful for a quick touch of color between classes. This blush adds a perfect, dewy sheen that completely complements a tinted serum or light base.
3. Ulta Lip Stain
This lip stain is an absolute favorite! For a low price, this lip stain adds color that stays for hours. Paired with a lip gloss or lip balm, it perfectly preps your lips for the day ahead. In addition, this lip stain’s formula is so thin it feels like water, drying almost instantly. Perfect for quick and easy application, this product is another way I bring color back into my face.
4. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Trust me, I’ve tried a lot of concealers, but I’ve never found a formula as creamy and durable as Tarte’s Shape Tape. Available in both regular and ultra-creamy formulas, this concealer brightens your face in seconds. It’s effortless to blend, to use as a light foundation, and color corrects redness in my face. Although the price is on the higher side, a little goes a long way with Tarte.
5. NYX Liquid Eyeliner
Lastly, I wanted to include the eyeliner I swear by for near-daily usage! I’ve used the NYX eyeliner since high school and haven’t switched since. Although I’ve tried eyeliners that are just as good (such as Kat Von D), nothing beats the price of this drugstore eyeliner for its quality! Long-lasting, sharp, deep black lines are essential, and this eyeliner checks all the boxes.
While there are so many great products out there (honorable mentions: Milk Blush, Rare Beauty Foundation, and Milani Highlighters), these five are my daily essentials that have worked for my routine for years. I hope you’ve found a new product you love!
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