Trying to find the perfect beauty product can be a little overwhelming. Walking into Ulta surrounded by what seems like endless serums, foundations and hair tools can make your head spin if you’re not sure what’s right. If the YouTube videos you’re watching to find the best drugstore makeup aren’t helping, VALLEY has you covered. We asked some Penn State students for the staple beauty products they can’t help but recommend!
MAKEUP
Glossier Cloud Paint
Glossier is an incredibly popular brand, and if you have yet to try any of their products, here’s one Autumn McDonald swears by.
“This light cream blush (in the shade dusk) gives the perfect glow to your cheeks in the dead of winter,” McDonald says. “This blush adds warmth and life to my face without needing to add bronzer or highlight. Sometimes I’ll wear it with only mascara to class for a no-makeup makeup look!”
Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara
Paige Thomas wears this drugstore mascara every day. This mascara has it all: it doesn’t clump or smudge, looks natural, is easy to use, and gives her “dark, voluminous lashes all day long.”
Vaseline’s Lip Therapy Rosy Lips
Don’t overlook this brand just because it’s not high end! Monica Powell never goes anywhere without this lip product.
“It keeps my lips super smooth and gives them a subtle pink tint. It works SO well compared to other chapsticks!” Powell says.
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara Carbon Black
This mascara product gets high marks from Colleen Flickinger. Flickinger loves this mascara because it lengthens her lashes, making them look as if she has curled them! Not to mention the fact that it doesn’t clump and is really cheap too.
SKIN
Ordinary’s Plant Derived Squalane
Caitlin Lender loves using this as a light serum under her moisturizer! It’s good to put under makeup, helps reduce redness, and is super hydrating without clogging your pores.
ROC Multi Correction 5 in 1 Eye Cream
Theresa Cwenar is obsessed with this product. This is the perfect cream to use in the morning after barely getting any sleep; it works very quickly to reduce dark circles or puffiness under eyes.
Thayers Facial Toner
Leah Cunningham uses this toner every morning and night.
“It hydrates my skin and gives it a soft glow,” Cunningham says. “It leaves my face feeling clean and evens out any redness!”
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Colleen Flickinger uses this product on her face in the morning and at night. She loves the gel better than the lotion because it’s more absorbent and keeps her face moisturized at all times, without feeling or looking oily.
HAIR
Homemade Hair Mask
Caitlin Lender loves to make her own DIY hair mask!
“I like mashing up an avocado with a little bit of Apple Cider vinegar and using it as a hair mask once a week to hydrate and balance the PH of my hair,” she says.
Not your Mother’s Plump for Joy Dry Shampoo
Julie Jastremski uses this dry shampoo when her hair is in need of more volume! This is a product that is 1) cheap and 2) easy to use when your dull hair needs some life kicked into it.
Tresemme Thermal Creations
Colleen Flickinger is a huge fan of this heat protectant. After washing her hair, she sprays this on because it helps her hair dry quicker with a smoother finish, while also helping to protect her hair from the damaging heat of the blow dryer.
With so many new products to try, ask a fellow student for a recommendation. They could be the only influencer you’ll ever need!
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