The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
We have to be real and say that a lot of high-end beauty out there is unrealistic for a college budget. The products gifted to influencers, seeded into social marketing campaigns, or endorsed by your favorite celebs are just not going to happen for most of us with a lower income. With that in mind, our list of award-winning products worth the splurge tries not to go too high — but the ones that do are the can’t-live-withouts. And hopefully they make you feel a little fancier!
Our winners are never a bite-the-bullet purchase, because they actually live up to expectations. Read on to find out more about the favorites that make us say, “Damn I wish this stuff wasn’t so good!”
- Lala Retro Whipped Cream
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Drunk Elephant, sephora.com, $60; shop now
If you’ve got the coins to spend on a life-changing moisturizer, Drunk Elephant has you covered. This recently re-formulated fave among skincare obsessives has a fluffy application feel, and it melts so nicely on your skin. Can we talk about the #shelfie-worthy packaging too?
- C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
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Drunk Elephant, sephora.com, $80; shop now
Two Drunk Elephant products in a row — what else did you expect from us? This vitamin C serum couldn’t be more hyped by our editors, but by our college community too. $80 is a steep price to pay for a serum while shopping on a college budget, but we can say that the product lasts a long time, and the results basically revamp your whole face. Love, love, love.
- Beauty Elixir
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Caudalie, sephora.com, $49; shop now
One spray of this toning mist and you can never go back. We’re not even kidding, you will walk around wanting to mist your roomates, your friends, your family. Get ready to join the Caudalie club.
- LUNA Mini 2
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Foreo, sephora.com, $139; shop now
This facial cleansing device is a one-time purchase, which is why we’d pay the price for this tool again and again. There are lots of speed options depending on your skin sensitivity, and after cleansing your face feels so soft and pure. College women have never been happier!
- GrandeLASH Lash Enhancing Serum
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Grande Cosmetics, sephora.com, $65; shop now
Compared to the price of lash lifts and extensions, this serum is actually a money-saver. You trace the tip of the serum on your lash line, wait a few weeks, and boom — your lashes are thick and longer than ever.
- Major Glow Body Oil
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Patrick Ta, sephora.com, $52; shop now
For a fun and playful moisturizing alternative, this body oil is delightfully ~extra~. It’s got a mild shimmer finish, and we can’t wait to use this all fall and winter to extend our summer glows.
- Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
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Sol de Janeiro, sephora.com, $45; shop now
This body cream has a cult-following for the tropical scent, deep hydration, and texture results — basically all the elements of this product are a winner in every sense. It’s made with guaraná, which is a potent form of caffeine. When you rub it in, it truly awakes your skin, creating a bright-all-over complexion.
- Moroccanoil Treatment
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Moroccanoil, sephora.com, $44; shop now
Straight, wavy, curly, coily — whatever your hair type, this oil is your ticket to softer and stronger hair. Even if you have dry and color-treated strands beyond repair, the treatment will bring your hair texture back to life. This stuff works, pass it on.
- Custom Hair Care
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Prose, prose.com, $88; shop now
This set includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask, the price of which would quickly add up to the same amount at other retailers. Prose hair care beats out other brands because it’s 100% custom. You take a thorough quiz online to clarify your hair type, color, washing habits, pollution in your city, and so much more. Then your Prose gets sent to you in the mail, and the bottles even have your name on it. Every ingredient is so targeted to your specific routine, it’s nothing less than perfection.