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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emmanuel chapter.

Who doesn’t love to shop?! I love to—especially when I have events to attend or for “just because” moments. It is definitely the most dangerous when I go to Target with the products they sell, the set-ups and don’t even get me started on the dollar section. That is for sure my favorite store when it comes to shopping. These past few months I have been hooked on some new products as well as some that I have been using for years! Here is a list of those that I have been currently loving!

Makeup

Dior Lip Oil (Shade: Mahogony)

This product is so amazing and definitely worth the hype! What is great about the lip oil is that it is very natural while still giving the perfect tint. The consistency is nice and thick, but not too sticky. I find it extremely hydrating and soft on my lips; it contains cherry oil which contributes to those properties. The size of the applicator is quite large, which makes it easy to do a quick glide when on the run. So far, I have only tried the mahogany shade and I am obsessed! The shade is stunning, and wearing it makes me feel put together even if I am not wearing a full face of makeup!

Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm

These balms make my lips feel amazing! It comes in various shades. I got the holiday set as a gift that came along with some exclusive ones. I have tried the Original shade and Watermelon Kiss; the exclusive ones are Frost Yourself and Candy Cane Bang. The Hangover Pillow Balm is extremely hydrating which is very helpful for when your lips are on the dryer side. On top of being hydrating, the balm has a plumping agent that leaves your lips tingling. It lasts for about 10 minutes and makes them feel completely rejuvenated. I tend to not go towards plumping products, but Too Faced has me sold! 

Milani: Stellar Lights Highlighter Palette

Milani is hands down one of my favorite drugstore brands along with Physicians Formula and ELF. I have been using this palette for about a year now, and I keep it in my main makeup bag with the essential products. It consists of three shades: one that is more rose gold, a classic warm gold and light brighter one. The formula is immaculate; the shine is a 10/10 and I love the colors. They are natural, yet produce a beautiful glow. I sometimes even use the shades on my eyes when I want to do an easy and quick look starting with bronzer as my base. I love it because the highlighters wear so well and are affordable; I even tend to reach for this over my non-drugstore products! 

It Cosmetics CC Cream

This is a product that I have been using for years, and I love it so much! I have always had very sensitive and acne prone skin; this CC cream has worked so well for me. It has a very light and buttery consistency that applies so easily that you could even just use your fingers if there was no brush or blender on hand. The finish is more dewy and glowy while being more natural, making it not too heavy on the skin. A great bonus is that it contains SPF 50+ which is always good, but definitely wear sunscreen under as well to keep your barrier protected. Even if you do not burn SPF is a crucial step to proper and healthy skincare. For coverage I would say that it is slightly more than medium, but still natural. It wears pretty well throughout the day and works so great with my skin; it is a product that I will probably use for forever!

Skincare

Aquaphor Lip Repair

During the winter and even the spring it is a struggle to keep our lips nourished and healthy—mine get so dry! This one is the best fix for when it comes to dry brittle skin. I use it almost every day on my lips. It makes them feel soft and keeps the moisture locked in for most of the day. I have used many different lip care products and this one has definitely been one of my favorites that actually works! 

Vani Moisturizing Lotion

As mentioned, my skin is very sensitive when it comes to products being used on my face, and this lotion has given me no issues! I have been using it since middle school and do not plan on stopping anytime soon. My face feels so soft and refreshed after applying a pump/pump ½, and it is not too heavy either. I have never broken out or had any reactions to it; the formula is free of fragrances, parabens and dyes which is great. The lotion would probably work great for anyone because of how clean the ingredients are and it is dermatologist recommened. There is nothing bad I can say about it—such a great product!

Vitamasques Vegan Collagen Lychee Sheet Mask

I am definitely picky when it comes to facemasks, but Vitamasques products pull through! I love there’s because they stick well, the scent is not too overpowering and I notice differences. My skin is always soft and bright the next day after using; any inflammation on my face tends to go down. I have only used the lychee mask so far, but there are many other types to choose from as well as eye and lip masks. It is difficult to find masks that are affordable, actually make beneficial changes to your skin and not irritate it so this is a great pick!

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser

I have been obsessed with my La Roche-Posay face wash for about a year now and it is one of the best cleansers I have found! It is gentle and leaves the skin feeling healthy, not stripping it at all. The main components in the cleanser are niacinamide and ceramide-3 which are the agents that keep the skin hydrated and clean. I would say that this is nice for all skin types, especially for sensitive and acne prone skin. If your skin tends to be more oily than dry there is also the Purifying Foaming Face Wash from the brand. Anything from La Roche-Posay is great and is a little pricey, but still affordable; it is definitely worth it!

When it comes to makeup and skincare it is all trial and error—take time to find products that make you feel the best and are the most beneficial! It has taken me various purchases to discover the ones that I love and work for me. If you are concerned about prices there is always the option to make a return or even start with samples if that is an option. Some of these that I listed were either suggested by people, researched or I saw them on social media. A good amount were also just impulsive buys that ended up working out perfectly. It can be stressful searching for new products, but also exciting to see how they enhance your skin. To make a start feel free to check out one of the many products I discussed and go from there. I love these products so much, and they have done wonders. You deserve that excitement too, so go out and buy a product that will make you happy and change your life like these ones!!

Hi my name is Karly and I am in my Senior Year at Emmanuel College. I am studying Communications with a Minor in Marketing and Writing. I plan to someday work in marketing and live in Boston. In my free time I love to walk around the city, read, get coffee, see my friends and family. For a fun fact, I have my Cosmetology License!