We’ve all mastered the 5-minute morning routine: brush teeth, hair in bun, concealer, mascara, lip balm, burgess coffee and class (phew)! And don’t get me wrong, the disheveled look is a collegiette’s™ classic go-to, but it’s time to step it up. Consider adding these top five most underrated makeup products to your tool kit this fall.
1. Blush
If immediately after reading this your mind wandered to your grandma’s over-saturated cheeks, you’re not alone. Blush has a reputation for being outdated and unnecessary in our modern lifestyles, but don’t underestimate it! In chilly upstate New York, the winter effortlessly turns your healthy glowing tan into an ashy grey and lifeless dud. Beat the cold with a little dose of shimmering blush. And we don’t just mean shimmer as an adjective—literally go for a blush that has a shimmer to it; it will add life back to your skin. Pinks, peaches and purples are all great blush colors to test on your skin color.
2. Under Eye Concealer
For those of us who suffer from dark circles, either after late nights or constantly, this product is a must-have! If you’ve tried using your blemish concealer for this issue, you were probably disappointed to see that you still had dark circles, just greasier. Instead, under eye concealer is thicker than a blemish concealer without looking caked-on. It’s not just trying to hide redness, it’s reflecting light off your skin to give you that natural, well-rested look. Plus, unlike the blemish concealer, it can act double duty to hide those pesky pimples. Just remember to invest in a good concealer brush!
3. Bronzer
Again, we bring up anothercontroversial product, but hear us out! Bronzer’s bad reputation comes from its misuse (or overuse, really). A good bronzer should not come out orange, and should only be used in moderation. To avoid any sticky situations, we recommend picking up a powder bronzer instead of a liquid one. To use bronzer correctly, think about where the sun would tan you the most, then lightly cover those areas; think nose, temples, forehead and collarbone. Don’t forget to blend into your hairline!
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4. Makeup Remover Towelettes
It’s Saturday, circa 2:30am and you just got home. You’ve already crashed in your bed and the last thing you want to do is get up to wash your face. We all know that leaving your makeup on overnight (especially the remains of your sweaty, Saturday night makeup) is bad for your skin, so stash a pack of makeup remover towelettes in your bedside table or purse for those emergency situations!
5. Primer
Ever wonder how those girls get airbrush quality skin without looking fake? Unless she’s your 4 year-old-sister or that friend who’s never had a blemish in her life, it’s primer. Primer is a clear gel that you put on your skin a few minutes before applying foundation and powder. It will fill in lines, acne scars, bumps and imperfections to prepare a smooth surface for your foundation. Lots of reviews recommend the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, though we can’t speak for it ourselves.
It’s easy to get stuck in the same makeup routine you’ve had since 8th grade, but trust us: as college women, it’s time to dump the sparkles and cherry-flavored lip gloss and reach for a more grown–up makeup bag. If you’re having trouble picking a product you like, we recommend hitting up stores for samples. Try a service like Birchbox, which delivers samples of various products and brands to your mailbox once a month! Either way, you’re bound to expand your makeup routine in a way that’s perfectly you.
Tell us about your favorite under-the-radar product in the comments!