This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tufts chapter.
The threatening thought of lugging around a giant bag of cosmetics to prep and prime with every morning makes every Collegiette dread traveling. As long weekends and holiday breaks approach, keep these often forgotten but handy makeup bag minimizing essentials in mind as you jet off campus. Check out how to maximize the utility of products you probably already own!
- Lipstick as cream blush – Your bold, bright lipsticks can be transformed into a sheer pop of cheek color. Warm up the lipstick on the back of your hand before applying to your cheeks. Remember to apply sparingly and blend thoroughly – because lipstick isn’t made to be as sheer as traditional blush, it will be pigmented! Try using: Mac Lipstick at maccosmetics.com ($15.00)
- Clear gloss as anti-frizz serum – Almost every Collegiette carries around a simple, clear gloss to add shine and moisture to her lips. Double up this product as an anti-frizz serum for your hair. Squeeze a small amount onto the palms of your hands, rub your hands together and apply evenly throughout your hair to keep frizz in check. Try using: Covergirl Wetslicks Lipgloss at drugstore.com ($5.39)
- Lip balm as cuticle cream – This is a simple trick that is extremely useful during the dry season. After applying your moisturizing balm to soothe your dry, cracked lips, smooth some onto the cuticles of your fingernails to hydrate and maintain them. It’s an easy way to use one product to keep both your cuticles and your lips moisturized. Try using: Rosebud Lip Salve at sephora.com ($6.00)
- Flat iron as a curling iron – Instead of packing two bulky heat tools to transform your hairstyles from one day to the next, simply pack a high heat flat iron. This tool can double as a totally workable curling iron. Tip: Watch YouTube videos on how to perfect the technique of curling your hair with a flat iron. Try using: KQC X-Heat Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron at flatironexperts.com ($159.00)
- Concealer as eye primer – Rather than packing an extra primer to enhance the vibrancy and lasting duration of your eye shadow, use your eye concealer as a primer by blending it onto your lids and towards your brow bone. After, powder your eyes and apply your eye shadow and eyeliner as you normally would. Makeup artists have used this method for decades before “UDPP” (Urban Decay Primer Potion) became a makeup staple. Try using: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer ($24) at itcosmetics.com
Pair these makeup tips with our 10 Best Fall Sweaters to pack efficiently!