Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

I love fashion, but my favorite part of fashion shows and fashion magazines have always been about the makeup used on the models and the makeup in the ads on the pages of the magazines. I have always loved how makeup can tell a story and how everyone can control exactly what they want that story to tell. Fashion and beauty are so closely related, but I think makeup is more of a behind the scenes type of thing when it comes to fashion shows. Every girl out there should feel beautiful in both the clothes that they wear and in the skin that they are in. Watching College Fashion Week made me inspired to recommend some products to college girls everywhere because fashion and beauty are about more than just what is on the surface.  

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil 

I think that if models in any runway show only wore one type of makeup, it should be something pertaining to brows. Brows accentuate the shape of your face and make any look, even “no makeup” makeup, seem put together. I personally love brow pencils due to how easy they are to use, and I love this one by IT Cosmetics because of how it is shaped. It gives you the option to do a thick brow to match a more edgy look or a thin brow for just every day.  You are given the freedom to switch up your look and make it your own, just like if you were to add a cute accessory to an outfit. Brows are a great way to express your style and personality. This product can be found at Ulta Beauty and retails for $24.00.  

Ruby Woo Retro Matte Lipstick by MAC cosmetics  

 

When I think of models strutting fiercely down the runway, my mind goes straight to a bold red lip. Red is the ultimate power lipstick that can help you channel your confidence and help you tackle whatever life throws at you. When I saw the models walk down the runway during College Fashion Week I saw that confidence and fierceness that is inside of all women. It may seem silly talking about the power of lipstick, but I really do think there is some truth behind it. This product retails for $17.50 and is sold at Ulta Beauty, MAC stores, and most department stores.  

Benefit Roller Lash 

If I could only choose one mascara to use for the rest of my life it would for sure be this one. This mascara grabs onto each individual lash and helps it lift while curling. The curl actually lasts, and it makes my lashes long and full. Like brow products, mascara is another beauty product that is usually overlooked but it can seriously make or break a look. There are so many out there to choose from and after trying a ton, I can confidently say that this is one of the best. This product retails for $24.00 and is sold at Ulta Beauty and Sephora. 

Elf Baked Highlighter in the shade Moonlight Pearls 

This is a $4.00 highlighter that puts high-end highlighters to shame. I have worn this highlight every single day over the summer, even as I continued to blow my money on more expensive ones. I just kept going back to it because it looks so beautiful and truly performs like a high-end highlighter. Highlighters are the most trendy type of makeup right now so of course, I had to include one on this list. Highlighter was used to be used mostly on celebrities and models in fashion shows before it became a staple among the average consumer, and so needless to say, college fashion week wouldn’t be the same without it. It adds personality to any makeup look as well as fashion look. This can be found at Target as well as Ulta Beauty.  

NYX Neutrals Ultimate Shadow Palette  

To me, the most artistic part of makeup is the eyeshadow. This is my favorite part of makeup because I feel like I can express myself and make my whole look cohesive with whatever outfit I am wearing or how I am feeling that particular day. I chose this palette because it has such beautiful fall shades that are perfect for any occasion, and I was very inspired after seeing all of the fall looks on the runways. Whether you’re a model or just an average college girl like me, everyone needs an affordable neutral eyeshadow palette in their life.  

First year Psychology student at The University of Iowa. Made of big dreams and a lot of coffee.
U Iowa chapter of the nation's #1 online magazine for college women.