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

As I’ve tried to put together my Christmas list this year, I’ve been reminded of past gifts I have received or bought that have changed my life for the better. So, upon further thought, I have compiled a list of items that have absolutely saved my life countless times. Let me put you on some of my all-time favorite products!

 imPRESS manicures 

I can’t even begin to think about how much I have spent on getting my nails done. I’ve never been a huge fan of acrylics and even gel tends to ruin my nails for the following weeks. More often than not, I get my nails done if I have an event coming up, so I only really need them to last for a couple of days. Before I found these press on nails, I was paying close to $50 just to have my nails look good for one day. With these nails, I’m able to do my nails myself at home for about $10. They are quick and easy to put on, taking maybe only about 15 minutes. Also, these last me from one to two weeks, and once I’m ready to take them off, there is absolutely no damage to my nails! I would recommend these to anyone; with lots of shapes and colors, there’s something for everyone!

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

As someone who has struggled with acne for the last seven years, it’s safe to say that I’ve tried almost everything. From oral medications to topical creams, it seemed like nothing was working. I was struggling with fresh breakouts as well as some scarring. Nothing seemed to be helping. One day, I stumbled upon someone’s recommendation of this product and I thought that I may as well try it. It was extremely cheap compared to other things I had tried, but still had amazing reviews. Better yet, it’s alcohol free, cruelty free and silicone free! I cannot put into words how impressed I was. In a matter of weeks, my skin had looked its best since I was 15. My newer breakouts were tamed and vanished, my scarring disappeared and my hyperpigmentation went away as my skin tone evened out. If you’re on the fence about giving this brand or product a try, please don’t hesitate! I don’t know where my skin would be without it. 

Blue Light Glasses

With online school becoming the reality, I spend hours every single day staring at a screen. It became a trend for me to get headaches every evening that I began to blame on all of the screen time. Upon further learning that blue light can be linked with macular degeneration, poor sleep quality and migraines, I decided to invest in a pair of blue light glasses. I didn’t even spend a fortune on them; I believe I only paid about $15 on Amazon. I have never been more grateful for this purchase. My sleep quality improved and I no longer had my headaches and migraines. If you’re someone who has suffered from these sorts of problems, I recommend trying out a pair to see if you benefit as much as I have!

V8 Energy Drinks 

I’m sure we’ve all had an energy drink or some sort of caffeine to keep us up at some point in our college careers. However, many of the options out there are not exactly great for our bodies and can lead to some health risks like heart arrhythmias if used too often. That said, I still need my fill of caffeine. I stumbled upon an energy drink by V8 and decided to give it a shot. They were amazing and full of vitamins and minerals! The energy comes from green tea, making it a healthier and more natural alternative to other drinks. They even have plenty of flavors to choose from, including some sparkling versions if you’re someone who craves carbonation.

Thread Wallet Lip balm holder

With colder weather upon us, my lips are getting more chapped than ever. Even bigger of a problem, I oftentimes don’t have pockets in my clothes and don’t like to carry around a purse. This lip balm holder allows me to attach my Chapstick to my keys so that I never have to worry about forgetting or losing it. If you’re someone who has a similar problem, I recommend trying one out! They come in many colors and styles, plus they are about $5, which is quite a steal in my opinion. 

Believe it or not, I’m not actually partnered with any of these brands or products. These are just a handful of items that have become an essential part of my day-to-day life. These are also great gift ideas for the upcoming holidays if you’re in need of some stocking stuffers!

Maya is a 5th Year Medical Student at UMKC. Even though she is working towards a very STEM orientated major, Maya enjoys using writing as a creative outlet. When Maya isn't studying, she enjoys writing (duh), soccer, music, and shopping.
Krit graduated with English and Chemistry degrees from UMKC. As the President and founder of UMKC’s chapter, she hopes HC UMKC will continue to create content that inspires students. Some of her favorite things include coffee and writing.