We’ve all experienced it, meandering through the mall, window shopping for things we can’t afford when off in the distance we spot it: the black and white striped beacon of hope, the entrance to heaven. Filled with adrenaline, hands shaking, aching for just a touch of some Too Faced pigments, Kat Von D lipsticks, Anastasia brow pomade. We tell ourselves “nope, nope you can’t, you’re already so broke, Maybelline is good enough.” But as the striped shiny pearly gates get closer, you dig through your head for the grain of good thought that is on your side. “I got paid recently, I think. I deserve this. My face deserves better than Revlon. I need this. Treat yo’self.” And inevitably you beeline it to that gift-from-the-gods beauty palace.
If you’re like me, nothing feels better (and worse) than a complete splurge at Sephora. Your wallet is torn to shreds but, hey, at least you look fabulous. But honestly, we are college students. We don’t have time, or money, for this whole trying new products to find what works best endless cycle. So here is a comprehensive list of the products that you can splurge on once, and then never have to experiment again. These are tried and true, Ride or Die miracles:
1. Too Faced Hangover Rx Replenishing Face Primer
Too Faced Hangover RX Primer $32 at Sephora
First things first, your skin needs that little boost of hydration after a night of non-collegiette activities, or maybe just the inevitable, Red Bull-induced all-nighter before finals week. The packaging says, “We LOVE your skin, even when you don’t!”
2. The Original Beauty Blender
the Original Beauty Blender $20 at Sephora
Skip the whole rub-in-the-foundation-with-your-fingers crap that we’ve been doing since high school– This is the answer to all our prayers for even and flawless coverage. It’ll become your new best friend when your roommate leaves dirty dishes in the sink again and you are so done with her.
3. Makeup Forever ULTRA HD Foundation
Makeup Forever ULTRA HD Foundation $43 at Sephora
Trust me, this is literally the best foundation on the market. Best-of-the-best cult favorite with impossibly easy buildable coverage that lasts all day. Need I say more?
4.Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder $30 at Sephora
If you can’t afford to do the whole extremely-fancy-and-extremely-expensive foundation thing, this is your new best friend. It is complete miracle coverage, with or without liquid foundation underneath. It locks in place the products you have already applied, and even works as a primer to secure your products to your face all day. And it’s Too Faced, so it looks super cute and is also cruelty-free. Double bonus.
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion $20 at Sephora
A cult favorite, and no question why. Nothing will stick your shadow in place like this miracle potion. So bring on the 14-hour music festivals, the next all-nighter studying for that dreaded math final, and the tears that will follow both: UD has got your back.
6. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette (with 100% natural cocoa powder!)
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette $49 at Sephora
If you are like me and have sworn by the Naked 2 palette for years now, but are now getting so sick of opening that steel box and seeing the same shades that have become so boring, it’s time to switch it up. Too Faced Chocolate Bar is honestly my favorite thing I have bought in a long time. Perfect for fall, the colors will make your eyes pop even in the dreary weather. The 17 shades mean infinite combinations and looks. The shadows are extremely pigmented, so it will last for a ridiculously long time. Plus, the shades have really cute chocolate names and the whole palette is made with cocoa powder so it literally smells like chocolate. Heaven. It is heaven.
7. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner $20 at Sephora
The most fierce, dark, sharp liner out there. That will last all day, no doubt. Put your trust in Kat, she will always catch you when you fall.
8. Anastasia Brow Definer
Anastasia Brow Definer $23 at Sephora
This is the tried-and-true favorite of the brow community. Super easy to use, and comes in triangular and pencil shape for perfect shape and fill. It stays all day and is super pigmented so it is made to last. It comes with a little spoolie on the other end so you can brush and fill all at the same time!
9. Too Faced Love Flush Blush
Too Faced Love Flush Blush $26 at Sephora
It claims to last for 16 hours, and it does. It comes in the cutest shades that are guaranteed to look good on any skin tone. Plus, the packaging takes us back to the days when we would play around with the Barbie Makeup Kit. Except, now its for grown-ups and Too Faced doesn’t mess around when it comes to pigment.
10. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $23 at Sephora
Another cult favorite in the makeup community, and there is no secret as to why. After curling your lashes, the application is so easy and smooth and it instantly looks like you have walked out of the lash salon with new extensions. It’s the perfect combination between volume and length we have been praying for and it makes your eyes look just so, so pretty! And honestly, I would agree that it is better than sex. Well, if you’re a makeup addict like me, you will too.
11. Too Faced Lip Insurance
Too Faced Lip Insurance $20 at Sephora
A primer for your lipstick? Why not! Just swipe this on before your lipstick and it will guarantee to prevent feathering and decrease fade. So worth the money to save you from reapplying every 20 minutes.
12. Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick $21
This is the most velvety soft lovely lip color that you can get. It is so easy to apply, and is swiped on by the most lovely felt tip that is just heaven to your lips. It comes in so many different shades that are guaranteed to compliment tea with the Queen AND that party you’ve been looking forward to all week. Melted is everything.
Makeup Addicts that are ALSO broke college students; rejoice! Splurge once and spark that beauty need forever. These are tried and true makeup miracles. So next time your heart races when you see that black and white striped miracle store in the distance, relax. Hit it up once and then rest assured that your products will always have your back. No need to risk it, these will always come in clutch to save the day.