The world of beauty can be really overwhelming sometimes, with constant new makeup releases and influencers talking about their latest skincare venture. The market is so saturated with products, like ~really expensive~ products, that it can be hard to tell what’s worth the splurge and investment.
I’m a beauty obsessive, so naturally I want to splurge on everything new and exciting that I see. But if I were forced to choose, I’d say anything Charlotte Tilbury, plus a good face serum is what I’d go for – because those are the classics I know I can rely on.
Regardless of your beauty routine, everyone has at least one go-to, holy grail product that’s worth the big bucks. Whether it’s a timeless mascara or a favorite eyeshadow palette that has every color, some beauty products are worth spending more on. Think of it as the science behind the splurge: If you love a product, you’ll pay more to have it!
I asked 20 college students what makeup or beauty products they splurge on, and there’s truly a range of what college women value most right now.
What’s your go-to splurge?
“I splurge on face products like foundation, or tinted moisturizer and bronzer. I just got the Marc Jacobs Bronzer from Sephora.” – Keri, Providence College
“I splurge on foundation and bronzer. Laura Mercier foundation, Bobbi Brown bronzer!” – Paige Westfield State
“I splurge on foundation, 100 percent. I just got the new Laura Mercier one and I love it, along with the new Dior Back Stage face and body. I’m obsessed with both!” – Lauren, Assumption College
“Too Faced bronzer! It’s my favorite.” – Jackie, Clemson
“Nails, lash extensions and a good concealer!” – Jenna, UMaine
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“Drunk Elephant moisturizer. It’s my absolute favorite!” – Sam, Worcester State
“I always go for Lilly Lashes or the Tarte ones, and I’m really liking Tarte Shape Tape concealer.” – Kapriece, Assumption College
“Skincare! I love the Clinique 3-step method!” – Makenna, USF
“Skincare and foundation. Tatcha is my favorite – it’s expensive, but it does an amazing job. I always splurge on foundation because it’s my base, and it has to be great in order for my face makeup to look good and last.” – Lindsey, Worcester State
“I splurge on Fenty highlighter or Pat Mcgrath. I’m also a sucker for Urban Decay, I love their setting spray!” – Athena, Georgia State
“I splurge on Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmer Body Oil!” – Early, CU Boulder
“Eyeshadow palettes and bronzer. I like Huda Beauty and MAC.” – Kolby, Assumption College
“I love Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer and Makeup Forever’s full-coverage one.” – Amanda, Santa Monica College
“I like a good mask or treatment that will last me a while, so I feel like it’s worth the money. Definitely Summer Fridays masks and Herbivore Prism Serum. I like a good eye cream too!” – Michala, USF
“A good eyeliner, so I can do a wing and highlighter. Anything that’s an icy white color catches my attention.” – Maddie, Regis College
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“Mascara! If my lashes are good then it’s a good day.” – Kristi, Assumption College
“I splurge on lash extensions or Velour lashes, and foundation. I have the Fenty foundation right now, but I want to try something new.” – Brittany, Cal State Long Beach
“Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer and a good face primer!” – Alexa, Providence College
“It Cosmetics CC Cream!” – Erin, Assumption College
“Foundations and concealer always!” – Morgan, Ole Miss
Clearly, there are some standout brands for everything from face makeup staples to game-changing skincare. Basically, get ready to add all of these to your cart.