If you’re anything like me, you’re completely stunned when you see your fave beauty gurus, like Ariana Grande, drawing on their winged eyeliner in one swipe. It’s a technique that needs to be studied. A great wing or a volumizing mascara can tie together any makeup look. Whether you’re a full-face makeup connoisseur or just like experimenting with natural looks, playing up your eyes will have you selfie-ready in no time. The dedicated Her Campus writers and editors took time to test some eye-catching products, including some of Gen-Z’s favorite brands, for the 2023 College Beauty Awards, and the winners are products you should definitely consider adding to your cart.
A lengthening mascara or a shadow stick is the perfect addition to any makeup collection. The area around your eyes can be sensitive, so make sure they’re cruelty-free and include ingredients you’re comfortable and familiar with. With so many shades and benefits to choose from, your vanity will thank you later! There’s no time to waste, so make your way to your local Ulta Beauty and feast your eyes on these six dazzling eye products!
Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework ($18)
Danessa Myricks still reigns as the Queen of Beauty! Her cruelty-free eyeliner is a top pick when it comes to waterproof and smudge-proof options. “I love how it’s matte and doesn’t come off easily at all,” Katherine says. “It’s very pigmented and has great quality. I was surprised at how much it improved my makeup routine. I also love how effortless it is to apply.”
DIBS Beauty One Liner ($16)
I’ve got dibs on DIBS Beauty’s One-Liner! This chubby eye pencil is mess-proof and perfect for all-day wear. “It’s a super creamy formula!” Hannah L. says. “I like to use a small angled brush and swipe it across the liner to pick up some product to create my wing.”
Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara ($19)
Fenty Beauty continues to set the standard for stunning products with incredible benefits. Their Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara features a tapered brush that evenly applies to every lash. “It definitely made my lashes look longer and thicker, and wasn’t flaky at all,” Gracen says.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Mascara ($26)
Looking for an iconic lengthening mascara? Our testers got you covered. Anastasia Beverly Hills has created a product that mimics the look of false lashes. Camille calls this mascara amazing, and says, “I would definitely recommend this mascara. It’s definitely worth the price and perfect for everyday use.”
Well People Expressionist Lengthening Mascara ($20)
We all deserve a longwear lengthening mascara! Well People’s mascara is enriched with castor seed oil and sunflower seed oil, perfect for the overall health of your lashes. Like Julianna, you’re bound to enjoy it too. “The packaging is so sleek and cute, and I’m a big fan of the wand. It kept my lashes curled throughout the day, and applied well on my lower lashes,” she says.
Kosas Undressed Eyeshadow Palette ($40)
While 2016 was the year of the neutral eyeshadow palette, in 2023, Kosas has amped it up a bit. Kosas Undressed Eyeshadow Palette is a talc-free, buttery dream. “I used it for two weddings I attended. The colors showed up great on the eye and looked so nice. The pigment also lasted all night,” Tina says.