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Design by Addie Abujade for Her Campus
Design by Addie Abujade for Her Campus
Design by Addie Abujade for Her Campus
Her Campus x Ulta Beauty

How I Upgraded My Makeup Game From Freshman Year

This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.

 

As someone who used to suffer from acne and hyperpigmentation, I was more than ready to use makeup when it came to trying to hide my skin’s imperfections. By upgrading my products from my freshman year to now, I’ve not only improved the overall clarity of my skin, but I’ve also seen better, longer-lasting results with my makeup.

So, if you’re looking to find products that you love and that are actually good for your skin, check out all of my recommendations for the best products that you can get at Ulta Beauty.

Upgraded to: SMASHBOX The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer

In my opinion, primer is the most essential part of your makeup look! My current primer, Smashbox’s The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer, is similar to my old primer, because it has a matte finish and provides extra moisture for your skin underneath your makeup. But, the difference in the two products is that this Smashbox primer gives my skin a layer of smoothness, which helps my foundation, and all of my other makeup, apply more easily.

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Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer

Upgraded to: Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation

After using a BB cream for a few years, I decided to up my game a bit with Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation in the shade Burkina 310. This product has one of the smoothest consistencies and is true to its claim of being full coverage. I like to wear this foundation on days where I’m planning to take lots of pictures or want to wear a more simple and classic look. 

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Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation

Upgraded to: BLK/OPL Super Volumizing Mascara – True Black

It wouldn’t be a complete look without pumping up the eyelashes, am I right?! I learned early on to have a go-to mascara to use on my way to classes and throughout the day when I wanted to keep my eyes looking lively (even if I was up half the night studying for a test!). However, upgrading to BLK/OPL’s Super Volumizing Mascara – True Black has not only made my eyes come alive, but it also looks like I’m wearing lash extensions! It makes my lashes look longer, darker, and fuller–and I’m never going back.

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BLK/OPL Super Volumizing Mascara – True Black

Upgraded to: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

If you’re looking for an everyday palette that can transition from daytime to nighttime looks, then the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette is for you! It’s larger than most other palettes while offering more warm tones in time for the fall semester. They even have shimmer shades that can give your eyes an extra pop for special occasions!

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

Upgraded to: Morphe Vegan Pro Brushes

When it comes to finding the perfect makeup brushes, it’s always a matter of durability and the actual usage of the brushes. After switching to Morphe’s Vegan Pro Brushes, I instantly knew that these were exactly what I had been needing in my routine because they’re smooth, multi-functional, and long-lasting.

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Morphe Vegan Pro Brushes

Upgraded to: Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish

You can’t go wrong with adding some shine to your lips during the school day, especially when you’re talking to classmates, professors, and that cutie you’re crushing on! After making the switch to Buxom’s Full-On Plumping Lip Polish, my head-to-toe look is always complete.

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Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish

I’m happy to say that since I went to Ulta Beauty and upgraded my makeup bag, I’ve noticed that my products are lasting longer and have stronger pigment to ensure results that are always show-stopping so I can strut down campus confidently this fall! 

Discover more ways to look and feel your best on campus with the help of Ulta Beauty and our on-campus experts!

Sherdell Baker

Hampton U '23

Sherdell Baker is an emerging trailblazer in the media industry. Along with her being President (Campus Correspondent) for Her Campus Hampton U, she also writes for her own lifestyle & advice blog and ESSENCE Girls United. Sherdell works to one day be the Editor-in-Chief of a major magazine publication or create her own magazine company and continue to share important stories after she graduates from Hampton University.