Hello, Hello!,
I’m moving back to college in a couple weeks and I’m already getting excited. Since it’s one of my last years at my University, I’m ready to kick this first semester off right~ I’m studying a major I love and have met some pretty cool people along the way, so who wouldn’t be pumped for that?
Tis the season to get packin’ for school and along with that comes SHOPPING… mmmmm… yes. Lately, I’ve been getting a ton of questions in my inbox about a “Makeup Starter Kit” for girls who aren’t very big into cosmetics but still want to play around.
Considering how many requests I’ve been getting related to Makeup Essentials and packing for College, I feel like this is the perfect time to tell you guys about my personal picks for a solid starter kit that is easy to travel with. This kit can really be for anyone, from newbies to experienced makeup mavens. I tried to include some more affordable options as well because I know the struggle of being on a college budget.
So let’s get on with it!…
1.) URBAN DECAY: Naked Basics Palette ($29)
Alright, so I choose this eyeshadow palette specifically because of the simplicity of it~ it’s your basic palette that can create natural looks as well as dramatic eye looks for a fun night out.
All of the shadows coordinate with each other so you don’t need to worry if you’re not accustomed to applying eye makeup. Literally any combination of shadow will cohesively blend together, so you can’t go wrong! Plus, these shades will work on any eye color.
Rule of thumb though: Darker colors are great to use in your eye crease and blended in a “v” shape to create depth~ Lighter colors are great as an all over lid shade/ highlighter.
Here is the list of shadows included in the Naked Basic Palette:
– 6 x 0.05 oz eye shadows in Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (very light yellow/white matte), Walk of Shame (very light nude matte), Naked2 (taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte) and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).
2.) TARTE Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer ($36)
I’ve been absolutely loving the Tarte brand as of late, and one of my newest discoveries has been their BB cream. It’s so light and airy, perfect for day or night. I love a good BB cream because it feels almost like a second skin, plus it gently covers any unwanted blemishes.
(oh and if you didn’t know “BB” stands for “Blemish Balm”)
This particular BB cream is formulated without oil or unwanted Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates. Plus, an added bonus of SPF15! It comes on very smooth and you can simply use your fingers or a brush/sponge for application.
This tinted moisturizer is incredibly natural looking and is made with noninvasive ingredients so even the most sensitive skin can wear this!
3.) TARTE LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint ($24)
Like I wrote before, I’m loving TARTE lately. I recently purchased this TARTE Lip pencil and immediately noticed the creamy formulation and easy application. The colors are dynamic but very natural as well as give a wonderful glow to the lips.
I think this is one of my favorite lip brands (other than my beloved Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks of course). This though, is WAY more affordable than Saint Laurent, and is an overall great alternative (and better for the college budget)!
4.) URBAN DECAY Naked Flushed Palette ($30)
The Naked Flushed palette is PERFECT for traveling and college because it is a great 3-in-1 as it includes an excellent simmer highlighter, soft blush and sunny bronzer. I’ve written about this palette before and my liking to it has not changed.
The shades blend gorgeously and this case is so compact that it fits into the smallest makeup bag! In my opinion, this is a definite MUST HAVE.
Not sure how to contour or highlight? NEVER FEAR! Here is a link to a past post I did that tells you all about it~ it’s really pretty simple!:
5.) LUSH Mask of Magnanimity ($24.95/ 11.1 oz)
So you might get a little stressed in college… and you might eat a few greasy foods here and there at 3 a.m when you get back from a crazy night out~ this all leads to some possible troubled skin. I always like to detox my skin a couple times a week, and I love this mask from LUSH that deep cleanses your pores.
Made with all natural ingredients, with the real star being the minty, fresh Peppermint, this mask will do some major needed rehab on your skin.
6.) NEAUTROGENA Makeup Remover Wipes ($5)
It’s super important to take off your makeup after a long day so all the goods don’t get caked up into your pores… eek.
These makeup remover cloths are great because they are so accessible and do the job right. Pus, they are gentle on the skin!
7.) JUICE BEAUTY Exfoliating Cleanser ($22)
JUICE Beauty has really made a name for themselves lately as being an organic, skin- healing brand, perfect for all skin types and troubles.
Cleanser should be used every morning and night, just like brushing your teeth. This particular cleanser contains “a blend of certified organic refining pineapple enzymes and soothing aloe vera juices infused with dissolving jojoba beads to gently exfoliate and clean”.
Organic, purifying and softening, you must try this little beauty!
8.) TWO FACED: Primed & Poreless Powder ($30)
You may think all powders are the same but THINK AGAIN! My newest love has been this Primed and Poreless powder that does a solid job of mattifying your face. I carry it in my bag where ever I go. It minimizer pores and covers any blemish.
Plus you rarely have to touch up the powder during the day as your skin stays fairly matte long after application!
9) MAYBELLINE Falsies Mascara ($6)
Here is a solid Drug store mascara that is just as good as any high- end mascaras I’ve tried. It creates an elongating effect of the tips of your lashes and really seems to do the trick.
Since Mascara sound be thrown out every month, I figure you shouldn’t splurge too much, so MAYBELLINE is a great alternative.
That’s it! NOW, for some “non- beauty” essentials:
Just for fun, I decided to throw in a few of my favorite college non- beauty goods including this adorable pencil bag which runs for about $17 at Urban Outfitters~ I actually found this guy on the U.K Urban Outfitters site in case the U.S stores don’t carry this.
I also adore the U.O notebooks~ I have about 5 of these and everyone always asks me where I got them. They sell for about $24 and are pretty durable, plus they make taking notes so much better than if you would use a regular note pad.
Oh and the backpack pictured before was a Frye Veronica Leather Backpack in case you wondered
($498)
Well that’s it for now! Hope this helped any school- goers. Stay tuned for more postings!
-JAX
jackievw.com 