These Beauty Products Got Me Through College — and I Still Use Them Today

My first month of college, I spilled a neon pink Sinful Colours Professional Nail Polish ($2) all over my comforter, but that didn't break me up with my favourite nail brand. Not only is it only TWO dollars, but it comes in a ton of colours with a creamy, streak-free finish.

Some people bite their nails; I used to rip off my cuticles when I was anxious before a test. Luckily, I was constantly slathering on the Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6) to ease dryness and keep myself from injuring my hands. The smell is infectious and has long been my favourite cuticle care product.

I have even less time to get ready now than when I was in college, which is why I've never let Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion ($9) leave my side. It keeps my skin from getting dry and flaky while gradually giving me a natural-looking tan.

When someone on YouTube mentioned that Milani blushes were as good as NARS, I ran to CVS to pick up a colour similar to Orgasm. I will always love the soft-focus glow that the Milani Baked Blush ($7) gives me, and now I keep both it and NARS in my makeup stash.

I still keep a tube of this Aussie Miracle Moist 3 Minute Miracle with Avocado for Dry Hair Repair ($3) sitting in my shower many years later, because it just works. Whenever my hair is feeling a little dry, I use this deep conditioner for a few minutes to restore it back to its original softness.

My oily skin is still no match for the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer ($6). In college, it kept away nerve-induced shine during my American Sign Language presentations, and now it keeps me cool while meeting beauty brand founders.

The Skintimate Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin ($3) keeps ingrown hairs away and keeps my skin soft. Plus, the affordable price point meant I never had to pick between a Long Island Iced Tea at Tavern in The Square (or TITS for short) or shaving my legs.

Swiping the Pixi By Petra Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads ($18) across my skin has kept my breakouts away and my skin's texture in check for many years. Plus, it's travel friendly because it comes in a jar, so I could throw it in my bag and carry it across campus.

The E.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara Crystal ($2) keeps my brow hairs in place and I use the other side to accentuate my bottom lashes — and you can't beat that price.

The matte Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($4) always manages to give me a subtle glow when I need it. Plus, it's waterproof so it didn't muddy my face while I was getting down on the dance floor.

If I don't have time to blow dry my hair (usually due to hitting the snooze button multiple times) , I swear by the Garnier Fructis Style Wonder Waves Wave-Enhancing Spray ($3) to enhance my natural hair texture. I spray it on my ends, scrunch, and run out the door.