When I was a beauty-obsessed college student more than four years ago, I was short on time, money, and more often than not, sleep. I still wanted to look fresh-faced [1] and as good as I could while going out with my friends, so I relied on beauty bloggers on YouTube to tell me what the best products [2] were at the lowest possible prices.
Fast forward to adulthood and now I'm a beauty editor with a little extra spending money (but still not much time or sleep) who has tried hundreds of products [3]. Despite having access to much more expensive options, there are still some reliable drugstore items [4] I still use many years later.
Although I've left many other parts of dorm life in the past (like Easy Mac), there are some products I discovered during those years I'll never be giving up. Check them out, ahead.
Sinful Colours Professional Nail Polish
My first month of college, I spilled a neon pink Sinful Colours Professional Nail Polish [5] ($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.
Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
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] ($6) to ease dryness and keep myself from injuring my hands. The smell is infectious and has long been my favourite cuticle care product.
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion
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 [7] ($9) leave my side. It keeps my skin from getting dry and flaky while gradually giving me a natural-looking tan.
Milani Baked Blush Berry Amore
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 [8] ($7) gives me, and now I keep both it and NARS in my makeup stash.
Aussie Miracle Moist 3 Minute Miracle with Avocado for Dry Hair Repair
I still keep a tube of this Aussie Miracle Moist 3 Minute Miracle with Avocado for Dry Hair Repair [9] ($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.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
My oily skin is still no match for the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer [10] ($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.
Skintimate Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin
The Skintimate Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin [11] ($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.
Pixi By Petra Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads
Swiping the Pixi By Petra Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads [12] ($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.
E.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara Crystal
The E.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara Crystal [13] ($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.
Rimmel Natural Bronzer
The matte Rimmel Natural Bronzer [14] ($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.
Garnier Fructis Style Wonder Waves Wave-Enhancing Spray
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 [15] ($3) to enhance my natural hair texture. I spray it on my ends, scrunch, and run out the door.