The everyday woman doesn't wake up looking like Kim K. Makeup like that takes a good hour to hour and a half and let's face it, most of us, at 7:30 a.m., aren't about that. We're lucky if we get the chance to run a brush through our hair. Rest assured there are a few staple products every college girl should have that will make it look as though you put in more than 10 minutes worth of work.
1. Concealer
There's nothing worse than staying up late to finish homework and waking up the next morning with dark circles. Concealer brightens up the under eye and gives the illusion that you got your full eight hours the night prior. Apply a swipe under the eye and dab with your ring finger until fully blended, then say goodbye to dark circles. If you're on a budget try the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer (Target, $6.64).
2. Mascara
Mascara is probably the number one beauty must-have, and the only product I wear every day. Mascara lengthens lashes, gives them volume and makes the eyes appear bigger. I always go toward black because I have small eyes and want them to appear dramatically bigger. Looking for something more subtle? Try a brown mascara which will lengthen and give volume without the added drama. My favorite mascara is L'Oreal Telescopic (Target, $7.99).
3. Bronzer
As the winter approaches most of us have lost our dewy bronze glow from summer. This can leave our faces looking very one dimensional and lifeless. Most of us don't have the hours in the morning to carve out our cheekbones with a precise contour, instead add bronzer in the same spots you would put a contour; cheekbones, forehead, jawline. This will give dimension and liven up the face. Try the new H&M Bronzer (H&M, $9.99).
4. CC/BB Cream
Most of us have pigmentation on the skin whether it be dark spots, redness or a purple/ blue tint from the veins in our face. BB/CC Cream will create a uniform skin tone. It takes the place of foundation with less coverage and a more natural feel. Apply this like a moisturizer, rub between your fingers and then apply to the face and neck area. In the market for one? Try the Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Skin Perfector (Target, $6.29).
5. Brow Gel
We all know that brows are all the rage in the beauty world. However, not all of us have the time or patience to go in with powder and pens, carve out the brow, and highlight it. Tinted brow gel makes it so easy and requires half the time. Simply go in with the wand and brush the brows until they are at the desired fullness. In 2 minutes your brows are on "fleek." Try NYX Tinted Brow Mascara (ULTA, $6.99).
