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Before your spring break trip, don't forget to pack these beauty essentials

Don't pack for a full face of make-up this spring break — prioritize these beauty necessities instead.  – Photo by Ice You

It’s the most anticipated time of the school year — spring break! Tired, overstimulated and ready to relax, students all over campus are ready to pack up their things and go anywhere that’s not New Brunswick.

Assuming your plans made it out of the group chat, the most important thing for you to do now is plan and pack. Whether you’re going on a girls trip to the beaches of Miami or heading to an all-inclusive resort in Cancún, having an organized and curated beauty bag is a must.

Selecting a few staple makeup products will make traveling much easier and getting ready in a cramped hotel room with six other people a lot less painful. It’s important to have a variety of beauty supplies for both your beach pictures and nightlife selfies, but make sure not to overpack.

Here are my spring break beauty must-haves that will not only keep life simple but also keep you looking stunning.

Brows

Light, natural brows are so in for spring break. My favorite products right now to achieve this fluffed up yet minimal look are the Glossier Boy Brow ($17) and the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara ($8.50).

Both of these products do a great job at shaping your brow hairs into place and thickening them without being too harsh. Gently glide the wand through your brows a few times, and you’ll have that natural but defined look in no time.

Eyes

Say goodbye to powder shadows and hello to glitter! Shadow palettes are annoying to pack and might break during travel. Also, spring break should be all about vibrant, glowy looks — not powdery neutrals.

One of my go-to shimmery shadows right now is the NYX Ultimate Glow Shots Liquid Eyeshadow ($10.50). It comes in a variety of fun colors, is easily buildable and blends nicely using just your fingers, making it easy to throw on right before heading out.

Pair this with a bright shade of the NYX Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick ($9) on your waterline, and you have yourself a perfect look for day or night. ColourPop also has a wide variety of fun glitter gels and colorful liners that I absolutely love.

For the rest of the eyes, I’m a huge fan of the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara ($11.19). The curved brush helps you achieve a voluminous lash, and the many layers of bristles allow you to comb them out to perfection. Be sure to go for the waterproof version while you’re out at the beach.

Combine this mascara with the Half Magic Beauty Magic Flik ($20), and you’re set. This eyeliner has a unique tip that makes it easy to draw a perfect wing in seconds. Once it’s on, it will not budge!

Lips

Glossy, juicy and plump, spring break lips should be all about luster. You heard me, leave the dark colors and matte lipsticks at home!

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother ($7.19) is a great option that’s not only high-shine and sexy but also has SPF 20 and a cooling hydrogel that will keep your lips protected from the sun.

I also recommend my personal favorite gloss of all time: Glossier Lip Gloss ($15). It’s nourishing with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, has a long-wearing formula and sits comfortably on the lips. Plus, all three shades have such a beautiful glass-like finish.

If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious for those nights out, Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($26) is the product for you. It goes on flawlessly and melts right into your lips, leaving you with a sultry shine. The color options are all stunning and nourishing.

Face

For base makeup, I’d keep it light and glowy, showcasing your natural radiance and beauty.

The NYX Born To Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation ($10) is a solid option that’s easily buildable and leaves you with a polished (but not greasy) finish. The product blends smoothly and has a more inclusive 45-shade range compared to other popular drugstore foundations.

I’m also a fan of Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint + Stretch Concealer, which can be bought as a duo for $38 or separately for $26 and $20, respectively. While the skin tint is pretty sheer, it builds so nicely and works wonders for your complexion. Paired with the rich and brightening stretch concealer, which is a staple in my routine, you’re bound to be glowing.

Lock in your face for up to 16 hours with the travel-sized version of the award-winning Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($16)!

Cheeks

The Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush ($3.99) is a tried and true drugstore makeup staple — it’s so affordable yet so pigmented. Lightweight and creamy, the Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush ($10.99) is also a great choice for the liquid blush fans out there.

Another cult-classic product is the Nars Orgasm Blush ($32). Radiant, bold and blendable, this formula is a showstopper and really packs a punch. There’s so many shades and finishes to choose from, and I’m always in awe of my glow whenever I wear this product.

If you really want to shine bright like a diamond, you’re going to need the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter ($40). My favorite shade of the product is a light pink shimmer called "Wattabrat," and I seriously can't rave about it enough.

There you have it, my spring break beauty must-haves! I love all of these products and hope they’ll make you glow no matter your trip destination. Also, remember to moisturize and apply sunscreen diligently. It’s so important to take care of your skin, especially when you’re out in the sun for hours on end.


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