Spilling Penn Seniors’ Makeup Bags

Mar 6

As the resident makeup aficionado among my friends, I am always curious to know what new products have become staples in their routines. Before we graduate and all spread to the winds, I set out to learn my friends' top 5 faves and must-haves. I’m here to spread the information I gleaned to you, after spending my Sunday trekking from house to apartment and fighting with the fickle flash on my digicam. In general, these products are a great bang for your buck, easy to apply, and suitable for everyday wear.

Liz!

First up, my friend Liz! Liz is a senior from Los Angeles, studying Health & Society and Healthcare Management. Makeup is a part of her life because she loves to get ready and feel put together. As a self-proclaimed girly girl, she uses these products to complement and bring out her favorite features. She often makes purchases based on random TikTok reviews and tries to follow influencers with similar features. Her recommendations included Ariana Greenblatt, Lily Chee, Grace Murphy, Quincy Whipple, and Eva Meloche.

1, Cloud Paint - Storm $22

What: Cream blush

Brand: Glossier

Why: Cloud Paint has been a staple for Liz since high school. The product is very natural and sheer but able to bring color to the face and builds to desired strength.

2. Sculpt Stick - Stoked $24

What: Cream contour Stick

Brand: Milk Makeup

Why: Inspired by a TikTok recommending cool toned bronzer and contour products. This contour stick by Milk works great, especially for those who prefer cream to powder.

3. Artist Color Pencil - Versatile Chestnut $24

What: Lip liner + brow pencil

Brand: Make Up For Ever

Why: Such a good product, Liz had to fetch it from her purse from last night! Works as a lip liner for dinner or a night. Inspired by a TikTok of Ariana Greenblatt saying she uses the same pencil in a different shade.

4. High Impact Waterproof Mascara - $26

What: Waterproof mascara

Brand: Clinique

Why: Waterproof mascara is Liz’s preferred because her eyelashes remain curled longer, as well as providing more length and volume.

5. Forever Skin Correct - $40

What: High-coverage concealer

Brand: Dior

Why: This full-coverage concealer is great as it does not dry out the skin in the under eye area. Though on the pricier side, it's great treat for Christmas or birthday gifts.

Anna!

Next is Anna, a senior studying Architecture and Urban Studies and Real Estate. Makeup for Anna is a fun activity but still an accomplished task. Makeup can make you feel good and you get to try out fun products. Anna gets inspiration from walking around stores like Sephora or asking for recommendations from the sales associates. Though she enjoys trying new products, she tends to stick to what she knows.

1. Benetint - $26

What: Rose-tinted lip + cheek stain

Brand: Benefit

Why: This lip and cheek tint lasts for a very long time with little evidence of transfer. Anna prefers the Benetint for her cheeks more than lips.

2. Swipe Serum Concealer - $22

What: Hydrating medium-coverage concealer

Brand: Tower28

Why: This concealer is good for dry skin. The formula is very hydrating with moderate coverage and easy blending.

3. Smart Wheel - Street $36

What: Tinted balm for eyes, lips, cheeks + collarbone

Brand: FACE stockholm

Why: The Smart Wheel does it all with a creamy highlighter and three blush shades. The highlighter leaves skin dewy while all blush shades can also be applied to the lips.

4. Birch Juice Sunscreen - $28

What: Moisturizing sunscreen 50+ SPF

Brand: Round Lab

Why: This product was introduced to Anna by close friends from Korea. The sunscreen goes on white at first but melts in skin easily without appearing oily. Another plus is the neutral scent; no nasty sunscreen smell.

5. Clear Brow Gel - $22

What: Clear brow gel

Brand: Anastasia Beverly Hills

Why: This clear brow gel does everything it’s meant to do. Easy to find and easy to apply!

Claire!

Finally, Claire is a senior from Seoul, studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Makeup allows her to feel put together and acts as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone artistically. Though she grew up watching beauty youtubers, Claire now tries to follow Asian influencers with similar features and Korean skincare trends.

1. Blur Liner - Berry $24

What: Lip Liner

Brand: Refy

Why: This shade of liner is a journey into bolder and darker colored makeup looks. The formula is versatile and blends nicely with gloss.

2. Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum - Peach Glaze $22

What: Skincare-based lip serum

Brand: Laneige

Why: This lip serum is Claire’s everyday substitute for lipstick that also hydrates. The cool and innovative applicator is another plus!

3. Hollywood Flawless Filter - 3 Fair $49

What: Low-coverage foundation

Brand: Charlotte Tilbury

Why: By now, everyone has heard of Flawless Filter. Application to the under eye and T-zone provides an even base with a subtle glow. This product is great for those who are not a fan of foundation.

4. Color Tattoo Eyeshadow - Socialite Discontinued

What: Cream eyeshadow

Brand: Maybelline

Why: A sneaky CVS find while on the hunt for a discontinued Tom Ford pot eyeshadow. This shade works well for both daytime and a night out.

5. Another 13 - $107

What: Animal musk, jasmine + moss perfume

Brand: Le Labo

Why: A Christmas gift from Dad has turned into Claire’s year round perfume. The scent is a bit more niche than a Santal 33 or Chanel No. 5. The musk base creates a woody scent that isn’t too floral.

There you have it! Three Penn seniors and their makeup must-haves. I hope this article has inspired some new purchases or reinvigorated a love for an old product.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Clara Baurmeister

Clara Baurmeister

Clara is a senior studying chemical engineering and art history. She loves working on The WALK because it serves as a creative outlet and a way to explore the crossover between science, art, and beauty. She currently serves as a Web Writer for The WALK Magazine.