REFINE Recs: Our Favorite Beauty Products

Curated by Holly Huepfel

There’s nothing more frustrating than the trial and error of finding a beauty product that is actually worth the hype. As college students, we don’t have the funds to drop $50 on a beauty product that doesn’t do anything. Luckily, the ladies of REFINE have done the work for you! We’ve collected a list of our ride or die hair products, makeup, skincare products, and fragrances that are worth the price or are total bargains. We take the guesswork out of your next shopping trip!

Holly Huepfel, Video Editor: Ouai Leave-In Conditioner

“When I first got highlights, it physically pained me how dry my hair was. I cycled through tons of different leave-in conditioners and hair treatments before my mom received this conditioning spray in her FabFitFun box. It conditions my hair better than anything else I’ve used without adding any time to my morning routine. I just mist it in my damp hair after showering, comb it through with a wide-tooth comb, and I have great hair for the rest of the day!” $26 at Sephora

Briana Vetter, Health Editor: Clairol Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo

“I love [this product] to keep my blonde highlights looking super icy!” $12 at Walgreens

Magdalena Becker, Writer: Rimmel Lasting Finish 24 hour Breathable Foundation

“I typically hate wearing any high coverage foundation, but I’ve found that this one feels super light and buildable, and stays even without powder. Just this foundation and a couple of coats of mascara make up my on-the-go school morning routine.” $6.69 at Target

Alesan Rose Aboafahe, Photographer: Glossier’s Cloud Paint in Haze

“It’s such a fun and easy way to apply blush, and it doesn’t make your face feel so heavy with makeup. It’s almost like a natural blush!” $18 at Glossier

Rebekah Harding, Features Editor: Benefit’s Gimme Brow + Volumizing Eyebrow Gel

“I love this eyebrow gel because it took my ridiculous and unnecessary 20-minute eyebrow routine down to probably three minutes max. My eyebrows aren’t particularly thin or thick, but I still like to add more definition to them to help balance my round face. All I do is brush some of this on in an upward direction every morning, occasionally fill in any gaps with a brow pomade, and then I’m out the door! Super simple natural brow look.” $24 at Sephora.

Hafeezat Bishi, Writer: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Lip Gloss in Ginger Snap

“It gives a natural glossy look to my lips, without being too sticky or shiny.” $3.59 at Target

Grace Grenier, Writer: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil (skincare)

“It’s naturally antiseptic and works great as a toner for skin when diluted. For me, it works just as well if not better than any other acne medication I’ve tried! Plus it’s super cheap.” $10 at Ulta

Lindsay Bowen, Senior Editor: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial Treatment

“I love this product because it really cleanses your skin and smoothes out impurities. You’re also able to control how intense the mask is, as you create your own concoction of clay and apple cider vinegar and/or water. This face mask is one of the best I’ve ever tried!” $8 at Target

Milly McKinnish, Writer: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap

“I recommend it to everyone. Within weeks of using Dr. Bronner’s, your skin becomes incredibly clear and bright. The only downside is it can be drying, so moisturizer is a must!” $4.29 at Target

Morgan Sullivan, Love Editor: Nuria Defend Gentle Exfoliator

“I found out about it at SHOWFIELDS (an interactive shopping experience) in New York City. It’s a gentle exfoliating scrub and you can literally see your dead skin come off as soon as you start rubbing it in. So satisfying!” $18 at Urban Outfitters

Sumaiyah Bynum, Writer: I’m From - Mugwort Essence

“I had really dry skin over the summer and I was at a loss. I did my research of the product before purchasing and I saw so many great reviews. This brand uses 100% Mugwort extract. It is vegan, cruelty-free and all-natural. Mugwort is a species of aromatic plant and is related to tea trees. The essence has calming, soothing and detoxifying properties, which helped my skin a ton! I would highly recommend this product to anyone who has acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it lasts for a while. I have been using it for 3 months and it looks like I’ve barely used it!” $39.90 at YesStyle

Emma Kuliczkowski, Writer: Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion

“This lilac-colored, slightly shimmery lotion carries the most relaxing lavender scent that totally mellows me out before bedtime! It’s super moisturizing and perfect to slather on right after the shower, or any time of the day.” $9.95 at Lush

Sarah Waddington, Digital Editor: Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

“It’s so lightweight and has an immediate brightening effect on my skin after I put it on! The only downside is no SPF, so I normally apply it right after.” $42 at Murad

Lily Sanders, Writer: Miss Dior Perfume

“I love how it’s simultaneously floral and musky with a hint of spicy in the best way possible. It isn’t too mature for a college student and is equal parts flirty and sophisticated. It has been my signature scent since high school.” $100 at Dior.

We hope this solved any ambiguity in your search for your next ride or die beauty product! The next time that you go shopping, you can confidently drop that hard-earned cash on something you know that’s worth it. Let us know which ones you try––tag us on Instagram @refine.magazine!

Cover Photo Credit: @beautyandskinlover on Instagram