When you’re lounging at the beach scrolling through #dormroomgoals on Instagram, it can be easy to convince yourself that college is filled with leisurely mornings spent sipping flat whites in a trendy coffee shop. Unfortunately, the first few weeks of school will prove that’s nothing more than a summer fantasy. In reality, college mornings are a rush to get those last few chapters read while wolfing down a piece of stale toast (sans avocado) as you struggle to find something clean to wear. It doesn’t matter what time that first class is, it’s always too early and there’s never enough time.
During the morning frenzy, impeccable contouring and complicated smoky eyes are the last things on a college student’s mind. Beauty goals for the harried and sleep-deprived must be quick, efficient and effectively hide any signs of all-nighters. This calls for a few hero products that can get the job done in minutes — without costing what equates to a small student loan. Sounds as simple as finding a good thesis for that essay, right?
These multipurpose beauty products check all the boxes for time-starved, cash-poor students. They come in easy-to-apply packages, can be used in multiple ways, are virtually foolproof and won’t take up precious space in a crammed dorm room. You might even have a little time left over for that flat white.
[ Next: 10 College Essentials You Never Knew You Needed ]
14 Multipurpose Beauty Products Every College Freshman Needs
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BB Cream
BB creams are a favorite of all beauty lovers because they can do the job of five or more products. This budget-friendly BB minimizes shine, blurs imperfections, evens out skin and creates a flattering matte finish that makes powder unnecessary. And the liquid can be applied quickly with fingers.
CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream, $6.99 at Target
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Skin Perfector
Let's get real: contouring and strobing aren't going to happen when there are essays to write. We need a product that will give a flawless base in one step. This multitasker blurs imperfections, firms skin, minimizes the appearance of pores and evens out complexions.
Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done, $36 at Ulta
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Hydrating Balm
Stick highlighters are the way to go when you want to apply products as quickly as possible without sacrificing a flawless finish. Plus, they're great for stashing in your bag. This two-in-one balm hydrates skin and preps for makeup. It's water-based, so it doesn't feel heavy like some silicone-based primers.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Prep & Hydrate Balm, $8 at E.L.F. Cosmetics
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Multistick
We're not exaggerating when we say this is the only color makeup you need. Apply the one of 19 flattering shades to eyes, cheeks and lips, then blend with fingertips for a natural, monochromatic makeup look. The formula starts like a cream but creates a flattering powder finish.
Bite Beauty Multistick, $24 at Sephora
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Multitasking Pencil
It may be small, but this multitasking pencil helps wake up even the most sleep-deprived face. The universally flattering beige shade can be applied to brows, lips and eyes. It has a comfortable hydrating formula and comes with a built-in sharpener so it can just be twisted and applied.
Wander Beauty Secret Weapon Multitasking Pencil, $23 at Sephora
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Pressed Pigment
Some shy away from pigments because they don't know what to do with them, but a pigment can be used in countless ways. Dab it on lips. Stipple it on cheeks. Swipe it on eye creases. The hot coral shade is universally flattering and blends to a soft matte finish that works from 8:00 a.m. classes to after-school study sessions.
ColourPop Slim Fit Pressed Pigment, $4 at ColourPop
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Face and Body Cleanser
Here's a cleanser that can actually be applied to the face and body. The vegan formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it's packed with skin-soothing ingredients. It even has a pinch of sea salt to gently exfoliate skin without irritation.
Lush Aqua Marina Face and Body Cleanser, $12.95 at Lush
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Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath
Don't lug five different bottles in your shower caddy. This one product works as a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath. The uplifting melon daiquiri scent will make you want to slather it on from head to toe.
Philosophy Melon Daiquiri Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, $18 at Nordstrom
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Multipurpose Hair Styling Spray
Make every day a good hair day with this multipurpose pre-styling spray. It functions as a frizz fighter, leave-in conditioner, detangler, heat protectant, UV protector and more. Simply apply a few squirts on damp hair and style locks as normal. On busy mornings, apply it and let hair air-dry.
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, $8.99 at Ulta
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Argan Oil
It's worth spending a few extra dollars on this argan oil because it can be used on hair, body, face and nails. Just a few drops tackle everything from split ends to dry skin to rough cuticles.
Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $48 at Sephora
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Multi Masking
This isn't multitasking, it's multi-masking. Make the most of a masking session by targeting different skin care concerns in one go with a two-in-one product. Use the vegan clay mask on oily areas and the gold gel mask on places that need hydration. Snap a photo of the gemstone-like package while waiting for the masks to dry.
Tarte Tight & Bright Clay Multi-Mask, $40 at Tarte
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Cleansing Wipes
Makeup-removing wipes are a savior in every busy girl's beauty arsenal. These don't just remove dirt and makeup, the relaxing scent helps banish thoughts of looming deadlines while the cleanser works its magic.
Clean & Clear Night Relaxing All-in-One Cleansing Wipes, $4.99 at Target
