As technology continues to improve all aspects of life, makeup wearers are searching for innovation in their beauty products, as well. Whether it is a new way to apply foundation, a revolutionary skin care device or a fancy mascara, these exciting products are a must-have for any beauty-loving student in the new year. 

Beautyblender

The beautyblender, a small, edgeless sponge applicator, has become a cult product since its release. The original technology features an open cell structure that causes the sponge to expand and fill with small amounts of water when wet, which, along with its unique shape and material, ensures streak-free application. Makeup sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed and lost inside of it, extending the life of the product. The blender also becomes softer when wet, perfect for people with sensitive skin. One of the problems with the sponge is that it is quite difficult to clean, which can be detrimental to makeup application and keeping skin clean, so it is important to wash the sponge often.  The blender has a long lifespan and is great for a college student who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a myriad of different makeup brushes. The beautyblender can be found for $19.95 at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Foreo

As an alternative to the harsher Clarisonic, Foreo has developed the LUNA mini, which helps cleanse the skin deeply and gently — great for any stressed college student. The company recommends using the product twice a day for clearer skin and pores, as well as a healthier looking complexion. The device contains tiny silicone bristles that shake when used in a relaxed manner unlike most rotating brushes on the market. It is available in a range of colors, including pink, purple and grey and can be bought through Foreo’s website, as well as Sephora. The gadget retails for $139, a surprisingly affordable price given the always-growing price tag of skincare products and accessories. The unique design of the device is certainly not suited to everyone’s face shape, so be sure to test it out in store before purchasing.

Lancôme Grandiose Mascara

This new mascara has a unique wand, fittingly called a Swan neck, that provides access to all lashes, even those really tiny, hard-to-reach inner ones. The formula lasts longer because the wand twists when it is pulled out of the bottle — traditional wands pump air into mascara tubes, which dries it out. The product is more expensive than most popular mascaras, at a pricey $32, but promises to last longer, meaning you won’t have to replace your mascara as often as drugstore counterparts.  Longer bristles lengthen larger lashes, while smaller bristles dispersed throughout the wand reach the very base of lashes to add volume. The product also features Lancôme’s rose cell extract, which nourishes and smoothes damaged lashes. Lancôme certainly makes big claims, but the beauty community has flocked to the novel product. This mascara may be the answer to those extra long class days when there just isn’t time to touch up makeup. It can be found at Sephora, lancome-usa.com, Ulta and a range of department stores.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Jan. 29, print edition. Email Sophie Lewis [email protected].