![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
10 Drugstore Makeup Must-Haves
These makeup products are cheaper yet just as effective alternatives to the high-end products.
As self-professed cheapskate, I love finding drugstore alternatives to high-end makeup products that are often overpriced and overhyped. These ten items are my ultimate holy grail of cosmetic products that have proven their superiority over their higher-end counterparts time and time again.
1.) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer, $8.99
As a girl with parched, sensitive skin, this creamy concealer is ideal for creating a flawless finish that doesn’t emphasize dry patches on the skin. The product is dispensed through a twistable, sponge-tip applicator, making it perfect for a quick application. For best results, use your fingers instead of a brush to blend the concealer into your skin. Your fingers will warm up the concealer, allowing it to melt into your skin for easier application. This concealer is available in six shades that are geared more for lighter to medium skin tones.
2.) Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow, $6.99
The pigmentation of this cream eyeshadow is absolutely spectacular, definitely living up to the hype that surrounds it. A single sweep of color paired with black liner and a coat of mascara creates a glamorous eyeshadow look perfect for parties and other formal events. The creamy consistency and vibrant color payoff of this product is really what makes it a cult favorite. The eyeshadow stays true to its promise of a 24-hour wear without creasing or fading. Though the line features ten vivid shades, Bad To The Bronze, Pomegranate Pink, Audacious Asphalt, and Tough As Taupe complement almost all skin and hair tones.
3.) L’Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, $8.99
As a liquid liner addict, I constantly find myself perusing the cosmetic aisle in search of my new favorite eyeliner. Featuring an ultra-fine felt tip, this liner offers maximum control when I am attempting cat-eye and winged liner. The inky, dense black color is perfect for dramatic eye looks and looks best when paired with a volumizing mascara. If applied in a thin line across the upper lash line, this eyeliner can serve as an everyday makeup essential.
4.) Cover Girl LashBlast Volume Mascara, $8.99
Though I’ve sampled mascaras from luxury brands such as Lancôme, Clinique, and Estée Lauder, this drugstore mascara has always remained my favorite. With its iconic colossal wand and volumizing formula, this is my go-to product whether I’m rushing on a school morning or getting ready for an event. As clumpy eyelashes are a personal pet peeve of mine, I especially enjoy the thick bristles of the wand that are ideal for combing through your lashes and creating a clump-free look. This mascara is available in a waterproof and non-waterproof formula and comes in Very Black, Black, Black Brown, and Brown.
5.) Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, $8.99
My lips tend to dry out quite easily, so lip balm is definitely one of my must-have-at-all-times products. When a lip balm is paired with a vibrant color, as in this case, you can call me sold. These balm stains are incredibly smooth on the lips and leave your lips with a minty, refreshing tingle. As this product has a glossy finish, no lip gloss is necessary. The compact, chubby crayon is perfect for storing in a backpack, clutch, or your back pocket. Out of the twelve featured shades, Honey is perfect for an everyday, natural lip look, while Smitten is a bold hot-pink color that looks amazing paired with black liner for a night out. Lip liner can be traced around the edges of your mouth to prevent the color for running and help it remain more long lasting and defined.
6.) Rimmel London Natural Bronzer
I often struggle to find a bronzer that both shows up on my skin-tone and does not make me look like an Oompa-Loompa. This bronzer satisfies both of my criteria and provides a sun-kissed glow when applied to the hollows of your cheeks and temples with an angled blush brush. The slight shimmer is subdued and catches the light beautifully. This bronzer is available in Sun Light, Sun Bronze, and Sun Dance.
7.) Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Stick, $4.49
These eyeshadow sticks definitely live up to the rave reviews that preceded them. The jumbo crayon glides over the eyelid and can be blended with ease to create a smudged, softer look. The product boasts an impressive 24-hour waterproof wear. The line features 9 creamy shades that include a mix of both neutral and bright colors. Bad Bronze and Guilty Grey can be paired with winged liner and coat of mascara to create a five-minute smokey eye.
8.) Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
This powder has become a cult favorite amongst YouTube beauty gurus and features six shades that are suitable for light and dark skin tones. This product is ideal for setting liquid or cream foundation and concealer for a shine-free look. For best results, use a light hand during application to prevent a cakey finish. I find this powder works beautifully when used with a large eyeshadow brush to set smaller concealed areas. The shade Transparent is an excellent translucent powder that sets makeup without adding additional coverage.
9.) L’Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner 24 Hour, $9.99
High-end gel eyeliners can run quite expensive, so I was excited to find this drugstore substitute. The dense gel formula is very impressive and is ideal for achieving a dramatic eye look in a short amount of time. Though the eyeliner comes with its own brush, the product is easiest to apply with an angled eyeliner brush. A range of shades including Blackest Black, Espresso, Navy, Slate, and Bronze offer varying levels of intensity and can be used for both natural and dramatic looks.
10.) Maybelline Fit Me Blush, $4.99
Though I usually prefer cream blushes for my dry, sensitive skin, this inexpensive blush is a wonderful way to add a long-lasting flush of color to your cheeks without looking overdone. This line, like other Maybelline Fit Me products, is unique in that it offers specific shades for light, medium, and dark skin tones, totalling 12 shades in all. The shimmer in the blush is understated and gives a beautiful sheen to the skin. Medium Mauve is a rosey shade that suits a variety of makeup looks.
Riya Godbole is the Lifestyle Editor of The Winged Post. She is a senior and has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite...