College students at the University of Alabama kicked off the new semester on a high note Sept. 17 with Shop TODAY On Campus. The epic in-person event featured inspiring conversations (including a panel with entrepreneur, influencer and Nike Running Global Creator Brett Chody and Stoney Clover Lane Co-Founder Kendall Glazer), interactive brand activations, treats from Cinnabon and a curated gift bag worth over $750. But you don’t have to be a college student to get in on the fun: Shop TODAY contributor and lifestyle expert Melissa Garcia stopped by Studio 1A to highlight standout picks from brands that sponsored and popped up at the event.
Making the most of college life and beyond is much easier with the right products, and Garcia has all the best recommendations for fashion, home and more. To put your best foot forward, you’ll find personalized insoles from Fleet Feet, 20% off shapewear from Shapermint and custom frames from Zenni below. Beauty comes from the inside out, which is why you’ll see both drink mixes from True Citrus and an exfoliating serum from Bioré, too. And whether you’re tidying up your living room or deep-cleaning your dorm, Bissell has two different tools to help get the job done.
Shop along below — and if you’re interested in our next in-person event, tickets for Jenna & Sheinelle’s Girls Getaway are available now!
Shop TODAY On Campus products seen on 3rd hour of TODAY
Garcia owns this Shapermint bra and says it’s incredibly comfortable — so much so that it barely feels like you’re wearing one! Instead of an uncomfortable underwire, it has “jelly” strips built into the bra that help lift and shape. It’s seamless too, so you get that really smooth look underneath your clothes. And the best part is that the bra comes in sizes S through 4XL (designed for cup sizes up to G), which means that everyone can find their perfect fit for 20% off with code TODAY.
Our shopping editors ranked Shapermint’s high-waisted shaper shorts the best budget shapewear, and Garcia understands why. She loves that they offer comfortable compression and a smoothing effect through the tummy, hips and thighs — all without adding that feeling like you can’t breathe. She says they’re especially great underneath dresses, since you get the signature smoothing effect, plus extra coverage between your thighs to help with chafing. Score 20% off with code TODAY.
Looking to pare down your skin care routine? This exfoliant from Bioré combines 2% BHA salicylic acid with a hydrating serum to help leave your skin feeling nourished — not dry. Garcia says she loves that the two-in-one product gently removes dead skin and unclogs pores without feeling sticky.
These single-serve drink mix packets are made with real citrus that, according to Garcia, turn water into something way more functional (and tasty). This exclusive bundle allows you to sample a variety of blends with different hero ingredients and purposes. For example, Elevate Berry Blast has ingredients like caffeine from green tea, while Defend Berry Blend features electrolytes and vitamin C. And, because they’re individual packets, they’re so easy to take anywhere. Throw them in your bag or backpack, leave them at your desk, take them to the gym or even pack them for travel.
Zenni proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get really great glasses. Garcia is seriously impressed with the quality, and says they look and feel just like expensive designer shades. Plus, because they start at just $6.95 (for both the frame and basic prescription lenses), you can have fun with different shapes and styles instead of wearing the same pair every day. They have kids’ glasses too, so there really are options for the entire family!
Garcia says it’s smart to keep backup pair on hand, and she loves this classic aviator style. Store them at work, in your car or even pack an extra pair in your college kid’s move-in day essentials box.
More Zenni Optical styles:
- Zenni Optical Black Rectangle Glasses, $14.95
- Zenni Optical Gold Round Glasses, $20.95
- Zenni Optical Pattern Kids’ Round Glasses, $21.95
- Zenni Optical Clear Longboard Glasses, $34.95
Short on storage in your dorm or first apartment? Garcia recommends the brand’s mini cleaner that’s compact and weighs just about seven pounds. She says it’s easy to grab when you need it and doesn’t take up a ton of space!
If you have kids, pets or just a home that’s lived in and needs a little love, this portable deep cleaner is for you. You can use it on everything from rugs to upholstered couches to carseats, and Garcia says she’s even used it on the carpet in her family room with ease. Simply fill it with water and cleaner, spray it on the surface, give it a little scrub and the device suctions everything back up. Not to mention, you can see the dirt lifting out of your carpet which she says is so satisfying.
Want your sneakers to be even more comfortable? Superfeet is making it possible with insoles created from a 3D scan of your feet. They’re great for anyone who walks, runs or spends a lot of time on their feet — especially college students walking across campus all day. According to the brand, you can use your phone to complete the scan, but Fleet Feet also offers the service for free in-store with an experienced outfitter. Garcia actually had her feet sized on Fleet Feet’s custom machine at a previous Stages event, and she loves that they’re taking personalization even further with this new technology.
Shop TODAY On Campus gift bag products
Shop TODAY On Campus attendees received gift bags with more than $750 worth of products, which were provided to us for free by participating brands. Shop featured products and brands below!
Nothing seems to get rid of clogged pores faster than these deep cleansing strips, and Shop TODAY On Campus guests got to go home with a full box. Score your own set of eight for under $10!
According to the brand, these acne pads help to clear blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads — all while preventing new ones from forming. Even better, the highly-rated pick leaves skin soothed.
Another must-have to soothe severely chapped lips, this fast-acting balm provides relief in just a day, per the brand. If you’re already a fan of Flexitol, the three pack is sure to come in handy.
While you may have let your waves run wild this summer, now’s the time to stock up on a heat protector for fall blowouts. Per to the brand, this pick shields hair from damage up to 450 degrees F.
If you have dry lips, this Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning balm is like a glass of water that delivers healthy, plumping hydration without feeling sticky. It’s the perfect addition to your routine this season, especially with increased exposure to the cold.
Tower 28 is a Shop TODAY-favorite beauty brand, and now you can shop this mini size spray that was gifted to On Campus guests. It helps prevents breakouts and reduces redness with the key ingredient: hypochlorous acid.
Shapermint has been an editor favorite for years, and now you can score the brand’s fuzzy slipper socks. They’re perfect for feeling cozy this fall, whether you’re going out or staying in.
If you like the lather of a body wash but the exfoliation of a scrub, look no further than this two-in-one find. The brand says this foaming formula is even infused with shea butter and NAD+ for hydration.
Don’t sweat it! This deodorant is strong enough for your underarms, but gentle enough to use everywhere else, according to the brand. You can grab a single stick, or save with a five-pack!
Not only does this dry shampoo give your hair a fresh-out-of-the-shower feel, but it also adds mega volume to greasy strands. The wet-to-dry formula is perfect to use when running to an early morning class or meeting.
Add some glitter to your game-day look with these viral makeup patches from Fazit. Just like old-school temporary tattoos, all you have to do is apply pressure with a damp towel for 60 seconds.
The change in seasons is always a good time to invest in a new mascara, and guests found this curling pick in their gift bags. According to the brand, it’s both sweat-proof and smudge-proof.
These microdart patches feature ingredients like hyaluronic acid and enzymes to leave you with acne-free skin. Per the brand, they deliver actives deep into pores to treat blemishes at the source.
In the market for some sportier sunnies? This wrap around pair from Zenni Optical is ideal for cyclists, runners or anyone else with an active outdoor lifestyle. They even offer UV protection!
For makeup touchups on the go, this mini setting powder from Kosas is sure to come in handy. According to the brand, it blurs, brightens and sweeps away shine (not glow) for up to 12 hours.
In search of your new fall fragrance? This warm sugar mist is a sweet gourmand scent that can be worn on your skin or in your hair. Plus, the travel-friendly size can be easily taken on the go.
Know an incoming college student? The Book Outlet has a ton of discounted books, and guests of Shop TODAY On Campus were gifted 25 bucks to browse through memoirs, classics and more.
Can’t stand when your hair clip falls out? The brand says this pick is designed to hold a full head of hair no matter the texture. There are tons of colors to choose from, but we love this cherry red one!
If your skin barrier has seen better days, the brand says this face cleanser can help wash away impurities and remove dead skin cells with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid.
No one is too old to snuggle with a stuffed animal, and we can’t get over how adorable this mini Highland cow is. Per the brand, you can even pop it in the microwave for extra cozy relaxation.
Treat yourself to a little luxury with this SPF 20 dry oil sunscreen from Wen. The brand says it’s formulated with vitamins, extracts, eleven amino acids and peptides to leave your skin ultra soft.
It can be hard adjusting to a new bed or nighttime routine, but these dream strips promote better sleep in as little as one week, per the brand. The pack above will last you for three months!
Stay hydrated on the go with this insulated water bottle that, according to the brand, keeps your drink cold for up to 25 hours and hot for up to 12. We love that the design is cupholder friendly!
Wondering what the gift bag itself looked like? All of these goodies were tucked away in a backpack from JanSport. The classic style is as convenient to use on campus as it is to commute to work.
Not only does this flat iron promise smooth hair in a single pass, but it’s currently under 40 bucks! It’s compact in size but mighty in power, and it has multiple heat settings for you to choose from.
Guests at Shop TODAY On Campus received a full size bottle of Glossier perfume, and you can get your hands on this bestselling scent, too. It’s soft, warm and smells a bit different on everyone!
Put some pep in your step with this 12-pack from La Colombe. Guests went home with a bottle of the brand’s Everyday Draft Latte, but you can choose from flavors like mocha, caramel and even s’mores.
This Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning highlighter balm can be used on your cheeks, eyes, lips and body for an all-over glow. It’s available in six glassy shades, so the hardest decision will be choosing which one!
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Melissa Garcia.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
How we chose products from Shop TODAY On Campus
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. For this article, we selected products from participating brands and sponsors featured at Shop TODAY On Campus.
For paid content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the brand. The brand does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
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