Being a broke college student can be a rough, especially if you girls and guys out there have a budding makeup obsession like me. Of course, we can't always splurge on the hottest high-end makeup brands that Sephora and Ulta have to offer when we've got loans and debt weighing down on our shoulders keeping our credit balances drained and looking utterly and completely sad. Still, it's hard to give up the prospects of looking fleeky altogether so, here are a few makeup products that'll keep you slaying the game without burning too big of a hole in your wallet.
1. Catrice Prime and Fine Beautifying Primer/$7.99
This primer is a great way to make your foundation last longer for those long days where you can't catch a break in between classes to touch up on your makeup. It also adds a slight illuminating glow from within under your foundation if you're into that sort of thing.
2. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer/$10.00
Do you ever wish you had one product to just magically conceal all your imperfections? Look no further, this full-coverage foundation will cover all those imperfections effortlessly and it comes in a wide variety of shades to match light to darker skin tones. Two products in one for $10? Come on, that's a steal.
3. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation/$12.99
If you have oily or combination skin, this foundation does wonders for you. The demi-matte finish keeps oils at bay and lasts on the skin all day without looking making you look cakey.
4. RCMA Makeup No Color Powder/$12.00
5. Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder/$3.99
6. Maybelline New York Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles and Concealer Treatment/$9.99
Don't let those dark circles get the best of you. This concealer works to conceal, not only dark circles but also helps to highlight and brighten other high points of the face. Not to mention those anti-aging components are a huge bonus - gotta start while you're young, right?
7. Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer/$14.99
While Physician's Formula tends to lean on the pricier side of this list, the smooth texture of this bronzer might just make you spend those few extra dollars, not to mention it smells like a tropical breeze. My only issue: there's only one shade. Like, come on Physician's Formula, really?
8. Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Contour/$12.99
Time to contour! This palette gives you so much for just under $13. A contour color to carve out the hollows of the face, some blush to add some color back to those cheeks, and a highlighter for the subtle glow. You can even add some setting spray to your brush, then apply the highlighter to enhance the product and get that blinding glow.
9. Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Pearlized Highlighters/$8.00
Another highlighter but this one is meant to BLIND. For $8, your glow will blind all your enemies into oblivion. They come in a range of fun colors for all skin tones and are best applied with your fingertips for maximum pigmentation.
10. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter/$4.49
Okay, last highlighter - I promise! If you're not a huge fan of a blinding, visible-from-a-mile-away highlighters, this one by Essence is just for you. It may not look like much when swatched on your hand, but I promise you it transforms on the face, giving you the perfect glow from within.
11. NYX Cosmetics Matte/Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray/$7.99
You can't forget to lock in your look. Whether you're a one-spritz-and-go person or a let-me-bathe-in-this-mist person, these affordable picks will get the job done. These setting sprays just melt all the makeup you've applied onto your skin. The sprays also come in a matte or dewy finish to fit your skin type - also a plus.
12. L'Oréal Brow Stylist Definer/$8.99
Keep your eyebrows looking fleeky with this ultra-fine pencil tip to fill in sparse spots and make your brows looking carved and full. It comes with a cute little spooly on the opposite side of the pencil to soften any harsh marks. This could also serve as a major dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz which is more than twice the cost of this one (YIKES!)
13. e.l.f. Cosmetics Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer/$2.00
Lock in all your crazy and creative eye looks with this super affordable eyeshadow primer. You don't want your eyeshadow melting off through the day - trust me, it's not the look you want. But honestly, for $2 how could you pass this up?
14. Morphe Brushes PRO Makeup Palettes/$22.99
I know, I know - over $20? On a college budget?? Okay, hear me out. In each palette, you essentially get thirty-five shadows ranging from matte to metallic at about $0.66/shadow. High-end palettes will cost you double that much and give you less than half the amount of product. Plus, the palettes come in a variety of color schemes from neutral to more vibrant colors and the shadows are extremely buttery and pigmented. I would 10/10 recommend the 35F - it's so frosty.
15. NYX Cosmetics Pigments/$6.00
Want to add that extra pop of shine to your lid? These loose pigments by NYX can transform your lids and add some sparkle to radiate your look. The pigments come in over twenty colors, ranging from deeper blues and oranges to lighter duo-chrome and metallic colors that can help make that inner corner highlight pop.
16. Maybelline New York EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Liner/$7.99
Don't skip out on getting that sharp wing look. This liquid liner will get you that intense, precise wing to slay all the haters. The formula is also long-wearing, waterproof, and smudge-proof, just in case it starts pouring outside (the weather in Maryland is so unpredictable) or if you just need a good cry during midterm season (we all do).
17. e.l.f. Cosmetics Mineral Infused Mascara/$3.00
This mascara offers a natural boost in volume and the silicone bristles prevent lashes from clumping. Basically, it's bomb (at least that's what my roommate tells me EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING.) Plus, it's cruelty-free and vegan - who's not into that?
18. Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip/$6.00
Ah yes, liquid lipsticks. The drier the better, right? These liquid lipsticks dry down fast and come in a wide range of fun colors to choose from that will flatter all skin tones - a huge plus (yes to universal makeup). I would definitely recommend these over the Ultra Matte Lips because, although they dry down completely, they don't suck the life out of your lips and leave you looking like a crackly mess.
19. NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss/$4.99
If you're not into that dry, matte lip look, here are some budget-friendly glosses for you. These glosses also come in a wide variety of colors ranging from super sheer light shades to darker plums. Stay glossy, shiny and fun while conditioning and softening your lips. Lip care and looks for dayssss.
20. Revlon Nail Enamel/$5.99
21. e.l.f. Cosmetics Brushes/$1-$10
Whether it's a foundation brush, a blending brush, or an angled liner brush, e.l.f. has got you covered. No words. Some are literally $1. Come on now.
Well, I hope you can fulfill all your makeup dreams on a college budget with these affordable picks. What products do you use when you're trying not to splurge? I'd love to add some more to my list.
