It wasn't really until I enrolled in college that I realized just how expensive my makeup is, as well as my skin care products. So when I started to get low on both, I had to get creative on ways that I could buy more without spending an arm and a leg.

Beauty box subscriptions

If you don't have a monthly subscription to some kind of beauty package, now is the time to get one! My favorite subscription right now is Boxycharm, which is $21 a month, but you get name brand makeup, like Mac, Tarte, IT Cosmetics and so many others — and most of it is full size instead of travel size!

If that price is a little high, then I also recommend trying Ipsy, which is $10 a month or $110 for a year subscription. The only differences between Ipsy and Boxycharm are the cost, as well as the amount and size of the products you receive.

Ipsy only sends five items of makeup and they are usually travel sized. There are many kinds of beauty packs you can sign up for online that are super cheap, which really is the way to go if you are a makeup and skin care lover ballin' on a budget!

Dollar Tree

I'm going to say this louder for the people in the back — STOP sleepin' on the Dollar Tree! It literally has everything! The makeup isn't high end, but it's only $1, so what do you have to lose?

If you see some Youtube tutorial with blue eyeliner and you're hesitant about it, stop by the Dollar Tree and grab some — if you don't like it, at least it was cheap!

I always buy my makeup removers there as well. They usually have a variety of liquid removers as well as pads and wipes, which is super helpful. Depending on the store, they typically carry different kinds of face masks you can try out also. Basically, the Dollar Tree is my go-to for everything and I really advise more people to start shopping there.

Walmart/Walgreens

Okay, Walmart and Walgreens aren't as cheap as the others. You can't get as much bang for your buck, but they are easily accessible — there's one or the other pretty much everywhere. Both have a giant selection of makeup and skin care products, as well as off-brand items as well, which tend to be cheaper.

So if you are hesitant about buying a subscription, the Dollar Tree either isn't where you are located or they don't have what you need — Walmart or Walgreens most definitely will. These two stores are super reliable and easy to find.

So again, if you are a poor college student just trying to look cute, heed my advice! I 10/10 recommend trying one if not all of these tips to help you save money. I might be broke as a joke, but at least I won't be walking around looking like a scrub, thanks to these holy grails!