As a makeup lover, I’m always on the lookout for the best new makeup. But, as a college student, I cannot afford the high-end products that are sold at Sephora. Since high school, I’ve been on the hunt for holy grail makeup products and I’ve definitely found them. So, here’s my top 10 makeup products under $10 that will be sure to work for you!
1. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (Target $4.99)
A trend that has taken over the makeup world is beauty sponges! The iconic beauty blender, valued at $20, came and stole the show as the new way to apply makeup. However, if you're like me and can’t spend $20 on a sponge, the real techniques miracle complexion sponge is a great dupe! It has a flat side to apply the foundation or powder to your face and a pointed side to really get into the crevices of your face. It has a great texture for a sponge and leaves your skin with a beautiful finish and great coverage!
2. NYX Dark Circle Corrector (Target $5.99)
As a college student, I have dark circles that I need to cover. This product is a lifesaver! As a major trend this year, every makeup company came out with color correctors, makeup products that are meant to counteract colors on your face. If you look on a color wheel, the color across from the color you're trying to get rid of is the color you use to achieve it. So, for the blue and purple tones under your eyes, it’s best to use a peach/orange color corrector, depending on your skin tone. Before you apply your foundation and concealer, place this under your eyes in a patting motion to counteract the darkness. Like I said, lifesaver!
3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless (Target $5.99)
When it comes to foundations at the drugstore, there are always hits and misses for me. But the best one that I’ve found, in my opinion, is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless foundation! For people with oily skin, this will be perfect for you! Normal to dry skin, don’t get scared by the word matte; it actually has a beautiful satin finish that looks like your skin and isn’t drying at all. However, if you have really dry skin, the Fit Me line also has a Dewy and Smooth foundation! These foundations come in all shades and undertones to suit anyone’s needs.
4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (Target $4.99)
Now to further cover those dark circles, you need a concealer. In the same Fit Me line by Maybelline, the Fit Me concealer is equally as great as the foundation! With a moisturizing formula, it doesn't leave your under eyes cakey or dry and it has amazing coverage! It great for highlighting your under eye area, as well as the rest of your face.
5. NYC Translucent Powder (Target $3.62)
With the makeup trend “baking”, which involves placing loads of powder in places you want your makeup to last longer, translucent powder has become a necessity in many people’s makeup collection. The best I’ve found at the drugstore is the NYC translucent powder. It leaves your skin so silky and smooth but doesn't leave behind a white cast. Perfect to bake with!
6. Milani Luminoso Blush (Milani Website $8.99)
For a beautiful glowing finish on your cheeks, the Milani Luminoso Blush is gorgeous! It acts as a blush and highlighter because of the gold reflects finely milled throughout the peachy blush. It’s such a universally flattering color that will look good on any skin tone!
7. NYC Liquid Eyeliner (Target $2.88)
I’ve used my fair share of eyeliner in my lifetime: felt-tip, gel, liquid, everything! But the best one I’ve used, that I’ve chosen over high-end products, is the NYC liquid liner at the low price of 2.88, found at Target. It is so easy to create a winged eyeliner with because the brush is so tiny and precise! From beginners to professionals, this eyeliner is sure to be able to give you great results.
8. NYX Micro Brow Pencil (Target $9.99)
For Instagram ready brows, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is the one for you! Comparable to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz for $21, this pencil is perfect to create little brow hair to fill in gaps in your brows. It’s the perfect consistency for natural looking eyebrows!
9. Maybelline Lip Studio Color Jolt Intense Lip Paint (Target $6.99)
If you’re looking for a highly pigmented lip product, this is the best! It’s a liquified lipstick in an easy to use squeeze doe foot applicator packaging. Since it's not a matte lipstick, it won’t dry your lips out and it comes in all shades of colors for any occasion!
10. NYX Make-up Setting Spray (Target $7.99)
To make sure everything lasts all day, the NYX setting spray is your go to. There’s two different sprays to suit the needs of every skin type. If you have oily skin or prefer a matte finish, there’s the matte finish setting spray. But if you prefer dewy skin or have dry skin and need the moisture, there’s the dewy finish setting spray. This will ensure that all powders sink into your skin and your makeup lasts all day!
Hopefully, these products can help you look and feel good on a budget. Let me know in the comments if any of these products worked for you!
