College kids sometimes don't want to shell out tons of money for expensive things. For girls, that sometimes can mean bypassing Urban Decay and going for Revlon instead. But buying cosmetics from the drugstore doesn't have to mean cheap finishes and terrible colors. There are actually quite a few products that you can snag for an affordable price (my picks are all under $15!) -- and they're worth it, I promise. From one makeup obsessed college student to the next, here's what you should check out on your next CVS or Walmart trip:
1. Rimmel London Stay Matte Translucent Powder - $4.99
You'll never want to go back to "non-matte" powders again after using this. One sweep will keep your concealer from creasing and your foundation around slick parts of your face (i.e: nose, chin, forehead) from sliding around. And with no actual color (hence translucent) it's perfect for all skin tones!
2. NYX Eyeliner - $8.00
Hands down, the best eyeliner pencil from the drugstore. There are a million colors to choose from, plus there's waterproof versions too! I personally love the white eyeliner for early mornings, but you can't go wrong with any of them. There are matte ones, some with shimmer, and even some that are metallic. Gold, bronze, and grey are some of my other favorites.
3. Maybelline BB Cream - $8.99
Now, you would think with long school days, you'd need something more full coverage, right? Wrong. This light cream stays on for as long as you need it to, and it doesn't feel heavy like traditional foundations. Plus, it's buildable, meaning that you can apply more where you need it for extra coverage (goodbye dark circles and blemishes)!
4. NYC (New York Color) Bronzer - $2.99
Not a lot of stores (high end included) carry bronzers that are matte (aka: no shimmer). Matte bronzer is ideal for contouring (sculpting your face) as well as perfect for a more natural day-to-day look. If you're looking for one to try out, NYC's "Sunny" is your best bet.
5. ELF Blush Palette - $6.00
This little palette has made big headlines recently (thanks Seventeen!) and for good reason. The color payoff is wonderful and it's great quality for the price. You get four colors, ranging from pink to bronze. The packaging is sleek, which is a huge plus.
6. Loreal Voluminous Mascara - $7.29
If you want eyelashes as black as your soul, then look no further than this mascara. Carbon black is my personal go-to, but even the basic black is super dark and dramatic. It lifts, separates, and much like the name implies, gives major volume to your eyelashes.
7. Maybelline 'The Nudes' Eyeshadow Palette - $9.99
If you don't have enough money to grab one of the Naked Palettes, this drugstore dupe is your new BFF (and it works just as well)! There are neutral shades, darker colors, shimmers and four matte colors. No other drugstore eyeshadow palette has done that. So if you are a fan of natural looks for day but also want to master a smokey eye, I'd suggest giving this a try. With twelve shades for the price of a couple Starbucks drinks, I'd take it.
8. ELF Liquid Eyeliner - $2
One of my all-time favorite liquid liners. It's smooth and doesn't dry out on you, which makes the application a breeze. Perfect for makeup novices or a pro. Hello, winged eyeliner!
9. Covergirl Concealer - $7.99
Covergirl was actually the first makeup brand I tried all the way back in 2006. I was 11 and bought a concealer, powder, eyeshadow and lip gloss, so it has a special place in my heart. While my love for makeup hasn't changed, the concealer has (for the better). The newer formula is super creamy and lightweight, so you can essentially place it anywhere you want. The shades are perfect for using under the eyes (bye bags!) and for highlighting. Plus, the sponge applicator makes it super user friendly.
10. NYX Primer - $14.00
If you want your makeup to stay put, place this product on your face first thing. It creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup, which allows it to absorb oils continually throughout the day. There are even ones for different skin types and troubles (matte for oily skin, glowing for drier skin, green tint for redness and purple for sallow/dull skin).
