Makeup Products For The College Girl On A Budget
Are you an average college girl wanting the best out of your makeup but cannot seem to drop the extra cash for that Kat Von D lipstick or that Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit? Afraid of “drugstore makeup” or are you just a first time cosmetics user and want to start off small?
Do not worry! There are great products out there that fit the budget, you just need to find them. Here are some great products for you, my budgeting friends.
*Disclaimer: Prices and products found on www.ulta.com*
Primer
ULTA Fabulous Face Foundation Primer: $12.50
Formulated for combination skin, ULTA’s Fabulous Face Primer has a nice matte finish. This product is made to minimize pores, fine lines and wrinkles all while making your skin soft to the touch. Try comparing to the name brands and see that a store brand can also get the job done with quality!
L’Oréal True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator: $12.99
With three different illuminating colors, L’Oréal has created a combination product. This primer acts like color correcting cream and a highlighter along with its intended purpose, priming your face. If you have normal skin and like an illuminating finish, this is the product for you.
CoverGirl TruBlend Primer: $9.99
Made for three skin types, the lightweight TruBlend Primer creates a smooth, natural finish for all.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer: $6.99
For those with sensitive skin, this matte primer will be a great addition to your makeup collection. This product is lightweight and has a long lasting effect.
BB/CC Cream
Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream: $8.99
This product is a revolution in a bottle. The “Dream Pure BB Cream” is an 8-in-1 product that fights blemishes and is oil-free. Containing 2 percent salicylic acid, this BB cream fights redness in the skin while concealing imperfections. Great for light, medium and dark skin tones.
Nyx Cosmetics BB Cream: $12.99
A personal favorite, the “Nyx BB Cream” is light and blends well with the skin. This product is oil-free and provides a brightening effect, making you look radiant and heavenly.
Nyx Cosmetics CC Cream: $13.99
Coming in different colors, the “Nyx CC Creams” each serve a different purpose. Green conceals red spots, lavender brightens your complexion and peach evens discoloration. Despite whatever color you choose, after application it turns into your skin tone. Each are a wonderful use before foundation.
Physicians Formula Super CC Correct + Conceal + Cover Cream SPF 30: $13.99
Physicians Formula does it all by having a 3-in-1 CC Cream, meaning you can get rid of your red spots, brighten your complexion and even discoloration in one application. Added to those benefits, you also get strong SPF protection for your face.
Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: $7.99
With an astounding 24 colors to choose from, Maybelline has made their foundation unique by matching a wide range of skin tones. Maybelline has successfully formulated the product for a specific skin type and topping it off by creating a flawless, matte finish that does not leave your face feeling “cakey.”
For best results, pair with the matching face powder.
CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup: $10.99
Looking tired? Has the stress of college started to take a toll on your face? Have no fear my friends, as the product says, this is age-defying foundation. Lift your skin and keep yourself looking alive even when exams are giving you sleepless nights with CoverGirl’s “Advance Radiance Age-Defying Makeup.”
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Makeup: $12.99
This foundation is dedicated to you dry-skinned ladies. Made with 40 percent water and vitamins C and E, L’Oréal’s foundation is meant to hydrate the skin and finish with a natural glow. With 15 colors to choose from, this satisfies the dry skinned population along with those who have sensitive skin.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation: $7.99
Do you have a busy day ahead of you and cannot waste time reapplying your makeup? Rimmel London’s “Lasting Finish Foundation” stays on for 24 hours. Having only light to medium skin tones available, this product is best for normal and oily skin while providing full face coverage.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer: $12.99
When I first laid my eyes on this product, the name is what stuck out the most. We all want healthy skin, so why not purchase a product that promotes just that? Developed by dermatologists, nothing at this price matches what Neutrogena’s foundation can do in one application.
This liquid formula is a quality, vitamin enriched makeup that keeps skin looking young and healthy while providing SPF 20 protection to minimize sun damage.
Powder
Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder: $3.99
Essence is a “dark horse” in the cosmetics industry. Though cheap, the product does not fail to deliver. This face powder is light weight and cancels oily shine for a beautiful matte finish. To my fellow oily skinned ladies, run to the store and try it for yourself — you will not be disappointed.
e.l.f. Cosmetics High Definition Powder (Sheer): $6.00
Being well known for cruelty free, vegan makeup, e.l.f. Cosmetics needed to make the list. I am being specific on powder color to make a point about the product. In the past I liked to use my skin tone powder and treat this as a “finishing layer.” This HD powder creates physical and visual softness for a flawless finish without creasing or shine.
Nyx Cosmetics #NoFilter Finishing Powder: $11.99
Want to have that true unfiltered look? Nyx’s new product, the “#NoFliter Finishing Powder,” gives you the ability to create an HD, photo ready face. You can say goodbye to Photoshop and filters because you will require no touchups!
Contouring
ULTA Strobing Face Kit: $8.00
Coming in three shades needed for contouring, the ULTA Strobing Face Kit is great for those who would like to start off with few colors and prefer liquid makeup.
Nyx Cosmetics Highlight & Contour Pro Palette: $24.99
For the listed price, this contour palette is the best a budget shopper can invest in. Having a variety of eight colors and covering skin tones light to dark, you will not be disappointed nor frustrated when trying to find the correct colors to use.
Nyx Cosmetics Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator: $7.49
Available in four illuminating colors, this highlighter will turn heads and blind eyes. Apply to your cheekbones and cupid’s bow. For the most intense shine, use before and after your foundation.
Nyx Cosmetics Matte Bronzer: $8.99
To help sculpt your cheekbones and other lovely features, you can choose from five shades of “Nyx’s Matte Bronzer” and achieve a statue look.
Nyx Cosmetics Illuminator: $8.99
If you do not prefer to use a liquid highlighter or if you need some shimmer, this version of “Nyx’s Illuminator” naturally gives your face a gorgeous glow with a pinch of sparkle.
Physicians Formula Baked Bronzer Wet/Dry Application: $11.99
Give yourself a fake tan your way! As the name states, you can apply this bronzer wet or dry. To apply dry, just dip your brush into the compact and apply directly to the area you would like to bronze. Apply wet by taking a damp beauty blender to the product and sculpt as needed.
Blush
Palladio Matte Blush: $6.99
Look like a doll with “Palladio’s Matte Blush.” With four light colors, your cheeks will look extra rosy and cute.
Nyx Cosmetics HD Blush: $6.99
With a wide variety of natural and summery blushes, “Nyx Cosmetics HD Blush” provides an airbrushed effect with an illuminating finish.
Nyx Cosmetics Ombre Blush: $9.99
Part of the ombre trend? Enjoy bright and unique colors to enhance your cheeks that keep you smiling.
CoverGirl TruBlend Blush: $9.99
Best suited for oily and sensitive skin, the “TruBlend Blush” is made with minerals and blends well with the skin.
Eyebrows
Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara: $2.99
For the animal lovers, Essence has created a cheap, well pigmented eyebrow gel that is applied with a mascara wand. The gel is made for gap coverage, creating fuller brows without the product having been tested on animals.
Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel: $8.99
Revlon’s sulfate-free product features a pencil and eyebrow gel. First, fill in your eyebrows with the pencil; then apply the gel for the finishing touches. Fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested, this is great for everyday use and those with normal-type skin.
Palladio Brow Pencil: $5.99
Fill your brows with a product that has a beautiful and sleek design. With easy application you will have perfect brows in no time!
Nyx Cosmetics Eyebrow Gel: $6.99
Already have a mascara wand and do not want to buy a pencil? Nyx has provided a waterproof liquid product that is perfect for all skin types and goes on smoothly to keep your eyebrows in check.
Eyeshadow
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil: $4.49
Prime your eyes and have your eyeshadow stay on all day with “Nyx’s Jumbo Eye Pencil” in shade “Milk” or “Cottage Cheese.”
Nyx Cosmetics Hot Singles Eyeshadow: $4.49
Feel like eyeshadow palettes just do not have enough colors that you like in them? With 44 colors in this collection, you are guaranteed to find the perfect colors that suit your style.
L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow: $7.99
Want your eyelids to sparkle like diamonds? The “Infallible Eyeshadow” has a glitter finish and is perfect for a night on the town and a smoky eye look.
CoverGirl Nudes TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette: $11.99
Love nude palettes? Want more than one type of finish? CoverGirl has it all with the “TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette.” Containing neutral, smoky, shimmer and matte finishes, if you are a nude makeup lover and on a budget, look no further for great variety.
Nyx Cosmetics Dream Catcher Palette: $14.99
As an owner of the “Dusk Till Dawn” palette (pictured in the middle), this product is worth the buy. Coming with only a couple of matte finishes and the rest shimmer, you can add a bit of flair to your nude makeup routine with flawless pigmentation.
Eyeliner
Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil: $2.49
Having control of your eyeliner is key. This product is a soft pencil (meaning you will not feel like you are scratching the skin off your eyes) and comes in black, brown and turquoise.
Nyx Cosmetics Collection Noir Satin Finish Liner: $5.99
If you prefer a hard pencil, this is the eyeliner for you. For best results, before every use, sharpen your liner and apply as needed. Use this pencil liner for smoky eyes, everyday use or going out.
Nyx Cosmetics Matte Liquid Liner: $6.99
Do you get tired of holding a pencil? Does looking at one remind you of the diligent note taking you have been doing and just feel that you cannot handle the thought of using one on your eyes? No worries, Nyx has got you covered with their matte liquid liner. Never miss out on that perfect cat eye again!
Nyx Cosmetics Super Fat Eye Marker: $9.99
My go-to eyeliner, the “Super Fat Eye Marker” glides on easily and creates an edgy, bold, smudge proof black line. With this product having a fat base and a skinny tip, you can easily create a thin or thick cat eye.
Essence Gel Eyeliner: $3.99
If you enjoy feeling like a painter and having more accurate control of your eyeliner, then gel liner is perfect for you! This intense black will create that fearless and sharp line you always wanted in your look.
Mascara
Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara: $4.99
Are you blessed with long lashes but not voluminous ones? Essence is not playing games with their volume mascara. This product creates a gorgeous, thick texture that make your eyes pop.
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara: $7.99
For those of you that cannot understand eyelash curlers and want fanned out lashes, the “CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara” is here to save the day. With an arched lash wand, you will have no problem creating the doll-like lashes of your dreams.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: $4.99
Feel like a Disney princess with Essence’s “Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara.” Not tested on animals and ophthalmologist tested, having royal lashes has never been more safe and rewarding.
Lips
Nyx Cosmetics Round Case Lipstick: $3.99
With moisturizing properties, the “Round Case Lipstick” collection comes in 44 colors and each finish with intense shine.
Nyx Cosmetics Matte Lipstick: $5.99
Not a fan of gloss and love lipstick? Nyx’s matte lipstick has a wide variety of colors with high pigmentation that make you a trend setter.
Nyx Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick: $6.99
This particular Nyx collection has liquid lipsticks that are well suited for everyone. With dark, nude, light and bold electric colors, no style is left out.
Rimmel London Provocalips 16 Hour Kiss Proof Lip Colour: $6.99
Available from nudes to reds, this lipstick is guaranteed to last you most of the day. Enjoy your day with confidence and beautifully colored lips.
L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipcolour: $7.99
L’Oréal is not joking when they call this lipstick “Riche.” I own the shade “Fairest Nude” and can fully agree that this product means what its name says.
It goes on smoothly, is very moisturizing, and looks flawless. There has not been a sticky feeling after a few hours nor has it cracked or been runny. You certainly get a “bang for your buck” out of this lipstick.
Setting Spray
Nyx Cosmetics Matte or Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray: $7.99
Keep your makeup on all day and night without streaking or looking “cakey.” Just choose the finish and look like a diva as long as you want!
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Wear Boosting Setting Spray: $12.99
This product is a lightweight and quick drying setting spray. Keep your makeup on all day and have soft skin all in a few sprays.
Each product listed is just an example curated by yours truly. I hope those on a budget find prices for these products to be reasonable and the suggested brands well-suited for their needs.
Makeup junkies, would you suggest these for budget shopping? Used any of the following products or found some you have never tried before? Whatever the case may be, makeup should be more affordable and enjoyed by all its enthusiasts.
For all who want to look flawless and save some green, this article was dedicated to you.