This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Belmont chapter.

15 Under $15

Beauty Products Every Struggling Female College Student Needs

I love makeup as much as any other girl, but there’s no way I’m throwing down hundreds of dollars on a full face. If you’re anything like me and constantly ballin’ on a budget to get that perfect look, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 15 of my favorite drugstore beauty products, all under $15!

1. Maybelline® Volum’ Express® The Falsies® Push Up Drama™ Mascara: $5.99 – $6.19 at Target

I swear by this mascara, y’all. I will try anything once, but this mascara is a keeper. Whether or not you’re like me and put multiple coats on, or you go for a more natural look, this mascara WORKS. My personal favorite is Blackest Black, but there are totally other options that are a little less dramatic.

2. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation: $8.99 – $11.99 at Target

As you’ll probably figure out, I’m definitely partial to Maybelline when it comes to drugstore brand makeup. This foundation goes on super easily, and also has the potential to build–something I really like in a foundation. I’m always always looking for full coverage, and this one definitely lives up to the expectation. I can go through my whole day without blotting my face or reapplying, which is a total plus. If you’re looking for an affordable, all-day foundation, this is the one.

3. NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lipstick: $3.52 – $6.99 at Target

Because I’m constantly on the go, I’m always searching for makeup that I won’t have to worry about touching up all day. At most, I only have to reapply this lipstick once, usually after I eat. The matte feeling can be kind of weird if you’ve never worn matte lipstick before, but after a few times, I promise you’ll never go back to having sticky lips again.

4. Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder: $8.99 – $9.99 at Target

Never worn highlighter? This one might be perfect for you. The Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder very simple and sheer, but does a killer job of accenting the parts of your face you want accented, while not making it entirely obvious you even have it on. It will also last for months. A picture with instructions that tell you exactly where to apply the product are on the back, making it impossible to mess up.

5. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer: $6.39 – $8.49 at Target

Concealer: one thing I can’t live without! This concealer is one that is not only highly praised by my mom, but by so many people I know. My skin is pretty pale, so this concealer really helps to even out my skin tone when my under eye bags are just a little too much. It has a really good coverage, and lots of shades to work with.

6. Makeup Revolution Flawless Ultra 32 Eyeshadow Palette: $15.00 at Ulta

This Makeup Revolution palette has just about every color you need to make a look that will turn heads. This palette is my go-to when it comes to eyeshadow, and I use it almost every day. The only color it’s lacking is a nice dark brown, but otherwise, I can’t complain.

7. Milani Baked Bronzer: $8.99 – $10.49 at Target

Because my skin is so pale, bronzer is my saving grace. This bronzer from Milani is awesome because it only takes a little on your brush to create the perfect contour, meaning the bronzer lasts forever. It can kind of be hard to tell the difference between the different shades, but trust me, there’s a difference. You will have to find the one that’s right for you.

8. Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation with built-in Blender: $8.79 – $13.99 (and one shade at $17.99) at Target

When looking up best drugstore foundations, this was another that came up on my radar. For a foundation that averages around $10, the Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation definitely does the trick and feels great on your skin. It has really great coverage, and the applicator makes it easy to blend with your natural skin tone. I definitely suggest this to anyone looking for a new foundation to try.

9. NYX Roll On Eye Shimmer: $7.00 at NYX

I actually found this product at a NYX store at the mall when, of course, they were having a sale. I rolled it on my arm and fell in love. NYX really did that when they put out this eye shimmer because it is beautiful. It only takes one swipe for you to be able to see the shimmer, and there’s so many good colors. You can totally go crazy with them, and if you catch NYX when they’re having a sale, even better.

10. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: $5.49 – $6.79 at Target

This is the concealer I use every day. It definitely does not have the most coverage I’ve ever seen in a concealer, but it’s inexpensive and does the job if you don’t have any major blemishes. Can’t go wrong with a $5.49 concealer, but if you’re looking for something to cover a major pimple, this isn’t the product.

11. Maybelline Fit Me Blush: $4.49 at Target

There’s not much to say about this one, except for that the Maybelline Fit Me Blush has a really strong pigment, and you only need a little for it to add color to your face.

12. e.l.f. Cosmetics BB Cream SPF 20: $5.99 at Target

Blemish balm, blemish base, whatever you want to call it, trying a new BB Cream can be hit or miss. If you’re like me, you look up everything before trying it, and I couldn’t find a single bad thing about the e.l.f. Cosmetics BB Cream. Turns out, the reviews are right. This BB cream is everything you need. Weightless with a very protective coverage, it comes infused with cucumber, jojoba, aloe and vitamin E so your skin stays healthy and hydrated all day long. What more could you ask for?

13. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Eyeliner: $5.99 at Target

Getting that perfect wing can be super frustrating, especially when you’re doing your makeup early in the morning before class. This eyeliner comes with an ultra fine pointed brush, so that it’s easier to create sharp, precise lines. I’m not even sure I know how to use other eyeliners anymore because I use this one so much. It even comes as a waterproof liner, too. What more could you ask for?

14. Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil: $0.99 at Wet n Wild

This is your typical $0.99 pencil eyeliner. If you use a pencil liner, this is a really great cheap one to check out. I personally don’t use this for my eyes, but for my eyebrows. But, whatever works.

15. Handmade Heroes All Natural, Vegan Lip Scrub: $8.90 on Amazon

Last but not least, this lip scrub is one of my favorite parts of my nightly routine. I don’t really have too much of a preference on lip scrubs, but because this one is all natural and you can order it straight from Amazon, it’s super convenient. Between my school and life schedules, I don’t always have time to hit the Lush store for a new lip scrub. This one may not be the brand you know and love, but it’s cheaper and more affordable, and I promise they both do the same thing.

A Notable Mention: e.l.f. Brushes!

These babies are just as good as any other makeup brush I’ve tried, and they’re only about $3 a piece. Of course, if you buy a bunch, they definitely add up, so that’s why they didn’t quite make the 15 under $15 list. You can, however, find some of the cheaper e.l.f. brushes at the dollar store sometimes, and there is absolutely no shame in that.

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15 Under $15 Beauty Products Every Struggling Female College Student Needs