Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.

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

…Cause college is expensive enough.

CPL Sections MAKEUP?width=1024&height=1024&fit=cover&auto=webp
Her Campus Media Design Team

College tends to suck every penny out of our wallets, from food to printed copies, to a couple (well-deserved) drinks at the end of the week. This leaves us with little money for the high-end, expensive makeup that our favorite influencers are using, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find great makeup products at an affordable price. Here’s a comprehensive list of drugstore makeup that’ll leave you and your wallet happy:

Primer:

e.l.f Power Grip Primer

  • Primer is an important first step in applying makeup, as it helps your base and eyeshadow adhere better to your skin and enhances its vibrancy. Regarded as one of the best drugstore primers, the e.l.f Power Grip Primer sits at $10 at Walgreens, Walmart, and the e.l.f. website.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Mattifying Face Primer, Clear

  • The Maybelline Fit Me Matte primer is one of this author’s faves as it goes on smoothly and creates a nice base for foundation and eyeshadow. Another thing to love about this primer is that it has SPF 20 in it already, an important feature of your skin care routine, wearing sunscreen. It can be found for $10 on the Maybelline website, at Walgreens for $12.49, or for a bargain at Walmart for almost $6.

Foundation:

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation

  • Coming in 40 shades, this liquid foundation is a great mattifying liquid foundation for oily skin girlies. The Fit Me line also has a Dewy and Smooth version, coming in 23 shades, that is hydrating for those with dry skin. The matte foundation is sold at Walmart for almost $7, Walgreens for $11, and the Maybelline website for $10.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder

  • If you’re not a fan of liquid foundation, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible is another good affordable alternative. It has great coverage and almost gives a filtered look to your face. It’s also convenient for touch-ups if you’re going out as it comes in a compact with a compartment with a mirror and a sponge applicator. You can buy it at Walmart for $14, Walgreens for $17, or the L’Oreal Paris website for $15.

Concealer:

e.l.f. 16 hr Camo Concealer

  • The e.l.f Camo Concealer comes in 10 hydrating shades, with more shades available on the e.l.f. website. At Walmart and Walgreens, it’s also $7.

Setting spray:

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

  • NYX is another one of those amazing drugstore makeup brands that has almost everything you need to look your best, and this setting spray is no exception. Another win for oily skin girlies, this setting spray makes sure your makeup sets without a hitch for hours on end! NYX also has a Radiant Finish, Dewy Finish, and a Plump Finish, all for $10 on the NYX website or at Walmart for $8.

Milani Make It Last Super Setting Spray

  • This multitasking setting spray serves as a primer, hydrator, and setting spray with a natural finish! This spray also comes in Matte, Dewy, and Sunscreen, which can be found at Walmart for upwards of $10.

Mascara:

L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise

  • The L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise mascara is a great option if you’re looking for a voluminous mascara. Its fluffy brush allows for soft application and gives your lashes a fuller look to them. Plus, it comes in the cry-proof (waterproof) version. They can be found at Walmart for a little over $7, or on the L’Oreal Paris website for about $12. 
lash paradie
Walmart

Maybelline Lash Sensational

  • The Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara is the best affordable option if you are looking for heightened lash length at an affordable price. Its curved brush also helps to curl lashes and maintain their shape. They’re $9 at Walmart and $12 on the Maybelline website.

Eyeliner:

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liquid Eyeliner

  • This NYX eyeliner is one of the best out there. The formula is great and the felt-tip is sure to make your cat eye sharp enough to kill a man (IYKYK), every time. On the NYX website, it’s $10 and in Walmart, it’s $8.48.

Lips:

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick

  • NYX back at it again as the best in the biz with this amazing matte liquid lipstick. It comes in a variety of colors and for $10 on the NYX website and Walgreens, it’s a great buy for an everyday lipstick.

Maybelline Lifter Gloss Lip Gloss

  • This hyaluronic acid infused lip gloss is made to hydrate and smooth lips. It advertises no sticky feeling and 20+ shades, available at Walmart for $7 and on the Maybelline website.
Sarai Fontanez-Davila is a staff writer and editor for Her Campus in the University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez, looking to cover topics from beauty to pop culture and news. She is in her second year of university, studying for a bachelor's degree in English Literature, driven by her passion for the craft of literature. In her senior year of high school, she was the president of the Creative Writing Club and a member of the National Honor Society. She has also participated in various writing competitions for organizations such as Teen Vogue, and has earned recognition as county winner of a state poetry competition. She graduated in 2022, with honors. Reading, window shopping, movies and TV, hanging out in coffee shops, and daydreaming on Pinterest are some of Sarai’s hobbies. Some TV shows and movies that have shaped her personality are Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe, and Studio Ghibli films, especially My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo. Her current book collection is made up of over 80 books and she is always looking for new books to read and add to the hoard.