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The Best Inexpensive Beauty Products on a College Budget

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

Sometimes it seems impossible to have your makeup look as good as it used to – when you were home and the nearest makeup store was a short drive away. Now you’re in college, money is far and few between, and you’re not sure which products to trust to do the same – or better – than your older products. Well, search no further! Here is a list of some of the most popular drugstore makeup brands that fit the college budget. The best part? They’re all under $10.

 

1. Colorpop Cosmetics

Okay, this is seriously one of the best makeup products I’ve ever tried, hands down. Their ultra-matte liquid lipsticks come in so many different vibrant colors and tones. The best part is, on their website, they show their customers what their colors look like on various skin tones. This is the first line I’ve seen do that, and their lipsticks are only $6!

2. E.L.F. Cosmetics

Elf is extremely accessible; you can find it at your local pharmacy. They have primer, gel liner, brushes and lipsticks all varying between $3-10. A favorite of mine is their gel liner – it comes with the applicator brush inside, and it’s only $3!

3. NYX

NYX has great lip products that are relatively inexpensive. Their eyeshadows and pigments are also popular, coming in a variety of vibrant colors. The pigments are $6 and the singular eye shadow is just under $5.

4.   Nicka K New York

Nicka K has a great line of lip products: matte, gloss and satin lip stains. The best part is that they’re all under $5!

5.   Covergirl

Covergirl’s “Ready, Set Gorgeous” Foundation is great for those quick store runs when you just need to cover up blemishes or make your skin tone look more even. It applies evenly and does not leave my face feeling greasy, which is a good thing to know after wearing foundation all day.

6.   Maybelline New York

This is my go to mascara for any occasion. It really gets the job done. There are so many variations of Maybelline’s mascara. You can never go wrong with whichever one you decide to wear for the day. I always like to top my freshly lined eyes with some mascara, and for $5, I can do just that.

7.   Black Radiance

I really appreciate this line. I am glad that there is makeup out there catered to people with deeper skin tones, and the tones are accurate and help accentuate the glow in one’s skin with warm tones. I especially like their lipsticks, which have a variety of reds, purples and nudes. Their satin lipstick is only $2, and can be found at places like Target or Walmart.

 

So, if you’re ever stuck and need something quick to pick up to make you feel (and look) good, then consider these products!

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Brezaja is a sophomore studying film in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. When not writing articles for Her Campus at VCU, you can usually find them endlessly browsing Netflix or checking social media, mostly Instagram and Twitter. They try to be as open-minded as possible, and don't mind having conversations with others about social issues. After college, they dream of being an art director for films.
Keziah is a writer for Her Campus. She is majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. HCXO!