Top 7 Inexpensive Cosmetics For Struggling College Students

By Angela Bethea | April 3, 2012

A college student’s budget leaves little room for expenditures beyond books, food and living necessities. However, there is no reason to give up wearing makeup during these important years. Although cosmetics from department stores are priced too high for most students’ budgets, there are a few inexpensive drugstore cosmetics that work just as well.

1. Maybelline Skin-Matching Foundation
It is often difficult to determine which shade of foundation is best. Many college students spend more time outdoors during the spring and summer months, which means their skin tones may change. The best way to cut the expense of buying the wrong shade of foundation is to use this inexpensive skin-matching liquid. It blends well to fit a wide range of similar skin tones.

2. L’Oréal Extra Collagen Mascara
Whether students have thin or thick eyelashes, this mascara is a great choice. It smooths lashes out evenly, adds volume and gives them a fresh look. Another advantage about this formula is that it does not smudge easily. When the tube is closed tightly, its contents last longer than the average mascara product.

3. No. 19 Olay Regenerist Thermal Contour & Lift
This name is a mouthful to say, but the product will leave students with even more to say. At less than $30 per tube, the long-lasting skin treatment provides an amazingly firmer look and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. As most students know, college is a stressful time, so it is important to start battling the wrinkles as early as possible.

4. Almay Blendable Eye Pencil
While many eye pencils leave jagged lines, this one goes on smooth. With its flawless look, it easily compares to high-end brands. It will not smudge, and the pencil lasts long enough that it is worth its inexpensive price tag amount.

5. Maybelline New York Sensational Lip Color
Finding a lip color product that will not smudge is difficult, and it is even more difficult to find one in a drugstore beauty aisle. However, this surprising product glides on, lasts several hours and will not smudge easily. With so many shades to choose from, there is a perfect color for every student’s complexion.

6. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush
Since it is hard to find the right blush shade, many women simply skip wearing it. However, this cosmetic product has the ability to make a face glow and accentuate cheekbones. This particular product blends well on any skin tone, so it creates a natural glow for a fraction of the cost of similar products.

7. Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow
Most liquid-based shadows smudge or look uneven. However, this product’s result is a long-lasting smooth look. Imagine, all these are available for less than $10! Now that is definitely a great deal.

These seven products are enough to suit the needs of almost any college student. By purchasing only a few good cosmetic products, it is possible to save money and still look like a celebrity.