By now you should have already read about the best beauty products on a luxury budget for spring(and maybe even tried some!). But odds are if you’re anything like most college students, you can’t afford to spend more on beauty products than you do on groceries—and unless you’re a Trump, a Hilton, or a Hearst, you probably don’t have a spare $50 lying around to spend on a tube of mascara. Here’s how to get this season’s best looks, without draining your checking account.
1) Almay Smart Shade™Anti-Aging Makeup ($12)
This long -lasting liquid foundation applies smoothly, doesn’t cake, and changes to match your skin tone exactly when applied. It won a Natural Health Beauty award, is hypoallergenic, and has a low SPF to protect against sunburn and sun damage. For more coverage, try it over concealer and top with a sheer loose powder.
2) Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets(<$6)
Most of us probably remember these from junior high and the early years of high school. The warmer weather and humidity that come with spring can melt makeup, especially if you’re prone to oily skin or sweating. These sheets are a quick and convenient way to get rid of shine without a complete makeup redo, and are at least as effective as their more expensive counterparts.
3) Rimmel London Exaggerate Full Colour Eye Definer(<$6)
I first discovered this UK-based makeup brand when they hired Kate Mossto be their poster girl several years back. Their eyeliners are especially great—they apply evenly and don’t tend to melt easily, and the colors are rich and intense. Try out basic blacks, browns, and sables for an everyday work look; experimentwith brighter purples, blues, and greens for going out or for special occasions.
4) Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate LengthMascara ($8.49)
This ophthalmologist-tested, conditioning mascara ought to satisfy even the pickiest makeup users. Unlike many other drugstore mascaras, it doesn’t melt or run, and it adds a bit of length and volume without appearing fake or stage makeup-y. Be advised, though, that the blackest black shade may be a bit too dark and intense for blondes or redheads—these lighter-haired girls may want to stick with the brownish black shade instead.
5) L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour($9)
Pink glosses were big on this spring’s runways, especially in neon-bright shades. For a wearable version of this trend, try this L’Oreal lipstick—which has won awards from Glamourand Alluremagazines—in Tickled Pinkor Mauved, which will give lips a hint of pink without being overwhelming. This product is a favorite because it’s shiny without being too sticky, and won’t dry out lips the way that other lipsticks sometimes do.
6) Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Style & Volumize Brush($11)
Use this brush when blow drying hair to add volume and a bit of shine. For extra body, apply a tiny bit of mousse to roots first, while hair is still wet. The ceramic barrel helps hair blow dry faster, and the nylon bristles help smooth hair by controlling frizz and reducing static.
7) Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Lotion($8)
Even if you’re not a big fan of tanning or fake tan sprays, this lotion, is pretty great—it’s lightweight and natural looking, and doesn’t get orange or streaky. Users can apply it periodically in thin coats- allow several hours between applications so the color can set in properly- and the tan becomes gradually darker with each layer. This makes it a great fit for many different skin tones, and because it’s a lotion, it moisturizes as it tans. As with all tanning lotions and sprays, be careful with it around knees, elbows, and feet.