Affordable Makeup Series: Eyeshadows for the Frugal College Gal

Like any college student obsessed with everything beauty related, I love browsing Sephora searching for new products to dazzle up my eyeshadow collection. Unfortunately, my wallet isn’t always bursting with Sephora money. So I’ve done my best to compile a list of affordable eye shadow products that would be useful in anyone’s makeup kit. Clean off your brushes, and get those credit cards ready because you’ll definitely want to purchase these.

1. Makeup Geek Eyeshadows:

If you don’t already know who Marlena AKA Makeup Geek is, look up her YouTube channel! Marlena started making YouTube videos in 2008, and after her YouTube success decided to start her own Makeup line.

The standout products of her line are definitely her eyeshadows and eyeshadow pigments. These eyeshadows are often compared to MAC but come with a much cheaper price tag– around $5.99 per eyeshadow and $6.99 per eyeshadow pigment.

Her website also offers some of these eyeshadows in pre-packaged palettes. The most popular is the “Makeup Geek Starter Kit” which includes 9 neutral eyeshadows.

Keep in mind that these shadows are delivered unpackaged and will need to be placed into an empty magnetic palette.

Go to the website and check them out yourself! (www.makeupgeek.com) On here you can also find multiple tutorials where Marlena uses her very own brand to create various eyeshadow looks.

Must Watch Video: This MAC vs. Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Smackdown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGOpvRmBV4I

2.  NYX Eyeshadows:

NYX Cosmetics is a major makeup company that creates 100% cruelty-free cosmetics at an affordable price. Their products can be bought online at www.nyxcosmetics.com or on www.ulta.com. Their products have also recently become available at Target!

NYX offers a variety of single eyeshadows which cost about $4.50 per eyeshadow. They also carry eyeshadow bases in pencil form (NYX Jumbo Pencils), pigment form and roll on shadow form. They even offer a variety of eyeshadow palettes, so that you can achieve any look you want!

My personal favorite is the “Love in Paris” line which features 12 different palettes that include 9 eyeshadows each. These palettes run for $10 each and are a great addition to any makeup collection.

My favorite tutorial: itsjudytime’s neutral eye look using NYX’s “Natural Palette” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdlsPvXlpaU

3.  Morphe Eyeshadows:

Morphe eyeshadows aren’t well known, but they definitely deserve a lot of recognition. Based out of Burbank, California, Morphe’s products have been catching the attention of many professional make up artists because of their wonderful quality, high pigmentation and cheap price. They carry a variety of eyeshadow palettes ranging from $14.95- $29.95, and also offer individual eyeshadows for only $2 a pan.

If you’re looking to build your own magnetic palette, I definitely recommend Morphe’s $2 shadows. (www.morphebrushes.com)

Must Watch Video: Youtuber “ThatGirlShaeXO” provides a closer look and reviews these eyeshadows in a very informative video. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKpgp4Xua0U

4.  Wet ‘n Wild Eyeshadow Trios:

If you’re ever at a Walgreens I dare you to pick up at least one of Wet ‘n Wild’s eyeshadow trios! These trios are the best because they include all the colors you could ever need for a full eyeshadow look. All trios come with one eyelid, crease and browbone color. They’re simple to use, have great pigment and are super affordable– only $2.99.

Wet ‘n Wild also sells eyeshadow singles and larger palettes that are definitely worth checking out. They can be bought at Walgreens or on their website! (www.wnwbeauty.com)

My favorite tutorial: This matte neutral eye look by youtube user “leighannsays” using Wet ‘n Wild’s “Drinking a Glass of Shine” palette. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XUzqsGVJW4

5.  BH Cosmetics

BH Cosmetics proves to be a go-to cheap favorite of many beauty gurus. Their products  range from 120 color palettes, to single shadows and themed palettes. Their new “Take Me to Brazil” palette features bright colors inspired by Brazilian Carnivale, while their “Eyes on the 60s” palette features colors to recreate 60s mod themed looks.

Their large variety of shadows can be seen on their website, www.bhcosmetics.com

My favorite tutorial: ChrisspyMakeup shows us how to do two 60’s inspired colorful makeup looks using BH Cosmetic’s “Eyes on the 60’s” palette. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcIgsNbAkxc

For an extremely bold and fun look check out this look by youtuber “Queenii Rozenblad”  using BH Cosmetics “Take me to Brazil” palette. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CjAi1hrab0

High-end eyeshadows are always great to have, but it is possible to get cheaper eyeshadows that are great quality. Do your research and Youtube search some tutorials if you’re in need of inspiration. You’d be surprised how many looks can be made with these products. 

• affordable
• college
• eyeshadow
• makeup