Makeup is like art; it’s fun, innovative, and engaging. An added perk is feeling fabulous as you rock your look, whether that be bold red lipstick, winged eyeliner, or whatever else your beautiful heart desires!
But let’s face it: as college gals, most of us are pretty broke. However, that doesn’t mean that our creative pursuits or desire to look and feel like a babe should be affected! Here’s a list of my favorite affordable makeup products, all of which you can pick up at your local Target:
Primer: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer for $5.29
I use my regular moisturizer then apply this product. This primer is an amazing base for anyone with combination/oily skin. If you have dry skin, I would probably avoid this one. This primer is smoothing and definitely does keep my skin matte, even in the T-zone.
Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Liquid Foundation for $5.49
This is my absolute favorite foundation ever! I have tried high-end foundations from expensive brands, but I honestly don’t prefer any other foundation over this one. It has just the right amount of coverage (medium to full coverage, depending on application method), applies smoothly and easily, and blends out well. It doesn’t melt or oxidize. Plus, this product has a HUGE shade range, so I’m positive you could find a shade to perfectly match your skin tone.
Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer for $5.49
No surprise here! This is the matching concealer to the foundation I raved about above. I use them together and I LOVE this combination! This concealer has all of the same perks as the foundation does.
Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder for $3.97
Yep, another match. This is the matching powder to the primer I mentioned earlier in the article. This powder is great in either the transparent shade or a pigmented shade. Because this powder is pressed, I use it as a setting powder, but I also “bake” with this powder too. Similar to the primer, it keeps my makeup smooth and matte.
Blush and Bronzer: ELF Studio Contouring Duo for $3.99
I know that the takeover of the internet by “beauty gurus” like James Charles has consequently led to the disapproval of affordable makeup products, especially the extremely cheap brand ELF. However, I swear, this product (and many others) is amazing! The bronzer is so pigmented, and the blush looks so fresh and lovely on cheeks. Plus, both of these products are super blendable!
Highlighter: ELF Baked Highlighter for $2.99
This is another ELF product that I love. These highlighters are simple, but they’re pigmented, and look amazing on the skin.
Eyeliner: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil for $2.52
I use this product like a cream eyeliner, so basically I’ll just use a brush to apply this product. I love it because it’s easy to use, pigmented, creamy and smooth, and long-lasting. I use the black or the dark brown color to line my eyelids, and I use the white color to line my waterline (lower eyelid).
Setting Spray: NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray for $4.39
Okay – when I say this product is a GAME CHANGER, I mean it! This product is AMAZING. Not only does it deliver its promise of keeping my makeup matte for many, many hours, it makes my makeup just look…amazing?? It’s like magic, I swear. I can’t explain it. You’ll just have to trust me on this one and try it.
Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara for $6.79
TBH, I have a conspiracy theory that all mascara is the same. With that being said, I really like this mascara. It’s dark and thick, giving my eyelashes volume and a little bit of length. I don’t use the waterproof version so I can’t vouch for that, but I like this one a lot.
Those are my favorite affordable makeup products! I use numerous products from this list every time I do my makeup and I think they’re amazing. If you have any recommendations for me, leave them in the comments below!