I think we can all admit it. As college students sometimes, we are tempted to buy things that are out our price range and are not always ‘necessary’. I know for me one of the most common splurges is on beauty especially makeup products. Whenever I see a new product from brands like Urban Decay or Tarte I immediately want to get it regardless of the sticker shock I may feel later. Due to this impulse buy affliction, I have had to find more affordable means of feeding my beauty habit. As such, I have found products from drugstore beauty brands that have as high of quality as the higher end brands but with a much lower cost that my college budget can afford. Please enjoy this list of my favorite budget beauty buys, who know you might find a few new favorites!
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline, $1.47, 1.75 oz.): This may not seem like the typical beauty product but believe me when I say everyone should have this in their beauty arsenal. Not only does Vaseline work wonders on dry and chapped lips (it even comes in little containers) but it also has a large range of other uses such as from making perfume last longer to removing glue from false eyelashes.
Powder Blush (NYX, $5.00): NYX’s Powder Blush is one of the most often raved about drugstore buys. This silky blush gives great color (a little goes a long way) and it comes in many different color and shades. Every skin color should be able to find a shade that works for them and this blush will deliver with pigmented color that lasts.
Color Burst Lip Butter (Revlon, $5.99): Revlon’s Lip Butter is like a lipstick but a lot smoother and less drying. Available in many shades this butter will give your lips a pop of color without the tugging that lipstick sometimes causes during application. My favorite color is Berry Smoothie and I would recommend this product for everyday wear.
Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover (Neutrogena, $5.99): Anyone who uses makeup knows that it is essential to have the right makeup remover. Everyone has their preferences and this is definitely mine. This remover does the trick without being oily or leaving your skin feeling dirty. You only need a little bit to get rid of the day’s look and at only $5.99 this everyday item won’t set you back much.
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Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow (Maybelline, $6.99): This gel shadow is a very versatile product. It lasts and lasts and not only can it be used as an eye shadow but some of the lighter shades could be used as an eye shadow primer for a unique layered look. The colors range from a lovely shade of everyday bronze to an out-of-this world turquoise. I recommend getting one bright color for fun occasions and a classic shade for everyday wear.
Lip Gloss (Bath and Body Works, $7.50): Bath and Body Works may be known for their candles and soap but their other beauty products are just as great. One of my favorite collection is their lip-gloss selection. These lip-glosses are shiny and smooth without being over sticky. Some of the flavors are infused with mint for a pleasant tingling sensation during application and they often have seasonal flavors around the holidays. Not to mention you can relive your child hood with flavors like Cotton Candy that have a great smell.
Nail Polish (Essie, $8.50): There are quite literally dozens of different nail polish brands out there but my favorite is Essie. This brand features a wide range of every color you could ask for as well as special top coats and primers. Their formula is long staying and the brush works well. I would highly recommend a top coat as they add something special to any manicure.
Fine Fragrance Mist (Bath and Body Works, $14.00): Bath and Body Works fragrance collection is arguably one of the most extensive with many, many different scents and their Fine Fragrance Mist is a great deal. The bottles are large and the scents last without being overly obvious. If you like, the scent there is a wide range of products available from true perfume to shower gel. I have been using the mists for years and my favorites scents thus far are Twilight Woods and Dark Kiss.
Ulta Collection Makeup (price varies): Overall, my favorite drugstore brand makeup collection would have to be Ulta’s. I have many of their products (from brushes to foundation to eye shadow) and I have found only one or two products that I did not like. Their prices are very reasonable and the selection of products and colors is impressive with new options being added every season. Their collection can be found at Ulta stores and keep your eyes peeled for by 2 get 2, gift with purchase and other deals that they often have.