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Morning makeup and nightly beauty routine for the college student with limited money and limited time

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter.

Almost every sleep-loving college girl’s morning before class is much of a blur, so I have compiled my ultimate guide for a cheap and quick routine to make your mornings a breeze. To wind down at the end of a full day of class and studying, I’ve also got your nightly skincare routine covered down below.

Let’s start with the morning–

You wake up with only 20 minutes to get ready for class, but you still want to look presentable.

I start my quick, fresh-faced makeup with a primer always. Try the NYX Hydratouch Primer ($9.79) to give your skin some moisture and glow. Follow up with a BB cream for a little coverage, I recommend the Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream ($7.99).

To cover up any pimples that popped up overnight choose a concealer with good coverage, like Makeup Revolution’s Conceal and Define Full Coverage Concealer ($7).

To set that hard work in place, brush on some translucent powder to prevent that glowing skin from sliding off throughout the day. I recommend the Airspun Translucent Loose Face Powder ($5.99).

Lately I have been obsessed with shimmery blushes. To give your cheeks a little flush, use the Milani Baked Blush in Dolce. It has just the right amount of shimmer to sub in for highlighter. Make your eyes pop with the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara ($9.99). It will make your lashes longer in just two swipes!

If you want to go the extra mile and you have the time, pop on a Colourpop liquid lipstick in your favorite shade ($6.50).

 

The day is finally over and it’s time to wind down–

 

Here’s what you need to keep your skin glowing without the face full of makeup.

I swear by my Vanily Planet Spinbrush set. I have used this amazing tool for about two years now and it has never failed to make my face feel squeaky clean. I finessed the $130 price with a coupon code I found: DAISY7 to get the spinbrush for only $30. You’re welcome.

I recommend a simple and natural face wash, like the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.19). Adding a toner to your skincare routine will remove any dirt from your skin that the cleanser missed, and ultimately cleanses your pores. Try the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner (5.79).

Refresh and moisturize the skin with a thick and hydrating moisturizer like the Ponds Dry Skin Cream ($6.15). This formula is the perfect thick consistency, making a little bit go a long way.

For any pesky pimples, the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion gets rid of any pimples for me in less than two nights! Simply apply the product to the area and leave on overnight for best results.

And violà! A perfect, cheap and simple nightly skincare routine.

Alexa is a junior at West Virginia University, studying honors public relations with a minor in Spanish and strategic social media. She is an editor and YouTube director for Her Campus WVU. Alexa entertains herself with funny YouTube videos, travel, and Netflix binge-watching. Her post-graduation plans haven't been mapped out quite yet, but she hopes to do something that will keep her creativity flowing.
Maura is a senior at West Virginia University, studying honors journalism and leadership. She was the president of Her Campus at WVU from 2018-2019, interns with ESPN College GameDay and works as a marketing/communication assistant for the Reed College of Media. On campus, she has written opinion for WVU's Daily Athenaeum, served as the PR chair for WVU Society of Professional Journalists and was a reporter for WVUToday. She teaches leadership classes for the Honors College and is an active member of both the Honors Student Association and Helvetia Honorary. Maura is an avid fan of The New Yorker, (most) cities and the first half of late-night talk shows.