Being in college can be expensive. Many people choose community colleges to save money, but somehow still end up with low funds and empty wallets. An important necessity for us who love to look our best and put on a good “beat” face every morning is makeup. As a girl who’s been doing her makeup since 2019, I can confidently say I have spent a pretty penny trying different concealers, primers, foundations, and setting powders to get that perfect combination that leaves my makeup lasting all day with only a few touch-ups here and there. After making the sacrifices of my own personal funds, I have scrapped up an impressive list of items that are both affordable and just as high-quality as those overly expensive Dior and Fenty Beauty products.
Having an excellent quality makeup sponge is a great start when it comes to mastering that full coverage look, I have been through many different applicators some ranging from 50 cents to $25. I do not think anything can compete with Real Techniques makeup sponges; they tend not to soak up a lot of product which is an issue I had with other sponges. They tend to last a long time for sure. They have a flat bottom which makes the foundation set into your skin beautifully, the sharp tip allows you to get into those narrow creases under your eyes and nose. It’s available at many stores, including both on Amazon and at Target. The sponge is around $5, which is a great price point.
Primer is a must-have for a long-wear look, the e.l.f. Power Grip primer is a great pick if you want that hydrating feel for your skin. The product is a bit sticky, but once the foundation is applied, that sticky sensation is completely gone. I have been using this for a long time, and it never disappoints me. It doesn’t cause breakouts, and is great for both dewy and matte makeup looks. You can buy this anywhere, but Ulta Beauty and Amazon both sell it for $10, which is great considering the bottle lasts about four to five months.
You cannot do your makeup without a good concealer and foundation combo; I have two foundation recommendations as well as two concealers that can be mixed and matched together. If you want a matte finish foundation that is hydrating and full coverage, I recommend the L’oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation. It takes two pumps of the product for a full coverage look, you won’t look cakey or dry if you use this product and the bottle will last you approximately four months. They have a wide shade range with 40 shades total and are priced at $13.99 at Target and $16.99 at Ulta Beauty.
The Loreal True Match Foundation is also a great pick for people who want light to medium coverage, and works well as a base for both dewy and matte looks. They have a wide shade range with a total of 47 shades available at Ulta Beauty for $13.99 as well as Target for $9.99. The bottle is smaller than the previous Foundation mentioned but it will last you around two months.
Now when it comes to concealers, I think everyone can agree that the L.A. Girls Pro.Conceal is an amazingly affordable product, it’s full coverage, doesn’t cake up, is long-lasting, and mixes well with any foundations you use. This concealer is available at Ulta Beauty for $5.50, as well as Target for $4.99, it comes with a built-in brush that allows you to smoothly apply product. You will be able to use it for 4 months before having to buy a new one.
Another concealer that is a go-to for me would have to be the L’oreal Paris Infallible 24h Full Wear concealer, it is a duo product to the L’oreal Paris Infallible Foundation mentioned earlier and is perfect for matte makeup looks. It does dry quickly so definitely blend it in as soon as you apply the product. It’s available at Ulta Beauty for $14.99 and Target for $12.99. You don’t need to use too much product for good coverage, and it should last for about 4 months.
After applying all that makeup, a great setting powder is a perfect next step to help get rid of that extra shine and hold everything in place. The Fit Me loose powder and the pressed powder are a great duo, the pressed powder should be used under the eyes while the loose powder can be used all over the face as well as some extra setting under the eyes. They have a wide spread of shades as well as a translucent shade that is suitable for anyone. I recommend a lighter shade of pressed powder under the eyes to help brighten them up, but to also look for a shade that matches your skin tone when buying the loose powder. You can buy both products at Ulta Beauty as well as Amazon with prices ranging from $6.94 to $10.99.
Contour, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner are all the extras to finalize your perfect look. The e.l.f. contour powder palette is a great pick if you want to add some depth and shape to your face, it comes with a highlighter as well as three contour shades. It will last you a while. I have had mine for around five months and still have a long way to go before I’ll need a new one. You can buy it at Ulta Beauty and Target for $9.
The NYX buttermelt blush is pigmented as well as long-lasting, they have many shades from bright baby pink to deep berry. Since the product is heavily pigmented, a little goes a long way, so this product will last you a long time. It is available at Ulta Beauty for $10.
Eyeshadow is hard to choose from, there are so many brands with many different pigments, but I have concluded that Color Pop has the best eyeshadow palettes. They have great pigment and apply smoothly, with many different palettes to choose from. You can buy nine shade palette for $14 at Ulta Beauty.
The e.l.f. $3 eyeliner is perfect for anyone who wants a stunning black wing. It applies wet and is slow drying. Once dry, it lasts all day. The Essence Lash Princess mascara is a great final addition as it’s waterproof and will last you all day. For $4.99 this will last around three months before you need to restock. You can buy these last two products at Ulta Beauty.
Battling both college and self care can be difficult. With these makeup recommendations, your pockets won’t hurt and your makeup will slay.
