Have you ever sat scrolling through social media for makeup inspiration, only for an influencer to recommend a product that would single-handedly break the bank? Yeah, me too. I think it’s a universal student experience to yearn over a dream beauty basket you definitely can’t afford.
However, as someone who has tried out both high end and drugstore makeup, I promise you do not need to sell your entire wardrobe on Vinted to afford great makeup. Some products can be so convincing, you won’t be able to tell if they came from Prada or the Superdrug clearance aisle.
We’ve all been there: running on three hours of sleep after a night out, desperately wanting that filtered, airbrushed look for your 9AM. To look instantly put together, all you need is a good skin tint. The Kylie Jenner skin tint is going pretty viral - it does the job, plumps, and hydrates. But for half the price, the L’Oréal True Match Tinted Serum does the exact same, if not better! Packed with 1% pure hyaluronic acid, it’s skincare in a makeup product. Without spending a fortune, you get a dewy, radiant finish, making your skin extra glowy ready for tackling your early morning timetable.
…beyond affordable and dare I say, even better than a lot of high-end options.
Personally, my eye bags after a night out are next level. Yes, the Hourglass concealer may cover them well, but do students really need to be spending an extortionate £37 on a concealer? If you hadn’t guessed, the answer is absolutely not. The Multi-Tasker Concealer from Rimmel London is beyond affordable and dare I say, even better than a lot of high-end options. You would never be able to tell how few hours of sleep I had the night before!
I love a dewy, bright cheek, but unfortunately my bank account won’t allow me to splurge on the iconic Rare Beauty liquid blush. As usual, Elf have outdone themselves with their dupe! The Elf Camo Liquid Blush is identical to the Rare Beauty blush, and once again, for half the price. Pre warning though, the pigment is something else — you’ll look naturally flushed with even the tiniest amount on your face. Glowy and seemingly infinite? Total win-win.
Trust me when I say that you will use this once and never turn back…
Finally, I think a good mascara is the ultimate staple in a makeup routine. If you’re looking for an instant lash lift, steer away from Charlotte Tilbury and lean towards the L’Oréal Telescopic Lift. This absolutely went viral for a reason. Trust me when I say that you will use this once and never turn back — I certainly haven’t! High end brands like Lancome and Charlotte Tilbury can charge upwards of £30. Meanwhile, L’Oréal will give you virtually identical lashes for a fraction of the cost.
From one broke student to another, I hope that this guide means you never have to splurge on another high end product again for that perfect full face.