Beauty On A Student Budget
Looking and feeling good shouldn’t break the bank, but it so often does! For those of you on a tight budget, we’ve rounded up the best budget beauty finds to beautify your student living. From skincare to makeup and everything in between, our selection includes high-quality products that are both affordable and effective. We’ve done the research so you can trust that they’re worth your time and money.
We’ve all seen the viral TikTok and Instagram dupes for a wide range of beauty products well all know and love. A little consideration can save you big money on your beauty regime, without the stress of reaching your impending overdraft limit.
What Exactly Are Beauty Dupes?
Get the look you love, without the costs you hate.
Dupes. You might have heard of them, but what are they? Dupes are just as good as the fancy ones that celebs use, but without the hefty price tag. So, if you’re a broke student (who isn’t right?), but still want to look fabulous, check out our list of must-have beauty dupes!
Beauty Dupes Worth The Hype
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Plumping Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
The Maybelline Lifter Gloss is a next level lip gloss, while being a cheaper alternative to most high end lip glosses out there. For only £8.99 it’s a steal!
Their breakthrough formula with Hyaluronic Acid smoothes lip surface and enhances lip contour with high shine for hydrated, fuller-looking, plumped lips.
Some Say It’s Like: Fenty Gloss Bomb
Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Complexion Booster & Skincare-Makeup Hybrid
The Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a multi-purpose, liquid glow booster infused with skin-loving ingredients to give your complexion everything you dreamed of.
If you’re looking for dewy skin with a complexion looks healthy and more radiant, and at only £14 with 8 shades to choose from, it’s a must!
Some Say It’s Like: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Blend & Glow Sponge
The Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques is perfect for smooth foundation application, paired with a antimicrobial infusion to keep skin healthy.
It’s priced at only £7, and is a must for your every day makeup regime.
Some Say It’s Like: The Original Beauty Blender
Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer
Lightweight & Natural Coverage
The Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer has been designed to be a blendable, breathable formula that expertly hides imperfections without feeling heavy or looking cakey.
With lightweight pigments it will deliver natural looking coverage for a smooth, picture perfect finish. It’s a bargain at only £6.99.
Some Say It’s Like: NARS Creamy Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me! Powder
Plumping Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
The Maybelline Fit Me! Powder, another addition to the Fit Me! collection, elevates your makeup routine.
It’s a lightweight powder for flawless looking true fit which blends smoothly and evenly. As with other pieces in the Fit Me! collection it leaves a natural finish that leaves skin feeling fresh, breathing, flawless. Priced at £6.99.
Some Say It’s Like: Laura Mercier Powder
NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette
16 Ultra-Blendable Shades
The NYX Professional Ultimate Shadow Palette is a crown jewel in your makeup collection. It’s a chance to elevate your look from a wearable subtle glow to full lustrous glam with our highly pigmented shadows.
It is only £16 and gives you 16 shades to choose from. This is a great money save, as the Tarte eyeshadow is usually £42, so the NYX Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect piece for your budget makeup kit.
Some Say It’s Like: Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Eyeshadow
Milani Baked Blush
Sunbaked Blushes Bringing Warmth To Your Life
The Milani Baked Blush is a hype filled blush that’s genuinely sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, to give your skin the warmth you need.
With tones from Luminoso blush to Dolce Pink, their richly pigmented blushes feature satin and shimmery shades that work for every attitude. Milani Baked Blush is sunbaked color that does it all and for £11.75, you really can’t go wrong.
Some Say It’s Like: Nars Orgasm Blush
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
Radiant Brazilian Goddess Glow Bronzer
The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is an ultra-luxurious bronzer, infused with Murumuru Butter.
You’ll discover ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish. At only £14.29 it’s a steal, so not only will it save you some money, but it smells unreal too!
Some Say It’s Like: Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Revlon Super Lustrous
High Quality High Impact Lipcolours
The Revlon Super Lustrous is a cult-classic, iconic lipstick that combines high-impact colour and a super-moisturising formula. With most shades around £5.00 on Amazon, it’s a steal!
The lipstick is infused with Vitamin E and avocado oil for a creamy, comfortable feel, and maintains a vibrant, lightweight lip colour.
Some Say It’s Like: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
More Ways To Save Money
So, now you know where to find the best budget makeup finds and beauty dupes, you can fill your makeup bag for less. For other ways to save your hard earned cash, visit our Save Money Hub here.
If you’re looking for anything else you might need to take to Uni, check out our Uni Checklist. For more advice and information on how to make the most of your time at University, check out our Uni Life Advice Hub!