The $20 Makeup Challenge

A constant battle college girls face is experiencing the urge to shop while living on a strict budget. The ultimate sacrifice is deciding whether to buy a new purse or buy your weekly groceries. I getcha girl, it’s rough. My vice–splurging on makeup. Between MAC, NYX, Estee Lauder, and Urban Decay, it can be tempting to spend all your money on high-end makeup.

But let’s not forget the good ol’ reliable drugstores. Believe it or not, it can be possible to score some good-quality makeup with a limited amount of money. Enter the $20 Makeup Challenge. Inspired by a YouTube video by Michelle Phan, I set out to reach the same goal: buy enough products to make up a full face with $20 or less.

It was harder than it seemed. CVS clearly does not have as big of a selection as Ulta or Sephora, and the tax was the sole reason I went over budget (only by a dollar, mind you.) But in the end, for a more expensive drugstore, I came out strong. If you’re looking for a cheap makeup fix that gets the job done, invest in the products I bought, listed below. Your bank account will thank you.

Face
CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Anti-Luisance liquid foundation (7.99)

Even though I don’t have oily skin, this liquid foundation is infused with powder, giving it a smooth and set finish. It’s also hypoallergenic, an added bonus for those of us with sensitive skin.

Lips
Wet N’ Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Wine Room (1.87)

Being a lipstick lover, I couldn’t resist picking out a new shade. Wine Room is a bold rosy red – perfect for a girly vibe. The lipstick itself has a subtle grainy texture, giving it more grip on your lips for a lasting finish.

Eyelashes
Wet N’ Wild MegaLength Waterproof Mascara in Black Noir (2.87)

I’m a lover of waterproof mascara. On days when I’m running from class, to work, to a night out, it really helps that I don’t have to reapply my mascara. And it’s cheap too; don’t be afraid to stock up.

Eyes
CoverGirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Melted Caramel (7.29)

This product is perfect for your budget. It doubles as eyeshadow and eyeliner, so in the long run you actually save money on your eye makeup–what a concept!

I ended up right at $20 for all of these products. Not only is the quality up to par, but I didn’t break bank. Sometimes the cheaper option CAN be the best option.

Photo by Shidika Goode