Most college students are living on quite a tight budget. Even those who work part-time jobs still have to put necessities first. Students try their best to make room in their budgets for things they enjoy or to build confidence. Makeup is a great form of self-expression, but it can be expensive.  College students can’t always afford high-end products. Here are nine vegan and/or cruelty-free products, all under $20.

1. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner
   1. Although NYX products are not all vegan, this eyeliner is. This is my go-to liquid liner for its inky pigment and easy handling. The brush tip gives you precise control for any type of look. It sells for $9.99 at Target. 
2. Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter
   1. Colourpop’s Super Shock formula is incredibly underrated; it starts as a cream but turns into a powder as you apply it. It’s easy to apply, buildable and adds a sparkly touch to any look. This highlighter is available for $9 at Ulta Beauty.
3. The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
   1. Drugstore brand e.l.f. made waves in 2018 when it introduced a new formula approach to primers. Perfect for a blurring effect, the Poreless Putty Primer is a great sustainable option that belongs in any collection. Retailing for $10, you can find it on e.l.f.’s website.
4. Morphe 2 Perk Up Cheek & Lip Color
   1. This Morphe 2 cream blush comes in five playful colors to add to any look. The blush is pigmented, buildable and very easy to apply. It retails for $12 at Ulta Beauty.
5. Makeup Revolution’s Conceal & Define Infinite Mattifying Longwear Makeup Fixing Spray
   1. Finding a reliable setting spray at a reasonable price can be difficult. Makeup Revolution’s Conceal & Define Mattifying Setting Spray is a great way to set your makeup with a matte finish. This product locks in your makeup for hours, and is only $10 at Ulta.
6. Colourpop’s Off Melrose Eyeshadow Palette
   1. This is a great eyeshadow palette for beginners. It has 12 cool neutral shades, including glitters perfect for simple day looks or glamorous night designs. It’s truly an underrated palette from Colourpop, and you can find it for $18 on their website.
7. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
   1. Essence’s Lash Princess mascaras have become a staple in many people’s collections. With good reason too, the price and its intense lifting effects make for an excellent product. This cruelty-free mascara is only $4.99 at Target.
8. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
   1. The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer provides a creamy, smooth twist on a powder formula, offering easy application. Murumuru butter is great for moisturizing and brightening skin. Only $12.99 at Target.
9. The e.l.f. 18 Hit Wonders eyeshadow palette
   1. Here’s another eyeshadow palette, but more colorful than “Off Melrose. E.l.f. ‘s “18 Hit Wonders” eyeshadow offers a variety of colors in matte, satin and shimmer finishes for any artist to explore. It sells for $14 on e.l.f.’s website, check it out here.