The makeup industry has grown way past the days of pinching your cheeks and throwing on some lipstick for a night out.
Social media has blown up with makeup tutorials and there are countless products out there dedicated to helping you look your best.
Store shelves are filled with different brands and varieties, and Internet shopping takes it to a whole different level.
This can be overwhelming, and as a busy student there isn’t always time to research to find the best and most cost-effective products.
That’s why we’ve selected the 10 best makeup products for school and their 2021 reviews. Leave the heavy researching for that paper you have been meaning to write for weeks.
Table of Contents
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Water-Cream Liquid Foundation
Let’s start by covering the bases. A high-quality foundation should be a staple item in your makeup bag. This liquid foundation will help to even out your skin tone and help to illuminate your features.
La Roche-Posay products are known for being long lasting, which is essential when you’re running from class to practice to a night out. You can count on this foundation to keep up with your busy schedule and to keep your sensitive skin hydrated and comfortable.
A little goes a long way with this liquid foundation and the price is friendly for a student budget. It also comes in five different shades so you are sure to find one to perfectly match your unique skin tone.
The La Roche-Posay formula was developed dermatologists, making it perfect for your sensitive skin. It is also easy to use and can be applied with just your fingertips when you don’t have anything else handy.
Pros & Benefits:
- Hydrates and illuminates skin
- Fragrance free
- Long-lasting
- Safe on sensitive skin
2. Aesthetica Cosmetics Contour Kit – Powder Contour
No matter if you’re a makeup expert or just getting into the makeup fad, this contour kit is a must-have. The kit includes a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process and shows you how to achieve the look you want through face diagrams.
This product helps to soften some facial features while also highlighting and defining your jawline and cheekbone. You can stick with a subtle, everyday look or create a more dramatic look for a special event.
The kit includes three contouring matte powders and three highlighting powders to illuminate your features and to enhance your natural beauty.
The kit can help eliminate features such as saggy eyes, a larger forehead, or a wide nose. It also helps to soften more of a square face or make a rounded one more thinned down.
The press powders are perfect for any age and the kit is also available for tan to dark skin tones.
Pros & Benefits:
- Downplays problem areas
- Highlights natural beauty
- Step-by-step guides included
- 100% Vegan and cruelty free
- Removable and refillable
3. L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow, Nudes
In school, you need a product that can keep up with your busy schedule and can adapt to whatever situation you happen to get yourself into.
This eye shadow allows you to look casual and fresh during the day and then can give you a sexy, smoky eye for a wild night out.
This L.A. Girl Eyeshadow comes with its own applicator brush with two different sides. One side includes smooth bristles and the other is smooth.
The case is also magnetic so you don’t have to worry about your palette getting dirty while it’s jumbled around in your school bag.There is a mirror in the case as well, so you have everything you need.
The L.A. Girl Beauty Brick EyeShadow comes in Nudes, Smoky, Ultra, and Neons. Each includes twelve different shades so you can create dozens of unique looks. The palettes range from shimmery to matte so everyone can find their perfect match.
Pros & Benefits:
- 4 different palettes
- Affordable
- Mirror included
- Magnetic case
- Double-sided applicator
4. Lavish Liner by Hairgenics Pronexa – 2-in-1 Precision Liquid Eyeliner Pen
With current fads like winged eyeliner and extra long lashes, this product is a must-have. This precision liquid eyeliner pen allows for perfect, thin lines for a flawless look every time and glides on easily.
As an added bonus the eyeliner is water resistant and smudge proof, a product that will keep up with you and your long days. At the end of the night, the liquid eyeliner will come off easily with soap and water.
Aside from the perfect application of the eyeliner, this product also boosts the length and thickness of your eyelashes. With daily use, the growth serum added to the eyeliner will grow your lashes and within two months you are sure to notice the difference.
You can imitate the long, luxurious lashes you see on celebrities but naturally and without applying fakes.
Lavish liner and other Hairgenics Pronexa products are never tested on animals and are approved by dermatologists. It is also hypoallergenic and allergy-tested so it won’t irritate your skin or cause redness.
Pros & Benefits:
- Infused with growth serum
- Ultra precise brush
- Water resistant
- Manufactured by FDA certified labs
- Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
5. 3D Fiber Lash Mascara by Mia Adora
A great mascara can make your whole look pop. Mia Adora’s 3D Fiber Lash Mascara is proven to lengthen and volumize your lashes by up to 300%. Unlike other drugstore mascaras this formula includes green tea micro fibers to intensify your lashes.
This product works in a three-step process. First, you will apply the wet magnifying gel, followed by the tiny, dry green tea macro lash extensions.
Lastly, you will follow it up with an eyelash comb specially designed to remove any clumps and accentuate your look. The non-toxic formula will even condition your lashes instead of damaging them and making them frail like other brands.
As an added bonus the Fiber Lash Mascara includes a free eBook and a protective carrying case. The eBook tells you exactly how to apply the product and walks you through every step, because not everyone can be a pro.
The eBook also shares tips on how to get flawless lashes and eyebrows every day.
Pros & Benefits:
- Lengthens and volumizes by 300%
- Non-irritating ingredients
- Never tested on animals
- Includes free eBook
- Paraben and SLS free
6. Natural Daylight Lighted Makeup Mirror / Vanity Mirror
You can have all the best makeup products but without the right mirror and lighting you can’t get that perfect look you want.
The Natural Daylight Lighted Makeup Mirror gives you the perfect lighting to ensure every detail is flawless. This mirror by Absolutely Lush is also a great price compared to others and will give you even better results.
This makeup mirror includes 21 LED lights that you can dim easily for the perfect light to replicate natural daylight.
It is also portable, making it easy for you to complete your look from anywhere in the house or at school, even attach it to the bathroom mirror with the rear-mounted suction cups on the back.
The 180-degree swivel rotation also helps you to see your makeup or your hair from any view.
The 10.7” mirror makes it easy to take your mobile makeup station on the go. It can be easily slipped into a backpack for those days when you’re running behind and have to beautify after arriving at school.
Absolutely Lush also provides customers with videos explaining uses for their products and lets customers know what batteries will work well with the LED mirror.
Pros & Benefits:
- 180 degree swivel rotation
- Adjustable LED lights
- Portable
- Mimics daylight
- Refund/replacement within 30 days
7. Aesthetica Brow Sculpting Duo – Eyebrow Definer/Brow Gel
At this point everyone has experimented with the drawn-on eyebrow phase. Aesthetica’s Brow Sculpting Duo ensures a natural look that appears full and well defined.
The sculpting duo is travel-friendly , perfect for those midday emergencies and for easy application on the road.
Your purchase will also include step-by-step instructions so even the newest makeup applicator can have perfect eyebrows in just minutes.
The triangular tip on the color pencil creates the definition you need for that perfect shape and then the clear brow gel keeps the look in place all day. The pigment adheres to skin and hair for a natural look.
The sculpting duo comes in five different colors including True Blonde, Natural Auburn, Natural Black, Brunette, and Deep Brown, so no matter what your brow and skin color you can find a perfect match.
With this iconic duo you can draw attention to your eyes, one of your best features, and give yourself a well-rested appearance even after staying up all night to study.
Pros & Benefits:
- Easy-to-use
- Travel-friendly
- High-quality ingredients
- Fuller eyebrows
- Sharper shape that lasts
8. BS-MALL Makeup Brushes
It is extremely important to supplement great face and eye makeup products with brushes that will apply gently and easily to your skin. BS-Mall has combined fourteen different brushes all for a flawless application process.
This BS-Mall set includes five big cosmetic brushes and nine eye makeup brushes meant specifically for precision. There is a brush for every need and every unique look you are trying to achieve.
Each brush is dense and each is shaped differently so you have the perfect brush for every makeup need, from blending foundation to applying fine eyeliner. The large handles allow for easy use and the synthetic fiber hairs won’t shed while in use.
The pack of fourteen brushes is a great deal for the quality you receive and perfect for a student on a budget. The brushes are meant to last a long time and they come with step-by-step instructions for how to clean them and maintain them even after heavy use.
Pros & Benefits:
- Dense and well-shaped
- Soft but firm bristles
- High quality
- Easy-use handle
- Step-by-step cleaning instructions
9. NYX Makeup Setting Spray “MSS 01+02” Matte/Dewy Finish (Long Lasting)
Your makeup can be absolutely perfect and then five minutes after stepping outside rain or humidity strike. Students are especially vulnerable to this when they are walking to and from classes and constantly on the go. Therefore, having a reliable setting spray is a must.
NYX provides two dual action setting sprays that are both long lasting and are resistant to makeup color fade. One spray gives you a dewy fresh glow, while the other gives you a shine-free matte finish.
Both sprays are lightweight and don’t give you the caked on feeling similar to other brand options. Simply shake, spray from 6 inches away, and set your makeup.
When you spend a lot of time perfecting your makeup you don’t want it to fade too soon. This spray allows you to keep your “just applied” look for as long as possible.
Unlike some setting powders the sprays won’t dry out your skin and leave your skin with a fresh feeling. The pair is also available at a great price and is definitely worth the money.
Pros & Benefits:
- Long lasting
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Resist color fade
- Dewy or matte finish
10. Excalla Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
On the topic of beauty products, most people forget a very important feature on your face, which is actually one of the first features people notice: your teeth.
You want your teeth to be pearly white, especially for those senior pictures that sneak up on you. Excalla has created the perfect product that is easy to use and will have your smile looking its best at all times.
This charcoal teeth whitening powder works perfectly on sensitive teeth and is good for your gum health, as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. The activated coconut allows for the product to safely and naturally whiten your teeth.
The formula pulls stains from your teeth, even those pesky coffee stains, which are inevitable as a student. The activated charcoal even helps to freshen your breath!
To use the teeth whitening powder, simply wet your toothbrush, dip it in the activated charcoal, gently brush, and then rinse your mouth thoroughly. You can use the product in placement of your normal toothpaste or in conjunction with it.
Previous customers have started to see a difference within just one to two uses, so use twice a day for consecutive days until your teeth are as white as desired. But, if you don’t love it, Excalla offers a full refund.
Pros & Benefits:
- Naturally whitens teeth
- Healthy for gums and enamel
- Freshens breath
- 100% gentle
- 100% money back guarantee
11. YLIANG Professional Makeup Base Liquid Foundation Primer
Achieve that perfect after-sun glow for the day or for a night of dancing, without worrying about sweating your makeup off. This face primer provides you with an all-over glow and bronzing effect.
It will change your uneven, dull skin color to make you look luminous every time.
The liquid foundation primer is long-lasting and complements the rest of your makeup products. The foundation is thin, so it won’t feel too dense on your face. It also covers pores and imperfections such as bumps and acne as an added bonus.
The product comes in three different colors to perfectly match your skin type: Bubbly for darker skin, Starburst for whiter skin, and Sunburst for a yellow-colored skin.
The formula contains a Vitamin E derivative that is known to protect your skin and also works to moisturize your skin instead of drying it out. YLIANG also does not test its products on animals, making the product cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.
Pros & Benefits:
- Covers pores and bumps
- Not tested on animals
- 3 colors available
- All-over glow
- Long-lasting
12. Ultimate Face & Body Cream
To give yourself a good start and a foundation for your makeup, you need to ensure your skin is moisturized and healthy. Finding a good lotion to apply every day is essential to your daily look and will help you to look flawless even with minimal to no makeup, for those days when you just don’t have the time.
Honeyskin Organics has created the perfect combination of ingredients to create a high-quality cream that will rejuvenate and soothe your skin, both on your face and your body.
The skin and facial moisturizer can relieve your skin of pain and inflammation, as well as hydrate your skin with built-in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. If you have acne, eczema, psoriasis, or just dry skin from weather, this cream is a lifesaver.
The product is organically safe with no harsh chemicals or fragrance, making is a natural alternative to other lotions or creams.
The honey and aloe combine to make this face and body cream gentle on skin while still remaining effective and not stressing skin out. HoneySkin Organics trusts that you will love this product, so they even offer a full money-back guarantee.
Don’t let dry, irritated skin ruin the rest of your look. Start yourself off right with beautiful, hydrated skin on your face and body.
Pros & Benefits:
- Soothes skin cells
- Restores PH levels
- Organically safe
- Quick relief for skin diseases
- Full money back guarantee
13. SHANY The Wanted Ones 12 Piece Lip Gloss Set
No look is complete without a perfect lip gloss that pops and draws in everyone’s eye. Your lips should look constantly luscious, from a light pink gloss during the day to a dark red at night.
That’s why you need a great set of glosses to add to your makeup collection that give you a great variety and ensure your lips are kissable and smooth at all times.
This SHANY Wanted Ones set includes twelve lip glosses that range from nudes and pinks to reds and oranges. They all vary in opacity and remain true to the color they are in the clear tube.
Some colors are more vivid and some provide an extra sparkle. Others show more of a matte finish and are more subtle.
All glosses contain Vitamin E and Aloe Vera to soften and hydrate lips. The formula is long lasting and you shouldn’t have to reapply except for after eating. SHANY is a member of PETA and all products meet the standard of being cruelty-free.
Pros & Benefits:
- 12 unique colors included
- Cruelty free
- True colors
- Nourishes and softens lips
- Aloe Vera and Vitamin E included
14. Olay Daily Facial Makeup Remover Wipes
Last, but definitely not least, all great makeup needs a great remover that will keep your skin healthy and remove excess oils. Olay’s Daily Facial wipes work to not only remove makeup, but also act as a scrub, toner, mask and cleanser for your skin.
The wipes are dry in the package so the wipes are perfect for when you’re on the go. All you have to do is add water to activate. The package also includes 66 wipes to last you for awhile.
There are two sides to the wipes. Use the first side, complete with 3000 exfoliators to gently scrub your skin, removing any dirt and oil. After rinsing and wringing out the wipe, you can use the smooth side to condition your face.
The product is dermatologist-tested and works perfectly for oily and combination skin types. It’s proven to be two times better than normal cleaning and cleans just like having a spa facial.
Life gets busy and you want to look your best. Don’t forget to follow-up your perfect look with a remover that will leave your face clean and fresh. You are also guaranteed to see results within one week of use.
Pros & Benefits:
- 5-in-1 cleansing
- Dermatologist-tested
- Dual sided
- See results in one week
- Cleans down to pores
Final Thoughts
As a student, it’s hard to fit health and beauty care into your everyday routine when you have a hundred other things to worry about. These products make makeup application easy with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use features that make you feel like a makeup pro.
You can take these products on the go so your look can be completed from anywhere and you will never have to skip makeup for the day.
We have included products that not only help you to look your best, but also products that will leave your skin hydrated and smooth and are good for your general health.
Now you are ready to hit the hallways in style and look your best without breaking the bank.