On the hunt for new makeup bag staples? To make your search a little easier, we spoke to the true experts of campus beauty: College students themselves! After all, they’ve experienced the same daily struggles—smudged mascara after the morning commute, drying lip tints that stick to your mask, and heavy concealers that crease as you run to class. It took a lot of trial and error, but they’re now ready to share how their faves secured a spot in their everyday routines. Keep scrolling to see their top budget-friendly picks!
The Best Back-to-School Makeup Picks Under P500, According to College Students
1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
“I have been using this foundation for years and it has never failed me because it gives good coverage but still feels lightweight! If you are a newbie in makeup, I highly suggest that you give this a try since it is super affordable and it suits almost all skin types.”
–Bianca Gozon, 2nd Year AB Philosophy, De La Salle University-Manila
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation, P499, Available on Shopee, Lazada
2. Belo Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen
“I love how lightweight this is! It also has that minimal coverage perfect for natural looks.”
–Audrey Naguit, 3rd Year BS Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas
Belo Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen, P452, Available on Shopee, Lazada
3. GRWM Cosmetics Radiance Tint
“This product seriously takes into account the Philippine climate! A lot of our base coverage often melts as we go through our day, but this mattifying concealer does the job. Plus, it has the most diverse concealer range in the local market. Even though I'm medium-skinned, I use the light shades to brighten and the warm shades for contour! It's a self-setting concealer too, so non-oily skinned folks can have less product on their face. And for oily gals like me, it doesn’t crease even if it's not set with powder!”
–Rianne Motas, 2nd Year BS Business Economics, University of Santo Tomas
GRWM Cosmetics Radiance Tint, P349, Available on Shopee, Lazada
4. Issy & Co. Weightless Loose Powder
“Been an avid baby powder user ever since but this product changed the game for me! It instantly leaves me looking fresh even when I apply it on bare skin. It's super convenient as it also comes with a mirror. They offer different variants for whatever finish you prefer, but I have mine in Illuminating Finish because I'm such a fan of glowy makeup looks.”
–Aimee Kristine Aquino, 2nd Year BS Nursing, University of Santo Tomas
Issy & Co. Weightless Loose Powder, P349, Available on Shopee, Lazada
5. KJM BROW. DEFINE. 24-hr Eyebrow Pen
“This product is great if you’re a makeup newbie since it is easy to apply. It also achieves a natural 'no-makeup' makeup look as it creates feather-like strokes that look like real hair. It is sweat-proof, waterproof and smudge-proof, plus cruelty-free and vegan! If you use this, your brows will always stay on point even without retouching!”
–Ands Alim, 3rd Year BS Computer Engineering, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
KJM BROW. DEFINE. 24-hr Eyebrow Pen, P284, Available on Shopee
6. Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara Waterproof
“As a student, I have observed that our eyes tend to look stressed. I like to put on this Maybelline mascara because it makes my eyes look alive even if I'm tired. Plus, it's waterproof!”
–Alyssa Dagala, 1st Year Environmental Science, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara Waterproof, P249, Available on Shopee, Lazada
7. Maris Joefren Naked Lashes
“As a college student who’s always out and about, the Marisjoefren Naked Lashes have been my new BFF! These clear-band strip lashes can be applied and taken off any time. They make your eyes look awake even after an all-nighter. You can reuse them an unlimited number of times, and I bet you’ll fall in love with them!”
–Dwayne Arceño, 3rd Year AB Journalism, University of Santo Tomas
Maris Joefren Naked Lashes, P150, Available on Shopee
8. Colourette Coloursnap
“This dewy multi-stain is a great product if you're looking for a natural-looking blush for your Zoom meetings. It is easy to blend and a little goes a long way. This product also looks good for our morena or moreno college besties! Since it is also multipurpose, you can use it for your lips, cheeks, and eyes!”
–Kyle Llamas, 3rd Year AB Journalism, University of Santo Tomas
Colourette Coloursnap, P349, Available on Shopee, Lazada
9. The Glamour House GlamBoss Airy Matte Tint
“Out of all their available 12 shades, my favorite is Birthday Suit, a shade of bloody red that speaks a lot of emotions. It’s a hue of power, nothing beats the femme energy we feel whenever we put on a bold red lip! It also blends like magic, making the airy matte tint a multi-purpose product. I used the tint on my eyelids as well to make the red eye look pop even more! For us students, this is the only product you need to doll up your lips, cheeks, and eyelids! A perfect fit for my baddie fire signs out there who are always on the go!”
–Athena Therese Dumaog, 1st Year BS Social Work, Silliman University
The Glamour House GlamBoss Airy Matte Tint, P199, Available on Shopee, Lazada
10. Colourette Colourbalm
“This product is great for those who don’t usually wear makeup. Enjoy the experience of having it as a lip moisturizer or a lip tint alternative. Who says you can't enjoy the best of both worlds? Plus, Colourette is always on sale so this brand really screams affordability!”
–Marvin Cadapan, 4th Year BS Management Accounting, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao
Colourette Colourbalm, P349, Available on Shopee
READ MORE:
Lip Tint Julia Barretto Wears With Her No-Makeup Looks Is Less Than P150!
These 9 Local Makeup Products Below P500 Are All You Need in Your Makeup Kit
8 Celeb-Approved 'No-Makeup' Makeup Products Under P500
The Best Anti-Acne Products Under P500, According to Influencers
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