• Celebrity
    • OTE – Screen Kings
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Best In Black Beauty 2023
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United

WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for ESSENCE Newsletters the keep the Black women at the forefront of conversation.

Your email is required.
Your email is in invalid format.
Confirm email is required.
Email did not match.
Select the newsletters you'd like to receive:
Please select at least one option.
By clicking Subscribe Now, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • OTE – Screen Kings
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
      • Paint The Polls Black
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Best In Black Beauty 2023
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Beauty Products & Tools

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester

Textbooks are expensive, so whatever's left of your college budget should be spent wisely. If crafting a consistent skincare and makeup routine is on your back-to-school checklist, we recommend getting familiar with the items that will save you money and a whole lot of headaches. 
By Nikki Brown · Updated October 26, 2020

Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.

01
Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial

This oil-free, lemon peel-infused treatment gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin as shower steam hits your skin. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $7 Buy Here
02
Almay One Coat Mega Volume Mascara

The flared megaphone brush picks up more product and allows you to coat those hard-to-reach corner lashes. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $7 Buy Here
03
Black Radiance Perfect Blend Concealer

This two-toned formula allows you to customize under eye coverage, according to your shade of brown. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $5 Buy Here
04
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil

Coconut and Meadowfoam seed oils come together to hydrate and smooth the lips without leaving a sticky residue behind. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for chapped lips. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $9 Buy Here
05
Catrice Liquid Metal Longlasting Cream Eyeshadow

This crease-proof mettalic formula can be used alone or used to enhance the pigment of another not so vibrant shade. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Ulta $6 Buy Here
06
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

This cult favorite is suitable for all skin types, mainly because of it’s non-greasy and fragrance-free formula. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $11 Buy Here
07
COVERGIRL Brow & Eye Makers

These twin pencils are available in a variety of natural shades that will fill out sparse brows and wake up the eyes. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $4 Buy Here
08
Dial Hibiscus Water Hydrating Body Wash

This fragrant cleanser is formulated with a special moisture release system that will keep you smelling fresh for up to 12 hours. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $5 Buy Here
09
L’Oreal Paris Pure Clear & Comfort Clay Mask

The perfect solution to a busy day, this non-drying mask is made with seaweed that helps purify and calm tired skin. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $10 Buy Here
10
Differin Gel

This top-rated go-to is applied like your standard moisturizer, but works like a spot treatment, minimizes blemishes without drying out the skin. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $11 Buy Here
11
Essence Cosmetics Matt Matt Matt Lip Gloss

This cruelty-free lippie is velvety to the touch, but dries into a matte finish that’ll convince everyone it’s lipstick. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Essence Cosmetics $4 Buy Here
12
La Roche Posay Effaclar Clarifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes

When you’re too lazy to double cleanse, grab one of these wipes to remove stubborn makeup and wipe away any left-over impurities. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $10 Buy Here
13
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

If even the strongest primer won’t hold your makeup down, avoid a meltdown with this handy setting spray. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $10 Buy Here
14
Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise Curvy Eyeliner

The easy grip handle makes it nearly impossible to smear your carefully drawn cat eye. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $7 Buy Here
15
Nyx Pin-Up Pout Lipstick

Inspired by classic fashion and beauty, this retro collection includes 24 rich and creamy shades for every type of mood. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Ulta $8 Buy Here
16
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

This lightweight foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid, the ultimate moisture-packed ingredient for dry skin. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $12 Buy Here
17
Revlon Photoready Brightening Primer

Brighten dull skin and create a smooth, even canvas for makeup simultaneously with this translucent formula. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Target $12 Buy Here
18
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Palette

Extend your summer glow with this easy-to-use trio of highlighter and bronzer. 

The Under $15 Drugstore Beauty Finds That Will Save You Money This Semester
available at Walmart $15 Buy Here
TOPICS:  Shopping
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now