Want inexpensive beauty essentials without breaking the bank?

Are you starting to get into makeup or tired of spending your entire paycheck on one product?

Being on a college budget means that you may not always be able to treat yourself to expensive items that you want, but this does not mean that you can not reward yourself at all.

Getting into makeup does not have to be a financial burden. Makeup is something that should be fun and also affordable for everyone. Your first lipstick or mascara does not have to be from Sephora, and it does not have to cost upwards of $50. Good makeup is good regardless of the price points. The least expensive products can sometimes be the strongest in your collection.

These are my top three affordable and cruelty-free (which means they do not test their products on animals) makeup brands that will not make your bank account cry.

Here are some brands you should check out.

1. Colourpop Cosmectics

Colourpop Cosmetics is my number one recommendation for inexpensive beauty products.

Launched in 2014 and established in sunny Los Angeles, Colourpop prides itself on being wallet-friendly. They have a large selection of products that include different kinds of foundations and lipsticks with different finishes.

The most important thing that I appreciate about Colourpop is that it has an inclusive shade range for its’ complexion products. Unfortunately, many makeup companies exclude people of color when it comes to complexion products, like foundation or concealer.

Colourpop’s No Filter foundation comes in 40 shades and is priced at only $12. It leaves a beautiful matte finish to the skin and will not make it look oily.

They also have their No Filter Foundation Stix (30 shades), which are $10 and its’ No Filter Matte Concealer (30 shades) at $6.

One of my favorite products from the brand is their Super Shock Blushes, $8 each. They are a cream-to-powder product, making the formula unique for this type of make up. They come in many different shades of pink and have either a matte or a satin finish. The brand also recently launched their BFF Mascara and BFF Liquid Liner, both at $8 each.

Colourpop has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a large variety of complexion products or you are starting your makeup collection.

2. Wet N Wild

Wet N Wild Beauty is another quality recommendation for inexpensive makeup products. Most of their products are under $10. They offer all of the must haves, from eyeliner to lipstick.

Its’ MegaLast Liquid Catsuit lipsticks are only $5 and come in a variety of different shades. My two personal favorites from the brand is its’ $5 MegaGlo Highlighting Powders and its $2 MegaLiner liquid eyeliner. Its’ Photo Focus Setting Spray is around $6, so your full face stays until you are ready to remove it.

If you are in a hurry and you need to pick up something quick, Wet N Wild is your best bet. It has definitely been there for me when I needed to restock my necessities, without spending $20 on one single eyeliner or lipstick.

3. el.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f Cosmetics is my third recommendation for affordable, quality beauty. This brand even has products for just a $1 or $2. It offers a large variety of products to add to your makeup collection or to restock when you run out of the necessity.

I am a huge fan of e.l.f’s brushes because while they are super cheap, they are also of good quality. My favorite brushes from the brand are the Small Stipple Brush and the Eyeshadow “C” Brush, both thankfully only $3.

It recently launched their new Camo Concealer, which is only $5. e.l.f also has eyeshadow palettes for only $10.

The best part about this brand is that they frequently have sales, which makes the products even more affordable, so definitely watch out for the deals while you are online or in-store.