8 Affordable Skincare Brands That Every College Student Must Try

By Meghen Jones

Having a skincare routine is important in college, but the cost can make it feel like a luxury. Because you already have many college-related expenses, such as textbooks, student housing, a meal plan, and, of course, tuition, it is true that forking out more money for pricey skincare products isn’t in the cards. However, your skincare routine doesn’t have to suffer as a result. Just because a product is expensive, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the solution you’ve been seeking. Aside from price, you must also consider which skincare products contain harsh chemicals, like parabens, mineral oils, and fragrance, which can lead to skin irritation.

In addition to aesthetics, your skin serves as the largest barrier against fighting infection. For this reason, it’s important to have a good routine lined up that keeps your skin healthy and flawless. Easier said than done, we know, as you may find it difficult to find a budget-friendly brand that suits your needs. Believe it or not, there are several inexpensive brands on the market that check-off all the boxes for us! Read on for 8 affordable skincare brands that uCribs’ cannot resist!

Revolution Beauty

Want high-end skincare at a reasonable price? Revolution Beauty has you covered with an impressive selection of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, scrubs, blemish treatments, and more. Those, who prefer to keep it cruelty-free, will love having access to Revolution Beauty’s vegan products. Plus, you can purchase skincare tools, like a Jade or Rose Quartz Roller, which allows you to stimulate blood flow and aids in the absorption of serums and masks. Luckily for your tight student budget, the most expensive product will only cost around fourteen bucks.

Fourth Ray Beauty

For clean, wellness-inspired skincare, Fourth Ray Beauty is your best bet! Fourth Ray Beauty, a sister brand of the popular ColourPop Cosmetics company, believes that skincare companies should concern themselves with creating products free from harmful or harsh chemicals. With Fourth Ray Beauty, you will also bypass any overpriced products or empty promises. Each product is infused with a crystal blend to help balance your energy, while perfecting your skin. Better yet, the brand has an entire avocado-inspired line, which contains rich antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Most notably of all, the majority of this brand’s products are under twenty dollars. Trust us—Fourth Ray Beauty is all you’ve avo-wanted out of wallet-friendly skincare!

The InKey List

The InKey List is a relatively new brand that aims to deliver a straightforward product, composed of skincare’s most in-demand ingredients. Utilizing components, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid, The InKey List makes it easy for you to customize a skincare regimen. You can choose from an eclectic selection of top-rated products, including an Apple Cider Vinegar Peel, Oil & Water Double Cleanser, and C-50 Blemish Treatment—all of which are under fifteen dollars. With a solid routine, like the one you’ll have with The InKey List’s products, you’ll look as flawless as J-Lo by the time you reach fifty.

Peach Slices

Skincare routines have officially gotten easier—thanks to companies like Peach Slices! Founded by Alicia Yoon, Peach Slices is one of the most fun and affordable skincare brands on the market today. This innovative, high-quality collection consists of Korean beauty products combines gentle and natural ingredients, like honey and yuzu. Whether you’re softening your skin with the Strawberry Ice Cream Sheet Mask or erasing layers of foundation with the Peach Pudding Makeup Cleanser, you are guaranteed to find a generous selection of amazing beauty products for under fifteen bucks. The thoughtful packaging also resonates with us and is absolutely adorable!

Trader Joe’s

Even if you recognize Trader Joe’s as a popular grocery store chain, you may not realize that the stores are also home to a collection of wonderful skincare products. Trader Joe’s beauty section is full of products you want and need, such as the Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum, that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Made with anti-aging heavyweights, like resveratrol and Vitamin C, Trader Joe’s Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum can be used as a pre-moisturizer for an antioxidant boost. We also recommend their affordable list of facial mists, cleansing oils, and moisturizers. With so many awe-inspiring products to choose from, uCribs gives Trader Joe’s our stamp of approval!

Sephora Collection

Sephora. It’s everyone’s—or almost everyone’s—favorite store for all things beauty! When it comes to their skincare products, you’ve probably heard of the Sephora Collection already, even if you haven’t had the opportunity to try it quite yet. This specialty Sephora skincare line is completely “green,” meaning that it does not contain parabens, mineral oils, or sulfates. Not only will your skin love you for this, but your bank account will also be appreciative of Sephora’s selection of budget-friendly Vitamin C serums, mud masks, cleansers, eye creams, and more for a price tag of under twenty dollars. Sounds too good to be true? Head on over to your local Sephora and find out for yourself!

Cosrx

Made with skin-friendly ingredients, Cosrx is a simple, cost-efficient Korean beauty brand that uses a minimal amount of ingredients for maximum results. Cosrx skincare has several products on the market that are tailored to help with a variety of skin problems, whether you’re in need of pore, hydration, or skin tone solutions. Many of the products, like the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, are vegan-friendly and can refine your skin’s texture by gently removing its impurities. Like any good routine, it helps to try it out first before completely committing. Good thing the products from Cosrx range between five and thirty dollars!

Bliss

For an innovative skincare brand that boasts numerous spa-powdered masks, cleansers, and moisturizers, Bliss is simply blissful to college students because of its effective, yet inexpensive, offering of products. From super-cooling and hydrating Mint Chip Mania masks to a What a Melon line for a soft, refreshed complexion, Bliss knows how to create fabulous products that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This is another brand that is praised for its vegan and cruelty-free products. Best of all, you will stay within your budget with items from Bliss, which has an average price of around twenty-five bucks or so.

It’s okay to be thrifty, even with health and beauty products, especially since you’re a college student, who doesn’t need any more reasons to stress on your already full plate. Even in keeping all of your must-have items affordable, you’ll still be spending your hard-earned cash— but at least you know it’s on a worthwhile cause. Good thing that each of our 8 skincare brand suggestions provide effective results without breaking the bank. Cheers to your skin—you’re worth every penny!

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