10 Makeup Products Every Student Needs for an Effortless Glam Look

For students juggling the chaos of college life, the right makeup essentials can be your secret weapon to look fresh and fabulous all day long.

Makeup is like a magic wand. It boosts confidence and adds that polished touch to your everyday vibe.

Whether you’re racing to class or prepping for a party, a few key products can save the day.

With these must-haves in your kit, you’ll be able to achieve that flawless, put-together look in no time.

Because who says you can’t rock makeup while acing your academics?

DESIblitz has curated a list of 10 must-have makeup essentials that every student needs for effortless, on-the-go beauty.

BB/CC Cream

When it comes to achieving a flawless complexion with minimal effort, BB and CC creams are two popular options.

They offer light coverage that is not too heavy like a foundation.

This product is perfect if you are looking for a skin-like finish.

BB cream is short for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm.”

It is a multitasking product that provides coverage while offering skincare benefits. It combines the functions of a moisturiser, primer, and foundation in one.

BB creams offer light to medium coverage, making them ideal for creating a natural, everyday look.

CC creams are designed to address specific skin concerns such as redness, sallowness, or uneven tone.

CC creams offer medium to full coverage. They provide more coverage and correction compared to BB creams.

They are perfect for creating a flawless complexion, especially for days when you want a bit more coverage.

Depending on your skin’s needs and your desired coverage, you can choose the one that best suits your preference. We recommend the Maybelline 4-In-1 Glow Foundation, priced at £12.99.

Concealer

Want to hide your eye bags after staying up all night? A trusty concealer has got your back.

Concealer is a pigmented product used to hide blemishes, dark circles, redness, and other imperfections.

It plays a crucial role in makeup routines, offering targeted coverage.

Thicker and more concentrated than foundation, concealer is ideal for spot coverage. You can choose from liquid, cream, pot, or stick concealers depending on your preference.

Liquid concealers work well for normal to dry skin, while cream and stick formulas are great for oily or combination skin.

To prevent creasing or settling into fine lines, set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder.

It’s important to properly prep and hydrate your skin before applying the product for a seamless finish.

A great option is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, priced at £9.99.

Powder

There are several types of powders to choose from, each serving different purposes.

Compact powders offer a non-shiny, flat finish, making them ideal for oily or combination skin types.

A compact powder is a pressed powder that comes in a convenient, portable case. It is used to set foundation, control shine, and provide a smooth, matte finish to the skin.

Translucent powders are invisible on the skin, blending seamlessly with any foundation shade without adding extra colour.

Their primary function is to set makeup and provide a matte finish without altering your foundation’s shade.

Pressed mineral powders provide a lightweight, natural finish with added skin benefits, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Setting powders are designed to lock in your makeup and help it last longer throughout the day.

Unlike translucent powders, setting powders come in various shades to match or complement your foundation.

They often have a finer texture, formulated to provide a smooth, even finish that keeps makeup intact.

A great option is the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder, priced at £9.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is like coffee for your eyes—one swipe, and you’re instantly awake (even if you’re running on zero sleep)!

It can transform your look in seconds, whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold, dramatic statement.

Eyeliner is one of the most versatile and essential tools in any makeup routine, defining your eyes by accentuating their shape and making them appear larger, sharper, and more awake.

There are various types of eyeliner available, including pencil, liquid, gel, and pen, each offering its unique application method and finish.

This variety allows you to create a range of looks, from classic to creative.

If you’re feeling adventurous, coloured eyeliners can add a fun pop to your look, while a winged liner can effortlessly take your makeup from day to night.

For a vivid, bold look, try the NYX Vivid Matte Liquid Liner, priced at £7.99.

Mascara

Mascara is used to define and enhance the eyelashes, adding volume, length, and colour for a fuller, more dramatic look.

Most mascaras come in black, brown, or clear, often with added benefits like waterproof formulas or conditioning ingredients.

For extra drama, you can apply multiple coats, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

There are various types of mascaras, including volumising, lengthening, and curling formulas, so choosing the right one depends on your desired look and the natural curl of your lashes.

Regular use of mascara can significantly enhance your eye makeup, making your eyes appear more defined and expressive.

For a stunning finish, try the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, priced at £12.99.

Eyebrow Pencil

An eyebrow pencil is a key tool for shaping and defining your brows, helping to frame your face and enhance your overall look.

It allows you to fill in sparse areas, add colour, and create a more defined eyebrow shape.

Some pencils even have a built-in spoolie brush for easy blending.

Using an eyebrow pencil helps create a polished appearance, making your brows look fuller and well-groomed.

Eyebrow pencils are available in a variety of shades to match different hair colours and personal preferences.

Additionally, there are various other types of eyebrow products available, such as powders, gels, and mascaras.

For a great option, try the Morphe Micro Brow Pencil, priced at £10.

Eyeshadow Palette

Eyeshadow is a game-changer when it comes to enhancing and waking up your eyes.

By applying eyeshadow, you can add depth, dimension, and brightness to your eye area, making your eyes appear more vibrant and alert.

Most eyeshadow palettes feature a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes.

Matte shadows provide a smooth, non-reflective finish that is ideal for creating depth and blending, while shimmer and satin finishes add a touch of sparkle or subtle sheen.

A touch of shimmer on the brow bone or inner corner can instantly lift and highlight your eyes.

Some palettes are designed for specific looks, such as warm neutrals, cool tones, or smoky eyes, making it easy to achieve your desired style.

For a great option, try the Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette, priced at £5.

Blush

Blush is a makeup essential that adds a healthy flush of colour to your cheeks, giving your complexion a fresh and vibrant look.

It comes in various forms, including powder, cream, liquid, and stick. The key is to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and to apply it with a light hand, building up the colour gradually.

Deeper berry tones and purple blushes are some of the best shades to complement brown skin tones, adding a subtle flush and rosy glow to your cheeks.

The placement of the blush can also transform your face: high on the cheekbones create a lifted look, while applying it under the eye or on the apples of your cheeks gives a youthful appearance.

The W-method can provide a sun-kissed effect.

Remember, blush blindness is not real! You can never have enough blush.

For a great option, try the E.L.F. Putty Blush, priced at £7.

Tinted Lip Balm

Tinted lip balms offer a fantastic way to combine skincare and colour in one easy step, making your lips look glossy and plump.

These multi-tasking products not only moisturise your lips but also provide a subtle hint of colour, enhancing your natural lip shade while keeping them hydrated.

Choosing products that contain moisturising ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E will help soothe and protect your lips.

There are various other products you can use to achieve that natural look, such as lip tints, lip glosses, and lip stains.

A tinted lip balm is the perfect product to get those juicy, hydrated lips that scream, “I woke up like this!”

For a great option, try the E.L.F. Hydrating Lip Core Shine, priced at £7.

Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are a staple in any beauty routine, offering a quick and convenient way to remove makeup and cleanse your skin.

They’re perfect for quick, no-rinse cleansing and leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean.

These pre-moistened cloths are infused with cleansing solutions designed to dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities.

Makeup wipes are incredibly convenient for busy days or when you’re on the go, and they’re also great for quick clean-ups during or after makeup application.

Alternatively, you might choose to invest in effective makeup removal products like micellar water, cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or cleansing milk, which are especially effective at removing heavy or waterproof makeup.

For a great option, try Simple Cleansing Wipes, priced at £2.

Remember, always prep your skin! Doing your skincare before applying any makeup products is essential.

The right makeup can help you transition from a simple everyday look to something more striking for an event or special occasion.

These carefully selected products are designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.

From lightweight coverage to enhancing natural features, these makeup essentials will keep you looking fresh and radiant throughout your day.

Keep these beauty must-haves in your kit, and you’ll be ready to slay the day with confidence and style, no matter what comes your way!

This list will help simplify your beauty routine so you can focus on what matters—excelling in your studies and enjoying your university experience.