Back-to-campus beauty: 7 best budget makeup picks for UAE students in 2025

Heading back to campus doesn’t mean breaking the bank on beauty. Students in the UAE can now ace their back-to-school looks without splurging, due o these seven budget-friendly makeup picks that balance quality, style, and affordability. From foundations that stay on through long lectures to mascaras that give serious sky-high lashes, and lipsticks that pop without drying out your wallet, this list has it all. Perfect for quick touch-ups between classes or weekend hangouts, these essentials prove that looking polished, confident, and Insta-ready doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Your back-to-campus glow just got a lot more affordable.

Shop with Amazon Prime for free, fast delivery and get your products delivered in time. 

Here's your new lecture-to-late-night lifesaver: Essence Stay All Day 16h Long-Lasting Foundation in Nude No. 50. This tube is proof that student budgets don’t have to mean sacrificing great skin days. Lightweight yet full-coverage, it smooths over blemishes, stays matte even through sweaty metro rides, and laughs in the face of 8 am. classes and surprise coffee spills—because it’s oil-free, waterproof, and vegan. Moreover, no heavy perfume to irritate sensitive skin.

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is the student-approved eye cheat code. This trio—black, blue mist, and burgundy haze—lifts, lengthens, and adds drama without clumping. The flex brush grabs every tiny lash, so even on caffeine and three hours of sleep, your eyes look wide awake. Switch up colours to match your vibe: Classic black for presentations, moody burgundy for evenings, or bold blue for that artsy flair. Three shades, endless looks, and totally budget-friendly. Your lashes, but on a scholarship.

The Revlon Super Lustrous 3-Piece Lipstick Set is every student’s shortcut to instant glam. Pink, plum and berry—covers every mood and moment: sweet and soft for lectures, bold and confident for presentations, and sultry for nights out. The creamy, moisturising formula keeps lips hydrated (no dry, cracked drama here), while the high-impact colour means one swipe and done. It’s a full-on vibe shift in your pencil case, turning everyday looks into head-turners.

The e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream SPF 30 is a student-friendly multitasker you didn’t know you needed. This light 205 N shade evens out your skin tone, tackles redness, and delivers a dewy finish that’s perfect for long lectures or Zoom calls. With SPF 30, it doubles as your daily sun protection—because skincare first, makeup second, always. It's vegan and cruelty-free. Lightweight, buildable, and budget-friendly, it’s the fuss-free foundation alternative for students who want glowing skin without the hassle—or the splurge.

The wet n wild Megaglo Liquid Highlighter in Rosy and Ready is your affordable glow-up companion for 2025. Lightweight and easy to blend, it gives your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow a soft, lit-from-within sheen without looking overdone. Perfect for students juggling lectures, labs, or library sessions, it layers over foundation or mixes into your moisturiser for a subtle everyday glow. Budget-friendly and fuss-free, this highlighter proves that you don’t need a heavy makeup bag to shine—just a swipe of Rosy and Ready and you’re instantly radiant.

The ANUA Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50 is a student-friendly skincare multitasker for 2025. Lightweight, fragrance-free, and formulated with niacinamide, it shields your skin from harsh UV rays while keeping it hydrated and smooth. Its low white cast makes it perfect for all skin tones, while thetexture layers easily under makeup or wears alone for a natural, fresh-faced look. Ideal for busy students on the go, it’s travel-friendly, gentle, and fuss-free—protecting your skin without slowing you down. SPF + skincare in one? Yes, please.

The Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is a solid choice for students. Waterproof, sweatproof, and reef-friendly, this tinted sunscreen stick glides on for both the face and body, leaving no white cast and a subtle, natural tint. It’s hydrating, lightweight, and perfect for quick touch-ups between classes, sports, or outdoor hangouts. Roll it on and go—protection meets convenience in one sleek stick. Ideal for busy student life, it keeps your skin shielded from UV rays without fuss, mess, or slowing you down. SPF has never been this effortless.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.