"Looking this good don't come cheap!" But how much are students willing to pay for beauty?

Adapting to life as a student is pretty tough. For those who move out, it becomes our first time paying bills, paying rent, and paying for our own food. Disposable income becomes almost non-existent.

My 'dressing table'

I moved out when I was 18, but since that day, almost four years ago, I have not let my beauty regime suffer. I think I would rather eat soup for a week than have to buy a cheap substitute for my Estee Lauder Double Wear. In fact, I think I may have even stepped it up a notch or two. Since being in first year I have worked two jobs, giving me a lot larger income than most students, allowing me the luxury to keep buying quality brands. I worked on the beauty counter at John Lewis for a while, which was fabulous for discovering new treasures, but terrible for my impulsive buying streak.

I interviewed other students to see the level of importance beauty products have during their time at university. Are big brand names still important? Or are students willing to purchase more 'drug store' brands like Rimmel and Barry M?

Also, if money was really tight, which three products couldn't we live without?

Bex Pope, 21

Brand names are important as I only use certain brands for certain things like MAC or Laura Mercier foundation and the Benefit brow kit. MAC is my ultimate favorite because I always seem to find myself going back to their products. Plus I find their products are better on my face than any other.

Foundation, brows and a good solid contour are the three things I couldn’t live without as I can't cope with my large round face!

Rachel Husband, 21

I don't wear make up on a day to day basis, because I'm on a budget. I usually spend around £50-60 every couple of months on brands like MAC and Benefit, however I regularly buy cheaper eye brow pencils, mascaras and lipsticks. When I do have more income I like to treat myself to Lime Crime as the colours are way more vibrant and they don't test on animals which is a huge bonus.

Beth Cooney, 21

On average I'll spend about £20 each month on my beauty basics. My favourite brand is MAC, especially for foundation and eye make-up. I also like Benefit.

Kelly Crampton, 21

I probably spend around £30 a month on cosmetics. Brand names are very important because I want to buy from an established company, and I like to spend more on high end products as I know they are better for my skin. MAC is my favourite brand because the products are faultless and always give me a good coverage. The price is fair for the quality of the products.

I couldn’t live without Benefit Brow-zings in dark, MAC Studio fix fluid in NW 13 and MAC lipstick in 'please me' because it makes my lips pop with every outfit.

Heather Milner, 22

I probably spend around £100+ on beauty per month. Brand names are important as they usually have more money/research behind them but I'd never buy a moisturiser just because it's Dior. I'd rather go for a reputable skin care company over a designer. My favourite brand is Bare Minerals as it's completely organic, lightweight on the skin, lasts all day, and gives a natural finish.

I couldn’t live without my HD brow pallet, Decleor BB cream and Estée Lauder mascara.

Tara Glover, 21

I'm only bothered about the brand if I know I'm paying for quality. I think you have to pay more for foundation and brushes, but you can get some real bargain lipsticks from Barry M and other brands in places like Superdrug. I do think MAC is the best for quality but I could never afford to have my make-up bag filled with it. My 3 favourite products are Benefit browzings, St. Tropez mousse/fake bake flawless and any mascara.

So it seems the students of Sheffield don’t scrimp when it comes to the slap. The obvious winners here being MAC foundation and Benefit Brow-zings, which at £24.50 doesn't come cheap, but lasts a couple of months. (Perfectly acceptable in my eyes.)

How much do you spend on cosmetics per month?

And which are your beauty must-haves?

Claudia

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