Let’s face it—glowing skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With tuition, rent, and overpriced coffee already burning a hole in your wallet, affordable skincare might seem like a dream. But in 2025, smart students have cracked the code. They’re getting premium beauty without the premium price tag.
How? These 9 genius tips will help you glow up without going broke—and yes, most of them work right now on your favorite beauty sites.
1. Use Your Student Discount (Yes, You Actually Have One!)
Many students don’t know this, but top beauty platforms like Cult Beauty offer exclusive discounts just for students. Through platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, you can get 10% OFF sitewide.
Pro Move: Use your discount on already discounted bundles = double savings.
Unlock Your 10% Cult Beauty Discount Here
2. Shop Travel Sizes & Starter Kits
Why buy the full-size serum when you can get a mini version or starter pack at half the price? These are perfect for testing products without the commitment (or cost). Try:
- The Ordinary Mini Sets
- Glow Recipe Travel Kits
- K-Beauty Starter Kits
Browse Affordable Starter Kits on Cult Beauty.
3. Buy During ‘Gift With Purchase’ Promotions
Cult Beauty regularly runs free gift promos. Sometimes it’s a deluxe sample, other times a whole bag of goodies (worth £50+), just for spending over a certain amount.
Stack it: Use your student discount AND score the gift. Check Today’s Free Gift Offers.
4. Sign Up for Loyalty Rewards
When you create a free account on Cult Beauty, you’re automatically enrolled in CB Rewards. You earn points every time you shop, which turn into discounts or early access perks.
It’s like getting cashback for your skincare addiction. Join CB Rewards Here
5. Shop High-Performance Budget Brands
Some of the best-performing products don’t cost much at all. Students in-the-know are loving:
Top Cult Beauty Budget Brands:
- The Inkey List (starts at £5)
- The Ordinary (clinical-grade, low cost)
- BYOMA (great for barrier repair)
6. Split Orders with Friends to Hit Free Shipping
If you’re stuck paying for shipping because your order is under the threshold, here’s a hack: split a bulk order with roommates or classmates and share the shipping savings.
Cult Beauty offers free delivery above £25 in the UK and discounted global shipping.
7. Check the “Under £15” Section Regularly
Cult Beauty has a hidden section where every item is student-budget-friendly. You’ll find cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and more—under £15!
8. Stack Promo Codes with Your Student Discount
Here’s a next-level move:
Use your student discount + exclusive promo codes during flash sales, Black Friday, or back-to-uni offers.
Some codes even unlock free shipping or extra mini products with no minimum spend. Browse Current Promo Deals
9. Add to Cart & Wait (Yes, Really)
If you’re not in a rush, add products to your cart and don’t check out immediately. Cult Beauty sometimes sends out reminder emails with extra discounts or limited-time codes.
Pro Hack: Turn on email alerts and check spam folders. Build Your Wishlist Now
Final Glow-Up Tip
Being a student doesn’t mean you have to settle for drugstore-only skincare. With the right strategy, you can build a solid routine, enjoy luxury brands, and still stay under budget.
Ready to save while you glow?