We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A fan-favorite Essence Lash Princess Mascara to enhance your beautiful lashes. Reviewers say it has the same (if not better) results as name-brand mascaras for A THIRD of the price!
Promising review: "For the past couple years, I’ve been using mascara from Sephora or Ulta from more expensive makeup brands. I bought this mascara for my daughter to use for her dance recital. I ended up running out of my mascara the other day so I grabbed this one to use. I was FLOORED at how well it worked! My lashes were longer, thicker, and had more curl than with the more expensive mascara I was using from Sephora! And this is 5 times less money. Buy this immediately if you want long, thick lashes!! You will not regret it!" —Ali B.
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
2. A tube of Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm that also has SPF 30, so not only will keep your lips moisturized, it'll protect your luscious lips from the sun — I guess you could even call this a twofer. For this price? WORTH it.
Promising review: "This lip balm is the bomb! it's moisturizing and doesn't taste weird. I use it instead of lip gloss because it still gives me that shine that I want, especially since I like doing the lip liner and gloss combo. The amount in the container also goes a long way as I've had mine since around November and I still have a decent amount left! I'm definitely going to buy another." —Jaeann Carter
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
3. An eyeshadow palette for a glorious makeup look for all skin tones. Reviewers say it's JUST like the Morphe James Charles palette for a *fraction* of the price. With so many vibrant colors, your eyes are sure to ✨pop✨.
Promising review: "This eyeshadow palette is absolutely STUNNING. There's no other word to describe it, the colors are so freaking pigmented. I'm a total beginner at eye makeup and was looking for a palette that had enough colors for me to play with. This is it, for the price and what you get out of it, it's so worth it. I'm not one who's into name-brand makeup, I can easily use a no-name brand and be very satisfied. This palette is my holy grail product!" —Darlene Bimbai
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
4. A seven-day set of mini MakeUp Erasers because makeup wipes can get preeetty costly. One side of the towel removes ALL makeup (yes, even waterproof makeup) with just water. WATER. The other side exfoliates your face and afterwards you can just toss it into the laundry with everything else.
When I found out about The MakeUp Eraser I immediately bought it and I wish I did sooner! I stopped using single-use makeup wipes and I've saved sooo much money. It feels so soft on my skin and all it takes is a few swipes to remove everything. I can use it a few times before washing it and if I don't have a load of laundry to do, I just wash the towel with face wash and everything comes right out!
Promising review: "I read all the positive reviews and thought for sure it can’t be THAT good. But I was looking to get rid of my cotton makeup pads and stop buying expensive makeup remover. Honestly, my mind is totally blown. It’s like the name implies, magic! My husband was laughing at me because the second I realized how quickly and easily it was removing ALL my makeup (and with gently wiping) including waterproof mascara etc, I kept saying 'No way! No way!' over and over. I rarely write reviews, but this exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Highly recommend! And the sooner the better so you can stop wasting money on other products that don’t work as well and are adding to our landfills. I’m so glad I took a chance in it!" —J.T.
Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $25 (available in 22 pattern packs).
5. A makeup spatula (as seen on Shark Tank) to get every cent out of your favorite beauty products. With this, you won't be cringing every time you throw out your concealer that still has a quarter left in it.
6. A bottle of The Ordinary Hydrating Serum that'll give your face the hydration it deserves. The hyaluronic acid and B5 serum locks in moisture and can be used for all skin types. All you need is a few drops to do the trick, so a bottle goes a long way. *Glowing* skin is coming your way!
The Cleveland Clinic claims that hyaluronic acid is very good at retaining water.
Promising review: "I love HA. This stuff is a miracle serum for even people who don’t think they need more hydration in their skincare routine. It is an amazing preventative care ingredient for skin of ALL types. You can use this directly on your skin or like me, add few drops to my fav products like liquid lipsticks. SO FAR, one or two drops doesnt affect the formula, staying power or color of my liquid lippies at all. It just makes them more comfortable. Also, slathering this on your lips after giving them a proper exfoliation with a sugar scrub works wonders! ALSO, THE PRICE POINT IS LITERALLY ON POINT." —PalomaFoster
7. A pack of Mighty Patches so you can tackle that pesky pimple (white)head on. The hydrocolloid absorbs the gunk inside, which speeds up the healing process. Plus it hides pimples and prevents from you from picking at them! It works so well you'll forget that there was even a pimple there.
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of the popular Mighty Patch and more. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, and it's since evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, Mighty Patches nose strips, and more!
Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my work day looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." —Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $11.97.
8. And a post-blemish Rescue Balm because sometimes the temptation to pop that pimple is too much — that's totally okay. This balm will calm down that angry spot that's been yelling "why didn't you leave me alone!?" Soon enough, after a few uses, *poof* it's gone. Plus, if you have an open zit after using a pimple patch, just put a dollop of this on!
Promising reviews: "This product is great. It definitely speeds the healing process and minimizes the appearance of active pimples, but I am finding it is doing a good job of addressing older scars as well. I have been using this product in conjunction with CeraVe foaming acne wash, and my hormonal cystic acne is almost cleared up (after only a week), and the scars from previous breakouts are less visible. After batting hormonal cystic acne for years, this seems to be the winning combination." —Joyce Y.
"Whoever made this needs a raise. I wish I can slather my whole face with it. I've had acne for like 10 years (no joke) and recently had a terrible hormonal breakout and this really helped. I know when products work and when it does and this works. PLEASE for the love of gawd try it." —Sarah L.
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
9. An eyelash comb for when your mascara is getting to the drying-out phase and starts to clump. Instead of throwing out your half-filled mascara tube, you can just de-clump it with this nifty tool.
10. A bottle of Sun Bum Hair Lightener because getting your hair dyed at the salon can make the wallet cry a little — or even hysterically sob. This lightener is heat activated so while you're getting your tan in, your hair will do the opposite. With natural ingredients (honey and lemon), it'll keep your hair healthy and works so well you'll be screaming "here, take my money!"
Promising review: "I've been using Sun Bum to lighten my hair for years, mainly because I'm too cheap and lazy to color my dirty blonde hair with actual hair dye all the time. I have always loved how it's so easy to do my roots—just spray on and then hit it with the hair dryer. I decided to give this a shot just to see ... and I was impressed. It works really well and looks very natural. Once again, I just used my hair dryer and did not go in the sun. Worked like a charm! It also works well if you spray a little bit on your fingers and then slide them down small sections of hair to make streaks." —Trish Sammer
Get it from Amazon for $15.79.
11. A rejuvenating eye cream that uses all-natural and vegan ingredients to help reduce dark circles. Reviewers have claimed that this eye cream has made their bags and fine lines ~vanish~.
LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.
Promising review: "I never ever write reviews. I have tried every eye cream out there. Not one does what is says. This was immediate! I saw softening of my wrinkles and crow's feet. It’s amazing. I will be buying this again and again." —melisa delaney
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
12. OR a vegan Maybelline Dark Circles treatment concealer for when you "accidentally" stayed up until 6 a.m. watching Succession but you can't have your boss knowing. It's medium coverage and lasts for up to 12 hours (and keeps your skin moisturized!).
It has an antimicrobial cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Suazo writes: "I still don’t know how a $7 tube of concealer (I use the Neutralizer shade) beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cakey feeling. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 18 shades).
13. An adorable octopus-shaped blackhead remover so you don't have to constantly buy one-time use pore strips. It exfoliates your skin and removes all whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities.
Promising review: "I have awful pores and am always using super drying products on my face to target this annoying adult acne I now have, but that causes flakey skin. I have sensitive skin so there are only so many affordable store-bought scrubs I can use, and so far the ones I've tried don't do enough or anything at all. The FIRST TIME I used this I literally watched my pores get cleaned out and my skin wasn't irritated at all by the ingredients. The scent is very pleasant and not too strong at all I think. It seems like it will also last awhile because I really used the heck out of it the first day because it was working so well and my pores are deeply clogged. When I was done my face looked SO much better and was super smooth I was really amazed that this tiny little Tako could do that. I love this thing!" —Diane Delfino
Get it from Amazon for $11.88.
14. OR a salon-worthy stainless-steel skin spatula to scrape all the gunk from your face. The vibration brings out all blackheads, dirt, and oils from your pores, making them easy to remove. For only $20, think about how much you would save instead of going for a facial!
See it in action on TikTok here.
Promising reviews: "Don't doubt it, a staple in skincare. I got this little device from a TikTok and decided to give it a try. I never knew I needed it until the first time I tried it. The vibrations magically bring up all the stubborn blackheads you can’t reach with just your fingers, especially if you have acrylics like me." —Paige Chaney
"This thing is freaking amazing! I was super skeptical I would see any results because I just bought it on a whim because I have epic blackhead issues, but man was this the best thing I’ve ever used. It brought so much gunk out of my skin (once I figured out how best to aim it) I was seriously almost in tears. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see it come up on the first pass; experiment with the best angle and tool direction for you. Also, expect to keep having to use it. Like everything else, you need to keep going to see results." —Tyler Dominguez
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
15. A fabulous Buxom lip-plumping gloss because lip injections are too expensive. This will temporarily give your that Kylie Jenner look. Plus with Vitamin A and E, your lips will stay hydrated and plump.
16. A Grande Cosmetics brow enhancing serum to get those lush Cara Delevingne eyebrows. If you apply it once or twice a day, you might notice fuller brows in eight weeks — it is DEFINITELY worth the wait.
Promising reviews: "This product is so good. Definitely worth the money. I use is everyday in the morning before I put on my makeup or whenever I remember if I don’t put on makeup that day. I do recommend staying regular with it. Not only is it making my brows fuller but it’s also making the tail of my brows longer! Love it." —Katiej
Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in six styles).
17. A bottle of Bio-Oil that uses natural oils (vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and sunflower) to reduce the appearance of battle scars over time on all skin tones and textures. It's like a magician performing a long-term disappearing act!
Promising reviews: "What is this sorcery? I’m pretty sure it’s just straight up whatever liquid comes out of a unicorn when it happy cries. I have scars, stretch marks, and acne that are healing or disappearing literally overnight. It’s hands down some of the best stuff I’ve ever gotten my hands on. Thank you magical wizard for creating this supernatural concoction, you can now have all of my money. If only I’d taken some before and after pictures to capture the results!" —Purpleflowerseverywhere13
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes).
18. A roll-on waxing kit so you can wax on your own terms instead of paying excruciating prices at the salon. It'll have your skin 🎶smooth like butter!🎶
The kit includes a 40W high-power roll on wax warmer, two boxes of wax (honey and lavender scented), six packs of calming oil wipes, and 100 non-woven wax strips. ALSO! If you prefer to not remove your body hair, that is totally okay! You do not have to wax if that's not your style!
Promising reviews: "Worked like magic! The pain is not bad at all!! Worth your money in my opinion! (:" —Elizabeth
"I’ve spent TONS of money and time going to spas and nail salons trying to find the perfect wax. After doing some research, I came across this bad boy and let me tell you, I am NEVER going back! It’s so easy to use, and also so convenient. They send enough product to thoroughly try everything out. I also love that they send two scents, so you can find which one you love the most. The wax strips are sturdy enough to undergo the pressure you apply before pulling it off, as well as the actual pull. They get everything underneath and you can even use a single strip multiple times. No need to fly through the pack of strips anymore, when you can reuse the single strip a few times! HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you’re always busy, and on the go, or just wanting some extra self-care in the comfort of your home. 💕" —Alisa G.
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
19. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that actually WORKS. Your teeth will be so white that you'll never want to stop smiling. C'mon, show off those all-natural veneers.
Promising review: "I really wanted nicer looking teeth, but really did not want to pay dentist prices. This product was extremely reasonably priced, the reviews were overall good, so I figured, why not? Maybe it would actually help and I wouldn't be out much if it didn't. Worth a shot, right? I am ASTOUNDED at the results so far. It really works, guys!!!" —Donna
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
20. A vegan and cruelty-free makeup setting spray so you don't have to keep touching up your makeup. It extends makeup wear for up to 16 hours!! Even if you feel like you're melting in the scorching hot sun, your face surely won't!
Promising review: "I have been purchasing the Nyx Matte Finishing Spray for years but would rotate between this and other high-end sprays. I always end up coming right back to Nyx because the finish is incomparable. No matter which foundation I use, my makeup is long-wearing, stays matte and there's no cakey, oily or melted/separated look even after hours of wear. I also have some visible pores on my cheeks and this spray does NOT highlight them or make them stand out more like other sprays do. It's the perfect combination for my makeup needs. Also, so happy that Amazon sells this in jumbo size so this bottle will last me a really long time!" —Krystle M.
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in matte, dewy, radiant, and plump finishes, in regular and jumbo sizes, and in various packs).
21. A Live Tinted Huestick that TRIPLES as lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow! It's packed with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and Vitamins C & E making for smooth, silky skin. Now you don't have to buy separate beauty products and can enjoy this *3-in-1*!
Live Tinted is a South-Asian owned small business that focuses on clean, vegan, cruelty-free makeup.
Promising review: "Love it. Glides on easily and is versatile to use on eyes, lips and face." —Aisha Nunez
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in nine colors).
22. An eyelash growth serum so you don't keep spending $100+ every two weeks getting lash extensions. The serum can help thicken and lengthen your eyelashes — it'll have people wondering if you're wearing falsies.
Promising review: "This stuff is a magical miracle elixir! I use it twice a day and after about six weeks the results are literally unbelievable! It works, and it works fast. I have naturally straight, light brown, thin lashes. They’re now darker, thicker, and so long they touch my glasses!" —V. Campbell
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in two colors).
23. A waterproof eyeliner stamp because if you're like me and have to redo your wing a bajillion times, this is SO worth it. With this stamp you won't waste any eyeliner — all it takes is one stamp and DONE!
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Promising reviews: "I've tried the taping method, normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! So, when I saw this, I thought, meh, why not give it a shot. Well, this gem arrived, and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out...but to my surprise, I put the left cat eye on first, and it was perfect aside from needing to connect it to my current liner. I thought this was a fluke and did the right eye...again, it came out clean and perfect! I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN ABLE TO DO A CAT EYE IN UNDER 10 MINUTES...LET ALONE THE TWO MINUTES THIS TOOK TO DO! There were no sloppy streaks that I had to touch up. Just a clean crisp line. I can now do a cat eye EVERY day and look/feel like a badass and everyone thinks I spend hours doing my make-up in the morning." —LadyMeow
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
24. Or a Neutrogena makeup-correcting stick for when you want to do your own winged liner and don't want cotton swabs piled high in your trash can. It erases any smudged makeup while keeping the rest intact.
Promising review: "Why didn’t someone think of this sooner? For years, I’ve been using cotton buds dipped in makeup remover to remove little goofs or mistakes. This is so much better and portable! Erases waterproof mascara marks around my eyes easily. Must-buy product!!" —Katherine
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
25. A tube of Glossier Cloud Paint that lasts so long, like TRULY so long. A few drops of this liquid blush will give you the perfect amount of color to add to your glowing smile. The blush is so pigmented that using too much could turn you into Elmo.
Promising review: "Lasts forever! Love Cloud Paint so much. A little goes a long way and it lasts all day! I've had the same tiny bottle of Cloud Paint for three years now because I only need a tiny bit to look naturally flushed and it lasts so long! Bottom line: Yes — I would recommend this to a friend" —Sophie
Get it from Glossier for $20 (available in 10 colors).
26. Flexible curling wands because curling your hair in the morning means waking up extra early. Just roll these wands in your hair before you go to sleep and wake up with a magnificent mane.
The wands vary in size so you can pick the size you prefer. Reviewers recommend putting a leave-in conditioner in your damp hair when you use these for optimum curling.
Promising reviews: "Perfect for my 4b coily hair. They're awesome, I've slept with them in for two days and they're beyond comfortable." —Tatianna
"Stop searching for the best value for flexi rods cause I did that already, and this is it lol. These are shorter than what I expected, but I’m now noticing the 'for short/fine hair' description. But I’m still able to wrap the full 24-inch length around the rods. Comes with plenty of sizes which I love. You don’t need anything but damp hair and a leave-in to your preference." —Mo
Get a pack of 47 from Amazon for $11.99.
27. A bottle of Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue spray to rejuvenate and refresh your face whenever your skin starts to feel a little irritated and starts screaming SOS. The hypochlorous acid, a natural ingredient your skin produces, helps defend your skin from bacteria, reduce redness, AND sooth irritation!
Spritz on your skin morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "Best beauty product EVER (not kidding). A friend recommended this because I was complaining about mask acne. And she was right, this bottle of magic is a game changer. I've graduated from the mini size to the regular size...because this stuff is literally the only thing that keeps my face from breaking out these days! LOVE LOVE LOVE!" —Amy B.
Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in mini or full size).
28. A multiuse makeup brush that can be adjusted to the perfect size. Just twist it and it can either shrink or expand, giving you the right size for blush, highlighter, foundation, you name it.
Subtl Beauty is a small business created by Rachel Reid who specializes in multiuse and stackable beauty products.
Promising review: "The Stack Brush is so well-designed. It can be fluffy or adjusted to apply a more concentrated amount of product. It will be a great brush for daily use and travel." —Kathy N.
Get it from Subtl Beauty for $20.
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.