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. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match.
Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
Get it from Amazon for $23.
2. An mattifying powder shampoo you won't want to go anywhere without once you see how effective it is at mattifying oily roots. Just dab it on your roots to release an ultra-fine powder that absorbs oil and revives ~volume~ so you can stay fresh from morning to night.
BTW, this is cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $14.40.
3. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more.
Promising reviews: "The best I’ve tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn’t have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don’t test on animals." —Detti
"This product is fantastic; the best I've used in years! And the price can't be beat. It's [leagues] ahead of the well-known brand names that sell for five times as much and more!. Just one or two coats gives me length and volume. With the gloppy other brands, I'd given up wearing makeup at all. I have sensitive blue eyes — and did I say I'm old, which adds another layer of sensitivity — and this mascara don't bother my eyes at all, no redness or irritability." —Antonia Albany
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
4. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant with salicylic acid and smoothing green tea extract so you can say goodbye to blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness. It exfoliates dead skill cells on your face to leave it ultra-smooth, and it's gentle enough for daily use!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff: "Not my skin above, but I 100% vouch for this liquid exfoliant's amazingness. It's helped to even out my skin tone and control the hormonal acne around my mouth. It's the only thing I feel like has actually helped start to slow down those breakouts, and for that, I'm forever thankful. I apply a thin layer in the morning and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing."
Promising review: "GAME-CHANGER! I thought I had tried EVERYTHING on the market for congested skin (I don’t get breakouts anymore, but very clogged pores along T-zone) and enlarged pores. I’ve only been using it for a week and just at night and the difference in blackheads along my nose and enlarged/congested pores in almost unbelievable! This just might be my very favorite Amazon purchases EVER!" —AJDEX
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
5. Cult-favorite Bio-Oil that's ultra-effective at fading scars and stretch marks, reducing redness, and evening out skin tone. It's packed with vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and other natural oils for anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing benefits, and it smells like an expensive spa treatment!
It's famous for the fact that you can use it anywhere on your body, making it a true holy grail beauty product.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this on the reg: "FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night."
Promising review: "Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I use the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night." —Yasmin Rodriguez
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two sizes).
6. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win.
Promising review: "Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" —Lory Lacy
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
7. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price!
Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.
Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB
Get it from Amazon for $7.15.
8. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer that blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups.
Promising review: "Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia
Get it from Amazon for $9.
9. Hydrating Lancôme Teint Idole Care & Glow foundation, which I fell in love with immediately upon first wear. This glowy serum foundation provides buildable medium coverage and has an 82% hyaluronic acid formula to hydrate and plump the skin — a dream for those of us with face dryness.
This is the best foundation I have ever owned, folks. I literally get excited every time I get the chance to put it on. I saw it recommended in a TikTok (which I can't find now, sry!) and even though it costs more than I've ever spent on foundation, I was pulled in by the idea of a hyaluronic acid formula that's hydrating and glowy with decent coverage — and it's proven to be just that. The skin tone match is PERFECTION (Sephora nailed it with the "Find Your Shade" tool, which you can find on the product page under the shade options) and it blends like a dream, working as the perfect base for blush, highlighter, and more. It's lightweight and buildable, and my dry, sensitive skin has had no issues with it. As a bonus, it has SPF 27 for added protection! The bottle is also lasting me a loooong time, so it's been worth every single penny in my experience. When I want more coverage for a bolder makeup look, whether for events or going out, this is my go-to!
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $57 (available in 30 shades).
10. A L’Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that'll transform your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type! Psst — they might reach for Redken at your local salon, but this has the same ingredients as that brand's lamellar treatment for way less.
Promising reviews: "Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky
"I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —anonymous87
Get it from Amazon for $8.73.
11. Peach Slices acne spot dots for a *super* budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option compared to other brands like Mighty Patch. Keep them around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that nasty gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight.
Peach Slices is part of Peach & Lily, a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson
"So I have been usually these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88.
12. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too!
The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b through 4c hair mentioned it working for them.
Promising reviews: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" —Ilsa
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two colors).
13. Plus, a blow-dry spray that not only protects your hair from heat and eliminates frizz after washing, but it *also* decreases blow-dry time by 50% so you have time to make that run to Starbucks before your 9 a.m. meeting.
Promising review: "I LOVE the smell of this! Bought it due to frizzing from coloring my hair, but really didn't believe that it shortened drying time. I mean, how can something putting moisture on you hair shorten the drying time, right? I was shocked. I don't know if it cut it down by 50%, but I did notice blow-drying my hair took quit a bit less time. I am sold on this stuff. Makes my hair feel like silk, but not greasy (I was worried about it making my hair greasy) and it takes only a few sprays to get the results. I hold it about 15 inches from my head and spray the top, both sides and the back once, the rub it in with my hands. Perfect!" —Janice C. Henderson
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
14. Black Girl Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 — it's designed by folks with melanated skin to NOT leave that horrible white cast, aka it actually rubs in quickly and easily. If anything deserves a permanent spot in your skincare bag, it's this lil' 3-ounce (travel-friendly!) bottle.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." —Target Customer
Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99.
15. A brightening facial scrub that'll leave your skin positively soft and glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but it also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores.
I've been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for months, and it's now my go-to exfoliator. I use it a couple of times a week in the shower, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn't been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin, something I was definitely worried about considering I use a retinol cream once or twice a week (though I do avoid doing them on the same day). Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer. This is one product that's going to be in my beauty arsenal for as long as they keep making it!
Promising review: "I've been dealing with acne for over 10+ years + oily skin. So you can imagine the acne scars/hyperpigmentation my skin has. I've used TONS of facial scrubs/masks that claim that it brightens your skin. The Acure facial scrub is the BEST and worth-your-money facial scrub I've ever used. My acne scars lighten almost immediately after use. I usually use it at night and leave it on for about five to 10 minutes and wash it off. My skin is seriously so smooth (normally I have to exfoliate almost every night or else my foundation does not go on smoothly) after just one use. The next morning, my skin looks so good! Acne scars are less red and my face is so smooth. I always use less foundation the next morning too. I love that its super affordable too. Will def continue to use this product." —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
16. A tiger grass color-correcting treatment to tackle redness head-on, going on as a green cream that blends to match your skin tone, neutralizing redness in minutes. One BuzzFeed editor says she uses it daily as a moisturizer under foundation; others even use it as a CC cream. Thankfully, it has SPF 30 as well!
Note: Some reviewers mention this doesn't seem to blend as well on darker skin. Another color-corrector to try for darker complexions: L.A. Girl's Pro Conceal HD Concealer.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I use this every single day and to demonstrate just how well it works, I put it on half of my face in the pic [above]. Seriously, the color-canceling prowess is impressive. Also it took me nearly a year to go through the full-size jar. So if the price has you feeling iffy, you can try out the mini size. Seriously, I'm forever indebted to this stuff."
Promising review: "This product is a game changer for anyone with red rosacea-prone skin. I have used everything from drugstore to expensive products from my dermatologist, plus many IPL treatments to reduce the redness. Nothing worked until I found this. A small amount goes a long way so I use a sunscreen underneath. I found patting it on my skin worked and the redness is gone instantly and stays that way all day." —DGladMarten
Get it from Sephora for $52 (also available in a mini size for $21).
17. An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*.
Promising reviews: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon
"This is so, so much better than the clear mascara that I was using. Ditto for the expensive eyebrow gel that I used before that. This stuff is: not crunchy, not crusty, and doesn't wear off, all day long. What it IS is nothing short of amazing: a little brow pencil and some of the eyebrow soap, and you have perfect brows all day, with no worries." —H. K. Rodman
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel).
18. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-favorite you can wield as part of your multistep daily routine *or* for quick touch-ups (without cakiness!) on days when you're not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it — and neither are the name-brand concealers, at this price.
Promising reviews: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25-30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time i set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my every day makeup bag." —Brittney
"Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I’m 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" —Lynnette Smith
Get it from Amazon for $5.87+ (available in 18 shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
19. Broadway's long-lasting clear lip gloss set — these pretty little tubes each contain a different main ingredient: mint oil that creates a refreshing cooling sensation (perfect for soothing a cracked lip), rosehip oil for reducing fine lines, and coconut oil for deeply hydrating and locking in moisture.
All three, however, will leave your pout plump and glossy, whether worn on their own or over lipstick!
Promising review: "I have tried so many lip glosses from Mac to Kylie to Shea Moisture and Kiehls and I have to say this is by far THE best lip gloss. It is sooo smooth and glossy and doesn’t have that normal stickiness to it, which is absolutely amazing!" —Paige
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $4.49.
20. A Denman hair brush, which is literally made for curly hair — it detangles, distributes product evenly, and shapes curls so you can dash out the door with perfectly sculpted spirals and time to spare. Also, its mini size makes it easy to hold and great for curly-haired kids to use as well.
Promising review: "I love this brush! I ordered because I saw a YouTube video of a girl with curly hair using it, and her curls came out amazing! I always do wash-and-gos, and I usually would only brush/comb my hair in the shower style it once I was out, but sometimes if I waited a little longer to style it, my hair would get dry and frizzy. It would be almost impossible to get my curls defined without getting back in the shower. With this brush, now all I have to do it spray my hair with water, put product in it, and comb it through with this brush, and my curls are poppin'! The brush is also very sturdy and you can take rows out if you want a looser curl!" —Bryant
Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in four styles and multiple colors).
21. Verb Ghost Oil to be your secret weapon against frizzy, dry hair (especially if you color it frequently), softening and smoothing your strands while weightlessly adding shine.
Promising review: "This stuff has changed my hair game. I have excessively bleached hair. But this stuff is so great to my hair. It has returned it to a soft, healthy, silky feeling. My regimen is wash, condition for a while, or use a protein treatment, let it dry till it's damp then I run like two to three pumps through my hair (I have long thick hair) and work it into the bleached parts. I dry and then add a little more after. I also add more before curling my hair to protect it from heat damage. The amount you get for the price is astonishing, considering most hair oils are less product for like twice as much. Buy it: works great, smells great, feels great." —Eva
Get it from Amazon for $20.
22. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, aka THE holy grail for people with dry, sensitive skin. Its essential ceramides bring relief to dry, flaky, itchy skin by hydrating and restoring the skin's protective barrier — keeping the moisture in and pollutants out.
Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours. I recommend getting the style with a pump on top so you don't have to dip your fingers into the tub!
Promising review: "I have extremely dry skin that's also acne-prone and sensitive. That's a tough combination to treat because most products that heavily moisturizer also cause acne. This lotion is by far the best I've used! I can slather it on as much as I want without any irritation or acne and it soaks right in and soothes my dry skin. I'm a lifetime customer for sure." —Laura K.
Get the bundle with a pump from Amazon for $18.99 (also available separately and in a smaller size).
23. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, worthy of being your holy grail hair and face mask. This cult-favorite mask is made of 100% natural calcium bentonite (a type of volcanic ash) clay, which draws impurities out of skin and buildup out of hair.
It's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!
Promising reviews: "I have very thick, super curly, coarse hair. I have been natural going on nine years. I’ve never been able to wear my hair in a wash-and-go style because my roots were always puffy, tangled, and had no curl definition. It would just swell up and look like cotton. Oh, but then I used this miracle in a jar. It’s messy, and takes forever. But for the first time in my natural hair journey, I have been consistently wearing wash-and-gos. Takes me no time to style my hair, it’s moisturized, shiny, and looks so healthy. I’ve had soooo many people tell me how healthier my hair looks now. If I could give it 20 stars just for my hair I would!" —keina
"I bought this as a last hope for cystic acne. I bought raw apple cider vinegar to mix with the clay powder because I heard that worked best for people experiencing skin problems. This mask had been such a life saver. I'm not sure words can describe how impressed I am with this healing clay mask. Since my skin has been through hell and I've literally tried everything, it's pretty resilient, so I've been using this mask every night for the last four days. It's not nearly as drying as I thought it would be so that hasn't been an issue. But the mask has dried up everything and I have no new breakouts. I was so happy that I cried. If I could give this product a million stars, I would!" —Afton StAmour
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
24. An elongating curling gel tackling a common curly hair problem head-on, helping you achieve spirals that are soft and defined without losing any length. Plus, for under 10 bucks you're getting a ton of product in this generously sized tub.
Promising review: "This was recommended by my hairstylist. I usually wear my hair in braids and decided to wear my natural hair out after a cut and color. I didn't think my hair would even curl up but this works perfectly. It's not flaky and leaves my hair soft and shiny. When something works don't change it. It's great used alone, do not add any other products to it. I will continue to use this product for my wash and go." —Gifty
Get it from Walmart for $6.98 (originally $9.01) or from Target for $8.29.
25. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Base because if you're applying eyeshadow without primer, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long.
Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." —Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
26. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish.
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight sets).
27. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.
Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too). And multiple people compare it to SkinCeuticals' vitamin C serum — which, if you're unaware, retails for a whopping $182, folks.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
28. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin. Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects.
Here are some other skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone, BTW.
This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion.
Promising review: "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
Get it from Sephora for $9.50.
29. Youthforia's unbelievably lightweight BYO Blush Oil, which reacts to your skin's natural pH level to create the perfect shade of flush for your skin tone so you never have to think about what shade to wear. This is one of my all-time faves for looking a little more ~alive~ without doing a full makeup look, and you can easily apply it on the go with your fingers.
Check out a TikTok of the BYO Blush in action! This vegan, color-changing oil is made with 20 different plant-based ingredients that are so skin-friendly, you could even sleep in this.
Youthforia is an Asian woman-owned small business established in 2020 that specializes in environmentally friendly, cruelty-free makeup made with at least 90% renewable ingredients.
I recently picked up a tube of BYO Blush Oil for myself because the concept sounded so cool — a blush oil? That creates your perfect shade?? It works exactly as advertised: I just make a couple of tiny swipes on each cheek and a lil' on my nose, and almost immediately the pink shade starts to appear. It blends REALLY easily and feels so lightweight. I love wearing it on no-makeup days when I want to add a bit of color to my cheeks, but it looks great on top of makeup too. I love it so much, I even bought it for my sister-in-law for Christmas!
Promising review: "I take this on my travels as you want something that can work many angles for you. I use it as a eyeshadow, blush and lipstick. I dap a little on my eyelids and it give me a nice shade. It saves a lot of space in your makeup bag!" —Darcy
Get it from Amazon for $36.
30. Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy!
Reviewers compare to products like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint.
Promising reviews: "This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 42 shades and in a three-pack).
31. And Nyx Butter Gloss that'll melt onto your lips, leaving them with a buttery soft sheen. Plus, it comes in 32 bold colors (and a clear tint) so you can build up a versatile arsenal of lip shades on a budget.
Promising review: "Skip the expensive mall store — buy this. This is one of those drugstore products that lives up to its reputation. 'Angel Food Cake' is a nice, rose mauve color with no yellow undertones. The color stays true and won’t turn orange while you’re wearing it. It’s not sticky like so many inexpensive lip glosses. It will also keep your lips reasonably hydrated. This gloss is all you need for everyday wear." —Toomanycats
Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in 32 colors, a clear shade, and three-packs).
32. Plus! A double-sided silicone lip brush if you're constantly applying lip balm but your lips still don't look or feel soft — chances are, they just need some exfoliation so your moisturizing product can be fully effective and your lipstick can look its best.
I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel.
Promising review: "I love this product. I’ve been using lip scrubs for ages, but this exfoliator takes it to the next level. It really helps in removing dry lip skin for smooth lipstick application. To clean, I just wash it with antibacterial hand soap and store in a dry place. My new go-to beauty product!" —Cristina
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.
33. Nourishing Mario Badescu facial spray packed with soothing aloe, herbs, and rosewater — spritz it on your face anytime you want to feel ~refreshed~ and look soft and dewy without using a ton of makeup products to achieve that same glistening look. You can also use it as a toner and setting spray!
You can apply this over makeup to add moisture and keep your face from looking dry or cakey! Multiple reviewers said they love it so much, they bought an extra bottle to keep with them at all times.
I have this bad boy at home and, like the Youthforia Blush Oil, this is one of my go-tos on no-makeup days, especially while working from home (because I refuse to put on makeup just because I have a few Zoom meetings on the cal 🤷♀️). With just a couple of spritzes on my face, I feel *immediately* more refreshed and hydrated after using this facial spray, and it really soothes my dry, sensitive skin. It gives your skin this really healthy, dewy look, and bonus points for smelling absolutely incredible. If you're too lazy to put on a full face of makeup, keep this spray on hand as it can make you look and feel more ~alive~ without foundation, concealer, etc.
Promising reviews: "A staple in every beauty routine!!!!!!! A little goes a long way. I use it for a lot of things. As a toner after I wash my face and before I put on moisturizer. When my face feels dry I just mist it over my face to refresh. And also after I go tanning. My face needs a little extra moisture after I get some sun. I drench my face in this stuff and it feels fabulous. It smells wonderful. I carry it with me everywhere I go and just spritz whenever my face feels tired." —Gail Swearngin
Get it from Amazon for $7 (also available in a larger size and packs).
34. A gua sha essentials set if you're ready to go all in on this centuries-old beauty practice. The shapes are designed for different purposes: The wavy tool caresses your face and neck for gentle lymphatic drainage, while the edgy tool hugs your jawline, cheek, and brow bones for targeting deep lines and wrinkles.
The wavy tool is a great option for beginners who are just getting the hang of gua sha techniques, while the edgy tool will let experienced gua sha users take their practice to the next level with more targeted work. Both tools are made from 100% agate stone!
Get it from our Goodful shop for $56.
35. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture).
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat
"I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores but nobody ever told me what this was. This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even exist...this cleanses your face, takes off your makeup. Nobody should not know what this stuff is." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $3.98+ (available in two sizes and in packs).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!
36. An oil-free Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer beloved for its soft, sheer coverage that evens out your skin tone without feeling like you have a greasy layer just sitting on top of it — your skin still feels like *your* skin. This is my personal *fave* tinted moisturizer!
It has a blurred matte finish thanks to oil-absorbing powders that keep your face shine-free, while licorice root extract soothes irritation and vitamin E protects against sun damage. It also has SPF 20 for extra sun protection (on top of your everyday sunscreen). Reviewers of all skin types call it a staple!
This has been my personal holy grail tinted moisturizer for months now! (That's me applying and wearing it above, on its own, with no filter.) I've never been the type to buy expensive name brands like Laura Mercier, and finding tinted products that actually match your tone is SUCH a struggle, but I took a gamble (after seeing a rec from one of my colleagues, included below) and have found my match made in heaven with this moisturizer. It blurs my freckles a bit without covering them completely, and it still looks like "my skin," just with a more even skin tone that looks soft and healthy. Now, like many tinted moisturizers, this is very light, sheer coverage and you'll probably have to pair with concealer if you have blemishes or spots you want to cover. I love this for no-foundation days when you just want a light base to wear on its own or with a bit of blush and mascara. Also, I'm using a damp sponge to apply it above, but you could def just use your fingers!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jasmin Sandal also recommends this! "I can attest that this foundation-alt doesn't draw attention to areas of dryness — it actually does a great job of nourishing your skin as well as providing coverage to naturally mask blemishes. I especially love it because I can even out my skin tone in a pinch with just *one* product instead of having to throw a bajillion things on my face to achieve a healthy-looking glow."
Get it from Sephora for $53 (available in 20 shades and also in a mini size for $29).
37. Or a budget-friendly illuminating L'Oreal moisturizer that'll give you a dewy, shimmery base for less $$ than similar products (like Glossier's Futuredew). Thankfully, this is under $15 and works just as well as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a little glow on top of your makeup.
Promising review: "This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. Not too sparkly, just makes me look like I’ve had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that’s a plus. I’ve tried other luminizers, and for me they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried an $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin. I will purchase again!" —DLW
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in four shades).
38. A Physician's Formula bronzer to give you that sun-kissed look even if you've barely left the couch for months. Brush this into your cheekbones, hairline, and temples for a natural flush — it has a cream-to-powder finish with a light shimmer and ~buttery~ texture reviewers rave about.
Promising review: "This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya
Get it from Amazon for $11.50+ (available in seven shades).
39. Finally, for my eyeliner lovers: A winged eyeliner stamp because creating the perfect, symmetrical cat-eye somehow never gets much easier. Now you don't have to spend an hour redoing your wings — this easy-to-use stamp creates the same wing on each side, and no one will even know the difference. 🤫
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Promising review: "Amazon makes all things possible, even the perfect winged liner. I’m speechless. I’ve never been able to do winged liner in the 30 years I’ve walked the Earth. This product is amazing, it’s seamless. Literally, it’s foolproof. Not to mention it has great staying power, it’s very dark, and hasn’t smudged all day. I seriously wasn’t expecting to like it this much, you’ve got a customer for life!" —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three styles and a combo pack).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.