34 Beauty Products Under $50 That Work Incredibly Well
Incredible skincare, haircare, and beauty finds all under budget.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. Mario Badescu Peeling Pads kiss pesky breakouts goodbye. These exfoliate dead skin cells and help brighten your complexion with each and every swipe.
They're chock-full of micellar water (to remove dirt, oil, and even waterproof makeup) and vitamin C to calm breakouts and reduce puffiness.
Promising review: "I have extremely sensitive skin and whenever I used an exfoliating pad my skin ALWAYS became irritated and I would get bad rashes and pimples all over my face. However, these pads are amazing. The fabric itself is very gentle and it makes your skin able to breathe. It is very refreshing. It did not irritate my skin. It is rather moisturizing and soothing. I start from my face and goes down to my neck. After using this pad, it feels like I just applied a very moisturizing toner or an essence. It also plumps up your skin. It definitely removes my dead skin and makes my skin look brighter." —Irene
Get a jar of 60 pads from Amazon for $17.99.
2. Vinyl Nail Wraps require zero painting and zero trips to the nail salon. Not good at nail art? No problem.
SoGloss is a small nail wraps shop based in Buffalo, New York. You'll find nail wraps that are so on ~trend~ you'll want to add a TON to your cart.
Promising review: "These are the easiest, most durable nail wraps I have ever used! The designs are beautiful, and I am so happy to see so many nude nail options! I love a quirkier nail look, so I combined two different sets, and added a charm. Will definitely purchase more!" —Etsy Customer
3. Haus Laboratories Lip Gloss (from Lady Gaga's beauty line) sparkles as the cherry on top of your makeup look. Give your pout a break from the matte liquid lipsticks and opt for this shine-inducing option instead.
Promising review: "I typically hate lip gloss, but this lip gloss is not sticky at all and is actually so smooth! The color pops nicely and it makes your lips appear fuller and smoother. It also lasts ever eating and drinking. I’m usually a huge matte lipstick person, but I fell in love with this gloss." —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $9 (available in 31 shades).
4. L'Oreal Voluminous Primer Mascara goes on white and adds additional fibers to lengthen and thicken lashes. (If you've been saying you want lash extensions, this is your inexpensive solution.)
Over the years I've noticed my lashes falling out and they're not as voluminous and long as they once were (*cries*). This mascara primer has changed all of that. I use it in tandem with the Thrive Causemetics mascara for a dynamic duo that hasn't failed me yet. The primer base adds a noticeable amount of fibers to thicken my thin lashes, which gives me a full lash look.
Get it from Amazon for $6.74.
5. BH Cosmetics Rose Gold Makeup Brush Set provides you with 13 various brushes that'll fulfill practically every applicator need you could require. The firm yet flexible synthetic bristles are usable with liquid, cream, and powder products.
The 13-piece set features a pointed powder brush, powder brush, flat top brush, small contour brush, fluffy blending brush, tapered blending brush, flat shader brush, dense shader brush, angled shading brush, detailing pencil brush, angled brow brush, bent fine liner brush, and a brow & lash brush.
Promising review: "I really like these brushes. So fluffy soft and affordable. I love that they come with a cup to place them in. I would recommend this set to anyone who is getting into makeup. It’s a great start." —Juliana A.
Get them from BH Cosmetics for $26.
6. Batiste Dry Shampoo allows us lazy folk to be even more lazy (you're welcome) by prolonging hair washing for another day (or three). This spray diminishes scalp oiliness and adds volume.
As if it couldn't get any better, Batiste is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "My holy grail dry shampoo. I have very fine oily hair, but I don't like washing it every day. This product actually makes my hair look clean. Once you spray and rub lightly with your fingers, this product ensures an all-day clean." —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $8.29.
Batiste also won best budget dry shampoo from BuzzFeed Reviews!
7. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick lasts for up to 16 hours on the lips (literal sorcery). With an overabundance of shade options, you'll have a new go-to lipstick for every day of the week that's matte and highly pigmented.
Promising review: "This is perfect if you like long-lasting, matte lipstick. I wore it for my wedding: The lipstick lasted through hours with food, kissing, and heat without smudging or any change in how it looked. I have eaten fried chicken, burritos, pasta, and tons of other things while wearing this lipstick and it stayed on perfectly without needing any real touch ups. Seriously my holy grail liquid lipstick." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 45 colors).
8. Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer smells like a tropical beverage and lives up to its name. Its buttery texture glides onto the skin for a sun-kissed glow that'll have everyone fooled you've been away on vacay (when you actually haven't moved off the couch in three days).
Promising review: "Love this bronzer! It's the perfect shade to make you tan...NOT ORANGE! I have pretty pale skin and I find most bronzers are ineffective to give me a true tan look. This bronzer does the job. It makes me tan without the unnatural look. Not too sparkly, which in my opinion looks very fake. And the smell makes it over the top. It has a very strong coconut smell that makes me feel like I'm somewhere on an island." —Amazon555
Get it from Amazon for $9.59 (available in four shades).
9. Freck XL creates lifelike freckles wherever the formula is placed. Decide how heavy or light to apply the cluster of faux freckles (to your own liking), lightly tap so they blend into the skin, and ~bam~ all-day beauty marks that look realistic as heck.
For deeper skin tones, they suggest letting the dots sit and develop before lightly tapping them with your finger for a seamless blend.
My friend Lindsey turned me on to this product and it is one of the most fun makeup products I've ever used. I love tapping these on my nose and cheeks for the illusion that I've had a lot of time sunning. They look super natural and authentic and last practically all day.
Promising review: "Fell in love with this product the second it touched my skin. It did not break me out and looked good all day. it does take a try or two to get the hang of, but once you get it, you're golden. The formula is smooth and smells nice." —calel
Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in two sizes and two finishes).
10. 24-karat gold face mask plumps skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Honestly — it doesn't get more luxe than this.
Promising review: "I've been wanting a glow facial for a while now, but I didn't want to pay those expensive spa prices. I'm so grateful to have run across this amazing product. I can definitely see the difference after just one treatment! I'm so excited about my results. I will be ordering more." —Taquila Gordon
Get it from Amazon for $12.73.
11. Florence By Mills Moisturizing Mask Pearls easily crush between fingers and massage effortlessly into the skin. You can utilize them as a hydrating mask, overnight sleeping mask, or intensive moisturizer.
The pearls feature niacinamide, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and hyaluronic acid. Simply crush the pearl between your finger tips and then massage into the skin. *Fun Fact* — Florence By Mills was founded by Mille Bobby Brown!
These are paraben-free and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "These feel so good and luxurious on the face, you can feel the deep moisture after applying it." —Arabella L.
Get them from Ulta for $32.
12. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara lifts and volumizes lashes for a more wide-awake look.
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte Cosmetics for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can’t stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like crazy and this stuff doesn’t budge! I love it!!" —Carrie E. Miller
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
13. Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips remove dirt and oil from clogged pores. The satisfaction of peeling this off is incredible.
Promising review: "This deep-cleansing pore strips are amazing! I warm up my face with hot water and leave areas for application wet, then apply the strips! Having an acne prone skin this really removes all the blackheads!! I also take a face strip and cut it in half for chin and forehead." —kat12
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.52.
14. Maybelline Concealer supplies the illusion that you've gotten your beauty rest even if you are in fact on your third cup of coffee of the day and it's only 2 p.m... This brightens and covers dark circles so you'll look ~fresh~ throughout the day.
Promising review: "Best coverage for under-eye bags and dark circles! I have used a lot of expensive eye products in the past and this has them all beat. I have light to medium olive complexion and was perplexed as to what color to choose. I went with the Brightener and it was a perfect match. My daughter is darker olive and it also looks good on her. Looks and feels great and can't beat the price." —Ana R.
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.
Get it from Amazon for $4.33 (available in 18 shades).
15. Invisible Hair Extensions add volume and length to hair so you can achieve a slew of new styles. Time to finally try that Ariana Grande party pony.
The only time I have ever tried hair extensions before these was for prom in high school (which was 10 years ago...) and they did not look great on me. I recently saw these pop up on TikTok and had to give them a whirl, especially since they were under $20. These are super easy to apply and do a really great job of blending in with your hair. I will say it may take an order or two to figure out which color suits you best (I ordered two pairs and returned one). I am in love with using these for a volumized low pony, or a chunky side braid. They even look great mixed in with some beachy waves. If you have wanted to play around with longer hair, try these out!
Promising review: "I love how simple this is to put on. I think it's especially great if you're looking to add a few extra inches in length and/or volume/thickness to your hair! Just style your hair, throw this on, brush it out a bit and go. Super easy! I have a lot shorter hair though (shoulder length) so it too a bit more work to style and blend but I think I mostly got there! It just looks like I have layers :) A ponytail or braid would blend it even better probably. Either way I think this is great. I love how easy it is to put it on or take it off and I don't have to deal with glue or clips." —Amazon reviewer
Get them from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four lengths/styles, and 44 colors).
16. Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray soothes dry skin and is perfect to keep handy in your bag every day. It's great for sensitive skin and doesn't contain alcohol, oil, or fragrance.
Tower 28 is small woman-owned business based in Los Angeles. The founder, Amy, started the brand after after working 15+ years in the beauty industry. The company works to create non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are perfect for any skin type.
Promising review: "I started to experience hormonal cystic acne at a time where I had to wear a mask for 40 hours a week. I stopped wearing makeup to work, took certain foods out of my diet, and I tried so many skincare products to help bring my acne to a stop and nothing worked. It was really messing with my self-esteem to the point where I stopped putting makeup on and lost my passion for a moment. It wasn’t until I added this spray to my skincare routine that I found some relief. This is one of the two products that truly helped me. I see a major difference." —bwilliams18
Get it from Sephora for $12+ (available in three sizes).
17. Purlisse BB Cream features SPF 30 to protect skin, while supplying a flawless, smooth finish that isn't too heavy. This is great for sensitive skin and it's also vegan and cruelty free.
Promising review: "The best BB cream I have ever used. I spent years trying to find something that protected my skin, went on smoothly, and looked good all day long. I even tried ones from other countries and thought that maybe my standards were too high until I found this. Even my husband says that this BB cream is the best he has ever seen on me (and he has seen a lot). If you want that wonderfully natural no-makeup makeup look then this is what you want to use." —Anthony Russell
Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in 11 shades).
18. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 works to repair damaged hair to a ~like-new~ state. It starts at the cuticle to strengthen and smooth hair.
Promising review: "Magic, I swear this stuff is made from unicorns. I was doubtful, given that I have tried the gamut of hair-conditioning treatments (yes, yes, I know this is NOT a conditioner, but a bonder) and all I have to say is WOWZA! After some really harsh processing (got my hair from dark dark brown to very very blonde so I could add funky colors), my hair more closely resembled hay than it did actual hair and as the weeks went on, the breakage started getting worse. I tried this as my last feeble attempt to salvage my locks after a friend recommended it and I am BLOWN AWAY by the results! It really does work." —shel.b.phd
Get it from Amazon for $28.
19. Jones Road Just A Sec Eyeshadow applies like a creamy dream with its cushiony, shimmering formula. Get eyes looking extra bright with a pop of this on the inner corners and brow bones.
Jones Road was founded by makeup artist Bobbi Brown. Her philosophy behind creating Jones Road was creating less beauty products with a better formula so you don't need a slew of products to achieve a fresh look.
Promising review: "I love the color and the degree of pigmentation (build or just use one coat for an every day look) but my favorite thing about this product is that it is so easy to apply. Just swipe and blend for a moment and that's that!" —Emily K.
Get it from Jones Road for $26 (available in six shades).
20. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner features a waterproof formula that doesn't budge even through sweaty workout sessions. A winged liner that lasts all day? Magic.
Promising review: "I literally just received this eyeliner in the mail, tried it on, and had to write a review! Awesome product, buy it now. Very dark, very easy to put on (nice sharp point), and I'm a very happy customer. After a one hour-long Body Combat class in the middle of summer in a crowded room with hardly any air-conditioning, I was VERY curious to see how this eyeliner would hold up. At the end of the class I checked it out and there was NO smudging or flaking. That is seriously impressive!" —Taylor Ross
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 12 colors).
21. Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder sets makeup for a long-lasting look that comes in both translucent and color shades. It can even be used on its own as a light-wear foundation.
The powder comes with a little puff for application.
Promising review: "This powder is my holy grail! I am very pale with oily skin and it was hard for me to find a face powder that would keep my foundation in tact. I'd heard so many reviews about this item and I was very skeptical at first, but I decided to give it a try and it has been my go-to powder ever since. The container itself is designed so nicely and has a lot of product in it. Super happy that I decided to give this a try." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $5.72 (available in seven shades).
22. Credo Beauty Lip-To-Lid Balmie doubles as both a lip color and eyeshadow with serious shine. Want to explore an entirely dewy, glowy, look? Look no further than this balm.
This product packaging is tube and cap free (it's wrapped in paper instead — i.e., totally waste free!) and rests in a recycled carrying case made from upcycled materials.
Credo Beauty is a woman-owned small business in San Francisco that features cruelty-free beauty and personal care products. They have a Dirty List that'll show you the ingredients they refuse to use, so you'll know your skin is safe!
Promising review: "This product is fabulous. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do. I thought the texture might be too crayon-like, but it’s absolutely not. It blends beautifully and lasts. I chose the shade Raspberry. It’s a wonderfully happy fuchsia/hot-pink color." —Heidi J.
Get it from Credo Beauty for $14 (available in 10 colors).
23. Glossier Cloud Paint functions as both a blush and lip color for those of us who are lazy (guilty), but want something fuss-proof that looks natural.
Promising review: "I'm SO OBSESSED with these blushes! I use the colors 'Dusk' and 'Beam'. I love using 'Dusk' on an everyday basis. It compliments my warm, light to medium skin tone really well and makes my cheeks look so fresh and glowy. I like using 'Beam' when I want a more bright cheek look. I like to apply the blush using my fingers. It gives my cheeks the perfect amount of color. GET THIS BLUSH! You won't regret it." —bittersweetmich
Get it from Glossier for $18 (available in six shades).
Learn more about why cloud paint is a must-have cosmetic in "This Gel-Cream Blush Is A Lazy Girl's Dream And Here's Why."
24. Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow adds a glimmering sheen to the lids without all that nasty fallout that comes from loose glitters. These are easy to apply and stay put for the most glamorous of eye looks.
Promising review: "I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS STUFF. Great glitter payout with little to no fallout if you do it correctly, and you don't have to worry about the mess of glitter glue and messy loose glitter. I have accidentally slept in this overnight, twice, and was able to rock the glitter eyeshadow to work the next day with no touchups, and I didn't even use an eyeshadow primer either time, although I did use a setting spray. Give this a go if you are looking for sparkly eyeshadow." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in nine shades).
25. Saie Glowy Super Gel adds a shimmer anywhere your heart desires. Mix it in with foundation or tinted SPF for a glowing complexion or apply on legs and arms for some dewiness.
Saie is a woman-founded small business based in NYC that strives to create clean beauty for all. High-performance products with sustainable packaging and good, clean ingredients is their motto.
Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin, and I have to be really particular about the base products I use (no silicones or waxes, no powders). The ingredients in this are perfect; it's such a lightweight texture, and it just gives a beautiful natural sheen to the skin. I use it every day now, and I feel like the bottle will last me a long time, so it's also a great value!" —Sarah M.
Get it from Saie for $25 (available in two shades).
26. John Frieda Hot Brush supplies salon-status hair without the hefty price tag you can get slammed with at the salon. This'll style dry *and* wet hair and its ~ionic technology~ tames frizz and adds shine at the same time.
It has two heat settings plus a cool setting, as well as nylon- and ball-tipped bristles to gently detangle while creating volume.
Promising review: "I am no professional hair stylist, nor do I have time to do my hair everyday (mommy of two) but I must say this blow-dryer curling brush makes getting ready so much easier. I like my hair to have a lot of volume (I have thin hair) and my layers to show so this look is easy to achieve. I just sectioned my hair in small pieces, used this tool from my roots to the tip, then from the tip curled up (inwards) and rolled the brush around and out to keep the curl. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a nice easy blowout!" —L
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two sizes).
To learn why a BuzzFeed editor recommends this, check out "Your Hair Struggles Are Over Thanks To This Magical Hot Air Brush."
27. Tower 28 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation blends seamlessly into the skin and supplies much needed protection from harmful UV rays. This light coverage foundation doesn't hide your skin like other heavyweight foundations, it just evens it.
All 14 shades were formulated with celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty (who works with clients like Awkwafina and Tess Thompson). They have a lightweight finish without any oiliness.
Tower 28 is a woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. The founder, Amy, started the brand after after working 15+ years in the beauty industry. The company works to create non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are perfect for any skin type.
I have always been fearful of using tinted sunscreen products since anything with SPF has always made my skin breakout and feel greasy. I have combination skin that leans more on the drier side in the cooler seasons and I was recently sent this foundation to test out. I love how this foundation feels like I'm wearing nothing on my skin, and it layers well with my other makeup products like setting powder, cream contour, and eyeshadow. If you want the protection of SPF but have never loved how oily it feels on the skin, try this tinted moisturizer, you will be floored at how amazing it feels and looks.
Get it from Sephora for $30 (available in 14 shades).
28. Brooklyn Botany Scrub helps in the treatment of spider veins, acne scars, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. They also have a wide variety of scents like coffee, blueberry, and coconut milk. This will be perfect for removing that post-summer dead skin and making way for your favorite fall-scented body moisturizer for maximum absorption.
Promising review: "This coffee scrub has quickly risen to my top-three faves! Now, I hate coffee but this smells soooo good and exfoliates and moisturizes like you would not believe. The Dead Sea salts, coconut oil, and antioxidants in the scrub work with the caffeine, enzymes, and acidic properties in the coffee grounds to combat cellulite, spider veins, stretch marks, wrinkles, and age spots to exfoliate, moisturize, and reduce their visible appearance. This scrub is also great for a skin detox! I really appreciate the fact it can be used on the face, hands, body, and feet. It’s a multipurpose rock star!" —Jen-Knee
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven different scents).
29. E.l.f Cosmetics Powder Blush Palette offers four stunning, mix-and-match shades so you can dream up your new go-to fall cheek flush.
BuzzFeed writer Marquaysa Battle has this palette and loves it:
"So I'm all into makeup that helps me whip up a quick face without trying too hard. This blush palette helps me add a lil' flush to my face in just a couple of dabs. It's super buildable so you can go subtle the way I like to or get super glam with a deeper blush look. I also use this palette on my eyes and lips too. It's easy to use, the four colors can be layered to create a custom shade, and it lasts a LONG time. This will literally be the only blush you ever need. It's definitely one of my smartest cheap makeup grabs." —Marquaysa Battle
Get it from E.l.f. Cosmetics for $8.
30. Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon provides a rich layer of long-lasting color (up to eight hours to be exact), and it's smudge- and transfer-proof. There's a ton of fall-toned shades you won't be able to pass up.
Promising review: "Love this lipstick. I work in the operating room and in addition to wearing a mask during surgery, I am wearing one the moment I walk into work. Sometimes 12-plus hours. This lipstick goes on in the morning and it stays on. Why do I wear a lipstick under a mask? Because I do. It keeps my lips moist and beautiful and it doesn’t come off on the mask." —Daniela
Get it from Amazon for $6.64 (available in 32 shades).
31. AJ Crimson Lipstick replaces lipsticks of years past with its creamy and opaque formulas in a slew of fall hues.
AJ Crimson is a BIPOC-owned small business founded by celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson. According to their site, “I felt like there was an absolute need to bring products to women of color that actually worked and didn’t oxidize or change."
Promising review: "The Ex-Factor shade is BEAUTIFUL for darker-skinned woman. OMG, this color gave me life when I put it on. At first, it seemed super dark; but then it was very nice on my lips. I loved it so much that I wore it to the gym :-) and felt amazing during my workout." —Sandra D Troutman
Get them from AJ Crimson for $20.
32. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil doubles as a liner and an eyeshadow base for brightening colorful pigments. If you want to start experimenting with cut-crease eye looks this pencil will make it easy to carve out a precise line.
Promising review: "I am lazy and hate doing my makeup, especially after a morning workout on a weekday. I wanted something I could throw in my bag and smear around my eyes in a couple of seconds, and to just add a little color without the fussiness. This fits the bill perfectly. It gives my eyes a little definition, but isn't super noticeable. The slight shimmer also makes me look awake on days where I'm dragging. It is not intensely shiny, though, which is important to me — I'm not a disco ball! It just reflects light and looks luminescent, not glittery. Because this is so easy to use, nonirritating, and is the exact color I was looking for, I expect that I will keep ordering it as long as it's available." —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $3.79 (available in 22 shades).
33. E.l.f. Lip Laquer glosses lips with serious shine. Wear it on its own or over your favorite matte lippie for a juicy pout. Keeping this handy will instantly expand your lipstick collection by allowing your matte lip products to also be utilized as glossy lip products with this as a topcoat.
Promising review: "Even during this stay-at-home era, I continue to wear at least basic makeup to make ME feel good. This gloss is a perfect color and the price can’t be beat. Also appreciate that it’s both flavorless and fragrance free." —Karen Templeton
Get it from Amazon for $3 (available in seven shades).
34. Kim Chi Thailor Blush brings the pink for a flirtatious cheek color. This CUTE heart-shaped compact comes with two shades that can be worn separately or together.
Kim Chi Chic Beauty is a queer-owned brand by the one and only drag queen Kim Chi. A portion of the proceeds of sales from their beauty brand is donated to the Trevor Project.
Promising review: "I was drawn to this one because I didn’t have a blush with these colors. I absolutely love it and not just because of the color. It blends like a dream and sits so nicely on my skin." —Alyssa H.
Get it from Kim Chi for $15.
Spending any amount over $50 for a makeup product?
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.