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Just here to blow your mind with beauty products that need to be on your radar.
BuzzFeed Staff
BuzzFeed Contributor
Uoma Beauty is founded by Nigerian-born Sharon Chuter who's on a mission to provide a variety of makeup products to suit all skin tones. During the designing of these foundations, they used something called the Fitzpatrick Scale, which determines how different skin tones react to sun. The formula of each shade is meant to mirror your skin's needs and complexion for a unique and tailored makeup staple.
Get it from LookFantastic for $39.90 (available in 44 shades).
Promising review: "Stila is the absolute best liquid eyeliner I have ever tried. It doesn't fade or crack and stays on through sleeping and tears. It's very smudge-proof and it does not flake AT ALL. It dries quickly and stays. It's also easy to clean off at the end of the day. No hard scrubbing to get it off — makeup wipes will take it off easily. It's amazing for creating perfect wings or drawing artfully for Halloween. It's perfect for everyday subtle looks and for getting more creative and wild. I can use this eyeliner for months at a time without having to repurchase." —Chick
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in nine colors).
Learn more about the power of Stila eyeliner in "Stila Makes The Best Liquid Eyeliner, Fight Me." It also won best mid-priced liquid eyeliner on BuzzFeed Reviews.
This spray is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "Having been a 'tomboy' the majority of my life, learning to apply makeup without looking like a clown was my first hurdle. Thankfully, after a few years of practice and numerous YouTube tutorials later I'm halfway decent at my makeup. Well, I'm only as decent as long as my makeup lasts. With just a few sprays of this, my makeup stays exactly as it was applied and my face doesn't even get oily anymore. I haven't tested it but I'm pretty sure I could sleep in my makeup and wake up with it looking just as good. I definitely recommend this finishing spray and will be buying again when I'm out. (You'll see a day and night comparison in my photos.)" —FlamePrincess
Get it from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in matte or dewy finishes).
Promising review: "Blush is my favorite beauty product, but I got so frustrated with having to reapply it all day that I decided to splurge on a Nars blush last winter, in hopes it would be long-wearing. Well, it is, and I've found my holy grail blush. This is the ONLY blush (powder, liquid, gel, stain, cream) that lasts all day for me; I can apply it at 6 a.m. before work and still have it on when I wash my makeup off at 10 p.m. There is no other product I've found that performs like that. It's also a good value for the price (which I originally thought was a bit steep), because you have to use so little of the product. I have used the 'Desire' and 'Albatross' blushes every day since I purchased them about a year ago, and they still look almost brand new. Nars blushes are a MUST-have for anyone who wears makeup — there is just nothing better out there!" —yourwateryhands
Get it from Sephora for $30 (available in 23 shades).
Don't forget the apple cider vinegar you'll need for mixing!
Promising review: "It's such a holy grail. I recommend this to everyone I know. Whenever my skin acts up and I get hormonal acne, I use this and it immediately calms down. I use it once a week in combination with apple cider vinegar, and it does wonders. The only downside is that it's such a pain to take off." —Neera
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
This mascara is gluten-free and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "This mascara is my holy grail mascara. I never knew a cheap mascara could be so good! Very decently priced. My eyelashes are barely existent without mascara. This darkens and thickens my eyelashes. I get so many compliments wearing this." —Emily
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
Promising review: "I love how they call it 'potion' because it really works like magic! This primer is a must-have for anyone who loves makeup. It intensifies your eyeshadow color and never, ever does it let your eyeshadow crease. I've even worn it for more then 24 hours and my eye makeup will still be flawless. Application is easy — I like to start applying shadow when it's still a little wet to get a bolder, rich, intense color. I will forever use this eyeshadow primer." —tdotcat
Get it from Sephora for $13+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "This shadow is way more pigmented than I had expected. It's very easy to pick up color and it slides on effortlessly! I've tried the Naked palette and this compares almost the same! I'd say if you are on a budget and need a good shadow with multiple colors, LA Girl Nudes is your holy grail! It will be my go-to from here on out!" —Rachelle Mattei
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
Promising review: "If you have issues with acne (especially those nasty whiteheads) but can't afford all the fancy step-by-step treatments out there, you at least need to buy these. This truly worked at minimizing my pimples, sucking up the wound, and keeping big pimples from getting worse. It really does draw up the pus to the patch! I leave one on overnight and just slowly peel off and then wipe away any remaining pus. I even let my mom who was visiting try it on her pimple and she loved them, so I had to order more!" —Megan Meehan
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $11.98.
Promising review: "Viva Glam I is the most amazing red lipstick! It is the perfect color, especially when lined with a MAC Mahogany lip liner. It is the best of ALL of the Viva Glam line. It stays in place, looks good for a long time and is a classic. I never leave home without it. I recommend this to EVERYONE! I Love you VIVA GLAM I." —Styleclub
Get it from Nordstrom for $19 (available in three shades).
Bathing Culture is a small business located in San Francisco, that offers a range of skincare and bath products in the most aesthetically pleasing packaging imaginable. They're made from plants and minerals with no synthetic chemicals and zero plastic packaging.
Promising review: "This hydrosol has completely reinvigorated my skincare routine. The packaging could not be more aesthetically pleasing and the spritzer sprays the most perfect, gentle mist I've ever experienced from a facial spray. I have really sensitive, easily irritated skin and this hydrosol has worked wonders. My skin is soothed and refreshed with each spray." —kristen
Get it from Bathing Culture for $20 (Shop Pay is available).
"Not my skin, 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." —Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed Staff
Promising review: "I have every skin issue you can think of. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars I would. It has seriously changed my life!" —hc
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "I have basically no eyelashes to begin with, but this mascara actually made it look like I have them! It goes on in sufficient amounts and really volumizes. I do not have to put on a billion coats to get the look I want. It's quick and easy and really is what the name states." —NataliaMatusz
Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I was definitely hesitant to buy this foundation at first because of all of the hype and because I had never bought a 'luxury' foundation before. But this exceeded all of my expectations! This is a nice medium coverage foundation, which means if you don’t want to look too heavy, you can just apply one layer and be good. But if you need to, you can build it up in areas you need more coverage and it doesn’t look cakey. At first, I was afraid this would be too matte and cling onto my dry patches. It doesn’t do that at all. It’s a nice soft matte and honestly feels like I’m wearing nothing. Plus, the shade range is perfect. I’ve never had a foundation that matches my skin as well as this one. I’ll definitely be repurchasing this as it is my new go-to foundation. It's for sure worth it. Thanks, Rihanna!" —NicComputer
Get it from Sephora for $36 (available in 50 shades).
Learn more about this in this BuzzFeeder's full review on Fenty foundation.
This micellar water works for all skin types and is paraben-, fragrance-, sulfate-, and silicone-free.
Promising review: "Holy grail of makeup remover! This stuff is ahh-mazing! Your dry skin will be no more. I have dry skin that it exacerbated by the dry, hot Texas summers and the cold, windy winters. Constant use of makeup wipes make my face dry and I don't like the feel of my skin after using them. Lately, I have been in love with liquid lipsticks. The use of the micellar water cuts my makeup removal time in half. My skin feels soft and my lips are kissable! You won't regret this purchase!" —Gr84lmom
Get it from Amazon for $6.34.
Check out a BuzzFeeder's full review and see why it won best makeup remover in the lowest price category on BuzzFeed Reviews!
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 skintone 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."
Promising review: "I stumbled upon this product after searching for something to really ramp up my skincare routine. I wasn’t really expecting much, but to my surprise this has quickly become the holy grail product in my routine! The biggest impact I’ve seen is on my uneven skin tone. I’ve got some red patches around my cheeks (not sure if I’d call it rosacea) and after continuous use of this for about a week, I’ve seen a huge difference! Just ordered my second bottle!" —Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Thirsty for more info? Check out "This Vitamin C Face Serum May Give You The Best Dang Skin Of Your Life."
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 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.
Promising review: "This is my second palette of the Gen Nude Rose eyeshadows. I love the colors and that they stay on ALL day! These can go on light, medium or dark for the smoky look." —Mams
Get it from bareMinerals for $29.
Promising review: "I'm not one to leave reviews, but this product deserves it! Holy cow! I was going to go into the salon to brighten my hair up, but after discovering this product I cancelled my appointment. I'm totally in love! This shampoo is not drying at all and just after two washes I achieved my desired results! I can't recommend it enough!" —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $7.78+.
Ready to get your platinum back in action? Check out "If You Color Your Hair Blonde, You Need This Purple Shampoo" for more info.
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 22 shades).
Shape Tape's vegan formula includes shea butter to help retain skin elasticity, mango seed butter to moisturize, and licorice root oil to color correct and brighten.
Promising review: "I have severe dark circles under my eyes and this is the only concealer that I will ever use. Once I tried it I was hooked. It's the only full coverage concealer that stays on all day and doesn't look cakey once applied. It doesn't even matter if I use too much, because it blends so nicely." —Cara C
Get it from Tarte for $27 (available in 30 shades).
Learn more in this BuzzFeeder's full review of Shape Tape.
This cleanser is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy tested, and dermatologist tested.
Promising review: "When I was about 21, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self-conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — laying on my pillow hurt my face! I tried every skincare line on the market for about three years with no, or very little, results. I tried essential oils, raw honey, all-natural soaps and salves, but nothing helped. Finally, I found La Roche-Posay's skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about five years now and I haven't had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake — one I will not make again. I get compliments on my skin regularly, and I feel confident not wearing makeup. Give this system a chance!" —LadyHawke
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Promising review: "I have purchased three jars of this and can't go a day without putting it on morning and night. I used to having drooping eyelids and fine lines and textured skin. I started using this product three months ago. It's not an overnight fix, but with time and consistent use, I noticed a big difference. I have actually stopped having to wear heavy makeup everyday. Most days I just put this on with some mascara and lip color, and go. Life-changing." —Holly
Get it from Amazon for $24.95.
Learn more about why the people love this eye gel in "This Potent Eye Gel May Help Diminish Your Fine Lines And Dark Circles."
The moisturizer works for all skin types and is oil-, phthalate-, paraben-, and sulfate-free.
"Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon!" —Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed Staff
Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).
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 $6.25.
Batiste also won best budget dry shampoo from BuzzFeed Reviews!
Promising review: "One of my favorite eye palettes from Beauty Pie!! Colors are true and long lasting. This is the second time I’ve purchased this palette." —Beauty Pie reviewer
Get it from Beauty Pie for $45 (or become a member and pay $11.57 for as low as $10/month).
Check out even more products with great reviews from our post on Beauty Pie here.
This featherweight body oil is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin.
Promising review: "When I put this on, my day automatically feels special. It’s hydrating, not greasy, and gives me a good glow. I highly recommend it!!" —Jessica
Get it from Biossance for $48.
The set comes with a double-ended pen for each eye — one side with the wing stamp, and the other with a traditional liquid eyeliner tip.
Promising review: "Actual holy grail! This eyeliner has changed my life. I know that sounds suuuper dramatic (and it is), but it’s true! I have been doing cat eyeliner for the past six years and I’m somehow STILL horrible at it. I also recently had a baby, so my daily 10–20 minutes of attempting a passable cat eye was chucked out the window and replaced with a sad, under-five-minute routine. I ordered this on a whim thinking it might help and after the first application, I knew I had found my answer! This stuff is SO easy to apply and actually looks really good. Now I get to feel a little more like myself even if all I’m doing that day is changing diapers." —Katelyn
Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "My hair has been very dry and damaged from too much straightening and curling, and my ends were starting to look terrible. To be honest, I have thin hair, do not get haircuts often, and I blow-dry, straighten, or curl my hair almost every single day — my hair goes through a lot on a daily basis. I heard about this product from a relative who is a hairstylist and she said she uses it often and it is amazing. My hair was silky and soft with less visible damage and that was only after one use. I am very positive it will only get better the more I use it and the longer I keep in on my hair if it worked this well after only one 15-minute treatment." —Gina
Get it from Amazon for $28.
Read more about one BuzzFeeder's long-term relationship with Olaplex No. 3 in "This Product Has Saved The Color-Treated, Totally Damaged Hair Of Thousands Of People."
Alder New York is a queer and woman-owned skincare brand based in New York City specializing in genderless skincare that is so simple to use and aesthetically pleasing to the soul.
Promising review: "I love this cleanser, I’m currently on my 3rd bottle. I’ve attempted to try different cleaners but I always come back to this one. I love how its serum like and low foaming. It doesn’t strip my skin or make or me feel dry and tight. So refreshing." —cristina r.
Get it from Alder New York for $12+ (available in two sizes).
This palette is both cruelty-free and vegan!
Promising review: "WOW. I am blown away by this palette. I didn't have much hope in it at first. It is really cheap and I was unfamiliar with the brand. I am an African American with yellow undertones. Eyeshadow can be really hard to show up if not pigmented unless we go through hell to prime or find some cheat. NOT THE CASE WITH THIS SHADOW! It is beautifully pigmented and easily layered for more bold color. The palette is full of colors you can wear every day, night, season, and occasion. Some are matte and some are shimmery. Great selection. I recommended this to friends and family. Very pleased!" —M.Harrow
Get it from Amazon for $16.24+ (available in three colorways).
Promising review: "I’ve used several face primers over the years, and this one is the best I have used! I have some large pores and this helps hide them. It also is great if you have oily skin. Highly recommend!" —Mepper1993
Get it from Sephora for $13+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "I have been searching for something as effective as this for a long time now. I have extremely oily skin. I live in the Caribbean and whether I wear foundation or not, very early in the day my face is covered in oil, mostly over my T-zone. I tried this and it is excellent. It picks up the oil quickly, leaving my face naturally matte for hours. I am well-pleased with the light weight of the sheets. The pack fits perfectly in my purse or jeans pockets. I have no dislikes. I will stock up on it. Anyone with oily skin will find this as a must-have." —Melisa
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95+ (available in three styles).
Learn more about who SO many people swear by these in "Over 1,000 People Love These $7 Blotting Papers For Keeping Their Skin Oil-Free."
Promising review: "I've had dry lips forever, and they tend to flake and crack. Any lip balm that I had used would work for maybe an hour before I need to reapply. This balm keeps my lips so hydrated and moisturized all day long! I even like to apply it at night as a 'lip mask' and I wake up with nicely hydrated lips. It's a little overpriced, it a little goes a long way. I'll never repurchase another brand of lip balm again." —ellen
Get it from Ulta for $16.95.
Promising review: "I didn't know I could love my brows this much. With two swipes, Boy Brow makes magic. It puffs them up and fills them out in the best way. The brown shade matched perfectly. This will be my forever product, and my top Glossier recommendation." —madeline
Get it from Glossier for $16 (available in four shades as well as clear).
Check our our review of this and several other Glossier products in "Just 9 Glossier Products We Really Love."
Promising review: "The perfect color mints I have been looking for forever!!!! I have so many palettes and have desperately tried millions of other colors but never enough pigment or the right shade. This palette. Game-changer. Not too over the top, but perfect! Great shades that compliment one another and millions of different looks!!! Love!" —Joana
Get it from Colourpop for $12.
"This is a personal holy grail for sure! I'd heard a TON of great things about the hot air brush but admittedly didn't fully believe it until I got one for myself. I was thrilled to have a dramatically short bob until I remembered just how hard they are to style. I'm nearly useless with a round brush and hairdryer. The hot air brush combines two unwieldy tools into one light, easy-to-manage one that's simple to use and greatly cuts down on my morning styling time. I recommend letting your hair air dry most of the way before finishing with this. Even a pass over dry hair helps get my bedhead into shape. Amazing. I have short hair and the 1" version is perfect." —Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed Staff
Get it from Amazon for $30.78+ (available in two sizes).
This product in vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have always had combination skin with a very uneven complexion, until I started using this toner. It has completely changed my skin! I no longer have red blotchy cheeks and a shiny T-zone. Now my skin has a nice even color with no dry/oily areas. I don't even know if a qualify as 'combination skin' anymore — is there such thing as 'perfect skin?' I feel like a whole new person!" —Alex in Wonderland
Get it from Lush for $10.95+ (available in two sizes).
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).
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.