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    40 Splurge-Worthy Beauty Products With Results That Are Definitely Worth The Price

    I'm all for saving money, but when it comes to skincare...sometimes you've got to splurge.

    1. Kosas creamy brightening concealer geniously blends crease-proof makeup and caffeine eye cream (!!) into one little tube. It makes your under-eye bags look nonexistent and helps you look wide awake and ready to conquer the day. This concealer also happens to be vegan!

    seven different shades of the conealer
    Sephora

    Promising review: "Love this! It’s super creamy and moisturizing and brightens my under eyes so well!!! No more cakey dry under-eyes!" —bookie86

    Get it from Sephora or straight from Kosas for $30 (available in two sizes and 27 shades). 

    2. A Foreo Luna Mini 2 is a silicone brush that deep cleans and exfoliates skin, while stimulating blood flow and eliminating dead skin cells with eight adjustable speeds. Just apply your preferred cleanser and prepare to never look back. 

    BuzzFeed editor using the Luna Mini 2 with text
    same BuzzFeed editor after using the face brush with text on the image that says
    Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This product is well worth the money!! It has offered me the deepest facial cleansing I have ever experienced. My face is always much smoother and tighter after using it. I have been using it in the morning once a day for the past month and my pores are smaller than ever before. Additionally, it has reduced the redness of my skin tremendously. Anytime I have a breakout, after about two washes with this cleanser the blemishes are completely gone. However, I must note that since using it I no longer have serious breakouts!! I am so glad I found this product. I recommend it to all my friends and family trying to improve their skincare routines." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $83.40+ (available in six colors).

    Read our full Foreo Luna Mini 2 review for more deets!

    3. The famous Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush features an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush, a brow brush, *and* a blending sponge! It's the perfect size to keep in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day, and for saving space in your makeup bag.

    a model applying blush with the biggest brush
    A gif of someone showing all four brushes
    Alleyoop

    Alleyoop is a woman-owned small biz that takes "beauty efficiency" to a new level. Most of their products are compact and have multiple functions!

    Promising review: "It's a staple for my work makeup routine...The angled brow brush is great for using with a brow pomade. The eyeshadow brush is surprisingly versatile! I can do an outer corner shade, middle shade, inner corner shade and the lower lash shade as well. I used a clean makeup removing cloth that is perfect for switching colors and also keeps my brushes soft and pliable... The sponge is great for blending out eye primer, but it’s advertised as being best used for blending concealer and it nails it." —Ayndie

    Get it from Alleyoop for $28.

    4. Moon Juice Plump Jelly Serum leaves skin feeling silky smooth, baby bottom smooth, buttery smooth — all of it! This gem locks in moisture and gives your face the plump n' bouncy glow you've been searching for.

    Amanda holding up a bottle of the serum with text saying
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    If my nearly empty second bottle doesn't say it enough, this Plump Jelly is liquid gold! My skin always feels soooo soft after applying it and with continuous use, is definitely more ~plump~ and bouncier, too. As someone with combination skin, this serum has helped control both my oily zones and my dry areas — keeping my entire face juicy and hydrated. 💦 This is my go-to — one pump every day, twice a day — after cleansing my face and it's really helped my skin for the better! Trust me, this is splurge-worthy for sure. 

    Promising reviews: "Love this serum, not only for helping to hydrate my skin but also helps to calm and remove the eczema around my eyes. I used this all over my face between my first serum and moisturizer. One pump goes a long way." —smilestraightup

    "Love it. Plump Jelly Hyaluronic Acid Serum has become an essential step in my skincare routine. My skin tends to be dehydrated and this serum is perfect for providing hydration and locking in the moisture. The formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and doesn’t leave a tacky feeling. It leaves my skin plump and glowing. I use it both in the a.m. and p.m. and I noticed that my skin is less dry." —Ausra90

    Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or straight from Moon Juice for $58.

    5. Dior lip oil protects and hydrates your lips like no other. The awesome cherry oil formula kicks dryness to the curb and nourishes your lips leaving a nonsticky, disco ball kinda glow. 

    the tube of lip oil
    a before and after of lips with and without the lip oil
    swatches of each shade on four arms
    Sephora

    Promising reviews: "My go-to. I'm in love with this stuff. A little goes a long way as it is pretty thick. This is not a thin/silky lip oil. It’s been great in the winter to help lock moisture into my lips." —thewhys

    "Worth it. This is a great lip gloss, it’s long lasting and moisturizing. You can tell when using it it’s high quality too." —keira7lee

    Get it from Sephora or from Ulta Beauty for $40 (available in eight shades). 

    6. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint combines makeup and skincare into one, and that'll definitely make getting ready easier. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide work together to even tone, while the SPF 40 tint (yes, it's sunscreen too!) provides a weightless, dewy finish.

    a model with a swatch of tint on their cheek
    a different model holding up the bottle that matches their skin tone
    Ilia

    This is silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, noncomedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. To use, dispense a quarter of a dropper into your hand and apply like a serum. Note that on application, the shade may appear lighter but after 30–60 seconds, it'll adjust to its true color. Because it's silicone-free, natural separation may occur. This is normal and it'll be fixed when applied to skin. Plus, you can recycle the bottle! Learn how to here.

    Promising reviews: "I love this foundation... It gives good coverage for being a serum foundation, but not too full to the point where my face feels heavy. It leaves a gorgeous dewy finish on my skin, which I love because my skin is typically very dry — which makes it difficult to accomplish a dewy look. If I feel like my skin looks a little too shiny, I just add a little bit of powder over the shiny areas with a beauty blender and that solves the problem. I’m obsessed. I would definitely recommend if you have dry skin!" —ekmanmorgan

    "Obsessed is an understatement. I am IN LOVE with this product! It is truly like a second (better) skin! It feels so nourishing for my skin as soon as I put it on. As someone who does not wear makeup hardly ever, this stuff makes me want to wear makeup every day! I have noticed it lasts better throughout the day when paired with the Ilia primer... I have combination skin that is more on the dry side and this is a perfect buffer to hydrate my skin without it looking overly oily. Highly recommend!" —srydaa

    Get it from Sephora for $48 (available in 30 shades) or Amazon $48 (available in 28 shades).

    7. Solawave red light therapy wand is essentially a multifaceted beauty genius in one small tool. You've got red light therapy that helps fade discoloration, microcurrents that stimulate facial muscles and lift skin, and therapeutic warmth to decrease redness and help your skin absorb your skincare products even more. It's like having a pro-level facial right at home, and I'm here for it!

    A gif of Amanda using the Solawave wand on her cheeks
    A closeup of the wand and a checklist that says
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind blowing. The tone of my face is much more even and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it's like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one...with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!) and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night) and it's super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!

    Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles. 

    Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three colors) or straight from Solawave for $149 (available in four colors). 

    8. LilyAna Naturals' eye cream helps you hide how tired you really are after a long week. The rose hip and hibiscus-infused eye cream helps reduce dark circles and puffiness, leaving your eyes to look bright and wide (or alert and awake).

    a reviewer holding up a 1.7 ounce bottle
    reviewer's before and after photo showing their eye bags disappearing over time

    Promising review: "I’m OBSESSED! I always have trouble with eye creams because my skin in general is very sensitive and dry. Usually I get a bad rash or my eyes tear up when using eye creams so I just stopped using them. I decided to give this one a try with all the great reviews and I’m so glad I did! Super hydrating, doesn’t make me tear up and sits well under makeup!... It did instantly hydrate my under eyes with no reaction and had a brightening effect that made me look less tired!...Can’t beat the price of this either, definitely worth a try!" —D

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes).

    9. Fenty Beauty's MVP Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick is Riri's signature red! Yes, that red. This long-lasting lipstick provides a luxe matte finish, *without* feeling dry thanks to the creamy whipped formula. Reviewers say it stays put when eating and drinking, too! 

    the red mvp shade in it's packaging
    A model wearing the red shade
    Fenty Beauty

    Promising reviews: "Perfect Lipstick. I love the velvet-ness of this lipstick, it keeps my lips moisturized and doesn’t stain anything when I’m eating or drinking. This is a must have, I’ll buy more." —Mia M. 

    "I love this matte liquid lipstick! It’s not drying on my lips at all and it’s comfortable to wear. It’s so lightweight that I can’t even feel it on my lips but it packs a powerful pigmented color." —Steffi O.

    Get it from Fenty Beauty or Sephora for $29. 

    10. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen has the name "Unseen" for a reason, because reviewers say that it leaves zero white cast behind and isn't sticky AT ALL. It's also totally water resistant, so you can enjoy a day in the sun and the water in peace.

    bottle of the sunscreen
    Sephora

    Promising review: "This is it. This is the perfect sunscreen. Supergoop has done it. I'm calling it now that Unseen Sunscreen has just broken the final barrier of sunblock for all of us. A sunblock with strong SPF, that does NOT 1) make you pale/chalky, 2) make you super greasy/shiny, and 3) sit stickily on your skin and visibly in photos. Not only does it not do the above, which I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE, it also comes with antioxidants and good stuff for the skin. It applies feeling EXACTLY like a primer, almost immediately feels invisible from the skin, gives a vague velvety blurring effect, and accepts makeup well. Thank you, Supergoop. I'm in my late twenties, and it has never been more important to remember daily sunblock. With this, I know I will." —MsFourEyes

    Get it from Amazon for $38 or Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes). 

    11. Sheer acne healing dots ~sneakily~ tackle pimples for you with hard-working salicylic acid on the inside and a transparent easily-missable outside. You can even put makeup on top if you want to! GENIUS! 👏🏾

    the 20-pack
    a model wearing the patch with makeup
    Peace Out

    Promising review: "Absolutely love them they go great on my skin specially, in the daytime because they are sheer so they blend in very well with my make up. The best zit popper I ever found!!" —rayster

    Get a 20-count pack from Sephora or straight from Peace Out for $19.

    12. Freck Beauty's lash-enhancing eyeliner helps your lashes grow over time with each use. So not only will you have a killer cat-eye, but you're stimulating lash growth at the same time!

    BuzzFeed editor holds up eyeliner tube while wearing it with a cateye
    same editor shows a better angle of the applied liner
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    This liner has easily become an essential for me (seriously, I've never switched a makeup product so fast). I wear eyeliner pretty often, so having one that gives me an awesome benefit like LENGTHENING MY LASHES? I'm sold. I've even noticed my lashes become a little fuller after using it for about a month. The formula is pigmented and very long lasting. Now I'm just waiting for more colors at this point. 🤷🏾‍♀️

    Freck Beauty is a woman-owned business based in Los Angeles. The company started off with Freck OG and has since grown to facial masks, eye creams, serums, and more.

    Promising reviews: "I am obsessed with this eyeliner! The tip applicator makes it easy to use with max precision! It lasts all day and no issues with smudging. My lashes even appear fuller after using this constantly the past few weeks!" —CeeRenee

    "IM OBSESSED WITH THIS EYELINER!!! The application is so easy to just swipe and put on my eyes. It’s not waterproof, but seems like it! To the touch, it won’t rub off, but with a makeup remover it comes off very easily. 11/10!!!!" —kitkato24

    Get it from Sephora or straight from Freck Beauty for $24.

    13. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil hydrates, repairs, and deeply nourishes hair. Thanks to ingredients like honey, vitamins, antioxidants (and much more!) you'll get stronger and shinier hair with continued use.

    the three different bottle sizes lined up
    a gif off the CEO using the hair oil
    a before and after of a model with curly hair

    This hair oil works moisturizing wonders for nearly every hair type (from thick and curly to thin and damaged). Check out the reviews below!

    Promising reviews: "Worth the splurge! I have been using Moroccan oil for many years, but decided to give this a try since I have heard such great things, and let me tell you - this lives up to the hype! Not only does this oil make your hair soft, smooth, and smell amazing but the packaging is on point. Like any oil, a little goes a long way so this bottle will last for a while. Highly recommend trying this out!" —Kelseylynne1

    "Perfect for curls! I was a bit skeptical about this hair oil because I have never found an oil that works for my fine 3A curls, but this is the best hair oil on the market! It hydrates the hair and leaves it shiny but not weighed down nor greasy. Plus the smell is to die for. I wish I had tried this oil sooner!" —Louiebylizzie

    "Thumbs up for fine thin hair. I have fine, thin hair and I really like this oil. I don’t use much, one drop is plenty for me... This is the first and only oil I’ve used that gives my hair beautiful SHINE without weighing it down, just soft bouncy shiny healthy hair...I’ve tried tons of hair oils over the years and this one is my favorite." —Lernzy

    "Not so oily which helps a lot especially with my 4c hair. Smells really good …and improves shine for long hours." —oasare

    Get the standard size from Sephora for $46 (available in three sizes).

    14. Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation provides full coverage all. day. long. 👏 The lightweight formula and matte finish is perfect for anyone with oily or combination skin, and did I mention it comes in 56 shades!? You're sure to find the shade that matches you perfectly. 

    Model's hand holding a bottle of foundation with swatches of different foundation shades on their arm
    Sephora

    Promising review: "I needed something long wearing for the winter, so I bought this. I have never tried a full-coverage foundation that actually lasts as long as it claims, but this did! I sweated like a pig with this on and it didn't budge. I have very dry skin, and because this is a matte finish I was afraid it would cling to my dry patches, but it didn't. In fact, it was pretty moisturizing. I can build it up and it doesn't get cake-y at all. The color matches me perfectly, too. I am SUPER picky about my foundations, but I don't have one bad thing to say about this. In fact, this is the only foundation I have ever tried that I can say that about. A little goes a long way, so it will last forever. Well worth the money!" —MLWhite

    Get it from Sephora or Nordstrom for $48 (available in 56 shades).

    15. The NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Facial Steamer can really help unclog pores — aka unclog all of the stress you had to deal with over the week. If you're in need of an at-home spa day say "aye!"

    A reviewer shares the facial steamer at work
    A reviewer uses the facial steamer with a towel over their head

    The NanoSteamer comes with a five-piece blemish and blackhead extractor kit in addition to the facial steamer to help you really get all the dirt that's stuck in your pores. Oh and the facial steamer doubles as a humidifier and a towel warmer, too!

    Promising review: "It takes only seconds to produce steam and I can do it wherever I choose (not just the kitchen table like with the pot of boiling water). My favorite things to do after steaming are mud masks or sheet masks. They work 10 times better after steaming than alone...Aside from skincare, it is great for head colds and stuffy noses. I keep a second one reserved as the family 'de-stuffer.'" —Laura

    Get it from Amazon for $39.94.

    16. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz has a pencil tip so slim, the precision you'll have will be expert-level good. It's truly a double whammy, with one side allowing you to apply those teeny tiny hair-like strokes, while the other side (the spooly) is used to blend color and brush your brows out in the right direction. 

    A photo of the pencil open on both sides
    A person using the brow pencil one side to show a before/after effect
    Anastasia Beverly Hills

    Promising reviews: "Almost finished with my brow pencil after two years. The pencil did not break once. The product makes my eyebrows look like they were professionally done. Would highly recommend checking this product out!" —J3nnyT

    "This is hands down the best pencil for filling in eyebrows. It creates incredibly natural hair like texture, which is great for filling in the sparse areas of my brows. The formula is great too, as I like the firm consistency. I find many other pencils to be too soft and crumbly, but this one is just right. It also has great color payoff that's not too light or intense and it's easily buildable to my desired intensity, depending if I want a more natural or dramatic brow. I personally use Dark Brown. When using it, I focus most of the product on the sparse areas and lightly go over the rest of my brow to create the most natural and even look." —alan14

    Get it from Sephora for $25 (available in 12 shades) or from Amazon for $25 (available in eight shades).

    17. Olaplex's No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector provides a salon-like hair treatment right at home. It's specifically made to repair damaged hair and restore your gorgeous locks.

    four bottles of the number 3 treatment laid out
    a before and after of curls after using olaplex
    Olaplex, Olaplex

    Reviewers with thick and wavy hair (2c) and coily hair (4c) love this Olaplex treatment. And reviewers with straight hair (1a–1c) say it's great for getting softer, shinier hair!

    Promising reviews: "OBSESSED!! I recently got a haircut and the lady used a flat iron. I personally don't like using heat on my hair to prevent damage. Me being paranoid, I had to use this to protect my hair afterwards. When I tell you my hair was SILKY SOFT and SUPER SHINY I mean it. It looked and felt so healthy after the first time." —Skinjunkie2

    "This product is amazing!! I’ve been using it a couple of times and I’m already obsessed, I use it with No. 0 and it makes my hair super silky and soft which is a surprise because my hair is bleached and always been frizzy! Will definitely order again!" —Maryam91R

    Get it from Sephora or from Amazon (where it has over 90,000 5-star ratings!) for $30.

    18. Tarte's In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette gives you 12 pigmented pink, nude, and neutral shades (shimmer and matte), so you're stocked with shades you can rock every day. 

    A model apply the eyeshadow
    A close up of the inside of the palette
    Sephora

    Promising review: "Yes, 1,000 times yes! Such beautiful shades. 😍 They blend out so nicely! It the perfect everyday palette. I’ve been using Tarte's eyeshadows since I was 14 and they’ve never disappointed!" —Maddy81106

    Get it from Sephora for $45.

    19. Blume's Meltdown acne oil has a top-rated, acne-attacking formula that truly lives up to the hype. This small biz has received hundreds (and hundreds) of 5-star reviews for it's gentle approach on skin but effectiveness on blemishes. You can use it as a spot treatment or mix it with your moisturizer for full-face coverage!

    the blue bottle of acne oil
    a split image of a reviewer before and after using the acne oil
    Blume, Blume

    Blume is a POC-owned small biz cofounded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that destigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.

    Promising review: "I’ve been using Meltdown nightly for two weeks and my skin has completely cleared. I had been struggling with awful, stubborn peri-menopausal acne for months. It’s such a relief! I love it. Smells good, easy to use. Highly recommend!" —Bobbi M.

    Get it from Ulta or straight from Blume for $28+ (save 20% when you subscribe; available in two sizes).

    20. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch liquid blush is a fan fave and has reviewers obsessed with the highly pigmented, super-lightweight formula. You've even got the choice between dewy and matte finishes!

    an open tube of the red liquid blush
    a model wearing the bright pink color on their cheeks

    This Latine-owned business (from founder Selena Gomez, to be more specific!) was launched in 2020 with the goal of helping people celebrate their individuality and their own beauty, nixing the world's impossible beauty standards in the process. And BTW, all Rare Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free!

    Promising review: "Love love love!! I'm obsessed with the color and the formula!! So pigmented, easy to blend and long lasting. I have oily skin and this is the only cream/liquid blush that doesn’t make my skin greasy but glowy and look natural." —Phoebenguyenn

    Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in nine shades).

    21. Briogeo exfoliating shampoo gently and effectively prevents flakes and buildup. It has the perfect blend of main ingredients like charcoal (to detoxify the scalp) and coconut oil (to moisturize and prevent dryness). It's even got a cooling mixture of tea tree and peppermint oil that not only smells ~amazing~, but also soothes itchiness and balances scalp pH! TL;DR: Dry scalps need this!

    before photo of a flaky scalp next to an after photo of a flake-free scalp after using the scrub
    the open jar of shampoo
    Sephora, Sephora

    Briogeo is a Black- and female-founded hair care brand by Nancy Twine.

    Promising review: "The best shampoo I've ever used! I use this with the conditioner and my hair feels so amazing instantly. My hair has been falling out and thinning since I gave birth so I gave this a try as a free sample and bought the real thing instantly. My hair's getting thicker again and my split is back to normal again. I love this stuff!" —dramacitaa

    Get it from Amazon and Sephora for $42.

    22. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are essentially liquid GOLD wrapped and packaged in a cute pink bottle. This serum helps reduce hyperpigmentation like no other and leaves skin looking moisturized and dewy.

    the pink bottle laying next to a slice of watermelon
    a gif of someone using the dew drops and rubbing it in their skin

    Promising reviews: "100,000% OBSESSED with this product! If there is one product I couldn’t live without, It is THIS one! First off, it smells amazing, the texture is wonderful and the results = unreal!! I have seen such a difference in my skin since using this!! I was instantly hooked on this serum and will recommend and brag about this product time and time again because it’s THAT good you guys!! Do yourself a favor and add this to your skincare routine, I promise you will not regret it!" —emilyroseh

    "LOVE LOVE LOVE. I have been using this for the past few months and I’m OBSESSED! I use every morning with or without makeup, this a staple product in my morning skincare routine. It leaves my skin looking glowy and feeling hydrated and just so fresh. I highly recommend this to anyone whose looking to create a flawless skincare routine."missjulian

    Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $35.

    23. Almond oatmeal goat milk lotion will leave your skin so hydrated, you'll want to thank the goat personally. It has the soothing scent you're looking for, while the goat's milk and shea butter combo handles the dry skin relief.

    The bottle of lotion sitting next to almond
    One Blessed Acre Farms / Etsy

    This small biz creates skincare products using goat milk right from their own farm! Goat milk in particular is great for hydrating skin and can also help those with eczema. 

    Promising review: "This lotion is thick and very moisturizing! A little goes a long way so the price is very much worth it. The scent isn’t loud (I get headaches from strong scents like at the 'body stores') but it doesn’t fade either so it’s very refreshing to wear." —Candice Chiolo

    Get it from One Blessed Acre Farms on Etsy for $16.50.

    24. Perfect Image's powerful glycolic acid gel peel softens skin, reduces fine lines, and overall improves the texture of your skin. And how in the world does it do all of that? Well, Glycolic acid helps sort of unglue skin cells, so the softer, brighter layer underneath can emerge. And with the help of retinol (a collagen-booster) and green tea, your skin will feel brand-new.

    before photo of a reviewer with dimpled skin texture on their cheeks
    the same reviewer after using the peel consistently and the pitting on their cheeks has lessened dramatically

    This peel can be a bit irritating to your skin, so be sure to test patch and start slowly — especially because this peel also contains retinol, a collagen-boosting ingredient that can make your skin more sensitive.

    Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely incredible. In January of 2017 I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted and you'll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken June 2017.) I've used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office." —Meredith

    Get it from Amazon for $29.95.

    25. Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask has been a long-time favorite because of the ~glowing~ results reviewers continuously see after using it. The 100% natural, nontoxic ingredients take the BHA from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes to rejuvenate dull skin for a healthy, glowing complexion.

    a model holding the mask on a brush
    a gif of the inside of the jar

    Tata Harper Skincare was founded by Columbian entrepreneur Graciella "Tata" Harper in 2007.

    Promising reviews: "Staple in my routine. After one use I was hooked on this mask. This mask literally brightens immediately, and results are long-lasting. It's a must-have in Tata Harper's skincare line." —Adrianne S.

    "This is my go-to mask. It instantly brightens my skin. It's one of the few masks I've used that you can see instant results." —Jade T.

    Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or straight from Tata Harper for $68.

    26. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is a number one bestseller for very good, well-earned reasons! After a night with this on, you'll wake up to moisturized, hydrated lips that are softer than ever.

    a model applying the pink jar of the original berry scent with the a small applicator
    Sephora

    BTW, some people use it as a daily lip balm or lip protectant over their lipstick too!

    Laneige is an Asian-owned brand that has been in the beauty game for years. (Seriously, since the 90s!) The luxury brand prides itself on being affordable too, and has many fan favorite products because of it.

    Promising reviews: "Holy freakin grail!! I pick at my lips so they’re constantly chapped and raw. I used this once and by the second day all the dry/dead skin had come off and my lips were softer than I’ve ever felt. Totally worth the money and smells amazing!!" —Anissamarie01

    "Lives up to ALL the hype. Holy grail amazing product. I have been chapstick obsessed since birth, and this product goes above and beyond. I carry it around in my purse and use it every day and my lips look super glowy and hydrated, and it lasts a long time after application. I'm slowly collecting every shade." —honeycbxdger

    Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $24 (available in four scents).

    27. 54 Throne's in-shower body melt works as a deep hydration body balm that you...surprise! use in the shower. When applied to wet skin, it locks in that moisture and keeps skin hydrated and smooth for waaay longer. It can even be used to relieve inflamed, irritated, and sensitive skin, too. 

    the open jar of body melt
    a model with a swab of the melt on their arm
    54 Thrones

    This body melt quite literally ~melts~ into your skin when you apply it. It's amazing! I use it ever-so-often when my skin needs some extra TLC and this always does the trick. My skin is aaalways SO smooth and SO hydrated after using this in the shower. I love that all of the ingredients are natural and that smell... AH! The blue tansey smells amazing and so satisfying. Your skin will be so happy with this! 

    54 Thrones is a Black woman-owned small business that makes natural, clean skincare products. 

    Promising reviews: "This is the first and only product that has relieved my dry, itchy, aching winter skin! My skin sings octaves of joy the moment I step out of the shower! The balm melts right into your skin and provides a protective layer for the whole day. It's not greasy, smells wonderful, and is fit for all the Kings and Queens in your life! Give it a try!" —Eileen

    "Best product EVER! Literally one of my favorite beauty products of all time. The hydration locking and smell is a cut above the rest. My partner cuddles for too long when I have this on the bod! lmao." —Minnie L.

    Get it  from Nordstrom or straight from 54 Thrones for $46.

    28. Glow Recipe Blur Drops smoothing primer is a silky top-rated product that blurs pores, smooths fine lines, *and* reduces excess oils — making it the absolute perfect last step to your skincare routine and very first step for your makeup. The BHA and strawberry enzymes work as silky base to ensure your makeup stays on with a prolonged filter effect, while working as a refining pore treatment, too!

    The bottle of primer
    a model showing foundation without the primer (more oily) and with (more matte) after eight hours.
    Sephora

    Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. The my t-zone becomes blurred and poreless ALL DAY. I don't wear foundation, just some tinted SPF, so there is nothing but my good old skin shining through by the end of the day, and these drops guarantee a matte beautiful complexion even after a busy 12-hour shift. I have to give it to these guys, they are magicians!" —MRN18

    Get it from Sephora for $32.

    29. A Dyson hair dryer dries hair so fast, the time saved will make up for the investment in itself! This hair dryer also happens to define curls, reduce frizz, and even protects against extreme heat damage. Sounds like a major score to me! 

    before photo of a model with an afro and an after photo of the same model whose afro has been styled into more defined curls
    the hair dryer and its five attachments
    Sephora, Sephora

    It comes with five magnetic attachments — a styling concentrator, a diffuser, a wide-tooth comb, a flyaway attachment, and a gentle air attachement — as well as a nonslip mat and storage hanger.

    Promising reviews: "I have baby fine hair and decided to splurge and buy this little gem for myself to get some volume and smoothness. My old T3 dryer, which I had for 10 years, was functioning, but not to my liking. To be honest, I wasn't sure how I'd like this dryer, if it would live up to the hype, but it certainly did! It dries my hair so quickly and gives me a TON of volume and shine. I love that it has the option of either the cool shot or cool level adjustor. I also love the different magnetic attachments so styling is easier. I hope this dryer will last forever because it's a dream to use!" —renny79

    "If you have natural 4C hair and debating to get this...Get this and skip the air wrap. This also has a great diffuser for wash and go. The comb attachment is the truth." —Newbae

    "I have medium length 2C/3A curls and this hairdryer with the diffuser attachment is fantastic. I get bouncy, frizz-free curls in about five minutes- better than air-drying! I get so many compliments on how great my hair looks when I use this. Also works great for a blowout with the concentrator attachment though I haven’t gotten the hang of the flyaway tool. Happy with this purchase." —DebM440

    Get it from Sephora or Nordstrom for $429 (available in three colors).

    The Dyson Supersonic won our pick for the best hair dryer. Check out our full review for more deets.

    30. Function of Beauty's custom hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment with completely personalized ingredients based on your hair type, your hair goals — even your preferred fragrance! Choose up to five goals with options including lengthen, oil control, curl definition, and more.

    four jars of different color hair masks
    Function of Beauty

    No worries, people — this is vegan, cruelty-, and gluten-free.

    Promising review: "My hair did a full 180. I cannot even begin to express how much better my hair is. It's never been this soft and smooth before. After just two washes and one hair mask treatment, my hair is soft and smooth. My hair has NEVER been soft and smooth. Great damage repair, will continue buying." —Samantha

    Get the set from Function of Beauty for $24+ (prices vary depending on your selections).

    31. Touchland's Glow Mist Hand Sanitizer ensures you're a quick spritz away from killing 99.9% of germs on your hands and moisturizing your skin at the same time. It's common knowledge the sanitizer can be very drying for this skin, but this glow mist does the *exact* opposite and works to rejuvenate skin, too!

    Amanda holding the hand sanitizer
    a gif of the writer spraying the sanitizer
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    This particular Touchland sanitizer is scented with rosewater, and I absolutely love it! Aside from killing daily germs (which, as the main point of sanitizer, is awesome), it also smells amazing and leaves my hands feeling soft, refreshed, and *not* sticky like many other options on the market. I was so excited to finally get away from the strong, alcohol-scented hand sanitizers and love that this hydrates my hands, too. In my opinion, it's 100% worth the price (especially for my skincare lovers!). It honestly never leaves my purse!

    Promising reviews: "Sanitizer just doesn't get better than this! The lightweight feel, the hydration, and the fresh rose scent, ugh! Perfection 10/10!" —Natalie S.

    "WHOA. If you have $16 to splurge and you’re contemplating… BUY IT!!!! As a nanny I am always washing or sanitizing my hands and they get so dry. This stuff instantly made my hands look and feel amazing!!"  —freckledskin

    Get it from Sephora for $16 or straight from Touchland for $16 (available in 14 other scents for $9+).

    32. Cure's exfoliating water gel cleanses your skin so well, you'll literally see beads of dirt and dead skin coming off of you. It'll leave your skin soft, bright, and glowing. Reviewers say it works wonders for ingrown hairs, dry skin, AND breakouts!

    a reviewer shows an before and after of flaky skin now gone
    A close-up of a hand showing the

    Promising review: "I am literally obsessed with this magic in a bottle! I have extremely sensitive skin so abrasive exfoliation is totally out of the question. I’ve been using this stuff for five years and never let myself run out.  A must-buy!" —Jill

    "I am obsessed with this stuff!! I only use it about once a week but it works wonders!! Starting to break out on your back? This stops it before it gets out of control! Ingrown hairs on bikini line? exfoliates the skin so they are gone before you know it!! and lastly of course I use this on my face... my skin never looks better!! this is a MUST-HAVE in your skincare arsenal and not just for your face!! I wish I could give it more stars!!" —Basil Meadows

    Get it from Amazon for $36,50 (also available in packs of two and three).

    33. Simplehuman's Sensor Mirror changes the way you apply makeup because it helps you *really* see all the little details. It has touch-control brightness, dual light settings so you can see your face in natural sunlight or true-to-life candlelight, AND 5x magnification power. Your makeup results are about to level up!

    The gold mirror lit up and styled on a bathroom sink
    Simplehuman

    Former BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Suazo says: "I own this and use it every day. It's worth every! single! penny!"

    Promising review: "My sensor mirror is absolutely wonderful! I look better because I can actually see how I’m applying my makeup. It is worth the money — think about what you spend on cosmetics! Look at it as your best one!" —Becky N.

    Get it from Simplehuman for $200 (available in five finishes and in other models/styles including wall mount, compact, and more).

    34. TheBalm Mad Lash Voluminous Mascara gives you dramatically long lashes without the price of extensions or false strips. And with it being water-resistant, clump-free, and lengthening, no wonder it has over 3,000 5-star reviews!

    The mascara
    Reviewer before and after showing the mascara makes their lashes look long and full

    Promising review: "This is my holy grail mascara. Every time I think 'Is there a better option out there?' and try another brand, I immediately regret it. This mascara lengthens, adds volume, and it does it all with minimal clumping. I’ve been using for this years and the formula has never flaked once. Super easy to remove, even though you’ll probably never want to." —Roshelle

    Get it from Amazon for $20.

    35. Voyor's pore vacuum extracts everything from blackheads, whiteheads, and the oil that comes along with both. This cool gadget uses deep suction to remove it all, going straight to the source rather than just treating the surface. It'll leave your skin feeling cleaner and smoother!

    hand holds blue pore vacuum head filled with yellow gunk from pores
    hand holds white pore vacuum in front of box with different interchangeable plastic heads

    Three different suction levels (low for sensitive skin, medium for small blackheads, and large for pesky blackheads) and six interchangeable heads that span from strong suction to gentle suction enable you to customize your blackhead-removal experience with ease.

    Promising review: " Yaaaaaaasssssss queeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen I am obsessed with this vacuum!!! I have hormonal acne prone skin, but always struggle with white heads around my nose and chin area. This thing does WERRRRK!!! I use the flat-looking head and it’s amazing for really getting larger areas like my skin, and the curvature around my nose... After a few uses, especially right after getting out of a hot shower, this lil' guy started really working! I’d suggest doing it after a hot wash/ face wash, or after a facial steamer...This makes my skin finally feel so clean and not oily and clogged!" —Stacey Checcino

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99.

    36. Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum has vegan ingredients like papaya enzymes, amber algae, and glycerin that work together to fade hyperpigmentation and minimize pores for smooth, even skin.

    a model holding the bottle of serum
    a gif of someone using the serum with text that says
    Eadem

    Eadem is a BIPOC-owned small biz founded by Marie Koudaio and Alice Lin. They created their very own Milk Marvel Smart Melanin Technology, which makes Milk Marvel one of the most compatible and efficient products to fade stubborn dark spots on darker complexions.

    Promising review: "I don’t usually get dark spots, but when I do they do not go away. I been using this product and my dark spot have been fading. I also find my skin more smooth and less texture. My makeup is applying so much better, I no longer have to apply a silicone base primer! I have told my friends all about this product." —favbbygrl

    Get it from Sephora or straight from Eadem for $68.

    37. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant provides awesome results in smoothing and clearing skin. It's got a near perfect rating and (thankfully) comes in a 1-ounce mini version perfect for traveling, too.

    a model holding the fash wash bottle
    A reviewer's before and after using the exfoiliant
    Paula's Choice, www.amazon.com

    Promising reviews: "I never write product reviews but I am OBSESSED with this product...I am so glad I decided to try something new. I've been using it for less than a week and my pores are smaller, skin tone is more even, breakouts are under control and fading at least twice as fast as usual, and my skin is GLOWING. I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin that is annoyingly combination. I haven't found this to be overly drying or irritating in any way. I would recommend this product to anyone." —Amazon Customer

    "This is something I will never not purchase now. I've purchased several bottles now over the last few months or so and I am truly obsessed. Nothing has ever changed or improved my skin so much in such a short time. It's amazing. A holy grail for sure. It evens my skin tone, quickly gets rid of marks or breakouts, smooths my skin, adds a glow...it [really works]. I literally saw results the first night I used it (the next morning)." —Abigail Rose Marsicano

    Get it from from Amazon for $34 (available in two sizes). 

    38. Biossance's Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil is just one of those skincare products that has too many benefits to count. It's great for brightening, improving elasticity, evening skin tone, and SO much more.

    The rose oil surrounded by oranges
    A before and after of someone using the oil for 20 days
    Sephora

    Promising review: "Dry skin here. In my 30’s and needed a little extra help with hydration and brightening. I absolutely love this stuff. I’m sensitive and acne prone if I use certain products. This one doesn’t break me out. My skin is dewy when I wake up, and feels hydrated all day. Gives me a glow. Love what it does for my skin." —LH2017

    Get it from Sephora for $40+ (available in two sizes) or from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in two sizes).

    39. A bottle of By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau De Parfum has to be *thee* choice if you love the smell of sweet vanilla. This scent universally smells amazing and is sure to be your new signature scent!

    a model holding up the perfume bottle
    By Rosie Jane

    This. Perfume. Smells. AMAZING! I am usually a citrus fruit, summer-scent kind of gal, but this sweet vanilla is my new go-to. It smells ~adult~ but doesn't have the overly strong smell of many fragrances that make you cough (which is why I stick to the sweet stuff). The combination of vanilla, chocolate, and hinoki wood somehow still feels youthful and it smells divine! Highly highly recommend, especially for the fall and winter months

    Get it from By Rosie Jane for $70 (available in 1.7 oz and .25 oz) or from Sephora for $70

    40. Cocokind's Resurfacing Sleep Mask is exactly what it sounds like — a facial mask that works while you're sleeping! Ingredients like bakuchoil and wild indigo work hard to reduce dryness, even skin tone, and plump skin all while you get your beauty rest.

    an open jar of the face mask
    a model applying the facial mask with the included applicator tool
    Cocokind

    Promising review: "I have always been afraid of overnight masks with my super sensitive skin… not anymore! Being acne-prone and having super sensitive, I have always been very cautious about overnight masks, but after reading so many positive reviews and loving my Cocokind routine I decided to give it a try. And I am so glad that I did. My skin has never looked better in the morning! Take my advice and go get that 'I woke up like this' glow!!!" —Emma J.

    Get it from Cocokind for $24.

    You ignoring anyone who has anything negative to say on your beauty splurge: