We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Essence Lash Princess Mascara that will make your lashes look so long, thick, and full, people will start asking you if you got eyelash extensions. We'll keep your secret that it only took a minute to achieve your beautiful lashes look!
BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them) this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort."
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte 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+ (available in two colors and in a pack of three).
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review! You can also check out her review of the mascara on TikTok!
2. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint for a natural-looking but long-lasting look without the usual clumpiness or drying effect that matte lipsticks usually leave you with. It comes in a variety of colors, and thanks to the affordable price point, you can stock up on a few so you can change up your look!
3. A magical makeup-correcting stick to make any mistakes you made while applying your eyeliner, lipliner, or lipstick disappear. It's so much easier (and more friendly!) to use than a Q-tip and doesn't leave behind any smudges or smears.
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer for anyone searching for an easy-to-apply option that can cover your dark circles, blends well, and stays put even during sweaty days. This concealer really does it all!
Promising review: "Best under-eye concealer ever. I wouldn't go out without applying this concealer. It blends nicely with my foundation and has never caked. The sponge applicator is soft and makes application quick and easy. I will continue to use this product and hope, like many products I've used over the years, that it doesn't get discontinued." —Morty
Get it from Amazon for $5.75+ (originally $10.99; available in 18 shades).
Check out my colleague's Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review and learn why it's her favorite.
5. An eye primer because you don't want to spend precious time perfecting your eyeshadow just for it to be faded and creased by lunchtime. Plus: It'll make your eyeshadow look much more vibrant and pigment-packed!
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $15.49 (originally $20).
6. Lip Bar tinted skin conditioner for the most even, dewy, natural-looking make-up look ever. With SPF 11, it'll protect you from the sun as it moisturizes your skin thanks to the hyaluronic acid.
Lip Bar is a Black-owned, woman-owned business and all of its products are vegan and cruelty free (no unnecessary chemicals!!).
Promising review: "I have have only worn foundation on special occasions. I tried this tinted moisturizer and when I got it I tried it out and I was in LOVE!! I have found a simple and natural coverage I have been looking for so long. I don’t feel like I have anything on, it’s not a heavy weight like some foundations give. My skin looks great and the color is a perfect match for my skin tone. I just LOVE IT!" —La H.
Get it from Lip Bar for $17 (available in 12 shades).
7. A NYX setting spray you'll spritz on when you're done perfecting your ~lewk~ for the day. It'll make your makeup last so much longer, and all it takes is a few seconds of spraying it on your face!
Promising review: "This stuff will make your makeup last and last! I have severely oily skin, which means that most foundations just slide right off my skin. And then I found this! I spray this on before I do my makeup, after I do any cream makeup (foundation, concealer, etc), and then again after I set with powder. This helps my makeup easily last from seven in the morning to seven at night." —Sadie
Get it from Amazon for $6.71+ (available in several finishes and packs of two).
8. Glossier's Boy Brow, which is known as a cult favorite beauty product for a reason — it makes your eyebrows look so much fuller and bolder, and it won't get stiff or crusty like other brow products can. All it takes is just a few quick flicks of your wrist with this product, and you're good to go!
Promising review: "I've been eager to get my hands on this product for months now! Honestly the easiest brow product I've ever used and it's seriously magic. My brows looked instantly fuller! They weren't crusty or stiff and the applicator is amazing! My favorite thing about Boy Brow is the texture, no crusty brows here. This product has changed my entire makeup routine!" —Jordanne
Get it from Glossier for $17 (available in five shades).
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Glossier's Boy Brow for more deets!
9. Or this eyebrow tint reviewers say is so much more effective at defining and darkening your eyebrows than a pencil or gel is. Plus: the tint lasts for a few weeks, so you won't have to even touch your eyebrows during your day-to-day makeup routine!
Promising review: "Love this product and I use it every three weeks now religiously! I apply it with a little angled eye brush and I started outlining the brow shape I wanted with Vaseline or ChapStick to prevent staining when I first started out. I let it sit about three minutes once I’m done applying to both sides. It starts out dark and then washes lighter after a few days so don’t panic if it’s dark right after. It lasts about three weeks but has lightened a bit by then. I never knew how many eyebrow hairs I had until I used this product! It also helped me even out my eyebrows because they tend to be slightly uneven!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.75+ (available in four shades).
10. A mattifying makeup primer that keeps your makeup looking fresh and crease-free even in the middle of a hot summer day. Gone are the days when your makeup starts melting down your face after five minutes in the sun!
Promising review: "I could go on and on about this magic face sauce, but instead I’m just gonna lead with the pictures from my random sweat test experiment and tell you what you’re seeing. I think it did a GREAT job of soaking up the oil on my nose and forehead, much better than any pressed or loose mattifying powders I use. The (picture on the right) is after I danced Lindy Hop, Shag, AND Balboa (all fairly rigorous dance lexicons in the swing dance family) for three hours in a hot, crowded bar that had to be at least 90 degrees inside. According to my Fakebit, I did 20,000 steps that night so I REALLY put this stuff to the hardest test I could manufacture! It’s lasted for forever, as well, so I definitely think it’s a good deal for the price. It’s small, but you don’t need a lot!" —Queenofthehouse
Get it from Amazon for $14.05.
11. Grande Cosmetics' Lash Serum formulated to make your eyelashes thicker, fuller, and longer. You might not even need to use mascara once you see how well this works.
Promising review: "I really wish I would have taken 'before' pics. My hairdresser told me about this stuff and said 'it works so good I had to stop using it every night.' I thought to myself 'Oh yeah, lashes too long, no such thing' but I'm on my second tube and I'm going to start using every other night. My lashes are so long, and it's like I have a double row of lashes. My bottom lashes are thicker too. I rarely write reviews but wanted to share because it really really works." —Asc
Get a three-month supply from Amazon for $68+ (also available in a two-month and a six-month supply).
12. Glossier's Cloud Paint with a formula that is lightweight, blendable, and won't clog your pores. Use it as part of your full makeup routine or wear the blush by itself for an effortlessly breezy look that takes about 15 seconds to achieve.
Check out a reviewer testing Cloud Paint out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I purchased Dusk first because I saw it on TikTok. It’s so creamy and easily blendable. Dusk is great for during the day. I purchased Storm second for at night or going out. I never thought I would like a cream blush. I have always been a powder girl. I may never go back!!!" —Felicia
Get it from Glossier for $20 (available in eight shades).
13. BYO Blush Oil that infuses a bit of science into its formula. Allow me to elaborate — the color will react to your skin's pH, therefore giving you a beautiful customized shade that complements your skin tone instantly. I'd give this scientific marvel an A+!
Youthforia is an Asian woman-owned small business established in 2020 that specializes in environmentally friendly, cruelty-free makeup made with at least 90% renewable ingredients.
Fun fact: All of Youthforia's makeup is designed with ingredients that make it A-OK for your skin to sleep with it on!
Promising review: "Dewy and glowy. I tried it over makeup and it appeared as a strong pink shade but settled to a flushed, glowy color. I had my little sister try it too because I wanted to see the color change again and it lasted a really long time on her. The texture was smooth and it was easy to rub in and blend out." —Summer
Get it from Youthforia for $36.
14. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges you can use with foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer. They provide easy application, perfect blending, and great coverage every single time. And I almost forgot to mention they're super budget-friendly!
Check out a reviewer trying them out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and I bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris
Get a set of five from Amazon for $9.90+ (originally $12.99; available in nine color sets).
15. A container of Etude House's Zero Sebum Drying Powder designed to keep all the dreaded oil on your skin at bay. You'll have a perfectly matte look even after hours and hours of wearing your makeup!
Promising review: "I have a super-oily face by the end of the day, see the attached pictures. I hate it, it looks gross. This definitely helps combat that but it's not 100% foolproof for my face. Even still, I don't like to go a day without it. It's worth keeping in my routine of blotting papers, toners, etc. PROS: instantly creates a matte look without feeling dry or clogging pores. Lightweight enough to wear on or under makeup. It doesn't cause breakouts or redness and has a mild scent. Genuinely keeps my face feeling fresher throughout the day. I like to wear it on a daily basis. CONS: The only negative is that there's not a huge, huge difference in appearance. But it feels way better, and that's a huge plus!" —Jen
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in two styles).
16. A six-piece set of high-performance matte lipsticks that stay put all day long without drying out your lips. The best part is you'll pay even less than what you would for similar lipsticks — and you get SIX lippies for that price!
Promising review: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $11.88 (originally $12.48; available in three color sets).
17. A set of Lovoir winged eyeliner stamps if you've given it your all and you just CANNOT get your winged liner to look right even after multiple attempts. This will save you from so much frustration during your makeup routine!
Promising review: "Let me start by saying this isn't my first cat-eye rodeo. I've tried the taping method, normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! Well, this gem arrived and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out...but to my surprise I put the left cat-eye on first and it was perfect. I thought this was a fluke and did the right eye...again, it came out clean and perfect! I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN ABLE TO DO A CAT-EYE IN UNDER 10 MINUTES, LET ALONE THE TWO MINUTES THIS TOOK TO DO! There were no sloppy streaks that I had to touch up or anything you would expect. Just a clean crisp line. I can now do a cat-eye EVERY day and look/feel like a badass. Everyone can think I spend hours doing my makeup in the morning." —LadyMeow
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.98+ (originally $18.72; available in four styles).
18. A bestselling eyebrow pencil with a double-ended design — use the angled pencil side to fill out your eyebrows and then the spoolie brush to make everything look smooth and blended.
Promising review: "Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. Tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat. I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in. Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." —Shannon M Slape
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (originally $8.99; available in four shades).
19. L'Oreal Voluminous Primer Mascara that actually adds fibers to your lashes to help thicken them out, which means when you apply your regular mascara, your lashes will appear fuller and longer.
Here's what my fellow BuzzFeed Shopping team member Ali Faccenda says about this primer: "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 a pack of two from Amazon for $17.06.
20. Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Foundation with over 419,000 5-star reviews (yes, really!) boasting about how great it blends, how even the coverage is, and how it doesn't crease or look dull at the end of the day. If you only have time for a few products in the morning, you'll definitely want to be reaching for this high-quality one!
This cruelty-free foundation has a natural matte finish, and it gives off a smoothing effect thanks to optically corrective powders and light-diffusing spheres in the formula.
Promising review: "I really like this foundation. On days that I don't need quite as much coverage, I mix it with my moisturizer to thin out a little. It is perfect for heavy coverage days and the foundation brush is on point! Haven't needed anything else since buying IL Makiage. Has me looking perfect every day!" —Bethany
Get it from Il Makiage for $45 (available in 50 shades).
21. A set of LKE Shadow Patches to catch any eyeshadow that falls down while you're applying it. Now you can just take this patch off when you're done instead of wiping away all that eyeshadow fallout and ruining your foundation while you're at it.
Promising review: "I don’t know how I've done my eye makeup without these my whole life! They help so much with eyeshadow fallout it’s wild! There are two stickers on them, but I only do the small top ones since I like to do my foundation before eyeshadow! They’re very sticky and sometimes take off some of my foundation but I’ve found if you first tape it on your hand then onto your face it helps!" —Amazon Customer
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $13.99 (originally $14.99).
22. Fluide's Universal Crayon that packs a highly pigmented punch to your lids, lips, or cheekbones. Now it's possible to put on a full monochromatic makeup look with just one product!
Fluide is a queer-owned and woman-owned business specializing in vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free cosmetics.
Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of quick and easy enhancements and it doesn't get any easier than this. Drag across your eyelids, lips, rub into your cheeks and nose for a fabulous rosy shimmer." —Teneca Kennedy
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors).
23. A Beauty Bento Bouncy Eyeshadow Trio by Kaja — the small but mighty three-tier stack of pigmented shadows you can easily bring along anywhere. It's small enough to pack for travel, an overnight, or even just heading out for the day (because reapplying has never been more convenient).
Promising review: "This is genuinely one of my favorite products of all time. Gorgeous shimmer shades that are buttery and blinding! If you're considering buying one, do it! But I would only really recommend the all shimmer ones." –Rosewater
Get it from Sephora for $26 (available in 10 shade combinations and finishes) or from Amazon, also for $17.68+ (originally $21; available in 14 shade combinations and finishes).
24. Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter that'll make you shine like a disco ball in the best way possible. The shimmer-packed formula will accentuate your cheekbones and make them really *pop*! And a little goes a long way — just a few strokes of the product is all you need!
Promising review: "Let’s just say a little goes a long way with this product. I love a natural glow, and having glowy skin is a must for me. This product is definitely my new holy grail. It gets the job done and can stand up against any high-end highlighter." —Meg
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (originally $7.99+; available in four colors).
25. A set of five Kulfi Beauty highly-pigmented eyeliners so you can have fun experimenting with a bold, colorful look that won't smudge or run. No one wants raccoon eyes at the end of the day!
Kulfi Beauty, named after a type of South Asian ice cream, is a South Asian-owned business that makes products that celebrate and empower the diverse needs of their communities.
Promising review: "These are just what I have searched a decade for. I've never had an eyeliner go on so smooth or effortlessly before. The color stays vibrant all day, not sinking into my skin or transferring elsewhere. I am in love with this product." —Andrea J
Get them from Kulfi Beauty for $85 (originally $100).
26. A thick clear lip gloss to get that shiny look on your lips but none of that goopy, sticky texture other glosses have. Bonus: If you're short on time in the morning, just swipe some of this on, and you'll look instantly more put together.
The flavors include mint, rosehip, and coconut.
Promising review: "I don’t typically write a lot of reviews but I love this so much that I had to. I added it to my cart just for r free shipping but I’m so glad it did. This stuff is amazing! Not only is it cheap but the tubes are also larger than regular lip gloss tubes. It lasts so long even after eating and drinking and is perfect to sleep in to get soft lips. It also has amazing shine. So it’s a great product all around and I’ll definitely be purchasing more!" —Bailey Silver
Get a set of three from Amazon for $3.99.
27. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick that might just be the longest-lasting lipstick on the market — no, seriously: you can put this on in the morning, eat and drink throughout the day, and your lipstick will still look as good as it did at the beginning of the day.
I have worn it almost exclusively for two years straight, I've rebought it several times, and the best part — it's under $10 a tube. I currently own five shades, but it comes in 45 SHADES, so you're bound to find one that works for you. In addition to being long-lasting, it doesn't leave my lips all dry and cracked like other matte lipsticks I've tried in the past. And I've done the leg work — dozens and dozens of times, I've put this on before dinner, eaten a full meal, drunk some cocktails, and it still looks fantastic when I get back home!
Get it from Amazon for $4.36+ (available in 31 shades and in a kit option).
Read our full review of the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick here.
28. Or this iconic high-shine lipstick from Uoma Beauty — this formula is the perfect hybrid of a gloss and lipstick. You'll get a pretty punch of color on your lips while simultaneously applying an enviable layer of sheen. We love a two-for-one product that saves us time!
Uoma Beauty is a Black-owned small business was founded by Sharon Chuter, whose goal is to make an innovative and inclusive make-up brand that's always evolving.
Promising review: "I LOVE everything about this lip color. It is long-lasting, beautiful, a wonderful color, and the container is like a party." —vicki k.
Get it from Uoma Beauty for $24 (available in eight shades).
29. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer — it's lightweight enough to wear underneath your foundation so that the rest of your makeup glides on super smooth and evenly. Many reviewers also say it'll help reduce the appearance of pores!
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and thought I'd take a chance. I have sensitive skin and have to watch what I use. I LOVE this product! Goes on smooth and you don't need to use a lot. I put it on before I put on my foundation. Makes a huge difference. Highly recommend and will buy again!!" —Leslie Mattingly
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
30. NYX Concealer Color Correcting Palette poised to become the MVP of your makeup bag. Whether you're looking to conceal dark circles, brighten up your complexion, or reduce redness, this palette can provide any kind of coverage you need at a moment's notice without any real skill required.
The palette features six shades which are light and medium (to camouflage spots that aren't too dark), yellow and peach (to conceal dullness and dark circles), green (to cover redness), and purple and pink (to brighten). The concealers have a creamy, hydrating formula. Apply the color that will conceal the spot that you want to cover and then put your foundation on top of it as usual.
Promising review: "I've always used concealers that match the color foundation I use. I decided to try the different color concealers and I'll stick with these. They cover the dark circles and redness with perfection." —Debbie
Get it from Amazon for $8.75+ (originally $12; also available in three additional correcting versions).
31. A viral powder foundation that provides major coverage with a satiny (and *not* cakey!) finish; plus, impressive setting and mattifying capabilities. Your makeup look is bound to look 10 times better with this as your base!
Promising review: "I love this powder. I personally wear it over my liquid foundation to add coverage although I have heard it's good enough to use on its own. I like how it adds coverage with a satin finish without being cakey. Also you only need a small amount each time so the product lasts very long. This could probably last me a year if I wore it daily." –Sand
Get it from Amazon for $10.31+ (available in 20 shades).
You the first time you put makeup on with any of these A+ products and realize it doesn't have to be challenging or time-consuming:
