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. A cult-favorite liquid eyeliner from Stila designed to stay put all day – no smudging or reapplying. Perfect for liquid eyeliner novices, the felt tip is user-friendly and delivers smooth, precise lines every time.
When applying, use the tip of the pen to create a thin line. For a bold, thicker line, apply with slightly more pressure.
Promising review: "Sheer perfection. Super easy to apply. I was never good with these type of eyeliners, but after reviewing this product I figured I will give it a try...and OMG...best eyeliner I ever owned. It goes on smooth with a sharp line, no messing up. From the first time I applied it I couldn't believe how well it worked. Cat-eye done in a second or two...No need to re-apply or fixing it later as it stays on nicely all day. I use it with the little black palette from Lorac, which came with primer, and I am not sure if that helps but I put my eye shadow on, then eyeliner and I am good to go. It stays put ALL DAY, just as the name promises. And as other reviewers mentioned, using this product you will be a pro in applying eyeliner in no time. That's how nicely it goes on. I can't say enough good things about it! I purchased one for my daughter and for my mom. They both love it. This will be my one and only eyeliner of choice. Thanks Stila for making a GREAT product...well worth the money! You just gained another loyal customer." —BeataR.
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in eight shades).
2. An ultra-slim brow pencil so you can draw in super fine lines that really resemble your own brow hair. You can then use the spoolie to blend everything out for a super natural look.
Promising review: "I have been using the Brow Wiz for years! I love how the pencil diameter is perfect such that I can draw either thinner or thicker lines. I have total control over how opaque my lines are as well. The formula is blendable with the spoolie (which is on the other end of the pencil), yet it will not budge. I have gone into water and my eyebrows haven't disappeared." —V.
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 12 shades).
3. An eyelid primer because you don't want to spend precious time perfecting your eyeshadow just for it to be faded and creased by lunchtime.
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 $13.99.
4. An eyeshadow palette from Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga complete with 10 super pigmented shades for the days you want to rock a bold smoky eye.
Promising reviews: "Oh, I absolutely love these colors. They’re very blendable. Look great and are easy to put on when you’re in a hurry. No fuss with them. These are my go to colors, beautiful, and I put my expensive pallets that didn’t work as well as these back in the drawer. I am very happy with all of the cosmetics from this company." —DK
"The colors in this palette blend beautifully and there is no fallout. The colors do not crease and they last all day. This is a great value for the price. You can create very soft glam natural looks with the colors in this palette and more dramatic smoky looks." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.06.
5. A magical makeup-correcting stick to make any mistakes while applying your eyeliner, lipliner, or lipstick disappear. It's so much easier (and more friendly!) to use than a cotton swab and doesn't leave behind any smudges or smears.
6. 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 this lipstick almost exclusively since 2019, 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 30 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 $7.98+ (available in 30 shades and in a kit option).
Read our full review of the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick here.
7. A bottle of Urban Decay setting spray for anyone who hates when their makeup starts melting down their face the second they walk outside in summer. This magic potion basically negates the effects of oil and sweat on your skin's surface and keeps your makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours!
Make sure to shake the bottle before using to activate the formula. After applying your full face of makeup, hold 8–10 inches from your face and spray in an "X" and a "T" formation.
Promising review: "This stuff is a miraculous makeup setting spray! I sweat (hyperhidrosis) like a waterfall. My eyeliner and mascara run down my face. Eyeshadow rinses off as if never applied. When I use this setting spray (READ the directions!) my makeup is set and on point until I cleanse it. I use micellar water or 91–99% rubbing alcohol followed with soap and water if desired; then of course moisturized. I notice no scent. I feel this stuff is grotesquely overpriced, but it has never failed. I use waterproof make up which ran anyway and have used nonwaterproof makeup. This spray sets both! Runny makeup is a thing of the past. Whether you sweat, there's high humidity, it's freaking hot, or it's winter cold, your makeup is on point.. Highly recommend." —Swtchks
Get it from Amazon for $36.
8. A super-soft Makeup Eraser that uses water (yes, just water!) to remove your makeup, even the long-lasting matte lipsticks and the waterproof eyeliner. After a few uses, just throw this in the wash, and you can reuse it over and over again.
Promising review: "I am amazed by this product. I would even say that this is life-altering! I have not had to buy makeup remover in three months and don't believe I will ever have to again! When I used makeup remover, I felt like I could never get all of my makeup off and I had to rub my eyes quite a bit to get it off. Even after a lot of rubbing when using makeup remover I still would wake up the next morning with makeup residue from the previous day and I never felt I could completely get my makeup off. With Makeup Eraser, there is not one bit of makeup left!! It is like magic!! Make sure you follow directions, you have to use warm water and use the correct side!" —Sprklbuz
Get it from Amazon for $17.20+ (available in 14 colors).
Check out BuzzFeed's review of the Makeup Eraser for more deets!
9. Essence Lash Princess Mascara — it'll make your lashes look so long, thick, and full, people will start asking you if you got eyelash extensions.
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 Weikert
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
10. Or a long-lasting, lash-curling mascara with a tubular formula, meaning the mascara creates polymer-based tubes around each lash. This will make your lashes way longer and defined than you thought possible, and many reviewers say that this mascara stays on way better than other formulas they've tried.
Promising review: "This mascara makes me look like I have fake lashes on. Not in obnoxious type of way but a natural set of lashes: beautiful, full, and long. I can’t say I have short lashes I have a good amount of lashes and a healthy length but I finally found the perfect mascara to show it off. The application is simple and easy, it has a perfect brush, and most importantly, it's the best to take off. It rubs off in little pieces leaving no mess. And you can literally rub your eye and no raccoon eyes!!! First mascara I’ve seen that doesn’t leave me with raccoon eyes and no mess. I was a bit skeptical — I’ve been wanting to purchase this mascara for months, but the price was a little too high for me. However, I definitely recommend it, and I will definitely continue to purchase this mascara." —Kari
Get it from Amazon for $34.
11. A liquid blush from Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty that's impressively pigmented and feels super soft on your skin. 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.
Promising review: "This is such a gorgeous blush! It's really pigmented so a little goes a long way. It gives the most beautiful flush but it's buildable if you want a more intense pop of color." —minnimalist
Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in five radiant finishes and three matte finishes).
12. A loose setting powder to brush on your face at the end of your makeup routine so that flawless look you've spent all morning applying will look just as flawless by the end of the day.
Promising review: "I am a fair-skinned redhead with a face full of freckles. I have tried lots of 'translucent' powders with so many fails. This powder is perfect for me. It really is translucent and makes my face look non-shiny and smooth without covering up my freckles and without making my face feel dry and tight. Sometimes I will just put on sunscreen then this powder, a little blush and mascara; and I feel made up and ready to go!" —A girl named Joe
Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in four shades).
13. An eyelash curler that's perfect for travel because it's much more compact than your average eyelash curler. Many reviewers have said this unique design has done wonders for curling their stubbornly straight lashes.
Promising review: "I LOVE the portability of this cute little eyelash curler. I often need to put on my make-up on the go and a traditional eyelash curler is too big for my travel case. This fits perfectly in my travel case and it works as well as a full-size eyelash curler." —April
Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in pink or black or as a two-pack).
14. A pot of gel eyeliner because your face is like a blank canvas just waiting to be drawn on with the most precise, dramatic lines imaginable. Just tip an angled brush into this tub and go to town make as thin or thick of a line as you'd like.
Many reviewers say it does take a little bit to dry, so remember to be patient during your application!
Promising review: "It's so easy to apply and won't smudge at all! Even if I rub my eyes or cry it will stay! I slept with it on accident and in the morning it was still exactly the same. The only bad thing is you need a good makeup remover to get it off but other than that I love it. I've also had it for a few months and it hasn’t dried up in the container at all and still looks and appears new." —AA
Get it from Amazon for $24.
15. 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!
16. Or this lip and cheek stain that actually adjusts to your skin's chemistry to deliver a beautiful shade that perfectly complements your skin's undertone.
Promising review: "Love this lip stain! I first got a sample of Forever Pink in an Ipsy bag and liked it, but wasn’t wowed. It was just too much like all those color-developing balms that go from green to pink etc, and most of them are as good and MUCH less expensive. Still, I thought I’d look into this stuff to see if they had something that wasn’t pink based, and found myself very pleasantly surprised!
It’s so hard to find a good and hydrating stain or tinted lip balm in a peach or coral tone. This one is expensive but worth it. The color is beautiful and noticeable without being overpowering, leaves color for ages, and it feels like a nice lip balm. In the photo (above) I’m wearing it on both my lips and my cheeks. Think I might have to try the red as well!" —Karina
Get it from Amazon for $32+ (available in three shades and also packs of two).
17. A matte bronzer to give you that subtle just-got-back-from-the-beach glow, no sun required. Reviewers really love how this doesn't have an orange-based pigment like many other bronzers do and find the brown tones in the bronzer much more natural-looking!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this bronzer. I have had the hardest time finding one that doesn’t leave me with an oompa loompa glow. I don’t look orange, it works well for contour as well and I even use it as eyeshadow. I will be purchasing the full size of the product!" —Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in two sizes).
18. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges that work with foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer and provide easy application, perfect blending, and great coverage every single time. And I almost forgot to mention they're super budget friendly!
Promising review: "I am VERY picky when it comes to my makeup sponges. For years I would only use a Beautyblender because, to be honest, nothing else compared or gave the same foundation finish. These are truly a game changer! They are not 100% identical to the name brand blender in texture, HOWEVER they DO give the same flawless foundation finish. I would even go as far as to say they soak up less foundation which means you aren't wasting as much product. And can we talk about this price point?!?! Save your hard-earned money and PURCHASE THESE! You won't be disappointed." —Lindsey
Get a set of five from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in eight color sets).
19. Ownest Cosmetics eyebrow soap because fluffy, full brows are all the rage right now, and this will help you achieve that look in minutes. Plus: Reviewers say your brows will stay in place all day long with this soap!
Promising review: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia BH, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M. Deacon
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in two sizes).
20. Or 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 flaky and gross like other brow products can.
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 or Sephora for $17 (available in five shades).
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Glossier's Boy Brow for more deets!
21. A plumping lip gloss from Buxom that delivers a beautiful shiny glow and subtle pigment to your lips. Yes, the plumping formula will make your lips ~tingle~ for a little bit right when you put the gloss on, but that just means it's working!
The above image on the right is showing the shade Dolly on nine different models!
Promising review: "I love this lip gloss because the colors are true, it lasts a very long time, and creates a gorgeous finish that is just beautiful. Nothing else compares." —Willow
Get it on Amazon for $25 (available in 40 shades).
22. 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 $12.72+ (available in three styles).
23. A tinted moisturizer for the days you want a little bit of coverage but don't want the heaviness that traditional foundation can sometimes leave you with. You'll definitely want to keep this on hand as summer approaches and you're preferring a lighter makeup look!
Promising review: "Hello new favorite! This stuff is excellent quality and blends so seamless into my light olive skin tone...and it is really really hard to find a shade that works for me. Perfect for warmer weather and pairs excellent with natural cream blush/concealer/Illuminator for that dewy no makeup makeup look. Feels like I don’t have anything on too, which is a huge bonus. Highly recommend!" —Leanna Baldwin
Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in 27 colors).
24. 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: "I love these eyeshadow colors!! So glittery. So beautiful! I even put the light glittery color on my 4-year-old daughter sometimes and she loves it!! You can put it on with a regular eyeshadow brush and it stays on with no problems. Love it, best glittery eyeshadow!" —Austin
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in 16 shade combinations and finishes).
25. A set of makeup brushes if you're looking to upgrade your makeup collection and want some high-quality brushes. Reviewers say the soft and silky bristles hold up well even after months and months of daily usage and weekly cleaning.
The set includes five big Kabuki-style makeup brushes and nine precise eye makeup brushes.
Promising review: "I’ve had these brushes for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love them. As a makeup artist I’m always looking for good brushes for a fair price. These brushes are fantastic and you absolutely cannot beat the price. I was a skeptic at first because the price is too good to be true but they really are good brushes. They are super soft and blend the makeup very easily. And they are incredibly easy to clean. I’ll definitely be buying them again." –Tim and Kimmie
Get the 14-piece set from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors).
26. A color-correcting powder foundation made with a blend of pigments that complement your skin tone and work together to create a buildable coverage that will make you positively glow.
Promising review: "Very smooth application and natural finish, no caking under my eyes and even covered some dark pigmentation on my cheeks. Not exactly full coverage, I'd say buildable medium. I have dry skin, this product still gave me a glow. I give 5 stars!!!" —ldubb
Get it from Amazon for $29.41+ (available in nine shades; also available in blush and bronzer options).
27. 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 $6.77+ (available in 18 shades).
Check out my colleague's Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review and learn why it's her favorite.
28. 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 $7.49 (available in four 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, which is 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 $11.58 (also available in three additional correcting versions).
31. A gloss bar that will moisturize your lips while also giving you some subtle color and gloss to make that pout look extra kissable. Plus: how cute is that bunny-shaped tube!
Promising review: "This is my daily lip wear. It's easy to swipe on for subtle lip color if you're on the go, and the layers apply very smoothly if you want more of a color pop. I prefer lip glosses that don't leave a sticky feeling and this one has the perfect texture and feel. Keep in mind that it's more like a light glossy balm, so it doesn't last as long as lipstick or thicker gloss. You'll need to reapply after a drink. I love that I can get some color and look a little more put-together without the effort of lipliner and lipstick." —Liliana C.
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in three shades and an assorted set).
32. Lip Bar tinted skin conditioner for the most even, dewy, natural-looking makeup look ever. With SPF 11, it'll help 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 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) or Target for $16.99 (available in 12 shades).
33. 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.
34. 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 a set of five from Kulfi Beauty for $85.
You putting on your new lip gloss and feeling confident:
