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. COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a lightweight but SUPER hydrating face serum made to work on all skin types — yep, even sensitive skin. It addresses acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines. Plus! The snail mucin is harvested in an ethically and environmentally friendly way.
Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
2. Venus Visage Teeth Whitening Pens you easily apply and let sit a minute or two to dry. Buh-bye annoying strips and coffee stains.
You can use each pen ~20 times and should expect your teeth to lighten 4–8 shades.
Promising reviews: "Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! Being the son of a dental hygienist, clean bright white teeth have always been important to me. Though I had my reservations about the whitening pen, it certainly didn't disappoint and works far better than the Whitestrips I've been using for the last several years, not to mention it's a much better deal for your money. I'm a total coffee connoisseur, which has always made having a bright white smile all the more challenging, but the Pen is giving me the upper hand." —Franknsd
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
3. Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover gives professional pedicure results at home if scrubbing, soaking, and filing have failed you. Been avoiding sandals? Let your feet be free!
Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review: "I'm a 60-year-old long-distance runner and have been limping the past week or two from a stubborn callous on the ball of my foot. Out of desperation, I ordered this stuff. It came today and it worked just as advertised — a rarity! Walking pain-free after just one application, wish I knew about this years ago." —Chuck O
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
4. The SAEM Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is a cooling eye stick made with *actual* Icelandic glacial water to depuff your tired under eyes. Oh, and it just feels really, really refreshing.
Promising review: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." —Ben
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. Elizavecca Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment goes on like a hair mask except it'll give you even more dramatic results thanks to Ceramide 3 and collagen. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price!
Promising review: "This stuff performs the same moisturizing and shine to damaged hair as Olaplex No. 3. I know bond building and moisturizing are different, but this stuff is affordable, smells expensive, and really works on damaged hair for frizz, moisture, and shine." —Lorelai
Get it from Amazon for $9.80.
Read our review of Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment to learn more about why one BuzzFeeder calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."
6. An exfoliating scrub mitt helps you part with excess dead skin and particles while you use it a couple of times a month (it's that good so you don't have to use it often!). Reviewers find it super helpful for removing self-tanner, addressing ingrown hairs, and increasing circulation.
Promising review: "I have very thin and light body hair, so any form of removal (shaving, waxing, etc) usually leaves me with a lot of ingrown hairs. I've tried body scrubs and washcloths and neither really do a great job. I saw this product recommended by a dermatologist on TikTok and thought I'd try it — it's amazing! I also have very sensitive skin, and this mitt doesn't leave my skin irritated at all. However, absolutely do not use this mitt on your face, neck, or other sensitive areas, it would be way too harsh.
I like to use this mitt first when I get in the shower, then use a body wash (a gentle chemical exfoliant) and follow up with body lotion for dry and sensitive skin. This whole routine is fragrance free and leaves my skin feeling very soft and moisturized." —Kat
Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (also available in a set of two).
7. And Evridwear's Exfoliating Gloves give you control of the level of exfoliation a little more precisely than a mitt. Hello to your Everything Shower's new BFF.
Evridwear is a small business that specializes in gloves for work, personal care, and weather use.
Promising review: "This is one of my favorite purchases. Not gonna lie, TikTok make me buy this. So I buy it and I’m still a little nervous because it’s literally a glove. But nah, I used it with liquid body soap and I’ve never felt so clean in my whole life. I got out of the shower feeling like a freshly birthed baby. My skin had never felt so clean and I questioned how I went 32 years without this." —Brittney
Get a pair from Amazon for $6.40+ (available in three textures, various colors, and as sets of two or three).
8. Seoul Ceuticals Snail Repair Cream brightens dull skin, fades discoloration, adds plumpness thanks to its snail mucin extract (which is packed with hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid).
Promising review: "This cream is the freaking holy grail in a jar. Oh my GAWD. It really reduces inflammation on my skin and it looks so much better the morning after. It's a pretty thick cream, so don't use too much and massage onto your fresh, just washed face. I use it only at night (but you can use during day and night. Whatever works for you) and OMG. Just OMG. Try it." —Leslie
Get it from Amazon for $20.
9. Essence's Lash Princess mascara gives a super dramatic before and after. Prepare to get grilled about where you got your eyelash extensions. And lucky for them, you have a list at the ready because you've been trolling Yelp reviews to find the perfect spot to get said extensions.
My colleague Emma Lord is all about this mascara. Here's what she has to say: "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."
Promising review: "Works better than my $30 mascara! Love this stuff, my only complaint would be that it doesn’t last me all of my 12-hour shift like my other more expensive ones do, but it’s definitely worth the money and gives a better lift than those others!" —Sky
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
10. LONDONTOWN Illuminating Nail Concealer gives you a no-mani mani that you can quickly brush on before an event. When you compare the cost to an ACTUAL pro mani, it's so much cheaper after a few uses!
Promising review: "As much as I would love to have nice, manicured nails, i don’t spend money on manicures. Gels are damaging and regular manicures last a couple of days before peeling. I get regular pedicures bc they last but my hands have looked pretty unkempt for much of my adult life. Until now.
I was definitely skeptical that this polish could be any different from one of the countless neutral Essie shades out there that I’ve tried since the '90s — Ballet Slippers, Light as Linen, etc., — but I decided to give the milky shade a try and I’m so glad I did!!! My nails look incredible. I’m not even sure how to describe why but they look very natural and clean. It’s been a week of wearing two coats and there isn’t one bubble or lift forming on the edges. One coat actually looks great also. I am sold on this stuff. Hopefully it will never be discontinued. So so happy." —Jann
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in four colors).
11. Hair Proud Glass Hair gives your 'do a serious sheen after spraying it on and then blow-drying.
I use this and am able to get my naturally curly roots super smooth with a round brush blow-dryer like I've never been able to get them before.
Get it from Walmart for $8.98.
12. A boar- and nylon-bristle brush tips reviewers off as to *why* people make such a big deal about boar bristles. But! At a totally affordable price point.
13. Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Primer keeps that complicated smoky eye look you copied from an MUA's TikTok intact long into the night. Because the last thing you want is to look back at professional photographer's pics from your cousin's wedding and see your eye makeup a mess. (Though we can't say the same for your dancefloor moves.)
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low — MAC, Lorac, Urban Decay...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer and my shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I'm 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 $11.99.
14. SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-In Conditioner is made for kids (and grownups) with curly hair and tender heads. It gives you some picturesque results thanks to its hydrating and detangling formula of vitamin B5, jojoba oil, keratin, and more.
Promising review: "My granddaughters have long curly hair, and this is the first product that actually worked at getting the tangles out! Their hair was soft and no tears were shed while combing through… which to me is most important! The smell is nice, not overwhelming… over all this is just a great product and I will definitely be buying again!" —Danielle Bustamante
Get it from Amazon for $8.69.
15. OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream is a great, affordable scrunch-and-go option with legions of fans to back up that claim. This'll provide more time for hammock reading than hair styling. Win-win.
Promising review: "I put some in my hair for the first time today and I'm impressed! I towel dried my hair and then put about a quarter size in my palm and spread throughout my hair, scrunched my hair, and then let it air dry. I think it did a good job at defining my waves and eliminating the serious frizz." —ninjamommy
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
16. Schick Dermaplaning Razors tackle any peach fuzz you'd like to say bye to *and* will help you precisely shape your brows.
This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it!
Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko
Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.67 (also available in a nine-pack).
17. A Revlon volcanic stone face roller removes oil and shine from your face. And unlike oil-blotting sheets, the ball can be popped out and washed so you can use this over and over and over again.
Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. Not only is it affordable, but it's also washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful. It felt like the holy grail had been delivered to my front doorstep. After my first use, I was in love. Now, it doesn't pick up everything but it does make it more matte and gives you a natural look. I am so excited this product exists and I already feel more confident." —Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $9.20.
18. SheaMoisture African Black Soap is a fan fave for helping reduce oil, acne, and redness.
Promising review: "This soap is amazing. It helps calm down so much of the redness in my face each morning! My friend bought this for me as a gift and I’ve reordered it twice since then! Her and I both suffer from horrible acne and this helps soothe your face. My acne has reduced some since using this. I love how soft it is and it smells wonderful." —Kristen
Get it from Amazon for $4.72.
19. Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel is, IMO, a multi-tasking miracle worker. This cooling gel soaks in immediately for moisturizing benefits on the reg, post-shave soothing or treating some gnarly sunburn (that in hindsight I should've gone to the dermatologist about).
Yes, those are my poor sunburned legs from a few summers ago when I really sold me soul to this amazing aloe vera gel because it soaks in so fast that I could layer on cooling layer after cooling layer. Check out my full Nature Republic aloe vera review to get all the deets on its benefits.
Get it from Amazon for $5.80.
20. A Cocokind matcha-infused moisture stick glides on oh-so-smooth under your eyes and on your lips to help hydrate and reduce puffiness.
Check out a TikTok of the matcha stick in action. Cocokind is a San Francisco-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in botanical-forward skincare with an emphasis on both physical and mental health.
Promising review: "This is my first time using the MyMatcha stick and I looovvveee it! I have it on me pretty much all the time so I can dab a little bit on my dry spots as I need to. It softens up my dry areas and even decreases the swelling of my acne! I've used it as a moisture stick, an acne anti-inflammatory, and even a fly-away tamer. It's a great multitasking product." —alizza d.
21. A Vaseline balm stick works well all over BUT as one derm on IG points out, is great for slugging your cuticles.
Get it from Walmart for $5.92.
22. A pack of 40 Avarelle Hydrocolloid acne patches you simply pop on top of a breakout to help it shrink significantly, whether before bed or just as you go about your day. They also help deter picking.
Avarelle is a small business that aims to make the best skincare that's also honest and affordable. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have very acne-prone skin that was under control until the pandemic. I'm a healthcare worker and masks are [affecting] my face. Painful pimples and cysts covered my jawline. I was desperate and read about these so thought I'd give them a try. I was shocked!! I'm writing this review after only one night of wear and these are a game changer! I saw gunk on a few, other brought the pimple up for easy extraction, and most of them completely flattened out. I ordered four more packs, I am that impressed." —Jamie
Get a 40-pack of the small patches from Amazon for $6.79.
23. The Inkey List Q10 Antioxidant Serum helps with dryness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles. So if your hyaluronic serum is no longer cutting it for ya, this is at a worth-a-try price with a great formulation.
It contains Co-Q10 (protects from environmental stress, like pollution), Syn-Tacks (dual peptide for improving elasticity, firming), and Squalane (lightweight hydration).
Promising review: "I bought this about a month ago. Antioxidants are so underrated. This serum makes my skin absolutely glow. It spreads beautifully, and a pea size amount is enough for my whole face and neck. The texture is very silky. It soaks in very quickly and layers well with other serums and moisturizers. This is absolutely a staple in my routine now, and I won't be without it." —QueenSerenityRo
Get it from Sephora for $10 (cruelty-free, Clean at Sephora–certified).
24. Cuccio Cuticle Oil smells heavenly, but most importantly can treat sorry-looking cuticles and moisturize your paws. Oh, and it'll look lovely on your vanity. I have this and it takes just a few seconds each day!
Promising review: "This Cuccio milk and honey cuticle moisturizer is truly a cuticle saver. Applying one drop to each cuticle and massaging it in completely will leave your cuticles and hands feeling soft, looking great and the smell is divine. I use it on both my hands and feet and I’m comfortable showing my fingernails and toenails this summer because this product has made it so easy to feel confident knowing I won’t have crusty cuticles." —Rina C
Get it from Amazon for $5.63+ (available in four scents and two sizes).
25. L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water summons up a major dose of moisture in — like the name suggests — a mere eight seconds!
Promising review: "I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and Loreal are all owned by Loreal, and each line has a Lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —Wenderella
Get it from Amazon for $9.87.
26. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, a TikTok-famous lightweight base primer with TONS of amazing reviews because it helps to reduce the appearance of pores and make your makeup apply like buttah.
Promising review: "Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia
Get it from Amazon for $9.50.
27. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water gently cleanses and removes makeup — like, even layers of waterproof mascara — while hydrating your skin. Oh, and you don't have to rinse it off after.
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat
Get it from Amazon for $3.98+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
28. Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well!
Promising review: "If you are thinking of buying this product or if you are the type of person to wear a lip tint daily under lip gloss or lip balm, I would definitely recommend! I’ve had the Benefit Benetint, and this product performed better in my opinion for less than half the price. My Benetint would settle weirdly on my lips, and sometimes the middle of my lips would be a different shade than the outside, plus it would settle in any little cracks, and this product does not do that for me! So, would totally prefer this and will be repurchasing." —Mollie
Get it from Amazon for $6.92 (available in three shades and combo packs).
29. La Pure Waterproof Eyeliner Stamp I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend it to you because practicing a cat-eye flick is HARD.
Perhaps you're like me and don't feel done up until you have an eyeliner flick. This'll help!
Promising review: "I am not one to write reviews often, but this product has exceeded my expectations! I normally use liquid liners such as Kat Von D Tattoo, but this has drastically reduced the time it takes for me to create a winged look! I personally prefer a longer wing, but this stamp provides a template to work with and reduces the amount of time to create ‘sister’ wings — they’re pretty much twins now! The eyeliner pen itself it’s a bit broad for me, but the pigment is great!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in two sizes).
30. Nyx Epic Wear Liquid Liner has some major colorful payoff (don't worry, there's also a classic black option) in case you're more of the bold and graphic type with your eye lewk — or wanna experiment with some colorful liner without having to budget for it.
Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Epic Wear Liquid Liner in action.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Amanda Davis, pictured above, has to say about it: "I'm wearing the blue liner there on the left, and the reviews are 100% right. This liner LASTS. I love to throw it on top of my usual black liner when I want an extra pop on a night out or am just feeling a little "adventurous." The liner's super thin tip glides nicely and makes it easy to be precise, too!"
Promising review: "Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. ... Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners (Stila, Urban Decay, YOU NAME IT). I will never switch to anything else." —Jakjak
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in eight shades — including classic black!).
31. Maybelline Cheek Heat gel-cream blush in case you're on the prowl for a cheaper alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint because very opinionated reviews say it's a super easy-to-use cheek color formula — like, it's REALLY hard to mess up.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!"
Promising review: "This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It’s less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
32. NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting spray locks in your makeup (on the cheap!) to help avoid touchups throughout the day.
I've tried tons of different setting sprays and keep going back to this one because it's affordable and works nearly as well as any luxury version I've tried.
Promising review: "I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of tissues. But otherwise, it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray, and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —DH
Get it from Amazon for $6.73+ (available in three kinds and jumbo sizes; vegan).
33. BestLand high-performance matte lipsticks come out to less than $2 a piece but wear like luxury brand lippies, according to reviewers. After all, we have better things to do than constantly touch up lip color.
Promising reviews: "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
"Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" —Vickyy
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three shades).
34. Broadway long-lasting clear lip gloss set comes in a set of three and often gets compared to the likes of MAC and Kylie Cosmetics in the review section.
It comes with three different formulas: mint oil that creates a refreshing cooling sensation (perfect for soothing a cracked lip), rosehip oil for reducing fine lines, and coconut oil for deeply hydrating and locking in moisture.
Promising review: "I have tried so many lip glosses from MAC to Kylie to Shea Moisture and Kiehls and I have to say this is by far THE best lip gloss. It is sooo smooth and glossy and doesn’t have that normal stickiness to it, which is absolutely amazing!" —Paige
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $4.49.
35. Herstyler Hair Repair Serum with hydrating argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E helps you tame flyaways and get on with the rest of your life. Or at least your day.
Promising review: "This product is a legit comp to the Ouai hair oil. They smell identical, they feel exactly the same and left my hair shiny, soft, and most importantly saved me some money for the future. I purchased the Ouai for $30 and purchased this hair serum for $12, so you and myself will be saving over half the price than the name brand." —Brianna Reed
36. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades in case you're wanting to expand your colorful eye experimentation past Halloween night. This is a super affordable option for less than a lunchtime (overpriced) chopped salad you scarf down anyway.
Also, if you follow beauty influencers, you miiiight notice this is extremely similar to the James Charles x Morphe palette, which cost almost $40. 👀
Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." —Daniel T Adams
"Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
37. Briotech spray helps soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating.
Its star ingredient is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. Oh! And people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four).
38. A bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because perhaps you've been using the excuse of shampoo costing $$$ to avoid cleaning makeup buildup, oil, and general grime from your daily beauty tools. (PLEASE clean them.) This one's super gentle and made of plant-based ingredients.
A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this).
My colleague Jenae Sitzes is a big fan: "I've used Ecotools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before too!"
Promising review: "Despite the great reviews for this product and the hyping on social media, I wasn’t expecting much. But my mind is blown at how well this soap works. I have tried all kinds of soap (Beautyblender soap, Ivory bar soap, MAC brush cleaner, Dawn dish soap, etc). I am very thorough but could never get my sponges or brushes completely clean. But a little soak in a small bowl with this Eco soap, and the makeup comes right out. A little rubbing and squeezing is all it takes. I’m a convert. Will be repurchasing!" —ss3745
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
39. A rave-worthy set of makeup sponges reviewers say are a great swap for pricier sponges by Beauty Blender and Real Techniques. They do an amazing job helping you blend BB creams, foundation, concealer, and powder.
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and 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 $6.99+ (available in 10 sets).
40. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which is an easy gateway to some proper skincare. Its ingredient list includes retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one — and reviewers even compare it to the Skinceuticals vitamin C serum!
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed aesthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
41. A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels in case you always do a full face and are a little tired of planning your laundry schedule around your Makeup Eraser rotation. (I know I am.)
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian swears by these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one."
Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but I they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" —Shopforbargains
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30).
42. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust translucent powder delivers a shimmery finish on your cheeks, eyes, lips, and other spots you'd like to highlight. If you haven't been able to bring yourself to shell out the $40 for the Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb highlighter, reviewers are fans (and say it's slightly less bright).
Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison!
Promising review: "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent
Get it from Amazon for $12.48.
43. Maybelline New York Sky High Mascara does MAJOR work (as you can see below) thickening and lengthening your lashes — minus all the tell-tale clumps.
44. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer erases dark circles, redness, and acne. If a full face of makeup isn't for you, but you would like a lil' bit of convenient, easy-to-use coverage, check it out.
Promising reviews: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." —Brittney
"Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I’m 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" —Lynnette Smith
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 18 shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
45. Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a super fun name. But that's not all it has to offer. It leaves skin feeling soft while helping tighten enlarged pores and delivering some serious moisture. Psst, make a hyaluronic acid serum work even harder by applying to wet skin.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.