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.

    35 Cheap Beauty Products Reviewers Compare To More Expensive Versions

    This $5 instant length mascara, cheap teeth-whitening pen set, and *delightfully* affordable matte makeup spray will swear you off expensive brands for life.

    1. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, because TBH, we've all wasted too many years and too much money looking for the ~holy grail~ mascara. This one is less than $5, gives you instant length, and is DELIGHTFULLY sweatproof — reviewers call it out as an excellent comparison for Too Faced's "Better Than Sex" and Benefit's "They're Real." 

    Before shot of a Buzzfeed editor without mascara
    After shot of BuzzFeed editor with long lashes
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    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 ALL the livelong day 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: "AWESOME. I’ve always bought overpriced mascara. I’m very picky and was extremely hesitant, but I saw some reviews saying how awesome this was. I’ll never go back to 'Better Than Sex' mascara because that’s what I always use, and I compare it to that. This is the best mascara!! I’ll never go back." —patrick hauk

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    2. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen reviewers swear by as an alternative to pricey professional treatments and strips. This gets results from the very first use, lightening up years' worth of stains from coffee, tea, wine, or just, you know, existing as a human with teeth.

    Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have too? Definitely worth trying!" —Mona L Cureton

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.96 (clip the $1 off coupon on the product page for this price). 

    3. A lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick for some sweet, sweet relief when you wake up with puffy, aching eyes. This formula is blended with Iceland glacial water to help tighten skin and tackle dark circles so you look and feel more ~refreshed~. Bonus: it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the other TikTok fave, the Tula version. 

    The small polar bear shaped eye stick in a reviewer's hands
    Before and after pic of reviewer with dark under eyes that are gone in the second pic

    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

    "Better than Tula! I love this cooling stick!! It’s super easy, affordable and smells lovely." —Heather

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99

    4. COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a lightweight hydrating face serum designed for *all* skin types reviewers swear by for healing acne scars, fading dark spots, and smoothing fine lines. Users with sensitive skin especially appreciate how gentle it is compared to competitors, and a lot of them mentioned seeing results within the first few uses! 

    Reviewer before and after picture with redness healed from their face
    The bottle of serum

    I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help kick my all of stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results! 

    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 $13.63

    5. *Plus* COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer, the snail essence repair cream's partner in crime — this gel cream not only locks in moisture to plump and hydrate skin, but reviewers claim it genuinely has changed the texture to make it smoother at a fraction of the price of its competitors. 

    Reviewer with smooth hydrated skin
    Reviewer holding up tin of moisturizer

    To use as intended, apply the moisturizer after the snail repairing essence has dried on your face in your skincare routine. 

    Check out a TikTok of the snail mucin moisturizer in action. 

    Promising review: "Very moisturizing but not oily. Can use under water-based or silicone-based makeup. As a night cream could use a boost, I put this on and then top with a little Ponds and get glowy skin despite being 40. Has a weird smell but it fades very quickly. Used to use the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, this is half the price and does all the same things except smell good." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $15.04

    6. A "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles so effective it might have you breaking up with your electric toothbrush. This includes regular firm bristles, and longer ones that are 10 times thinner to clean in between your teeth and gums to mimic flossing. Reviewers love how deep the clean feels, and also how soft it is on sensitive teeth! 

    A toothbrush with two layers of bristles, one long and thin and one shorter and thicker
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. 

    I personally bought this a few months ago and love it! I use an electric toothbrush usually, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night and definitely see a difference in that area in particular. 

    Promising review: "A thorough cleaning. This toothbrush cleans my teeth better than my expensive electric one. You actually feel the bristles scrubbing between your gums!" —Shiva H. 

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99

    7. Pure Instinct Roll-On, a TikTok-viral "pheromone-infused" scent similar to the more expensive Basic Instinct version. It's marketed as a way to make yourself smell more ~alluring~ because it smells different on each user by blending with the unique pH of your skin, but a lot of reviewers just genuinely love the sweetness of the unique but subtle scent. 

    Pure Instinct is a small business established in 1985 that specializes in personal fragrances and essential oils. 

    Promising review: "If you love Basic Instinct by Pure Romance, you will LOVE this affordable alternative! To me it smells almost exactly the same; there is an extremely slight difference in smell that I'm sure others around me wouldn't even pick up on, and I still LOVE the smell! I love Basic Instinct, but ran out awhile ago and just couldn't justify spending that much money on more. I'm so glad I found this alternative!" MN Tigerlily

    Get it from Amazon for $12.71

    8. A dark spot-removing soap bar you might want to try if you're someone with sensitive skin or hyperpigmentation throughout the year — this is formulated not only with hyaluronic acid to protect your skin's moisture barrier but a blend of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to help brighten and soothe skin. 

    Reviewer before and after with acne scars lightened by the bar
    Reviewer holding the bar of soap

    Promising review: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." —Elisabeth L. 

    "Really good product considering the price. I have tried expensive creams to diminish a dark spot in my face, and I haven't gotten the quick results I am getting with this soap. I highly recommend this product." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99

    9. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.

    Reviewer with curly hair holding a strand of it out
    Reviewer with straight blow dried hair

    This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 

    Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB

    Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!

    Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.13.

    10. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of Mac and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like a Popsicle.

    reviewer's before pic at 5 pm showing a glittery nighttime eyeshadow look
    reviewer's after pic at 10 pm showing their makeup intact

    Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. 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 Kleenex. 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." —Stephanie

    Get it from Amazon for $4 (also available in dewy and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size).

    11. A six-piece (!!) set of high-performance matte lipsticks at a *fraction* of the price of its competitors that stays the heck put without drying or cracking your lips by the end of the day. (Seriously, reviewers are DRAGGING major brands in their comments, these are so cheap and effective.) 

    Reviewer wearing red matte lipstick
    Reviewer wearing all six shades of pink and red matte on their hand

    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 $9.99+ (available in three sets). 

    12. Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, a hydrocolloid sticker comparable to the $$ "Mighty Patches" that you can apply straight onto a zit to flatten it, reduce redness, and even suck the gunk out of individual trouble spots overnight. Personally *love* to see a problem magically disappear while I'm snoozing. 

    Reviewer wearing small round sticker healing a zit
    Small clear dots on a sticker sheet

    Peach & Lily is a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016. 

    Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action. 

    Promising review: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain. I wear them at night and sometimes during the day, only takes about two to get rid of those pesky whiteheads, sometimes more for a big zit. They really suck everything out." —Savannah Wilson

    Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88

    13. Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer to dry your hair as you style it and give your 'do an incredible amount of volume and shine, without the cost of a pricey blowout. Psst — reviewers compare this to the $599 (!!) Dyson Airwrap. 

    reviewer with blown out medium length hair slightly curled at the edges
    reviewer's hand holding the revlon hair dryer

    Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time!

    Promising review: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" —Ilsa

    Get it from Amazon for $40.49.

    14. Nyx's Pore Filler Targeted Stick, a holy grail option for anyone with sensitive skin who may have had it up to HERE with other pore fillers and their promises. This has a "blurring" effect to reduce the appearance of pores and smooth your skin without causing any extra shine you have to blot out. 

    a reviewer with the pore filler on half their face showing how it blurs large pores
    a different reviewer holding the stick

    Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action.  

    Promising review: "Great product. I have tried more expensive products and have discovered that NYX pore filler is as good as the $40 products. It leaves a smooth matte finish." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $9.89

    15. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks for three Laneige-like masks in *one* — this even comes in four different flavor combos so you can split them among friends, if you're feeling generous. ✨

    reviewer holding three small containers of lip mask in berry, pomegranate, and lime
    reviewer with glossy lips

    Promising review: "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." —Riya

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four combos). 

    16. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, a game-changing makeup remover made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E that reviewers adore for getting that ✨ CLEAN clean✨  feeling — it's designed to leave zero residue or oiliness, *plus* brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. People compare it to pricey versions like Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, and Elemis! 

    The clear balm in a container
    A reviewer with a full face of makeup and an after image with it fully taken off

    Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. 

    Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99

    17. A ~weightless~ liquid cream blush with some real Rare Beauty blush energy that's having a whole moment and a half on Amazon right now. Reviewers adore how high-pigmented and blend-able the colors are, and how soft and dewy the effect is on their skin. 

    Reviewer holding the pink applicator for the blush and wearing it
    Reviewer in the reddish tone of blush

    Promising review: "Creamy and blendable. These are great blushes and have lots of pigmentation. Very creamy and a smooth application on the skin! It is a great [alternative] for the Rare Beauty blush. It lasted me the whole day and did not melt off. It has a lot of coverage and does not need too much when applying." —Harsh Argawal

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 shades and in sets). 

    18. Nyx's Fat Oil Lip Drop, a Dior alternative that is the new definition of "TikTok made me buy it" — this cult-fave product earned its hype by being a rare breed of lip oil that hydrates, glosses, and *doesn't* stick like a fly trap to your hair. It's also super versatile, since you can wear it bare or pair it with a fave lipstick for an extra *pop*. 

    Reviewer with glossy lip holding the tube of lip oil
    Another reviewer with a lighter shade of glossy lip

    Promising review: "I’m so amazed by this! I usually get the Dior lip oil but it’s way overpriced for the size so I figured I would give this a try, and I’m not disappointed at all. It’s moisturizing, it feels and looks exactly as Dior lip oil on my lips, and for the price it’s such a great deal. Definitely will purchasing again and trying different colors. It’s not too sticky." —Nouf

    Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in eight shades). 

    19. An illuminating moisturizer designed to enhance your skin's natural glow ✨ — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra shimmer in their lives, and a heck of a lot cheaper than the viral Glossier or Drunk Elephant versions. 

    Reviewer wearing and holding L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion
    Reviewer wearing L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion

    Promising review: "I can’t believe how long this has been around! I tried Glossier’s Futuredew and realized it felt sort of too oily (and too expensive) for me. This product is SUCH an amazing duplicate that is slightly better! It’s not oily, but provides lightweight shimmer that I mix with my sunscreen for extra sun protection with some highlight effects. I love this! Does not make my super sensitive skin break out or feel oily like the Futuredew did." —e_whospends_money

    Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in four shades).

    20. foundation brush with soft but firm bristles designed for that ever-elusive ~flawless finish~ for blending both powder *and* liquid concealers, blushes, and foundations. Experienced and beginner makeup users love it alike, but especially point out how "user-friendly" the bristle design is for inexperienced blenders!  

    A small round fine bristled makeup brush
    Reviewer with well blended foundation on their face

    Check out TikTok of the makeup brush in action. 

    Promising review: "I loved this brush so much I bought two more! It is the perfect blending brush for liquid, cream foundation, primers, concealers, and tinted sunscreen. I have brushes that were much more expensive but I love this one best. I just ordered the eye brush set to try them out, too." —kyglo

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 colors).

    21. Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Base to make anyone with oily skin REJOICE!! This formula locks eyeshadow in place to prevent the pigments from creasing or smudging, which is a very rude thing for your eyeshadow to do after you've worked so darn hard on it.  

    reviewer at 8:30 a.m. showing off their eye makeup
    the same reviewer at 6:30 p.m. showing their eye makeup still looks the s

    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.

    22. 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! 

    reviewer before and after image with added red tint to lips
    reviewer holding red version of the lip tint in their hand

    Promising review: "I bought the Benefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what’s there not to like?" —Rachael

    Get it from Amazon for $6.85+ (available in five shades and combo packs). 

    23. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant to help exfoliate and smooth skin by dealing with rough patches or dry bumps — a lot of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin textures swear by this! 

    Before and after image of a reviewer with bumps on their arm and without
    The tube of scrub

    First Aid Beauty is a US-based small business that specializes in clean, fragrance-free, cruelty-free personal care products. 

    Promising review: "My son has had a rash on both upper arms forever. You can see/feel difference after just one wash! Tried expensive prescription creams that did nothing. This stuff started working after first try. It really is amazing!" —Garcia

    Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes). 

    24. The Brow Glue, Nyx's ~extreme hold~ eyebrow gel that will hold up against ye olde elements, whether you're breaking a sweat on the dance floor or, like me, you're just sweating because it's Tuesday. Reviewers especially love that it doesn't get tacky or flaky like competitors, and is super easy to apply. 

    Here's what BuzzFeeder Chelsea Stuart has to say about it: "I wear very little makeup — especially on vacation — but there's something about doing my brows that makes me feel more put together. I recently went on a 12-day trip to the UK, Croatia, Montenegro, and Spain, and traveled carry-on only so I really had to pare down my toiletries — especially as the airports I traveled through made us condense all of our liquids into a single quart-size bag. This stuff is TINY but does the absolute most! I wouldn't say I have particularly thin or thick brows, but this really zhuzhed them up with next to no effort."

    Promising review: "The Boy Brow from Glossier was my ride or die eyebrow product for years, but the tubes are so small and they raised the price so I could no longer justify it. This brow glue is the closest thing I’ve found to it and it’s half the price! Will definitely repurchase." —Alex

    Get it from Amazon for $8.57 (available in six shades, including clear). 

    25. A standard set of colorful makeup brushes so affordable and reliable that TikTokers can't get enough of them, with a lot of reviewers saying they compare to high end versions. The brushes are made with soft synthetic bristles friendly for all skin types, with a texture that gives makeup a smooth, polished finish. Also even if none of those excellent things were true, LOOK HOW PRETTY!!! 

    Makeup brushes in various pastel colors in a cup
    Closeup showing soft bristles of brushes

    Promising review: "I'm an experienced makeup user and have used all types of brushes. These brushes are so good. You’re able to pack on color, blend, or do whatever you want, and they work so well. I didn’t have super high hopes because of the price point but I think I’m going to buy more." —Norma

    Get a set of 17 brushes from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four other styles). 

    26. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer, a lightweight base primer that reviewers swear as a Tatcha Silk Primer alternative — this helps reduce the appearance of pores and lets you apply makeup more smoothly and evenly. 

    reviewer with their makeup done
    reviewer holding the tin of beige colored primer

    Promising review: "Finally able to get my hands on this and it absolutely lives up to the hype! This is an amazing primer and really does visibly smooth and blur pores. I use my beauty blender to apply it and a little goes a long way. It’s a perfect [alternative] for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer at a fraction of the cost." —Rebecca

    Get it from Amazon for $9.50.

    27. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges for expert-level blending and coverage that reviewers say work just as well as (if not better than!) a BeautyBlender or Real Technique sponges. They work for foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer, plus wet or dry, so basically it's working harder than I have for *checks watch* my whole life.

    Reviewer with foundation blended on their face from the sponge
    Five tear-drop shaped makeup sponges in different sizes and colors

    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 $7.99+ (available in nine colors). 

    28. Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil, an easy-to-use, subtle eyebrow filler just as effective as the ones triple its price — reviewers call it out as an excellent alternative to Benefit's Goof Proof and Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Wiz.  

    A before and after of a model with one eyebrow being shaped with the pigment and then being blended with the brush
    Amazon

    The tool comes with two ends, one a small eyebrow brush and the other a specially edged eyebrow pencil.

    Promising review: "I bought this because it looked like the Goof Proof brow pencil and I was tired of spending ridiculous amounts on that! I actually like it better than Goof Proof (and for a quarter of the price)! I find it even creamier and easier to use. The tip is perfect if you have a good amount of brow to fill in." —Liza T. 

    Get it from Amazon for $8.54 (available in four shades).

    29. Maybelline's Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush, which is basically the affordable Glossier Cloud Paint alternative you'll love so much you'll wanna buy it in every shade — it spreads on your cheeks like finger paint and requires truly NO strategizing to blend. It is truly the easiest part of my routine.

    BuzzFeed editor holding pink tube of Cheek Heat with it applied to cheeks
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable version, 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: "I was skeptical about this, but decided to try it since the price is so good. I had read that it is a good [alternative] for Cloud Paint and I agree. This is very pigmented, spreads easily, and is a decent size (.27 ounces vs. .33 for Cloud Paint). And it's a third of the price." —Heather Kulper

    Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades). 

    30. E.l.f. Power Grip Primer, an inexpensive alternative for Milk's Hydro Grip primer and a *godsend* for makeup lovers of all skin types, particularly those dealing with dry, flaky, or acne-prone skin. Once you apply this and let it set for 30 seconds, not only will it grip your makeup in place, but the hyaluronic acid will help moisturize and plump your skin to improve its texture over time. 

    reviewer before and after with dry skin hidden by the coverage of the primer and foundation
    tube of blue power grip primer

    Promising reviews: "I wanted to try this for the longest time and I finally got it and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have dry skin. This is my favorite primer to use now. Works so well and helps with making your makeup look almost flawless. Highly recommend it." —Megan Lindstrom

    "I tried the Milk primer and it worked magic for my super oily skin. I came across this for a fraction of the cost. The milk primer was $34 this does the same job for way less. I am happy with my purchase." —Shenelle

    Get it from Amazon for $10.   

    31. A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo reviewers with chemically- and color-treated hair *swear* by for toning down yellow hues in blonde hair on the cheap, seeing a noticeable difference even from the very first wash. 

    A reviewer with yellow-tone blonde hair
    Same reviewer with platinum blonde hair

    Promising reviews: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy I use this and voila — looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that too! Please don't ever stop making this!" —scooptwins

    "Best bang for your buck! I’ve used several expensive purple shampoos before and this product is just as good if not better than expensive brands!" —monique

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

    32. L'Oréal 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar, which, true to its name, quite literally works its magic in *eight seconds* — you can apply this Redken-like formula to wet hair after a shampoo, massage it, rinse it out, and boom! This stuff targets damaged hair of all types to give you silkier, shinier locks for all the main character hair moments you *deserve*. 

    to the left, an image of brown hair with the text
    A reviewer with defined coily hair

    Promising review: "I finished the Redken product and went right to the L'Oreal product and there is no difference. Great for repairing bleach/color treated hair. Instantly makes my fine hair soft and smooth and much easier to comb through after showering. I use in between shampoo and conditioner and love it. It's a hair game-changer." —anonymous87

    Get it from Amazon for $8.74.

    33. Nyx's delightfully loud Epic Wear Liquid Liner to announce your presence at a party before you even say "hello." Similar to the $$ Ulta and Sephora versions, these glide on easily for long-lasting, matte colors to remind you that your face is a canvas you get to play with for life, and it deserves a little 🌈🌈🌈 to celebrate! 

    Amanda wearing blue liner above black
    a model wearing lavender liner
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed, Amazon

    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 $6.99+ (available in eight shades — including classic black!).

    34. An inexpensive alternative portable facial mister with such a soft, cooling spray that reviewers are *obsessed* with the way it soothes their skin. People also use this to keep their lashes hydrated when they're getting them applied, and act as a quick-fix humidifier if their sinuses are dry! 

    Reviewer pressing the button on the small pink device to let out a misting spray
    Reviewer holding the device flat on their palm

    Promising review: "Awesome mister for lashes! Small and compact, consistent mist with no droplets. Great deal for the price and product quality. My bestie liked it so much she ditched her expensive one and ordered this." —Troyce K. 

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $12.99

    35. A rainbow eyeshadow palette that is basically like a fun playground for your face — these super long-lasting, blendable, high-pigmented shades give you all the WOW factor of the more expensive brand name versions without the OH NO factor of the price. 

    a hand holding the palette of 40 rainbow shades
    reviewer's eyeshadow look with orange, pink, and yellow shades from the palette

    Promising review: "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

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99

    When the setting spray is so good you know your look is gonna last the whole night: