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. The cult-famous Essence Lash Princess mascara that gives truly dramatic length without clumping or flaking. It's less than $5, has over *200,000* five-star ratings, plus professional makeup artists swear by it. What more could a mascara devotee want?
It's also cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I am a makeup artist. This mascara outperforms nearly every other mascara I have used, and I am 55 and have purchased and used an innumerable amount of drugstore and specialty mascaras. All the high priced ones are SUPPOSED to do what this very quiet, low marketed very black mascara does; coats every lash, thickens, and lengthens every time and for this price?!?! Sssshhh, don't tell anyone, lol." —Laura Price
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
2. A prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel to promote cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and help clear breakouts at an over-the-counter price. Retinoids are the gold standard of skincare, so this is a no-brainer for folks with dull skin or who are prone to acne — or who're looking for that holy grail product to step up their skincare routine.
Promising reviews: "Has completely transformed my skin. I used to get hormonal acne every single month, I still get it now but far less often and severely. Differin has really made a big difference on my quality of life. I have sensitive skin, so I only use it a couple of times a week and always over a light layer of lotion. When I first started using it, my acne did get worse for about a month, and then magically one day, my skin looked amazing. It's worth a try for sure!" —Britt
"I have literally struggled with acne since I was in fourth grade. Often I'd get really deep painful cystic acne which left terrible scars, but other times, I'd get tons of smaller pimples that left their mark long after the pimple was gone. It was nonstop, and I tried nearly everything. I’ve had one blemish appear in the five months since I started Differin, and amazingly, it was gone in a day, and didn’t leave a scar!! FYI, I have sensitive, combination skin that likes to alternate between being brittle dry and baby oil slick." —Angelique
Get it from Amazon for $13.47 (available as a tube or pump, and in 30-, 60-, 90-, and 180-day supplies).
3. A bestselling lip-plumping gloss set that'll make your lips so luscious and full, you'll feel like you got fillers — for a literal fraction of the price and without actually injecting anything into your bod.
You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.
Promising reviews: "I loved this stuff, it was magic. The evening moisturizer was fabulous. It is the first plumper that actually works for me. Will be buying more for gifts!!!!!" —Alexandra
"I love this duo!!! I am a makeup artist so I've tried almost every lip plumper on the market! This is a great value since you get two different products for lower than the cost of one tube by other brands. Keeps my lips hydrated as I live in dry Arizona. I'm so excited I came across this!" —Mandy Burden
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
4. A vegan, pro-approved Maybelline Dark Circles treatment concealer for when you were up all night catching up on Succession but need to look like a ~well-adjusted and rested human~ at work. It's medium coverage and wears for up to 12 hours (while simultaneously moisturizing your skin).
It has an antimicrobial cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Promising review: "As a makeup artist using everything under the sun product-wise, I am extremely impressed by this concealer! I use this personally on myself and don't even have to touch the product with my fingers! Blends like a dream and is very light, does not cake in the creases AT ALL, and wears all day perfectly. Totally recommend this to everyone!" —Bioya Shopper
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 14 shades).
5. An oil-free, microfine Urban Decay makeup setting spray that'll have your makeup looking as perfect at the end of the day as when you applied it that morning. It promises to extend makeup wear to 16 hours, though reviewers say it works for even longer — and lasts through sleep, sobbing, swimming, and more.
Promising review: "I fell face first into ocean water, and my makeup still looked amazing. Literally expected my makeup to be completely gone by the time I got to my car because of how completely soaked I was. NOPE! And I still got my makeup complimented after! Lives up to the hype! Ocean: 0, Urban Decay Finishing Spray: 1." —Darlyn
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).
6. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors for shaping eyebrows and removing peach fuzz on cheeks and the upper lip area. It'll also help make sure your foundation and blush applies *extra* smoothly.
Promising review: "I'm a makeup artist and kept hearing from others about how face shaving (derma-planing) makes makeup look better and makes skin glowy, and decided why not, let's try it! And I'm so impressed! I wish I had a picture of how much white peach fuzz came off in small strokes as I was using this! I loved it as an eyebrow tool, too. It's important to properly cleanse before using as you will be opening up your pores in the process for exfoliating, some of the reviews said they broke out and I imagine it's because they didn't properly cleanse. From research, they recommend not wearing makeup the day you use this and applying moisturizer after. I dipped the blade in rubbing alcohol to sanitize after using, too. I don't know how some reviews said they cut theirselves with this tool, I was nervous to try this because of those reviews but honestly no. Hold the tool at a 45 degree angle, make small strokes downward and hold the skin taut on the area you are shaving, and you'll be fine. Give it a try!" —dl
Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.94 (also available as a pack of nine).
7. A pack of reusable and DEEPLY satisfying exfoliating washcloths to scrub the dead skin off your body and reveal the ~baby-soft~ skin underneath. Reviewers attest: this product does not come to play.
I use these about once a week, and they are *chef's kiss*. Stay in the shower or bath for five or 10 minutes with moderately hot water before using, which will soften up your skin so that when you start scrubbing; dead skin will basically roll straight off your body. Your skin will look and feel as good as new after, and SUPER soft. One of my favorite shower products, and worth every penny.
Promising reviews: "I stumbled upon these from watching a TikTok and I’m so glad I did! Definitely look into how to use them before you start so you do it efficiently and find what works best for you. I use them after being in a hot shower for at least five minutes then I start with long strokes in one direction. These got lots of gunk off my body and left my skin feeling so soft and smooth!" —Mariah C.
"Okay, these things are AWESOME! I watched a TikTok about this gal using them and I figured why not try them. They weren’t expensive and I spend $5 on useless crap all the time. This, my friends, is NOT useless crap. This gets so much gunk off my body it’s disgusting. How can I have so much dead skin on my body!? I don’t know, but this gets it all off and leaves my skin so soft! Just throw some baby oil on your skin after using it and you are good to go!" —Emilee Brinker
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $8.
8. A bottle of TikTok-famous Elizavecca hair treatment that's packed with collagen and soy protein to revive damaged, dull, or brittle hair in five minutes, revealing soft, nourished strands. This is salon-level haircare for under 10 bucks, folks!!
Promising reviews: "I have tried everything on the market to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this hair treatment on TikTok. I had never heard of it before but decided to give it a try. I used it for the first time yesterday and I couldn't believe how amazing it made my hair feel and look. It's sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. My bleached rats nest now looks and feels like virgin hair again. Even my boyfriend noticed a huge difference in my hair and you know it's a GOOD product when the boyfriend notices :D I’ve been really frustrated about my hair for years now because of all the damage; now I can finally relax and enjoy my new hair. <3" —Eline
"I was skeptical. I’ll admit it. I wasn’t sure this would work on my 4c hair but it made my hair so soft! And I didn’t need to use a tremendous amount of product. It made it easy to comb out and blow dry my hair. It even made it smoother after the flatiron. You can’t beat it for the price." —Niki D.
Check out BuzzFeed's Elizavecca Cer-100 Protein Treatment review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $7.42.
9. An eyelash curler with over 11,000 five-star ratings that'll gently curl your lashes and is designed not to pinch skin. (Literally: The company reports it ran hundreds of experiments before deciding on this curler model because it fits most human eyes without pinching.) That's science to me!!
The curler has soft silicone pads that enhance your ability to shape your lashes with minimal pressure so it is easier on lashes. It comes with five extra replacement silicone pads and can be used on both top and bottom lashes!
To curl, clean lashes, look downward, place lashes in eyelash holder, and lightly press down on curler for several seconds. For best usage, curl your lashes before applying mascara as this will prevent the curler from sticking to the mascara.
Promising review: "I have long, full, but straight lashes. Nothing has worked. They just won't hold a curl. I have no idea what is different about this item, but my lashes look great! Gets all the lashes from outer to inner in one easy–squeezy. I FINALLY have found something that holds the curl ALL DAY! 100% recommend!!!" —Tangie4242
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
If you are an eyelash curler ~devotee,~ check out this highly rated mini travel curler.
10. ~Uber-satisfying~ and mega-affordable hydrocolloid pimple patches to suck the gunk out of acne that has come to a head. Plus, (crucially) they protect deep, under-the-skin pimples from wandering or picking fingers, which can inadvertently inflame blemishes more by adding dirt and bacteria to irritated skin. These are one of the best skincare purchases I've ever made, and reviewers agree.
I have used these for years, and I literally buy them in bulk so that I'm never caught without them. I really can't sing the praises of these enough — they make my cystic acne heal faster, whether by sucking puss out of active breakouts or by curbing the beginning of pimples through keeping my hands the heck off them. I like to keep them on overnight, and they're clear and unobtrusive enough that I'll usually use them during the day when needed, too. Different sizes are included so you can customize to different blemish sizes, or simply use smaller patches during the daytime and larger ones at night, lol. This is the product I'm constantly raving to my friends about, and TL;DR: It's my desert island item. You cannot go wrong with these. Plus, they're super affordable for the amount you get, and especially for the benefit they provide.
Promising review: "I’m a (now) 37-year-old who still gets breakouts, including painful cystic acne at times. I sleep with these babies on, and in the morning, the size and redness is usually 50%–75% better. If it’s a larger breakout or a cyst, I repeat the process and have been known to wear these to work — depending on location of the pimple. They really are great and makes having acne in your mid-late thirties less stressful. They’re usually gone in one to two days with these patches! Highly recommend!" —Lauren Kerley
Get a pack of three (72 pimple patches total) from Amazon for $13.50.
11. Plus, some XL acne cover patches for those full T-zone breakouts that are too big for regular-size patches to treat. Made with hydrocolloid to help pull out pus and gunk from pimples, the patches also contain tea tree oil and calendula to aid in soothing inflamed skin and redness.
Reviewers say they're also lifesavers for calming painful, itchy chemo rashes. You can use them on the face or body.
Promising review: "I've had acne for probably close to 20 years, since my preteens. So rather than stick a ton of little circles on my face that are meant for individual zits I figured I'd try these extra large patches. Wow. They work absolutely amazingly. The adhesion was fantastic and when it came time to remove the patches it didn't feel like I was ripping off my flesh. I could see all the gross and yet satisfying little white blobs on the patch from where it had absorbed my excessive sebum and bacteria while I slept. My pores looked so much smaller because all of that gross stuff that was clogging them had been removed. Seriously, this stuff is great and did way better than any pore strips I have ever used. Go buy these if you want to have baby-soft poreless skin and are tired of it looking like Neil Armstrong should be planting a flag on your face." —Christina Smith
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!
Get 8 extra-large patches from Amazon for $8.49.
Our deep dive on the Avarelle acne patches gets into the nitty-gritty — why they work, how to use them, and why they've earned tens of thousands of 5-star reviews.
12. Maybelline Lip Lifter gloss to give your lips tinted, glossy shine without any annoying stickiness, while simultaneously nourishing with mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid. It's like a perfectly colored lip gloss–lip balm hybrid.
Promising review: "As a pro makeup artist I find myself reaching for these more than any of my lux brand lip products. Literally every shade is gorgeous. The large applicator applies the product smoothly and quickly. I cannot say enough good things about this product. An amazing value. Every client I have introduced these to has reached out to me and told me how much they loved the gloss and immediately purchased additional shades. You will not be disappointed." —Justin Case
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in 18 shades).
13. An affordable luminous cream blush for cheeks, lips, and eyelids inspired by the colors of the Santa Monica sunset. Creamy and pigmented yet buildable, its shades will make you look — and feel — like you were kissed by the sun. No wonder, since they're made with skin-loving ingredients like green tea and aloe vera extracts.
I'm obsessed with these these blushes. They're the whole package: beautifully glow-y, pigmented, and creamy, yet so buildable that it's basically impossible to mess up applying them. They've made me lose interest in all the other blushes I own lol — they're just phenomenal, and I really think no collection is complete without at least one.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business that makes products designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are vegan and cruelty-free.
Get it from Amazon for $19+ or from Sephora or Tower 28 for $20 (available in up to seven shades).
14. A luxurious, lightweight L'Oreal rinse-out moisturizing hair treatment that utilizes amino acids to repair damage and restore shine in only eight seconds.
It's activated by water, so you can apply it after shampoo but before conditioner to let it work its magic! Recommended usage is 2–3 times a week. Reviewers say it works on all hair types, including straight hair and curl types 3a–4c.
Promising reviews: "I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair...I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen." —Theressa Hailey
"This stuff works. My hair was so dry and brittle, I tried a hair mask, deep conditioned it three times, etc., and nothing worked. I tried this the day I bought it and now my hair is soooo luxurious, soft, and bouncy. This stuff is magical." —@___.Fuego ig
Get it from Amazon for $9.87.
15. An eye primer to make sure your shadow looks can hold up for hours on end without creasing or smudging. If you don't use primers for your eye makeup yet, trust me, it's game-changing — especially if you have oily eyelids like I do.
Promising review: "I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott’s product! I am thankful and impressed!" —Miss Lilly
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
16. A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder with black ginseng and biotin for folks whose roots get oily FAST. It helps soak up grease and refresh hair, without toxic ingredients like benzene. 💪
Promising review: "Best dry shampoo ever. I have been literally obsessed with finding the perfect affordable dry shampoo. I have tried plenty of sprays, none of them really do the job. I happened upon this product. Let me tell you…changed my world. I washed Wednesday. Used it Thursday, Friday and was blown away. My hair wasn’t greasy. The powder gives your hair a texture so you can get some good lift if you want. Also, I could have gone a third day no wash if I wanted. I am 100% percent happy with this." —Kristina Boddie
Get it from Amazon for $16 (also available in packs of two and three).
17. A waterproof eyeliner stamp as a hack for applying an expert wing perfectly on the first try, because even the pros admit they need help getting this notoriously tricky look right.
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
Promising review: "I can’t even with the 🎉awesomeness🎊 of this product! I live in Florida with the humidity and this DOES NOT BUDGE!!! Easiest eye EVER and perfect for those who have a hard time with this look! Even we makeup artists (I personally have over 20 years experience) will take an easy way out!! Why make it hard when it doesn’t have to be?! That is what I teach in my makeup classes and this will be a STAPLE in my classes!!! Love this so much!!!" —Natalee Goehrig
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Get it from Amazon for $12.72+ (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
18. An easy-to-use L'Oreal root concealing spray to cover roots in literally seconds for the easiest touchup you'll ever get. It works so well, Eva Longoria uses it.
That said, gray hair is gorgeous, so let those silvery strands shine! At the end of the day, it's whatever makes YOU feel best.
Promising review: "This product is terrific for hiding the pesky gray hairs that start to emerge 1–2 weeks after coloring my hair. I have dark hair, and a lot of gray around my forehead and temple areas, so any gray hairs are beyond obvious. Once they start to peek out, I use this product and I can last another couple of weeks before coloring." —Carissa K
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in eight colors and in packs of two).
19. A bottle of Bio-Oil that folks love for helping fade scars and stretch marks, calming and moisturizing dry skin, and generally making skin ~glow~. Packed with sunflower seed oil, vitamins A and E, and lavender, this fast-absorbing face and body oil does its job so well that reviewers are calling it "the best skincare on the market."
Promising reviews: "I will forever use this product and recommend when I can. I have olive-toned, freckled, medium to dry skin with oily nose and forehead, adult hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. BioOil has given me a literal GLOW! I feel confident with my face again. I hardly leave reviews, but this product deserves it!" —Amazon Customer
"Bio-Oil is the BEST skin product on the market. I use it twice a day, morning and before i go to bed. Small lines have disappeared. My skin is very smooth and seems to glow. A doctor recommended this to one of my friends who told me about it. I have bought several bottles as gifts. Be patient. It will take a few months for you to see notice the changes." –Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in two sizes).
20. A plush microfiber makeup-removing cloth for a great alternative to the infamous Makeup Eraser, except almost three times cheaper. It gently takes off your makeup and lifts away dirt using only water, freeing you from wasting money on liquid makeup removers that do half as good a job while tugging on your skin. It's not too good to be true — I only use makeup-removing cloths myself now.
Promising review: "Okay, so I know there’s a ton of reviews for how amazing this thing is, and I really thought it was going to be super overhyped. But seriously — THIS THING IS AMAZING! Usually, I have to really scrub to get my mascara off, and I’ll typically lose an eyelash or two in the process, but I wet this down and wiped my face once, and everything was off my face and on the towel. And I mean wipe, there was no scrubbing. I literally did a quick wipe expecting it to be just an initial pass, then looked up into the mirror and was like, holy hell, I think it’s all off. I’m in total shock. I have literally never once had a cream, oil, cloth, or otherwise that so effortlessly wiped off my mascara before. There’s got to be some magic going on here...my face thanks you." —anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colors and in packs of two and seven).
21. A set of satin pillowcases that'll reduce friction on your skin and hair as you sleep, helping prevent creasing on your face, split ends, tangles, and irritated skin. Oh, and you'll also feel like royalty laying your head on smooth, soft satin every night.
PS: They also keep your pillow cool if you sleep hot, which will help you sleep more comfortably.
I finally took the plunge and bought some satin pillowcases, and OMG, I wish it hadn't taken me so long! I have 2c-3a curly hair, and for years I'd go to sleep with intact curls and wake up to a nest of frizzy hair that was basically the ghost of curls past. For the first time ever, my curls now survive the night. Is this a *miracle*? No — you're likely to experience *some* frizz in the morning no matter what, if you're like me and toss and turn a lot at night. But there's truly a night-and-day difference in my hair when I do and don't use my satin cases. BTW, I haven't experienced any creasing on my face since I've made the switch, which is kinda unbelievable. And I honestly do feel a bit like a princess resting my head on cool, smooth satin after a long day.
Promising review: "These pillowcases are lovely! They're so silky soft that they're a dream to sleep on. I definitely see less of those pesky 'morning pillow wrinkles' and my hair also seems softer and less static-y. The folding, stitching, etc. also seems a bit more luxurious than the other satin pillowcases I've seen. Not only does it help with wrinkles and your hair, I feel like it pulls out less moisture from my skin during my sleep because my skin feels slightly more moisturized in the morning (despite no change to my skincare products/routine)." —Kristi
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 41 colors and four sizes).
22. A Cosrx snail essence because if you just need a big ol' dose of hydration, snail mucin will get the job done. This bb contains a whopping *96%* snail mucin, which is kinda nature's MVP for intense yet incredibly gentle skin repair. Plus, the glow you'll get from this is unparalleled.
I've been using the Cosrx snail mucin essence for years, and it's honestly a godsend for my dry, acne-prone, sensitive skin. Just like how snail mucin protects snails from damage while traversing over and around gravel and other jagged things, mucin is like a heavenly layer of nourishing protection for skin that's navigating the effects of weather, pollution, stress, and hormones. I don't care how weird it might sound — this ingredient is a dang star.
Promising review: "Best skincare purchase of my life! If you are questioning buying this product let me ease your mind and say you will absolutely not regret it!! I’m 39 and I’ve had a lifetime of dry skin. Literally the first day I applied this my skin was supple and soft by nighttime. No dry feeling, it’s totally gone. I have heard amazing things about snail mucin and I am totally sold. My skin has not felt this good probably since I was a teenager. Even the little bumps on the side of my face where it was dry and flaky are totally gone." —Ginger Leigh
Get it from Amazon for $19.42.
23. A smudge-proof Maybelline matte liquid lipstick so easy to apply, you won't feel like you're even putting on a matte lip — until it's been on your lips a full day after you first applied it, like it was for this makeup artist.
Promising review: "Wow! Very happy and need to order in more colors. I’m a makeup artist and I test longevity of wear on all my makeup. I literally still had lipstick on the following day after putting it on at 3 p.m. the day before. It is matte so if you have dry lips I suggest you exfoliate prior to use. Definitely buy!" —S.S.
Check out BuzzFeed's Maybelline liquid lipstick review for more.
Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in 30 colors).
24. A beloved Aztec Secret healing clay mask made with 100% calcium bentonite clay that folks call incredible for its ability to deep clean pores and help fight acne and hyperpigmentation. People love it for their face and even for their hair and body! This is ~a longtime classic~ for a reason.
Reviewers recommending mixing in some apple cider vinegar for best use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Promising review: "Skincare regimen must. This does exactly what you have seen on TikToks and reviews! My skin is so soft and clean after each mask. I use this to treat skin that I shave so that my shave is smoother and closer. I will always keep this as a part of my regimen." —Joann W.
"The best face mask I've ever used. I bought this because of TikTok and do not regret it. I have really sensitive skin so I was a bit skeptical at first. I used it for about the minimum time and I could not move my face. When I took it off I was shocked and worried because my entire face looked like it was burned. If this happens to you, don’t freak out! It goes away in less than 30 minutes. The next day my acne had completely disappeared and my skin looked glowy. Normally when I do a face mask I can’t tell any difference, but with this it was super noticeable. This will be my go to face mask from now on." —kk
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
Learn more about the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay in our deep dive!
25. A brightening SPF 30 moisturizer containing vitamin C to diminish sun damage and hyperpigmentation, plus nourishing shea butter and glycerin to hydrate thirsty skin. Meticulously formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, it promises to leave no white cast.
Promising reviews: "My skin has been super dry, especially as we move into cooler months. Within a week of using this product I'm noticing my skin feels more conditioned and a noticeable dewiness has returned. I did not notice any scent/perfume, which was a positive for me." —Mallory Strange
"I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Bolden is a Black woman-owned small biz that makes sulfate- and paraben-free skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
26. Alcohol-free micellar water infused with rose water and glycerin to gently cleanse skin, hydrate, and remove makeup, with no rinsing required. Essentially, a low-maintenance dream.
I've used this micellar water for several years and *love* it for my sensitive skin! It's especially great for days when I don't have the energy to drag myself to the bathroom to properly wash my face. I keep a bottle of this by my bed and just soak a cotton pad with micellar water to clean my face.
Promising review: "I am a makeup artist with very sensitive skin. I break out from everything, including a certain famous makeup wipe. This stuff is amazing! It even takes off waterproof with a few swipes. For harder to remove makeup I just hold down a cotton pad for a few seconds then wipe it off. I will stick to this from now on. I recommend it to everyone. It also has a nice rose water scent that isn't overpowering. My face feels moisturized and refreshed afterwards." —Amanda G.
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
27. A lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick to help give ya some relief from puffy, tired under-eyes. It's blended with Icelandic glacial water to cool and hydrate, plus niacinamide to brighten and ceramides to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. Cute *and* functional — we love to see it.
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.
28. Quick-acting Nizoral dandruff shampoo that's clinically proven to relieve dandruff by getting rid of the fungus that causes it, instead of just masking the symptoms. You can see results within one to two uses.
I get dandruff from time to time, and when I do the flakes are stubborn and hard to get rid of. Nizoral is a godsend and the only thing I will use for getting rid of it. Because it's antifungal, it actually gets at the root of the problem so you get fast relief. I make sure I never run out — it's the only thing that'll take care of my dandruff effectively and quickly.
Promising review: "MIRACLE PRODUCT! If you have a flaky scalp from dandruff, BUY THIS. I was about to go to the dermatologist if this stuff didn’t work. Thank goodness I saved myself hundreds of dollars by giving this product a shot. I used it four of five times (over a month) and it cleared my scalp almost completely. One more use and my scalp will be 120% healed! This stuff blew my mind. Totally worth it." —chris
Get it from Amazon for $15.47.
29. A cruelty-free nail and cuticle oil to intensely nourish your nails, make them shine, and give you relief from hangnails, brittleness, and breakage.
Promising review: "My nails were very weak, splitting, and breaking after years of having gel polish on them. So I had the gel removed and let my nails breathe for about four months. About two months in, I purchased this cuticle oil and suddenly my nails not only stopped splitting and cracking, but they actually grew long and strong with no polish on them at all!! I've NEVER had long, natural nails before, so my only conclusion is that this cuticle oil was the reason for the vast improvement in my nail health (no other changes in diet, etc.). I also like how it feels and smells. It goes a long ways, but when I run out, I'll be buying this brand again!" —Susan M.
Get it from Amazon for $4.43+ (available in 12 scents and three sizes).
30. A multitasking cruelty-free eye cream with a gold-star combo of vitamin C, rosehip oil, and aloe to hydrate under-eyes and help reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.
Promising review: "I don’t think I’ve ever left a review on Amazon before. This eye cream is THAT good. I worked as a makeup artist for years and am still a product lover. I’ve been using an eye cream daily since I was 19 (over a decade), so have tried lots of brands, and this stuff is phenomenal! It’s now become my go-to cream for my face, eyes, neck, AND décolletage. My skin veers toward dry and I haven’t found a face cream I like as much as this that isn’t $75, so I just use it all over. The jar is big enough for that and a little goes a LONG way. Use this cream twice a day under the eye, and you will fall in love, too. I keep telling people about this and sending them the link so they can buy their own. I just randomly found this on Amazon while browsing and feel like I hit the jackpot. I hope they never stop making it." —L.R.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
31. Cult-fave, ~multi-talented~ Mario Badescu Facial Spray pros use to rejuvenate skin and refresh makeup with little to no effort. You can even use it for your hair when it needs some quick moisture!
Try storing it in the fridge for an extra pick-me-up on hot days — it's a game changer!
Promising review: "I'm a professional makeup artist, and I couldn't LIVE without this stuff. My clients love it, too. It smells amazing, gives your skin a nice glow, reduces redness, and can even set or refreshen your makeup! Awesome, awesome stuff." —Amazon Customer
Check out this BuzzFeeder's Mario Badescu Facial Spray deep dive for more info!
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in two sizes and various packs).
32. A sharpener (boasting over 17,000 5-star ratings) with two sharpening sizes that'll fit your jumbo and regular pencils, so your sharpener will no longer be constantly breaking...and then spilling all your shards and shavings in your makeup bag or on the ground for you to clean up.
Promising reviews: "I have used this sharpener for over 20 years. It doesn’t break, I just lost mine. You can’t find it in the store. It sharpens lipliners or small eyeliners, and it sharpens large pencils as well. It keeps the shavings in the back, so the only time to remove is when it needs to be emptied. REVLON: Do not ever stop selling this beauty holy grail of sharpeners." —MrsMommyLoves7
"I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 13 years. This is the sharpener you want." —Drea Lorraine
Get it from Amazon for $3.12.
33. A blurring setting powder to give you smooth, pore-less, matte skin for up to 14 hours. You know it's the real deal when a makeup artist is using it on THEMSELVES.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby owns this and swears by it. She writes "I love love love this stufffff, omg. My skin is oily oily (gotta say it twice for emphasis) and I have spent my entire teen/adult life looking for products that'll make me matte and KEEP me matte. I've tried so many setting powders and literally none can compete with this one. This powder is a serious bad B. I mean, pores? Nonexistent. Oily shiny face? Not up in here. BTW I am a brown-skinned woman and the translucent shade works perfect for me. No caking, no flashback, nothing. Looks just like my skin!!
One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup guru Patrick Starr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all.
Promising review: "A friend told me this powder was amazing, and WOW, I cannot say enough good things about it! It smoothes my pores and fine lines flawlessly. I’ve been using it on myself but as an MUA I cannot wait to use this on my clients! Definitely recommends" —chloest
Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes and finishes).
34. A hair-smoothing stick with a unique mascara-like brush applicator to easily get rid of any flyaways, frizz, or cowlicks.
I have 2c/3a hair that is prone to frizz, especially if I wear it in a ponytail or buns. I'm very low-effort when it comes to haircare, and this was such an unexpectedly great find for me. It smooths my hair immediately and holds for hours with natural, minimal ingredients, which has given back my confidence in my sometimes unruly mane. It's easy to wash out too without buildup. A must-try!
Promising review: "We’ve tried so many different products to try and smooth my daughter's flyaways. This product smooths her hair without being greasy or crunchy, and it lasts all day! The wand makes it very easy to apply, mess-free, and perfect for travel." —Allison H
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a pack of two).
35. Or a humidity-resistant edge control gel to help lay edges and baby hairs without flaking or appearing greasy.
BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they want to!
Promising review: "Hands-down! The best edge control I have ever used and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and nongreasy! And this one is not even the strongest in the line. Love this product!" —Mrs.Washington
Get it from Amazon for $5.90+ (available in five sizes and a pack of three).
36. An organic, super nourishing turmeric and calendula soap that conditions and soothes dry, scaly skin so well, it's basically a must-have for folks with dryness whose normal body wash is just not cutting it (🙋♀️).
It can be used on the body and face.
I recently picked up this soap and it has floored me with how far it has exceeded my expectations. Many soaps promise to clean and moisturize your skin, right? For me, this is the only soap that has ever delivered on that promise. I literally feel the soap conditioning my skin as I use it, which I think is due to the fact that not all of the olive oil used in it is converted to soap, meaning that when you use it that extra oil is ~bequeathed~ to thirsty skin. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason my skin didn't fully cracked off this winter, since I've been too lazy to use body lotion recently (I know) but my skin is still shockingly soft (and intact). Clearly Zatik is doing some heavy lifting, and we are grateful for this LOL. I'll be repurchasing this for a long time to come. The inclusion of brightening turmeric —one of my fave and IMO, most underrated ingredients — is an awesome touch, too!
Promising review: "Absolute favorite soap. I have had sensitive and dry skin for about the last 10 years and have tried about 30 or 40 different soaps. The first time I tried the Zatik olive oil soap I could feel a difference in how my skin felt. It didn’t feel as dry and also felt softer. The soap does tend to get soft when it’s wet so I keep it on a soap dish so it stays as dry as possible." —Good Thoughts
Zatik is an Armenian, family-owned small business based in California that makes all-natural body, skin, and haircare products. Everything is handmade and organic! "Zatik" means "ladybug" in Armenian, a nod to the regenerative power of the botanical ingredients that are the basis for their products.
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in three formulas).
37. A pack of soft makeup blending sponges makeup artists say work even better than the $20 Beauty Blender, especially at under $2 per sponge. You'll love your new application trick for its efficacy *and* its price.
To use the blending sponge, wet your sponge and squeeze out excess water so that it's damp, not soaking. For extra high-coverage looks, trying using the sponge dry.
Promising review: "I’m a professional makeup artist and I can seriously tell you I will never switch again! These sponges are by far better than brands like Beauty Blenders, Real Techniques, etc. They are not stiff, which makes the makeup apply beautifully and seamlessly. My favorite way to use them is to wet them and wring them out. Order them asap! You won’t regret it :)" —Mabel
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95.
38. A bestselling, oil-absorbing facial roller made of real volcanic stone that pros use to quickly mattify skin without disturbing makeup.
The facial roller is also small enough to fit comfortably in your makeup bag.
Promising review: "As a pro makeup artist, I need something super quick for on-set touch ups that won't spill powder everywhere. This thing works great for quick and easy shine control!" —Becky Laschanzky
Get it from Amazon for $13.38.
And check out this pack of natural bamboo charcoal blotting papers for another tried-and-true method for getting rid of facial oil while preserving makeup.
39. A pore-clearing stainless-steel skin spatula to de-gunk clogged pores using high-frequency vibrations so your skin will be able to absorb products better, delivering a facial treatment worth way more money than you paid for it.
See it in action on TikTok here.
I finally caved and bought this during Black Friday, and wow, I am SO glad I did. Blackheads are less of an issue for me than cystic acne, and it worked beautifully for both, and somehow very gently, too. The first time I used it, I could see all the stubborn gunk in my skin being extracted — gunk that was still there despite having just showered and regularly adhering to a pretty strict skincare regimen (!). I used the Blume Nourishing Face Oil to keep my skin moist while using it, which worked well for me (they recommend using a toner, water, or some other moisturizing agent). After using it, my skin felt softer than it's felt in years, and super clean without being at all tight. In short, a great product and definitely a staple for me.
Promising review: "Don't doubt it, a staple in skincare. I got this little device from a TikTok and decided to give it a try. I never knew I needed it until the first time I tried it. The vibrations magically bring up all the stubborn blackheads you can’t reach with just your fingers, especially if you have acrylics like me." —Paige Chaney
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors and a multipack).
40. An innovative AHA/BHA rose water toner, which combines the brightening, nourishing properties of rose water and decongesting, resurfacing effects of alpha and beta hydroxy acids for skin that's balanced and guh-lowing.
Promising review: "WOW! I've been battling with my skin for years (like, 15+ years) and I'm pretty sure this toner just gave me the best skin I've ever had. I could cry tears of joy. My skin is GLOWING. It feels so incredibly soft too. The smell of the product is wonderful and I love that it was made with melanated skin in mind. I'm really looking forward to trying the rest of the line!" —Liv
Buttah Skin is a Black-owned business whose products address the needs of melanated skin and provide an enriched, effective beauty routine.
Get it from Amazon or Buttah Skin for $21 or from Ulta for $19.
41. A pack of 24-karat gold cooling eye gels packed with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and seaweed to de-puff and moisturize the delicate under-eye area, and to help reduce under-eye circles. TL;DR: These masks are a must-have not just because they feature glam 24K gold 🤩 but also because of their seriously powerful results.
Promising review: "As a makeup artist, I’m always trying to find new products to moisturize the under-eye area, which is a particularly dry area for most of my clients. I absolutely love these patches, as they also help with dark under-eye circles! I usually keep them in the fridge so they are cool when I place them on my clients' faces, leave it for 10 minutes and it immediately looks like they got the best facial of their lives!!! Love these masks, can’t live without them! So easy to use, and a great beauty hack for under-eye puffiness and dark circles!!" —Fernanda
Get a pack of 20 pairs from Amazon for $17.97.
42. A value pack of dentist-recommended Crest whitening strips for removing up to 20 years of stains if you feel self-conscious about smiling because of your yellow teeth. With no-slip grip and advanced seal technology that molds the strip comfortably to your teeth, these truly are the comfiest and most effective strips on the market.
The pack comes with 20 30-minute treatments, and two hourlong treatments. The strips are also enamel-safe!
Folks, these are not the gloppy whitening strips of your childhood that slid all around your mouth and had you spitting out globs of product every few minutes so you wouldn't swallow it. I know this because I grew up using those exact strips to treat my hereditarily, naturally-kinda-yellow teeth. I eventually swore off whitening strips because they were so awful and uncomfortable. Ten years later, I decided to give at-home whitening another try since I now drink, like, a million cups of coffee a day, which obviously did nothing to help my yellow teeth lol. Long story short, I was FLOORED when I tried these strips. They may or may not be the best beauty development of the 21st century. These things stay put with literally zero gloppy residue, no spitting or readjusting required. They work so well, I'm almost resentful ~kids these days~ won't experience how absurd at-home whiteners used to be lol. Anyway, they're so comfortable that the 30 minutes or an hour you have them on zips by, so that by the time you're through, your teeth look whiter with virtually zero effort on your part. Can I nominate this for some sort of award??
BTW: If your teeth feel sensitive while you're using the strips (mine did), just take a break for a few days before starting them again.
Get a 22-count pack from Amazon for $45.99.
43. A cult-fave Denman hairbrush with evenly spaced bristles to define and shape curls so you won't have to spend an hour plopping and scrunching — all for your curls to still look flat and misshapen. It'll also spare your arm from getting sore while styling, which is forever a win.
I finally treated myself to a Denman brush over the holidays, mainly because I'd finally had enough of trying different "Curly Girl Method" styling strategies that my low-porosity, dense 2c–3a hair would simply laugh at and instead dry into a ball of frizz. The first time I used the Denman, I remember distinctly thinking, "Oh, this is what all the hype's about." It easily defined my curls with its spaced-out bristles, accentuating the spirals and making them pop. It's not a detangler, so you'll still want a regular comb or brush to detangle post-shower, but it's the best low-key styling step possible, IMO.
Promising review: "In my younger teen years I had CURLY hair, but as I hit my 20s and started highlighting my hair, somewhere along the way the curls became a very limp wavy frizz. Thanks to TikTok I thought I should give this a try to retrain my curls. And while I’m only a month or so in, this brush definitely puts a clean spiral wave back into my hair making it more shapely than the alternative frizz I had grown accustomed to." —The Belfis
Get it from Amazon for $21.55+ (available in three sizes and nine color sets).
44. A can-do-it-all Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant reviewers love for minimizing the appearance of pores, soothing acne-prone skin, and smoothing out texture. Many reviewers noticed results within 24 hours!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff: "Not my skin above, but I 100% vouch for this liquid exfoliant's amazingness. It's helped to even out my skin tone and control the hormonal acne around my mouth. It's the only thing I feel like has actually helped start to slow down those breakouts, and for that, I'm forever thankful. I apply a thin layer in the morning and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing."
Promising review: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE. I have every skin issue you can think of. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. It has seriously changed my life!" —hc
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
45. A reviewer-obsessed foundation brush with thousands of dense, soft bristles that apply makeup without streaking or absorbing (read: wasting) any product, all for less than $10.
This brush is best used wet for applying makeup and can be used on powder or liquid formulas.
Promising reviews: "Luxury on a budget. This brush is so soft and feels like a high-end brush! It works amazing!" —Karmalee Thompson
"I’ve used many different high-end brushes and this one is by far my favorite. I reach for it daily. It applies a flawless finish that I’m obsessed with. Buy it, you won’t be disappointed. I also love the shape and I think it’s great for travel." —kristine montello
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 10 colors).
46. A creamy dual-sided lip liner — each side features a complementary shade so you can define your lips *and* create an easy, beautiful ombre effect without having to use a bunch of different products (and still be unsatisfied with the outcome).
PS! Every lip liner corresponds with one of their beloved matte lipsticks.
Promising review: "Obsessed! This liner is incredible!! I usually have a hard time with pencil liners, they usually feel drying on my lips. But this one glides on so smoothly and looks amazing every time! I love that it's dual ended so I can do different effects. It's perfect!" —Courtney
Treslúce Beauty is a cruelty-free beauty brand founded by singer and actress Becky G. Their consciously formulated products are inspired by her Mexican heritage and seek to celebrate Latine heritage and culture.
Get it from Ulta or Treslúce Beauty for $12 (available in six shades).
47. An affordable, cruelty-free vegan sulfur mask that's an underground cult-fave for stubborn acne due to sulfur's incredible antibacterial properties. Formulated with 10% sulfur, this maximum-strength treatment calms inflammation, exfoliates dead skin cells, and clears sebum from pores effectively yet gently.
Promising review: "If only I had started with this, I could have saved myself so much frustration and hiding behind my mask! I started to get hormonal acne around my chin after stopping birth control. I changed my diet, tried prescription retinoid cream, oral medication, tried going back on my birth control and then THIS. Total game-changer for me. I wear a mask 8-9 hours a day since I work in healthcare so that doesn’t help. This paste is awesome. Great value for how many applications. No major scent really. I noticed a difference after a few days of applying once a day. I also made sure to hydrate my skin too as this can dry out your skin. I will continue to use this to prevent further breakouts!" —gaylin
Get it from Amazon for $13.98.
48. The infamous Weleda Skin Food cream to intensely nourish dry skin with chamomile, pansy, and rosemary so you'll get a moisture boost that's downright luxurious. It can also be used as a makeup primer!
Promising review: "This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I’m an esthetician/makeup artist and have spent so much money on skincare. This is by far my favorite product. I use it at night, mainly on my face, and my skin soaks it right up. Does not break me out. I love a dewy look to my skin so I also use it under my makeup. You have to warm it up in your hands before applying. It will leave a glow to the skin. It makes skin sooo much softer and decreases texture and discoloration. It has a herbal smell, which I enjoy, but it’s an acquired smell. I’ve read reviews saying it doesn’t absorb but I didn’t experience that. I use a pea sized amount, rub it between my hands for five seconds and pat it gently into my face. I have combination to oily skin." —Alex pope
Get it from Amazon for $14.24.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.