Browse links
US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data.
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.
Fresh-feeling skin without breaking the bank certainly sounds ideal to me.
Promising review: "I LOOOOOVE this scrub! I saw it in a BuzzFeed article about affordable facial products that really work, and had to buy! It’s eco-friendly, and gentle enough to use a couple times a week. My skin glows!!!" —MelbaToasty
Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ or Subscribe & Save for $7.97+ (available in three versions).
Promising review: "Game-changer. Way better than my previous method of fingers then a washcloth. This scrubs away all the dry lippy skin, especially in the winter months, so that your balm can really penetrate and make your lips super moisturized and soft." —Travis Reese
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I love this stuff. It's great for taking off makeup and leaving your skin fresh and hydrated. I have very dry skin. It even takes off my waterproof mascara that doesn't come off easily. It smells nice and fresh. I just apply it with my fingers and wipe it off with a cleaning wipe. Very essential part of my makeup removal routine!" —Moriah
Get it from Amazon for $5.29.
This product is paraben-free, gluten-free, silicone-free and 100% vegan.
Promising review: "A great size and inexpensive! The chamomile scent is amazing and it takes my makeup off like a pro. I can compare it to the Good Molecules cleansing balm for $20 and it's up there. I especially love how easily it takes off my mascara. I don’t have to keep rubbing. Not to mention it helps moisturize my skin in the dry season. I highly recommend!" —Alexis
Get it from Amazon for $15.08 or Subscribe & Save for $14.33.
The moisturizer is fragrance- and oil-free. It's also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. BuzzFeed editor Marquaysa Battle is a big fan:
"Since the spring, I've been dealing with stress acne that I never had before in my life. I resorted to an acne cleanser and spot treatment but those products are typically drying (because they're literally meant to dry out the blemishes) SO this moisturizer has been super key for ensuring my skin doesn't dry out while I try to clear up the pimples. Aside from it living up to its 24-hour hydration promise (game-changer), it has also never broken out my sensitive skin and actually helps soothe the many skin irritations that I experience. In short, it's my holy grail and CeraVe better not ever stop making it. 😊"
Get it from Amazon for $16.08 or Subscribe & Save for $15.28.
Promising review: "I wish I discovered this product earlier. Took me six months of suffering from severe dandruff and white spots on my face. I was a week away from a visit to the dermatologist. After trying a lot of products and creams that didn't work, I decided to give it a try. And with just one wash, my life was changed. This is my only shampoo now. Been using it for almost a year now and no more white spots on my face (itchy, flaky, and terrible) or the worst, thick itchy dandruff." —Beverly Ramirez
Get it from Amazon for $10.84.
Promising review: "This is a MUST-have! A MUST! I am always looking for that rich moisturizer that leaves your face so hydrated that you look fresh and rejuvenated, that is this stuff!!!! This is the most luxurious cream that truly continues to work, I never break out or become too greasy, yet my skin looks HYDRATED and beautiful! I have tried many expensive products, this one tops them all! I won't go without this stuff!! I LOVE IT!!!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.49+ or Subscribe & Save for $11.87+ (available in two sizes).
With over 13.4K 5-star ratings, you can buy this without thinking twice.
Promising review: "Plumbing in Michigan gets downright brutal on the hands at times. My hands constantly are getting wet or washed many times a day. My hands are like Velcro to any tactile contact. It's like nails on a chalk board. My knuckles are split/cracked and bleeding. Ouch. This stuff heals your hands in no time. Immediate relief. No more Velcro hands. No smell. Not greasy when rubbed in completely. A little goes a long way. Also restores fingertips." —joetheplumber
Get it from Amazon for $10.98.
Promising review: "Significantly cuts down on the dry skin on my feet and subsequently saves me money on visits to the nail salon. I don't need to get pedicures as after because this cream keeps my skin so soft and hydrated! It took a couple of nights in a row of application to see a significant change in the dry skin, but keep applying and you will see a difference." —Kathleen M.
Get it from Amazon for $6.41.
Dr. Teal's Epsom salt and bubble bath are an important part of my pre-bedtime ritual. I'm a bath aficionado and have tried many (many) products in my tub — nothing compares to this classic. It has a heavenly lavender scent, relieves any aches and pains in my body, and helps me to relax overall while hydrating my skin from head-to-toe.
Promising review: "I usually buy Dr. Teal's in the store but now that I know I can get it an Amazon I can get it cheaper. The bath soak which is really bubble bath is fantastic! The bubbles last a long time and it does not dry out my skin." —Patricia
Get them from Amazon for $4.87.
Christine Forbes (clearly our resident skincare queen) has tried this and said, "This serum has never burned or broke out my skin. It has a slight scent but nothing too overwhelming. It pairs nicely with the oil too!"
Promising review: Let me tell you I put this Farmacy Honeymoon Glow on and the next morning I noticed some improvement in skin texture. I have combination skin, oily T-zone, and dry cheeks. When I first put it on the first couple minutes it tingled, but I've done chemical peels before and it is no where as uncomfortable. I started out using it three times a week, but now use it every evening. I had dry, patchy cheeks, but with this product it's barely there and it's only been two weeks of using. My skin has a glow, looks smooth, and I apply less makeup. I feel more confident about my skin since using this product. I am excited to see what this will do in 30 days." —Butterfly
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes).
Sonshine Bath is a Black woman-owned small business based out of Georgia. This whipped body butter comes in delicious scents like coconut and mango milk, vanilla, lemongrass, lavender, tropical coconut, and oatmeal and honey.
Promising review: "This product smells amazing and is incredibly moisturizing. I used this to help my skin heal after being confined to a walking boot for over a month. This product has helped my skin gain back the moisture it lost and I’m very grateful." —Mandie C.
Get it from Sonshine Bath for $20 (available in six scents or unscented and two sizes).
The cleanser is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. BuzzFeed editor Genevieve Scarano uses this product:
"Having dry skin is *not* fun and my forehead, T-zone, and cheeks feel like a desert sometimes. This cleanser is like H2O for my face. It's packed with adaptogens and supergreens that help lock in hydration. I use this 'super smoothie' to give my complexion a moisture boost and remove stubborn makeup."
I've tried this cleanser and really liked it! I enjoyed the packaging and, honestly, the name of it. It looked super cute in my shower, but more importantly it really did leave my face feeling refreshed. I mainly used it at night to clean my face before bed and would absolutely buy it again. Blume is a POC woman-owned small business based in Vancouver, Canada that makes cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products.
Promising review: "This cleanser is an absolute dream — it helps calm the redness in my skin and makes my skin look so hydrated!! It also helps with some of my acne spots, too! Truly works wonders — will definitely be purchasing again!" —Alyssa R.
Get it from Blume for $16.
A fresh mani can change your entire mood if you ask me. However, long waits and high prices at a salon can often sour the experience. Enter the at-home manicure! Don't just slather on polish carelessly — set the scene with candles and calming music then get started by using this fancy (but inexpensive) cuticle oil.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this oil almost every night for several months now and it works great. My cuticles used to be so dry and cracked from constant hand-washing (I’m an elementary school teacher, so I’m always scrubbing my hands!), but I’ve seen a huge improvement since I started using this oil." —Amazon Customer
This sweet-smelling product has a base of organic coconut water and is infused with hibiscus flower petals. Not only will it make you feel fancy, but it's also paraben-, sulfate-, alcohol-, and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have severe cystic acne and this is one of the few products that I've seen noticeably transform my skin! I have oily/combo skin, but since I'm using acne products my skin has become relatively dry and patchy. This hydrates and tones my skin so beautifully, and I've gotten several comments saying that I'm glowing. This definitely helped add moisture back to my dull complexion. 10/10 would recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.
I'm very fair-skinned and typically burn with ease. I've tried many (many!) sunscreens and Sun Bum has become my go-to. It's affordable but truly works, keeps my skin protected, and smells INCREDIBLE. I also love their tinted face lotion and would 100% use it year-round.
Promising review: "Great sunscreen. The proof isn't so high that you won't get some sun and it's got good moisturizing lotion inside of it to keep skin hydrated. Also some of the better smelling sunscreen that I've used. The 3-oz tube size is great for traveling with carry on bags." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and SPF 15–70).
InstaNatural's products are free of parabens, sls/sles, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, petroleum, synthetic dyes, polyethylene gylcol, DEA/MEA/TEA, and any unsafe preservatives.
Promising review: "My mom and I tested this product out together, and I ended up giving it to her as a gift because she love it so much! She has very sensitive skin and it did not cause any irritation. The mask smelt good and helped our faces feel fresh, moisturized and healthy after using it. I would definitely recommend it!" —The Mielocks
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 or Subscribe & Save for $12.59.
Promising review: "To say the least, I was pretty apprehensive about using what is advertised as a 'Colossal Foot Rasp.' Pretty terrifying labeling if you ask me. But HOLY CRAP this thing works. I had to do a before and after shot. It looks Photoshopped but it absolutely is not!" —Derrick
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
My grandma used to slather this all over her face and neck every night before bed. It was her biggest piece of advice to me and one that my sisters, and all of my cousins have taken to heart. She always had super soft skin and I'm sure her constant use of Nivea had something to do with it!
Promising review: "I love this because in my climate the air is very dry and humidity is very low. I first learned of this product when an exchange student from Denmark used it to replace moisture for his skin that suffered from lack of the humid and rejuvenating ocean environment. This is a luxury that becomes a necessity for aging skin subjected to highly dry, hot, and windy conditions." —Pamela
Get three jars from Amazon for $16.44 or Subscribe & Save for $15.62.
My sister and I have this fun lil' lip balm, and we love it! The flower inside is as pretty as the shade of pink it creates. I like minimal makeup, so this product has been a slam dunk for me. My lips are *always* chapped (also I tend to chew on them, so that's on me) and this has been a solid solution to keeping them hydrated and looking cute.
Promising review: "This is the best for moisturizing your lips and it gives you a little hint of color. It has the prettiest flower 🌹 inside the lipstick itself. I really appreciate the look. It’s not overwhelming in terms of tint and it really doesn’t have an overpowering scent. I will definitely buy again." —MC Joseph
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in three flower colors).
Promising review: "I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21–22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — lying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skincare line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posay's skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven't had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again." —LadyHawke
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
My sister and I have used this mask countless times while watching trash TV on my couch — it's a fun way to bond and improve our skin. A little goes a long way so this product will last quite a while.
Promising review: "I'm not joking, I thought this was just going to be a normal face mask but I was wrong. The application was smooth and easy. After waiting 10 minutes, I took it off and....my face was smooth as a baby's butt, no lie. This made my face so soft and feeling refreshed and hydrated!!!" —olesya gordeyeva
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four versions).
My fair skin is prone to getting sunburnt (yes, I use sunscreen daily) and dehydrated in the hot summer heat, so I'm always open to trying new things to keep it feeling healthy. I gave this Jelly Pop Water Gel Moisturizer a shot and BOY was I pleased! It smells like freshly cut watermelon, has a water-like consistency I've never experienced before, and doesn't leave my face feeling sticky or oily. It's simply fantastic. I know it's mainly for your face, but I also used it on my arms and chest after a beach day and felt so refreshed after. Love, love, love.
Get it from e.l.f Cosmetics for $8.
Luv Scrub is an incredible Black woman-owned small business based in Brookyln, New York that sells products inspired by a traditional West African morning routine. I've personally met the owner, Caroline, and she is an actual ray of sunshine. In addition to being a fan of hers, I'm a big fan of this product — I personally love using it in the tub to exfoliate my legs. The best part about it? It lasts for up to 18 months! No more loofahs for you.
Get it from Luv Scrub for $18 (available in five colors).
Promising review: "Seriously feels so good on. I hate twist-up waxy lip balm. This feels great when it's on, and my lips feel great when I'm using it. I live in a dry environment, and I put it on three times a day (including before bed) and have no lip dryness problems unless I'm in the sun too long (I know I should just SPF then, but I normally avoid the sun anyway). This is it. I've stopped looking for new lip balms. I own six of these so there's one everywhere I could need it at all times." —Brian Fox
Get it from Amazon for $7.64.
A single pack comes with 100 blotting sheets.
Promising review: "I have been searching for something as effective as this for a long time now. I have extremely oily skin. I live in the Caribbean and whether I wear foundation or not, very early in the day my face is covered in oil. Mostly over my T-zone is where I get shiny and oily. So I tried this and it is excellent. It picks up the oil quickly leaving my face naturally matte-like for hours. I am well pleased with the light weight of the sheets, the pack fits perfectly in my purse or jeans pockets. Anyone will oily skin will find this as a must have." —Melisa
Get it from Amazon for $6.95.
Crystal Bar Soap is a woman-owned small business based out of California that sells incredible soaps, bath bombs, bubble bars, oils, body butters, and bath salts. I've been using their products for years now and am a huge fan! Their new fall-inspired bath products are a 10/10 based on their looks alone! This specific bar of soap features autumnal vibes and a Mookaite stone that is said to bring peace during stressful times.
Get it from Crystal Bar Soap for $14.
The under-eye mask also helps reduce wrinkles, dark cycles, and puffiness around eyes. It's a must-have for a spa night at home with your girls — everyone will love the fabulous feeling these golden masks provide.
Promising review: "When you put it on, it has an amazing cooling effect on the eyes and makes me feel really relaxed and as soon as you take it off, you can instantly see the results! You can see more bright, clear skin under my eyes and it lasts for the day and sometimes longer depending on how tired I am that week. Before using this product, I had really dark circles but after using it, I can clearly see a difference and it's dark as it used to be which means that it has a long-lasting effect as well. It's an A+ product!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (one set includes 15 pairs).
Promising review: "Love these. As I got older I noticed the thick peach fuzz. I hated it! I hesitated to use this product worried that the hair would come in coarse, but I was wrong. My aesthetician assured me that fine hair like peach fuzz would only grow back as fine hair...the very same. I did my research over the internet and the info was the same. Now I can say that I happily use it and have a smooth, peach-fuzz free face. And the best news is that the hair takes many, many weeks to grow back." —Martine Payne
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $4.99 or Subscribe & Save for $4.74.
Avarelle's pimple patches are formulated with tea tree oil and calendula, which is said to heal and shrink zits overnight. A single pack comes with 40 patches in a variety of sizes to fit any pimple you've got.
Promising review: "I’ve tried so many brands of pimple spots, and these are hands-down the best on the market. I’m a performer at Walt Disney World, and a clear complexion is required. Last night, I put these on a few acne problems (a small cyst, a whitehead, and a pimple I shouldn’t have picked and has been a bump for about three weeks now.) I just woke up and am writing this review in disbelief. THEY'RE FLAT! Gone! All of them! I could cry I’m so happy. The packaging is also ideal, because it allows you to conveniently and easily peel the stickers off without stretching them out or folding them back on themselves. Do yourself and your complexion a huge favor! Have these on hand for a stubborn zit when you really need help. Make sure you apply them to completely clean and dry skin." —Caitlyn
Get it from Amazon for $8.49.
My colleague AnaMaria Glavan speaks highly of this mask. She said:
"The black sugar 'seeds' exfoliate the crap (literally) out of your skin and get all the gunk out of your pores, but doesn't dry it out to the point where your forehead is crying 'moisturize me' in a hoarse whisper. Plus, the scent of strawberries actually makes my mouth water. It's berry amazing. Ultimately, my skin feels smoother, doesn't feel tight, and looks brighter because of the Vitamin C ingredients. My blackhead-ridden nose is, in particular, forever in debt to this amazing mask."
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
Nügg’s products are formulated without petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, synthetic colors, or synthetic fragrances. This specific set comes with a natural, vegan exfoliating lip scrub and moisturizing lip mask.
Promising review: "Nügg is the bomb! My lips were very dry! and unfortunately I suffer with some lines above my top lip. This lip mask is so easy to apply and there is no awful taste — you let it sit for 20 minutes and wipe off. The very first time I used it and wiped it off I believe I saw dead skin coming off! My lips and lines are noticeably softer! I use it every other day. Also I thought my top lip looked a touch fuller. It also comes in adorable packaging." —Honeywest
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
PicklesPotions is a woman-owned small business based out of Wayne, Maine that sells handcrafted natural skincare products.
Promising review: "I really like this stuff. I didn’t take any pictures of it before I opened and started using because I was so anxious to try it. I feel like I can tell a big difference in the texture of my feet, especially my heels since I started using it. My heels have always been my trouble area, getting cracks in them and being very rough. My cracks have stayed gone since I started using this stuff. 10/10 would recommend, and I will buy again." —Alyssa Phillips
Get it from PicklesPotions on Etsy for $8.99+ (available in three scents and in either cardboard or plastic packaging).
Promising review: "I never leave reviews, but, this product deserves more than 5 stars! I am a skincare junkie. I am almost 45 years old, and I have tried just about every brand out there. I usually remove my makeup with coconut oil before my evening shower. I am always skeptical about a new product, so tonight I left my makeup on to see if this complete face wash would do its job. Wow! It removed it all! It left my skin so soft, and smells amazing! No need to remove any leftover mascara after washing. I cannot believe this face wash is less than $5. That’s just ridiculous. I’m here to buy more of this brand. BUY IT!" —Dusti and Scott
Note: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.