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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.
I was taught never to rely on anyone, but if a makeup setting spray tells me it's going to hold my makeup for up to 16 hours... I expect it to do just that.
Promising review: "I've tried Fenty, Benefit, and It Cosmetics foundation, and this is right on par with all of them. This foundation is unmatched in terms of color-matching my skin — even with the wide range of the Fenty foundation shades, none of the ones I tried matched me as well as this does. The foundation dries well and doesn't look cakey or anything. I will say that I did have to add a couple of layers to spots that had more blemishes so it's not exactly FULL full coverage, but for the price, I'm absolutely not complaining. This foundation is great for beginners and pro makeup artists alike. The packaging is a nice glass and I actually find myself reaching for it more often than I reach for my Fenty one. 5/5!" —Tyra
Get it from Amazon for $2.97+ (available in 20 shades).
And! This consists of a mild, nonirritating formula that's organic and won't foam or leave any residue.
Promising review: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia BH, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
I had been meaning to give this a whirl since its release a few years ago, and, boy, I don't know why I waited so long to snag it because this stuff has changed the game. I recently moved from New York to California and, let me tell you, with this change in climate, my skin has gone through every phase imaginable: Painfully flaky with patches of dryness, breakouts beyond belief, and shine, ooh, so much shine you'd think there had been an oil spill. (And I'm telling you all of this because no matter what I put on my face, makeup never sits on it quite like I want it to.)
Enter Wowder — the pillowy-soft powder that has done the unthinkable: blurred my imperfections and sets my concealer without leaving a chalky residue. Now anytime I catch my reflection in the mirror I literally have to double take. My skin appears smoother and any fine lines look so much softer. A little goes a long way — and now I can leave my house with a little more confidence and return with a look that hasn't wavered.
Oh! And it's vegan and cruelty free.
Promising review: "I have pretty oily skin and I always look shiny by the end of the day. This setting powder left me with a matte finish that lasted all day. :)" —Sammy
Get it from Glossier for $22 (available in five shades).
BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them) this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort."
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can’t stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like crazy...and this stuff doesn’t budge! I love it!!" —Carrie E Miller
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review! You can also check out her review of the mascara on TikTok!
BuzzFeed Editor AnaMaria Glavan loves this stuff and tell us: "This magic bottle is proof that not all heroes wear capes. The creamy formula, which comes in blonde, black, clear, and brown (which is what I used!), goes on smoothly and doesn’t require a lot of product to do the job. I used the wand to brush baby hairs in the beginning/middle of my brow upwards, and then brushed the longer, toddler-like hairs at the end of my eyebrows, sideways. And one coat was more than enough! Boy Brow does exactly what the Glossier brand claims to do; it gives me a filled-in eyebrow that doesn’t look filled in. The finish looks natural, which is exactly what I wanted — my facial caterpillars have never looked better."
Get it from Glossier for $16 (available in five shades).
Promising review: "I keep going back to buy more colors. This is THEE gloss. You can throw it on alone and it has enough pigment to look great even without lip liner. I’ve never had a gloss wear this well without being sticky. I have some fine lip lines and it doesn’t bleed. Bonus that as it wears off, it leaves a nice bit of color without any weirdness and my lips just feel moisturized. Excellent price point that makes it fun to keep trying more colors. I just ordered my fourth and love them all. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a beauty product." —Natalia
Get it from Amazon for $6.98 (available in 15 shades).
This stuff is cruelty free and contains nontoxic plant fibers, including beeswax so is safe to use on your skin.
Promising review: "This product is AMAZING! If you have thinning hair or graying hair, this powder is a must have. It even creates a bit of volume to my very thin hair. I've purchased many different hair products to conceal my thinning hair, most are ineffective, messy, or leave my hair feeling greasy. It's super easy to use, I even use it for my sparse eyebrows, I simply brush use a soft, small lip liner brush to fill in my brows for a natural look. I also love that it lasts till your next shampoo. At first I didn't like the built-in sponge, but I've grown to really like it. The powder sticks to the sponge, making it easy to apply to whatever area you want to cover up, and the powder doesn't come off on pillows if you leave it on overnight." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.49 (available in 12 shades).
Promising review: "I love the way this glides onto cheekbones melting right in and super easy to blend with fingers. Buildable color. Got Dreamer color and it’s great on both cheeks and lips" —Michelle B.
Get it from Ilia for $34 (available in eight shades).
Promising review: "I love this! The tip has a pretty fine point to it allowing for thick or thin line control and it is SO smudge-proof! I work with animals and end up getting water sprayed in my face often and it doesn’t move! If I take a nap with it on? Still solid when I wake up. Rub my eyes way more than I should? No raccoon eyes! But when I want it gone it comes right off when washing my face or using a remover wipe! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good, budge-proof eyeliner that won’t take 50 years and a bottle of oil to get off." —Logan
Get it from Amazon for $4.73.
BuzzFeed Editor Katy Herman has this and says: "I use this stuff daily and adore it! I love that it's not perfumey, and it's really light and easy. I'm very low-key when it comes to beauty and skincare, but what matters most to me is that I get some SPF on my face, plus some moisture so my skin doesn't feel all dry after blow-drying my hair in the morning. Slathering this on accomplishes both of those things and makes me feel like I have a fancy skin routine with just a couple pumps of a bottle. Oh, and the bottle is large and lasts a while."
Promising review: "I really love this sunscreen. I’ve tried so many and they usually leave a dry chalky feel. Not this one. I have dry skin and this one feels so smooth and hydrating and I love the glow that it leaves. It will be my new go-to!" —Customer
Get it from Sephora for $36.
These cruelty-free pens are available in a two-pack!
Promising review: "So I bought these on a total fluke thinking they probably would be awful, but what the heck. THESE THOUGH — ARE AMAZING. Application? Ten seconds. Realistic look? Yes ma’am! I am honestly over the moon with this product and already repurchased. You really can’t go wrong here and I am thrilled to be out here living my best fake freckle life (but no one will know because 10/10 realism)." —Ansley House
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three shades).
It's also made with skincare ingredients so just in case you *gasp* sleep in it, you'll still wake up with good skin! It's suitable for all skin types, fragrance free, vegan, and cruelty free.
Youthforia is an Asian woman–owned small biz that aims to make makeup that's so good for your skin you can sleep in it. The founder, Fiona Co Chan, even tested the blush by sleeping in it for two months! They are passionate about being environmentally friendly and not using fossil fuels or gross toxins in their products.
Promising review: "Dewy and glowy. I tried it over makeup and it appeared as a strong pink shade but settled to a flushed, glowy color. I had my little sister try it too because I wanted to see the color change again and it lasted a really long time on her. The texture was smooth and it was easy to rub in and blend out." —Summer
Get it from Youthforia for $36.
And it's cruelty free!
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 $13.48.
The active ingredient centella asiatica has been recognized for its medicinal use and helps support wounded skin exhibiting inflammation, redness, or blemishes.
Promising review: "This stuff is a life changer for me. I’m early 40s with light skin tone and freckles. I have blotchy redness around the nose and dark eye circles. I applied this after my daily moisturizing routine and I’m speechless. I’m not a heavy makeup wearer to begin with so I will be buying the bigger size and ditching all my concealer. Ten-out-of-ten recommend for a NATURAL look...don’t buy this thinking you’ll come out looking airbrushed though." —SaltyPearl
Get it from Sephora for $19+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "A must-have!!!! This goes on super smooth, nice, evenly. You just take the roller that’s included and then roll it. Where you want highlighted stays put, no flaking or caking. I recommend this product and all products by this brand — their eyeshadows are fabulous, too." —mom2jav
Get it from Amazon for $28.
Promising review: "Seriously, this is the best concealer ever and the ONLY makeup product I've never traded out for any other brand! Amazing for covering cystic acne, acne scars, under-eye circles, redness, literally does it all and blends seamlessly and never looks cakey. Great for natural makeup, heavy makeup looks, literally DOES IT ALL." —M
Get it from Ulta for $29 (available in 35 shades).
It can also be used as a foundation to even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this powder. I've used more expensive ones in the past, but this one takes the cake. It keeps my makeup on all day, even with my oily skin. I personally don't use the 'baking' method, but even so it keeps my face in place all day, even when I get hot and sweaty. Other reviewers are right, it does have a slight baby powder smell, but it doesn't bother my very much and once you've applied it to your face, the smell disappears. I recommend it to all of my friends!" —Brittany
Get it from Amazon for $5.72+ (available as a pack of two or three and in six shades).
This formula is buildable and contains horse chestnut flower, which, rumor has it: can soothe fine lines over time.
Promising review: "This is so easy to use and I feel 'put together' quickly. I purchased the copper/bronze color and it looks gorgeous on my olive skin. It dries quickly, so get it where you want it! I’ve found doing one eye at a time is better. I have oily skin so I use a bit of primer, but it does stay all day!" —Customer
Get it from Ilia for $28 (available in six shades).
Promising review: "I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow, without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin." —Jessica Giles
Get it from Amazon for $8.55 (available in three shades).
The 1.8% salicylic acid helps prevent the development of pesky breakouts and redness. Zinc helps reduces inflammation and kaolin keeps oil at bay while minimizing the appearance of pores. Plus! It's vegan and cruelty free.
Promising review: I’ve only been using this for about a week, but have already noticed a big difference in my skin! I have normal skin with an oily T-zone, large pores, hormonal breakouts, and hyperpigmentation that leaves my skin scarred for months even if I don’t touch my breakouts. This primer has been clearing my acne (even the tiny ones on my nose), reducing my scars, goes on smooth and makes my skin feel so soft. I easily use it under my tinted sunscreen, putty blush and halo glow setting powder everyday and even when I’m not wearing anything else on my face. My skin looks beautiful!" —BeachBunny
Get it from E.l.f. Cosmetics for $9.
I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to a piece of stationery I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touch-ups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!
Get it from Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
Promising review: "Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. Tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat. I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in. Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." —Shannon M Slape
Get it from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in four shades).
Remi Brixton is the founder of OG faux freckle cosmetic company, Freck Beauty. Her brand is a clean, vegan makeup line based in Los Angeles, California. Remi along with her team behind Freck Beauty are known for creating an attitude: products made for anyone who cares about ingredients, respects the process, but doesn’t care about the rules.
I consider myself *blessed* to have been able to try out this powerful, feels-so-good-on-the-skin beauty product. It comes in three highly pigmented shades that complement different skin tones. And depending on the occasion, all three really do work for my darker complexion. Big Bang features a green/gold shimmer, Beam Machine a bronze/pink, and Space Face has a voilet/purple hue. I like to think Beam Machine is perfect for an everyday glow, Big Bang for a fancy dinner party, and Space Face for when I know I'm going out out.
Get it from Sephora for $28 (available in three shades).
Yep, she's also cruelty free!
Promising review: "This lipstick is amazing. I've tried several all day lipsticks recently (Maybeline Superstay 24 Hour, Revlon Colorstay Overtime, Jeffree Star) and none of them compare to this one. It goes on smooth, dries quickly and evenly, and lasts through pretty much anything, including eating and drinking. I love the lip balm that goes over top. It's moisturizing without being too glossy and is great for refreshing the color. Still looks good as new after eight hours!" —Liv Eveland
Get it from Amazon for $7.64 (available in 22 shades).
This is perfect for normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types. Plus, the vegan and cruelty-free formula lowers the temperature of your makeup for seamlessly smudge-proof, waterproof, and transfer-resistant wear for up to 16 hours!
"I use this spray and will swear by it for the rest of my days. I definitely have oilier skin in the summer months and over the years, I've tried a number of drugstore setting sprays that did absolutely nothing. This spray is worth the extra coins. I even wore it to Puerto Rico. Through the blazing sun and lots of ocean splashes, my makeup did NOT budge." —Marquaysa Battle, BuzzFeed Writer
Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in two sizes).
The palette features six shades which are light and medium (to camouflage spots that aren't too dark), yellow and peach (to conceal dullness and dark circles), green (to cover redness), and purple and pink (to brighten). The concealers have a creamy, hydrating formula. Apply the color that will conceal the spot that you want to cover and then put your foundation on top of it as usual. NO, you won't have a purple spot or green spot of concealer sitting on your face. Once you apply your foundation, it won't be detectable at all. Happy blending! BTW, Nyx is cruelty free!
Promising review: "I've always used concealers that match the color foundation I use. I decided to try the different color concealers and I'll stick with these. They cover the dark circles and redness with perfection." —Debbie
Get it from Amazon for $8.06 (also available three additional correcting versions).
Jill Turnbull is the namesake of the owner and this eco-conscious brand that prides themselves on blue beauty. What this means is that her products are formulated with reef-safe ingredients that are 100% biodegradable, cruelty free, and go through environmentally conscious production that leaves minimal impact on Mother Earth.
I can attest to the creamy, richly pigmented formula since I was lucky enough to test these babies out. When I'm feeling ambitious with my makeup I like to dabble in some *light* contouring and these are perfect for that. Now, I'm no expert when it comes to beating and baking my makeup, but I do like to add a touch of definition here and there. I use the bronze shade to contour beneath my cheekbones as well as an eyeshadow and the light pink shade is perfect for adding a touch of shimmer to my brow and cheek bones. They go on smooth and blend in with my skin seamlessly. Plus they're incredibly purse friendly to carry on the go!
Get it from Jill Turnbull for $32 (available in two shades).
I personally s-w-e-a-r by this little crayon for applying the finishing touches to my brows. I try not to pluck them very often but occasionally I'll have the odd hair growing in that just looks out of place — but is too short to tweeze. This creamy, pigmented crayon disguises any annoying little follicles *and* provides a highlighting effect on my brow bone for a subtle form of contouring that seriously lasts all day.
Promising review: "Fabulous tool to carve out eyebrows. Easy to use and blend. Couldn’t be happier, highly recommend. Tons of product, it is quality and lasts all day."—Customer
Get it from Sephora for $18 (available in three shades).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.