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. Tree of Life retinol serum that also packs in hyaluronic acid for powerful formula that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots while leaving you with an all-over ✨ glow ✨. With over 15,000 5-star ratings, it's proof that quality skincare can be affordable, too.
The reviewer pics above were taken just over one month apart without makeup on.
Promising review: "First of all, just buy this! You can't beat the price and your skin will thank you. I first used this retinol several years ago when my skin in my late 30s was needing some serious help. I have combination skin, it is pretty sensitive and prone to breakouts and I have large clogged pores on mostly my nose and chin. I noticed after several weeks that my skin was getting so much smoother and my pores were shrinking. My skin feels as smooth as glass and many fine lines are diminishing, as well as my pores. Don't waste time with other serums, you seriously cant beat this with a stick! If you're sensitive, start out with 2–3 nights a week and build up from there." —Jill V.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
2. Sdara's Derma Roller designed with teensy-tiny needles that are painless. Its superpower = helping serums and other skincare products penetrate your skin deeper for *maximum* effectiveness. With weekly use, it can also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and large pores — and at the fraction of the price of a professional micro-needling appointment.
The reviewer's pics above show results after just one night, with smoother texture and a more even skin tone! I also recommend checking out this reviewer's pics, who saw a 30-year forehead scar fade after using this tool.
Make sure you learn how to derma-roll properly before going at it!
Promising review: "My derma roller arrived very quickly and was packaged to perfection. I've only used it less than a week and can already see a difference in my skin. I primarily purchased this to help my hyperpigmentation serums sink into my skin deeper, which it's totally doing! My dark spots have already started to lighten with only three uses (I use the roller every other day). I was worried about the pain this would cause, but it's really not that bad — kind of just feels like a sunburn for a couple of minutes afterwards, but my serums help to soothe it quickly. If you're on the fence about purchasing this...just do it! You won't regret it." —lmarvin
Get it from Amazon for $15.49.
3. A pack of disposable face towels that are 100% biobased (unlike your regular disposable makeup wipes) and don't harbor bacteria. (Because how often are you washing your towels?) These are fragrance- and chemical-free (gentle on even sensitive skin) and can help with stubborn acne that just won't go away.
These are 100% USDA-certified biobased, meaning they're made entirely from plant-based materials and better for the environment than your regular disposable wipes.
Clean Skin Club is a small business that launched in 2019 to create innovative natural skincare products.
Promising review: "I love using these!! They helped clear up my skin because I wasn’t using towel covered in bacteria after washing my face anymore. They are soft and feel great on your skin, they are great quality, and they are just as good for removing makeup as they are drying your face." —Megan Mickey
Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $11.95 (also available in other packs and a larger size).
4. A polar bear-shaped hydrating eye balm to bring the cooling relief your dark, puffy undereyes are craving (because none of us are getting enough sleep, let's be real). This K-beauty essential contains Icelandic glacial water that nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier as well as minimizes the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet.
Promising review: "This hydrating eye stick does wonders for my puffy eyes in the morning. It smells amazing and it glides on so smooth my husband even started to use it. We’re in our mid-30s now and need all the help we can get and I would absolutely recommend this product. I have purchased it a number of times now." —Alexis Rheanna
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. Lilac St. Original Lashes that are meant to be worn for up to 10 (!) days, so if you hate putting on mascara every day and don't want to deal with professional extensions, these might just fit into your low-effort routine. These vegan, cruelty-free silk lash fibers have an ultra-thin band, adhere well, and look *super* wispy and natural.
Promising review: "Y’all I have been a loyal Lilac St. customer since they started and I will never leave them. These are the absolute best quality. I get so many compliments. They are the most natural and most comfortable to wear. I use multiple times by using makeup remover and water to remove any glue. Seriously will never stray." —Katiew
Get them from Amazon for $12.95 (available in eight styles and four sizes).
6. Peach Slices acne spot dots for a *super* budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option compared to other brands like Mighty Patch. Keep them around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that nasty gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight.
Peach Slices is part of Peach & Lily, a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson
"So I have been usually these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88.
7. Or star-shaped patches that'll keep you from picking at pimples and work to reduce redness and swelling while *also* letting you rock cute little stars on your face. We love!!
Starface is a small business that specializes in cruelty-free skincare products.
Promising reviews: "This is a super cute pimple sticker for me. I like to put one on after I finish my makeup on a few of my pimples, and I feel like it makes a huge difference. Definitely buy this, it’s amazing!! And super cute . You can wear it without makeup too, either way I think it’s pretty cute if your wanna change up your look a lil' bit." —nyla yellowwolf
Get a pack of 32 from Amazon for $14.49.
8. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price!
Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.
Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB
Get it from Amazon for $6.68.
9. A foot peel mask that conditions and repairs dry, flaky feet with an all-over treatment. Sit somewhere where you can be comfy for about an hour, wrap these masks around your feet, then watch them peel over the next week or two, revealing new, ultra-soft skin below! It's disgusting, but oh-so satisfying.
It's suggested that after you use the peel, you soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes once a day for optimal results!
Promising review: "This product is amazing! My second time around purchasing it. I’m a male in my 30s and my feet are taking constant abuse from my line of work. My feet were just beat up. Constantly itching. The product didn’t quite fit my large foot but I improvised. By next day it started working its magic. Next few days it was like day and night. It’s an amazing product. I’m usually a skeptic but I recommend this to everyone." —John Van Nguyen
Get it from Amazon for $14.49.
10. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups. Blink, and you might mistake it for Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other pricier options.
Promising review: "Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia
Get it from Amazon for $10.
11. A Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It'll buff away dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it'll help your moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness.
Note: It shouldn't be used on your face, but your arms, legs, and the rest of your body are fair game!
My former colleague Jasmin Sandal vouches for this mitt: "I can attest, this thing is like witchcraft in a mitt. I use this weekly to rid my early-30s skin from dullness and dryness. And I'm not joking, my arms, legs, tummy, bum, literally everywhere this thing graces becomes 10x smoother. It's now part of my routine before I shave — and if you think a razor can give you slick skin...paired with THIS, oh boy, you haven't seen (or felt) anything yet.
"Is it gross to see a week's worth of skin trickle off your body and into the tub with you? Yes. But is it oh-so-satisfying to get a closer shave? You betcha. Oh, and for me, I feel like this has stopped ingrowns in their tracks, too, because it lifts layers of skin before they harden and become more of an ish'. Basically, if you're looking to up your shower time routine, give this a go. Being gentle for the first couple of uses is key, and then once your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the pressure you apply. I can't wait for you to see how you and your skin like it!"
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a pair).
12. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match.
Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
Get it from Amazon for $17.
13. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more.
Promising reviews: "The best I’ve tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn’t have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don’t test on animals." —Detti
"This product is fantastic; the best I've used in years! And the price can't be beat. It's [leagues] ahead of the well-known brand names that sell for five times as much and more!. Just one or two coats gives me length and volume. With the gloppy other brands, I'd given up wearing makeup at all. I have sensitive blue eyes — and did I say I'm old, which adds another layer of sensitivity — and this mascara don't bother my eyes at all, no redness or irritability." —Antonia Albany
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
14. A L’Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that'll transform your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type!
Promising reviews: "Wow! I have waist-length 3c curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky
"I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —anonymous87
Get it from Amazon for $9.59.
15. An elongating curling gel helping you achieve spirals that are soft and defined without losing any length. Plus, for under 10 bucks you're getting a ton of product in this generously sized tub.
Promising review: "Holy grail curl definer. I have been using it to define my curls for about 5 years. I spent so much money on other definers before I found this gel. It is VERY moisturizing and does not give you that dry hard curl that feels like it will break off if touched wrong. It dries clear, does not leave any residue and curls will last until your next wash — which is usually about 4–7 days for me. You can use a little or a lot depending on how defined you want your curls to be. I use about a handful but that's my preference. I simply slather it on, root to ends, and then whip my head back and forth a few times and I'm done with my hair!! I am definitely a lifetime customer!!" —Starr
Get it from Amazon for $6.98.
16. A brightening facial scrub that'll leave your skin positively soft and glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but it also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores.
The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is my go-to exfoliator. I use it a couple of times a week in the shower, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn't been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin. Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer.
Promising review: "Oddly enough, I never had acne as a teenager but now, in my 30s it has been one huge struggle. I’ve tried everything from prescription to drug store and everything in between with zero luck. With no expectations I grabbed this and started using it every night. By day four I was noticing my acne diminishing, my skin looking brighter and super soft. By day nine, a small brown aging spot I’ve had for months was almost gone. Two weeks in and my skin has NEVER looked better! This is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that doesn’t agitate my sensitive skin and is safe for daily use." —William Lawrence
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
17. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer because if you're applying eyeshadow without a base, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long.
Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." —Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
18. And a rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades so you can play with pretty much any color to paint the ~canvas~ that is your lovely face. Loved by amateurs and professional makeup artists alike, this is a great all-in-one palette for anyone who's not afraid to dabble with bright colors.
Also, if you follow beauty influencers, you miiiight notice this is extremely similar to the James Charles x Morphe palette, which cost almost $40. 👀
Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." —Daniel T Adams
"Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
19. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning.
For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal!
Promising review: "[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." —Riya
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six combos).
20. Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, worth the try if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy!
Reviewers compare to products like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint.
Promising reviews: "This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 38 shades).
21. A 2-in-1 hair bun maker if you've ever wished you could pull off one of those effortlessly perfect buns you see on others — with this, you'll be able to easily throw your hair up in a variety of cute bun styles. And BONUS for my fellow air-dry girlies: Use this while your hair is damp, and you'll be left with beautiful curls afterward!
Curlinator Designs is a North Carolina-based small family biz that specializes in hair accessories.
Promising review: "Love it!!! I was concerned I wouldn't be able to figure out how to use it, but videos make understanding simple. So much easier to use in the mornings than fixing your hair in a bun!!!" —bld9
Get it from Curlinator Designs on Etsy for $12.50 (available in 18 colors).
22. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.
Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too). And multiple people compare it to SkinCeuticals' vitamin C serum — which, if you're unaware, retails for a whopping $182, folks.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
23. A winged eyeliner stamp addressing the bane of every makeup wearer's existence: creating the perfect, symmetrical cat-eye. Now you don't have to spend an hour redoing your wings — this easy-to-use stamp creates the same wing on each side, and no one will even know the difference. 🤫
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Promising review: "Amazon makes all things possible, even the perfect winged liner. I’m speechless. I’ve never been able to do winged liner in the 30 years I’ve walked the Earth. This product is amazing, it’s seamless. Literally, it’s foolproof. Not to mention it has great staying power, it’s very dark, and hasn’t smudged all day. I seriously wasn’t expecting to like it this much, you’ve got a customer for life!" —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three styles and a combo pack).
24. A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to keep yourself from looking greasy by 10 a.m. — you can keep these in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day as needed! (Don't worry, your makeup will remain unscathed.) This 100-count pack will cost you less than 10 bucks, a fraction of what premium brands like Tatcha charge.
Promising review: "These are great for oily skin. I normally can get through half the day before my face looks like a grease pit and that's after applying anti-shine under makeup. These wipes are a miracle. They absorb quickly and I love having them in my purse. I normally use two a day — much better than Tatcha." —Leslie M.I Photographer
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles and a bundle with a pocket mirror).
25. An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*.
Promising reviews: "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 Beverly Hills, 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
"This is so, so much better than the clear mascara that I was using. Ditto for the expensive eyebrow gel that I used before that. This stuff is: not crunchy, not crusty, and doesn't wear off, all day long. What it IS is nothing short of amazing: a little brow pencil and some of the eyebrow soap, and you have perfect brows all day, with no worries." —H. K. Rodman
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel).
26. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush because, don't get me wrong, we love Glossier Cloud Paint around here...but stocking up on your favorite shades is admittedly painful at $20 per tube. This water-based formula will give you that gorgeous natural flush, applied easily using just your fingers, for a fraction of the cost.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!"
Promising review: "This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It’s less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.92+ (available in five shades).
27. A 42-pack of foam curling rods to make curling your hair *so* easy. All you have to do is wrap your hair around the rods into your desired shape and size, then lay down for your nightly snooze. You'll wake up with gorgeous curls — no expensive curlers or gadgets needed.
Reviewers with everything from stick-straight to type 4c curls swear by these!
Promising review: "I haven’t put curlers in my hair in YEARS. Saw this on TikTok. Thought it would be great, especially because I’m so lazy when it comes to styling my hair. Dried my hair about 60%–70%, put curlers in, slept on them (not uncomfortable to sleep in), and voilà — hair is curled and ready to go in the a.m." —lapiper21
Get a 42-pack from Amazon for $9.95.
28. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture).
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat
"I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores but nobody ever told me what this was. This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even exist...this cleanses your face, takes off your makeup. Nobody should not know what this stuff is." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and in packs).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!
29. Or Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, the makeup remover to end all makeup removers. With a simple list of 10 (!) ingredients, this stuff gets your face SO clean with just a pea-sized amount that transforms into a silky oil in your fingers. It also helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, refines texture, brightens the skin...you'll never look twice at a disposable wipe again.
Promising review: "Yes, I bought this because of TikTok. I was not expecting to like it, I figured it was like all the other cleansing balms I've tried...oh boy was I WRONG! This cleanser is so perfect. I don't need a second cleanser, I don't need to remove it with a cloth. It works so well on its own. Like it blew me away, it is perfect for my skin type. I have dehydrated, acne prone, premature aging 33-year-old skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, but I always follow up with my moisturizer." —Cami
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
30. Ebin New York 24-hour edge tamer that helps you lay down your edges and adds shine without flaking or weighing your hair down with daily use.
Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!
Promising review: "I love this product! This is the only product that I have found to lay my 4c natural hair edges. Other products just lay my hair for a few minutes, but once it gets into the elements, my edges frizz up. Ebin keeps my edges laid all day. I really love how my hair looks with fresh braids as well. I don't have to worry about it flaking and turning white. This is my go to product that works for me!" —Calatt
Get it from Amazon from $4.95 (available in five sizes).
31. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, which might be cheap (less than $2 each!) but bear results that feel ~expensive~ — especially since so many reviewers swear they're even *better* than those pricey name brand liquid lipsticks! This set is honestly a must-have if you love red and pink lip shades, since it contains six long-lasting staples that'll have you look fierce all day long.
Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire
"Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" —Vickyy
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three sets).
32. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-favorite you can wield as part of your multistep daily routine *or* for quick touch-ups (without cakiness!) on days when you're not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it — and neither are the name-brand concealers, at this price.
Promising reviews: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time i set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my every day makeup bag." —Brittney
"Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I’m 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" —Lynnette Smith
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in many shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
33. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray so your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting. Reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for Mac and Urban Decay's setting sprays.
Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $9.34 (also available in dewy, radiant, and plump finishes, and a jumbo size).
34. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin. Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects.
Here are some other skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone, BTW.
This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion.
Promising review: "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
Get it from Sephora for $9.50.
Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.