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. Nyx Butter Gloss melts onto your lips, leaving them with a buttery soft sheen. Plus, it comes in 32 bold colors (and a clear tint) so you can build up a versatile arsenal of lip shades on a budget.
2. Ebin New York 24-Hour Edge Tamer helps you lay down your edges and adds shine without flaking or weighing your hair down with daily use.
3. And the BestLand Hair Finishing Stick lets you take control of all those flyaways and slick them back without feeling greasy. This petite stick can go right in your bag so it's on hand for mid-day touch-ups.
4. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer 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.
5. I Dew Care Dry Shampoo Powder will make you a die-hard fan once you see how effective it is at mattifying oily roots. Just dab it on your roots to release an ultra-fine powder that absorbs oil and revives ~volume~ so you can stay fresh from morning to night.
BTW, this is cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $16.
6. Denman's Hair Brush was literally made for curly hair — it detangles, distributes product evenly, and shapes curls so you can dash out the door with perfectly sculpted spirals and time to spare. Also, its mini size makes it easy to hold and great for curly-haired kids to use as well.
7. Essence Lash Princess Mascara is beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and, most of all, for its $5 price tag!
2023: The year we stop spending over $10 on mascara.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord says, "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."
Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
8. Plus: An MSQ Eyelash Separator Comb will gently separate your lashes and remove any clumps, leaving them perfectly ~wispy~. Because when you've spent so much time crafting the perfect eye look, the *last* thing you want is clumpy, sticky lashes (and to risk messing up your makeup while fixing).
It also comes with a cap to cover the comb end for travel and storage.
Promising review: "The handiest tool you didn't know you needed! This inexpensive little tool is perfect for creating natural-looking eyelashes! Even expensive mascaras can look cheap if they clump up on your lashes. This tool acts like a comb to gently separate your lashes and keep them from sticking together. It has been so quick and easy to incorporate into my makeup routine, and the results are much nicer than a cotton swab." —Saved1
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in five colors).
9. Lanoplips Ointment 101 gives life to dry lips, cracked cuticles, rough skin patches, and other parts of your body in need of deep hydration. It uses all-natural lanolin oil, which mimics your skin's own natural oils, to heal and moisturize anywhere your skin could use some nourishment.
10. A double-sided BlushLips Lip Brush will also help if you're constantly applying lip balm but your lips still don't look or feel soft — chances are, they just need some exfoliation so your moisturizing product can be fully effective and your lipstick can look its best.
Jenae: I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel.
Promising review: "I love this product. I’ve been using lip scrubs for ages, but this exfoliator takes it to the next level. It really helps in removing dry lip skin for smooth lipstick application. To clean, I just wash it with antibacterial hand soap and store in a dry place. My new go-to beauty product!" —Cristina
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.
11. Elizavecca Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment deeply repairs and hydrates 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 (despite being a fraction of 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: "This is the first product that I have ever used where I saw immediate results. For those out there that have tried Olaplex at home, it's very similar in consistency but I think I see better results and this product is much cheaper. I shampooed my hair, towel-dried so my hair was damp, then ran the product through all my hair, mostly concentrating on my ends. I left it in for as long as I could and rinsed it out and my hair felt smooth and soft immediately. I let my hair air dry and it was soooo shiny! It is a small bottle but you don't need to use much so I can see it lasting for a while if you only do a treatment once a week or once every two weeks." —Samantha Ellis
Check out our full Elizavecca Hair Protein Treatment review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $7.25.
12. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water gently but effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup from your face without leaving it dried-out or requiring any harsh rubbing.
13. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub leaves 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.
Jenae: I've been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for months, and it's now 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, something I was definitely worried about considering I use a retinol cream once or twice a week (though I do avoid doing them on the same day). 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. This is one product that's going to be in my beauty arsenal for as long as they keep making it!
Promising review: "I've been dealing with acne for over 10+ years + oily skin. So you can imagine the acne scars/hyperpigmentation my skin has. I've used TONS of facial scrubs/masks that claim that it brightens your skin. The Acure facial scrub is the BEST and worth-your-money facial scrub I've ever used. My acne scars lighten almost immediately after use. I usually use it at night and leave it on for about five to 10 minutes and wash it off. My skin is seriously so smooth (normally I have to exfoliate almost every night or else my foundation does not go on smoothly) after just one use. The next morning, my skin looks so good! Acne scars are less red and my face is so smooth. I always use less foundation the next morning too. I love that its super affordable too. Will def continue to use this product." —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
14. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is worthy of being your holy grail hair and face mask — this cult-favorite mask is made of 100% natural calcium bentonite (a type of volcanic ash) clay, which draws impurities out of skin and buildup out of hair.
15. L’Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water transforms your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type!
16. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray not only protects your hair from heat and eliminates frizz after washing, but it *also* decreases blow-dry time by 50% so you have time to make that run to Starbucks before your 9 a.m. meeting.
17. E.l.f. Wow Brow makes your brows presentable in a matter of seconds for when you don't have time to be messing around with a full kit. This buildable wax-gel sculpts your hairs into place while also depositing hair-like fibers that make them look fuller. Reviewers say it's a great swap for pricier brands like Glossier and Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Promising review: "This product has replaced ALL of my high-end brow products. This is the most amazing brow stuff I’ve ever used. I don’t even have to fill in my brows because this has such great coverage. It’s a game changer!!" —Isabella
Get it from Amazon or Ulta for $5 or from Target for $6 (available in four shades).
18. Essence Glimmer Glow Lipstick uses pH color-changing technology to create the perfect rosy tint *for you* if you're just not sure what shade to reach for. While the gorgeous tube is super glittery, don't worry: It'll add only a sheer, subtle hint of sparkle to your lips along with the rosy tone.
Check out a TikTok of the Glimmer Glow lipstick in action.
Promising reviews: "This is such a pretty pH color lipstick, viral for a reason — it's very pretty to look at, it's not sticky at all, and the more you layer it, the darker the pink shows up. The only thing I don't like is the scent in it, I can almost taste it a bit. It's nice to have in my purse if I need a quick color while I'm out in case of sudden dinner plans or a meeting, because you can control the color saturation to how light or bold it is." —Kristina Bumbelow
"This product is beautiful. Being a darker skinned woman, I am hesitant to purchase lip colors online because I am unsure how they will look on me. This product is truly tone-matching and the added sparkle is a nice touch." —lookitsanonymous
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
19. Revlon Volcanic Face Roller keeps excess oil at bay throughout the day, absorbing shine in seconds without messing up your makeup or requiring you to pack on more powder. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this clever roller might just be your new holy grail.
20. Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Elongating Gel tackles a common curly hair problem head-on, 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.
21. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Base will 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. If you're still applying eyeshadow without primer, you're not getting its full effect.
Promising review: "I feel so stupid...I'm 65 years old and have always been annoyed by the fact that by mid-afternoon, my upper lids would be oily, shiny, and sporting a stripe from my eyeliner. I didn't think there was a cure. Then stumbled upon the idea of using a primer/foundation designed for the eyelids. What? How BRILLIANT!! Who would have thought? I dipped my toe into the water and purchased one tube of the Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer. I don't use eye shadow on my lids, but I do use it as a liner on my lower lashes. (I add water to compressed eye shadow and put it on my skin with a sponge-end pencil thing). This stuff ROCKS!! At the end of a hot Texas day, my lids are still as fresh and dry as they were at 6 a.m. And it only takes a pinhead-sized drop to cover one entire lid from lashes to eyebrow, with enough left to cover the lower lid area as well. It's creamy, but dries very quickly. Awesome! The only thing that keeps this product from being 100% perfect is that it has a chemical smell when you first put it on...BUT...after a few minutes, the smell is gone and my eye makeup looks impeccable for 12+ hours. Obviously, I highly recommend this product. They've found a lifetime customer with me." —ShortieTX
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
22. Verb Ghost Oil should be your secret weapon against frizzy, dry hair (especially if you color it frequently), softening and smoothing your strands while weightlessly adding shine.
23. Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, and it doesn't smudge and give you the dreaded raccoon eyes after a long day. Its color is rich — no need to retrace your lines over and over 'til it's properly saturated — and it's infused with moisturizing aloe vera and vitamin E. BTW, if you struggle with liquid eyeliners, you may find this application easier!
24. Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Stickers keep any unexpected zits from ruining your plans. They come on little sheets so slim, you could literally keep one in your wallet in case of a mid-day emergency. You can also stick one on before bed — either way, it'll get to work drawing out all that nasty gunk clogging your pores, leaving you with noticeably flatter skin in 6–8 hours. It'll prevent any picking at the area too!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate." For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review!
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!
Promising review: "I've struggled with absolutely random outbursts on my face and back. Naturally, during the summer, this is embarrassing to the point of wanting to stay covered up. I am SO happy to have randomly come across these magical little patches. They are simple to put on your skin, and fairly easy to take off. I truly appreciate that they almost blend into your skin and are not very noticeable unless someone looks very close. After a few days of using patches on a targeted area, I notice a significant decrease in oil and swelling in the area. ANY time I feel the start of a bump, I immediately put one of these on, and can assured it'll stop the growth before it even has time to think!" —Viktorija Grillo
Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $11.97.
25. It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is a salon favorite, and it's earned its cult following. Formulated with vitamin C, aloe vera, and sunflower seed and linseed extracts, It's A 10 does it all: moisturizes and repairs, protects hair against damage (including heat and UV rays), reduces frizz, and restores shine. Just a few spritzes on wet or dry hair is all you need!
26. Revlon's One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer lets you treat yourself to a salon-level blowout without stepping outside the house, and in a fraction of the time you'd spend using a traditional blow-dryer. It handles drying and styling in one step!
The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b through 4c hair mentioned it working for them.
Promising reviews: "I have naturally wavy/curly hair. First time using this I was impressed. It took me about 10 minutes to completely dry my hair. It felt so smooth and soft. I used no product before drying.I have told so many ladies I work with about this. Best thing to shorten my morning routine." —Stacy
Get it from Amazon for $39.89 (available in two colors).
27. Stack Brush BFF comes in clutch when you're traveling and need a brush that can do it all. Just pop off the cap, then slide the adjuster down for all-over application or slide it up to bunch the hairs for precision. When you're done, you can toss it right back into your bag — thanks to the handy cap, it'll be kept clean and away from dirt and bacteria.
28. "The Flick Stick" Winged Eyeliner Stamp addresses 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 $14.97 (available in three styles and a combo pack).
29. Lilac St. Original Lashes are meant to be worn for up to five (!) 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.
Check out why these are a fave in this TikTok.
Promising review: "I love every style I’ve tried from Lilac St. I have subscribed to their monthly program now and will continue using these beautiful lashes for forever. I’ve tried almost every false lash system on the market and none are as beautiful, wispy, light, and affordable as Lilac St. Waking up looking like my eye makeup is done every morning is awesome!!! These save so much time and I don’t have to use mascara anymore! I love Lilac St." —heather
Get them from Amazon for $9 (available in five styles).
30. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is THE holy grail for people with dry, sensitive skin. Its essential ceramides bring relief to dry, flaky, itchy skin by hydrating and restoring the skin's protective barrier — keeping the moisture in and pollutants out.
31. The Ordinary's 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil makes an excellent budget-friendly alternative to pricier face oils, deeply hydrating your skin without making you greasy. It's even light enough to layer with other products, and it can also help with evening out skin tone and soothing redness.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman says, "An oil is always the last step in my skincare routine, and The Ordinary's squalane oil is a personal fave. I use products with retinol weekly, so this oil plays a big role in keeping my skin hydrated and happy (retinol can often cause irritation and dry skin). I squeeze two to three drops into my palm — that's all you need! — warm it in my hands, and press it on my face, making sure every inch is covered. It definitely feels like I have an oil on my face but it's not suffocating or super greasy. Before I started using this, I would notice flaky, dry patches develop throughout the day. My skin was also a bit sensitive during cleansing. But since I've started using this consistently, my skin is much plumper, much glowier, and much more hydrated."
Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this oil. I have combination skin and it does not make me skin greasy or overproduce sebum. This oil is so lightweight that you can add serums and creams on top without making your skin feel packed. It hasn't made my skin break out at all and lasts for a long time. I purchased my second bottle; this is an essential in my skincare routine." —ashleymendoza
Get it from Sephora for $10.
32. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer is worthy of becoming a staple in your beauty routine, perfect for a quick touch-up (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.
33. Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum 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.
34. The internet-beloved Beakey Makeup Sponges have reviewers singing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish.
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris
Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in eight colored sets).
35. The Crayon Case Contoursition Palette comes with everything you need to sculpt your face like you're Michelangelo, with eight large, buttery shades to help you contour and highlight to your heart's delight.
36. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation has gained thousands of fans for its lightweight feel and satiny finish that's *not* cakey, creating a gorgeous velvety base that covers spots and blurs pores. People with oily skin in particular swear by it!
Promising review: "I am in my late 60s with normal to dry skin and let me tell you, I'm already in love with this powder foundation! A lot of the reviews I've read have come from younger folks with oiler skin who rave about how awesome it is for oily, textured skin. Well, I'm here to tell you that my skin is mature, on the drier side, with dark spots, texture and wrinkles, and this stuff is magic IF you take the time to BUFF IT IN!! That's the big key here. I just received my package and couldn't wait to try it out, so without prepping my skin like I usually do before applying foundation, I took a full, dense, soft powder foundation brush and started working that baby into my skin. OMG the formula was so creamy. I just kept blending and blending, and my pores started to disappear, my dark spots began to be less noticeable, and my skin had a smooth, creamy, natural appearance like no other powder foundation I've ever tried (that includes my high-end products). Imagine with prepped skin how this could be! The hype is very real with this, I had to check it out for myself because I have dry, older skin, and sometimes powder foundations can make my skin look drier and too matte. Not this stuff." —Flanamom
Get it from Amazon for $10.65+ (available in 20 shades).
37. Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer gives you that sun-kissed look even if you've barely left the couch for months. Brush this into your cheekbones, hairline, and temples for a natural flush — it has a cream-to-powder finish with a light shimmer and ~buttery~ texture reviewers rave about.
Promising review: "This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya
Get it from Amazon for $11.72+ (available in seven shades).
38. Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder was specifically made for acne-prone skin, since it contains sulfur to draw out oil and impurities, kaolin clay to purify pores and reduce excess oil, and zinc oxide with soothing properties. Dust it on your face as a setting powder *or* rock it on its own for a mattifying, redness-neutralizing effect — and take comfort in knowing it's working to make your skin healthier as you go about your day.
Promising review: "Holy grail for oily skin! My skin has always produced excess oil and I’m very prone to breakouts. One new thing in my skincare routine and I break out immediately the next day. So I was anxious to use this in fear it’d clog my pores-also had no idea this would actually help with combatting against my oily face! I live in Florida where it’s hot and humid basically 365 24/7. I put this on after doing all of my normal routine and it literally helps keep my skin OIL FREE! It’s incredible. I used to go through oil blotters, napkins, the back of my hands (gross I know) to dab at the excess oil but now I put this on and I’m good to go!" —Kay
Get it from Amazon for $12.
39. Nyx Matte Finish spray ensures your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a while, but finally needed to write a review. This morning, I put my makeup on and did some generous sprays of this setting spray. Then, I went into the 100-plus-degree heat and demonstrated a short workout at an outdoor event. Despite drinking as much water as I could handle, I overheated quickly and EMS had to come to my rescue. Between my boyfriend and EMS, there was a small crowd around me literally pouring ice water on me, mopping my face and neck with cold towels, and pressing ice packs on me. This continued for a while and I was sure that my makeup was gone, but this spray kept my face mostly intact! If this spray can keep my makeup on through an encounter with EMS and being essentially submerged in ice water, it can keep yours on through your (hopefully less eventful) day!" —Bugaboo
Get it from Amazon for $7.79+ (available in four finishes — matte, dewy, radiant, and plump — and also a jumbo size)
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.