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. A Cosrx snail mucin serum, a lightweight face serum to help repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate skin. It's designed for all skin types and reviewers love how gentle yet effective it is.
*All Cosrx products are dermatologist tested, cruelty free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby has this and says, "All right friends, I am here to confirm that the hype surrounding this stuff is SO real. I've had acne since I was literally 8-years-old (don't ask, my cousin was a face painter and practiced on me so I broke out BAD) and I'm JUST now starting to get it together. My skin this past year has completely changed, I have gotten super serious about my skincare routine, and I am now ✨ pimple-free ✨. Now, I am grateful that my skin has cleared up, but it was still kinda dull, uneven, ya know, the little nitpicky stuff. That is until I cracked and bought this little miracle worker. My skin is now ra-di-anttttt! It's never looked better. My only regret is not taking before and after pics but glass skin, I know her. I haven't gone out in public without makeup since I was like 12 because I was so insecure about my skin. Now, chiiiilld, I go out all the time free of makeup. I also bought this for my cousin for Christmas, she's obsessed, a friend slept over and I let them use this, they're now obsessed, I guarantee you'll fall in love after your first use."
Promising review: "I have bought and repurchased this already a few times. I replaced my SK-II, which is extremely expensive, with this and it works even better. It’s a staple in my skin care and will be from here on out. My skin looks amazing. I would use a facial spray before you use this to help it absorb and glide over your skin. Honestly, my skin loves it as much as I do!! Anyone who tries it won’t regret it, that is for sure. If you love SK-II which is a couple of hundred dollars, then you’ll definitely love this cheaper alternative." —Brooke & Jason Wood
Get it from Amazon for $17.
2. A foundation brush designed to blend both liquid and powder makeup to give you that flawless base. Reviewers love it because unlike other brushes it doesn't absorb (and waste!) half the product instead of blending it on your face.
Promising review: "I loved this brush so much I bought two more! It is the perfect blending brush for liquid, cream foundation, primers, concealers, and tinted sunscreen. I have brushes that were much more expensive but I love this one best. I just ordered the eye brush set to try them out, too." —kyglo
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 13 colors).
3. An illuminating moisturizer to instantly give you a ✨glow✨ while also hydrating your skin. The subtle tint will provide you a nice, light coverage on those days when you absolutely *cannot* with a full face of makeup.
Promising review: "Ok so last summer I took the plunge and bought that expensive Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay, but in my opinion, not anywhere near the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no makeup glow'. I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only an alternative for Drunk Elephant, it’s a better product. It doesn’t make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It’s a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and sinks into your skin as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer but that’s all that’s necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." —Emily W.
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four shades).
4. Peach and Lilly acne spot dots that work just as well as the fan favorite Mighty Patches. Just stick one of these bad boys on your pimple overnight and be amazed (/disgusted) by the results when you wake up.
Peach & Lily is a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in vegan beauty products A portion of the company's proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising review: "Medical aesthetician approved. I normally love the Mighty Patches but I found these and wanted to try them because they are way cheaper! I love them, they work just as well and are a fraction of the cost." —Audrey p
Get a 30-pack from Amazon for $4.88 (also available in a 60-pack).
5. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost gel cream designed to hydrate your skin (no matter how thirsty) just as well as The Water Cream from Tatcha, according to reviewers. Don't worry about any greasy feeling — this absorbs quickly but has long-lasting moisturizing powers.
Reviewers say it's also comparable to Belif's Aqua Bomb, Murad's Water Gel, and Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream.
Promising review: "I've burned through seven of these babies since I started looking for a cheaper alternative to the Tatcha Water Cream. I have oily skin, so I'll wash my face with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and apply this. It's so comforting and gentle on the skin, that I've convinced my husband to start using (he normally hates creams on his face). He likes how hydrating this is as a water cream without the greasiness of a normal cream, and I couldn't agree more. This is my go-to moisturizer for light to heavy makeup looks. I apply and wait about five minutes for my skin to soak it in before applying primer. Works like a dream! Pro tip: clean out the containers and keep them for things like overnight shampoo or conditioner. I'll mix my makeup foundation in the used pots, too. :)" —Maya
Get it from Amazon for $23.49+ (available in two sizes).
6. Stila eyeliner to create a precise look that will 👏🏼 not 👏🏼 smudge. 👏🏼 You won't even miss the slightly more dynamic double-tipped Tom Ford because you can create allll the same looks and feel good knowing you're saving money. 💰
Read up on why we picked the Stila as our mid-price pick and the Tom Ford as our splurge-y pick for the top liquid eyeliners.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Ciera Velarde has this and says, "I've worn Stila eyeliner for a few years now, and it's hands down the easiest, most precise eyeliner I've ever tried. I use it straight up and down to get a thinner line and apply it at an angle for a thick line. It's truly waterproof (go ahead and go swimming or cry through a sad movie!) and it stays put all day, even in the middle of summer. I buy these in twos so I never run out of them, that's how much I love them!"
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in seven colors).
7. A jar of E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer so you can feel confident that the makeup you just spent a lot of time on will actually stay in place all day. Plus this primer is designed to help reduce the appearance of your pores, so your skin will look extra ~smooth~ and hydrated.
Promising review: "Finally able to get my hands on this and it absolutely lives up to the hype! This is an amazing primer and really does visibly smooth and blur pores. I use my Beauty Blender to apply it and a little goes a long way. It’s a perfect alternative for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer at a fraction of the cost." —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $10.
8. Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil to transform your sparse brows into the full ones of your dreams. You can make 'em bushier than a bunny's tail if that's the vibe you're going for.
The tool comes with two ends: one a small eyebrow brush and the other a specially edged eyebrow pencil.
Promising review: "I bought this because it looked like an alternative for Goof Proof brow pencil and I was tired of spending ridiculous amounts on that! I actually like it better than Goof Proof (and for a quarter of the price)! I find it even creamier and easier to use. The tip is perfect if you have a good amount of brow to fill in." —Liza T.
Get it from Amazon for $8.54 (available in four shades).
9. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion that will help dry up blemishes while you sleep just as well as Kate Somerville's EradiKate Acne Treatment. Yeah, go ahead and get one of those ~fancy~ drinks you like with that money you've saved.
Promising review: "Been using this product for years! I have occasional acne and this product dries and heals my zits overnight like magic. I prefer the Mario Badescu to the Kate Somerville version that is more expensive, but not more effective. Love it and highly recommend it!" –Florian R
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in both plastic and glass bottles).
10. LilyAna eye cream to help lighten those dark circles and decrease puffiness under your eyes. It's packed with vitamin C and a bunch of other natural ingredients that can help improve the appearance of fine lines or dullness in your skin.
Promising reviews: "I was using Lancôme, which is so expensive, and LilyAna's eye cream works just as well!! So soothing and a cool feeling moisturizer. Will buy again!" —E&T's Gigi
"I have been using this daily for about eight months now. I am 60 years old. It reduced the puffiness and bags under my eyes. I am Sicilian and had dark circles. It has brightened up my eye area. I am very surprised as I have paid much more for eye creams that have done so much less. I recently had pre-cancerous cells removed at the bridge of my nose. After healing, I was left with a dark scar. The dermatologist told me that it would heal over time. Since I began to apply this eye cream, the mark has almost disappeared entirely. I shop constantly from Amazon. This is the first time that I have taken the time to write a review. That's how impressed I am with this product. If you decide to purchase this, you won't be sorry." —Lynda M.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).
11. Nivea Creme (the German version!) which will help save you from the patchy, flaky, and dry skin we all experience at some point during the year. Plus, take reviewers' advice and save yourself over $200 by choosing this over La Mer's pricey Crème de la Mer. "We are never, ever, ever getting back together" — you to La Mer after you try the Nivea creme.
The biggest difference between the German version of Creme and La Mer is that the latter contains fermented seaweed extract that produces lactic acid, an AHA known to help keep the skin moisturized and firm. (There are other differences in the ingredient list, which you can compare here). However, with the money you save by buying Creme, you can afford a pricier lactic acid product that would do the same thing!
Promising review: "As a lady of a certain age, I am very particular about what products I put on my face. I’ve purchased expensive moisturizers and drugstore items, and this one is the best so far. I recently read a review comparing the ingredients of this product to those in La Mer. The ingredients are similar, but the price is not. I’ve been using this twice a day for nearly a week. I love the creamy way it goes on. It is easily absorbed and doesn’t leave a film. My skin feels baby butt soft. I also use it on my hands and feet at bedtime. The price is minimal for the enormous container of product you get. This is a must-buy!" —Sooner
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
12. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry or uncomfortably tight (which is honestly one of my main pet peeves from face washes). Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is quivering knowing you won't be buying it again.
Promising review: "This is my favorite drugstore cleanser. It's on par with some of the more expensive ones and I swear it's as good as the Drunk Elephant Beste gel cleanser. It's nonstripping, lathers well, and removes the gunk without drying out my skin. I have normal-combo skin, and this works as a day or night cleanser. From the ingredients to the price point, there's nothing I would change about it!" —Michelle Huang
Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in three sizes).
13. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer if you've been looking for something to cover up big pimples, redness, or dark circles without weighing you down or lightening up your wallet too much.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Suazo has this and says, "There are few beauty products out there that I consistently go back to, which says a lot because I love everything that has to do with makeup. But alas, here I am, consistently finding my way back to Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I still don’t know how a cheap tube of concealer beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cake-y feeling. It blends incredibly well with every foundation I wear — and I have a lot of different foundations. I also really enjoy the sponge applicator. I still go over whatever I apply with a Beauty Blender to get that matte look, but having the sponge makes it easier and means I don’t have to use my fingers to dab under my eyes. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on."
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in a variety of shades).
14. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil that nourishes and hydrates your skin with natural ingredients to give you that same ✨glow✨ you get with Tarte Maracuja Oil, just for a ~fraction~ of the price.
Promising review: "I came across this looking for a cheaper replacement for my Tarte Maracuja Oil. I tried a few cheaper maracuja oils, but never any that made my skin look or feel anywhere near as good as this one does. I was a little hesitant as I hate the smell of cocoa butter. This has no cocoa butter smell to me at all. It actually works better than the Tarte oil at a fraction of the price. I can’t see ever being without this product. Definitely one — if not the best — budget-friendly beauty or skincare products I’ve ever tried." —Jennifer Salley
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
15. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 shades (matte, shimmer, and metallic!) so you can get as creative as you could ever imagine. And somehow even with this wide variety *and* brilliant colors, it still won't cost more than $10!!
Also, if you follow beauty influencers, you miiiight notice this is extremely similar to the James Charles x Morphe palette, which costs 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.
16. Care:Nel lip mask that reviewers say is *spot on* to the other version that's viral on TikTok. This will hydrate your lips overnight while creating a protective barrier to help prevent future damage.
Promising review: "I bought this product because I heard that it was an alternative to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and it 100% is!! It's basically the same scent and texture, and it moisturizes just as well overnight. I love both products, but will buy this one moving forward because it’s so much more affordable!" —¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six variations).
17. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum designed to help (stay with me here…) smooth wrinkles, brighten dark spots, firm skin, add moisture, reduce under-eye puffiness, and give you a beautiful glow. Not to mention it is more than 10 times (!!) less expensive than the highly sought-after TNS Essential Serum, but just as effective!
Promising review: "So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" —nana bendick
Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes).
18. A bottle of L'Oréal *eight-second* lamellar water rinse-out treatment so you can achieve moisture, shine, and silkiness in EIGHT SECONDS?! — just like the Olaplex Hair Perfector, except faster and wayy cheaper.
Promising review: "This is the best hair product I have ever purchased. It truly lives up to its claims. I have thinning, coarse hair and was stymied by its proclivity to frizz and its cotton candy texture. After one use of Wonder Water, my hair was shiny and the frizz and flyaways disappeared. Friends even remarked at how great my hair looked — something that has never happened to me. The only product I can compare this to is Olaplex, which is almost as effective, but five times as expensive and much more time-consuming to use. Applying Wonder Water is foolproof (the exact amount to use with each application is marked on the container) and it only takes eight seconds to work. Initially, I thought that Wonder Water was too good to be true, but I am already midway through my second bottle and I continue to be delighted." —Maureen Bolton
Get it from Amazon for $9.47+ (available in two versions).
19. Or an Elizavecca hair treatment infused with collagen to help restore your hair. Reviewers are even saying it's comparable to Olaplex (and less than one-third of the price)!
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.
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!
20. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with a thick, velvety texture to absorb quickly and provide you with 24 hours of hydration. You won't hesitate to buy this over the Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream, which is almost four times the price (and significantly less product).
Promising review: "I know there are a million 5-star ratings for this, but it's a wonderful creamy moisturizer. I've been using the Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream and this has similar ingredients and feels the same without the outrageous price tag. Def will be switching to this one!" —amanda
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes).
21. And CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to help renew and hydrate your skin overnight with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so you can have sweet dreams thinking of everything you can buy with the money you saved from not getting Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has this and says, "I've been using this CeraVe night cream for almost the whole year, and I have loved it the whole time. I have sensitive, combination skin that's also acne-prone (especially when I get stressed or don't get enough sleep.) I loved it right away, noticing the plumping, soft, hydrating effect it gave my skin after the first use — without any greasiness or overpowering fragrances. And after getting an allergic reaction to a different product, this cream got me THROUGH. TL;DR: CeraVe night cream really is fabulous, whether you have dry winter skin, combo skin, or your skin just needs some hardcore TLC after something goes awry. And for around $15 a jar, you're getting quite a lot of skincare bang for your buck."
Promising review: "I have very dry skin and used this at night and loved it! It's a small tub but lasted me about five months because a little goes a long way...I liked this much more than the DE Polypeptide cream, which was too light (I know you can put a thicker moisturizer on top, but at that price?! I needed it to be more). This is also great for sensitive skin because it's fragrance-free. I love CeraVe products, they really helped repair my moisture barrier and bring my skin to a much better place!" —Jacque
Get it from Amazon for $15.38.
22. Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water that'll remove makeup just like Bioderma. It'll also clear skin of dirt and oil, all without stripping your face of moisture.
This is our budget pick for best makeup remover!
Promising review: "I used to use Bioderma micellar water and it was my favorite. Then I came across this little gem, which works just as great and is a heck of a lot cheaper. This is my favorite makeup remover. It's great for sensitive skin and removes heavy makeup." —Patrick Mahoney
Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
23. Fanola's purple shampoo to help maintain that fresh-from-the-salon blonde, similar to Davines purple shampoo. Maybe now you can hold off on that expensive salon visit a liiiittle bit longer since the Fanola brand will keep you looking just as fresh as its contenders!
Promising review: "I have naturally almost black, thick, Asian hair that is highly processed and toned to high heaven just so I can be blonde. Not just sandy blonde. Platinum blonde. Now, any 'bottle blonde' knows that purple shampoo is the sweet baby Jesus in a manger necessity that they MUST use if they don’t want to end up looking like a wannabe ginger with greasy orange-tinged hair. It’s just that blonde life. I have tried almost every purple shampoo under the sun, ranging in price from $7 to $70 a bottle. The top contenders so far have been Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Silver, L’Oréal Purple Shampoo, and now, THIS. Fanola takes the cake and is hands down the winner when it comes to toning even the most stubborn brass out. Seriously. Your granny needs this. You need this. GIRL. I tried it in the shower on wet hair and left it on for about 10 minutes. Great results after just one use! And then, because I love a little lavender tint, I tried it on DRY hair, saturating it until almost black, and left it on for a whopping 30 minutes. Rinse until clear. And guess what? I LOVE IT. The lavender is not at all overpowering but there’s isn’t a hint of yellow/brass in my hair. I swear it even lightened my roots too!" —CatsonCatsonCats
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes).
And check out our full write-up of the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to learn more.
24. Essence Lash Princess mascara that will give you the look of wearing falsies, without the hassle of making sure you actually know how to put them on. Not to mention, the end result will be basically the same as you would get with higher-end mascaras, only significantly cheaper.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has this and 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: "I have used every high-end and drug store mascara out there. This is hands down the best mascara around and the price is unbelievable. It does not smudge, does not flake, does not irritate my sensitive eyes, no raccoon eyes at the end of the day, and stays put during and after workouts. It also removes easily in the shower with cleanser or makeup remover. BUY IT." —Michelle D.
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
25. The highly effective Bio-Oil designed to help minimize the appearance of scars just as well as Mederma scar gel, a drugstore staple. Anndd as an added bonus, Bio-Oil is also made to help nourish your skin without clogging your pores. ALL that and still less than half the price — it just one-upped you, Mederma.
Promising review: "I love this stuff!! I have some burn scars on my arm. I used an entire tube of Mederma and saw no change. I started applying this Bio-Oil and started to see a change and fading of the marks in weeks. No, they are not gone and no they will never go away but now I am no longer self-conscious of them! I occasionally use this on my face and have noticed a reduction in the appearance of acne scars." —rachel
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
26. A teeth-whitening pen to help you achieve those pearly whites you've always wanted. Simply spend 30 seconds a day brushing these on your teeth and then go about the rest of your life instead of having those Crest Whitestrips that have to sit on your teeth for at least a half hour a day. Plus each pen gets you about 20+ treatments, whereas one box of strips is only 16 treatments.
Promising review: "Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! Being the son of a dental hygienist, clean bright white teeth have always been important to me. Though I had my reservations about the whitening pen, it certainly didn't disappoint and works far better than the Whitestrips I've been using for the last several years, not to mention it's a much better deal for your money. I'm a total coffee connoisseur which has always made having a bright white smile all the more challenging, but the pen is giving me the upper hand. I also don't miss the tender gums I used to get from the Whitestrips." —Franknsd
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
27. A container of Albolene moisturizing cleanser reviewers are loving as an equally effective — and much more affordable — makeup remover compared to Clinique Take The Day Off balm. Massage this balm on your face and watch your makeup melt away.
Promising review: "I usually wear a full face of makeup and I used to take it off with the Clinique Take the Day Off balm, which is superb, but I find this one to be an amazing option at a fraction of the price. I don't have breakouts, it's easy and simple to use." —viewer
Get it from Amazon for $9.74+ (available in two quantities).
28. Or a makeup cleansing cloth that works just like the MakeUp Eraser to remove A L L your makeup by just adding water…yes, even waterproof makeup. Buhbyeee wasteful makeup removing wipes! How does it make sense? IDK maybe it's magic, but whatever it is, it *works.*
Promising review: "Affordable comparison to the MakeUp Eraser towel, and it WORKS! Highly recommend it if you want to ditch single-use makeup removal wipes... These things absorb water quickly and remove makeup without the hassle...yes, even waterproof mascara and brow tint." —Marcy Days
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.