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 ✨glowy foundation✨ by E.l.f. that'll have you walking around looking like you have a permanent IG filter on. You won't believe how radiantly perfect your skin looks. Fine lines and pores will magically blur away right before your eyes, almost like a perfect skin spell. Sabrina the teenage witch has some explaining to do.
Promising review: "So, I decided to give the E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter a whirl, hoping to turn my skin from 'dull daily routine' to 'divine radiance'. Spoiler alert: I'm now glowing so much, I might start guiding lost ships at sea. The texture is smoother than my dance moves on a Saturday night. It’s lightweight, and blending it into my skin was easier than my decision to hit snooze every morning. It left my skin feeling like it had just had a spa day – hydrated, happy, and slightly confused about being treated so well. This liquid filter promises a glowing, soft-focus effect, and let me tell you, it delivers. I looked in the mirror and thought, 'Who is she, and how can I keep her around?' It's like having an Instagram filter in a bottle, minus the digital manipulation and existential crisis. You can wear it alone, mix it with foundation, or apply it as a highlighter. It's like the Swiss Army knife of makeup, but please don't take it camping. Considering it turns my complexion from 'meh' to 'miraculous' without requiring a small loan, I'd say it's good value for the money. Overall, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter is like a magic wand for your face. It gives a natural, radiant glow that says, 'I drink enough water and get eight hours of sleep' even if your lifestyle screams the opposite. Highly recommend if you want to look like you're glowing with health, or if you just enjoy pretending you have your life together." —christina l.
Get it from Amazon for $12.32+ (available in 12 shades).
2. A set of six color-changing jelly flower lipsticks made with cocoa butter, beeswax, and more yummy, hydrating ingredients to keep your lippies nice and moisturized. Depending on the temperature of your lips, the color of the lipstick will ~change~ to a shade that's unique! Almost like it was practically made for you. And can we just take a moment to marvel at how beautiful these are?! 😍😍
Promising review: "Third set I've ordered! I was gifted one first and loved the way it saturated my lips with moisture and a natural color. Gave to my daughters and teacher besties and they loved it too! So interesting to see the different color on every lip!" —KevinB
Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.99 (available in a three-count and seven color sets).
3. Or a buildable Essence Electric Glow Stick lipstick that'll react to your natural pH to deliver your pout a *unique to only you* rosy shade. Oh! And reviewers are also loving this as a blush!
Check out a TikTok of the Electric Glow lipstick in action.
Promising review: "Beautiful color lipstick that looks great with my skin tone. Not too bright but a rosy color that I love." —Faloli
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
4. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush for a stunning, natural flush that rivals Glossier's Cloud Paint at a fraction of the cost. A 👏 FRACTION 👏 OF 👏 THE 👏 COST 👏 . *Sigh* one of the best phrases to hear. I wanna add all six shades to my cart, how about you?
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!"
Get it from Amazon for $5.91+ (available in six shades).
5. A set of beauty sponges that'll *effortlessly* blend your makeup. Oh, and, you'll get five sponges for under $10! You won't even need to ask your magic goldfish for a deal this sweet andddd you'll be saving money! If You wanna toss those expensive name-brand ones, I'll totally understand.
Promising reviews: "Closest thing to magic I have ever seen with my own eyes. These sponges are ahhhhhh-mazing. So amazing that I have been handing them out like hot cakes so every one I'm close to can try them (I now have to order more because I gave them all away). So far, they all agree that these sponges are the way to go, especially because they're a fair price. Five sponges for $9.99. I can afford that. Thanks, Beakey!!!!!" —Elena
"These are seriously the BEST generic makeup sponges!! Why anyone would pay $20 for a name-brand Beauty Blender when there are excellent alternatives like these is beyond my realm of comprehension. These are just as soft, bouncy, and absorbent (but not overly so, as to waste product) as the name brand. And they cost a little over $1 a piece, in comparison to the AT LEAST $20 price tag on the name-brand Beauty Blenders! This is a total no-brainer! I find washing my makeup sponges to be a pain so at this price, they’re pretty much disposable. This is the fourth or fifth package of these I’ve purchased and I hope they never stop making them at this cost cuz I’ll buy this brand 'til the end of time, if they let me!" —philip
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight color combos).
6. A fabulous lip-plumping gloss set for some seriously juicy lips. Since filler is soooo expensive, get the plump without having to blow your entire check. Ooh-la-luscious. Angelina Jolie, is that you?
You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.
Promising reviews: "I loved this stuff, it was magic. The evening moisturizer was fabulous. It is the first plumper that actually works for me. Will be buying more for gifts!!!!!" —Alexandra
"I discovered this product from TikTok and I had to give it a try. I tried the day lip plumper and within a few seconds, there was a subtle tingling/burning that lasted for a few minutes but as it occurred, the plumping started to happen! It made a noticeable difference and made my lips look like I had filler! I'm obsessed!! —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
7. An under-eye brightener because you aren't sure if you'll ever actually not be exhausted, but you can def stop looking like it. It's ~enriched~! with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to give your dark circles a more radiant look. The pinkish tint helps balance out the blueish tint under your eyes, so no one will be able to tell that losing that hour of sleep is kicking your butt.
Promising reviews: "Anyone with dark under eye probs like myself need to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better in my opinion!! It’s very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well, it's very creamy, and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It’s extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I’m a sucker for saving money and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" —Caitlin Newcomb
"Bought this after seeing an influencer use it on TikTok. This works really well. I can instantly see a difference when I use it under my eyes. For the price this is a win win. I had never heard of this brand but I will be using their products more often." —Kerry C
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades).
8. A hydrating grip primer by E.l.f. that'll keep your makeup intact all day. It's ~infused~ with niacinamide to help smooth and brighten any dull skin and will really grip up your makeup so it won't even dare to try and move in the slightest.
Promising reviews: "When they say GRIP! Lmaoo they never lied baby, the grip is gripping. I love this primer so much, it gives makeup a smooth application and the sticky formula really gives that mega grip to keep products in place. This is a good alternative to the more expensive Milk primer. I haven’t experienced any caking or creasing. I’m also an oily girl and this primer definitely held up 9+ hours. Love it." —Hey Kae
Get it from Amazon for $9.46+ (available in two styles).
9. Or an Elizabeth Mott face primer — a K-beauty pore-minimizing miracle to help control your oily skin and keep you shine-free. Lock in your look with this bad boy and avoid having your makeup move and shift around. And later, at the end of your day, when you see how good your makeup *still* looks, you'll seriously be thanking this stuff.
Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz!
Promising reviews: "I wore this primer under my foundation (Nars and Maybelline Fit Me) along with setting spray (Nyx) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go under water three times. This was the result of my makeup! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" —Ryan Brooks
"I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin. I realized the makeup I was previously using was breaking me out so I threw it away and purchased this primer with a powder foundation from another brand. THIS PRIMER THOUGH!! I hated the powder foundation I purchased and got rid of that too, but this stays. I use this as my foundation now! It comes out green but blends into your face quickly. It covers my redness and uneven skin tone, but my freckles can still be seen. It makes my face look almost flawless, hydrated and clear. This blew me away. I've already been suggesting it to friends and I will continue to buy this over and over again." —Lucy
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four styles and in a bundle)
10. A tube of Essence Lash Princess Mascara so good, people will ask you "are those your lashes?" This mascara def brings as much drama as Cathy did on Dance Moms.
Promising reviews: "This is an amazing mascara! I wear contacts and I’m especially sensitive to mascaras. I had absolutely no sensitivity to this could wear my contacts for 18 hours with this mascara. It really lengthens and adds volume to my lashes. This is as good, if not better, than any mascara that I have purchased from Sephora, including Better than Sex, Dior, Lancôme, etc. I am also extremely happy with the price. Do not hesitate to buy this product. It’s amazing! ❤️🙏🏻" —Isabella
"I tried this mascara for the first time in 2020 after seeing it go viral on TikTok. It was too inexpensive to not try, right?!?! Well, let me just say how upset I was to find out this little inexpensive bottle outperformed EVERY expensive mascara I had ever bought. This is now the only stuff I use!" —Amanda Sims
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a three-pack and in two colors).
11. Plus Essence's Volume Booster Lash Primer infused with nourishing, moisturizing mango butter and acai oil that'll help take your lashes to a whole new level of volume. Pair it with your fave mascara for the lashes of your dreams.
Just apply it until you see a thin, white layer and then let it sit for 20–30 seconds before putting on mascara.
Promising review: "Saw this primer recommended on TikTok and they were right. Let it dry before mascara application, and it does wonders. Adds volume! Stays all day." —JC
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a three-pack).
12. A volcanic stone face roller to soak up excess face oil even if you're wearing makeup. This baby is reusable AND washable!! Bring it on the go and when you see your face beginning to look a little past the glazed donut stage, let this baby save you! I personally would like to take part in this sorcery. Where's the cauldron we're meeting around and what time?
Promising review: "Let me first say, I’m a good Christian woman. I never wanted to mess around in magic, but after purchasing this thing not only am I wondering what else the devil will sell me for less than $15, but also why I never found this thing sooner. There’s no other reason this thing works as well as it does for as inexpensive as it is than some twisted wizardry. All jokes aside, I am floored. I saw the videos. I saw the reviews. I figured I’d give it a shot. My skin creates more oil than KFC will probably go through in a year, and nothing ever works for me. I’m usually constantly breaking out, continuously trying to blot, and eternally dreading looking at my face in the mirror after I come home from work, but not anymore! Now I’m stoked to use this thing! As for cleaning frequency, because my skin just hates me I can assume I’ll be cleaning it every two to three days to rid it of the oil it yeeted from my face. No big deal. Super easy to take apart, super easy to put back together. It’s also super small. If I had normal-sized pockets like my boyfriend’s pants did, I’d be nervous I’d lose it. But I don’t, because I wear clothes made for women. So whatever pockets I DO have, this thing will still fit right inside of them. Buy one. Buy eight. I don’t care. Just listen to me, you’ll love it." —Coley
Get it from Amazon for $9.94.
13. Maybelline's Instant Rewind Concealer with a sponge on the end that'll cover dark circles so well, everyone will wonder what spell you used to achieve such magic. You'll look well rested and refreshed even on days that you...uh, aren't. Nobody will even be able to tell!
Promising review: "I have extremely dark under-eye circles. 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 Bobbi 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 everyday makeup bag." —Brittney
Get it from Amazon for $8.67+ (available in a ton of shades, two sizes, and in a two-pack).
14. A Nyx Epic Ink Liner so you can have the perfect waterproof, matte wing for a low, low price. The precise tip makes it easier to control how thick your top liner is so you get a gorgeously defined finish.
Promising reviews: "I used to buy the Kat Von D Tattoo liner but it started getting super pricey and it didn’t last long! I’ve had my current Nyx eyeliner since July 2021 and I USE it EVERY DAY. It’s now February 2022 and I’m currently ordering another one! So much better than Kat Von D and a great price!" —Natalie Garcia
"This is amazing. The most rich black liner. It stays on all day without running. The tip makes it so easy to do a fine line or a thicker line. Will never buy an expensive liner again. This is better than $20+ ones out there!" —Courtney Bradley
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors and in a two-pack).
15. An eye primer to help lock down your eye makeup and have it lasting longer than the Energizer Bunny. This base will have your shadow looking as bold, pigmented, and vibrant as ever while putting your more expensive eye primer to shame. Someone roll out the red carpet or, I mean, carry one with you to roll out yourself cuz you're gonna look ✨flawless✨ .
Promising review: "So let me start by saying, I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low — Mac, Lorac, Urban Decay...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer, and my shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I'm 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 $11.19.
16. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm reviewers are calling *magic* and comparing to Farmacy's Green Clean balm, which is much more expensive. The hyaluronic acid will keep your skin all hydrated and help protect the moisture barrier. It'll also give your face a nice cleansing and ~melt~ your makeup away.
Promising reviews: "E.l.f. has really stepped up their game lately! I was using Farmacy Makeup Meltaway, and I loved it, but it was very expensive. I decided to try the E.l.f brand because of the price, and it's the exact same thing! For $11, you can't go wrong with this product. I wear waterproof mascara, and this makes removing it super easy! My face feels super clean and hydrated after using this product. The product lasts for a good amount of time, too." —Haley McCaulley
"Must have! I purchased this on a whim because of TikTok and honestly have no regrets. The scent is faint but the perfect amount of smell. It moisturizes my face immediately and my makeup comes off super easily. I absolutely LOVE it." —Meli
Get it from Amazon for $10.45.
17. Or Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E — and I'm sure there's some witchcraft sprinkled in that isn't mentioned. Reviewers LOVE this stuff cuz it doesn't leave any residue or oiliness ANNNND it can help brighten your skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots! It also gets compared to fancy shmancy versions like Farmacy Green Clean so it's def worth taking a look at!
Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products.
Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
18. A gorgeous Nyx Butter Gloss that's under $5 and isn't sticky!! (Because who wants a *sticky* lippie?) Reviewers are lovin' this little affordable alternative to high-end glosses that'll run you, like, $20. Get the perfect pout with this beautiful, creamy gloss. Put it over your lipstick or wear it alone for juicy, glowy lips in seconds.
Hey, hi, yes, that's me up there. This gloss is without a doubt my go-to. I have one in every purse I have. To say I can't live without it is an understatement (yes, I'm fully aware that I'm dramatic). I love this gloss and whenever IDK what lip to wear, this one always is my default.
Promising reviews: "I have three Fenty Gloss Bombs and this is such an amazing alternative. They're way more budget-friendly, and look and feel just as great. I'm definitely switching over. 👀" —Erika
"I will never use an expensive lip gloss from Sephora again." —Lemon Pie
Get it from Amazon for $4.75+ (available in 34 colors and in multipacks).
19. A contour stick reviewers are comparing to a certain, popular little (I'm not naming names) $$$ contour wand...okay, it's Charlotte Tilbury. If you wanna give your cheekbones that perfectly sculpted, ~I'm totally a model~ look, use this easy-to-control, precise bad boy and give Timothée Chalamet jawline realness.
Promising reviews: "I’m still figuring things out when it comes to contouring (like placement) but this contour sticks makes things a lot easier for me. It glides effortlessly on the skin and is super blendable — you don’t need much effort at all. The color is a nice bronze and lasts all day on me. You can’t beat the price." —Karen B.
"This is definitely an alternative for the Charlotte Tilbury bronzer stick. Love this product." —Bailee Thomas
Get it from Amazon for $3.99 (available in 19 shades).
20. A vegan and cruelty-free Nyx makeup setting spray that even lasted one reviewer through sobbing after being dumped right before a party (which, ugh, awful, but holy cow!!) Nothing thrown at this little magical potion can ruin a flawless beat.
Promising reviews: "I have been purchasing the Nyx Matte Finishing Spray for years but would rotate between this and other high-end sprays. I always end up coming right back to Nyx because the finish is incomparable. No matter which foundation I use, my makeup is long-wearing, stays matte and there's no cakey, oily or melted/separated look even after hours of wear. I also have some visible pores on my cheeks and this spray does NOT highlight them or make them stand out more like other sprays do. It's the perfect combination for my makeup needs. Also, so happy that Amazon sells this in jumbo size so this bottle will last me a really long time!" —Krystle M.
"This is the best makeup setting spray I’ve found for the price. I will never buy a more expensive product again. Works perfectly! Worn makeup all day in 90 degree weather and didn’t even sweat it all off!" —AA
Get it from Amazon for $9.34+ (available in five styles, larger sizes, and in multipacks).
21. Phytosurgence Toasted Blushes, aka the most gorgeous, earthy, unique shades your makeup routine will ever meet. They look good on literally everyone so you *may* wanna drop the link in the group chat so the whole squad can enjoy these gems.
These literally stunning shades are described as lavender oat latte, brown sugar milk tea, fortified wine, and spiced chocolate bar.
Check it out on TikTok here.
Phytosurgence is a queer- and Asian-owned, Canada-based small biz.
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says: "I stumbled upon Phytosurgence one day and I have never looked back. All of their products are meticulously formulated with natural ingredients and rich, unique shades that you won't be able to find anywhere else — trust me, I've looked lol. My sensitive skin loves these blushes and the blush geek in me (or fully embodying me) is SCREAMING. My personal favorite is Condensate, a cool-toned muted dusty rose, but Evaporate, a neutral smoky peach, is a crowd favorite of the bunch. Plus, they're so affordable for such high-quality. A million chef's kisses."
Get it from Phytosurgence for $15.55 (C$21; available in four shades).
22. A Nyx brow glue to keep your brows in place and help you achieve that fluffy laminated look. No more sweating then wondering where your eyebrows went — this bad boy will hold those brow hairs down exactly where you want 'em.
23. A Maybelline highlight that'll have you basically outshining the sun. It'll give you this gorgeously intense shine for under $10 and reviewers are raving that it's an affordable alternative to the Becca Champagne Pop highlight!
Promising review: "Okay this highlight is so good! Like, Becca Champagne Pop good, maybe even better? The pigment is amazing. Such a great highlighter and for $8? Even better! Totally recommend if you’re looking for a blinding highlighter." —Maria
Get it from Amazon for $7.70+ (available in six sizes and shades).
24. A moisturizing Nyx tinted lip oil so you can keep that pout shiny without your lippies getting all sticky. Reviewers are loving this stuff because it gives Dior lip oil vibes without the Dior price.
Promising reviews: "Dior Whoooo??? The lip oil trend has fully saturated my TikTok feed so I was anxious to test and compare this Dior swap. I also own the Dior Lip Oil and to be honest, Nyx is giving them a run for their money. This lip oil does its job for a fraction of the price. The formula isn't as thick as the Dior product but, the color options and leakproof packing make up for it. I'd definitely recommend picking this up to try! —Courtney Calestiini
"Just bought a second color. It is not long lasting but neither are the others. So creamy, nice smell, pretty colors. Wouldn’t consider buying an expensive brand after using these and I have tried Dior and Rare Beauty." —JBR/LA
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in eight shades).
25. An E.l.f. 16-hour wear concealer because sometimes, your money is funny and your change is strange and you can't convince yourself to drop $25+ on your fave concealer. Reviewers are praising this little Tarte Shape Tape swap and once you get your hands on this super-pigmented, oil-controlling matte concealer, you'll be singing its praises too.
Promising reviews: "Seriously, buy this stuff. When they say 'highly pigmented,' it's no joke! A little goes a long way. I use this concealer daily to conceal under-eye darkness and to spot-treat blemishes. One bottle lasts me 4–6 months. Having previously used Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, there's no way I'll ever go back to paying $25+ when this product is identical for one-quarter of the price. —Amanda B.
"10,000,000 times yes to this concealer. It's an [alternative] for the Tarte Shape Tape concealer for a fraction of the price. It's light, yet full coverage and you do not even need to apply a ton of product to get the full coverage look. Never looking back and never buying another concealer ever again." —Manny
Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in 22 shades).
26. A 24-hour wear foundation by L'Oreal, a full-coverage powder — yes powder — foundation that blurs redness and acne, has a matte finish, and will stay in place so you can slay all day. Reviewers with al types of skin — dry, oily, etc. — are LOVING this little baby.
Promising review: "I have purchased this three times in the color Sienna, and it is perfect! It's totally worth all the hype on TikTok. This is a very emollient powder that sticks to the skin. I prep with sunscreen then use this. The fragrance dissipates quickly. I noticed the actual powder is bouncy to the touch. I have not used the pelican or sponge it comes with, I like to use a powder brush. It gives me full coverage, and I look flawless all day. I also don’t need to blot and I am very oily. I will certainly continue to repurchase. This is the best powder I have tried since Mac Studio Fix." —Maria Webba
Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in 13 shades).
27. An illuminating moisturizer to help enhance your skin's natural ✨glow✨. A perfect, lightweight alternative to heavy foundations — this is definitely calling your name.
Promising review: "Ok so last summer I took the plunge and bought that $50 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 $11.98+ (available in five shades).
You throwing money at E.l.f. products cuz they're so inexpensive:
