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    34 Cheap Beauty Products That’ll Have You Feeling Like You Could Walk A Red Carpet

    Superstar vibes on a McDonald's Dollar Menu budget — we LOVEEEEE to see it.

    1. A set of bea-u-ti-fuuuuulllll synthetic hair clip-in extensions that'll make you look and feel like Beyoncé and give your hair that length and volume you've been wanting for a verrrrrry reasonable price. Everyone will think you spent hundreds of dollars on some expensive extensions when really, you're out here looking like a baddie with 24 inches of hair for under $30. 

    reviewer wearing the balayage clip ins
    reviewer with long wavy extensions

    Remember that these are synthetic so they will not last you forever. I actually saw these on TikTok and immediately added them to my cart. I'll be wearing them this weekend and I'll take some pics and give y'all my *personal* review but just from opening them 😍😍😍. I dyed my hair in 2021 and it broke off BAD and it just grew back out buttttt of course I'm in the mood for some blonde highlights. I didn't wanna spend all that money on human extensions so these are like a heaven-sent alternative. I have thicker hair so I bought two packs. I'll let ya know what I think soon!

    Promising reviews: "I keep reading that these are a one-time wear….No way! I absolutely love them for in-between hairstyles. Spray a SMALL amount of spritz on them before wearing and installing to keep the hair separated and less tangled as you go on about your day. Babyyyy these ate every time! So many compliments!" —Lexci Lyon

    "I have purchased a TON of extensions and wigs from Amazon and these are in my top three now. The hair is thick and beautifully wavy, but what is best about these are the quality of the clips and how they function. Super sturdy, best ones I've found here!" —Jenna

    Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three lengths and 17 colors).

    2. Or a synthetic half wig if you're trying to go for an easy, affordable, protective style and are tired of spending hundreds on human hair wigs and such. Slap this baby on your head and be ready to go in five minutes.

    me wearing a synthetic wig
    gif of me wearing wavy synthetic wig
    Jordan Grigsby/BuzzFeed

    Yep, that's me up there. I almost wanted to gatekeep this wig because it's my go-to and I don't ever wanna see it out of stock. A few years ago I ditched human hair wigs because they're so expensive and I have bills and my hair can't be one of 'em. I love a little synthetic wig because they're always like $20 so I can get like five of 'em and have five different hairstyles for the price of one human hair wig. My hair is shoulder length right now, which I love, but sometimes, ya girl wants a little Beyoncé type hair. Synthetic wigs are so easy, quick, and a great protective style. I don't like to put heat on my hair much, so I like to grab synthetic wigs in the exact style I want so I can go from straight to curly to wavy in a week without damaging my hair. I can also do my hair in like five minutes. 

    Like I said, this wig is my current go-to, I'm obsessed. It's so freakin' cute and half wigs allow you to leave some of your hair so it can look as natural as possible, which I love because I'm not really talented with the frontal style wigs and glueing 'em down (if anyone wants to teach me I'll love you forever). This wig is literally so easy to manipulate and I found it on TikTok! I don't have to worry about my hair getting frizzy which is huge for me because the moment I sweat my gorgeous curls become a big frizzy mess and end up in a bun. Remember, this is synthetic so it won't last you forever. I just bought a second one after wearing my last one for, like, three months. Synthetic or not, it still looks and feels amazing and it's very full. Plus I don't have to pay hundreds to have my hair done or buy human hair wigs or clip ins.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.53+ (available in nine colors).

    3. 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.

    reviewer's super long lashes with essence mascara on
    reviewer holding mascara and with mascara on one eye

    Promising review: "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

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a three-pack and in two colors).

    4. Or a Kiss falscara lash kit for some DIY lashes at home for waaaay less money and that are waaaay less time consuming. This kit comes with 10 little lash pieces, an applicator, and a mascara-like bond and glue. STUNNING lashes that everyone will think you paid hundreds for, right from the comfort of home.

    Reviewer showing falscara lashes on one eye with eyes closed
    close up of another reviewers false lashes

    Watch TikTok makeup expert Mikayla Nogueira review and apply these lashes here.

    Promising review: "I am 25-years-old and I don’t use false lashes mostly because I can’t figure out how to wear them without making them look awful. My hands shake a lot and my eyes water a lot so it’s difficult for me to wear lashes. I saw a TikTok video about these and decided to give it a shot. Although the smaller pieces were slightly difficult to manage, they stuck to the bond on my lashes with EASE! I love the way these look and now I’m going to test how long they can really last. The box states if you apply double the product, they could last about 10 days. We will see about that! Edit: I’ve tried a few times now and these last me two to three days. (I also have watery eyes)." —Desi

     Get it from Amazon for $9.76+ (available in two sets).

    5. An illuminating moisturizer to help enhance your skin's natural ✨glow✨. A perfect, lightweight alternative to heavy foundations — this is definitely calling your name. Hollywood, here you come! 

    reviewer selfie wearing the moisturizer, skin in glowy
    reviewer holding moisturizer with some on their hand

    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 $12.99+ (available in four shades).

    6. A hydrating grip primer by E.l.f. that'll keep your makeup intact all day while delivering hyaluronic acid to your skin to help it retain moisture.  Reviewers are even comparing it to Milk's Hydro Grip primer

    reviewer makeup after using primer
    reviewer selfie holding primer

    Promising reviews: "This stuff is AMAZING!! E.l.f is always killing it. This product is the exact same thing as the expensive Milk Hydro Grip primer, if not better. Your makeup will not go ANYWHERE! 10/10." —Skylar Scudder

    "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 $10 (available in two styles).

    7. A TikTok-famous super hold setting spray that'll give you the matte look you want without fading away by midnight, like the magic that made Cinderella's dress and carriage. Coming home, looking in the mirror, and seeing that your face hasn't budged sounds like the kinda sorcery I wanna be involved with. 

    me right after applying my makeup and using setting spray
    my makeup nine hours later with minimal shine
    me holding setting spray
    Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed

    Alrighty, friends, so I was an Urban Decay All Nighter girly through and through, but this stuff was ALWAYS on my FYP on TikTok. So I thought, what the heck, let me give it a try. Y'ALLLLLLLL!! This stuff — *THIS STUFF* it's witchcraft and I'm speechless. I have the most oily skin and not many products I've tried ~actually~ do what they say they do. I put it to the test on a very busy day — I went axe throwing, to a boat party, took a nap, and my makeup looked like it did when I first applied it 12 hours later. Yeah, I was shook. This is now, for sure, my favorite setting spray and it deserves every bit of hype it gets because it lives up to it, honey. We love to see it. Plus, it's way less money, which is perfect cuz now that it's basically holiday season, this baddie is on a budget.

    Get it from Ulta for $15.

    8. An E.l.f. glitter liquid eyeshadow to take your shadow looks to the next level and totally change your makeup game. You could literally get four of these for the price of one Stila Glitter And Glow liquid shadow. Go ahead and fill your cart up with these, I won't look.

    reviewer eyeshadow look with e.l.f. liquid glitter on lids
    reviewer holding e.l.f. liquid glitter shadow

    Promising review: "I love this glitter eyeshadow. I used to use Stila and this is so much more affordable and easy to spread without spotting. Definitely recommend getting all the shades, it is worth it for a pop of shimmer." —beautyandbeast

    Get it from Amazon for $5.10+ (available in 11 shades).

    9. A set of press-on acrylic nails because although you love your acrylics, they're soooo expensive. These press-ons are soooo so gorg and will look like you spent hundreds on your nails when really, you only spent $10! If you miss the good ole days when a full set was $20, you're in luck.

    reviewer showing off their nude acrylic nails with gems on them
    reviewer showing off pink nails with white clouds and glitter

    You'll get 24 pieces in 12 different sizes, a mini file, a glass nail file, a wooden stick, a tutorial card and a sheet glue sticker. You can use a top coat to seal rhinestones so they don't fall off as easily! Reviewers suggest using nail glue to apply them.

    Promising reviews: "Very durable and so pretty! I got a lot of compliments. Get it, you won’t regret it. Be a baddie on a budget. 👌🏼👌🏼" —Kathie

    "Love these nails, very sturdy and elegant for the price. Looks just like you walked out of a salon for 10% of the price. I will buy again." —NisaSimone

    Get a set of 24 pieces from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 16 designs).

    10. foundation brush with some seriously firm but still seriously soft bristles that'll help you achieve a beat so flawless, that people may ask if it was professionally done. It's perfect for both powder and liquid concealers, blushes, and foundations, and if you're a blending newbie. You'll feel like Zendaya at a red carpet event because your makeup will slay HARD. 

    reviewers small round fine bristled makeup brush in a case
    Reviewer with matte foundation

    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).

    11. 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? 

    reviewer lips before using lip plump
    same reviewer's lips, much fuller after using lip plumper

    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.

    12. A bottle of TikTok-famous Elizavecca hair treatment, which contains ceramides and collagen that'll help give your hair shine and make it smooth in just five minutes! Keeping you flawless even if you don't have much time or don't feel like doing your hair.

    A reviewer with healthy, shiny hair after using the treatment mask
    Buzzfeed editor with slightly frizzy, limp hair before, and thicker-looking, smooth hair after two uses
    www.amazon.com, BuzzFeed / Bek O'Connell

    Reviewers with all hair types recommend this treatment mask.

    Promising reviews: "Hair has never been this soft and smooth before. Another gem off TikTok. This stuff is way better than Olaplex for real. Especially for the price. I have used it only a couple of times and my hair is already super soft and doesn’t get as tangled. My hair was super thin and dry from color and heat damage. It feels amazing now." —Tiffany

    "I have tried everything on the market to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this hair treatment on TikTok and decided to give it a try. I used it for the first time yesterday and i couldn't believe how amazing it made my hair feel and look. My hair is sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. It now looks and feels like virgin hair again. Even my boyfriend noticed a huge difference in my hair. And you know it's a GOOD product when the boyfriend notices :D. I’m going to buy a lot more of this product." —Eline

    Get it from Amazon for $6.68.

    13. 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 writer holding pink tube of Cheek Heat with it applied to cheeks
    the gel blushes in different shades
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, @maybelline / Via www.instagram.com

    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 $5.95+ (available in six shades). 

    14. Mane Club One Hit Wonder — a 10-in-1 spray that LITERALLY does it all, but won't cost you the price of 10 products. Like, you know how the witches in AHS Coven had to pass all of the Seven Wonders tests to become the Supreme? Yeah, this stuff is the Fiona Goode of hair products. It'll detangle, take care of frizz and split ends, and provide heat protection (up to 445 degrees). 

    hands holding two bottles of the product
    editor with blown out hair using the product
    Mane Club, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products. 

    Check out how one user transforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok!

    Promising review: "Best hair product I've ever used. I recommend it to everyone and always make sure I have a backup bottle so I never run out. I used to dread brushing my tangled wet hair and now it's a breeze. I let it air dry and have started constantly getting compliments since I've started using this product." —Kathleen A.

    Get it from Mane Club for $10

    And check out our Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for more deetz!

    15. And a smoothing hair mask if you need a good deep condition and want some shiny, smooth hair quickly. This baby is here to deliver just that without parabens, sulfates, or other junk. Just apply to clean, wet hair, leave it in for five minutes, rinse, and that's it! Simple and won't take you forever. Alexa, blast "Glamorous" by Fergie. 

    a package of deep conditioner
    Mane Club NYC

    You'll get 2–3 uses per pack.

    Promising review: "Really nice and hydrating hair mask with a generous portion in each pouch. I will be purchasing again." —Philippa D.

    Get it from Mane Club NYC for $3.

    16. A pack of Cosrx pimple patches because although your skincare routine is top-notch perfection, you still get the occasional, annoying, random zit that makes you wanna burn the house down. These things will suck all that gross gunk out and help speed up the healing process so that zit can get the heck outta here. Someone get these things an MVP award.

    For persistent or bigger pimples, put a pimple patch on overnight for 2–3 days to help the pimple diminish.

    Promising reviews: "This product works! It stays on until you remove it and honestly, you can wash your face and forget it’s there and still it holds up to a lather without falling off. I had a few hormonal acne areas on my chin that were painful to the touch. This patch seemed to alleviate the discomfort and I forgot about it and wore them overnight. It took a few days for the spot to go down in size but it works. As for blemishes after threading, single treatment and by morning…the blemish is gone." —LaTisha Taylor

    "I used to use the Hero Cosmetics patches, but these are much cheaper and come with so many patches in a variety of sizes! I definitely prefer these to the Hero patches. They work just as well as more expensive pimple patches." —Kat Marsh

    Get a three pack of 24 patches each from Amazon for $9.47+ (available in four sizes).

    17. A hydrating eye stick with a cutie little polar bear design perfect for its cooling and calming effect. It'll help reduce dark circles, lines, and puffiness while delivering moisture without oils. Sensitive skin friends, this one's for us. Watch out, Tula, this bb is comin' for ya!

    reviewer under eyes before and after using hydrating stick with dark circles much lighter after
    reviewer holding their blue hydrating stick with the top shaped like a polar bear

    Promising reviews: "I HAD to write a review. I use this in the morning and night after my whole face routine and putting on moisturizer. I don't have dark bags however, my under-eyes do get a bit puffy and I was noticing fine lines. DUDE, those fine lines are fading. Last night I went to a party and woke up looking like the crypt keeper, and this stuff normalized my creepy zombie eyes in about 20 minutes. It's $9. Do yourself a favor and buy it." —Jasmine Deatherage

    "Better than Tula! I love this cooling stick!! It’s super easy, affordable and smells lovely." —Heather

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in a two-pack).

    18. A bottle of Maybelline Fit Me matte foundation that covers pores and will give you that *I woke up like this* finish. My oily friends, I see your eyebrow raising, butttt good news! This is perfect for oily skin! Your makeup will look so good you'll be waiting for paparazzi to show up and take pics of you. 

    reviewer makeup with maybelline foundation on
    before and after of reviewer with and without foundation on

    Promising review: "I've been buying Dermablend, Jane Iredale, It Cosmetics, Clinique, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme — I'm always trying to find a foundation that works for my skin. I have oily skin with yellow undertones. I was browsing Amazon and saw this foundation. I thought 'I don't lose anything by trying a $7 foundation.' I bought 220 [Natural Beige] & 228 [Soft Tan]. I really like the formula — it goes on easy, stays on the whole day, and controls my oily skin just like some of the expensive brands if not better than some of the expensive brands I've used, I'm impressed. I'll definitely be buying it again, I've already set up Subscribe & Save for the 220 shade of this foundation. Not only does it work well for me but I'll also be saving money on my foundation now." —Nena

    Get it from Amazon for $6.94+ (available in various shades and sizes).

    19. The Lip Bar liquid matte lipstick, which comes in a TON of gorgeously pigmented shades that look stunning on literally everyone. These bold little beauties are long lasting so they won't run off with the rim of your cup and leave you needing to apply more every hour. They go on like a gloss then dry down to a beautiful, matte, velvety finish and they're ~infused~ with jojoba oil and vitamin E to keep your pout hydrated. 

    Kayla in a pinkish purple matte lipstick
    the red lip stain shown on different models with different skin colors
    Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed, Target

    The Lip Bar is a Black woman-owned business that specializes in vegan and cruelty-free makeup.

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd says: "I use The Lip Bar's matte liquid lipsticks often and the formula is truly incredible. It hardly budges at all throughout the day, the pigment is bomb, AND it doesn't dry out my lips at all — which is really difficult to find in a matte lipstick." 

    Get it from Target (available in 15 shades) or Amazon (available in 18 shades) for $13.99 or from The Lip Bar for $14 (available in 21 shades).

    20. "Mousse Def" texture foam that'll give your hair (any type, might I add) a flexible hold without all the flakes and crunch. First ingredient in this has GOT to be witchcraft because, howwww?! This stuff does it all — detangles, conditions, defines, AND adds shine in just one step. Magic in a bottle, that's what this stuff is.

    reviewers defined, curly hair after applying mousse
    close up of reviewers defined, moisturized curls

    The Doux is a Black woman-owned small biz that specializes in professional-quality products for all hair types.

    And check out more Black-owned hair products here!

    Promising reviews: "I use this stuff FAITHFULLY!!! It gives my curls great definition without weighing it down and there's no flaking. It's also GREAT for a wash-n-go!" —Markitha

    "Impressed with this hair product, it effectively maintains moisture in my hair, resulting in long-lasting curls. I find myself using it sparingly, every other day, and still achieve natural-looking, healthy curls. A genuine thumbs up for its consistent performance and ability to keep my hair well-hydrated." —Bergen County Housewife

    Get it from Amazon for $14.98.

    21. A six-pack of beauty sponges at an extremely affordable price. What's better than six sponges for half the price of one of the fancy ones? 

    reviewer's makeup after using beauty sponge
    reviewer holding pink beauty sponge

    Promising reviews: "Saw this recommended from a TikTok and never looked back. Was disappointed in the Beauty Blender’s quality and price and finally decided to make the switch. This product blends so well and doesn’t leave smudge strokes like how the Beauty Blender does. You get six sponges for the fraction of the price of a Beauty Blender! 5/5 would definitely recommend for the beauty babes!" —Michi Drinks Matcha

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $9.95.

    22. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades that reviewers are saying is just as good as the James Charles x Morphe Palette and way waaaay less expensive. Just *think* of all the fun, bright, funky looks you'll be able to create with this baby. You'll probz be able to go to a fashion show and convince everyone that you're one of the models. It's giving glam-or-oussss. 

    reviewer holding palette open with swatched of colors on hand
    reviewer smiling wearing colorful shadow

    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.

    23. Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil that has Benefit's Goof Proof trembling with fear cuz this is just as good for less. The devil on your shoulder is def chanting *add to cart* right now and for once, you might just listen cuz your expensive brow pencil is eating up your pockets.

    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).

    24. A bottle of Fanola purple shampoo to save you from constantly throwing $$$ to hairdressers just to keep the brass out of your hair. Say goodbye to yellow brassy tones and helloooo to cool, neutral, gorg blonde hair. And say hello to the Met Gala cuz you'll be ready for an invite once you see these results. 

    Promising reviews: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy I use this and voila — looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that too! Please don't ever stop making this!" —scooptwins

    "Best bang for your buck! I’ve used several expensive purple shampoos before and this product is just as good if not better than expensive brands!" —monique

    Get it from Amazon for $9.96+ (available in four sizes). 

    25. 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.

    reviewer with three swatches of the lipgloss on their hand and the three glosses in the background
    me, smiling, wearing NYX butter gloss
    www.amazon.com, Jordan Grigsby/BuzzFeed

    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 review: "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

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in 34 colors and in multipacks).

    26. An outrageously popular Differin gel with over 56,000 *glowing* ratings raving about this magic treatment. It's a prescription-strength retinoid that targets clogged pores and inflammation to help restore skin texture and tone. It'll get all up in those pores and help prevent new acne from forming. Now doesn't that just sound lovely? 

    Promising review: "I don't have too much of an issue with acne, however I do have hormonally based pimples once a month, with a few pimples that break through every now and then. I really purchased because it is a retinoid that you don't have to go to the doctor for and I wanted it to help with some sun damage on my face and fine lines. I've only been using this for a month, but I can honestly say that within the first week I could see a change in my skin. I have absolutely had not one breakout of any kind and my skin is so smooth. I sincerely believe that the discoloration and hyperpigmentation on my skin is beginning to fade." —Catattack

    Get it from Amazon for $14.49+ (available in four sizes, four styles, and a multipack).

    27. Camille Rose moisture milk, which is my *personal* fave and is perfect for all you curly babes whose curls are thirsting for some good moisturizer. This leave-in-conditioner contains vitamins A, D, and B12, AND it smells heavenly. Refresh your curls and help make detangling easier with this lovely little moisturizer. Your curls with thank you for how ahhhhmazing they look. 

    reviewer selfie showing off curly hair after using product
    reviewers curls with moisture milk in it

    Camille Rose is a Black woman-founded/owned business. 

    Promising reviews: "I have been wanting to try Camille Rose for a while now, and this was the first product I thought to pick up. It did not disappoint — it smells really nice and really keeps my hair moisturized. I will be repurchasing! Hair type:4a/4b." —Folasayo

    "I have long, frizzy, wavy hair. When I put this product on my hair, it smells great, leaves my hair with beautiful curls, and it's soft to the touch." —Kindle Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $12.49.

    28. 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✨ . 

    reviewer showing off eye shadow at 8:30 AM
    same reviewer shadow still in place at 6:30 PM

    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.

    29. 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 this in the group chat so the whole squad can enjoy these gems.  

    A model wearing Phytosurgence toasted blushes in Condensate, Evaporate, Exothermic, and Sublimate
    Swatches of Evaporate, Condensate, Sublimate, and Exothermic on model's arm
    Phytosurgence

    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).

    30. An E.l.f. Wow Brow to fool people into believing you spent forever perfecting your brows when ~really~ you did 'em easy peasy in 30 seconds. Reviewers say it's a great alternative for more expensive brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills.

    before and after of brows from using the Wow Brow - the before photo looks unkempt and patchy, the after photo looks styled and filled in
    Target

    Check it out in a TikTok video by beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira!

    Promising review: "Perfect Boy Brow alternative. I got sick of having to place Glossier orders online with the shipping minimum since I only use the Boy Brow. This is the perfect alternative! It works the exact same. I have black eyebrow hair and the dark brown worked just fine for me" —Amanda A.

    Get it from Amazon (available in three shades), Target, or Ulta (available in four shades at both) for $5+.

    31. 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. 

    reviewers black winged eye liner
    the black eye liners
    www.amazon.com, @nyxcosmetics / Via www.instagram.com

    Promising review: "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 EVERYDAY. 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

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors and in a two-pack).

    32. Maybelline's Instant Age 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! Somebody's ready for the Grammys. Not a singer? Whatever, you'll just be there to serve the lewkssss. 

    former BuzzFeed editor applying the concealer under eyes
    reviewers under eyes before and after using concealer with under eyes brighter after using

    Promising review: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary KayEstée Lauder (assorted kinds), It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi BrownI 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 40 shades, two sizes, and in a multipack).

    33. bronzer so you can ✨glow, baby, glow✨ for the low, baby, low. You'll look so good, you'll be daydreaming of your acceptance speech for the most glam award — like *I'd like to thank my bronzer for helping me slay*. 

    reviewer wearing bronzer on her face
    two different shades of the bronzer
    www.amazon.com, @physiciansformula / Via www.instagram.com

    Promising reviews: "I love this stuff so much. I have sensitive, red skin. If I blend too much, my face turns red and it makes my makeup look AWFUL. This stuff glides right on and blends so easily. Better than my Hoola bronzer for sure." —Emily Williams

    "This bronzer is so lightweight, smells so good, and lasts me all day. I’ve replaced my Hoola bronzer with this product!!" —Elly Geesing

    Get it from Amazon for $8.59+ (available in 10 shades).

    34. A vegan purple temporary hair color gel because you love a bright, vibrant hair color but geez, does your hair hate it! This stuff washes out in one wash so you can get the drama you crave without having to totally commit. Oooh, and did I mention that this stuff is *also* a curl definer?! Genius! 

    curly hair with the purple color gel in it
    Gemini Naturals

    Gemini Naturals is a Black woman-owned small biz that specializes in temporary hair dye that works on dark and textured hair.

    Promising review: "Best temporary color I’ve used! The gel was easy to apply and the color is vibrant even when it dries, plus you can add more if need be. I spritz my hair with a light hairspray and there was absolutely no transfer! I will definitely be trying more colors!!" —Alicia D.

    Get it from Gemini Naturals for $13+ (available in more colors) or in blue from Amazon for $22.

    You after you use the illuminating moisturizer: