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. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is — surprise! — designed to gently resurface your skin, smooth out texture, and reduce the appearance of post-acne hyperpigmentation and scarring. If you're new to retinoids but hear everyone say you must have 'em in your routine, rest assured that this formula has sensitive skin in mind. And reviewers rave that it's better than $$$ brands like Clinique, Drunk Elephant, and Murad.
If this is your first time using retinol, start off slowly with this product; apply it a few times a week/every other day and work your way up to daily use. You'll also want to apply sunscreen during the day, as vitamin A can make you more sensitive to the sun.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok rave about this product and tried it out — it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face clear up very quickly, removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and any weather type. It doesn't moisturize much, but that's not its intention, and there is no scent, so I'd imagine it's great for all skin types and hypoallergenic." —Successful Solo
"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation." —C. Munsterman
Get it from Amazon for $13.55.
2. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter gives the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter a run for its money, reviewers say. This skincare-makeup hybrid product will give your skin a luminous, soft-filter look, and is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane. (Love that for your skin!) Wear it as a base, add a few drops to your moisturizer or foundation, or dab it over makeup for a super stunning and natural-looking highlighter.
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" —mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better and gives my skin the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" —Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $11.90+ (available in 12 shades).
3. You'll also wanna add their Halo Glow Beauty Wand to your cart for a glow so radiant the sun would be jealous. This easy-to-apply liquid highlighter is hydrating, buildable, and way cheaper — like wayyyyy cheaper — than the Charlotte Tilbury highlighter blush wands.
One reviewer says it's an alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury highlighters!
Promising review: "We saw this highlighter in a makeup tutorial video online and thought we would try it. It was an easy decision to purchase it because the price was relatively low compared to other highlighters. It is worth every penny and more! I've seen this shade applied to different skin tones, and it looks beautiful on everyone! Just the right shimmer, not glitter. It's gorgeous!" —Joyinmyheart
Get it from Amazon for $9 (available in three shades). E.l.f. also has reviewer-loved blush and contour shades in the same wand design!
4. Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque packs a hydrating punch thanks to a deeply conditioning blend of shea butter, honey, mafura and baobab oils, and African rock fig. There are many reasons to love this stuff, namely that it'll soften, smooth, and add shine to your locks. Oh! And reviewers like it over K18 and Olaplex.
Plus, one cosmetologist reviewer says it's comparable to salon deep conditioners!
Promising reviews: "Better than the expensive K18 and Olaplex. I recently spent $70 on a hair mask because my hair has been in need of some love. I won't name it because I don't think I can, but I thought, 'It's 70 bucks, so it must be good.' It was NOT. I didn't hate it, but it didn't do much for me. So I thought, 'Screw it, let me try something more natural and drugstore.' I saw the good reviews on this, so I thought, 'Why not?' And now I have my new favorite hair mask. So moisturizing. Makes my hair so soft. It’s VERY thick. But that's what I wanted. If you're looking for deep hydration, look no further." —Kirstin
"I don't usually leave reviews, but I had to because I love this conditioner so much. I have EXTREMELY dry 4c hair. It's very picky with products. After getting to know my hair, I noticed that my hair only likes products that get absorbed into the hair right away. If it leaves a coating over it, then my hair is not going to like it. It might even feel super soft for a day, but then it gets extremely dry after. Even though this product is super thick (so thick that the cream stays in the jar when you flip it upside down), my hair absorbs everything, and it stays super moisturized for 2–3 days afterward. I used this on my hair about two days ago. Today, I touched my hair, expecting it to feel dry like always, but it felt like I just moisturized it. MIND BLOWN. It also smells AMAZING. It smells more like a fruity, sweet, and creamy perfume fragrance rather than a hair conditioner. It almost reminds me of Mon Guerlain. Literally, the nicest-smelling hair product I've ever used. 10/10" —Khady Ndiaye
Get it from Amazon for $10.05.
5. Similarly, Elizavecca CER-100 collagen-coating hair treatment intensely nourishes dry, damaged, and overprocessed strands. This reparative five-minute hair mask will revive your mane and leave it soft, silky, and smooth. Some reviewers prefer it over Olaplex, which is not surprising, given that this Elizavecca mask is one-third of the price.
This product is beloved by folks with hair types from thin, fine hair to 4c curls.
Promising reviews: "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 (I tried a little bit at 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
"I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it that it wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was very skeptical about this product because I had never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy, was I wrong to doubt this product; it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone natural or with curly hair." —Therese-Claire
Get it from Amazon for $7.15.
6. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip hydrates for up to 12 hours with a vegan squalane-infused formula — and without the dreaded stickiness. Dior Lip Oil, who? This product hasn't been on the market for very long, but reviewers are already obsessed with the sheer finish and camera flash levels of shine.
I have two shades and have already ordered a third!
Promising review: "The lip oil trend has fully saturated my TikTok feed. So, I was anxious to test and compare. I also own the Dior Lip Oil, and tbh 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 leak-proof packing make up for it. I'd definitely recommend picking this up to try!" —Courtney Calestiini
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in seven shades plus clear).
7. For a more pigmented lippie, NYX's Fat Oil Slick Click provides an enviable 12 hours of hydration, a high-shine finish, and a non-sticky feel in a convenient click-to-dispense pen. Some reviewers prefer this over similar products by Tarte, Makeup by Mario, Dior, and YSL.
Promising review: "This is an [alternative] for Tarte Maracuja lip gloss. My lips always feel a little dry. I rarely use lipstick but favor a lip crayon with a layer of lip gloss on top. This product is amazing. My lips feel hydrated and comfortable, the color payoff is better than expected, and it's fun to use (click, click!). The color does transfer a little bit (hello, lip marks on my coffee cup!), so I need to reapply frequently, but that doesn't bother me. I bought it in four colors and am so happy with it." —Lisa Mancuso
Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in 11 shades).
8. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer locks in your flawless smokey eye look. Because the lights coming on at the club at 4 a.m., and you realizing that your shadow has cracked, creased, and flaked off is a jump scare you'd rather not experience. Many reviewers compare this favorably to Urban Decay's Primer Potion.
Promising review: "For a long time, my go-to primer was the All-Nighter by Urban Decay, but in recent times I could no longer afford it. I struggled to find [something] comparable from the drugstore; none of them were at the level I wanted or was used to until I found this one! I tried this one, and it's so excellent. It truly is a [alternative] for Urban Decay. It's a mousse texture but dries down quickly. It is so easy to spread, and it lasts SUCH a long time. I have oily lids, so this is truly a lifesaver. And the tube has so much product! A little goes a long way, and a pea size is perfect to cover the entire lid area. Truly love this product I don't think I'll ever switch. 10/10." —Marissa Olmedo
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
9. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush takes the cake for easy-to-use blush. It's easy to build color; adding a few dabs will give you a natural-looking flush, or add a few more if you love the bold blush trend. If you like Glossier Cloud Paint, you'll be thrilled that reviewers say this is similar — and a fraction of the price.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan, so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!"
Promising review: "Throw all your other blushes away. This one is creamy, not greasy, takes just a dab, and lasts all day. What more could you want? The only thing that would make it better is if it were free or they sold in like beer in the six-pack. Knowing makeup companies like I do, I will order several more because they will soon discontinue the BEST blush ever made, regardless of how well it sells. Am I not right? Clinique had an excellent crème blush similar to this one for YEARS, and then one day....POOF!! GONE!!! So try it and then buy some extras 'cause you know tomorrow it'll be gone." —Velma Martin
Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
10. And if you love liquid blush but can't stomach the price of Saie or Rare Beauty, try the E.l.f. Camo liquid blush. It's buildable, blendable, super pigmented, easy to apply (thanks to the doe-foot applicator), and leaves behind a glowy, dewy finish.
Promising reviews: "I'm a big fan of blush, even more of liquid blushes, and I can say this is the best one I've tried yet. The Rare Beauty liquid blush tends to disappear during the day, and sometimes it won't blend very well. I’ve had no problem with this one. I'd definitely buy it again!!" —Estrella
"For the price?? Best blush I've tried. It lasts all day and has such a pretty color; a little bit goes a veryyyy long way; you really only need a dot for a natural look." —Leah
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in nine shades).
11. Sol de Janeiro's fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68 smells just like the very expensive and very luxe Baccarat Rouge 540, according to reviewers. The only difference is this jasmine, hibiscus, and sun musk–scented spray is, oh, y'know, just a casual $168 price difference.
Promising reviews: "I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. This body spray is so delicious. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it is so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume." —Tina
"I opened my package as soon as I got it, sprayed it, and could not believe how IDENTICAL it smells to the Baccarat Rouge. It's literally the exact same. It has a very warm-smelling undertone of vanilla with the top scents of Brazilian jasmine and 'sun musk,' just like the description on the bottle. I would definitely recommend this as an [alternative] for the Baccarat Rouge 540 if anyone were looking for one." —Rachel Jackel
Get it from Amazon for $38.
12. But if you prefer something that smells more...green...Fine'ry Jungle Santal perfume looks *and* smells the part of an expensive and bougie perfume with notes of papyrus wood, cardamom, and oolong tea.
Promising review: "This fragrance is fantastic!! It changes and develops richer woodsy scents on me. Very similar to Le Labo Santal 33 but much less expensive. Lasts all day, too!!" —Eufy cordless vac
Get it from Target for $27.99 (and shop all Fine'ry scents here).
13. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer beats big names like Tarte, Nars, IT Cosmetics when it comes to the price tag. And reviewers promise that it helps mask dark circles and reduce under-eye puffiness without (!) creasing.
Promising review: "I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup, to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. 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, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try. I will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." —Brittney
"Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers, and this is my all-time favorite. I'm 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles, so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky, and covers the circles. I love it!" —Lynnette Smith
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 21 shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
14. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush transforms wet, tangled, frizzy hair into a shiny, salon-worthy blowout in minutes. The oval-shaped barrel has special vents that allow airflow to dry your hair faster *and* to get close to your scalp for va-va-va-volume. Some reviewers say it's better than Amika, Dyson, and Drybar!
If you've tried barrel-shaped hot air brushes before without success and have tighter curls or coils, you may want to try the paddle brush version, which reviewers with 3A–4C hair swear by.
Promising reviews: "I thought my Chi hairdryer was good, but this takes it to a new level. My hair is very wavy, but I could easily straighten it with this dryer. It took much less time than the Chi or Drybar dryer." —Kristy C
"Where have you been all my life? OMG, this dryer was AMAZING!!!!! I don't understand why I didn't know about it sooner!!!! My hair is thick and curly and hard to control. Usually, I need to air dry for at least an hour; then, it takes 45 minutes to blow it out. Usually resulting in my arms being exhausted and my hair burned. BEST DRYER EVER! And I have spent $$ on a dry bar dryer. Never again. I need to buy a backup, just in case. LOVE!" —Brian Halpin
Get it from Amazon for $39.28.
15. Skin1004 Zombie Pack face masks terrify and delight. Terrify because you'll look like a zombie once you've applied it, and delight because it's so darn effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, as well as brightening and hydrating your skin. If you're familiar with the more expensive Hanacure, this stuff is like it!
Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? Don't get me wrong; the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical, too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the recommended twice-weekly mask schedule. This Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results, in my opinion. And it's super funny. Many reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." —Dana Dane
Get them from Amazon for $18.90.
16. E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer pretty much adds an IRL filter to your skin. This is the secret to hiding your pores and getting your makeup to stay all day. It contains squalene to protect and hydrate your skin. An added bonus? Reviewers say this is comparable to the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer (which is $54)!
Promising reviews: "So close to Tatcha, it's scary. I bought this and the Tatcha to compare. The smell from the Tatcha is nicer, as is the packaging, but otherwise, this is about the same texture, consistency, and performance. For the price, it is well worth it!" —Amber Girl
"Normally, my makeup goes on great, but then once it dries, it's super crusty and shows my pores. This made everything so smooth, and my skin had never looked so healthy. Even after I took my makeup off, my skin felt moisturized, which is a hard thing to do with my dry skin. I saw the hype all over social media about this primer, and I never believed it, but finally decided to take the plunge and test it out, and now I'll never go without it." —Taylor Kessinger
Get it from Amazon for $10 (also available in glowy and acne-fighting formulations).
17. Or reach for E.l.f.'s Power Grip primer, which hydrates and smooths your skin, creating a layer that your makeup can "grip" onto so it stays all day. It's like Milk Hydro Grip but less than half the price!
Promising reviews: "I got a little sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but when I went to buy it...$36 for a relatively small bottle! I wanted to find a good alternative, so I bought this. It is PERFECT! Nearly identical formula. I have sensitive skin, and this did not break me out. It really does help keep makeup on all day and makes your skin look smooth. I highly recommend this." —Allison
Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in two styles).
18. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion pumps up your natural glow either on its own, under makeup, or worn as a highlighter. It's less disco ball, strobe-y highlight, and more of a healthy-looking radiance. And it won't set you back a small fortune like the Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops.
Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." —raegan kuball
"I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." —ggvega
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four shades).
19. CeraVe's Skin Renewing night cream delivers unbeatable hydration at an equally unmatched price point. The ceramide- and peptide-rich formula helps strengthen the skin barrier as you sleep so you wake with moisturized and calm skin. If you were considering pricey night creams like La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury, Belif, or Drunk Elephant, maybe...don't...and try this instead.
BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer stans this stuff: "It has new packaging; just FYI if it looks different when you order it — I just make sure my order is sold by + shipped by Amazon! This is my all-time fave, never-be-without night cream, and I always make sure to keep at least one extra jar on hand because it's sometimes sold out!"
Promising reviews: "I've been using the same cream for over seven years. Every other cream would break me out, not moisturize my skin enough, or just make me too oily. I got this because I've been breaking out and trying to find something to calm my skin down. The first night I used this, my skin improved!! Redness/bumps reduced, my skin was soft. I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, and this did not irritate my face at all. I wake up, and my skin is soooo soft. My skin texture has drastically changed in just a week. My makeup applies so smooth, and my pores even look better. My new go-to!" —Melody
"I used to work in cosmetics. Two big-name brands. The CeraVe line is an excellent product. No perfumes. Simple and effective ingredients. My dermatologist recommended this line to me recently. I'm thrilled with it. It's a perfect night cream. Spending a lot of money on the high-priced lines is 100% unnecessary. They do not work any better. You are just getting duped by deceitful marketing ploys." —ClaudyLA
Get it from Amazon for $15.38.
20. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils are worth stocking up on if you're never seen without your signature eyeliner. Whether you're a "black eyeliner only" wearer or you've been known to sport a colorful winged look, you'll love this creamy, no-tug formula that stands toe-to-toe with the more expensive Urban Decay eye pencils.
Promising reviews: "Love this eyeliner, and I think it's way better than the Urban Decay one I was using." —itsmedb
"You don't need a high-end eyeliner from Urban Decay or Bobbi Brown. I have oily lids, and this is smudge-proof and lasts all day. I use it to tight-line my eyes, and it glides on like silk. This will be my go-to eyeliner from now on :) Thanks, Maybelline, for saving me money!" —Jenny
Get them from Amazon for $7.99+ each (available in 26 colors).
21. NYX Brow Glue grants your brows that laminated look while offering 16 hours of hold without looking crunchy or leaving behind white flakes. Sweat and water, mortal enemies of brow gels everywhere, meet your match! And it certainly doesn't hurt that it might make you swear off your ABH Brow Freeze.
Promising reviews: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day, I would sweat through it, and it wouldn't last. I tried this because the price was great, and I'm glad I did. This product is awesome. I've had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn't dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder, nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby
"OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it, and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it back and forth, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." —Miss Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in clear plus four tinted shades).
22. And on the topic of brows, NYX's Micro Brow pencil creates realistic-looking, hairlike strokes to fill in sparsely-haired or overplucked brows. The BuzzFeed Shopping team loves it *and* it doesn't cost as much as an entree at a restaurant. (*cough* *ABH Brow Wiz* *cough*)
BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "My ABH brow pencil just ran out, and instead of replenishing it, I bought this instead! The shade I wear (taupe) is pretty much identical, and I'm loving it so far! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby (pictured on the right above!) loves it too!"
Promising review: "Like many other people, I used the Anastasia Brow Wiz for a long time. I really liked it, but $25+ for an eyebrow pencil is absolutely ridiculous, so I started looking for an alternative and found this. I usually get the Brow Wiz in the shade Soft Brown, and I bought this pencil in the Taupe shade, and I love it. I did a quick swatch, and I see absolutely zero difference. The design is also the exact same, and the Nyx one lasts much longer throughout the day. So glad I found this product!" —Dianna B
Get it from Amazon for $8.10+ (available in 12 shades).
23. Essence's Lash Princess mascara lives up to the hype. It's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day. Dozens and dozens of reviewers say it rivals the high-end $30 mascaras (like Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara and Diorshow)! And for under $5? *chef's kiss*
Promising reviews: "OK. So, I'm a mascara snob! This is better than Diorshow, better than better than Better than Sex. I've ordered this repeatedly, about 14x, and you won't be dissatisfied, I PROMISE. I use micellar water to remove my makeup on little cotton squares. EASY. Take a chance. $4.99 vs $40 for Dior. You can't go wrong. ❤️" —john t dowell
"I can only praise this mascara! It’s easy to put on, and you control how dramatic you want your lashes. No smudge. Very easy to remove, and the BEST part is the price!! In my opinion, this is better than Better than Sex. Definitely love and will buy again." —Mayra Zambrano
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
24. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream brightens, firms, and rejuvenates the eye cream (better than Shiseido's Benefiance Wrinkle Cream, according to one reviewer) so that you at least look like you got some sleep (even if you are up until 2 a.m. while scrolling through Instagram).
Promising review: "Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" —Lory Lacy
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
25. The internet-famous Beakey makeup sponges might induce regret for all the $$$ you've spent on Beautyblender and Real Techniques sponges. These work with foundation, BB cream, concealer, powder, primer, and more. And you get five for less than $10!
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge, and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use, and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 11 sets).
26. Bedsure's satin pillowcase cushions your head and delicate strands as you sleep, so there's less friction on your skin and hair. The result = potentially less frizz and breakage. Oh, and your bed will look straight from a West Elm ad. Brands like Slip and Blissy expensive, but reviewers say you don't need to shell out big bucks for quality beauty sleep.
BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually, the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom, and now she's in love with them, too!"
Promising reviews: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times, and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I'm thrilled with them." —EMc
"This pillowcase has been an absolute game-changer! It feels incredibly luxurious, and the impact on my hair and skin has been remarkable. Since I've started using these satin pillowcases, I've noticed significantly less hair breakage and fewer tangles. My hair feels smoother and healthier than ever before. But the real magic happens with my skin. My face has no more sleep lines or creases when I wake up. It's like I've discovered the fountain of youth! I can't believe the positive difference these pillowcases have made in my daily beauty routine. They're a small investment that yields big results. If you want to wake up feeling and looking refreshed, do yourself a favor and grab these satin pillowcases.Youu won't regret it!" —Ventus
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in standard, queen, kind, and body pillow sizes and 37 colors).
27. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 cleansing balm wipes away the day's makeup, even the "waterproof" stuff and sunscreen. This one's made with Japanese pearl barley, which can help nourish, brighten, and fade hyperpigmentation. Dozens of reviewers say it's similar to or better than the Elemis Cleansing Balm, so if you're having difficulty swallowing Elemis's $68 price tag, try this instead.
Use it on its own or pair it with Juno & Co's reusable makeup remover pad ($8.99)!
Promising reviews: "BEST PURCHASE I'VE MADE THIS YEAR! I was just going to take my mascara off with it, and I ended up rubbing it all over my face, lol! It’s like all the Tiktok reviews etc, say…perfect makeup remover. Buy this now, and you will throw away what you’ve been using. My face feels so clean." —Michele
"I had fallen in love with the Elemis Cleansing Balm but couldn’t justify the cost. I tried this, and love it!! It melts my makeup off and also has a wonderful citrusy scent, just like the Elemis balm. I’m now buying my second one and will keep buying it!" —Stephanie D Peters
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
28. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust delivers a gorgeous and subtle shimmer if your vibes are more "glass skin" and less "Edward Cullen." If you don't want to spend $42 on Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb, you can try this and still, in the words of Rihanna, shine bright like a diamond.
Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison!
Promising review: "I love love love this! I wish I'd known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent
Get it from Amazon for $11.28.
29. Care:Nel Lip Sleeping Mask treats dry, chapped lips overnight and creates a protective barrier to prevent dry weather from destroying all your hard work. But even better than that is that it's an excellent replacement for Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask — and it's less than half the price for three tubs!
Promising review: "I bought this product because I heard that it was an [alternative] for 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.
30. Briotech Topical Skin Spray harnesses the same star ingredient — hypochlorous acid — in the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray to help reduce redness and soothe irritation.
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea benton
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four).
31. Lee Beauty Professional's callus-removing gel dissolves hard dead skin in literal minutes. (Seriously, reviewers say you should only let it sit for two to three minutes!) Then, give it a good scrub with a foot file, and your heels will be baby-bottom smooth. It's like Baby Foot, but without the waiting or spending $25 *each* time. Sheesh!
Promising review: "As many folks have said, have all the things you need (gloves, phone, showerhead, etc.) at hand when you apply this freaking miracle. I have heels like a busted can of biscuits, and I lack faith in any product. Any trip to the salon is basically worthless for my calluses. So I soaked my feet and dried them. Applied the gel and waited. Rinsed and started using my rasp. I have NEVER seen so much skin come off. And it just kept coming. I rinsed and put lotion on, then slept in thick socks. My feet are so soft! Game changer." —VR
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a two-pack).
32. Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water lifts away makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin of moisture — and it does it for half the price of Bioderma.
Promising reviews: "I am a religious Bioderma believer, but this was rec'd to me as a near [replacement]. I have to agree! I also love the price because I don't find myself savoring it so much; I soak a couple of cotton pads with it to remove makeup before I wash my face...millions of times better than the Simple micellar water (in my opinion)." —Kelly M.
"I wanted to try this product because my skin cleansers always made my face dry and tight. This product is a winner. The cleanser feels like water in your hand but does a nice job of deep cleaning your skin without drying it out. I was skeptical at first, but it even takes off mascara. The price alone made it easy to want to give this product a try. It's a rare discovery when you find something for your skin that works and doesn't cost an exorbitant amount of money." —Bloomerite
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
This is our budget pick for best makeup remover on BuzzFeed Reviews!
33. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil gives you all the hydration, nutrients, and ✨glow✨ of the fan-favorite Tarte Maracuja Oil, but Palmer's rings in at less than a quarter 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 hated 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 of — if not the best — budget-friendly beauty or skincare products I've ever tried." —Jennifer Salley
Get it from Amazon for $9.86.
34. Andalou Naturals' Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask brightens, tightens, and evens your skin using vitamin C — just like the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. Except Andalou Naturals charges less than one-sixth of the price!
Promising reviews: "This is a great [alternative] to the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask for a fraction of the price. Really happy with this!" —Miranda
"I take pride in my skin and really enjoy using face masks, so naturally, I've tried a variety. This is one of the only ones I've repurchased several times!" —Erin
Get it from Amazon for $12.69.
35. Purito's Centella Green Level Buffet Serum calms red, irritated skin and strengthens your skin's protective barrier, which might give you ~paws~ if you're a fan of Dr. Jart's Tiger Grass Serum. And the thing that seals the deal for this K-Beauty product is its affordable price tag — I'm not ~lion~.
36. Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence simultaneously quenches your dry skin's thirst *and* makes it glow. But what reviewers love most isn't that it tightens and smooths the complexion; instead, they rave about how you could get 10 bottles of it for the price of one SK-II Facial Treatment Essence — and the results are pretty similar.
Promising reviews: "Love this stuff. I'm on my second bottle and will buy it again. I put it on a clean face at night before putting my serums on, and I wake up with a baby-soft, fresh face. I am a 63-year-old woman, and I think it does help with absorbing my serums better...plus it just feels nice splashing it on a clean face at the end of the day." —Tom
"This is a great [alternative] for the SK-II essence. It hydrates my face without making it oily or sticky." —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.