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 cruelty-free lengthening mascara because you're tired of mascaras that don't live up to their promises. This one won't let you down — I promise! It's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day. Consider your expectations exceeded!
Promising review: "I make a lot of purchases, but I don't usually write a review; this is the exception. This mascara is AWSOME, and I love it. The product performs exactly as advertised, if not better. I have very sparse eyelashes and actually contemplated using fake lashes, but with this mascara, I don't have to. It is wonderful!" —Jane Dove
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
2. A lightweight oily-skin primer so you can apply your makeup to a smooth, even surface and have it stay all day. It's made with green tea extract and collagen to plump and moisturize the skin.
Promising review: "I feel compelled to review this item. I have tried Smashbox, Laura Mercier, Hourglass, E.l.f., and another few primers over the years, but I really think this one is superior and does what it’s advertised for. It goes on smoothly and smells good, blurs pores and fine lines, and grips my It Cosmetics CC cream nicely. Stays on all day and doesn’t make me shiny/greasy, which tends to happen especially in warm weather. I am so satisfied that I’m thinking of trying out the foundation of this same brand. So far it’s my holy grail primer!" —catherine
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
3. Or the TikTok-famous poreless putty primer that'll help make your skin look like there's an IRL filter on it. This is the secret to hiding your pores and getting your makeup to stay all day. An added bonus? It contains squalene, an ingredient that prevents moisture loss and helps strengthen your skin barrier.
Promising review: "I bought this to blur some of the large pores and textured areas on my face. Basically, my nose and chin and a few other spots. It's silky and spreads easily. Mainly just dab it on after the mineral sunscreen sets, and it does what it says. It's also invisible under my foundation. Nice product. I've tried a dozen other primers, but this is the only one I like enough to actually use because it's so simple." —PatriciaD2284
Get it from Amazon for $9.
4. A waterproof NYX liquid eyeliner for drawing wings that are sharper than your biting sarcasm.
Promising review: "I put this eyeliner on around noon, went on several walks, got very sweaty throughout the day, and even took a shower, and the only reason it smudged was because I was rubbing my eyes. The shower water itself did nothing to this eyeliner. I'd say it does what's advertised, and I highly recommend it and would buy it again." —Zoe Stigon
Get it from Amazon for $7.45+ (available in black and brown).
5. Or an eyeliner stamp to simplify your winged liner routine. One end is a triangular stamp for the wings, and the other is a felt tip to connect the wing to the inner corner.
6. A Dr. Jart color-correcting treatment if you're looking for a product that neutralizes redness while simultaneously protecting your skin from the sun's damaging rays. This color-changing cream goes from green to beige and absorbs into the skin flawlessly; in fact, some reviewers wear it in place of foundation when they need light coverage.
BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this cream:
"I use this every single day, and to demonstrate just how well it works, I put it on half of my face in the pic on the left. Seriously, the color-canceling prowess is impressive. Also, it took me nearly a year to go through the full-size jar. So, if the price has you feeling iffy, you can try out a travel version. I'm forever indebted to this stuff."
Promising review: "I purchased this after having a lot of redness from allergy season, and I have very sensitive skin. I do not like a lot of makeup as a result of such skin sensitivity. I actually just use a little bit of this to even out my skin tone and provide more sunscreen protection. I do not wear a foundation — just this stuff and a light concealer. It really helps me have a natural look rather than perhaps big pink allergy eyes." —MsMandyK
Get it from Sephora for $52.
7. An extreme hold eyebrow gel because it gives your brows that laminated look, offers 16 hours of hold without looking crunchy, and doesn't leave behind white flakes. Sweat and water, mortal enemies of brow gels everywhere, meet your match!
Promising reviews: "It works as advertised. This is the first product that I’ve found, other than a wax, that holds my eyebrows in place. I will definitely buy again. It’s a bit pricey, but it works for me." —Maybe-yes
"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
Get it from Amazon for $8.59 (available in five shades).
8. Or a soap brows kit so you can try this TikTok beauty trend yourself. This method will help make your brows look thicker using just your existing hairs. And of course you can go in with a brow pen or powder to add even more fullness.
Promising review: "Great product! Just as advertised." —Rabbits And Rainbows
"I was looking for a good soap for soap brows for so long! I have super dark brow hair, and the problem I have with most bar soap is it will get each throughout the day or super sudsy and white. This product did not! It was amazing and left my brows in whatever direction I wanted!!!" —Savannah
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
9. A shea butter–infused cream-to-powder E.l.f. multi-stick that'll replace your blush, lipstick, *and* eyeshadow. It'll melt into your skin like an absolute dream, giving you the perfect pop of color.
Promising review: "I love the color; it’s very sheer and has a silky texture which goes on easily with no harsh lines. A blush of color or more depending on how much you put on. Just as advertised, pretty on cheeks, lips, or a touch on the eyelids. Lightweight. I’m going to buy more." —Sky
Get it from Amazon for $5 (available in seven shades).
10. A wowworthy lip balm for anyone who wants to say goodbye to cracked and bleeding lips once and for all. This hypoallergenic blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and 1% hydrocortisone is designed to moisturize and heal severely chapped lips caused by weather, cold sores, medication, lip licking, mouth breathing, eczema, and more.
Promising reviews: "Works as advertised. Better than the prescription my dermatologist gave me. She recommended this as a long-term solution, and she is absolutely correct. Used twice a day, it keeps my lips free from eczema and cold sores." —Amazon Customer
"As advertised. Great lip balm. I've been using it since I was on medication that dried my lips out badly. Works very well. Used about 4x a day while on the medication. Since off the medication, I use after I wash my face in am and pm, and I have soft lips. My old lip balm required me to use MANY times a day to keep lips soft." —paco
Get it from Amazon for $7.50.
11. A Maybelline concealer to mask dark circles and reduce under-eye puffiness (because what is sleep?). This may be what feels like the millionth Monday you've woken up wishing it was still the weekend, but at least you'll look fresh, well-rested, and ready to take on the day.
Promising review: "This product does what it advertises. It is nearly full coverage, though I sometimes have to reapply on really red areas. I would not call it a moisturizer, but it does not dry out my skin as much as some other cosmetics. The way the applicator is designed makes it easy to apply without having to use my fingers or a sponge." —Maria Coker
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 18 shades).
Check out my colleague's Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review and learn why it's her favorite.
12. A L'Oréal glow-enhancing lotion if you want a highlight that's less disco ball, strobe-y effect and more of a healthy-looking radiance. It'll pump up your natural glow either on its own, under makeup, or worn as a highlighter.
Promising review: "Got compliments on my skin the first day I used this product. It's wonderful, lightweight, and stays on all day yet washes off easily. Does not settle into small lines like other makeup does. Gives face a dewy glow. Love this product." —Christina
Get it from Amazon for $12.61+ (available in four shades).
13. A triangle powder puff because they'll give your skin that airbrushed look. You can use it with wet or dry products, but reviewers swear it's the secret to applying setting powder that isn't cakey and doesn't crease.
Promising review: "These powder puffs came exactly as advertised. They are extremely soft and have a good thickness. I love how snug they are on my fingers. They are perfect for applying powder to the under eye area. I will definitely be purchasing again!" —Brittany M.
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 17 color combinations).
14. A cruelty-free NYX matte lipstick with fantastic color payoff and lasting power so you can get your money's worth. It won't get dry and flaky on your lips, plus you can always top it off with a ~poppin'~ gloss of your choice.
Promising review: "I love lipsticks and have a lot, but I hate paying high prices. This lipstick does exactly what it says and is inexpensive, so I can buy a ton of them!" —Sharon Hope
Get it from Amazon for $6.54+ (available in 38 shades)
15. An Etude House drying powder that'll help control your skin's oil production and keep your face from looking greasy. You can also apply it to your hair (make sure you dust off the residue) so your roots look freshly washed.
Some reviewers apply it before their makeup while others find it works best on top of their foundation. You may need to experiment to find the right order for you.
Promising review: "Does what it says. I have excessively oily skin, and working in an office 10+ hours a day does not help. Little bit of this powder and no more oil, glare, etc., just matte skin and corrected makeup. I do not use the little puff it comes with, I use a powder brush and only use it with this powder." —LittleKrissy
Get it from Amazon for $7.
16. A splurge-worthy and dermatologist-recommended Elta MD clear sunscreen with SPF 46 for a lightweight and grease-free finish. It's great for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as people with sensitive skin and rosacea!
Promising review: "Does just what it says! My dermatologist suggested this to me. I have tried tons of sunscreen...TONS at all price points and all brands. I prefer physical blockers, but they never mesh with my makeup, make me so greasy (and I'm already oily/combo), or leave a ghostly white cast on my deep brown skin. This absorbs easily, has no strong fragrance, plays well with makeup and moisturizers, is still effective in Houston summer heat and humidity, and doesn't trigger my adult acne. I haven't had issues with the pump, I like that I can pump out a lot or a little, but it is not clear — it does leave a slight white cast on my skin; however, it does dissipate, and I always use at least powder to make my skin more even and absorb the oilies." —AseaNoe
Get it on Amazon for $38.95.
17. Or a Tower 28 tinted moisturizer to give you a natural-looking, medium-light coverage with SPF. Reviewers say it feels light on the skin (never oily or greasy) and doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned beauty brand started by Amy Liu.
Promising review: "Finally found a product that TRULY does what it says. Protects from the sun, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and gives very minimal coverage but leaves you looking AMAZING!!!! I love this because it doesn’t cling to dry patches and doesn’t break me out. It leaves me looking radiant and feeling beautiful." —rockysheba123
Get it from Sephora for $32 (available in 13 shades).
18. OR! (Can't you tell I love sun protection??) A sun milk with SPF 50+ if you're looking for a sunscreen and primer in one. It boasts a double-layer UV-blocking system that lasts through sweat and water, while creating a silky-smooth base for makeup. And it corrects skin tone so you can just skip the makeup entirely.
In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup.
Promising review: "I bought this sunscreen because it advertises itself as a non-greasy, hypoallergenic sunscreen...and it actually does just that! Being allergic to sunscreen and zinc-based formulas drying out my skin, I was ready to try anything. This sunscreen does dry your skin out a little, but using a heavy duty moisturizer underneath has worked well! It doesn’t burn my skin, is super soft and dry to the touch, and it doesn’t make me a ghost like zinc-based sunscreens. If you have dry skin...be cautious, but normal to oily, this is great with a solid moisturizing routine!" —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $14.80.
19. A crème to powder waterproof eyeshadow stick because a stay-all-day eyeshadow that won't fade or crease isn't too much to ask for. One end is the eyeshadow stick and the other is a built-in smudger so you don't need any brushes to achieve your eye look. Plus the formula is made with nourishing vitamin E and vitamin C.
Promising reviews: "This product does what it says; super easy and long lasting...no creases. I have owned every kind of eye shadow out there. This is beyond the best ever. It is definitely 101 eye makeup. So easy to use and actually lasts all day. Have bought three different colors. Wonderful product, will buy more. Makes your eyes look like a professional has done them." —Floyd Dunham
"This does exactly what it says it does. Applies smoothly. Wait a couple seconds, and it’s on for the day! Or, change before it sets. Goes well as eyeliner, too. I’m 70. My eyes are wrinkled, and I had given up on eyeshadow and pencil. This is so easy to apply. No pulling, it just glides on." —BamaNana
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 31 shades).
20. A magical makeup-correcting stick so you can easily clean up small messes — like smeared eyeliner or flaky mascara — instead of having to whip out the makeup remover and start all over again.
Promising reviews: "What a great idea this is! It does exactly what it says and doesn't smear, just wipes away any extra liner that is out if whack." —Wendykaye
"Teen daughter approved! I bought this for my teen who loves doing the winged eyeliner look but complains that she can't always get it perfectly straight. She says it works as advertised to clean up any little mistakes she makes. I'll be buying one for myself now as well." —AAMoo
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
21. A cruelty-free and vegan Milani baked blush that'll make those cheeks pop! It comes with a mini brush to help you expertly build up coverage so you're literally glowing all day.
Promising review: "I was a little skeptical at first that this would work as advertised. First time took a little getting used to as it was so different than the blush I had used for years. But I got so many compliments that I use it every day. Love it." —SLD
Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in 24 shades).
22. Or a Glossier cream blush for anyone who's tired of applying blush and looking like a clown. This blendable, buildable formula gives you a beautiful and natural-looking flush of color. Apply it with your fingers for a stunning glow.
Check out a reviewer testing Cloud Paint out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "Wow. It is absolutely wonderful. It feels amazing on my cheeks and adds so much dimension without me having to try. Haze has a pretty rich pigment, so a little goes a really long way! It also works with Skin Tint really well. It blends seamlessly as advertised and feels weightless. I can't wait to buy the rest of the colors!!" —Kc
Get it from Glossier and Sephora for $20 (available in eight shades).
23. A eyelash comb to prevent a case of clumpies! You're not a fan of the clumpy lashes look, so grab this curved comb and separate every itty bitty lash.
Promising review: "This product was exactly what it was advertised to be and exactly what I wanted. I bought it because I was having problems with my mascara clumping my eyelashes together and making my eyes look atrocious. This product fixes that problem every time I use it." —Rebecca Snyder
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
24. A magical TikTok-famous cleansing balm if you need a helping (and gentle!) hand with wiping away the day's makeup, even the "waterproof" stuff. This stuff's made with Japanese pearl barley, an ingredient that can help nourish, brighten, and fade hyperpigmentation.
Promising review: "I've been seeing this product on TikTok for a while now. Decided to try it out. It's always hit or miss when you see something online if it will work as well as advertised. This product is sooooo worth the hype! It smells great, works fabulously, and left my face feeling incredibly soft and smooth. Literally melted my waterproof eyeliner and mascara right off. My face has never felt so clean." —MRC
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
25. Or a super soft MakeUp Eraser because you don't want to feel like you're removing stuck-on foundation with sandpaper. This is designed to work with just water!
Promising review: "Does exactly what is says it does. Great discovery I came across watching beauty YouTube videos. Never heard of them before. They truly are like magic. I use this first to take off makeup by adding just water. Incredible how much makeup comes off. I then follow up with my other cleansers and just wash face with hands. Wow!" —Sharon Nathan
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in 14 colors).
Read my colleague's MakeUp Eraser review as well as our deep dive into the best makeup remover (the MakeUp Eraser won as our mid-price pick).
You, when the "long-wear" lipstick doesn't last through the morning:
