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 jar of Neutrogena Hydroboost Moisturizer because its oil- and alcohol-free gel-like formula's packed with hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and glycerin (moisture retention) to give you the similar soft, quenched skin as three-times-the-price products like Murad's Water Gel or Tatcha The Water Cream. I've used it for several years now because I can't bring myself to shell out for super expensive moisturizers when this works perfectly well!
I literally have been through probably a dozen jars of this stuff over the past several years — it's hydrating, leaves my oily-combo skin soft, and works flawlessly under makeup. A jar usually lasts me three months or so with once-daily use!
Promising reviews: "I tried every high end brand at Sephora before this and while most worked for me, the price tags just became too high for me. After some research I found this moisturizer and I now have it on automatic reorder every few months! If you've ever tried the Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel (it's $60 for the same amount of product by the way, yikes!), this is basically an alternative. I'll never buy another high end moisturizer." —Ashley Braswell
"Love this product, it's the only moisturizer I can use on my face that doesn't burn and sting.My skin has definitely improved. Pus the price is amazing. It's comparable to the Tatcha Water Cream, except so much cheaper." —Andreya Augst
Get it from Amazon for $17.40.
2. A mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen to use instead of the more expensive options like Crest 3D Whitestrips. You'll see a difference basically immediately after one use, and if you keep going with it on a regular basis, it can brighten away years of coffee, tea, wine, and soda stains. Oh and it's painless — you shouldn't have to suffer through stinging gum pains to get whiter teeth at home.
After brushing and flossing, you paint your teeth with the pen (each pen contains about 20 uses), wait for 30 minutes, then rinse!
Promising reviews: "I have to say, I was skeptical about this product from all the TikTok hype about it but after trying it out, it really does work. This was super easy, didn’t hurt my teeth at all, and didn’t taste much different than my regular toothpaste, since I got the mint-flavored one. I used it for a few weeks before my brother’s wedding and it worked like a charm. I noticed visible results in only a couple of days and was able to keep using it until I reached my desired shade of white. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with sensitive teeth and tastes!" —Victoria Bravo
"Saw this on BuzzFeed — they were right! It's easy to use and actually works. I was so surprised at how well this pen bleached out some coffee stains on my teeth after just one application. I've tried Crest Whitestrips and this is better because you can get in between the teeth." —CS
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (clip the $4 off coupon on the product page for this price).
3. A pack of 100 blotting papers to instantly soak up all that excess oil that's making your face feel slick and goopy — hi, mattified skin! And at this price point, you won't think twice about using two or three if you need 'em, or even sharing with friends. Several reviewers say they're even better than the name-brand Clean & Clear option!
Clean & Clear's come out to about 11 cents per sheet, while these are more like 7 cents per sheet.
Promising reviews: "I just got these a few days ago and I was honestly so skeptical about if they would actually work but let me tell you, they work incredibly well!! Usually by midway through a 12-hour clinical shift in the hospital my face shines brighter than a disco ball. With these I'm able to grab one and blot it on my face to instantly take all the shininess away. I could not believe it. They are very soft and absorbent. I will definitely be buying more!" —Brooke
Get it from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles and with or without a case).
4. Or a volcanic stone face roller that, if you use blotting tissues like, several times a day, will 1,000% pay for itself over time. Why? It's completely washable and reusable! If those cheaper blotting sheets are 7 cents each, by the time you've had this for a year and use it even just once a day, it'll cost you less than half that — just 3 cents per use. And that cost per use only continues going down from there!
Promising reviews: "My face is really oily and I’ve tried the blotting papers but the only thing thing they really succeed at is making me feel worse because no matter how many I use, they still have oil on them. With this, you can feel it soaking the oil up and you’re not out here building a little oily paper mountain. I’m not sure how often you’re supposed to wash it but I try to about every day or so, you can see the color difference after you use it but it takes all of 30 seconds to wash. Anyway, go ahead and buy this bad boy and thank me later." —Jenny Glazebrook
"Super easy to use, and very effective for removing oil shine quickly without messing up your makeup! I’ve been using the same one for years (yes, years) it’s easy to clean with soap and hot water. Then just pop it back in the case and let it dry and it’s as good as new!" —Rose C
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
5. Peach Slices acne spot dots to suck out a bunch of the gunk lurking in your zits until they basically vanish, or at least have been somewhat diminished. Reviewers talk about how they're similar to brands like Mighty Patch — just as effective, for less dough.
Peach Slices is a part of the skincare company Peach & Lily, which was founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon. It prioritizes vegan beauty products and recyclable packaging. They plant a tree for each order, and have sent some proceeds to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson
"So I have been using these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 (also available in a 60-pack).
6. Aussie's Instant Freeze Gel because it can give you the hydrated cast you need to set gorgeous waves or curls for days, whether you air dry or diffuse. I personally have used many bottles of both this and more expensive gels like DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel on my wavy hair, and literally could not tell the difference anywhere but with my wallet!
Promising review: "I have type 3c/3b curls and low porosity hair. I have used this gel twice now and it works pretty well. I was using DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel before and I’m switching over to Instant Freeze now! It does not give me quite as much hold as the Ultra Defining Gel did, but it’s comparable and much cheaper. My curls were very soft after using this where as with DevaCurl my curls were always dry." —Serena
Get a pack of three tubes from Amazon for $15.65.
7. An eyebrow soap kit for an instant, easy eyebrow transformation that locks hairs exactly where you want 'em all. damn. day. Precision and hold without crunchiness or crustiness — for well less than the cost of name brands? Check, check, check, check, and check.
Promising reviews: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon
"Saw this on TikTok and after looking around where I live for some clear soap and coming up short I decided to try these out. They are a great value for the price. Super easy to use and give a great effect on the brows." —Linds
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel).
8. Or a Nyx brow pencil that, without the labels in the swatch pic below, I wouldn't be able to distinguish from the swatch of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, they're *so* alike. And for $9 instead of $24? Now that's what I call the look for less!
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 $8.42+ (available in 12 shades).
9. Or! NYX's Tinted Brow Mascara, which fills in, shapes, and holds brows the *perfect* natural-looking amount without going overboard, and in just a few quick swipes so you can get on with your day. That's just like the cult-favorite-but-$18 Glossier Boy Brow, but for like HALF THE PRICE. There's no reason to hunt for sales when you can save that much just by being a savvy shopper!
Promising reviews: "Basically Boy Brow but MUCH less expensive. Awesome stuff!" —Kelly P
"I decided to try this as an alternative to Glossier’s boy brow which I’ve been using for the last few years. I’m really pleased with this product, it’s more affordable and provides the same effect." —Ally
Get it from Amazon for $8.50 (available in five shades).
10. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum that you'll immediately feel thankful for when it keeps your skin soft, soothed, and hydrated *without* looking oily, despite Jack Frost's earnest and repeated attempts to dry you out so far this winter. And reviewers say it's just as good as the $200 (that's so much money!!!!!) TNS Recovery Complex serum.
Promising reviews: "So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" —nana bendick
"Winter dries out my skin like crazy, and I've been looking for an option to add to my skin routine to keep my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. I've been adding it to my foundation as well, which has made a big difference! Love using this first thing in the morning to help feel refreshed and ready to go." —Laura Q
Get it from Amazon for $17.98.
11. An illuminating L'Oreal moisturizer if Glossier Futuredew's like, your holy grail, but you just can't justify spending over $20 for an ounce of serum right now. Get that shimmery glow you love for less, whether you're wearing it instead of foundation or as a dewy layer on top of your everyday look!
Promising review: "This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. Not too sparkly, just makes me look like I’ve had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that’s a plus. I’ve tried other luminizers, and for me they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried an $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin. I will purchase again!" —DLW
Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (available in four shades).
12. Some Elizavecca Hair Treatment, which many reviewers say is just as good as three-times-the-price Olaplex, meaning it can help make your hair softer and more manageable, especially if it's been damaged by bleach, heat, or dye. Swap for conditioner once a week, let it soak into your hair for five minutes, and rinse to see noticeable results!
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Promising reviews: "I have tried everything to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this on TikTok. I had never heard of it before but 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. It's sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. My bleached rat's nest now looks and feels like hair again. I’ve been really frustrated about my hair for years now because of all the damage. Now I can finally relax and enjoy my new hair." —Eline
"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 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! I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.69.
13. Three flavors of lip sleeping masks — they're packed with emollients, which help protect and moisturize your kisser similar to the way the famed Laniege mask does, but for less than half the price. And you get a lime flavor, pomegranate flavor, and berry flavor. Cracked, dry lips begone!
Promising review: "I breathe through my mouth when I sleep and I often wake up with super chapped lips. I love Laniege’s lip sleeping mask but, it gets pricy when used daily. This product is the most amazing alternative for it at a FRACTION of the price! Laniege is $24 for just one and this is less than $10 for three?! THREE? Omg take my money. Highly recommend! —Nikz
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four scent combinations).
14. The cult- (and BuzzFeed editor-) favorite Essence Lash Princess mascara, because it just makes sense to buy a mascara that gives you results many reviewers say are better than expensive brands — and one says is better than even Dior Show. It's sweatproof, endows you with immediate length (no falsies in sight here), and is less expensive than your favorite coffee shop drink.
My colleagues Kayla Boyd and Emma Lord *love* this stuff!
Kayla says: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them), I find this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. It uses a conic shape fiber brush to help the mascara apply evenly without getting too clumpy. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort." Read her full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more!
Emma says: "Hello, that is my face above (I'm the blonde), because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."
Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
15. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, which I can personally vouch gives similar soft, hydrated results to pricier specialty hand creams like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which I also love!), but for $5 instead of $20. This is my 11th winter in NYC, and every year I MUST have some sort of hand cream in my bag, because the backs of my hands always turn crusty. Some years it's this, other years it's the pricier stuff. But it all works the same!!
You only need a small dab for your hands, and don't worry, it's fragrance-free! TBH a tube of this in my bag usually lasts me through most of the winter, although I also keep other lotions that I use when I'm at home.
Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. I've been using it since I was a kid and it's just perfect. I get super dry hands, especially because where I live the winters can get down to -40 degrees F. This stuff is magic. I don't know how else to explain it. This is just the best and most moisturizing hand cream I've ever tried — and I've tried a lot! A little bit of this goes a LONG way, so don't worry that it's only two ounces. One tube of this can last me probably 3–4 weeks, with me applying it every night." —hatchibomitar
Get it from Amazon for $4.49.
16. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer, which reviewers swear is comparable to the 5x pricier Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer — it's lightweight, helps reduce the appearance of pores, and has a velvety texture that'll help your foundation glide over your skin flawlessly. And hey, it's cruelty-free and vegan!
It's sold out frequently thanks to TikTok, so if you want this, it's probably best to grab it while it's in stock!
Promising reviews: "I was super impressed with this primer after have tried Tatcha Silk Canvas. The textures in my opinion were nearly identical! It was easy to spread, it felt like silk but not like super silicone or anything like that, very velvet like. No scent, my makeup didn’t separate nor crease, key is a little goes a very long way. For $8 you can’t beat it!" —Brandy Dail
"Highly recommend. Learned about it as several influencers used it on TikTok. Tried it and it’s my favorite. Better than all the expensive brands I had tried before. Smooth application and does an excellent job! Excellent." —Binnyx1
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
17. Or E.l.f.'s hydrating Power Grip Primer, if you're after an under-$10 way to ensure basically every last speck of makeup you apply to your skin stays exactly where you want it — sweat or tears be damned. Results are so impressive, it gets compared to Milk Hydro Grip, which is twice as expensive.
BTW, E.l.f. is cruelty-free!
Promising reviews: "I got hooked on 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
"Tried this for the first time today, I’ve always had trouble with my makeup staying on and looking fresh all day. I just used this for the first time. I did my makeup this morning, ran several errands and went to a festival in Atlanta where it was extremely hot and humid. I just got home and my makeup looks like I just did it. So impressed!" —Taylor Poulin
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
18. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush because as wonderful as every shade of Glossier Cloud Paint is, $20 per tube makes piggy banks squeal. Never fear, though, because this water-based cream blush is just about one-quarter of the cost, and still blends nicely with just your fingers to give you the right amount of natural-looking color.
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 reviews: "This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It’s less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." —Amazon Customer
"Such a pretty color! Heard about this on TikTok. Sheer and the color is sweet. And the price can't be beat." —Kaye Ralene White-Hancock
Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
19. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, which reviewers with sensitive and dry skin swear by as a way to boost hydration (with results after just a few days) without breaking the bank on $$$ moisturizer and serum brands. You can try it no matter your skin type to deliver deep hydration and help protect your skin from losing moisture.
Promising reviews: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my S.O. tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
"I love this! TikTok made me buy it. Use after toner and before moisturizer. Helps lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. Apply to damp face and let it absorb a minute before your favorite moisturizer. Works well with any type of skincare you normally use." —Auka Nayokpuk
Get it from Amazon for $13.63.
20. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette featuring 40 shades in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, which is basically what your creative eyeshadow look dreams are made of. Even reviewers who are professional makeup artists *heart* this, because it's so pigmented and you get SO many bright colors to play around with.
Keep up with luxe beauty releases? Yep, it's very similar to the $40 James Charles x Morphe palette...
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
"The colors are very pigmented! All I have to say is RUN and get this product!!!! I looked up reviews on TikTok for affordable but pigmented palettes and I kept seeing this one. Safe to say I was NOT disappointed." —Courtney Melvin
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
21. A five-pack set of makeup sponges famous internet-wide for how comparable they are to Beauty Blender and Real Techniques — and for clocking in at around $2 each, when you do the math. Whether you're blending foundation, BB cream, or concealer or applying powder, you'll get the perfect finish every time.
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 nine sets of colors).
22. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks for beautifully pigmented lip color that lasts from the moment you apply it till the moment you're back in front of your mirror at the end of the day, micellar water in hand. And for less than $2 each, your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief...especially if it's used to you buying the pricier brands.
Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire
"Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" —Vickyy
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three sets of shades).
23. Microfiber makeup remover cloths — we've featured these in posts for YEARS because yes, they work that well to banish even waterproof makeup using only water, no soap or makeup remover required. Even better? The pack of five costs less than half what you'd pay for the brand-name MakeUp Eraser. Win!
And when all five are dirty, they're 100% machine washable!
Promising reviews: "Amazing wash cloths! Work just as good if not better than the MakeUp Eraser cloth. Love how soft they are! Wash up great and all makeup washes out as well. All the different colors are nice too!" —Katrina
"Used this and started singing 'Do You Believe in Magic,' turns out a producer heard me, got a record deal, and now I’m a famous pop star. Ok not really but I don’t know what kind of sorcery this is, it really works like magic. Am I in an alternate dimension where waterproof eyeliner wipes off with ease? I don’t know, but it feels like it. Absolutely incredible. I actually use them for cleaning my face, fixing mess ups, and surprisingly they work for lip exfoliating. I even have one that’s just for my counters and it gets all the makeup and spots off like a magic eraser, no cleaning solution, just a slightly damp rag." —Shelly
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three color combinations).
24. A L’Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment so you can enjoy the same key ingredients that make Redken's lamellar treatment so good, but spend less than $10. Simply coat your strands in this stuff and let it sit for 8 seconds for before-and-after hair that looks and feels as soft and shiny as a hair model's. It works for all hair types, too!
Promising reviews: "Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky
"I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —anonymous87
Get it from Amazon for $8.73.
25. Coty Airspun loose face powder, which has been around and popular since 1935 (that's 88 years!!) because it's just incredibly effective for setting layers of foundation and concealer while mattifying and smoothing looks. As you can see in the review below, it sometimes even gets compared to Laura Mercier's $40 version!
Promising review: "I am totally blown away by this product! I've been using Laura Mercier's Translucent loose setting powder for about six months, and was dissatisfied with the fact that my skin appeared greasy/oily by the end of the work day. By 5 p.m., I have been wearing my makeup for about 10 hours. I also live in a warm climate and have oily skin. By the end of my work day using this powder, my face is still very matte! I am THRILLED! This way outperforms the Laura Mercier powder. I can't believe it. I'm never going back." —AlexisJulian
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five shades).
26. The long-time cult-favorite Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer — it's brilliantly versatile, because it works just as well layered under a full face of makeup as it does for a lil' touch up here and there all by itself. Pricier name brands may be great, but this is even greater because it does everything they can for under-eye circles and redness *and* costs under $10.
Promising reviews: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time i set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my every day makeup bag." —Brittney
"My favorite! I heard a lot about this product on TikTok. When I got it I immediately put it on and was amazed at how well it matched my skin tone, maybe that's just luck but still. The point is I can barely even see my dark circles when I put this on and that’s saying something." —Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 14 shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
27. A powder highlight to entice your cheekbones to POP and glow. Make your makeup even more fun with some of this buildable shimmer you can take from gentle sheen to megawatt fairytale glimmer that a couple of reviewers compare to the three-times-the-price Anastasia Highlighter.
Promising reviews: "I previously used Anastasia highlighter but this is just as good (if not better) and the color is exactly the same. This price is awesome for the quality and color." —The W Family
"This highlighter is amazing! It is soft, works like magic, and very budget-friendly! You can tell the quality of the product by the texture and smoothness, and the ease with which it glides onto the skin! I'm a fan!" —Shweta S.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
28. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, a powerhouse of a formula thanks to retinol (helps acne), hyaluronic acid (hydrates, so can help fine lines), niacinimide (soothes skin, helps minimize pores), salicylic acid (more acne and pore help), and of course vitamin C (helps brighten and soothe). A little goes a long way, making the under-$20 price tag even better!
Many reviewers like it for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily or combo skin times (reviewers with dry skin like it, too). Several people say it's similar to the $182 (I knowwww!!) SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum.
Promising reviews: "I actually heard of this product on TikTok. It’s a nice lightweight formula. Makes your skin so smooth and I’ve noticed a more even looking skin tone." —Katelyn Hoffa
"I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started this!!! First, my skin purged out underlying blemishes but after was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
29. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer, which I personally swear by and have used for the past few years to give my eyeshadow looks hours and hours of waterproof staying power — no creasing in sight. I've used several higher end primers in the past, and this gives me the same results as the expensive ones, for less money. Like most eyeshadow primers, a little goes a VERY long way.
Plus, it's cruelty free! Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on Elizabeth Mott eyeshadow primer.
Promising reviews: "I have gone through various eyeshadow primers and this is by far the best. I spent over $20 on the Urban Decay primer, which media rated best, and this puts it to shame!" —Aristea Theodoropoulos
"I absolutely love this stuff! I have extremely oily skin. At the end of the day my makeup is like melting off my face it's so oily. I have used Urban Decay and Too Faced eye primer for years, and they work well, but I actually like this stuff better. The consistency is good. It's creamy and goes on smooth. It's practically clear when it dries. I even apply it beyond my eyes up in to my brows, and then I use It Cosmetics universal brow pencil, and my eyebrows stay in place till I get home from work, which is a good nine hours. My brow pencil goes on smoother, and I feel like I have more control over the darkness and shape of my brows. No creasing at all on my shadow after nine hours. I've been using it for about a month, and it's what I will continue to use. I think it's better, cheaper, and available with Prime!" —hollyjj
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (or $12.59 with the Subscribe & Save option).
30. The lightweight SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-In Conditioner Spray, which curly-haired people of all ages (kids and grown-ups!) swear by for BOTH A) defining curls in the morning and B) resetting and detangling curls to prevent frizziness at night. Aaaaand...*drumroll* ...many reviewers say it works better than other more expensive products they've tried!
Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray on one kiddo's gorgeous hair. Reviewers with curls all the way from 2a–4c love it!
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this. I didn’t think it would work as well as it does. My little one has curly hair and it’s not very long. (She’s 2.5-years-old.) I was using a misting spray that I didn’t love the smell of and it was kind of on the expensive side. So I gave this a try to see if it could replace that one. And it ABSOLUTELY DOES! This redefines my daughters almost coil curls, moisture is great for her frizzy curls and I thought maybe this would be too heavy for more than after shower wet hair but it’s great on dry hair!" —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $9.69.
31. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, a highly pigmented lipcolor renowned for its silky, not-at-all-sticky feel that lasts all day and all night. One reviewer compares the shade Rosy Nude to Charlotte Tilbury's shade Pillow Talk; another mentions Wine Nude is kinda like the YSL Velvet Cream shade New Sedition.
Promising reviews: "This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee
"This is 💯 a TikTok Made Me Buy It story. I usually go for lip stains because I love bold lip colors but hate it when they smear. I saw a TikTok where a woman was raving about these velvet lip stains so had to give it a go! It isn’t a stain at all but it is a super nice, velvety long wearing lipstick that is HIGHLY pigmented for an affordable price point." —OCDesthetician
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 29 shades).
32. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water if you're out of European-favorite Bioderma but kinda need to save a few bucks. Pretty much all micellar waters work about the same: mild little micelles (cleaning agents suspended in the water) gently pick up waterproof makeup, dirt, and excess oil from your skin. Even better? It won't leave your skin overly dry, the way typical soap and water would.
As one reviewer mentions, pick up some reusable pads and you'll never have to buy makeup wipes again!
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat
"Miracle worker. Minimal smell, feels nice, helped a lot when taking off make-up. Really good. Came unopened and brand new. Bought it because of TikTok haha." —Tracey
Get it from Amazon for $8.65+ (available in two sizes and in packs).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!
33. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, which makes it easy to give yourself a spa-level exfoliating treatment at home. Besides lifting away dead skin cells, it helps with unclogging pores and increasing the rate your skins surface layers turn over — all of which equal softer, more glowing skin. TBH, it has many similar ingredients to the $80 Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, so much so that some reviewers say they both make pretty much the same difference.
Read about even more skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone.
The 3 key ingredients in The Ordinary's peel =
- Glycolic acid and lactic acid are both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the top layer of skin.
- Salicylic acid, a a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps cut down on pore congestion.
Promising reviews: "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
"TikTok was right. I love this! I have been using it for four weeks, once a week and have noticed a difference in my skin. It has helped clear up my acne as well as even my texture. Will be buying again (and again...and again...)" —emjaybe95
Get it from Sephora for $9.50.
34. An E.l.f. glitter liquid eyeshadow so you can sparkle your way through day after day in a single swipe-on step, skipping tedious powder and blending. Oh, and while Stila Glitter and Glow has fantastic sparkle too, it's literally *four times* the price of the $6 E.l.f. That's both time AND money saved.
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 $6 (available in 11 shades).
35. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray so you can ensure your makeup lasts and lasts through even the sweatiest nights out dancing or most humid or rainy days with just a spritz or two. Mac and Urban Decay both have their own much-beloved setting sprays, but reviewers say this works just as well if not even better.
Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $4+ (available in two sizes and matte, dewy, or plump finishes).