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 top-rated Maybelline foundation, which is available in a wide range of different shades that each deliver an oil-free, pore-blurring, matte complexion that lasts. If it's time to re-up on foundation, get the most bang for your buck with this one.
Reviewers say it gives excellent coverage and wears all day.
Promising review: "I love this foundation. This is the first foundation I have tried that has matched my skin so closely. It gives me medium to light coverage which I personally love since I like wearing this during the summertime. I have acne scars, but this product provided coverage over them. Also what tops it all is that this foundation is matte! I have very oily skin so this thing is my holy grail. If you are wondering whether to get it just read this review. It goes on and blends flawlessly. I bought another bottle just because I love it so much!" —Simpleebekah
Get it from Amazon for $6.59+ (available in 24 shades).
2. Essence Lash Princess Mascara, because who wants to deal with wearing falsies when you can get a more voluminous look with a few flicks of a wand? This cruelty-free mascara boasts a long-lasting, flake- and clump-free formula so that you can bat those lashes without any worries.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them) this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. 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."
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can’t stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like crazy...and this stuff doesn’t budge! I love it!!" —Carrie E Weikert
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
3. A plumping lip mask that's infused with a blend of hyaluronic acid, sweet agave, and willow bark to help smooth, soften, and hydrate dry lips for a fuller appearance. Angelina Jolie lips without the price tag? Sign us up!
This lip mask is a *staple* in HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian's routine, here's what she has to say: "Besides its subtle scent that I adore and its perfect pink coloring (seriously, I want all my products to look like this), this lip mask became a staple for me as soon as it stepped into my skincare routine. It's deeply moisturizing despite its light texture, and wears as well in daytime as it does as a nighttime treatment. For anyone wanting to add softness or hydration to dry or chapped lips, it's a no-brainer. A little goes a long way, too."
Promising review: "Incredible product. Better than the Laneige mask and clean formula too which is great. Its beauty is in its ability to deliver more lasting results — even when the mask is off, I can tell my lips have been plumped and are much healthier. It is the best lip mask I've tried and has helped my lips loads <3" —KristinaGills
Get it from Sephora or Alpyn Beauty for $28.
Alpyn Beauty is a Wyoming-based small business that sustainably harvests plants and uses them to infuse and create their own product formulas.
4. Ownest Cosmetics eyebrow soap, so you can sculpt your brows to the shape, fullness, and length you prefer without them looking waxy and stiff when you're finished.
Promising review: "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 BH, 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 stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M. Deacon
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
5. Or Glossier's Boy Brow, which offers a sleek, more natural-looking finish, so you can have fuller-looking brows thanks to its creamy, conditioning formula (think pomade for your brows!) and soft, flexible hold.
Promising review: "I've been eager to get my hands on this product for months now! Honestly the easiest brow product I've ever used and it's seriously magic. My brows looked instantly fuller! They weren't crusty or stiff and the applicator is amazing! My favorite thing about Boy Brow is the texture, no crusty brows here. This product has changed my entire makeup routine!" —Jordanne
Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $17 (available in five shades).
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Glossier's Boy Brow for more deets!
6. A silicone-free tinted serum by Ilia featuring SPF 40 to help keep your skin looking radiant, even on the sunniest of days. Besides having a built-in sunscreen (SPF 40), it also features skin-loving hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalene!
This is designed with a dropper, so you can easily apply it with your fingertips!
Promising reviews: "Use this product daily, would recommend to anyone who is looking for a light coverage tinted SPF. It feels like you are wearing nothing but gives you the perfect finished look." —Mjan55
"I have gone through a couple of bottles now, and I can say it is great. I have never had an issue with it pilling or wiping off easily. I put it under my makeup and sometimes over it throughout the day if I feel I need more coverage. I have very acne prone skin and this has never broken me out, and does not irritate my skin or cause a headache from any scents. My only recommendation is to wear sunscreen underneath anyway, because I do not personally feel it has enough sun protectant. It is great as a reapply for throughout the day though!!" —ashley
Get it from Amazon for $48 (available in 28 colors).
7. A 4.4-starred eyeshadow primer because you want to make sure that incredible smokey eye you created after work for an impromptu night of dancing STAYS PUT, so you can still be proud of your on-the-go makeup skills the next morning...right before you wash it off, LOL.
Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper. Game-changer." —Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
8. Youthforia's BYO Blush Oil, which is perfect for anyone sick of swatching blushes that end up too pigmented or not pigmented enough on their skin. This is designed to react with your skin's pH to deliver a customized color to your cheeks that's *Goldilocks's voice* juuuuuuuust right.
Check out a TikTok of the BYO Blush in action.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior writer Emma Lord says: "I tried this out myself, and I have to say, it is WILD watching it adjust to your skin's pH in real time. It was a very bright pink at first but super easy to spread — a bit like Glossier's Cloud Paint, except personalized. It's very long lasting, too — I applied in the morning and could still see a rosy glow by the end of the day."
Promising review: "Obsessed with this blush and the natural flush it gives my cheeks. Super blendable and buildable and doesn't dry out my skin. Don't think I will ever go back to powder blush after trying this hydrating blush oil!!" —SQW
Get it from Amazon or Youthforia for $36.
Youthforia is an Asian woman-owned small business creating cruelty-free makeup products with renewable and environmentally-friendly ingredients. Plus, all of their products are perfectly fine to sleep in, if you happen to fall asleep after a night on the town!
9. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges that make a great affordable alternative to your favorite name-brand makeup applicators, especially considering you get five for under $10! These little tools are my favorite for blending and applying liquid foundation, concealer, and other cream or liquid beauty products.
Promising review: "I am VERY picky when it comes to my makeup sponges. For years I would only use a Beautyblender because, to be honest, nothing else compared or gave the same foundation finish. These are truly a game changer! They are not 100% identical to the name brand blender in texture, HOWEVER they DO give the same flawless foundation finish. I would even go as far as to say they soak up less foundation which means you aren't wasting as much product. And can we talk about this price point?!?! Save your hard-earned money and PURCHASE THESE! You won't be disappointed." —Lindsey
Get a set of five from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in nine color sets).
10. Too Faced Born This Way concealer, so you can step out in confidence with a full-coverage look that doesn't feel heavy on your skin, thanks to a lightweight formula. Plus, it's a must-have versatile tool in your makeup arsenal that you can use for concealer, highlighter, contour, and even a quick touch-up!
Promising review: "I am lazy when it comes to makeup. I don't wear a lot of makeup and hate foundation. I like products that require little effort. Not only does this concealer do an amazing job of coverage under my eyes and on my red cheeks, but also, a little goes a long way. For someone like me who doesn't wear a lot of makeup, a small amount provides an impressive amount of coverage." —snw17
Get it from Sephora or Ulta for $35 (available in 30 shades, and in a mini size for $16).
11. A makeup-correcting stick that's basically sorcery for the way it makes any mistakes you make while applying eyeliner, lip liner, or lipstick just vanish. It's easier to use than a Q-tip and won't leave any cotton fibers, smudges, or smears behind!
12. A set of dermaplaning razors just perfect for prepping your "canvas" by removing any peach fuzz and dead skin, so you can have a smoother, softer base for makeup application.
You can even use them to quickly shape your eyebrows if you don't have time to pluck! This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it!
Promising reviews: "This is PERFECT for dermaplaning! I like to do my entire face every few weeks and it's sooo satisfying to see all the peach fuzz collect! I'll do touch ups on my upper lip/eyebrows more often, though. My face looks so refreshed with all the dead skin sloughed off, and I've gotten compliments that my skin looks smoother! My makeup now applies smoothly as well! The razor is sharp enough to easily cut through the hair, and doesn't harm the skin as long as there is an oil/moisturizer applied first." —Amanda
"Once I learned how to use these correctly, it’s been great. 45 degree angle. Hold your skin taut. Don't apply pressure and use soft strokes. My skin feels baby soft and makeup applies so much better and looks better. I feel like my skin care products are able to absorb better." —Pamela Earnshaw
Get a set of three from Amazon for $4.99.
13. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette that features 40 shades in assorted matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, so you can literally make the eye look of your dreams. The only thing limiting you is your imagination...and maybe the number of eyeshadow brushes you own!
Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." —Daniel T Adams
"Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
14. Etude House's Zero Sebum Drying Powder, which helps absorb all the oil on your skin, so you end up with an even, matte complexion all day long! Definitely keep this in your makeup bag if you know you've got a long day ahead and won't have time for any touch-ups or redoing a full face of makeup.
Promising review: "I have a super-oily face by the end of the day, see the attached pictures. I hate it, it looks gross. This definitely helps combat that but it's not 100% foolproof for my face. Even still, I don't like to go a day without it. It's worth keeping in my routine of blotting papers, toners, etc. PROS: instantly creates a matte look without feeling dry or clogging pores. Lightweight enough to wear on or under makeup. It doesn't cause breakouts or redness and has a mild scent. Genuinely keeps my face feeling fresher throughout the day. I like to wear it on a daily basis. CONS: The only negative is that there's not a huge, huge difference in appearance. But it feels way better, and that's a huge plus!" —Jen
Get it from Amazon for $5.60.
15. Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly, so you can enjoy all the perks of a glossy, tinted pout without any of the sticky finish, thanks to a jelly formula packed with a blend of nourishing oils to help soothe and protect your lips.
Here's a TikTok featuring the gloss along with other Tower28 products, and an unboxing and application of the XOXO glossy shade.
Promising reviews: "I’ve totally found my newest favorite gloss. XOXO is so pretty (and I know because I tried literally almost all of the glosses out there). I’ll repurchase till I die." —Madelyn H.
"Honestly so impressed with how amazing the ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly is! I saw someone recommend it, and loved it, but was hesitate at first. But since I've tried it, I have become OBSESSED (to the point I am going to get some for my sisters). So excited for a lip gloss that is actually non-sticky. :)" —Holly
Get it from Tower28 or Sephora for $16 (available in 12 shades and two finishes).
Tower 28 is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that specializes in creating beauty products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and created with non-toxic ingredients.
16. A Nyx glitter primer that professional makeup artists literally use for making sure that sparkly, shimmering design stays put, no matter where you rock it.
Promising reviews: "Loooooove this. I've used a lot of glitter primers and usually they work for a little while an hour, maybe two, and never up against sweat. I used this on Halloween and am now using it to swatch any of my glitters for nails or makeup. And this holds AMAZINGLY. I did dishes and made lunch while having the pictured snowflake on to swatch glitter colors and it did not budge, I had to use micellar water and a makeup wipe just to get it off a little. So definitely recommend!" —Seriously Lacqueing
"I’m a professional makeup artist and I use this on all my glitter-eyed brides. My brides always gave me positive feedback about glitter staying all throughout the day/night. I would recommend this 100%. Also, for the price it is WORTH IT." —Shruti
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
17. A stainless-steel makeup mixing palette just perfect for anyone who considers themselves an MUA-in-training and wants to take their art skills to the next level. This palette can be used to blend blush, foundation, lipstick, and more to a new and exact shade for your look!
The kit includes a mixing palette and dual-ended spatula with a rounded and sharp end for gathering product.
Promising review: "Why haven't I heard about how GREAT this is for applying foundation?!! It is like using a paint palette. You can spread the foundation out to an even layer and then it collects on your makeup brush evenly. It goes on so controlled and looks much better and more natural looking!! It will definitely save your foundation. So many years wasted by applying my makeup the hard way. I wish someone had told me about this years ago." —Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
18. Live Tinted Superhue Pigmentation Stick, which applies to skin effortlessly, helping fade discoloration and leave you with a glowing, dewy complexion. Prepping your facial canvas with this means you can start with a more even complexion, so you won't have to cake on layers of concealer, corrector, and foundation!
It's designed to target and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation with a skin-loving blend of hydrating niacinamide, exfoliating glycolic acid, and more. BTW, this product is cruelty-free and made with vegan ingredients!
Promising review: "I HAVE NEVER HAD A HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT. UNTIL NOW!! Literally SO effective. Tons of people have been complimenting my skin from my boyfriend (who doesn't always notice subtle changes) to my coworkers ONLINE VIA VIDEO! My skin literally looks visibly brighter and smoother. The only thing you have to be careful of is if you freshly wax or thread any part of your face. Wait a day or two to use the product in case you have sensitive skin to be safe!" —Ulta Customer
Get it from Ulta or Live Tinted for $34.
Live Tinted is a South-Asian woman-owned beauty brand which focuses on creating multitasking products for a diverse and inclusive audience. Check out their top-selling, color-correcting Huestick for example!
19. Stila's Glitter & Glow liquid eyeshadow in case you want to add a little shimmer to your makeup look without having to use a palette and brush. All you have to do is swipe with the included applicator and blend as desired!
Many reviewers even say you don't need to use primer with this (but, of course, if you do it'll last longer)!
Check it out as part of an easy glam routine on TikTok.
Promising review: "I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS STUFF. GREAT glitter payout with little to no fallout if you do it correctly (apply it after the rest of your eyeshadow), and you don't have to worry about the mess of glitter glue and messy loose glitter. I have accidentally slept in this overnight, twice, and was able to rock the glitter eyeshadow to work the next day with no touchups. And I didn't even use an eyeshadow primer either time, although I did use setting spray. Give this a go if you are looking for sparkly eyeshadow." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 10 shades, and two finishes: shimmery or glitter/satin).
20. A waterproof eyeliner stamp, which makes it easier than ever to nail a perfect winged liner look. You don't have to be an expert to use this product, but you will definitely feel like one and the results will receive lots of compliments as if you hired one!
This dual-sided pen is designed with a curved wing stamp on one end and a fine tip liner on the other. Plus, it comes in a pack of two — one for each eye!
Promising review: "I've tried the taping method, tried normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! So when I saw this I thought, meh, why not give it a shot... It's not like my hopes were high since nothing else has been efficient or worked as it should.
"Well, this gem arrived and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out...but to my surprise, I put the left cat-eye on first and it was perfect aside from needing to connect it to my current liner. I thought this was a fluke and did the right eye...again, it came out clean and perfect!" —LadyMeow
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes, packs of two, and a combo pack).
21. A top-rated foundation brush designed with 200,000 soft bristles to apply makeup effortlessly without leaving any streaks or absorbing and wasting precious product. A kabuki brush that makes it look like you have a live-in celebrity MUA? For under $10? We Stan.
FYI, this brush is best used damp when applying makeup and can be used with powder or liquid products!
Promising reviews: "Luxury on a budget. This brush is so soft and feels like a high-end brush! It works amazing!" —Karmalee Thompson
"I’ve used many different high end brushes and this one is by far my favorite. I reach for it daily. It applies a flawless finish that I’m obsessed with. Buy it, you won’t be disappointed. I also love the shape and I think it’s great for travel." —kristine montello
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 10 colors).
22. Ilia Multi-Stick — a multifunctional beauty product that delivers buildable coverage and color on your cheeks and lips for a natural *or* dramatic look, your preference. It's made with nourishing shea butter, softening avocado oil, and protective orange peel wax!
You can even blend it in with your fingers after applying! Here's a TikTok about using multisticks if you want to see more!
Promising review: "I have been lazy with my makeup routine as of lately, so having a multi-stick and not having to whip out a brush and brush has been so helpful. I like how I can just swipe this on my cheeks and rub in with my fingertips. It gives a beautiful flush to the cheek area. This product has no smell that I can tell, which I am happy for. I love that this product is clean and I can feel good about using it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful and well-made product that is not only good for the world, but good for the face." —Brittany0890
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $36 (available in 12 shades and radiant or shimmer finishes).
23. A 4.7-rated Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, which lasts up to 16 hours to make sure your makeup look endures pretty much everything life throws your way: humidity, heat, unexpected rain showers, tears of joy, last-minute outings, etc.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor, Jenae Sitzes uses this setting spray, and here's what she had to say: "I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking several trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray, which I knew after one use I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin, and it caused me no issues.)
"Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, several meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying several times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray."
Promising review: "I used this as my setting spray for my wedding makeup, and it was such a game-changer!! My makeup lasted throughout the entire warm summer ceremony day, through jumping in a lake, and through the dance party. Cannot recommend this enough!! Worth every penny and more honestly." —Eliza Morgan
Get the travel-size from Amazon for $16.
24. Orrr a vegan and cruelty-free makeup setting spray because you want to be confident that your makeup look you worked so hard to create actually makes it through your day without worrying about sweating, crying, or wiping it off. A couple of spritzes of this when a random storm passes through town, and you don't have to worry about showing up with raccoon eyes!
Promising review: "I have been purchasing the NYX Matte Finishing Spray for years but would rotate between this and other high-end sprays. I always end up coming right back to NYX because the finish is incomparable. No matter which foundation I use, my makeup is long-wearing, stays matte and there's no cakey, oily or melted/separated look even after hours of wear. I also have some visible pores on my cheeks and this spray does NOT highlight them or make them stand out more like other sprays do. It's the perfect combination for my makeup needs. Also, so happy that Amazon sells this in jumbo size so this bottle will last me a really long time!" —Krystle M.
Get it from Amazon for $7.06+ (available in matte, dewy, radiant, and plump finishes, in regular and jumbo sizes, and in various packs).
25. A set of five Kulfi Beauty highly-pigmented eyeliners if you want to enjoy a bold, vibrant eye makeup look on your next night out (or daytime) and be oh-so confident that it won't smudge or run, no matter what shenanigans you get into!
Promising review: "These are just what I have searched a decade for. I've never had an eyeliner go on so smooth or effortlessly before. The color stays vibrant all day, not sinking into my skin or transferring elsewhere. I am in love with this product." —Andrea J
Get a set of five from Kulfi Beauty for $85.
Kulfi Beauty is a South Asian-owned small business creating inclusive beauty products that celebrate and empower the community.
26. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, which is designed to stay put all dang day no matter what you do — read: eating, drinking, kissing, etc. — and look just as fresh as when you put it on.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Ciera Velarde has this lipstick, and here's what she has to say: "I have worn this lipstick almost exclusively since 2019, I've rebought it several times, and the best part — it's under $10 a tube. I currently own five shades, but it comes in 30 SHADES, so you're bound to find one that works for you. In addition to being long-lasting, it doesn't leave my lips all dry and cracked like other matte lipsticks I've tried in the past. And I've done the leg work — dozens and dozens of times, I've put this on before dinner, eaten a full meal, drunk some cocktails, and it still looks fantastic when I get back home!"
Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in 30 shades and in a kit option).
Read our full review of the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick here.
27. A set of creaseless hair clips to keep your hair out of your face while doing makeup, and they don't bend, so when you remove them, there's no trace!
Promising reviews: "Finally, a big clip for thick hair! These are great, you clip up your hair and it STAYS. No slipping or sliding down the side of your head while you are trying to do you make up." —Gianna T.
"I have tried a lot of 'creaseless' clips that promise not to leave marks on your hair. My hair is the type that creases even from satin scrunchies. To my surprise, these clips don't leave any marks on my hair! I am thrilled with the purchase, and I am considering purchasing more to have backups per area where I would use them. I do recommend purchasing these if you are tired of clips leaving marks on your hair! Plus they're kind of cute!" —Julia
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.98 (also available as a two-pack in two colors).
28. A pack of self-adhesive eyeshadow shields for applying that powdery (or liquid) hue or glitter to your top lid so A) you can get the perfect winged shape and B) it can catch any excess that falls off the brush. Make sure your under-eye area doesn't end up with smudges or random glitter particles by wearing these while completing your look!
Promising review: "I've been a certified makeup artist for 12 years. Used for my cousin's wedding makeup, and they worked really well as far as catching fallout and shaping goes, but taking them off, they really stick so just be gentle. Still great." —Andrea
Get a box of 120 pieces from Amazon for $6.95.
29. A tube of the 4.5-starred Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which creates a moisturizing base on your skin thanks to a nourishing blend of shea butter, aloe vera, beeswax, and soy proteins. It's perfect for applying as a makeup primer to keep your look fleeky throughout the day!
Promising reviews: "I have searched EVERYWHERE for a product this good. This is lightweight, smells good, and perfect for my sensitive skin. I use this after my skin oils and before I lay my makeup on. I was a bit skeptical of it being a good primer, but it really makes your makeup look smooth. And if you have dry skin that absorbs makeup, this is the product for you!" —Teahl
"Embryolisse face cream has been a staple in my skincare routine for years, and for good reason. Recommended to me by a friend who works as a model, I was intrigued by the idea of using a product favored by professional makeup artists. From the first application, I was hooked. As a face cream, it's incredibly hydrating and nourishing, leaving my skin feeling soft, supple, and radiant. It also creates the perfect canvas for makeup application, smoothing out imperfections and creating a flawless base. I've found that my makeup applies more evenly and lasts longer when I use this as a primer." —Mags
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in two sizes).
30. An E.l.f. poreless putty primer designed to provide a base for your favorite foundation and help reduce the appearance of pores for an almost Photoshopped finish. I mean, it's earned over 32,000 5-star ratings from reviewers who are out here stunning others with their radiant complexions.
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and for $8 thought I'd take a chance. I have sensitive skin and have to watch what I use. I LOVE this product! Goes on smooth and you don't need to use a lot. I put it on before I put on my foundation. Makes a huge difference. Highly recommend and will buy again!!" —Brooks Crim
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
31. A sharpener that's earned over 18,000 5-star ratings and is celebrated by users for its two size options that'll fit both jumbo and regular pencils, so you can stop taking sharpeners from your colored pencil collection. Not to mention, a larger sharpener means less opportunity for spilling all your pencil shards and shavings!
Promising reviews: "I have used this sharpener for over 20 years. It doesn’t break, I just lost mine. You can’t find it in the store. It sharpens lipliners or small eyeliners, and it sharpens large pencils as well. It keeps the shavings in the back, so the only time to remove is when it needs to be emptied. REVLON: Do not ever stop selling this beauty holy grail of sharpeners." —MrsMommyLoves7
"I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 13 years. This is the sharpener you want." —Drea Lorraine
Get it from Amazon for $3.12.
32. A stainless-steel blackhead spatula which uses high-frequency vibrations to help unclog pores and exfoliate your skin. After a cleaning cycle, your face will be readily prepped to absorb skincare products and makeup better, leaving you with a more even complexion! ✨
Each cycle runs for just five minutes before automatically shutting off, and TBH that's all you need for a satisfying daily clean! See it in action on TikTok here.
I got a facial a couple of years ago and I could tell something was different about my extractions, so I asked the aesthetician to write down the name of the product. I went home and immediately bought this! I LOVE IT. I love it more than any other skincare tool that I own. This thing gets gunk out like nothing I've ever tried before, and the first time I used it, I was absolutely disgusted. But I kept on using it. I don't have much acne, but I do have oily combination skin and visibly clogged pores, so this has been a lifesaver when I don't have time to visit an aesthetician. You have to use it while your face is still wet, so after washing your face or even using toner, and you just start scraping. Make sure you have a paper towel near (and maybe a camera) because you will be amazed and disgusted all at once, but you will literally never stop using. I use mine every other day to once a week if I'm having skincare issues, but it also does a great job with monthly use (it's just much grosser)! I follow mine up with Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 3 and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel!
Promising review: "After using this product I have noticed a clarity of my skin that I did not have before. My makeup glides on. People have told me skin looks glowy." —Valerie Santos
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors and a multipack).
33. A lash-lifting kit for anyone sick of applying layers of mascara to achieve that perfect, voluminous look. This DIY kit helps you achieve salon-quality results without making the trip (or breaking the bank), so your lashes will look thicker and longer. No one will blame you if you end up flirting waaaaay more than usual just to bat your lashes around!
This kit includes lash glue, lash perm, lash fixation, lash nutrition, lash cleanser, five silicone pads, three lash cleaning brushes, 10 lash micropores, 10 brushes, and five gel under-eye pads.
Promising review: "Okay I'm not gonna lie, I was worried that this stuff would either not work at all or make all my lashes fall out. Thankfully, it was neither, and the results are UNREAL. I HIGHLY suggest watching some YouTube videos of other people using their perm kits before attempting to use yours. I have big fingers and small eyes so it was difficult for me to get the lift pads in the right positions, but once that was over, the rest was a breeze. Unlike some of the other kits I've seen on here, this one has basically everything you need. The only other things I needed were a mirror, some tissue, and a little bit of plastic wrap to cover my lashes while waiting for the lotions to work their magic. I'm totally impressed and will definitely be buying this again!" —Ryan
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
34. The viral Il Makiage foundation that's all over your IG and TikTok feeds, which boasts a different level of witchcraft considering all you have to do is take a quiz and they'll match you to *your* perfect shade.
And if you don't like your shade, you can exchange or return it for FREE and without a hassle. So, take the quiz, get your correct shade, and enjoy how seamlessly this foundation flawlessly matches your skin.
Promising review: "This is my first time purchasing a higher-end foundation. I’ve never been a foundation fan but after hearing such positive reviews, I just had to try it. I used it for the first time last night and I was shook. Like shook to my core 😂 I couldn’t believe that just a tiny bit of foundation went a long way and it actually looked natural! Obviously you could tell I had makeup on but I didn’t feel like my face was cakey or like that 'eh' feeling when you have too much makeup on. I felt like my face looked flawless which is awesome because I have dark spots on my face! Which is actually surprising because all I did was take a quiz! Concealer...I’m coming for you next. 🤣 I 10/10 recommend this foundation to anyone who’s just starting out and feel like they won’t look natural wearing foundation. Just get ittt!"—Catherine T.
"First of all! What??? This is magic😭🙌🏾🙌🏾 I can’t even get the right shade in stores! It doesn’t transfer, even with masks. It’s worth it! I got the concealer and foundation." —Tashea R.
Get it from Il Makiage for $45 (available in 50 shades).
Apple News thumb via @ilmakiage on Instagram.
35. Colorfix — an award-winning, long-wearing liquid pigment that's so versatile you can use it practically anywhere and for any occasion. Plus, it comes in an assortment of glossy, matte, metallic, nude, and high-shine shades!
This multifunctional beauty must-have was designed by a makeup artist to deliver an ultra-pigmented finish in glossy, matte, and metallic shades.
Promising reviews: "I am so in love with everything about these pigments! The possibilities are endless, and application is simple to pick up. Every makeup artist should own every shade. 10 out of 10 recommend. 👌🏽" —kreneerose
"Mega pigmented!! Using this as a blush, you need just the smallest amount. Like a dot! It packs a lot of pigment for a small amount. It blends out very nicely. I love the versatility of this, too. You can go bold or subtle on the edges, lips, or cheek!" —vivaladoc
Get it from Danessa Myricks Beauty (available in 50 shades and finishes) or Sephora for $20 (available in 46 shades and finishes, and the nude collection).
Danessa Myricks is a Black woman-owned small business that specializes in unique, premium-quality makeup and beauty products created by the founder, a professional makeup artist.
36. A bestselling, dual-ended Maybelline eyebrow pencil featuring an angled pencil on one side and a spoolie brush on the other, so you can fill, shape, and blend until you've created the brows you've always wanted.
Promising review: "Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. Tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat. I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in. Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." —Shannon M Slape
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four shades).
37. A splurge-worthy set of professional-quality Sigma makeup brushes — with these you can really start doing your makeup looks like the MUA you've always aspired to be. This set includes 12 brushes for the face and eyes, so you can keep creating looks and impressing your circle and IG followers.
Included in the set are an eyeliner brush, pencil brush, tapered blending brush, eye shading brush, large shading brush, small angled brush, medium angled shading brush, large powder brush, large angled contour brush, duo fibre brush, foundation brush, and concealer brush. Each brush is made with synthetic hair.
Promising review: "I wasn't crazy about spending this much money on a set of makeup brushes but I thought I would try. Wow! These brushes really do make a difference when depositing makeup. I never thought I would be able to tell the difference. A good brush really does mean everything, and I use them all. I'm now able to toss some of my old brushes. These are the best...definitely worth the price." —AlleyCat3
Get it from Sigma Beauty or Nordstrom for $160 or from Amazon for $158.89.
38. *OR* a top-rated, under-$10 set of makeup brushes in case you need to replace your current set with one of a better quality. Reviewers say these brushes are a great, affordable alternative to the brushes above and laud them for their softness and how well the bristles hold up after months of usage and cleaning.
The 14-piece set includes an angled brush, flat angled brush, flat face brush, round brush, tapered brush, blending brush, concealer brush, angled eyeshadow brush, halo dye brush, lip brush, face flat brush, precision brush, eyeliner brush, and a dual-ended spoolie / angled eyeshadow brush.
Promising review: "I’ve had these brushes for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love them. As a makeup artist I’m always looking for good brushes for a fair price. These brushes are fantastic and you absolutely cannot beat the price. I was a skeptic at first because the price is too good to be true but they really are good brushes. They are super soft and blend the makeup very easily. And they are incredibly easy to clean. I’ll definitely be buying them again." –Tim and Kimmie
Get the 14-piece set from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors).
39. Orrrr a very pretty set of pastel makeup brushes and sponges, so you can create pretty much any makeup look in your dreams or Pinterest board! And you'll definitely feel like a makeup artist with a colorful matching brush set in your collection!
The kit includes 17 brushes for powder, liquid foundation, contour, blush, highlight, smokey eyes, blending, nose contour, eyeshadow, detailing, eyeliner, lips, and brows, as well as three makeup sponges.
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.