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 that comes in wide range of different shades with each one delivering 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. A 4.4-starred eyeshadow primer because nothing is worse than spending a lot of time and effort on the perfect smokey eye to have it smear and smudge after a few hours. Become the talk of the town with this must-have primer that'll keep your eyeshadow looks bold and pigmented throughout the day!
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.
3. 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.
4. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, which lasts up to 16 hours to make sure your makeup look makes it through pretty much everything: humidity, heat, unexpected rain showers, tears of joy, last-minute outings, etc. Its transfer- and smudge-proof formula has an overall 4.7-star rating and has earned over 9,000 5-star ratings from some *very* happy customers.
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 multiple 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, multiple meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying multiple 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.
5. 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 to *and* through your event (or day) without worrying about sweating, crying, or wiping it off. Plus, it lasts up to 16 hours!
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).
6. A super glowy powder highlight that boasts a buttery feel when going on and transforms into a pearlescent, satin finish. Nothing is better than beating your face with a highlight so gorgeous it stuns all your haters into silence. A touch of this on your cheekbones will probably start your villain era; we love to see it.
Promising review: "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 Sinha
Get it from Amazon for $11.50+ (available in five colors).
7. E.l.f. Wow Brow — it'll take your brows from regular to fleeky in no time thanks to a buildable, wax-like gel that helps you sculpt the shape you want and deliver a fuller look with its tinted hue. Plus, the spoolie brush makes each swipe look like hair as you comb and create.
TikTok beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueria uses this brow gel in this quick makeup look, describing it as "the tinted brow gel that does the job."
Promising review: "This product has replaced ALL of my high-end brow products. This is the most amazing brow stuff I’ve ever used. I don’t even have to fill in my brows because this has such great coverage. It’s a game-changer!!" —Isabella
Get it from Amazon or Ulta or Target for $5 (available in four shades).
8. A bestselling Maybelline eyebrow pencil with over 6,500 5-star rave reviews for the way it transforms brows into literal perfection. Create the brows you've always wanted with its dual-ended design featuring an angled pencil on one side and a spoolie brush on the other, so you can fill, shape, and blend until you achieve your look.
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).
9. 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 stopping you with this palette 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.
10. Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss — it's created with a hydrating formula featuring hyaluronic acid to help keep your lips luscious with sheer, tinted shine.
Promising review: "I keep going back to buy more colors. This is THEE gloss. You can throw it on alone and it has enough pigment to look great even without lip liner. I’ve never had a gloss wear this well without being sticky. I have some fine lip lines and it doesn’t bleed. Bonus that as it wears off, it leaves a nice bit of color without any weirdness and my lips just feel moisturized. Excellent price point that makes it fun to keep trying more colors. I just ordered my fourth and love them all. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a beauty product." —Natalia
Get it from Amazon for $7.49+ (currently only available in ICE/light pink).
11. A top-rated 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: "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 $5.94+ (available in 10 sets).
12. An E.l.f. poreless putty primer with over 32,000 5-star ratings from reviewers who are out here stunning others with their complexion. This under-$10 makeup essential is designed to provide a base for your favorite foundation and reduce the appearance of pores for an almost photoshopped finish.
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.
13. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, which is celebrated for its long-lasting, ultra-pigmented formula that delivers a matte finish without being too heavy or sticky on your lips. Forget diamonds, lipstick is my best friend.
Promising review: "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
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 44 shades and in a three-pack).
14. Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly, so you can enjoy all the perks of a glossy 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.
15. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, because who wants to deal with wearing falsies when you can get a more voluminous look with a few swipes? This cruelty-free mascara boasts a long-lasting, flake- and clump-free formula, so you can bat those lashes without any worries.
Promising review: "Love it, love it, love it!!! You really look like you have fake eyelashes on. This mascara is amazing! It's not thick and lumpy, and it glides on smoothly and precisely. You feel like you had a makeup artist do your eyes!!! It lasts all day — no touch-up required, no smearing, no clumping. I use soap and warm water to remove. I am 500% completely happy and satisfied!" —Very Satisfied!!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
16. Or a tube of Maybelline Colossal mascara for anyone who wants the most bang for their buck when it comes to volume that lasts. This collagen-infused formula will lift your lashes for a plump and lengthier look — and you won't have to worry about them flying off when you roll the windows down!
Promising reviews: "This has been my favorite since it came out, like, 10 years ago. I've tried every other mascara, and I always come back to this one. It lasts long, has good color, and doesn't flake/clump. I prefer volume over length, and this delivers. It's the best mascara. It's easy to layer, too." —LH
"Nothing works quite as well! I've tried more expensive mascaras, and when it comes to single coats, they can do pretty well. However, this mascara's strength is in how buildable it is — a couple of coats can take me from zero to 'are you wearing false lashes?'" —S. Mcwalters
Get it from Amazon for $7.59.
17. A EcoTools makeup brush cleaner because fun fact: You should be cleaning your makeup brushes regularly! If your bristles are the color of your favorite foundation, highlighter, eyeshadow, or blush...give them a little TLC and bring them back to life for a much better makeup application after getting rid of all that bacteria and gunk stuck in there.
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this brush shampoo! I purchased two bottles. I was a little skeptical of how well it would clean my brushes since I had never tried it before, but after using this, I am very pleased with the outcome. It has a faint shampoo scent but nothing too overpowering, and suds like you wouldn't believe. They got all the way down to the base of the brush and gave it a really good cleaning. One of my brushes is made from boar hair (Estée Lauder powder brush), and I was worried it was going to frizz out and ruin the shape, but it actually improved it after I had previously used baby shampoo. It's very soft and not at all coarse feeling. I also used this shampoo on my Beauty Blender, and it did a great job of getting all the foundation out. All in all, I'd rate this product a 10/10!" —Katastrophe
Get it from Amazon for $5.59.
18. You can even pair it with this automatic makeup brush cleaner designed to spin your brushes around in a warm water solution to help remove the dirt, oils, glitter, etc. stuck on the bristles and then quickly dry them so they're ready to use!
Each kit includes a spinner, bowl, stand, and eight sleeves.
I LOVE THIS THING. To the point where I really, really love cleaning my makeup brushes just because of how well it works. The solution you want to put in the bowl can be what you like, but I personally use water, white vinegar, and dish soap to get all the gross dirt and leftover makeup out of my brushes. It comes with an assortment of sleeves to fit different sizes of brush handles, so you can effectively clean and dry each one with the spinner. You should run your brushes into the solution with the spinner at least twice, changing the bowl in between, so you can make sure they are actually getting clean. This tool is so easy to use that I actually volunteer to clean my sister's makeup brushes as well, LOL. I wouldn't recommend using your clean brushes while still damp, so I lay mine out on a paper towel for several hours to fully dry. If this product also cleaned blenders and makeup sponges, I wouldn't need anything else!
Promising review: "This product comes nicely packaged and includes everything you need except two AAA batteries and cleaner/soap. All I can say is wow, this really works! I always dreaded cleaning my makeup brushes and usually waited much too long. I am so glad that I saw this because not only is it easy to use, but so much fun. I used castile soap to clean the brushes, and they are so clean, and the unit also spins them almost dry. I love this product and am completely satisfied." —Tunaluna
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in black and white).
19. A translucent Diamond Dust setting powder to deliver a shimmering finish all over or for a pop of highlight on your cheeks, collarbones, etc. Some reviewers compare this to Fenty Beauty's Diamond Bomb, but this is less pigmented, and retails for less than half the price!
Here's a comparison look at this setting powder next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok!
Promising review: "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent
Get it from Amazon for $12.
20. A moisturizing and vegan Maybelline concealer that'll deliver 12 hours of buildable medium coverage, in case you need a quick fix for under-eye circles.
Plus, it's designed with an antimicrobial cushion applicator for mess-free application!
Former BuzzFeed shopping editor Kayla Suazo writes: "I still don’t know how a $7 tube of concealer (I use the Neutralizer shade) beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cakey feeling. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for $7.69+ (available in 18 shades).
21. 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 them from the arts and crafts section of the store. 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.
22. A Coty Airspun loose face powder just perfect for setting your makeup with a translucent finish to keep it looking blemish- and oil-free with a softened, matte appearance.
Promising review: "It's perfect!!! It comes with so much product, and the puff it comes with is pretty handy. The application is smooth. My makeup came out flawless. I set my makeup with this and worked out right after. THERE WAS NO SEPARATION, NO CREASING. This powder blessed me. GOD BLESS." —andrea
Get it from Amazon for $12.07+ (available in four shades and packs of two or three).
23. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, so you don't have to rub your face raw every time you remove your makeup. A supple cream boasting camomile extract and vegan ingredients builds a pampering lather that gently cleanses your skin.
Promising review: "I stopped using foaming face washes a long time ago when I realized most just dried my skin out and made it reactive. This Body Shop Cleansing Butter is amazing! A little goes a long way, it deep cleans and wipes away easily with a hot or warm washcloth. This removes sunscreen and tinted moisturizer and leaves my skin soft, clean, fresh, and smooth. Highly recommended!" —HJ
Get it from Amazon for $19.
24. A Nyx glitter primer that's literally used by professional makeup artists for making sure that sparkly, shimmering design stays put, no matter where you rock them.
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.
25. A set of three long-lasting clear lip glosses — each one boasts a different ingredient for a luscious final lip look, like mint for a cooling or soothing sensation, rosehip oil to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even coconut oil for a hydrating finish. No matter which one you choose, you'll end up with a pucker-ready pout!
Promising review: "I have tried so many lip glosses from Mac to Kylie to Shea Moisture and Kiehl's and I have to say this is by far THE best lip gloss. It is sooo smooth and glossy and doesn’t have that normal stickiness to it, which is absolutely amazing!" —Paige
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $4.49.
26. A Rimmel mattifying primer, so you don't have to worry about any strangers or friends going "Oop, shiny" while you're out enjoying your day. This hydrating base is designed to help deliver a matte finish to your makeup look and lasts for up to eight hours!
Promising review: "If you are an oily person like me this is for you!! I put this on, then wait maybe two minutes, then I put my foundation on and the rest of my makeup. I have worn makeup with this all day and night — no oils come through, no makeup smudge, nothing. This is a game-changer if you like the matte look!!! This has lasted me over a year." —Shaina
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
27. A buttery soft bronzer if you want to achieve the perfect sun-kissed look or contour without going too overboard in a single stroke. This buildable formula boasts a cream-to-powder finish, delivering a glowy shimmer wherever applied.
Promising reviews: "I’ve never been able to master the bronzer look without it looking completely unnatural and unblended, but this was a game-changer. It was really easy to apply and looked great." —Amanda
"This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya
Get it from Amazon for $11.80+ (available in seven shades).
28. The Original Makeup Eraser in case you've been looking for a more sustainable way to take off your makeup, so you can stop throwing away lots of dirty cleansing wipes or buying expensive jars of remover. These washcloths work simply with water (but you can use soap if you want) and gently remove dirt, makeup, and oil from the skin. Plus, it comes with an exfoliating side if you want a tougher clean after removing all your makeup!
I'm a big big fan of these cloths. To the point where I've started giving the miniature travel-sized ones to guests when they visit, so I don't have to keep buying travel packs of cleansing wipes. I love that they work with water alone, and are gentle enough that I was able to use them on my 4-year-old niece to remove her Halloween makeup. I don't even use makeup wipes anymore because I have several of these to rotate through (I also don't wear makeup daily), but these are my favorite makeup remover, with Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm as a close second. Oh yeah, and you can throw them in the washer for cleaning!
Promising review: "I spent at least a decade using Neutrogena makeup wipes, and those can burn a hole in your wallet, and they're probably not as good for the environment as a reusable makeup wipe. This eraser takes off all my makeup easily with JUST WATER, and then I just throw it in the wash with the rest of my clothes after. This works well for me because I only wear a full face of makeup once every few weeks. I might have purchased more than one if I wore a full face every day. Most days I wear mascara only, and I can use different sections of the cloth until it's fully covered, and then I wash it. Every time I wash it, it looks like new. No traces of makeup left behind. It's soft and thick and feels nice on my sensitive skin. It does not cause me to break out at all either." —Weena
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in 14 colors).
Highlight? Lip gloss? Complexion? Poppin.
