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    39 Beauty Products That Only Cost A *Little* (But You'll Use Them A *Lot*)

    If you spend very little on something but use it all the time, it's basically free — and that's on girl math.

    1. An adorable polar bear hydrating eye stick that provides a cooling sensation to help reduce dark circles and puffiness. It's also made with Iceland glacial water which may tighten skin for a more refreshed look, even if you pulled an all-nighter. 

    The small polar bear shaped eye stick in a reviewer's hands
    Before and after pic of reviewer with dark under eyes that are gone in the second pic

    Promising review: "I have always had serious dark cirscles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed that for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." —Ben

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two formulas and a two-pack). 

    2. A six-piece set of long-lasting matte lipsticks at a steal. Reviewers are raving that they are wayyyy better than more expensive brands. Despite being cheaper, these won't leave your lips feelings dried or cracked. 

    Reviewer wearing red matte lipstick
    Reviewer wearing all six shades of pink and red matte on their hand

    Promising review: "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

    Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in three color combos).

    3. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen for whiter teeth without using annoying strips that move around. This mint-flavored pen is painless and super easy to use and some reviewers say they saw results after the first use.

    reviewer before and after images of yellow and then whiter teeth

    4. Essence's Lash Princess mascara to get dramatic eyelashes without having to spend a lot on falsies. This mascara works like magic and will make your lashes look longer and thicker. And, um, hello...it's under $5!

    5. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment, which reviewers say is comparable to Olaplex, to repair and restore your hair. This treatment has become so popular, with over 30,000 5-star ratings, because it reduces shedding and reveals more healthy-looking hair. TBH, I think we've discovered Rapunzel's secret.

    Reviewer with curly hair holding a strand of it out
    Reviewer with straight blow dried hair

    This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 

    Promising review: "Holy moly. This stuff is AH-mazing. To be free of bad stuff, smell amazing, leave my hair SMOOTH and SOFT (did I emphasize that enough), and leave my hair drying quicker with it looking near perfect. Well folks, what else is there to say? Buy it. Don’t think about it. Just do it. This coming from a super picky hair girl!" —Aubsmommmy

    Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!

    Get a bottle from Amazon for $8.40+ (available in two sizes).

    6. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer, because it'll cover up dark circles without much effort and it's under $10! All you have to do is dab the included wand around your eyes for an instant pick-me-up.

    BuzzFeed editor applying the concealer under eyes
    BuzzFeed editor showing the under-eye coverage
    Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This is my all-time favorite concealer. It goes on creamy, covers under-eye circles without looking chalky. I hope they never stop making it." —YVonneM

    Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.

    Get it from Amazon for $7.29+ (available in 18 shades).

    7. A bottle of Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control made with hyaluronic acid to help tighten pores while also delivering a dose of moisture for that dewy look. TBH, it sounds like a potion from Hocus Pocus, and it works like one too, because reviewers say it shrinks pores, leaves their skin feeling soft, and improves texture.

    A bottle of the serum with a pig witch illustration on it
    Before and after image of reviewer with acne that's less inflamed in the after pic

    Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars I would! Ran out of 'The Ordinary' hyaluronic acid I’ve been using for a year and no stores close sold it so I gave this a try. So glad I did because it’s a thousand times better!! I put it on first, then moisturizer after I put on my primer and makeup and it looks the best it’s ever looked. My pores were smaller in just three days and my skin is so hydrated. I have combo skin on my 'T' zone and it gets awfully oily. The fix is to make sure your skin is hydrated. Also the bottle is twice the size of 'The Ordinary'! This does it all!!! So very impressed." —smnthfinch

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99

    8. A spray bottle of SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-In Conditioner for kids and adults to gently detangle and soften hair for frizz-free bouncy curls. Made with vitamin B5, jojoba oil, and olive oil, it replenishes, strengthens, and moisturizes hair — get gorgeous curls without the fuss.

    Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray in action. This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2a–4c curls swearing by it! 

    Promising review: "Amazing!! I had NO idea that my frizzy-haired little girl had beautiful curls. I went down an Instagram rabbit hole and saw a similar girl show how her frizz was curls. I ordered this!! My mind has been blown!! This has changed our lives. It smells so good! It is easy to use and air dry. Before my daughter woke up with terrible bed head that looked like this! Now it is gorgeous soft curls. We will definitely buy again and tell everyone about this product!!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

    9. An adorable octopus-shaped blackhead remover to help clean out your pores if your skin is on the fritz. All you have to do is rub it over damp skin and it will remove excess sebum, gently exfoliate your pores, and pull out blackheads, whiteheads, and other skin impurities.

    A black small octopus shaped remover in a reviewer's hand
    the cap off to show the salt on the top of the remover

    Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like me." —LuckLocust

    Get it from Amazon for $12.50

    10. A hair thinner and cutter because people swear by these for lots of things like touching up their bangs, giving themselves layers, or trimming their hair in between salon visits.

    11. A firming eye cream made with vitamin C, vitamin E, rose hip seed oil, and hibiscus flower extract to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. And, reviewers say it's even great for sensitive skin.

    12. CeraVe's Hydrating cleanser to remove makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. It's jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin — reviewers with sensitive skin and acne say it's effective and gentle.

    Promising review: "This is a product I was skeptical on because I have eczema around my face and anything burns it. But this actually did not foam or burn it. It helped it so much. In the shower I used it for the first time and my face did not come out red like usual. It's a great product. You won't regret this purchase." —Ashley

    Get it from Amazon for $15.49+ (available in two sizes and an unscented version).

    13. A set of deep exfoliating sheets because they'll gently exfoliate your body — all you have to do is use them on damp skin (not under running water) and scrub. Then, apply lotion for baby-soft skin. Warning: you'll be mesmerized and kinda grossed out when you see everything they'll lift away.

    Reviewer showing dead skin removed from mitt
    The red mitt with dead skin on it

    Just make sure to thoroughly read the directions before use! 

    Promising review: "I stumbled upon these from watching a TikTok and I’m so glad I did! Definitely look into how to use them before you start so you do it efficiently and find what works best for you. I use them after being in a hot shower for at least five minutes then I start with long strokes in one direction. The red towels are heavier duty and the greens are lighter. I started with a red for my legs and lower body and green for my upper body and arms. These got lots of gunk off my body and left my skin feeling so soft and smooth!" —Mariah C. 

    Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in two color varieties and packs of four and 12). 

    14. A bottle of Mane Club 10-in-1 leave-in spray that's basically magic because it does soooo much — it helps condition, hydrate, smooth, control frizz, boost shine, and strengthen your locks. Oh, and there's more! It also can provide heat protection and soften your hair, while keeping it non-greasy. It's basically like a potion the Sanderson sisters would whip up if someone would just light The Black Flame Candle and conjure them.

    hands holding two of the spray bottles of leave-in conditioner
    BuzzFeeder with blown out voluminous hair
    Mane Club, Elizabeth Lilly/BuzzFeed

    Mane Club is a New York City-based small business established in 2019 that specializes in affordable haircare products. 

    It's also BuzzFeeder-approved — here's what Elizabeth Lilly has to say about it: "This stuff has become my go-to for spraying on my wet hair and then blow-drying. Normally I'd apply a heat protector and an oil treatment or leave-in conditioner before blow-drying. But this 10-in-1 treatment takes the cake! Most of the time when I use it, I don't even need to finish off my hair with hair oil (I've been doing that as an essential hair step for years now). It's really that good! My hair comes out feeling softer, looking shinier and healthier, and stays looking good for days — which is especially great news because I wash my hair about every four days." You can check out Elizabeth Lilly's full review of the Mane Club One Hit Wonder spray for more deets! 

    Promising review: "I’m a hairstylist, so I’ve tried just about every leave-in conditioner out there, and I was amazed at how soft my hair felt after one use. My curls were so happy! The smell is amazing too!! I will definitely be repurchasing." —Allison S.

    Get it from Mane Club for $10 or from Amazon for $9.95

    15. Bio-Oil, to help reduce the appearance of scars or dark spots on your face and body — new and old. Plus, it's made with vitamins A and E, chamomile, and lavender that can also help with dry, cracked, and painful skin from hand washing and sanitizing.

    A reviewer with a noticeable scar
    The same scar now faded and less noticeable

    Promising review: "I noticed my skin started to get dry and tight after I took a shower, especially in the winter time. I used to use expensive creams like Clinique but it didn't seem like it was enough. I saw this at Costco at a very reasonable price compared to what I was paying at Macy's so I thought I'd try it out. Just a couple of drops and my face immediately felt soft and supple! This lasted throughout the day and two little drops covered my face and neck area. Gradually after a few months, friends and acquaintances would comment how pretty my skin was (I'm in my late forties and Native American). If you use more than two or three drops on your face and neck, you're using too much. One bottle lasted me six months or more. Costco no longer carries this and after making do with Aveeno facial moisturizer, it is no substitute to what Bio-Oil does for me." —Lynn La Pointe

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).

    16. A set of dermaplaning razors because they will exfoliate and remove hair on your face without the pain of tweezing or waxing — ouch. After use, your face will feel smoother and there will be no more fuzzy facial hair. Plus, they make it easier to shape your brows.

    A reviewer with hair on their face
    The same reviewer's face without hair

    Promising review: "I love these things. They get rid of all the peach fuzz on my face! My makeup goes on smoothly. They are great for exfoliating and help product get in the skin better. My skin looks great and I'm 45. I hope they never stop making these things! If skeptical about how to use them, watch some YouTube videos. Now I feel like a pro using them. Highly recommend." —crackalackin

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a nine-pack). 

    17. A luxurious, yet affordable set of satin scrunchies if you're finally ready to ditch your old elastics that are damaging your hair — these are are designed to keep your hair in place without breaking, pinching, or snagging your locks.

    Reviewer with six scrunchies in neutral tones on their arm
    Reviewer with gray satin scrunchie in their hair

    Promising review: "Just get these. My natural hair has thrived since I got these! No snagging! I can put my hair in a bun safely without worrying about losing any hair." —Jireh

    Get a set of nine from Amazon for $6.49.

    18. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges so you can apply makeup like an expert without spending a ton on expensive tools — you get five of these for about half the price of just one Beauty Blender!

    19. An acne patch to help clear up acne and bumps while you sleep — all you have to do is apply a patch before bed to wake up to clearer, less irritated skin. These are made with hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, and calendula oil to help draw out gunk and shrink zits overnight.

    20. A hydrating intense-therapy lip balm if you're ready to say bye-bye to chapped lips. This little tube packs a punch — not only will it save your lips from windburn and extreme temperatures, but it also has SPF 50 to provide protection from the sun. Plus, reviewers are calling it a "holy grail" because it's hydrating and lasts for hours.

    Promising review: "My lips usually crack and bleed in the winter no matter what I put on them. This is literally the first winter ever that my lips are perfect. This is the best product I've ever used! It's nice and soft, not greasy. I've bought it for several coworkers who also suffer like I do. I hope they never stop making this!" —Mel Belle

    Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in six flavors and in packs of three).

    21. A vitamin C-based face serum for brighter and firmer skin at a wayyyy more affordable price-point compared to other brands. This serum can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and dark circles. Plus, some reviewers even report visible results in just a few days!

    Before and after image of reviewer with more refreshed skin after use

    22. A genius Kitsch makeup headband that'll keep your hair out of the way when you're applying makeup or washing your face. The straps are adjustable and there's even a slit in the back to slide your pony through to really keep your hair pulled back — no more face mask gunk in your locks.

    A model wearing the headband in a leopard print
    Another model showing the back of the headband with their ponytail slipped through an opening
    Amazon

    Kitsch is an LA-based, self-financed, woman-owned company established in 2010 that specializes in hair accessories. 

    Promising review: "This is the product you didn’t know you needed! I feel like I have been missing out on this secret. Every time I wash my face, my hair gets wet or wash gets in it and that’s never a good situation when you've just blown out your hair :). This cute headband is just what I needed — it protects your hair from getting wet while washing your face and keeps your hair back and out of the way— all in one trendy headband! I highly recommend this for you and your besties! It would make a great gift and travel must-have, as the packaging is so cute and easy to store!" —Trendyjenstyle

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four prints). 

    23. A shampoo scalp massager so you can make hair washing day feel just as luxurious as it does when you're at the salon — it'll feel like someone is massaging your head. Plus, a bunch of reviewers say it helps with psoriasis, dandruff, and scalp tenderness.

    24. A dual hair dryer and brush because you'll be able to style and dry your hair at the same time — reviewers say it cuts their routine in half! Plus, it'll make your hair look shiny and more voluminous.

    A reviewer with long shiny hair styled from the brush
    A reviewer holding the brush

    Unlike other hairdryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift, and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time!

    Promising review: "I am not someone who normally writes reviews but I like this dryer so much I must give it a positive review. This dryer has been a game changer for my hair. I have a lot of hair and the strands are thick. I’ve been a flat iron user for many, many years but decided to try this on the recommendation of a friend. Not only is it easy to use, it gives my hair the closest thing to a professional blowout at home. There are tutorials online for maximizing the benefits of this dryer." —Jennifer G. 

    Get it from Amazon for $42.99.

    25. A bottle of nail and cuticle repair oil infused with vitamin E and jojoba oil, that works like witchcraft to condition and strengthen your nails. You'll have longer, stronger, and more healthier-looking nails without expensive visits to the salon.

    A before image of a reviewer's brittle nails and an after image of them much heaithier

    26. A mesh body exfoliator that will exfoliate every part of your body, even hard-to-reach areas like your back because it stretches up to 50 inches. It'll get rid of dead skin so you can ~glow~ on with your day.

    A black mesh exfoliating cloth
    LuvScrub / Via www.instagram.com

    LuvScrub is a Black-owned beauty brand that specializes in mesh exfoliators influenced by creator Ghanaian-American Caroline Owusu-Ansah's childhood using this type of mesh like many West Africans. Her version is meant to replace loofahs and washcloths as a more full-body effective, long-lasting, and bacteria-avoidant option.

    Promising review: "I've been using LuvScrub body exfoliates for about a year now and it's beaten every other loofah I've tried in the past. I get those little keratosis pilaris bumps on the backs of upper arms and thighs and this is legit the only thing that has ever helped with it, along with just making my skin nice and soft in general. It also dries out much quicker when you're done, which means less water being held on it after showering and building up nasty bacteria. Honestly, this little strip of netting is a game changer. Get yourself one!" —Chels

    Get it from Ulta Beauty for $18 or LuvScrub for $18 (available in seven colors). 

    27. A Marshmallow Whip Maker to turn a small amount of your fave liquid cleanser into a cloud-like fluffy foam. Not only will you need to use less cleanser, but it'll also make your routine feel more luxurious (plus, it just looks so fun).

    28. Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil so you can get perfect eyebrows without spending hours trying to get the right shape and also staying within your budget. You'll be able to fill in your brows with the defining eyebrow pencil (featuring a teardrop tip) and shape and blend with the included spoolie brush.

    A reviewer with one eyebrow that's thin and the other more defined and thicker

    29. Plus a waterproof and long-lasting Onset Eyebrow Soap Kit, which is an eyebrow pomade designed to help you achieve that feathery, natural brow look that's been trending all over TikTok.

    reviewer showing before, after application, and complete with filled-in brows

    30. A podiatrist-level toenail clipper because it'll help you take care of ingrown or thick toenails in the comfort of your own home — you'll save a trip the the salon and some money.

    Reviewer holding up the small plier-shaped toenail clippers with pointed edges

    31. Plus a foot file to remove calluses and hard, cracked skin so you can have baby-soft feet without a pricey pedi. BTW, this can be used on dry or wet feet.

    Before image of a cracked foot with an after image of the skin smooth

    32. A set of satin pillowcases that are gentle on your hair and skin and stay cool. Reviewers say they help prevent their hair from getting frizzy and can help with acne-prone skin

    Two satin pillow cases in black stuffed with pillows
    Two satin pink pillow cases stuffed with pillows on a bed
    Amazon

    Here are Emma Lord's thoughts about these:

    "I got a set of these for my bed, and although my hair is baseline pretty wild no matter what state of existence I'm in, the overnight tangles have pretty much stopped. If I put my hair up in a scrunchie, I'll usually wake up with it more or less still intact, too (which is especially nice if I'm late for my ~morning power walk~ around the neighborhood)."

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 37 colors and five sizes).

    33. A facial ice roller because it can help reduce under-eye puffiness, minimize pores, and calm your skin. Plus, it can also assist to relieve headaches, sore muscles, and alleviate redness — all you have to do is pop it in the freezer! Once it's chilled, just roll it on your face for a soothing spa experience at home.

    34. A tin of Cirepil blue wax beads to gently and easily remove hair — yes, even the finest or coarsest hair. The best part? There's no annoying strips to worry about and reviewers say it's easy to use.

    This stuff is used in a lot of high end salons, too, so this tin truly pays for itself in "trips not taken to get professionally waxed."

    Promising review: "This is the best hard wax I have ever tried! I prefer to use hard wax over any other wax hands-down. I use it on myself and on my friends, family and clients. I have found that this works best for me when used on clean, oiled (lightly) skin. Using a light oil helps prevent the wax from sticking to and pulling on the skin, therefore only grabbing the hair. Easy to use and easy cleanup. I have found my holy grail hard wax and will be repurchasing every time I start getting low." —S.J.One

    Get it from Amazon for $23.99.

    35. A set of natural bamboo charcoal oil-blotting strips so you can absorb access oil, sweat, and moisture off of your face without ruining your makeup.

    36. Plus a makeup setting spray to lock your makeup in place so you won't melt like The Wicked Witch of The West on hot days.

    Three images of a model wearing makeup taken at different times: immediately after application, after four hours, and after eight hours

    37. A jar of Aztec Secret healing clay mask you can use on your face, body, and hair. It's made with 100% natural bentonite clay that'll act like a vacuum to suck up gunk to deeply clean your pores. Reviewers say it makes their skin feel smoother and helps reduce breakouts.

    38. A microfiber towel for anyone who prefers to air dry their hair but doesn't want to deal with the drawbacks. This is super absorbent yet will help prevent frizz and hair breakage. Reviewers say it helps their hair look smoother and dry faster.

    A reviewer's head with the microfiber towel wrapped around it

    39. An unscented nighttime cream with hyaluronic acid that can help promote overnight skin regeneration. It's made with repurposed blueberry extract (a byproduct of the juicing industry) and vitamin A to help protect against blue light. It takes beauty rest to the next level, so you might as well change your name to Princess Aurora. Just take a peek at the before and after pics!

    A close-up of the jar of face cream
    A before and after of a model with acne and red spots and then with smoother, even skin
    Goodful

    Get it from our Goodful shop for $26.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.