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36 Inexpensive Beauty Products That'll Probably Become Your Holy Grail Items

1. Nyx Butter Gloss melts onto your lips, leaving them with a buttery soft sheen. Plus, it comes in 32 bold colors (and a clear tint) so you can build up a versatile arsenal of lip shades on a budget.

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Promising review: “Skip the expensive mall store — buy this. This is one of those drugstore products that lives up to its reputation. ‘Angel Food Cake’ is a nice, rose mauve color with no yellow undertones. The color stays true and won’t turn orange while you’re wearing it. It’s not sticky like so many inexpensive lip glosses. It will also keep your lips reasonably hydrated. This gloss is all you need for everyday wear.” —Toomanycats

Get it from Amazon for $5.97 (available in 41 shades, including shimmer options, and three-packs).

2. Ebin New York 24-Hour Edge Tamer helps you lay down your edges and adds shine without flaking or weighing your hair down with daily use.

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Just a note that you don’t have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!

Promising review: “Don’t even waste your time — if you’re not trying to spend $30 on edge control, then this is the best you’re going to get and it’s wonderful. Doesn’t cake up, holds ALLLL DAY, and it actually works! Love it. You’re welcome.” —Jaz

Get it from Amazon from $4.63.

3. And the BestLand Hair Finishing Stick lets you take control of all those flyaways and slick them back without feeling greasy. This petite stick can go right in your bag so it’s on hand for mid-day touch-ups.

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Promising review: “No matter what I do or what expensive and high-rated product I try, my flyaways are an annoying constant. This product has completely rid me of my daily top-of-head flyaway frizz! I wish I would have discovered this product years ago! It smooths my hair out and truly lasts all day. Be careful, as a tiny bit goes a long way!” —RachelOK

Get it from Amazon for $6.88.

4. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn’t look dry — plus, it’s small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups.

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Promising review: “This is smooth, blends well with foundation, and feels good on the skin. Sets well with powder. I sometimes wear it alone for a little smoother look, since it’s colorless it doesn’t look like foundation. The price is great and I’ve yet to see it in a store. I like that I can control how much to apply and a little goes a long way. It appears to wash off well. Will be buying it again.” —MB

Get it from Amazon for $10.

5. I Dew Care Dry Shampoo Powder will make you a die-hard fan once you see how effective it is at mattifying oily roots. Just dab it on your roots to release an ultra-fine powder that absorbs oil and revives ~volume~ so you can stay fresh from morning to night.

BTW, this is cruelty-free and benzene-free!

Promising review: “I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn’t have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I’m not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again.” —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $18

6. Denman’s Hair Brush was literally made for curly hair — it detangles, distributes product evenly, and shapes curls so you can dash out the door with perfectly sculpted spirals and time to spare. Also, its mini size makes it easy to hold and great for curly-haired kids to use as well.

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Promising review: “I love this brush! I ordered because I saw a YouTube video of a girl with curly hair using it, and her curls came out amazing! I always do wash-and-gos, and I usually would only brush/comb my hair in the shower style it once I was out, but sometimes if I waited a little longer to style it, my hair would get dry and frizzy. It would be almost impossible to get my curls defined without getting back in the shower. With this brush, now all I have to do is spray my hair with water, put product in it, and comb it through with this brush, and my curls are poppin’! The brush is also very sturdy, and you can take rows out if you want a looser curl!” —Bryant

Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in three styles).

7. An eyelash separator comb because when you’ve spent so much time crafting the perfect eye look, the *last* thing you want is clumpy, sticky lashes (and to risk messing up your makeup while fixing). With a slightly bent handle that makes it easier to hold, this stainless steel comb will gently separate your lashes and remove any clumps, leaving them perfectly ~wispy~. 

It also comes with a cap to cover the comb end for travel and storage. 

Promising review: “The handiest tool you didn’t know you needed! This inexpensive little tool is perfect for creating natural-looking eyelashes! Even expensive mascaras can look cheap if they clump up on your lashes. This tool acts like a comb to gently separate your lashes and keep them from sticking together. It has been so quick and easy to incorporate into my makeup routine, and the results are much nicer than a cotton swab.” —Saved1

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in six colors). 

8. Lanoplips Ointment 101 gives life to dry lips, cracked cuticles, rough skin patches, and other parts of your body in need of deep hydration. It uses all-natural lanolin oil, which mimics your skin’s own natural oils, to heal and moisturize anywhere your skin could use some nourishment.

Natalie Brown / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Promising review: “This stuff does not just sit on top of your lips and make them slimy — it actually absorbs and makes them feel like baby-soft skin. Not sticky at all and no shine, so it’s great to go outside around the lip where the dryness is without showing. In winter especially, my lips are red and irritated and stinging from the dryness and I have to keep applying lip goo all day. This stuff is one application, and they feel soft for hours, even after eating. Use it at bedtime, and they are perfect the next a.m.” —pltrn

Get it from Amazon for $12.89+ (available in seven flavors).

9. A double-sided silicone lip brush will also help if you’re constantly applying lip balm, but your lips still don’t look or feel soft — chances are, they just need some exfoliation so your moisturizing product can be fully effective and your lipstick can look its best.

Jenae: I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel. 

Promising review: “My lips have been incredibly dry over the last few months. After buying these and some better lip balm, my lips are super soft! I use these with a lip scrub and then use them to apply and rub in the lip balm. Absolute game-changer for me.” —PANYK

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three pack sizes). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you’re in the market.

10. Elizavecca Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment deeply repairs and hydrates your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it’s even BETTER than Olaplex (despite being a fraction of the price).

Bek O’Connell / BuzzFeed

Jenae: I’ve been using this stuff lately and have to say, my hair has never felt better!! My hair is color-treated and tends to feel really dry at the ends, and I’m used to globbing on so much conditioner in an effort to have it feel silky and hydrated. With this Elizavecca treatment, I don’t have to use very much, and it feels like it really permeates my strands to leave them sooo soft. Sometimes I leave it on for just five minutes if I’m in a rush, and other times I’ll actually get out of the shower (after washing my hair) and leave this on for a full 20 minutes while I do other things. I’ve noticed that my hair legit feels better for days afterward — which is a good thing, since I only wash my hair a couple times a week!

BTW, reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.

Promising review: “This is the first product that I have ever used where I saw immediate results. For those out there that have tried Olaplex at home, it’s very similar in consistency but I think I see better results and this product is much cheaper. I shampooed my hair, towel-dried so my hair was damp, then ran the product through all my hair, mostly concentrating on my ends. I left it in for as long as I could and rinsed it out and my hair felt smooth and soft immediately. I let my hair air dry and it was soooo shiny!” —Samantha Ellis

Check out our full Elizavecca Hair Protein Treatment review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $7.58.

11. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water gently but effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup from your face without leaving it dried-out or requiring any harsh rubbing.

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Promising review: “I switched from using makeup pads and makeup remover for environmental purposes, and switched over to re-useable makeup cloths and micellar water. This has been my favorite, as it removes makeup and cleanses skin. I have very sensitive skin, so I just use this on my face at night and follow up with a light moisturizer. This combination has done wonders for my skin, and I keep on coming back to this one by Garnier because I’ve had no negative side effects.” —Claire

Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

12. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub leaves your skin positively soft and glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but it also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores. 

Jenae: I’ve been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for ages and still absolutely love it (I switch between it and the Paula’s Choice liquid exfoliant regularly). I use it in the shower, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn’t been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin, something I was definitely worried about considering I use a retinol cream once or twice a week (though I do avoid doing them on the same day). Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer. This is one product that’s going to be in my beauty arsenal for as long as they keep making it!

Promising review: “I’ve been dealing with acne for over 10+ years + oily skin. So you can imagine the acne scars/hyperpigmentation my skin has. I’ve used TONS of facial scrubs/masks that claim that it brightens your skin. The Acure facial scrub is the BEST and worth-your-money facial scrub I’ve ever used. My acne scars lighten almost immediately after use. I usually use it at night and leave it on for about five to 10 minutes and wash it off. My skin is seriously so smooth (normally I have to exfoliate almost every night or else my foundation does not go on smoothly) after just one use. The next morning, my skin looks so good! Acne scars are less red and my face is so smooth. I always use less foundation the next morning too. I love that its super affordable too. Will def continue to use this product.” —Tiffany

Get it from Amazon for $11.79.

13. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is worthy of being your holy grail hair and face mask — this cult-favorite mask is made of 100% natural calcium bentonite (a type of volcanic ash) clay, which draws impurities out of skin and buildup out of hair.

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It’s great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!

Promising reviews: “I have very thick, super curly, coarse hair. I have been natural going on nine years. I’ve never been able to wear my hair in a wash-and-go style because my roots were always puffy, tangled, and had no curl definition. It would just swell up and look like cotton. Oh, but then I used this miracle in a jar. It’s messy, and takes forever. But for the first time in my natural hair journey, I have been consistently wearing wash-and-gos. Takes me no time to style my hair, it’s moisturized, shiny, and looks so healthy. I’ve had soooo many people tell me how healthier my hair looks now. If I could give it 20 stars just for my hair, I would!” —keina

I bought this as a last hope for cystic acne. I bought raw apple cider vinegar to mix with the clay powder because I heard that worked best for people experiencing skin problems. This mask had been such a lifesaver. I’m not sure words can describe how impressed I am with this healing clay mask. Since my skin has been through hell and I’ve literally tried everything, it’s pretty resilient, so I’ve been using this mask every night for the last four days. It’s not nearly as drying as I thought it would be, so that hasn’t been an issue. But the mask has dried up everything, and I have no new breakouts. I was so happy that I cried. If I could give this product a million stars, I would!” —Afton StAmour

Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).

14. L’Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water transforms your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type!

Jenae: This lamellar water treatment is probably my favorite beauty purchase of 2024 so far. My hair is thin, fine, color-treated, and prone to frizz, but ever since I started using this every time I wash my hair (about twice a week), my hair has literally never looked and felt better. It makes my hair look and feel silky soft, and once it dries, there’s way less frizz (I have started using a Kitsch satin towel wrap for drying my hair, which helps too).

Promising review: “Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!” —Stavana Jubinsky

“This product is [just like] Redken’s Lamellar Water at less than half the price. I finished the Redken product and went right to the L’Oreal product and there is no difference. Great for repairing bleach/color-treated hair. Instantly makes my fine hair soft and smooth and much easier to comb through after showering. I use it in between shampoo and conditioner and love it. It’s a hair game changer.” —anonymous87

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

15. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray not only protects your hair from heat and eliminates frizz after washing, but it *also* decreases blow-dry time by 50% so you have time to make that run to Starbucks before your 9 a.m. meeting.

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Promising review: “I LOVE the smell of this! Bought it due to frizzing from coloring my hair, but really didn’t believe that it shortened drying time. I mean, how can something putting moisture on you hair shorten the drying time, right? I was shocked. I don’t know if it cut it down by 50%, but I did notice blow-drying my hair took quit a bit less time. I am sold on this stuff. Makes my hair feel like silk, but not greasy (I was worried about it making my hair greasy) and it takes only a few sprays to get the results. I hold it about 15″ from my head and spray the top, both sides and the back once, the rub it in with my hands. Perfect!” —Janice C. Henderson

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in three sizes).

16. E.l.f. Wow Brow makes your brows presentable in a matter of seconds for when you don’t have time to be messing around with a full kit. This buildable wax-gel sculpts your hairs into place while also depositing hair-like fibers that make them look fuller. Reviewers say it’s a great swap for pricier brands like Glossier and Anastasia Beverly Hills. 

Target

Check it out in a quick makeup look from TikTok beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira, who succinctly describes Wow Brow 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 TargetUlta, or Amazon for $5 (available in four shades). 

17. Revlon’s Volcanic Face Roller keeps excess oil at bay throughout the day, absorbing shine in seconds without messing up your makeup or requiring you to pack on more powder. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this clever roller might just be your new holy grail.

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The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.

Promising review: “This rolling device is like pure magic. You simply roll it around your oily areas and BOOM the oil magically vanishes into the ball never to be seen again! This is an item that #tiktokmademebuyit for sure! I saw a video on TikTok and immediately went on the hunt only to be disappointed that this item was sold out everywhere! I eventually got added to a waiting list here on Amazon and once they had it in stock again, they charged my card and sent it my way! If you have the chance to purchase this and you have oily skin, get yourself on the waiting list if you need to and just kick it until it shows up. You will be pleased. Thank me later.” —Veronica Cooper

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

18. Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Gel tackles a common curly hair problem head-on, helping you achieve spirals that are soft and defined without losing any length. Plus, for under 10 bucks, you’re getting a ton of product in this generously sized tub.

Promising review:Holy grail curl definer. I have been using it to define my curls for about 5 years. I spent so much money on other definers before I found this gel. It is VERY moisturizing and does not give you that dry, hard curl that feels like it will break off if touched wrong. It dries clear, does not leave any residue, and curls will last until your next wash — which is usually about 4–7 days for me. You can use a little or a lot, depending on how defined you want your curls to be. I use about a handful, but that’s my preference. I simply slather it on, root to ends, and then whip my head back and forth a few times, and I’m done with my hair!! I am definitely a lifetime customer!!” —Starr

Get it from Amazon for $7.48.

19. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer will make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it’ll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long. If you’re still applying eyeshadow without a base, you’re not getting its full effect.

Promising review: “I feel so stupid…I’m 65 years old and have always been annoyed by the fact that by mid-afternoon, my upper lids would be oily, shiny, and sporting a stripe from my eyeliner. I didn’t think there was a cure. Then stumbled upon the idea of using a primer/foundation designed for the eyelids. What? How BRILLIANT!! Who would have thought? I dipped my toe into the water and purchased one tube of the Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer. I don’t use eye shadow on my lids, but I do use it as a liner on my lower lashes. (I add water to compressed eye shadow and put it on my skin with a sponge-end pencil thing). This stuff ROCKS!! At the end of a hot Texas day, my lids are still as fresh and dry as they were at 6 a.m. And it only takes a pinhead-sized drop to cover one entire lid from lashes to eyebrow, with enough left to cover the lower lid area as well. It’s creamy, but dries very quickly. Awesome! The only thing that keeps this product from being 100% perfect is that it has a chemical smell when you first put it on…BUT…after a few minutes, the smell is gone and my eye makeup looks impeccable for 12+ hours. Obviously, I highly recommend this product. They’ve found a lifetime customer with me.” —ShortieTX

Get it from Amazon for $13.99

20. Verb Ghost Oil should be your secret weapon against frizzy, dry hair (especially if you color it frequently), softening and smoothing your strands while weightlessly adding shine.

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Promising review: “This stuff has changed my hair game. I have excessively bleached hair. But this stuff is so great to my hair it has returned it to a soft, healthy, silky feeling. My regimen is wash, condition for a while, or use a protein treatment, let it dry till it’s damp then I run like two to three pumps through my hair (I have long thick hair) and work it into the bleached parts. I dry and then add a little more after. I also add more before curling my hair to protect it from heat damage. The amount you get for the price is astonishing, considering most hair oils are less product for like twice as much. Buy it: works great, smells great, feels great.” —Eva

Get it from Amazon for $20.

21. Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, and it doesn’t smudge and give you the dreaded raccoon eyes after a long day. Its color is rich — no need to retrace your lines over and over ’til it’s properly saturated — and it’s infused with moisturizing aloe vera and vitamin E. BTW, if you struggle with liquid eyeliners, you may find this application easier!

Kulfi Beauty

It’s also cruelty-free and vegan!

Kulfi Beauty, affectionately named after a type of South-Asian ice cream, is a South Asian woman-owned beauty brand that makes products to celebrate and empower the diverse needs of their culture.

Promising review: “Love the eyeliner. It’s the best I have ever used. It goes on smoothly, neatly, and easily. It still looks good at the end of the day.” —Charlotte A.

Get it from Kulfi Beauty for $20 (available in eight shades).

22. Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Stickers keep any unexpected zits from ruining your plans. They come on little sheets so slim, you could literally keep one in your wallet in case of a mid-day emergency. You can also stick one on before bed — either way, it’ll get to work drawing out all that nasty gunk clogging your pores, leaving you with noticeably flatter skin in 6–8 hours. It’ll prevent any picking at the area too!

BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven’t come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic!

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, “I’ve tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it’s even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it’s not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate.” For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review!

Promising review:The holy grail of pimple patches. None will ever compare. I’ve tried different brands. This one I keep coming back to! The adhesion is pretty good. Make sure your face is cleansed and completely dry. Next morning that gunk will be GONE! If it’s a little baby pimple/or too early for the patch, then sometimes it doesn’t work, but that’s most likely because it wasn’t ready.” —LB

Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $10.79.

23. Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer lets you treat yourself to a salon-level blowout without stepping outside the house, and in a fraction of the time you’d spend using a traditional blow-dryer. It handles drying and styling in one step!

Jenae: I barely know how to do anything with my hair, but this is one of those tools that’s basically like, “It’s OK…I gotchu.” Now when I blow-dry my hair, I can style it at the same time, and it’s as easy as just curling my hair around this brush as I go. I seriously never thought I’d be able to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home, but even with my non-existent skills, I can get pretty dang close with this hot-air brush.

It has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it’s designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them.

Promising reviews: “I have naturally wavy/curly hair. First time using this I was impressed. It took me about 10 minutes to completely dry my hair. It felt so smooth and soft. I used no product before drying. I have told so many ladies I work with about this. Best thing to shorten my morning routine.” —Stacy

Get it from Amazon for $37.69+ (available in two models and nine colors). 

24. Stack Brush BFF comes in clutch when you’re traveling and need a brush that can do it all. Just pop off the cap, then slide the adjuster down for all-over application or slide it up to bunch the hairs for precision. When you’re done, you can toss it right back into your bag — thanks to the handy cap, it’ll be kept clean and away from dirt and bacteria.

Subtl Beauty

This small biz specializes in innovative, on-the-go makeup essentials and is known for their compact and customizable beauty product stacks.

Promising review: “Such a great little brush! So versatile. One of those makeup basics everyone should have. My adult daughter spotted mine in my makeup bag and immediately wanted one for herself.” —Shawn Morgan

Get it from Subtl Beauty for $20 (available in two colors).

25. “The Flick Stick” Winged Eyeliner Stamp addresses the bane of every makeup wearer’s existence: creating the perfect, symmetrical cat-eye. Now you don’t have to spend an hour redoing your wings — this easy-to-use stamp creates the same wing on each side, and no one will even know the difference. 🤫

Promising review: “I LOVE it! I so envied the girls who can form their winged liner free hand because I never could. This is the holy grail of tools I’ve added to my makeup arsenal! I have extremely oily skin, and on a hot, humid Midwest day, the product wore like I’d just applied it for more than seven hours from the time of application! I’m definitely going to purchase this as my future fav from now on!!!” —Aria

Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three styles and a combo pack). 

26. Lilac St. Original Lashes are meant to be worn for up to 10 (!) days, so if you hate putting on mascara every day and don’t want to deal with professional extensions, these might just fit into your low-effort routine. These vegan, cruelty-free silk lash fibers have an ultra-thin band, adhere well, and look *super* wispy and natural.

Check out why these are a fave in this TikTok.

Promising review: “Y’all, I have been a loyal Lilac St. customer since they started, and I will never leave them. These are the absolute best quality. I get so many compliments. They are the most natural and most comfortable to wear. I use several times by using makeup remover and water to remove any glue. Seriously will never stray.” —Katiew

Get them from Amazon for $12.95 (available in eight styles and four sizes).

27. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is THE holy grail for people with dry, sensitive skin. Its essential ceramides bring relief to dry, flaky, itchy skin by hydrating and restoring the skin’s protective barrier — keeping the moisture in and pollutants out.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Jenae: Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours. I recommend getting the style with a pump on top so you don’t have to dip your fingers into the tub!

Promising review: “I have extremely dry skin that’s also acne-prone and sensitive. That’s a tough combination to treat because most products that heavily moisturizer also cause acne. This lotion is by far the best I’ve used! I can slather it on as much as I want without any irritation or acne, and it soaks right in and soothes my dry skin. I’m a lifetime customer for sure.” —Laura K.

Get the bundle with a pump from Amazon for $21.99 (also available separately and in a smaller size).

28. The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil makes an excellent budget-friendly alternative to pricier face oils, deeply hydrating your skin without making you greasy. It’s even light enough to layer with other products, and it can also help with evening out skin tone and soothing redness.

Sephora

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman says, “An oil is always the last step in my skincare routine, and The Ordinary’s squalane oil is a personal fave. I use products with retinol weekly, so this oil plays a big role in keeping my skin hydrated and happy (retinol can often cause irritation and dry skin). I squeeze two to three drops into my palm — that’s all you need! — warm it in my hands, and press it on my face, making sure every inch is covered. It definitely feels like I have an oil on my face but it’s not suffocating or super greasy. Before I started using this, I would notice flaky, dry patches develop throughout the day. My skin was also a bit sensitive during cleansing. But since I’ve started using this consistently, my skin is much plumper, much glowier, and much more hydrated.” 

Promising review: “I am so obsessed with this oil. I have combination skin and it does not make me skin greasy or overproduce sebum. This oil is so lightweight that you can add serums and creams on top without making your skin feel packed. It hasn’t made my skin break out at all and lasts for a long time. I purchased my second bottle; this is an essential in my skincare routine.” —ashleymendoza

Get it from Sephora for $10.40.

29. Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer is worthy of becoming a staple in your beauty routine, perfect for a quick touch-up (without cakiness!) on days when you’re not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it.

Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed, amazon.com

Promising review: “I really like this concealer for everyday use. Let me start off by saying I’m an admitted makeup addict, so I have a ton of concealers, mostly more expensive ones, but this little gem really surprised me. I have very sensitive skin, especially around my eyes, and this concealer didn’t bother me at all. It works well, not a super glam perfect canvas well but great for a natural everyday look. It’s quick and easy to put on and doesn’t crease or wear off easily. It washes off easily with soap, though. This is my new go-to concealer for quick everyday makeup.” —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $8.79 (available in 23 shades).

And check out our Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets.

30. Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum deserves a spot in your bag because it’s basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.

amazon.com

Reviewers say it’s *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too).

Promising review: “I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with niacinamide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore-size with the salicylic acid 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive, oily acne-prone skin! I stopped using this product for a bit because TBH I was too lazy to order it again and my skin went back. When I started using it again my skin again looks amazing.” —Jackie

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

31. The internet-beloved Beakey Makeup Sponges have reviewers singing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there’s no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish.

Promising review: “Don’t hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Techniques 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 six sets).

32. The Crayon Case Contoursition Palette comes with everything you need to sculpt your face like you’re Michelangelo, with eight large, buttery shades to help you contour and highlight to your heart’s delight.

thecrayoncase.com

The Crayon Case is a small Black-woman owned business founded by New Orleans entrepreneur and influencer, Supa Cent. The brand creates school supply–themed makeup products for eyes, lips, and face.

Promising review: “This contour palette is bomb for the price! I am really pale and use Ross and Raven to contour and bronze. I’ve used the darker highlight as an eyeshadow and it’s gorgeous. I would recommend this to all skin tones!” —Sarah

Get it from The Crayon Case for $19.80.

33. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation has gained thousands of fans for its lightweight feel and satiny finish that’s *not* cakey, creating a gorgeous velvety base that covers spots and blurs pores. People with oily skin in particular swear by it!

Promising review: “I am in my late 60s with normal to dry skin and let me tell you, I’m already in love with this powder foundation! A lot of the reviews I’ve read have come from younger folks with oiler skin who rave about how awesome it is for oily, textured skin. Well, I’m here to tell you that my skin is mature, on the drier side, with dark spots, texture and wrinkles, and this stuff is magic IF you take the time to BUFF IT IN!! That’s the big key here. I just received my package and couldn’t wait to try it out, so without prepping my skin like I usually do before applying foundation, I took a full, dense, soft powder foundation brush and started working that baby into my skin. OMG the formula was so creamy. I just kept blending and blending, and my pores started to disappear, my dark spots began to be less noticeable, and my skin had a smooth, creamy, natural appearance like no other powder foundation I’ve ever tried (that includes my high-end products). Imagine with prepped skin how this could be! The hype is very real with this, I had to check it out for myself because I have dry, older skin, and sometimes powder foundations can make my skin look drier and too matte. Not this stuff.” —Flanamom

Get it from Amazon for $7.57+ (available in 12 shades, plus seven more shades here). 

34. Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer gives you that sun-kissed look even if you’ve barely left the couch for months. Brush this into your cheekbones, hairline, and temples for a natural flush — it has a cream-to-powder finish with a light shimmer and ~buttery~ texture reviewers rave about.

Promising review: “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 $9.11+ (available in nine shades).

35. Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder was specifically made for acne-prone skin, since it contains sulfur to draw out oil and impurities, kaolin clay to purify pores and reduce excess oil, and zinc oxide with soothing properties. Dust it on your face as a setting powder *or* rock it on its own for a mattifying, redness-neutralizing effect — and take comfort in knowing it’s working to make your skin healthier as you go about your day. 

Promising review: “Holy grail for oily skin! My skin has always produced excess oil and I’m very prone to breakouts. One new thing in my skincare routine and I break out immediately the next day. So I was anxious to use this in fear it’d clog my pores-also had no idea this would actually help with combatting against my oily face! I live in Florida where it’s hot and humid basically 365 24/7. I put this on after doing all of my normal routine and it literally helps keep my skin OIL FREE! It’s incredible. I used to go through oil blotters, napkins, the back of my hands (gross I know) to dab at the excess oil but now I put this on and I’m good to go!” —Kay

Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (also available in a new formulation). 

36. Nyx Matte Finish spray ensures your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting.

Promising review: “I’ve been using this for a while, but finally needed to write a review. This morning, I put my makeup on and did some generous sprays of this setting spray. Then, I went into the 100-plus-degree heat and demonstrated a short workout at an outdoor event. Despite drinking as much water as I could handle, I overheated quickly, and EMS had to come to my rescue. Between my boyfriend and EMS, there was a small crowd around me, literally pouring ice water on me, mopping my face and neck with cold towels, and pressing ice packs on me. This continued for a while, and I was sure that my makeup was gone, but this spray kept my face mostly intact! If this spray can keep my makeup on through an encounter with EMS and being essentially submerged in ice water, it can keep yours on through your (hopefully less eventful) day!” —Mariah

Get it from Amazon for $8.50 (also available in dewy, plump, and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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