1. E.l.f. Power Grip Primer because in order to serve face, you gotta — and I mean GOTTA — start with a primer that will keep your look locked in place all day and night. This is infused with hyaluronic acid, AND reviewers say it's basically like Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wanted to try this for the longest time, and I finally got it, and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have dry skin. This is my favorite primer to use now. Works so well and helps with making your makeup look almost flawless. Highly recommend it." —Megan Lindstrom

Get it from Amazon for $10. 

2. Beauty of Joseon's Daily Relief SPF 40 Sunscreen to be the perfect base layer since it's lightweight, non-greasy, and totally invisible under makeup. Reviewers of all skin types love this non-comedogenic formula and how it leaves their skin feeling so moisturized.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I don’t usually write reviews, but this sunscreen is my one and only favorite sunscreen. It leaves such a beautiful glow to the skin and can also be used as a moisturizer. I’ve used other sunscreens, but I always feel discouraged because of the white cast; but, this one is by far the best one on the market when it comes to sunscreen. Way to go, Beauty of Joseon. Another awesome product!" —Daph Phil

Get it from Amazon for $18.

3. Or CeraVe's Tinted Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen if you want to go for the "no-makeup" makeup look and care about protecting your precious skin from harmful UV rays. This gives you juuussttt the right amount of coverage and is even infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep your skin moisturized. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the best facial sunscreen I’ve ever used! I think I just found my new foundation. I’m 63 and EVERYTHING just sits in my wrinkles. This has just enough tint to make you look and feel healthy while still moisturizing and leaving your skin feel “dewy”. I will definitely order this product again!" —Wendy

Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (available in three shades). 

4. A hydrating Yerba Mate Wake Up eye gel formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid to help your under-eyes look a whole lot brighter and less puffy. As Katy Perry once said... "I'm wide awake." 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "TEN STARS!!!!! Where has this product been all my life??? A couple of weeks into using it, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It's soothing and has a very, very mild scent and great gel consistency. Simple ingredients. My under eyes have never looked better. Softer, brighter, tighter, lines are going away! Great for sensitive skin. Just try it yourself!!! Oh, and worth every little penny it cost me, which was hardly any!" —Hopper

Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 

5. Or Catrice's "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — so many reviewers love the lightweight, color-adapting formula, and once you see how seamlessly this blends into skin, you will too. Plus, it's got hyaluronic acid and shea butter to moisturize the gentle skin under your eyes.

www.amazon.com

To use, apply this in thin layers to avoid creasing, then follow with your favorite concealer and setting powder if you like. If you don't like applying products with your fingers, they also make a triangle-shaped puff that's perfect for using with this.

Promising review: "I am SO GLAD I happened upon this wonderful brightener! I use it every day, whether I wear other makeup or not. It’s exactly the right color and texture for me. Catrice Eye Brightener is the best solution EVER for my inherited dark circles. I’d give it 10 stars if I could." —Caitlin Scott-Turner

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 

6. Plus, an adorable hydrating eye stick to target puffiness and help reduce the look of dark circles and lines. With Icelandic glacial water, moss and seaweed extracts, and niacinamide, this little polar bear will be your new best friend. It's small enough to fit in your makeup bag, and some reviewers even put this in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It also helps tighten eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable.

Promising review: "I have eczema around my eyes and they are always red, dry, flaky, and puffy. This is the first product that I have tried that has healed my eyes! In less than one week, my eyes were completely transformed! I would give this more than five stars if I could!!!!" —amy

Get it from Amazon for $9.86 (also available in two other versions and sets).

7. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges since it's time to replace your Beauty Blender that you've held onto for a little too long (which is fair enough since you paid $20 for it!). You get five of these for less than $10, and they will help you get that flawless look you're going for. Blend, baby, blend! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 this works 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 $5.39+ (available in five sets).

8. And a set of makeup brushes that have over 39,000 5-star reviews because of how high quality they are for such a reasonable price. Whether you're a beginner to makeup or self-identify as a Certified MUA, you'll love these soft, smooth brushes. Plus, they even come with a case for travel! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I recently purchased the BS-MALL Makeup Brush Set, and it's fantastic! The 18 premium synthetic brushes are perfect for foundation, powder, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush. The black case is stylish and keeps everything organized. These brushes are soft, durable, and make makeup application a breeze, plus they’re super affordable! Highly recommend for anyone starting out with their makeup journey, like me, and wants to elevate their beauty routine!" —Ariane Padriquez

Get the set of 18 from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors). 

9. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion you can use as a luminous base under your other makeup products, or use on those no-makeup days where you just want a natural glow. This has glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture and reviewers even say this is better than the Saie Glowy Super Gel and the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi drops! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops but half the cost!!! Definitely has more shimmer/glow to it." —Taylor Luckhardt

"This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. Not too sparkly, just makes me look like I’ve had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that’s a plus. I’ve tried other luminizers, and for me, they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried an $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin." —DLW

Get it from Amazon for $13.40+ (available in five shades).

10. A satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation that boasts *clears throat* 72-hour wear, buildable coverage, a formula infused with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for skin elasticity, and an included puff and mirror for easy retouches. I mean, it doesn't get better than that, am I right? 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.

Promising review: "This is my first time trying Korean makeup, and I’m very happy with my purchase! It feels like nothing I’ve ever tried before. I have oily skin, and this isn’t a matte product, but it’s not dewy either, which I love. It’s moisturizing, but not oily at all. I think any skin type can use it. It’s literally perfect. The application and the cushion made it go on my skin flawlessly. I wish I could give this 10 stars; it really exceeded my expectations! It will definitely be a staple in my makeup routine now." —Cathy

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).

11. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer because there's nothing worse than taking your sweet, sweet time perfecting a smokey eye for it to crease two hours later. This primer will ensure your shadow stays put and will really allow the pigment to *pop*. 

www.amazon.com

Elizabeth Mott is owned by Korean American Alice Kim and partners with top Korean manufacturers to bring affordable yet effective K-beauty products to the U.S.

Promising reviews: "This stuff works!! Wish I had known about this product years ago!! 10 stars!" —TJ

"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." —Chloe

Get it from Amazon for $14.30.

12. A creamy eyeshadow stick if your second priority after serving a killer face card is an efficient makeup routine. This easy-to-use stick doesn't require a brush for application and will give your eyes a nice glow no matter what shimmery, matte, or metallic shade you choose. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This is my fifth color. This is the best thing to happen to makeup. I can do a smokey eye or a natural one in under a minute. I suck at makeup. This makes it so easy. I am also 51. The Coco color has some shimmer. It does not crease or define my wrinkles. Putty and Clay are amazing." —kristyn

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in 56 colors). 

13. And a 16-shade eye shadow palette with enough colors to create a natural look, a smokey eye, or a full colorful glam, depending on which palette combo you choose. Reviewers love how compact this is and appreciate how easily the shades blend together. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The color scheme is cohesive, the shadows are buttery soft to the touch, and the ease of applying it with one’s finger or a brush makes the process fun. The removal process is a breeze, and the glitter shadows have no fallout. I say purchase it and enjoy!!" —A Senile Reviewer

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

14. Nyx's Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil to add some extra drama to your lash line and water line. It's super pigmented, and the twist-up design is perfect for those who don't want to bother with sharpening. Oh, and did I mention it's got over 70,000 5-star reviews!

Amazon, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For years, I used MAC black eyeliner and bought this in a pinch one day at the mall. Best purchase ever! It's so smooth when it rolls on; you only need one swipe to get a smooth black line! Gone are the days of going back and forth over and over. Love this! New favorite!" —EvaK

Get it from Amazon for $5.37+ (available in 12 shades).

15. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara that gives instant volume and length while also being smudge-proof, so you don't have to worry about looking like a hot mess by the end of the day. And the best part? Reviewers say this $5 mascara delivers the same (if not better) results as options from high-endbrands like Too Faced and Benefit — no wonder it has over 260,000 5-star ratings!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the best mascara on the market. I checked out the reviews, and they were all raving about this inexpensive mascara. I was blown away by my first application. I'm not going to write a long, drawn-out review about this mascara. All I've got to say is it beats ALL THOSE EXPENSIVE HIGH-END mascaras on the market. It gives the look of false eyelashes, but still looks natural. Would give it 10 stars if I could. I just love love love this mascara. Will never buy those other mascaras ever again. You won't be disappointed with this one. I'm in my '60s, and I do know a thing or two about makeup, or so I thought until I ran into this baby. Enjoy looking fabulous." —Havilla 

For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess mascara review! 

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and a three-pack).

16. Or, this cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara if you love va-va-va-voom volume without the worry of smearing, flaking, or smudging throughout the day. Seriously, it's about time you get on the tubing mascara bandwagon, and this one is a must-have!  

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer! 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan: 

"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removers have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black." 

Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). 

17. A Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer to bring out your inner bronzed goddess and convince everyone that your side job is basking in the sun. This buttery formula blends in so smoothly, and it's even hypoallergenic (shout out to those with acne-prone skin)! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I’m totally in love with this! The texture is so silky and smooth— it blends like a dream and gives me the most natural sun-kissed glow. The shade is perfect for adding warmth without looking too orange or muddy. Plus, it has this amazing tropical scent that makes me feel like I’m on vacation every time I use it! The formula is buildable, so you can go subtle or really bronze it up. And the best part? It never looks patchy and lasts all day. If you’re looking for a bronzer that’s easy to apply and gives you that effortless, healthy glow, this is it!" —Miss Rae

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in eight shades). 

18. A NYX extreme hold eyebrow gel, a non-sticky formula that's literally called "The Brow Glue" — and for good reason, because it holds for up to 16 hours! This will keep those little hairs in place and on fleek without any flaky residue throughout the day. Anastasia Beverly Hills... count your days. 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I would use hairspray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day, I would sweat through it, and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great, and I’m glad I did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flaky, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder, nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby

"I love love love this brow gel. I use it in the clear shade, and I like to mix in pink eyeshadow (I have pink hair and do pink brows on the daily). The hold is great and doesn't ever feel crunchy or weird on my face. It's great for a natural daily look or as part of a glam snatched eyebrow, super versatile. I've used a ton of brow gels from all different brands and all different price points in the past decade (including Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefit, Maybelline, and Essence, to name a few), but I haven't bought any other gel since discovering this one." —Jillian

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in five shades). 

19. A NYX Slim Lip Liner, which some reviewers go so far as to call a "staple" in their makeup routine. Its creamy formula glides on the lips so smoothly, and it will look great under your fave lipstick or lip gloss. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Make sure you have a lip pencil sharpener if you don't have one already!

Promising review: "Obsessed is an understatement! This lip liner glides on so smoothly and lasts ALL day without smudging (if you don't wear gloss). It makes my lips look fuller and pairs perfectly with any lipstick. For the price, the quality is [amazing] — I already bought three more shades, multiple pieces!" —made by jane

Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in 12 colors). 

20. Or a Wonderskin lip stain to give your pout a pop of color that'll last all day and night. Whether you leave it on for 15 seconds for a soft, subtle look or let it sit for up to a minute for a more dramatic look, you'll love that you won't need to even think about touchups throughout the day! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If I could rate this 10 stars, I would. It's super easy to use and dries quickly, leaving my lips vibrant and super soft like nothing is even there. After wiping your lips, the stain stays and is transfer-proof. I'm obsessed, and this was definitely worth it! Here I go to order every color lol." —Alana Ventrella

Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 29 shades).

21. And NYX's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain — you'll get that classic glossy look when you first apply it, and then it'll leave you with a natural tint to your lips (so basically, it's a 2-in-1 product!). It's infused with vitamin B12 and coconut water, giving you moisture for up to 12 hours! 

www.amazon.com, www.instagram.com

Check out what this TikToker says about them! 

Promising review: "This product is amazing! The color is very pigmented and stains really nicely. The best part is how great it feels on your lips, it’s super hydrating, it doesn’t dry your lips out, it is so soft and not sticky at all! It is worth every penny!! Highly recommend!" —JojO🧁

Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in 12 shades). 

22. An E.l.f Glow Reviver Lip Oil infused with jojoba oil to give you some hydrated, smooch-worthy lips. Anyone who has ever pined over the Dior Lip Oil knows that their mind has been completely changed once they try out this more affordable alternative. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Did I mention that I love this lip product? It has a nice hue to it. The amazing thing — it’s not sticky at all. That is one of my biggest things I look for in lip products when I’m just doing daily errands. This will forever be a repurchase from me." —Kayla

Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in eight shades). 

23. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush that's a great swap for Glossier Cloud Paint, in case that $22 a tube is making you want to ration product for the next three years. This water-based formula is super buildable, so it'll be great for natural and glam looks.

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!" 

Promising review: "This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It’s less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $5.29+ (available in six shades). 

24. These glamorous reusable magnetic lashes that nobody would bat an eye at if you told them you splurged and got professional lash extensions. And you'll be so glad these don't require any gloopy lash glue since they magically stick right onto the included eyeliner! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I don't have very long or thick lashes and I suck with makeup. I was never able to wear false lashes outside the house. Ever. And this was not my first time trying magnetic lashes. But these ones were so, SO easy to put on. The liner is very liquid, so it was easy for me to apply and fill in. I used the last set from the natural lashes side for the look in the pics." —Mona 

Get an eight-piece set from Amazon for $18.99.

25. A Milani Make It Last setting spray so you can lock in your look for up to 16 hours, making sure there's no sign of smudging or creasing. It's technically a 3-in-1 since you can use it as a priming spray, finishing spray, and as a corrector for any makeup mishaps. Plus, reviewers say it's just as good as the Urban Decay All Nighter spray.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used to use Urban Decay's All Nighter spray religiously, but thank GOD I made the switch to Milani's spray. My makeup lasts longer, the spray smells better, the price difference is incredible, and I won't lose my sanity if I misplace this. Milani just has the better product. Sorry, not sorry!" —Rose S.

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in four styles and in multipacks).

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.