27 Inexpensive Beauty Products To Keep Your Hair, Skin, And Nails In Tip-Top Shape
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And bonus! This stuff is free from parabens and provides a sulfate-free haircare system, making it super gentle on your gorgeous curls.
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal says, "My hair is the ~perfect~ combo of wavy, curly, and frizzy and this drugstore product has been a holy grail of mine for some time. I've found that it's the only formula that will give me soft, naturally curly waves come the a.m. and since I'm generally a nighttime hair washer, I have the perfect excuse to avoid blasting my hair with heat. Before hitting the pillow, I like to run my fingers through my towel-dried hair with a pea-sized amount of this, flip my mane over, and then give the ends a good scrunch. In the morn, my hair appears shiny with defined, wavy curls — we're not talking HD — but they have a nice, soft definition to them that doesn't require much styling."
Promising review: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair too. I have had super straight to very curly over the years and have loved this on all hair styles." —Bunco Queen of the Universe
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews: "After years of trying different products on my sensitive, acne-prone, red, rough skin, I saw this mask and all of the positive reviews and thought 'what the hell, I'll give it a go.' Even after the first application, I was really impressed with the results. My rough skin is smoother, I have no additional breakouts and when I do wear makeup it actually blends into my skin. It also helps the deep wrinkles on my neck. I even got a compliment on my skin the other day — this NEVER happens. I use the mask twice per week. I'm on month two and I recommend it to anyone with problem skin. My only caution is that is smells kind of funky (who cares) and it's a little hard to remove. I only apply the mask when I'm going to shower and wash my hair. It's zombie life for me here on out!" —Charlie B
Get it from Amazon for $18.82 (also available in a two-pack and in a variety three-pack).
Promising reviews: "I have seen a fast difference in my nails using this product. I have used some products in the past that worked, but none as quickly as this one!! Will forever purchase and recommend this one to others." —Alain Gutierrez
"I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren’t too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present. Even below the quick. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application." —WIAPilot
Get it from Amazon for $16.97.
Promising review: "My 6-year-old daughter has keratosis pilaris, commonly known as 'chicken skin.' This year it really flared up during warm weather so I gave this wash along with lotion a try. Wow, I saw results after just a few uses and after a couple of weeks most of her bumps disappeared. Thrilled we skipped a trip to the dermatologist! Can’t beat this price for the results either." —Ashley Steigerwald
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Beauty of Joseon is a South Korean skincare brand based in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
I've been using this serum for about six months now and cannot say enough good things about it. I got the "glow" serum (I love that there are different options for different skin concerns), and it continues to minimize my pores and makes my skin look plumped and radiant!
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing!!!!! The compliments I have received about my skin since I've started using this are wild. I have been told my skin tone looks even and that it has a glow. I don't wear makeup, so it is a huge confidence boost. I had some hyperpigmentation around my mouth, and it is almost gone. I use it in the morning and at night. I don't miss a day. I feel consistency is key with this product. There is not really a scent, and I like the texture because it is not watery, but not thick either. I'm almost out, so I will be buying another bottle. Also, I had no irritation or breakouts, and my pores have gotten smaller and non-existent in some areas." —Christina Pope
Get it from Amazon for $16.50.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Apply this directly to wet hair, avoiding the roots, massage it in for eight seconds, then rinse. Practically NO effort required. You can use one dose for fine- to medium-textured hair, two to three doses for thick- to curly-textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair.
Promising reviews: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c-type hair and struggle a lot with breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen. Thank you so much!! ♥️" —Theressa Hailey
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
Good Molecules is a small bizz that creates simple, effective skincare products using science-backed ingredients.
Promising review: "For someone who’s tried hundreds of different skincare products, this stuff is amazing! It’s like a water gel consistency and a little goes a long way. I was skeptical of buying this because I’ve never heard of the brand and thought the low price was sketchy… but this stuff is really nice. I didn’t notice the cooling effect so much but it’s there! Get it if you're hesitant and on a budget!!" —Gail
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Right out of the box I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed. Excellent quality and easy to use! I’ve tried them twice already and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I’ll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!" —Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available individually or as a pair).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
But just remember, scars and stretch marks are totally normal!
Promising review: "This is by far the BEST skincare I have found. I have sun-damaged skin and it has helped more than anything I have used. If used as directed it will not only fade scars, it will also fade spots. I use this twice daily and have been using for probably a year now and see a remarkable difference in my skin's appearance. I use instead of lotion, as it absorbs really well." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.12.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high-level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy, I use this and voila — looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that too! Please don't ever stop making this!" —scooptwins
Get it from Amazon for $18.74 (also available in a bigger size).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Londontown is a small biz making products that'll help keep your nails beautiful.
Promising review: "BEST!! WE LOVE IT! I'll never use anything else — FOREVER CUSTOMER! Best and easiest one-coat needed nail polish ever, looks so classy and stays for so long. Mine lasted for two weeks, it was amazing! It looks fantastic and lasts for weeks as opposed to a couple of days! Easy to use, literally cannot mess it up, always looks good, and dries quickly. My nails have grown longer in the couple of months of regular use and are super hard now, and they were so flimsy before. I’m so grateful for this nail polish, I LOVE IT — I’m going to buy every color! I’d pay $50 if I had to. My nails have never been nice — I finally feel put together! ♥️💕♥️♥️♥️" —V C True
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in five shades).
Check out our Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer review for more deets!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely.
Promising review: "I've suffered from full coverage acne since I was 8 or 9 years old (I know. A freakishly young age to start.). I've use every product known to man. Proactive, Neutrogena, Clearasil, medication from dermatologists...the list goes on, and I'm sure most people have experienced the same. BUT THESE WORK. HOLY SHT THESE WORK. They suck everything out in ONE GOSH DARN NIGHT. I buy a whole bunch at a time and go through probably five packets a month and I've never been happier, and I've never had such clear skin. All you have to do is wash your face and stick the dots on before bed. I stick them wherever I see the red starting, feel that 'oh it's a big one' pain under my skin, or where whiteheads have already started." —Danielle
Get a pack of 72 from Amazon for $12.50 (available in five sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Apply to clean, damp hair. Leave on for 3–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. That’s it! No mixing, no mess, and no harsh peroxide or ammonia — just soft, shiny, multi-dimensional hair color.
Promising review: "Purchases cool medium brunette. I am a low-maintenance hair type of girl with three young kids, so it’s really hard getting to a salon. This product was just what I was looking for — a shine boost of my natural color and to cover up my grays (fyi my grays are minimal and around my face-this product covered them perfectly, I left it in for 20 mins). I also feel like it blended my hair better and got rid of the brassy tones from old highlights. I would use this again, and I love that the bottle has multiple uses. Also rinsed out easily and did not stain my shower after." —Nicole Knowles
Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in 13 colors, including sheer).
It's safe to use on color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair!
Promising review: "Best dandruff shampoo I've ever tried. I’ve had dandruff my whole life, and recently it got much worse and turned into what was pretty much scalp psoriasis. I have tried MANY products and treatments over the past year and nothing has come close to this shampoo. I haven’t had ANY dandruff since I started using it, it took care of my psoriasis as well. Would absolutely recommend for anyone with bad dandruff." —Alicia Eddy
Get it from Amazon for $15.88 (also available in a bigger size).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says about it: "I started using one of these a few months ago and WOWZA, it really helps you get extra mileage out of your shampoo. I have a whole lot of hair on my head so sometimes it's a struggle to feel like I've soaped up my whole scalp thorough, but this was a very effective way to spread out the suds and really get them to the roots. I was worried it might tangle in my hair, but it was totally fine on that front, too. I've noticed that my hair has been a little less greasy at the roots since I started using it. And I'm echoing a ton of reviewers here when I say it just feels reeeeeally, really nice."
Promising review: "I saw this little thing all over TikTok and everyone swore by it. To be honest, they’re right and I now swear by it. It’s perfectly soft and sturdy to massage the scalp. Works shampoo into roots, helps with dry skin and such. I absolutely love it and I use it every time I wash my hair. I most definitely would recommend to anyone. Don’t hesitate." —Z
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in three colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It comes with a precision cover to help you shape your brows to the exact shape you want. Or leave them just how they are. Remember, removing facial hair (or any hair) is optional, not necessary!
Promising review: "Plucking the more egregious of my thick black hairs is at least a 2–3x/week effort. I opened these rather hesitantly — I mean, they are sharp blades going on your face — took a sip of Prosecco for courage, washed my face and started shaving. I could not believe how easy and quick it was. After a couple of swipes down my cheek, I noticed that it was done. I thought it was going to take a lot more skill and time. First complete face shave (full cheeks, upper lip, lower lip, jawline) over and done with in less than three minutes with outstanding results. So much easier than tweezers and depilatories!! Wow." —Tara D.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a pack of nine).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It is recommended that you use it on your hair right after the shower, but reviewers say it looks good when you use it on either wet or dry hair when you want to skip the styling process!
Promising review: "I found this product through a Buzzfeed article for those with frizzy hair and THIS PRODUCT DID NOT DISAPPOINT PEOPLE! I put this serum through the ringer — I got this to stand up to Bay Area fog AND the nasty, humid heat wave we got a couple weeks ago. No frizz, no extra curls. Nothing! On top of that, it made my hair super glossy. I'm very impressed. Heads up though, a little goes a long way. One pump is enough to cover my hair and I have medium length hair. I do have oily hair so working on my ends first then working to my roots works for me." —Jazmine Carbajal
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in packs of two and four).
Promising review: "I normally do not write reviews but this product did the job, wow! It literally erased my dry cuticles, instantly leaving me healthy moist-looking nails! Love it and it’s so easy to apply and doesn’t leave any extra oil or residue. Love!" —Diana Apanovich
Get it from Amazon for $9.40+ (available in three sizes).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I saw a dermatologist recommend this on TikTok and I figured I’d give it a try.I have had red bumps on the back of my arms for as long as I can remember and have tried many things, so I didn’t have very high expectations. After one use, I could already see a difference! It says to use 1–2 times a week but I use it usually every other day, and I use CeraVe rough and bumpy lotion after and now my red bumps are almost nonexistent. This product has truly been life changing and I would recommend to anyone struggling with red bumps! 10/10!" —Sidney
Get it from Amazon for$10+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Apply the gel to edges and smooth with fingertips or with a brush for a specific hold. Or! Just rock your edges' natural texture. Check out this article on why laying your edges is never mandatory.
Mielle Organics is a Black-founded business that got acquired by P&G Beauty but is operating as an independent subsidiary and continues to be led by its founding members Monique Rodriguez (CEO) and Melvin Rodriguez (COO).
Promising review: "I like the light consistency of this edge control. It doesn’t take much and did the job I was looking for it to do. I didn’t have any issues with flaking or dryness. My hair texture is different since it's been growing back since chemotherapy so honestly it doesn't take much for it." —FitSisterP
Get it from Amazon for $5.90.
Simplified Skin is a cruelty-free brand and a family-owned small business based in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Promising review: "This is the second time I have ordered this and will keep on ordering it! The scent is light and it feels so refreshing when I spray it on every morning! No irritation to the skin and it is the extra kick of moisture my skin desperately needed. I have used it on my hair a couple of times only and, again, the light scent really peps me up and it helps my hair have a subtle shine to it. I highly recommend this product!" —Loretta Arenas
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two styles and two sizes).
And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin.
Promising review: "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." —C. Munsterman
Get it from Amazon for $18.68.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
Promising review: "This is my go-to product to save me money so I don't have to go to the salon every month. Buys me a couple of months in between professional coloring. This is really easy to apply and I never have a problem matching whatever shade the salon uses on my hair." —Amanda Scott
Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (available in 13 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This baby is seriously sharp and does serious magic to my horrific callouses! I have had foot files and that ridiculous pedi-egg before and they don’t hold a candle to this. So imagine my surprise when this actually works really well! I used it dry out of curiosity since it says wet or dry, and honestly I feel like it works even better dry than wet. I can’t believe how much better my feet look! Sooooo gross to use (it’s basically Mount Everest in foot skin), yet such a satisfying result! My only sad thing is now it hurts to walk on gravel barefoot. Worth it!!" —Eliza
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "I am on my feet a lot and I had two nails that had thickened to the point where I couldn't use the regular nail clippers any more because they didn't open far enough. I had nail scissors but they weren't nearly strong enough. I'm not going to lie — I was getting really self-conscious about them in addition to the fact that my shoes were getting more and more uncomfortable. I found these clippers and tried them out and I couldn't believe how smoothly they cut through my super thick nails. I thought I was going to have to apply a lot of pressure but the blades just slid right through. One of the best purchases I've made in a while!" —Katie D.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "I have suffered from splitting and cracking fingers for years. I tried Eucerin, Lubriderm, and Gold Bond creams, but none seemed to relieve the splitting from reoccurring. I tried O'Keeffe's Working HandsCream and within two and a half days, the splitting and cracking were no longer a factor. Since using the cream, I have not suffered any more cracking or splitting. I am on a busy schedule and only use it at night when I go to bed. It says it's non-greasy but you can definitely feel a slick texture on your hands once applied. That's why I use it at night before bed when I don't have to open door knobs, touch smartphones, or shake hands. It has the texture of cake icing, goes on smooth and works into the skin quickly. It has no smell I can detect. I am so glad I found this cream, it has ended years of split and cracked fingers/hands." —T.H.
Get it from Amazon for $8.89 (also available in multipacks).
Our O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream deep dive goes into more details, so be sure to check it out.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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