31 Inexpensive Products That Will Upgrade Your Beauty Routine Exponentially

31 Inexpensive Products That Will Upgrade Your Beauty Routine Exponentially

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-16 05:04

1. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel uses an impressive caffeine blend to de-puff your peepers (despite the amount of beauty sleep you're getting)! And listen, luxe eye creams such as this one usually cost around a trillion dollars, so finding a holy grail item like this for ~$6 is basically like striking gold.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. 

Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, I love all the Good Molecules products." —Hayden Smith 

Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

2. Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam contains BHA, triple hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and heartleaf. Translation: it soothes, exfoliates, and helps slow down sebum production. Consider this an excellent contender for the second step in your double-cleansing routine. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I have oily skin and I get white heads. This product removes my white head and makes my skin so smooth. I love it." —Monderly

"I'm not gonna lie, I saw this on TikTok and jumped on the bandwagon! If you're debating if it's worth the hype, BUY IT!! IT'S WORTH IT!! I have always had one very large pore on my under-eye/cheek area next to my nose. I bought this hoping it would just help improve my overall skin journey and maaannnn...I will never use anything else! I do use the Anua Pore Control Cleansing Oil first and then use this cleanser after and have noticed a HUGE improvement! My extra-large pore has shrunk three times its size, and I've noticed it's helped pull extra gunk from the pores in my nose that I didn't even know was there! My skin feels so clean after using it!" —Molly Martinez

Get it from Amazon for $13

3. Valitic Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap Bars are chock-full of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to tackle hyperpigmentation with a vengeance. And the best part? It's great for sensitive skin, too: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and olive oil ensure your moisture barrier stays protected. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." —Elisabeth L. 

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99

4. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is a gritty yet gentle exfoliator that enlists the help of sea kelp and green clay for an overall brighter, more radiant complexion. Who will look like they've been drinking enough water? You. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s a pleasant, gritty scrub that doesn’t hurt my face with salt or anything that feels like sandpaper. It’s moisturizing, exfoliating and lovely. I follow up with my skin oil, serums and moisturizer. My makeup goes on like butter. I’ll buy this again." —JB30

Get it from Amazon for $11.99

5. Hero Cosmetics Hydrocolloid Mighty Patches prevent picking and ~drain~ those zits at maximum speed. In addition to the fact that they just truly work, these transparent stickers also won't leave behind any residue on your pillow (unlike traditional goopy spot treatments).

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Whenever I see or feel a new zit coming along, I put one of these over it and they work so well! I have tried other brands but always make my way back to this one because it just works so much better than the others. The price isn't terrible, but a little on the high side. However, it is completely worth it! My zits go away so much faster, stay less red, and these keep me from picking at them." —Allyson

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three sizes).

6. Mise En Scene PerfectSerum contains seven natural oils (argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, camellia) that can be applied to damp hair pre-blowout for heat protection and post-blowout for reduced frizz. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. My hair is softer and doesn’t seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair and then after it’s dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I’ll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value, too; I’ve been using it pretty consistently since purchasing, and I’ve barely made a dent in it. Love it!" —Noley

Get it from Amazon for $18.99

7. One Size 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner bids adieu to runny formulas of eyeliner's past with a waterproof finish that *stays* waterproof all. day. long. No smudging. Seriously.

Sephora

This is vegan and cruelty-free!

Promising review: "I used KVD for years and have tried many others. This is my new favorite eyeliner. It goes on super smooth and mine stays all day." —JSGeyeliner71

Get it from Sephora for $19 (available in three shades). 

8. Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner balances your skin's pH level, creating a smooth canvas that will better absorb the rest of the products in your routine. It's refreshing, gentle, and loved by reviewers who struggle with redness

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This toner is hyped for a reason — it's the best. It works extremely well for sensitive skin, and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized. The redness on my face have completely vanished after using this toner." —Aurelia

Get it from Amazon for $19.54+ (available in two sizes). 

9. Mini Benefits Cosmetics' Super Setting Spray locks makeup in place with just a spritz (including full coverage foundation, the kind that cakes with even a whisper of humidity).

Ulta Beauty

Promising review: "This is a good setting spray as it does minimize the appearance of your pores and gives you that blurring effect. I wanna say it is a dewy finish, but just add the powder after you've sprayed it and make sure it's dry so you have that matte finish. It also mists evenly so you don't have big drops on your face that can ruin your makeup!!" —Daniela

Get it from Ulta for $16 (also available in full size for $35). 

10. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray targets acne-causing bacteria with just a single spritz. It's beloved by athletes who are constantly sweating, medical professionals who have to wear face masks, and teens experiencing their first breakouts. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the SkinSmart Facial Spray in action. 

Promising review: "I have ordered this twice now. If my skin is breaking out I just spray this on after washing my face and let it air dry. It is nonirritating and nondrying. It has a light chlorine smell to me. I can use both morning and night with no irritation. After a few days of this my skin starts clearing up! I put some in a travel spray bottle and take it when I’m flying. My skin always feels dirty on planes, and I spray it on a few times on travel days to freshen my face and hopefully kill some bacteria. It sprays over makeup with no issues." —SaraSmile11

Get it from Amazon for $17.46

11. Sephora Mini Color Shifter Strange Botanicals Eyeshadow Palette contains four pigmented base shades and a hint of blue shimmer. This purse-friendly reviewer favorite is great for folks who want to experiment with pops of color but don't want to commit to a pricier palette.

Sephora

Promising review: "I can’t believe this palette is not more expensive. The quality is amazing. I have three of these palettes. The mushroom one is my favorite. The color-shifting shadow is beautiful!" —Anonymous

Get it from Sephora for $6 (originally $10). 

12. Anastasia Eyebrow Highlighter Crayon is a blessing for the in-between-tweezing periods where stubborn hairs are starting to show but are *still* too tiny to pluck.

Sephora

Promising review: "Fabulous tool to carve out eyebrows. Easy to use and blend. Couldn’t be happier, highly recommend it. Tons of product, it is quality and lasts all day." —Sephora Customer

Get it from Sephora for $18 (available in three shades). 

13. Maybelline Dream BB Cream hydrates, blurs pores, and evens out your overall complexion in a pinch (no more "did I blend evenly?" panic required). It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 30, i.e., you can rush out of the house knowing your complexion is simultaneously looking fresh *and* being protected.

amazon.com

This lightweight product is great for normal and dry complexions, but may not be the perfect fit for oily skin.

Promising review: "So happy I finally found something that covers my rosy cheeks, blemishes, and large pores. I have combination skin type: oily t zone and overall dry skin, and it works for my skin. The best part is that it has SPF 30 in it. My dermatologist does not stop stressing the importance of daily use of SPF on the face, so now I'm happy I can still cover up my pimples and protect my skin from harsh UV rays from the sun. It doesn't feel heavy on my face and doesn't make it look like I caked on a pound of foundation. I have used it for about three weeks already and have not noticed an increase in pimples or skin irritation." —Davis

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

14. Lanolips 101 Ointment should be applied before bed and voilà, you'll wake up to a nourished pout that has effectively bid adieu to flakes. The flavors are delish, too: strawberry, peach, glazed donut, dulce de leche, watermelon, and raspberry shortcake.

Natalie Brown / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Promising review: "This stuff is my favorite lip product, bar none. I've been a lip balm/ChapStick user for years, and have tried just about every brand. This stuff just WORKS, it leaves my lips moisturized hours later and they don't feel more dry when it wears off." —K

Get it from Amazon for $13.50 (available in nine flavors).

15. Samnyte's hair wax stick tames flyaways with a sticky (read: not greasy) castor oil formula that takes baby hairs and goes *poof* with a single swipe. Reviewers especially love this for slicked-back styles.

amazon.com

It goes without saying that you 100% do not need to lay your edges if you don't want to!

Promising review: "The wax stick effortlessly tames even the most stubborn flyaways and unruly strands. Its unique formula provides a firm hold without the stiffness or flaking associated with traditional hairsprays. It keeps my hair looking sleek and polished all day long. The compact, easy-to-use stick design makes application a breeze. Simply swipe it over flyaways or areas that need a touch-up. The wax glides on smoothly and blends seamlessly, leaving no visible residue." —cwin

Get it from Amazon for $7.58

16. Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash proves that body products *should* be just as diligent as the products you put on your face. In other words, this prevents back breakouts and uses glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids to slough away dead skin cells and buildup.

Soko Glam

Promising review: "This is the best body wash I have ever used. It helps brighten my skin and keeps my KP at bay." —Janice D. 

Get it from Soko Glam for $16.

17. Nyx Color-Correcting Concealer Palette contains six color correcting hues: green to combat redness, peach to cover up dark circles, light and medium to make blemishes go poof, and purple and pink to brighten your overall complexion. Quickly layer this under foundation to tackle your skin concerns in one quick swoop, resulting in a professional finish.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have the worst dark circles under my eyes and for whatever reason, NOTHING has been able to help them at all. I’ve tried every cheap and expensive concealer, and you can’t even tell the difference. I decided to give this a try because it was so cheap...BEST DECISION I EVER MADE! This actually covers up my dark circles completely!! I mostly just use the pink color for that, but I’ve used some of the other colors for acne spots and redness, and they work just as well." —Liz

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

18. Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush is the ultimate two-in-one product. A sun-kissed glow is yours with just a few quick and buildable swipes, the hues are impeccable, and reviewers rave about the unreal lasting power. ::adds terra-cotta shade to cart::

instagram.com / Via @tower28beauty, Sephora

This even contains green tea and aloe vera extracts to soothe, calm, and hydrate your complexion whilst giving it a flush of color.

Promising review: "I am in love with these lip and cheek tints. I own magic hour and rush hour, and both blend beautifully. The colors melt into my skin and give a radiant sun-kissed finish. I apply these with my blender, but you could use anything really. They’re pigmented and long-lasting under my mask, rush hour did not MOVE under my mask, and I didn’t even set it!" —katiebean19

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

19. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint contains a lightweight (but buildable!) formula that provides rich pigment in one swipe, not feeling cake-y like the matte lipsticks you've splurged on in the past. Extra kudos are in order for a ~precision applicator~ that makes filling in your Cupid's Bow a breeze.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Very pretty color. Lasts a long time, doesn't smudge when dry, and when I think I need to reapply, I can just put a new coat over it and it looks good as new. Love it!" —Shawn

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 34 shades).

20. Sacheu's Peel Off Lip Liner Stain ensures your pout stays pigmented with color all day long, through coffee sips and meetings, reapplication officially unnecessary.

Ulta Beauty

Promising review: "Love this lip liner! I mainly use it as a liner rather than on my whole lip because I think it looks prettier that way. It doesn't take long to dry, and peeling off is quite fun. I love the shade MUAH-ve, I'm light-medium toned, and it's a beautiful dark pink/brown shade." —Rachel

Get it from Ulta for $12 (available in three shades).

21. The Klog Plant-Rich Antioxidant Pore Cleansing Oil removes stubborn makeup (we're looking at you, waterproof mascara) with ease, lathering beautifully for a luxurious experience that penetrates deeply without stripping your skin of moisture.

Soko Glam

Promising review: "This is hands down the best oil cleanser I have used. I have been double cleansing for years. I never want to be without this. I have very sensitive skin and eczema. This feels good on my skin with no irritation." —Carol S. 

Get it from Soko Glam for $17

22. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads are a two-sided dream: one side is textured, the other side is smooth. They're infused with salicylic acid and white willow bark to exfoliate and lavender extract to soothe. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El

Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $14.90 (also available in four other styles). 

23. Nyx Epic Ink Liner seriously will not budge, won't transfer, and won't smudge over smoky eyeshadow (even if you have oily lids). If you're tired of your liquid liner fading before your second cup of coffee, you're welcome.

Amazon

Promising review: "Seriously does not budge. Lasts all day and doesn’t wipe off easily with water. I have to rub over gently with an oil cleanser. This stuff STAYS put. No lie!" —bigviclamb

Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in six shades).

24. Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion because while you *thought* you reapplied frequently enough on your vacay, the sunburn on your back would imply that, well, you didn't. Slather on this aloe vera and coconut oil combo for instant relief. 

www.amazon.com

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion, so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire, and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —Jessie Patterson

Get it from Amazon for $9.97

25. Benefit Cosmetics Mini BADgal Mascara provides volume, volume, and did I mention volume? This 36-hour wear mascara has provitamin B5 to promote growth while a slim, flexible applicator caters to every lash.

Sephora

Promising review: "Makes my lashes full and long — it stays on all day and doesn't bother my eyes (contact lens wearer). I love that the wand is flexible and not rigid." —JAbeauty20

Get it from Sephora for $16

26. Mario Badescu Facial Spray sets and refreshes makeup, giving foundation a dewy appearance and adding refreshing hydration to dull-looking skin. Plus, ~a few spritzes a day can keep breakouts at bay.~

www.instagram.com

In addition to rejuvenating skin, it also refreshes and sets makeup. 

Promising review: "Movie-star skin in a bottle. I had a cross-country flight, so I brought this in my purse to keep my skin moisturized. I stepped off that plane with the dewiest skin I’ve ever had. This product feels so luxurious on my skin. I use it to set my foundation in the morning, and as a mid-day pick me up during that 3 p.m. slump. The smell is divine. Buy a bottle, you won’t regret it." —Tricia Beck-Peter

Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in two sizes). 

27. The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser removes stubborn makeup (we're looking at you, waterproof mascara) with ease, lathering beautifully for a luxurious experience that penetrates deeply without stripping your skin of moisture. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have combination skin and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha but then I saw this. With the price I thought if it doesn’t work, it isn’t a huge deal. I’m never going back, this is like the exact same thing and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker BUT THAT'S GOOD because it’s BARELY thicker AND that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven’t tried it, I soooo highly recommend." —Lingaling

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes). 

28. About-face's Matte Fluid Eye Paint is blissfully easy to blend, making it simple (and dare we say fun!?) to play around with different beauty looks — from subtle to bold.

Ulta Beauty

Promising review: "I just have to brag about this product. I have always applied eyeshadow by starting with concealer as a base, setting with powder, then eyeshadow. I broke my dominant arm a while back, and blending became very difficult for me. I had never used liquid shadow before because I assumed it would be difficult to work with — messy, sticky, tacky, etc. This product gave me the ability to do eyeshadow again while I had very limited mobility. I swear, you barely have to manipulate it for it to blend seamlessly. Anyone with any skill level can make this product blend into the skin flawlessly. It doesn't dry too quickly, but once it does, it is totally dry and doesn't leave tackiness. While I was struggling badly with my limited mobility, this product allowed me to do my makeup again and feel like myself with very little effort, which was all I could give at the time. I am so grateful I had this product during one of the hardest times of my life. I was very dependent on others for almost every other thing I had to do, but with this product, doing my makeup was something I was capable of, and it made my healing journey more bearable." —carleyc

Get it from Ulta for $16 (available in 31 colors).

29. Tree Hut Coco Colada Body Scrub transforms your shower into a tropical oasis a la a decadent coconut and pineapple scent. Aroma aside, the product itself is indulgent: exfoliating yet moisturizing, with reviewers considering it a prep step for shaving.  

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Heavenly. The scent is amazing and makes your legs feel so good after shaving. If you close your eyes while using, you think you are on tropical island!!!" —SBlanks

Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in 27 scents). 

30. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm turns removing makeup into a luxurious bedtime ritual thanks to a rich, creamy pearl barley and vitamin E formula. This scoffs in the face of stubborn mascara, removing every last drop of product from your face with ease. Now, put down the makeup wipes. We're better than that.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. 

Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99

31. Joesoef's Sulfur Soap tackles acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and clogged pores with a vengeance, a simple switch in your nighttime routine that stares blackheads in the face and says "not today." 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Joesoef Skin Careis a small business that specializes in anti-acne skincare products. 

Promising reviews: "I recently saw a dermatologist talk about those clogged pores on and around your nose. If they are of uniform size, they aren't blackheads. She suggested using a sulfur soap to get rid of or minimize those stubborn clogged pores. This has a slight sulfur smell, but it is not overwhelming, and it disappears when dried. It works! My pores are much smaller. After applying and drying, moisturize." —Sandy G

"I initially saw this product come up on TikTok and was curious so I went to read the reviews. After seeing how much success some people had, I decided to give it a try! I’ve struggled with random hormone breakouts, blackheads, cystic acne — you name it! I’ve tried medical grade, antibiotics, topicals, but nothing has consistently cleared my skin. Now, I’ve only been using it twice a day for a week but I have zero red pimples or breakouts." –CarlyC

Get it from Amazon for $12.99(also available in multipacks). 

Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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