1. Cult-favorite Bio-Oil that's ultra-effective at fading scars and stretch marks, reducing redness, and evening out skin tone. It's packed with vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and other natural oils for anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing benefits, and it smells like an expensive spa treatment!

www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

It's famous for the fact that you can use it anywhere on your body, making it a true holy grail beauty product.

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this on the reg: "FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago, and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night."

Promising review: "Love the scent, very subtle, love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue feeling for too long. My skin is very sensitive, and this oil is thin and doesn’t irritate my skin, gets the job done and well. I used this oil my entire first pregnancy and didn’t have any stretch marks." —Britt Deans

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

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, aka 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 reviews: "Gets the job done for an affordable price! In the winter, I add a few drops of oil to it to apply to face and body. Works like magic!" —JoyceLee

"I have extremely dry skin that's also acne-prone and sensitive. That's a tough combination to treat because most products that heavily moisturize 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 $18.99 (also available separately and in a smaller size).

3. Dentist-recommended Crest whitening strips that work over time to remove YEARS of stains and visibly whiten your teeth when you use them for just 30 minutes a day!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The pack comes with 20 30-minute treatments, and 2 hour-long treatments. The strips are also enamel-safe!

HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "Folks, these are not the gloppy whitening strips of your childhood that slid all around your mouth and had you spitting out globs of product every few minutes so you wouldn't swallow it. Long story short, I was FLOORED when I tried these strips. They may or may not be the best beauty development of the 21st century. These things stay put with literally zero gloppy residue, no spitting or readjusting required. They work so well, I'm almost resentful ~kids these days~ won't experience how absurd at-home whiteners used to be lol. Anyway, they're so comfortable that the 30 minutes or an hour you have them on zips by, so that by the time you're through, your teeth look whiter with virtually zero effort on your part. Can I nominate this for some sort of award??

BTW: If your teeth feel sensitive while you're using the strips (mine did), just take a break for a few days before starting them again."

Promising review: "Favorite teeth whiteners. My husband and I use this often. Gentle on the teeth but gets the job done. Saw results after a week." —Tonya Fraser

Get a 44-count pack from Amazon for $45.99.

4. A winged eyeliner stamp addressing 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. 🤫

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty. 

Promising review: "Gets the job done quick. I use them almost exclusively now for doing my wings and liner! I really love the felt tips for how much control they give me, and the stamps make wings easier than pie to apply. I will always have a set of Flick Sticks in my makeup arsenal. They are indispensable!" —Sasha Rich

Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in three styles and a combo pack). 

5. An oddly satisfying foot file for gently removing dead skin buildup and calluses on the heels of your feet to leave them so smooth, you won't be able to stop touching them. You can use it on dry or wet skin!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Easy to use and gets the job done quickly. A total gem for foot care. Let's talk about that surgical-grade stainless steel file — it's like an eraser for hard skin. I'm all about convenience, and the fact that I can use it on wet and dry feet is a big win. I've been using it regularly, and the difference is noticeable. The build quality is solid; it feels like it's going to last. If you're someone who takes their foot care seriously, this tool is a no-brainer." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

6. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant with salicylic acid and smoothing green tea extract so you can say goodbye to blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness. It exfoliates dead skill cells on your face to leave it ultra-smooth, and it's gentle enough for daily use!

www.amazon.com

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff: "Not my skin above, but I 100% vouch for this liquid exfoliant's amazingness. It's helped to even out my skin tone and control the hormonal acne around my mouth. It's the only thing I feel like has actually helped start to slow down those breakouts, and for that, I'm forever thankful. I apply a thin layer in the morning and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing."

Promising review: "Love this product so much! It exfoliates deeply and gets the job done. I would recommend using at night and not too many times a week because it does bring your impurities to the surface in order to get rid of them!" —Lyah

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).

7. A very handy hair thinner and cutter to save you some money on frequent salon appointments — people swear by this little tool for everything from trimming bangs and maintaining short haircuts to styling wigs.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Gets the job done. I personally use this to cut my side swept bangs, and it looks nice. The blades are nice and sharp where I can easily cut/thin out my bangs. Also, great price!" —Irene

Get it from Amazon for $3.92.

8. A Revlon volcanic face roller capable of keeping 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 fave purchase this year.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

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 has transformed my makeup routine! My skin is so horribly oily; every day I was dabbing it or rinsing it off, or wiping the oil off with a tissue. It was so embarrassing to me. Now, I just go over my T-zone with this roller, and my face stays dry all day; no more shine! Don’t hesitate to purchase this roller, it’s absolutely wonderful and gets the job done!" —Glenda Gerdes

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

9. A rechargeable Finishing Touch electric razor made to give you such a smooth and flawless shave, you won't be able to stop running your hands up and down your legs. Compared to regular razors, there's no risk of accidental nicks or irritation, and it even has a built-in light so you never miss a spot. 

www.amazon.com

It features 18-karat gold-plated heads to contour every curve on your leg. Reviewers with disabilities or injuries also say it makes it way easier to get the job done!

BTW, this is solely for use on legs; do NOT use under your arms! 

Promising review: "I am beyond thrilled with the flawless leg shaver! This product has completely transformed my shaving routine. No more ingrown hairs or razor burn — it's like a dream come true. I can now shave quickly without worrying about the aftermath. While it doesn't provide an extremely close shave, it gets the job done beautifully, leaving my legs silky-smooth and me feeling confident. This shaver has become an essential part of my self-care routine, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Say goodbye to those pesky skin irritations and hello to flawless, carefree legs!" —Toni Hansen

Get it from Amazon for $35.26.

Psst — BuzzFeed Shopping editor Samantha Wieder is also a huge fan of the Finishing Touch eyebrow hair remover, and they make a tool for general facial hair removal, too!

10. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more.

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

Promising reviews: "This mascara gets the job done without the fake lashes. It gives a lot of volume, and it’s easily removable. My favorite mascara out there." —Clarivel

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

11. A Denman hair brush, which is 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The Denman brush is absolutely fantastic for curly hair. I experienced no painful tugging. Just an easy, super nice feeling of the brush gliding through my hair while getting the detangling job done. Additionally, this brush really accented my curls [more] than with a wide tooth comb. Definitely use when your hair is wet or damp, and use a leave-in or defining cream for an even spread through your locks. I have multi-textured hair ranging from 2b–3c curls, high porosity, and high density. I found the Denman 7-row brush to be the best detangler for my hair." —Farhana

Get it from Amazon for $21.93+ (available in three sizes and six colors).

12. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo if your hair is thinning and you're eager to do something about it. In addition to volumizing biotin, this shampoo contains other natural ingredients like keratin, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil that moisturize the scalp to help your mane grow in thicker and healthier than ever. 

www.amazon.com

Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I ordered this because I read it would help with hair loss. And it does. Traditional store-bought shampoos smell great but result in significant hair loss. With biotin, the difference is huge! I wish it was better scented and less expensive, but hey, I'm just glad it gets the job done." —ta

Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in three sizes).

13. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Came on time and gets the job done. Five stars." —Amazon Customer

"My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my S.O. tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy, it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer, and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once nonbeliever, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki

Get it from Amazon for $16.90. 

14. A hair protein treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate 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).

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 reviews: "I like this hair mask. It is very moisturizing. I have very dry ends and use a lot of hair masks, and for the price, this is a great one. Affordable and gets the job done." —Kelsie James

"As an African American with 4c hair, I was so happy to see that my hair actually dried quicker, straightened easier, faster, and had a silky look and feel to it. I definitely recommend this conditioner. My hair has not felt or looked like this since I was in my 20s." —NJ

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

Get it from Amazon for $7.12.

15. A cystic acne treatment boasting a pretty incredible track record with reviewers who experience cystic acne, helping pull out and dry deep-rooted acne (with 50% cyst reduction overnight!) as well as whiteheads and blackheads. 

www.amazon.com

Sulfur, bentonite clay, witch hazel, and tea tree oil are just a few of the powerhouse ingredients working wonders here, and it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin!

Promising review: "I've struggled with cystic acne for most of my adult life, and it has been nothing short of a challenge finding a product that simply gets the job done in terms of curbing and/or eliminating my cystic acne bumps overnight. I leave this on when I sleep and wake up with 50–75% improvement. After a few consecutive days of use, most of my acne has disappeared. Due to my severe case, I need to use the product continually to prevent breakouts...etc. I would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone suffering from cystic acne, especially along the jawline and chin areas." —Kimberly Y.

Get it from Amazon for $19.95.

16. Peach Slices acne spot dots for a *super* budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option compared to other brands like Mighty Patch. Keep them around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that nasty gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Peach Slices is part of Peach & Lily, a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016. 

Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action. 

Promising reviews: "Very good buy. I like these, and they get the job done. I’ve repurchased twice so far." —niyah

"This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly, so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time, I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson

Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88.

17. Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Matte Foundation offering over 50 (!) shade options and long-lasting buildable coverage without feeling heavy or oily on your face like some formulas do.

Negesti Kaudo / BuzzFeed, Fenty Beauty

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Negesti Kaudo says, "I already had a foundation, so it took me a few years to finally invest in the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation, but ever since I did, I HAVEN'T LOOKED BACK. It's flawless, smooth, picture-perfect, and glides and blends effortlessly with a brush or a sponge. Love it. LOVE. IT."

Promising reviews: "Amazing product, I have oily skin, but this gets the job done!" —kimberlyxxyb

"One of the best liquid foundation formulas that I've ever tried. It's worth every penny, and I highly recommend this product. I have sensitive combo skin, and it handles this product nicely. I love how you can wear it lightly or build it up for intense full coverage. No weird scents to it, and it didn't oxidize on me." —AVL8dy2002

Get it from Sephora for $40 (available in 51 shades).

18. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The oval brush design smooths the hair, and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b through 4c hair mentioned it working for them. 

Promising reviews: "I have two girls with natural and thick hair, and it gets the job done. I’m happy with this purchase." —Mrs. Ashby

"I have waist-length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game-changer. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" —Ilsa

Get it from Amazon for $39.87+ (available in three colors).

19. Plus, a blow-dry spray that 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I use this as a substitute for Oribe's blow-out spray because I'm on a budget. Gets the job done!" —alias

"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." —Janice C. Henderson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).

20. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-favorite you can wield as part of your multistep daily routine *or* for quick touch-ups (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 — and neither are the name-brand concealers, at this price.

Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I can't find the words. It's awesome! Everything about it! Blends flawlessly, doesn't dry out the skin, and has very nice coverage! I have mature skin, in other words I'm getting old, and it didn't cake or crease! I've used it as foundation, to conceal, and contour. Every time, it gets the job done, and my makeup looks flawless!" —Christy aka MisfitAngel

Get it from Amazon for $5.33+ (available in 18 shades).

And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!

21. Nyx Butter Gloss that 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I use this lipgloss for my lip combo, and it is bomb. It gets the job done, and I love it." —Melody White

"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 $4.99 (available in 34 colors and three-packs).

22. Plus! A double-sided silicone lip brush 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.

Amazon

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 reviews: "Buh-bye chapped lips! I love this brush; it’s light, and I can take it with me while I travel without taking too much space in my makeup bag. It gets the job done." —Amazon Customer

"I’ve been using lip scrubs for ages, but this exfoliator takes it to the next level. It really helps in removing dry lip skin for smooth lipstick application. To clean, I just wash it with antibacterial hand soap and store in a dry place." —Cristina

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.

23. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The cream is very luxurious feeling. It’s not too thick but thick enough to get the job done. The smell is very good but not over powering, which I was worried about being so close to my eyes and all. It’s very refreshing feeling, and I already can feel the difference between using this product versus regular facial lotion." —Morgan Christensen

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).

24. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer that 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. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Works like magic. Inexpensive, so obviously not top of the line stuff, but gets the job done." —S.I.

"Okay, so first, nothing will make you 'poreless,' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores, and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not too familiar with makeup, this is a game-changer. Honestly, it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day, but if you have dry skin, this could be the ultimate game-changer!" —Olivia

Get it from Amazon for $9.50.

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

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I had heard a lot about this oil. But wasn't willing to spend the price on it. After getting tired of spending money on cheap oils, I finally gave in. I do not regret it. It smells amazing, but not overwhelming. It makes my hair feel so soft and helps a lot with the frizz. It's also not too thick, very light, but gets the job done. A little bit of this goes a long way. Honestly, just buy it, it's worth every penny." —Linmon

Get it from Amazon for $19.

26. A brightening facial scrub that'll leave 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. 

www.amazon.com

I've been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for months, and it's now my go-to exfoliator. I use it a couple of times a week 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: "This is the perfect exfoliator. It's gentle but gets the job done, leaving your face extremely smooth and clean. ❤️" —Lydia G.

Get it from Amazon for $6.62.

27. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

Promising reviews: "I've used this product to help with detoxing my face skin from impurities and buildup. Let me tell you...it gets the job done. If you mix it with apple cider vinegar, it might smell a little funky, but it works amazing! You might get a tingly sensation at first upon application, then your skin will start to tighten when the clay dries. It works amazing and has helped my skin on its worst days...and I have sensitive skin and acne scars!" —Alexandria S.

"Love this product and have been using it for years. Leaves my hair shiny and soft. Eliminates buildup in hair, leaving my curls defined." —Trisha

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

28. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Base because if you're applying eyeshadow without primer, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it 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.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Does not dry my skin around my eyes. Very lightweight but gets the job done!" —Rose

"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 $13.99.

29. TonyMoly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar that's so cute, it'll honestly inspire you to apply this lip tint more often (whereas others may have sat unused in your purse for months). A step above lip balm, this adorable tube moisturizes, tints, and adds a bit of shine to your lips so you feel put together even if it's the only makeup you're wearing. 

www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Cute and gets the job done. Very nice — the color is LITERALLY the color of the tube itself, at least the color I got. And lasts a reasonable time like a normal Chapstick would last." —Ana

Get it from Amazon for $7.60 (available in three styles or a variety pack with all three).

30. And Briogeo's Heat Protectant Crème — it doesn't just protect your strands against high temperatures when styling; it *also* smooths frizz and leaves your hair soft and shiny using rosehip, argan, and coconut oils.

Sephora, Sephora

BTW, Briogeo is a Black woman-owned business. 

Promising reviews: "Wonderful smell. Gets the job done. I use it daily when straightening my hair (medium length, wavy, thick)." —arodd

"This product worked very well on my low porosity, medium textured, 4a hair. The product itself was lightweight, not sticky, and absorbed into the hair well. It added lightweight moisture, reduced blow dry time, and overall made the process a bit easier." —Curly Kat

"This cream really works on my frizzy hair. My hair is fine and medium thickness. I live in Alabama where we frequently have very high humidity, and when using this cream, the frizz is kept at bay." —neagtive

Get the heat protectant cream from Sephora for $26 or Briogeo for $26.

31. An antibacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil that's effective at penetrating the skin to target the roots of acne, leaving your bum clear and baby-smooth. Bacne, you've met your match-ne. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was getting allergy-caused acne on the back of my butt and my legs if I used any soap I had a sensitivity issue with. Nothing was clearing it up the way I needed it to be. This actually has done the job. I was a little skeptical at first since it is a lotion and not a wash. But it really works!" —steph

Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 

32. A bottle of Tower 28's Daily Rescue Facial Spray you'll want to keep on hand if your skin is prone to redness, dryness, and irritation. This pH-balancing toner soothes and nourishes stressed-out skin, and leaves out ingredients common in other products that can make irritation worse, like oils, fragrance, and alcohol.

Sephora

The powerhouse ingredient here is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. Reviewers with eczema say this helps calm flare-ups and doesn't cause any stinging! It's great for acne-prone skin as well.

Tower 28 is a small, woman-owned business based in Los Angeles, California. The company specializes in nontoxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are safe to use on all skin types.

Promising review: "Unique active ingredient, gets the job done. It's truly a 'soothing' spray that goes beyond just making the face wet. The hypochlorous acid is such a unique ingredient, and luckily, my skin reacts super well to it. $28 is a lil' pricey, but I usually just put a spray on the cheeks and forehead and rub it in with a serum; I never feel the need to soak my face in it like rosewater, because this behaves more like a treatment than a refreshing mist." —Daltonyio

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

33. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques, 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.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the closest [alternative] to a Beauty Blender that I’ve found, and I’ve tried a LOT. A Beauty Blender is a little more porous, which tends to make things a little quicker to blend, but for the price difference, this gets the job done in a way that’s beyond worth it. If you’ve used the Real Techniques sponge, this is super similar in texture to that but a little squishier." —Reagan Bush

Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in nine sets).

34. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because chances are, your sponges and brushes are overdue for a good cleaning. Made with gentle, plant-based ingredients, this cleanser will remove all the built-up makeup, oil, and impurities from your tools — and watching all the gunk be washed down the sink is *so* satisfying. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this). 

I've used EcoTools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before, too!

Promising review: "While using any of my normal soaps/face washes worked great for my brushes, it left my sponges still looking dirty. One day I was scrolling through some BuzzFeed list of items that everyone supposedly needed and saw this product. I decided to give it a go. Well, I am seriously impressed. All of my sponges of various colors look almost brand new after using this. Even my white sponges look only faintly tinted in comparison to what they used to look like. It does seem like it takes quite a bit of product to do each sponge, but it's low foam and definitely gets the job done. I'll certainly order another bottle when I run out." —G.T.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

35. A hair finishing stick that 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.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This gets the job done. After application it feels like you applied hairspray, and it lasts all day. I can finally wear my hair up without being annoyed by my baby hairs on the back of my neck!!!" —Leslie Sanchez

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

36. A Physician's Formula bronzer to give 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.

www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this sooo much. I'm brown skin, and I always like my face to have a hint of color. Not overdoing it with super dark contour. This gets the job done. Easy to blend. It does have a slight scent, which smells like coconut to me. I don't mind it, though." —Jenaè

Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in seven shades).

37. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, 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.

www.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). And multiple people compare it to SkinCeuticals' vitamin C serum — which, if you're unaware, retails for a whopping $182, folks.

Promising reviews: "Gets the job done and leaves your skin with a nice glow. Not oily or greasy. Has a slightly matte texture to it. A little goes a long way." —Tobi

"I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish

Get it from Amazon for $12.73.

38. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture). 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I decided to buy this and reusable makeup remover pads. Let me tell you! Best decision. This cleans sooo nicely. This doesn’t irritate my skin or eyes, no scent, leaves my skin not moisturized but also not dry, and it doesn’t clog. I’ve tried it on all sorts of different types of makeup, and it gets the job done." —Delia

"It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat

Get it from Amazon for $3.98+ (available in two sizes and in packs). 

BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!

39. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin. Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects.

www.instagram.com, Sephora

Here are some other skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone, BTW.

This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion.

Promising review: "Gets the job done! It’s intense, but it works. You really can only use it once a week like directed, or else it would be too much for your skin. However, once a week is enough, and it definitely helps keep the breakouts at bay. I wouldn’t recommend this for people with sensitive skin. But it’s definitely helped my skin with both acne and lightening my hyperpigmentation." —CassiaLeigh

Get it from Sephora for $9.50.

40. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! 

Promising review: "I have been a Laneige lip sleeping mask user for years. It has gotten pricier over that time, and they are not cruelty free. So, decided to give this one a go. They are lasting quite well and work fairly well. I would say the consistency is slightly waxier than Laneige, and it’s not as hydrating. Gets the job done and decent price, still glad I purchased." —Kristen J

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four combos). 

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

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