1. A Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick offering a luxuriously creamy, easy-to-apply formula that glides on skin to give you that "just returned from a week-long tropical vacation" glow. The double-ended applicator comes with two colors that can be used as contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, and lip color. So many uses and for so little money, despite being comparable to the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am LOVING this 'ONE AND DONE' product. I'd watched a few videos about how wonderful having this dual-ended item was; blush on one side, bronzer on the other. I needed something easy for travel, and I love creamy textures, so I thought I'd try them. WOW; I'm in love. They glide across the skin, blend out, and look very natural. The value is fantastic compared to other dual-ended makeup sticks. The smell is light and a touch tropical." —Vanessa Sykes

Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in four shade combos). 

2. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo that works just as well as more expensive competitors to absorb oil and add volume, with the added bonus of keratin to strengthen and protect against humidity. Oh, and the floral scent is definitely a compliment magnet! Amazing they don't charge more for all these benefits...

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was thoroughly impressed with this dry shampoo. It's affordable, effective, and everyone compliments how great I smell when I use it. Two bottles lasted me a few months. It does have a white cast, but that can easily be worked into the hair to become undetectable." —Meg B. 

Get it from Amazon for $6.97. 

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar gelmade with adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid that can help minimize the appearance of pores, attack blackheads and whiteheads, and regulate skin cell turnover. Clear skin is possible, even without a pricey prescription — just check out this review pic! 

www.amazon.com

Use this every evening consistently to see the best results. And wear sunscreen during the day! 

Promising reviews: "I love that this comes in a generous size for far less than I'd pay for the same amount of Differin gel. I have not noticed any difference between the two in terms of appearance, scent, or efficacy. This product is a great buy, and I plan to purchase it again when I run out!" —Kristie

"ONE PRODUCT I WOULD NEVER STOP USING! This product worked miracles for me. I never got acne at all until my early 20s when my cystic acne came out of nowhere. I came across this product on YouTube, and it changed my life! The difference is amazing!!!!" —LiveLifeAbundantly

Get it from Amazon for $35.99.

4. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a green-tinted formula that combats redness through the power of color theory. It doesn't stop there — it also works to even complexion, hydrate with vitamin E, and set the perfect stage for you to apply your makeup on. Turns out you don't have to drop $50+ on Dr Jart+'s Cicapair Color Correcting Cream! 

www.amazon.com

This starts green and blends into a "universal shade," which may not be a perfect match for fair or dark skin. 

Promising review: "I swear by this. Been using it for about a year now, it goes on every day and gets all the redness off my face, when I’m in a hurry I just top it off with alittle powder and I’m done but it’s a perfect base layer for any makeup routine if you had a lot of redness like I do." –Andrea

Get it from Amazon for $9.08+ (available in two sizes and also other styles).

5. An ultra-affordable E.l.f. color corrector that comes in a ton of shades to help counteract different types of discoloration, like redness and dark spots. Mix and match to create the perfect foundation for the rest of your makeup routine.  

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Best value for the money. Easy to apply and enough coverage — not cakey, which I liked the most. And it lasts a long time without creasing." —Vish

Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five shades).

6. A lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. One reviewer found success with this when expensive neck creams from department stores and Sephora fell flat. 

www.amazon.com

The brand recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 benefits the skin from the National Library of Medicine.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game-changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea’s body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn’t a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $13.98.

7. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush offering some light coverage (and extra sun protection on top of your normal sunscreen) that won't weigh you down on hot days. Most intriguing: Reviewers are using this on their scalp and hairline because YES scalp burns can happen and NO we're not putting goopy sunscreen in our hair. It's also wayyy cheaper than the $69 Colorescience version.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Wish I would have found this sooner! Works great and so far the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle

"I have fine hair so anytime I’m in the sun I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen make my hair super oily and gross and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james

Get it from Amazon for$15.87. 

8. Jergens Natural Glow tanning lotion — a classic because it gives you a gradual, just-got-back-from-vacation glow after just a few uses. It's easier to use than more expensive brands that risk getting streaky *and* it's formulated with elastin to help your skin feel firmer. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m really impressed with this product. It’s very easy to apply, the same way you would any lotion. It absorbs quickly into the skin. There is a very light, pleasant, fragrance. I had no issues with application or streaks. The tanning lotion gives a nice bronze appearance to the skin which is what I was looking for. The sunless tanner allows you to continue to build the color until you reach your desired look." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.47(available in Fair to Medium, Medium to Deep, and several sizes). 

9. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shinein the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say works as a very good, affordable replacement for Clinique's "Black Honey," the $25 "universal shade" that has a Shakira-level of fame and adoration. This $7 alternative is nonsticky, moisturizes with vitamin E, and melts onto your lips like buttah. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn’t get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." —Hamps5

Get it from Amazon for $6+(also available in six other shades). 

10. A Revlon volcanic face roller way easier to use than those disposable blotting pads. You just roll the volcanic stone over any oily or greasy areas on your face and then pop it in your bag for later. A portable spa treatment if you think about it. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 little miracle worker is a game-changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning, the oil has disappeared, and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" —Jason Zapata

Get it from Amazon for $4.35+ (also available in rose quartz style).

11. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to pamper your décolletage with some special skincare attention. The glycerin and aloe hydrate while the salicylic acid gently exfoliates, leaving firmer, softer skin. After seeing these impressive results, I have to thank Gold Bond for not charging double. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine." —JAcosta

Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack).

12. AnSPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar that works like a giant lip balm for your face. It's nonsticky, glides on clear, works nicely as a primer, and is so easy to apply (check out the curved shape), you may actually remember to reapply for once. Plus, it's cheaper than the Supergoop version. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $17.02 (also available in a two-pack). 

13. A Wet n Wild lipstick formulated with vitamins A and E and macadamia for silky smooth color. Reviewers are shocked at the quality considering the price: a single dollar. Nothing at the dollar store even costs that little! Some reviewers have even compared it to MAC. 👀 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this color on — I have a pale lip and it goes on as a creme lipstick with a little shine. Not matte or glossy, but a bit in between. It's ridiculous to buy the same colors at MAC for $20–$30 when you can get the same from this brand for $1–$3. Definitely buy." —Genevieve

Get it from Amazon for $1(available in 22 colors).

14. L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal — a new dark spot correcting rinse-off treatment that aims to be like a professional peel in a bottle. The blue gel uses 25% AHA, BHA, and PHA to chemically exfoliate and help reveal brighter, smoother skin. Expect compliments with words like glowing, radiant, and wellness influencer.  

L'Oreal, Amazon

Of course, this won't literally work like a professional peel, but it'll be a gentle, affordable alternative. Remember to spot check before using on your whole face.

Promising review: "This does not disappoint. I’ll admit I haven’t been using it long enough to see a huge difference in my hyperpigmentation (I have a few light patches). I am also using this in conjunction with other products that help with dark spots. However, the biggest surprise was how incredible my skin looked and felt immediately after using it — so smooth and even. I have sensitive skin and recommend following all product instructions. I have not had any issues using this product. This is hands down the best new product I have added to my skincare regimen." —Lizzie

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

15. A Curél moisture spray when you want to boost your routine with a hit of ceramides — a key ingredient for helping your skin's moisture barrier. Spritz it on your face, body, or over makeup for a hydrating refresh. Despite the chichi packaging, you're more likely to find this affordable gem at your local drugstore than at a department store. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Since turning 45 and being pre-menopausal, I've never had dry skin in my life until now. Nothing seemed to help because I was already moisturizing my oily skin. I say this on a YouTube channel so I decided to give it a try... and OMG. It's amazing! My skin is holding moisture without overly producing oil. I use one to two times a day, depending on my skin. I've gotten so many compliments since I started using it. There's no real scent; it does take a moment to absorb, but it's totally worth it, and my skin has been glowing." —Rae

Get it from Amazon for $15.

16. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, which has a place in an astounding amount of medicine cabinets (56,000+ positive ratings on Amazon!) because it gently (but effectively!) removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup without drying out your skin and hurting your budget. You don't even need to rinse with water — just apply and wipe off. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

Get it from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

17. A Vanicream cleanser for when you just want something super gentle, simple, and effective. It costs less than $10 and, without any fanfare, cleanses and removes makeup. It's a great option for sensitive skin — no drying or irritation here. I have since sworn off fancy cleansers because this does the job better than anything else! 

www.amazon.com

I love this cleanser! It's not fancy, but it works well, is stocked in most pharmacies, and is perfect for sensitive skin. The formula is sort of creamy and lathers well. It doesn't remove *all* makeup, but enough that I feel like my face is getting properly cleansed. I love cute packaging and nice fragrances, but when it comes to skincare, I recommend keeping it simple! 

Promising review: "I've been using this face wash every day for the past three years, and I absolutely love it! It’s gentle yet effective, making it perfect for everyday use. One of the things I appreciate most is how effortlessly it removes my makeup — including mascara — without any harsh scrubbing. Some days, I’ll do one or two washes just to get that super fresh, extra-clean feeling, and my skin never feels dry or stripped afterward. What I really love is that it’s so lightweight; it doesn’t leave any residue or that heavy feeling some cleansers do. Instead, my face feels light, refreshed, and super clean. Plus, I got creative and turned it into an exfoliating scrub by mixing it with jojoba beads in a separate container — such a game-changer! If you're looking for an effective, gentle, and versatile face wash, this one is a must try!" —dahlserich

Get it from Amazon for $8.86.

18. A beloved Maybelline "Fit Me" matte foundation that has over 40 shades so you're sure to find the perfect match. This oil-free, breathable, lightweight formula gives you buildable coverage and a fancy matte finish you normally don't get outside of Sephora. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this stuff! I've purchased more expensive foundations, but this is the best. No shine, looks beautiful on my skin. I typically use a lightweight primer underneath, but even without the primer, this foundation glides on beautifully. It doesn't feel heavy, it looks like my natural skin and it lasts all day. Perfect!" —MP Gallagher

Get it from Amazon for $8.62+ (available in two sizes and 44 shades).

19. Or TirTir cushion foundation promising up to 72 hours of buildable coverage to help hide redness, blemishes, dark circles, and other unwanted discoloration. The oval-shaped puff makes it easy to get this heavenly product in every nook and cranny for a seamless satin finish. As a bonus, it's made with red propolis extracts that have antimicrobial properties. Reviewers are saying this a great swap for Dior! 

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

Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation. Some reviewers note this foundation can be a little drying, so it might not work for people with dry skin. 

Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go to foundation from now on." —AJ Bond

Get it from Amazon for $21 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).

20. Ogx Argan Oil of Morocco Curl-Defining Cream for curls so bouncy you'll be jumping for joy (and to show them off). The argan oil-boosted formula moisturizes and tames frizz while adding a level of volume and shine you'd normally expect from a much higher price point. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 (available in two styles).

21. Or Lottabody Wrap Me Curl Mousse, a whipped-cream-like delight that defines curls, moisturizes with shea and coconut oil, and tackles frizz all for UNDER $5. The foam makes it super easy to distribute throughout your hair, and the heavenly scent will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This works best for wavy and curly hair. Check out its result on TikTok. 

Promising reviews: "I have tried many different types of foam and mousse, but this is my holy grail. I plop my hair in a microfiber wrap for about 10 min, scrunch out any excess water, section my hair into two sections, and apply four pumps of this mousse to each section, scrunching each time. Once it’s applied, I squeeze my hair once more with my microfiber and diffuse on low heat until it’s 80% dry, and I’m left with lovely curls. I apply no other products, just my shampoo, conditioner, and this mousse :)" —Ashes

Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 

22. Bio-Oil made with vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to moisturize your face and body, and help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dark spots, and more. One reviewerloves using it in place of a pricey serum! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Bio-Oil contains retinol, which accelerates skin turnover but can make you more sensitive to the sun — so don't forget your sunscreen!

Promising review: "After using Bio-Oil for a month, I'm seriously impressed. It's lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I've noticed a visible improvement in my scars and stretch marks, and my skin looks more even overall. It hasn't caused any irritation, even on my sensitive skin. It's also become a go-to for dry patches and post-sun care. In just a month, Bio-Oil has definitely earned its place in my daily routine." —Mireille O.

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three sizes).

23. L.A. Colors metallic nail polish that somehow costs less than $2, yet still provides a striking shine you normally have to pay 5–10 times the amount to achieve. At that price point, I'm shocked it works at all, let alone WELL! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm so obsessed with the L.A. Colors Metal nail polish line! I now own almost all of them — just need two more. They're all so pretty! Pics just don't do it justice! 🤩 Really nice pigment and stays on my nails for a good couple of weeks without chipping. So affordable, yet really nice quality polish! Dries quickly, nice thickness, easy to apply, and isn't sheer. It's highly pigmented! Highly recommend! 💯💅🏻😍" —Felix

Get it from Amazon for $1.98+ (available in 12 colors). 

24. Peach Slices nose pore patches offering an overnight solution for stubborn open pimples. Just wash your face, exfoliate, and pop one on before bed. The hydrocolloid bandage will soak up gunk from your pores without drying your skin. Normally, you'd have to book a facial for these kinds of results! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It had to be said. These things are disgusting, that's why you should buy them. Squeeze part of your nose skin. Do a bunch of little pustules come out? Yeah, if you put one of these puppies on at night, you wake up, and that is all trapped inside that weird film. I dunno how it works. It's probably sorcery." —Jack Sawyer

Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $9.98. 

25. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess lengthening mascara that's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day — oh and makes your eyelashes look like tall, beautiful skyscrapers. Why Essence only charges $5 for such an S-tier mascara is beyond me, but we're all grateful. 

Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this mascara! I’ve used the 'best of the best' designer, super hyped, ultra-popular mascara available, and NOTHING compares to this stuff! I don’t even bother using a lash curler anymore! I buy two at a time, so I always have a spare. (Yes, it’s that good!!) I highly recommend this particular mascara...it goes on effortlessly, it lasts pretty much all day, and the price — I feel like I’m almost stealing it! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!!!" —chulaboola

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

26. Or E.l.f Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara, which creates tubing around your lashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. The lightweight "extensions" won't smudge or weigh down your actual lashes and — best of all — they fall right off when you wash your face. Priceless! 

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. 

BuzzFeed writerEmma Lord loves this mascara and says: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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 removals 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).

27. An Elizavecca collagen coating hair protein treatment that takes your dry, tired hair and turns it into the silky-soft locks you've always wanted. Just apply it to wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, rinse, and wonder why other, pricier hair treatments (like Olaplex!) don't work this well. 

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "My hair used to be really soft, and then I discovered hot tools and hair dye. While my hair looks good I really missed the soft texture. This works so well. There are no instructions on the box but I washed my hair with my usual shampoo, towel-dried it, worked about two quarter-sized dollops through my hair, let it sit for 20 minutes and then rinsed out. I went to bed with wet hair, which usually results in my hair being kind of tangled and rough looking, but I woke up and my hair was as soft and silky as it was before I started coloring it. I'm totally in love with this product, I have long, fine hair but this doesn't leave it greasy or weigh it down. I'll definitely buy again." —Ellie

Get it from Amazon for $12.50.

28. A tube of Roc retinol night cream possibly imbued with time traveler magic, because it will feel like you're turning back the hands of time when you go to sleep each night. OK, maybe it won't be that dramatic, but the shea butter and squalane will hydrate, and the retinol will work hard to smooth and possibly reverse some signs of aging. This reviewer says it's a great alternative to prescription retinol. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Retinol is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while lifting and firming your skin by boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It can also help make your skin tone more even and fade dark spots. 

Promising review: "I did a lot of research on retinol anti-wrinkle face creams before purchasing this product. It consistently got high ratings and at a price I could afford. I was not going to pay $100+ for comparable products. Much to my surprise, I saw visible results after only one week of use. Wow. Highly recommend." —Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in two sizes).

29. L'Oreal Lumi Glotion that's a lotion, glowy foundation base, and highlighter all in one bottle. Over 30,000 5-star happy customers love how effective this vacation-in-a-bottle is, despite the low price. Some reviewers even compare it to the pricey Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Wear it alone or as a base for your makeup. The shea butter in it also gives it a hydrating factor. Check out this TikTok to see how it looks when applied!

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this product. I have fair skin but I use the deep shade anyway and it makes me look like I have a glowing tan. I get compliments every time I wear it. It is sparkly but subtle. If you don’t have time for a full face of makeup, this really pulls it together with just this one product — the sparkle adds a highlight effect and the tone warms up my complexion. Of course you can wear it as part of full makeup too. I will never go without this product again! Please make it forever!" —Elana

Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in six colors).

30. A high shine lip gloss from L.A. Colors providing a splashy shine so bright, you might blind people with your smile. The luxurious, vanilla-scented color has shea butter for moisture, isn't sticky, and costs less than a cup of coffee (even a cheap one from the corner store)!

www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I will love and cherish you forever L.A. lip gloss! Everything about these glosses are perfect! The color pops, the smell is delicious, no nasty taste, it glides on smoothly, and it's not sticky. Not only that, it last hours and hours. I'm about to buy this in every color." —Dominique

Get it from Amazon for $1.98+ (available in 10 shades).

31. Nyx's Pore Filler Targeted Stick that's basically Photoshop's blurring tool, but IRL. Apply it like a giant tube of face lip balm to help smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. It's under $8, which is certainly less than an Adobe subscription. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action.  

Promising reviews: "This stuff is fantastic!! It literally fills in your pores so your skin looks like a Barbie doll! And it’s cheap too. I was worried it might clog my pores and make me break out but it doesn’t. I love it and get so many compliments on my skin/face." —Mars Alexandria

"This is a life-changing product for me. I have HUGE visible pores as well as incredibly acne-prone skin that makes me break out from just about every product. I've started to use Nyx Pore Filler on my face with some regularity, and it doesn't seem to cause any irritation or breakouts. It does an AMAZING job filling in and smoothing out my face texture. The difference to my skin consistency is astounding. My skin looks so smooth when I use this product." —Jenny Penny

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

32. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a TikTok-hall-of-famer that almost 80,000 5-star reviews confirm is worth the hype. The biotin-infused serum can help strengthen hair and encourage new growth, leaving hair feeling healthier and fuller. Reviewers say it's helped with everything from receding hairlines to sparse eyebrows — who knew something so effective was just sitting on a drugstore shelf this whole time?  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic — plus, according to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil comparable to Rogaine in helping with hair growth. 

Mielle Organics is a Black woman-owned business that was founded by Monique Rodriguez in 2014. It has since become one of the fastest growing natural hair care companies in the US.

Promising reviews: "I hardly write reviews, but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow, just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fall. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And I’ve been using it only once a week, just a few drops and massaging in. Omg, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this, hats off!!" —Dee 

Get it from Amazon for $9.85. 

33. An E.l.f. hydrating grip primer that reviewers say is a comparable swap for Milk's Hydro Grip primer. The cooling gel uses hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and smooth your face and clings to makeup so you can enjoy full coverage all day long. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I got hooked on a little sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but when I went to buy it...$36 for a relatively small bottle! I wanted to find a good alternative, so I bought this. It is PERFECT! Nearly identical formula. I have sensitive skin and this did not break me out. It really does help keep makeup on all day and makes your skin look smooth. I highly recommend this." —Allison

Get it from Amazon for $10.

34. L’Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer who has been clearly cheating off Charlotte Tilbury's test paper. Like the Magic Cream, this cheaper alternative absorbs quickly and seals in moisture for smoother, plumper skin. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product. The texture is just like the CT Magic Cream. It is super rich but doesn't make the skin feel greasy. I have extremely sensitive/acne-prone skin, and this doesn't break me out at all. I have been using it for about two years now, and I will never stop using it. Super inexpensive and works wonders!" —Monica S. 

Get it from Amazon for$11.99+ (available in two sizes, and unscented and fragranced). 

35. A Nyx liquid eyeliner, with a precision tip and long-lasting, ultra-pigmented color, capable of serving just as dramatic looks as Kat Von D or Stila, at less than HALF the price. 

Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

Psst, we named both Nyx and Stila as two of the best eyeliners you can buy, so you really can't go wrong either way.

Promising review: "I love this eyeliner. I used to use Stila, but when it got too hot, I would get sweaty, and the eyeliner just wiped off. I used this eyeliner during 100-degree weather in the Philippines, and it DID NOT BUDGE. It will still wipe off if going in water, but still great for use if I am not going to the pool/beach." —Lili

Get it from Amazon for $9.96+ (available in nine colors). 

36. L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water bringing you silkier hair in just eight seconds. On top of a wave of hydration, it also adds shine and decreases frizz and static. Reviewers note it's a close match to a certain Redken product, but for way cheaper. 

www.amazon.com

Use this treatment two or three times a week — 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: "Bought this not expecting that it would work. I've been using products in and on my hair for years, both expensive and inexpensive. This is the best I've used, bar none! It smooths and takes away the tightness of the curls. Will buy it again and again!" —Judith Cohen

"I had been using Redken's lamellar rinse with great results, but really wasn't happy with the price tag in comparison to how long the bottle lasted (about three weeks using a couple of times a week — I have long hair). I'm so glad I tried this one, because it makes my hair feel even smoother, and it's a fraction of the cost. The ingredients are exactly the same, aside from one or two ingredients towards the very bottom of the list. Highly recommend." —Caitlin B

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

37. "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum powerful enough to help reduce dark spots, brighten skin, and give you an overall glowy makeover. Despite having superstar ingredients like 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid for radiance and hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E for supreme hydration, this miracle formula costs less than $10. STEP AWAY from the C-Firma. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've been using the Vitamin C Face Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m absolutely in love with it! My skin feels so much smoother and brighter, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the dark spots I’ve been struggling with. The serum absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and it has a lovely, light scent. My complexion is looking more even, and I can see a visible improvement in my skin tone. I also appreciate how gentle it is on my skin, with no irritation at all. This serum has quickly become a must-have in my skincare routine! Highly recommend for anyone looking to tackle dark spots and brighten their skin." —Patricia D. 

Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 

38. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to expertly conceal and brighten dark circles under your eyes just as well as the $33 Becca version. The lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed to blend seamlessly — check the drastic difference in the review photo! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of the four shades will work on any skin tone. 

Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T. 

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

39. An under-$10 Mielle rosemary mint strengthening edge gel you can count on to keep your hairstyle in place *without* flakiness. The formula is enriched with biotin, coconut oil, and babassu oil to help prevent breakage, hydrate, and add shine.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Apply the gel to your edges and smooth with fingertips or with a brush for a specific hold. Or! Just rock your edges' natural texture, because laying your edges is never mandatory.

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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