1. An exquisite tinted lip balm shockingly similar to Clinique's "Black Honey" but it doesn't cost nearly as much. This weightless, non-sticky formula glides onto your pout to give 'em a subtle polished tint of your choosing. Soon you'll be smackin' your lips all over the place, and no one can blame you when they look this good. 🤷‍♀️

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My colleague Emma Lord can vouch for this: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!"

Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC 

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a pink honey version, individually, and as a two-pack that includes both!). 

2. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — it'll help liven up your tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "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." —Placeholder

"I ran across this when looking to replace my $33 Becca under-eye brightening cream, and since money is tight, I took a chance. Very surprised to find this product to be comparable in coverage and staying power, and superior in moisture. Highly recommend!" —Nancy

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

3. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball reviewers can't stop raving about, with some even comparing it to lemon pound cake. YUM! This is gonna be a real treat for your senses *and* it rolls on nice and easy. It's basically a budget-friendly version ofPink Sugar, which goes for $65.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It's definitely a [swap] for Pink Sugar, only better. To me, Pink Sugar has changed and now dries down to a too-forward pepper smell that overpowers the sugar. This doesn't do that, it's exactly like Pink Sugar when it first goes on with sweet and powdery scent profiles, and remains that way after dry down...on me, this is what I'm getting anyway. It lasts and lasts too like a quality oil perfume should." —Criss

Get it from Amazon for $4.50.

4. A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (pricey) formulas. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes and is similar to Thrive. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's super easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing.

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

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

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this: "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."

Promising review: "I have tried literally every tubing mascara I can find. I fell in love with the OG of tubing mascaras— Thrive Causemetics— many years ago, and now that other brands have caught on, I’ve been interested in finding a more budget-friendly [swap]. This is it! I think I like it even more than the Thrive, actually. It’s everything you’ll want in a tubing mascara—it’s lengthening, it separates lashes well with clean easy application, and there’s no fallout under or smudging on the lid. Most importantly, it’s actually tubing and washes off as easily as the best of them with just water! If tubing mascara is your thing, this one is your new best friend." —Haley Joy

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

5. A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum, a K-beauty product that works just as hard as the $46 Gisou version to repair brittle locks. It's made with nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, and, jojoba. Reviewers praise this serum for its ability to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright heavenly so prepare to swoon.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them.

Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too right? This makes my hair soooo soft and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good and it smells fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil and I will never use anything else but this." —Bea

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and five other formulas).

6. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion to give you a natural glow with minimal effort *and* spending, which makes it a great swap to the pricey Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops. It adds a lightweight color tint to your complexion for a dewy glow-up that can be worn alone or with foundation.

www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." —raegan kuball

"I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." —ggvega

Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five shades and as a two-pack).

7. OR Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, which comes in a sheer, buildable formula that makes it another affordable alternative to Drunk Elephant's version that goes for a whopping $39! Not only will this stuff leave you with a perfect sun-kissed glow, but it also uses glycerin to hydrate the skin barrier and vitamin E to soften skin and smooth texture!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I ran out of the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops but I didn't want to spend another forty dollars so I purchased this instead and I am so glad I did. I like to mix it with my moisturizer or my tinted sunscreen to give me that bronzed, natural glow. This is exactly like the Drunk Elephant one. I will definitely be repurchasing." —Todd. W. Underwood

Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 

8. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush — don't forget that your scalp needs protection from the scalding heat, too! This summer staple works as a face powder on top of your existing sunscreen BUT you can also put it on your scalp, which is much better than trying to apply a sticky cream there! The best part? It's significantly cheaper than the $35 Supergoop  and $36 Brush On Block! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Note: Powdered sunscreens are best used for touching up, not as a replacement for traditional sunscreen (read more from the Cleveland Clinic). If you're looking for a good sunscreen to add to your routine, check out our roundup of the best tinted sunscreens. 

Promising reviews: "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 was using Supergoop SPF powder but was put off by the high price along with small quantity, so I decided to try this Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen powder. I really like it!! I like that it gives me a tiny bit of color and I also like the beachy way it smells, plus it is more affordable than Supergoop. I couldn't swear by how much sun protection it provides, but I trust that it helps. Glad I found it and I hope to keep reordering it in the future. P.S. At first, I didn't know how the applicator worked. I finally read the instructions that were on the box. Now that I know how to apply it, I like it even better. :-)" —Bonnie A.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 

9. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch because hello, you get 96 in a pack. That's about a third of what you get when you splurge on Mighty Patches. These K-beauty hydrocolloid patches have super thin edges so they're nearly invisible. Wear 'em when you're out and about and no one will have any idea you're healing a zit while running errands.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I RARELY write product reviews, and if I do it’s because something is either so terrible or so incredible that I can’t keep it to myself, and these are the latter!! For some reason, I have a hard time getting pimple patches to really stick to my face, and I have very dry skin. I’m also not willing to regularly spend $15 on nine patches — so when I saw these 96, I repeat, 96 patches for this price along with a good star rating, I just had to try them. And let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!! 

"I can put them on and then do all my skincare over top, including wetting my face for snail mucin, and they do not budge. They don’t come off on my pillow or slide around, and I think they minimize and reduce redness WAY better than Cosrx or Mighty Patch. They pull out everything and don’t leave you with a little whitehead to deal with in the AM. If you’re not sure, just trust me babe, I’m sure for you!" —Sydney

Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $16.99 (available in several multipack sizes and two other styles).

10. And some overnight hydrocolloid *nose* patches so you can win the battle against excess oil, irritating pimples, and enlarged pores. You'll get immense satisfaction from peeling off the patch to reveal all the stuff that was clinging to your skin, especially since you didn't have to spend extra on the Mighty Patch version.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These are great, comparing to the Mighty Patch. They work just as well as the better-known brand in drawing out the gunk. It did NOT harm my skin, and I like the peel-off method on these better for the nose than the major brand. Plus, you get a few more strips for a couple less dollars." —Rachael Rae

Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $9.98.

11. Elizavecca hair treatment you'll be glad to have on your radar because it uses collagen and protein extracts to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are gonna go POOF and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Simply apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. It's designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 

Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! Better than Olaplex. I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB

Get it from Amazon for $7.60.

12. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation, aka a superb swap for the pricey Dior Airflash, which is especially helpful because it was sadly discontinued. Not to worry — this lightweight, buildable formula comes in a spray *with* a foundation brush for a smooth and easy application that'll feel like you just had a very expensive visit from a makeup artist.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT."

Promising review: "As a foundation enthusiast, I own and have tried SO many foundations (drugstore, luxury, and prestige brands). This foundation is in my top 5 of all time. For the price, it is FABULOUS. Great for skin of all ages, blends into the skin effortlessly, and gives you a nice airbrushed effect. The perfect [swap] for Dior Airflash! It also comes with a blending brush that works well with the application process. Will continue to buy again and again and I plan on buying in different shades for my client makeup kit." —Gabrielle Scire-Chianetta

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 12 shades). 

13. A game-changing eye primer when you want your eye makeup to remain intact ALL day without any smudging or creasing. It'll seem too good to be true but believe the hype — reviewers swear this stuff works just as well as (if not better) the more expensive Urban Decayand Too Faced versions.

www.amazon.com

Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz!

Promising review: "I have been a big fan ofUrban Decay's Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primerfor years. It was the only one that actually worked and I stuck with it even though I thought it was pricey and I hated the wand applicator. I decided to try the Thank Me Later since it had good reviews and it was half the price of Urban Decay's. I can say unequivocally that Thank Me Later works just as well as Urban Decay and there is no wand! Just squeeze a tiny amount on your fingertip and spread over your eyelid. It goes on like silk. My eyeshadow lasts until I take it off, and it's less expensive too. This is my new primer." —Val Anne Welch

Get it from Amazon for $13.65.

14. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops with hyaluronic acid to give your parched skin a big drink of water. Reviewers say it's a cheap swap for the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe, so I bet it'll pique your interest. This stuff will help hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin with each use. Wear it solo, apply it before makeup, OR add it to your foundation.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesn't pill with makeup, and hydrates skin for an even finish." —K.C.

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

15. LilyAna Naturals eye cream that may brighten your under-eye area and reduce dark circles with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. We all know about the name-brand versions like Clinique and Lancôme can set you back quite a few bucks, but you're too smart for that.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.

Promising review: "Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" —Lory Lacy

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes as a two-pack).

16. Nyx setting spray so you can complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed glow that'll lock everything in! A spritz or two of this stuff will help keep your product in place with a matte finish. Plus, it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without overspending on Urban Decay.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Works great, good for sensitive skin. I used to use Urban Decay but this works just as well for a much better price. I spray 3–4 pumps on my face when I'm done with my makeup and it keeps it on all day. It leaves a nice smooth, lightweight texture that isn't tacky or sticky. I have incredibly sensitive skin and reactive dermatitis that flares up even with products I've used before, but I've had ZERO problems with this product. Will definitely buy this again and again!" —Leigh

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in five styles, in jumbo sizes, and in packs of two).

17. A soothing Briotech spray for anyone who needs to calm angry, irritated skin. It uses the same holy-grail ingredient as Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Give yourself a spritz to help treat inflammation, reduce redness, *and* strengthen the skin barrier.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.

Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton

"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK

Get a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and in multipacks).

18. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your skincare routine? Enter this affordable find, which offers SPF 35 *and* goes on smooth and clear without any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf setup before applying makeup too! TL;DR: it's the more affordable version of Supergoop.

Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38.

Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!"

Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S.

Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two sizes and as a two-pack).

19. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm to gently and effectively remove all traces of makeup without relentless, aggressive scrubbing that leaves your face red and irritated. Say what?? It contains just 10 simple ingredients to dissolve makeup while moisturizing the skin. Many reviewers compare it to the Elemis Cleansing Balm, which is almost 70 bucks!!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

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

Promising review: "I’ve been using cleansing balms for a couple of years now with not really finding one that I truly loved. I do like the Elemis one but the price point for Juno is so much better, and honestly I think this is better! It has a really nice scent and texture and a little goes a long way! It feels really nice on the skin and takes off everything! Everything! It also doesn’t cause that blurry film with the eyes nor does it leave behind a greasy feeling. Most balms I’ve used left me feeling greasy even after my second cleanse. Do yourself a favor and buy this!" —Casey

Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 

20. A reviewer-beloved TruSkin vitamin C serum with vitamins C, E, and hyaluronic acid so you can hydrate and brighten your skin with *one* product It can also help smooth and fade blemishes and dark spots like an absolute charm! Reviewers say it works like the all-too-expensive SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum.

www.amazon.com

It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination!

It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use.

Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O.

"I’m an avid SkinCeuticals Vitamin C user, and had tried to use other brands. This works just as well as the high-end brands. The price point is amazing and you can see the difference within a week. I have sensitive skin and has not irritated my skin at all. Will be buying more and totally recommend." —NClay4

Get it from Amazon for $21.99.

21. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer if you'd love to style and dry your hair at the same time but not go broke on the expensive hair tools. Mission accomplished! You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume. Dyson Airwrap who?

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time!

Promising reviews: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. 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. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. 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 the 2.0 model from Amazon for $46.53 (available in seven styles, including an older model).

Many reviewers with curl types 4a-c prefer the oval brush, but if you're looking to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step paddle brush instead. This model is made for users with curlier hair. You can get it for $24.02. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair!

22. A weightless liquid cream blush some reviewers compare to Rare Beauty's liquid blush but at a price they can actually live with. It's dewy, blendable, and highly pigmented so you can create just the look you're going for!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Amazing! I was shocked at the quality! I purchased this to see if it was an [alternative] for Rare Beauty. It has a great formula in my opinion. Easy to apply and blend out. Beautiful color." —Danielle

Get it from Amazon for $6.39 (available in three shades and in sets of three). 

23. Fanola's "No Yellow" purple shampoo to help magically tone down brassy hair with violet pigments. If your blonde is suddenly turning yellow, this trusty formula will help even it out without spending a fortune on a salon visit. It only takes a few minutes to apply in the shower, so it's easy peasy! Reviewers say it's just like the Redken version!

www.amazon.com

Be sure to follow with a good conditioner afterward!

Promising review: "I have used Shimmer Lights, Joico Color Balance, Redken Color Extend, and Matrix — Fanola beats them all. It is a deep violet and is much more effective; you do not have to leave it in very long to see a noticeable change (3–5 minutes). It is drying, as is the case with 99% of purple shampoos, but I find a good conditioner and leave-in product (oil or leave-in conditioner) keeps hair hydrated. Beware on first use, it is very runny and comes out quickly — so be careful not to waste product. The results last much longer than I noticed with previous products, allowing me to go more washes without having to use it. By using it every week or week and a half, I am able to maintain an ashy platinum blonde that was once so hard for me to achieve!!!" —Gracie

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

24. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks — why would you spend $24 on a single Laneige jar when you can get THREE of 'em for a fraction of the price? They're infused with berry extract and vitamin C to help heal dry, cracked skin, so your lips and your wallet will thank you.

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: "It’s been four months since ordering this and it’s now part of my nightly routine. I can’t go to bed before putting this on. I highly recommend this! And it’s worth it to get the three-pack. The flavors are not overly sweet and I think my favorite is the berry. I like it more than the Laneige night lip mask. For me, Laneige absorbs pretty quickly and in the morning I feel like my lips are dry again. With these, my still lips feel moisturized in the morning. It has a thicker consistency. I used to get dry/peeling lips pretty often as I’m outdoors/in the ocean a lot. However, since incorporating this into my routine, I haven’t had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" —Angela

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five sets). 

25. A MUA–approved black makeup sponge that does its job so well, you may forget about the Beauty Blender and Real Techniques versions, which aren't exactly cheap. If you want a flawless finish when blending concealer, foundation, BB cream, and even powders, this makeup sponge has you ~covered~ alright. It's also easier to see your product on the black surface of the sponge *and* it won't leave ugly stains behind.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Aesthetica Cosmetics is a small biz based in Miami that makes vegan, cruelty-free makeup products and tools. 

Promising review: "Just as good if not more than the Beauty Blender sponges that are $20. Very durable, effective, and affordable. Very easy to blend makeup. Highly recommended!" —Susan

Get a five-pack from Amazon for $7.95.

26. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because you need to wash away the impurities living in your sponges and brushes immediately!!! This stuff is formulated with gentle, plant-based ingredients and will give you the same results as the Beautyblender soap— but for half the price.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "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: "The best, most affordable brush and sponge shampoo on the market! No joke, I have tried everything; even homemade hacks like dish detergent mixed with olive oil. Nothing works like this brush shampoo. Don't waste your money on the Beautyblender soap and other big-name brands." —Lily

Get it from Amazon for $5.69+ (available in two sizes).

27. CeraVe Retinol Serum, which can help refine your skin's texture and tone over time. This lightweight serum uses encapsulated retinol to gently reduce the appearance of pores and acne-related marks. If you've been too scared to try retinoids until now, this is a great place to start. Reviewers say it's better than the pricey options out there, like the $92 Murad Retinol Serum!

www.amazon.com

And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. 

Promising reviews: "This product is magic in a bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skincare routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! I’ve only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Don’t think twice about this product just buy it!!!" —mallory brook bravo

"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." —C. Munsterman

Get it from Amazon for $18.68.

28. Bamboo oil-blotting sheets you'll never leave home without after seeing how well they work. As soon as that afternoon shine hits, dab your face with these and watch it vanish! Your makeup won't be affected and you'll pay half of what expensive brands such as Tatcha charge.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "These are great for oily skin. I normally can get through half the day before my face looks like a grease pit and that's after applying anti-shine under makeup. These wipes are a miracle. They absorb quickly and I love having them in my purse. I normally use two a day — much better than Tatcha." —Leslie M.I Photographer

"These have been a game changer for Swamp Hag Summer. I use these during the day to keep my skin clean and reduce breakouts from sweating out the souls of my enemies." —Kim Possible

Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles and a bundle with a pocket mirror). 

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