35 Affordable Beauty Products Worth Keeping Secret
One Size 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner bids adieu to runny formulas of eyeliner's past with a waterproof finish that *stays* waterproof all. day. long. No smudging. Seriously.
This is vegan and cruelty-free!Promising review: "I used KVD for years and have tried many others. This is my new favorite eyeliner. It goes on super smooth and mine stays all day." —JSGeyeliner71Get it from Sephora for $19 (available in three shades).
Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner balances your skin's pH level, creating a smooth canvas that will better absorb the rest of the products in your routine. It's refreshing, gentle, and loved by reviewers who struggle with redness.
Benefit Cosmetics' Super Setting Spray locks makeup in place with just a spritz (including full coverage foundation, the kind that cakes with even a whisper of humidity).
Promising review: "This is a good setting spray as it does minimize the appearance of your pores and gives you that blurring effect. I wanna say it is a dewy finish, but just add the powder after you've sprayed it and make sure it's dry so you have that matte finish. It also mists evenly so you don't have big drops on your face that can ruin your makeup!!" —DanielaGet it from Ulta for $16 (also available in full size for $35).
Joesoef's Sulfur Soap tackles acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and clogged pores with a vengeance, a simple switch in your nighttime routine that stares blackheads in the face and says "not today."
DHC Velvet Skin Coat ensures all-day-stay and hydration via two superstar ingredients: organic olive oil (which provides antioxidant-rich hydration and protection against environmental stressors) and silica, the latter of which bids adieu to the excess oil that loves to claim your T-zone as its home.
Promising review: "I could go on and on about this magic face sauce, but instead I'm just gonna lead with the pictures from my random sweat test experiment and tell you what you're seeing. I think it did a GREAT job of soaking up the oil on my nose and forehead, much better than any pressed or loose mattifying powders I use. The (picture on the right) is after I danced Lindy Hop, Shag, AND Balboa (all fairly rigorous dance lexicons in the swing dance family) for three hours in a hot crowded bar that had to be at least 90 degrees inside. According to my Fakebit, I did 20,000 steps that night so I REALLY put this stuff to the hardest test I could manufacture! It's lasted for forever as well, so I definitely think it's a good deal for the price. It's small, but you don't need a lot!" —QueenofthehouseGet it from Amazon for $20.97.
SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray targets acne-causing bacteria with just a single spritz. It's beloved by athletes who are constantly sweating, medical professionals who have to wear face masks, and teens experiencing their first breakouts.
Sephora Mini Color Shifter Strange Botanicals Eyeshadow Palette contains four pigmented base shades and a hint of blue shimmer. This purse-friendly reviewer favorite is great for folks who want to experiment with pops of color but don't want to commit to a pricier palette.
Promising review: "I can't believe this palette is not more expensive. The quality is amazing. I have three of these palettes. The mushroom one is my favorite. The color-shifting shadow is beautiful!" —AnonymousGet it from Sephora for $6 (originally $10).
Anastasia Eyebrow Highlighter Crayon is a blessing for the in-between-tweezing periods where stubborn hairs are starting to show but are *still* too tiny to pluck.
Promising review: "Fabulous tool to carve out eyebrows. Easy to use and blend. Couldn't be happier, highly recommend it. Tons of product, it is quality and lasts all day." —Sephora CustomerGet it from Sephora for $18 (available in three shades).
Maybelline Dream BB Cream hydrates, blurs pores, and evens out your overall complexion in a pinch (no more "did I blend evenly?" panic required). It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 30, i.e. you can rush out of the house knowing your complexion is simultaneously looking fresh *and* being protected.
This lightweight product is great for normal and dry complexions, but may not be the perfect fit for oily skin.Promising review: "So happy I finally found something that covers my rosy cheeks, blemishes, and large pores. I have combination skin type: oily t zone and overall dry skin, and it works for my skin. The best part is that it has SPF 30 in it. My dermatologist does not stop stressing the importance of daily use of SPF on the face, so now I'm happy I can still cover up my pimples and protect my skin from harsh UV rays from the sun. It doesn't feel heavy on my face and doesn't make it look like I caked on a pound of foundation. I have used it for about three weeks already and have not noticed an increase in pimples or skin irritation." —DavisGet it from Amazon for $6.28.
Lanolips 101 Ointment should be applied before bed and voilà, you'll wake up to a nourished pout that has effectively bid adieu to flakes. The flavors are delish, too: strawberry, peach, glazed donut, dulce de leche, watermelon, and raspberry shortcake.
Promising review: "This stuff is my favorite lip product, bar none. I've been a lip balm/ChapStick user for years, and have tried just about every brand. This stuff just WORKS, it leaves my lips moisturized hours later and they don't feel more dry when it wears off." —K Get it from Amazon for $14.
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash proves that body products *should* be just as diligent as the products you put on your face. In other words, this prevents back breakouts and uses glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids to slough away dead skin cells and buildup.
Promising review: "This is the best body wash I have ever used. It helps brighten my skin and keeps my KP at bay." —Janice D. Get it from Soko Glam for $16.
Nyx Color-Correcting Concealer Palette contains six color correcting hues: green to combat redness, peach to cover up dark circles, light and medium to make blemishes go poof, and purple and pink to brighten your overall complexion. Quickly layer this under foundation to tackle your skin concerns in one quick swoop, resulting in a professional finish.
Promising review: "I have the worst dark circles under my eyes and for whatever reason, NOTHING has been able to help them at all. I've tried every cheap and expensive concealer, and you can't even tell the difference. I decided to give this a try because it was so cheap...BEST DECISION I EVER MADE! This actually covers up my dark circles completely!! I mostly just use the pink color for that, but I've used some of the other colors for acne spots and redness, and they work just as well." —Liz Get it from Amazon for $8.15.
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush is the ultimate two-in-one product. A sun-kissed glow is yours with just a few quick and buildable swipes, the hues are impeccable, and reviewers rave about the unreal lasting power. ::adds terra-cotta shade to cart::
This even contains green tea and aloe vera extracts to soothe, calm, and hydrate your complexion whilst giving it a flush of color. Promising review: "I am in love with these lip and cheek tints. I own magic hour and rush hour, and both blend beautifully. The colors melt into my skin and give a radiant sun-kissed finish. I apply these with my blender, but you could use anything really. They're pigmented and long-lasting under my mask, rush hour did not MOVE under my mask, and I didn't even set it!" —katiebean19Get it from Sephora for $20 (available in six shades).
Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint contains a lightweight (but buildable!) formula that provides rich pigment in one swipe, not feeling cake-y like the matte lipsticks you've splurged on in the past. Extra kudos are in order for a ~precision applicator~ that makes filling in your Cupid's Bow a breeze.
Promising review: "Very pretty color. Lasts a long time, doesn't smudge when dry, and when I think I need to reapply, I can just put a new coat over it and it looks good as new. Love it!" —ShawnGet it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in seven shades).
Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam contains BHA, triple hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and heartleaf. Translation: it soothes, exfoliates, and slows down sebum production. Consider this an excellent contender for the second step in your double-cleansing routine.
Sacheu's Peel Off Lip Liner Stain ensures your pout stays pigmented with color all day long, through coffee sips and meetings, reapplication officially unnecessary.
Promising review: "Love this lip liner! I mainly use it as a liner rather than on my whole lip because I think it looks prettier that way. It doesn't take long to dry, and peeling off is quite fun. I love the shade MUAH-ve, I'm light-medium toned, and it's a beautiful dark pink/brown shade." —RachelGet it from Ulta for $12 (available in seven shades).
The Klog Plant-Rich Antioxidant Pore Cleansing Oil removes stubborn makeup (we're looking at you, waterproof mascara) with ease, lathering beautifully for a luxurious experience that penetrates deeply without stripping your skin of moisture.
Promising review: "This is hands down the best oil cleanser I have used. I have been double cleansing for years. I never want to be without this. I have very sensitive skin and eczema. This feels good on my skin with no irritation." —Carol S. Get it from Soko Glam for $17.
Nyx Epic Ink Liner seriously will not budge, won't transfer, and won't smudge over smoky eyeshadow (even if you have oily lids). If you're tired of your liquid liner fading before your second cup of coffee, you're welcome.
Promising review: "Seriously does not budge. Lasts all day and doesn't wipe off easily with water. I have to rub over gently with an oil cleanser. This stuff STAYS put. No lie!" —bigviclambGet it from Amazon for $6.29.
Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion because while you *thought* you reapplied frequently enough on your vacay, the sunburn on your back would imply that, well, you didn't. Slather on this aloe vera and coconut oil combo for instant relief.
Benefit Cosmetics Mini BADgal Mascara provides volume, volume, and did I mention volume? This 36-hour wear mascara has provitamin B5 to promote growth while a slim, flexible applicator caters to every lash.
Promising review: "Makes my lashes full and long — it stays on all day and doesn't bother my eyes (contact lens wearer). I love that the wand is flexible and not rigid." —JAbeauty20 Get it from Sephora for $13.
A Mario Badescu Facial Spray sets and refreshes makeup, giving foundation a dewy appearance and adding refreshing hydration to dull-looking skin. Plus, ~a few spritzes a day can keep breakouts at bay.~
The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser removes stubborn makeup (we're looking at you, waterproof mascara) with ease, lathering beautifully for a luxurious experience that penetrates deeply without stripping your skin of moisture.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is a gritty-yet-gentle exfoliator that enlists the help of sea kelp and green clay for an overall brighter, more radiant complexion. Who will look like they've been drinking enough water? You.
About-face's Matte Fluid Eye Paint is blissfully easy to blend, making it simple (and dare we say fun!?) to play around with different beauty looks — from subtle to bold.
Promising review: "I just have to brag about this product. I have always applied eyeshadow by starting with concealer as a base, setting with powder, then eyeshadow. I broke my dominant arm a while back, and blending became very difficult for me. I had never used liquid shadow before because I assumed it would be difficult to work with — messy, sticky, tacky, etc. This product gave me the ability to do eyeshadow again while I had very limited mobility. I swear, you barely have to manipulate it for it to blend seamlessly. Anyone with any skill level can make this product blend into the skin flawlessly. It doesn't dry too quickly, but once it does, it is totally dry and doesn't leave tackiness. While I was struggling badly with my limited mobility, this product allowed me to do my makeup again and feel like myself with very little effort, which was all I could give at the time. I am so grateful I had this product during one of the hardest times of my life. I was very dependent on others for almost every other thing I had to do, but with this product, doing my makeup was something I was capable of, and it made my healing journey more bearable." —carleycGet it from Ulta for $16 (available in 31 colors).
Tree Hut Coco Colada Body Scrub transforms your shower into a tropical oasis a la a decadent coconut and pineapple scent. Aroma aside, the product itself is indulgent: exfoliating yet moisturizing, with reviewers considering it a prep step for shaving.
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel uses an impressive caffeine blend to de-puff your peepers (despite the amount of beauty sleep you're getting)! And listen, luxe eye creams such as this one usually cost around a trillion dollars, so finding a holy grail item like this for ~$16 is basically like striking gold.
Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder sets makeup for a flawless, lightweight finish that truly lasts all day long. This is great for beginners because it won't leave behind a white cast, the kind you'd have to blend and blend (and blend) for it to go away.
If you've been contemplating splurging on those high-end, high-budget setting powders for a long time — don't. This is the perfect alternative.Also, this cult-favorite powder sets makeup has over 4,000 positive reviews. I'm not going to outright SAY that your beauty routine is suffering without it, but...Promising review: "I am totally blown away by this product! I live in a warm climate and have oily skin, but by the end of my work day, using this powder, my face is still very matte! I am THRILLED! I can't believe it." —Alexis Julian Get it from Amazon for $5.67 (available in six colors, including translucent).
Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm turns removing makeup into a luxurious bedtime ritual thanks to a rich, creamy pearl barley and vitamin E formula. This scoffs in the face of stubborn mascara, removing every last drop of product from your face with ease. Now, put down the makeup wipes. We're better than that.
Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads are a two-sided dream: one side is textured, the other side is smooth. They're infused with salicylic acid and white willow bark to exfoliate and lavender extract to soothe.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner takes dull, uneven skin and leads it to greener pastures (*insert idyllic farm image here*). Peony extract and licorice water brighten and, drumroll por favor — it absorbs quickly! No grease. No stick. Apply this before moisturizer to make sure all that goodness gets locked in.
Promising review: "I have rosacea, and this tonic leaves my skin soft, glowy, and hydrated. I absolutely recommend it." —Regina I. Get it from Soko Glam for $18.
Valitic Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap Bars are chock-full of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to tackle hyperpigmentation with a vengeance. And the best part? It's great for sensitive skin, too: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and olive oil ensure your moisture barrier stays protected.
Bio-Oil is a decades-old favorite that can tackle a whole swell of skincare concerns: it can fade scars, help prevent stretch marks, soothe cracked and dry skin, and intensely moisturize. And that's due to an impressive ingredient list of vitamins A and E, chamomile, and lavender that over 50,000 reviewers swear by.
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