37 Inexpensive Beauty Finds That Rival The Pricey Name Brands You've Been Both Swooning Over *And* Avoiding

Buzz Feed

03-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
You'll dream of a world where you discovered these affordable alternatives much, much sooner.
1. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to 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!! 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 $7.74.
2. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, an affordable alternative to the popular Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream. This anti-redness, fast-acting moisturizer helps correct skin color for an even complexion. Reviewers swear by it as a base so their skin is perfectly primed and ready for makeup!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.74 (available in six styles and in packs of two)
3. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks because where's the logic in spending $24 on a single Laneige jar when you get THREE of 'em for a fraction of the price? It contains berry extract and vitamin C to help heal dry, cracked lips. You'll sleep soundly knowing your lips are hydrated and your wallet is full.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos).
4. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion if you've been on the hunt for a lightweight formula that delivers a punch of hydration that *actually* lasts. Oh, and the scent is downright heavenly too. Why spend $$$ on Philosophy and Bath & Body Works when you have this?
Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in various scents and in packs of two).
5. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter for enhancing your natural glow without succumbing to Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter — your bank account will thank you. It can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer OR you can apply it as a highlighter. Either way, you'll be shining bright like a diamond. 💎
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration!
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in 12 shades).
6. A "why didn't I try this sooner?" teeth-whitening pen that'll help get rid of stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and tea. It's painless, effective, *and* mint-flavored! The best part? It won't set you back nearly as much Crest 3D Whitestrips do.
www.amazon.com
You can use each pen ~20 times and can expect your teeth to lighten four to eight shades.
Promising review:"I've had stained teeth from drinking coffee for over 50 years. I tried brushing after having my daily coffee and even used a professional solution in a tray, but nothing worked. I used the AsaVea pen twice on the first day and saw immediate results. After a week of using the pen as directed twice a day, I'm proud to smile!" — Amazon Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.88.
7. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion to give you a natural glow with minimal effort *and* spending, which makes them a great alternative 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).
8. A soothing Briotech spray so you can calm angry, irritated skin with the same holy-grail ingredient used in Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Give yourself a spritz to help treat inflammation, reduce redness, *and* strengthen the skin barrier.
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 an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.49 (available in five sizes and in multipacks).
9. A magical 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 Decay and Too Faced versions.
Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz!
Promising review:"I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott's product! I am thankful and impressed!" — Miss Lilly
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
10. A lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick infused with Icelandic mineral water, moss extract, and seaweed extract that'll revitalize your under-eye area in a matter of minutes. It can improve your skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of dark circles too!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes, and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben
"Better than Tula! I love this cooling stick!! It's super easy, affordable, and smells lovely." — Heather
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two styles and in multipacks).
11. Revlon's One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer brush if you'd love to style and dry your hair at the same time but not go broke on the Dyson Airwrap.Mission accomplished! You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume.
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 review:"Oh. My. Gosh. Let me start off by saying I HATE doing my hair. It's long, straight, and really fine so I just let it air dry and call it a day but that leaves it flat, frizzy, and a little wavy in the back. Well I got this puppy in the mail today so immediately jumped in the shower so I could use my new drying brush and this thing is literally magic! It dried it so silky smooth and gave me so much volume. I used it on the low setting first then high and was blown away. I will forever be drying my hair this way. I feel like a hair model LOL. So basically ... just buy the thing. You won't regret it!" — Chloe512
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in various colors/styles).
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 $34.88. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair!
12. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm to literally melt away the makeup you've been wearing for who knows how long. It's great for sensitive types and is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin while protecting your fragile moisture barrier. It's got Farmacy vibes at a low, low price.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "E.l.f. has really stepped up their game lately! I was using Farmacy Makeup Meltaway, and I loved it, but it was very expensive. I decided to try the E.l.f brand because of the price, and it's the exact same thing! For $11, you can't go wrong with this product. I wear waterproof mascara, and this makes removing it super easy! My face feels super clean and hydrated after using this product. The product lasts for a good amount of time, too." — Haley McCaulley
Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in three sizes).
13. Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo made with botanical extracts that can help thicken and hydrate your hair if that's your preference. It also clarifies and removes product buildup. If you're not a fan of taking expensive supplements to fix thinning hair, try this instead!
www.amazon.com
Talk to your doctor before using this product if you're experiencing hair loss. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients.
Promising review:"I've been using this shampoo for about a month, and I can REALLY tell a difference in my hair! It's growing much faster than with any other shampoo that I've used; and being 52 years old, I find it's difficult to find a product that promotes hair growth as well as this shampoo does. My hair also appears thicker and healthier. I love the smell of the shampoo, too! I recommend Biotin shampoo highly!" — Mitchell Foil
Get the value size bottle from Amazon for $32.95 (also available in smaller sizes and in a pack of two).
14. Essence Lash Princess Mascara adored by literally thousands of reviewers because it actually delivers length and volume to your sad lashes. It's basically the budget-friendly version of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara so you can't go wrong.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat [a lot]..and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E Weikert
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.97 (available in black or brown).
15. Peach Slices acne spot dots so you can suck the gunk out of your zits overnight while keeping 'em protected. You'll get immense satisfaction from peeling off the patch to reveal all the stuff that was clinging to your skin, which is better than picking your face. They're quite similar to the famous Mighty Patch version but you get more bang for your buck with these.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Peach Slices is a part of the skincare company Peach & Lily, which was founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon. It prioritizes vegan beauty products and recyclable packaging. They plant a tree for each order and have sent some proceeds to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: " 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
"So I have been using these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, [but] none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." — Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 (also available in a 60-pack).
16. Or LivaClean Superstar pimple patches for anyone who loooves the pretty Starface patches — reviewers agree these work just as good *if not* better. They contain hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil to help absorb gunk. The best part? You're paying less than a nickel per patch!
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
Promising review: "I LOVE the look of pimple patches on myself (as weird as that sounds) and absolutely hate the semi-clear ones, since they just draw my eyes to something that's SUPPOSED to be invisible. So I easily fell in love with the Starface pimple patches — but the issue with those is they're SO expensive and don't work at all. THESE, however, have immediately sucked everything out of my face. I love them and literally wear them all the time. So many people have complimented me, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I love how you just wear stickers on your face; it's adorable.' These also work as [an alternative to] the TikTok Shop ones that are really popular right now and are cheaper! 10/10 from me :)" — evalyn evoke
Get a pack of 240 patches from Amazon for $7.99 (available in five designs/shapes as well as multipacks).
17. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip because even though it may not seem possible, you can indeed upgrade your pout game without hurting your wallet! It uses vegan squalane and raspberry and cloudberry oils to hydrate your lips. Some reviewers even compare it to Dior's famous lip oil!
Amazon
Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the NYX Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long-lasting as any other thick lipgloss. It's always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in 12 shades).
18. A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68, which may remind you of the glorious Baccarat Rouge 540 but this one won't leave you with a serious case of buyer's remorse. This lightweight body spray contains notes of hibiscus, jasmine, and sun musk that'll make you smell ~fancy~ for less.
Amazon
Promising review: "I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. This body spray is so delicious. It is definitely a Baccarat Rouge 540 [alternative]. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it's so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume. Today will be my first day wearing the spray, so hopefully, it has great longevity throughout the day as well. 🤞🏼 Regardless, I would still purchase it again moving forward." — Tina
Get it from Amazon for $38 (also available in six other scents).
19. Pure Instinct Roll-On, a "pheromone-infused" scent that went viral on TikTok and rightfully so. It's cheaper than the Basic Instinct option, so you're already ahead of the game. It's made to blend with your skin's PH to create a unique scent that'll make you smell utterly irresistible.
The "Original" formula has top notes of Australian mango and mandarin, heart notes of honey and cinnamon, and the base note is a well-rounded white musk.
Pure Instinct is a small business established in 1985 that specializes in personal fragrances and essential oils.
Promising review:"If you love Basic Instinct by Pure Romance, you will LOVE this affordable alternative! To me it smells almost exactly the same; there is an extremely slight difference in smell that I'm sure others around me wouldn't even pick up on, and I still LOVE the smell! I love Basic Instinct, but ran out a while ago and just couldn't justify spending that much money on more. I'm so glad I found this alternative!" — MN Tigerlily
Get it from Amazon for $16.95.
20. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush to help you achieve a natural makeup look in no time at all. Reviewers love that it can be used on the cheeks, lips, and even the eyes. Pick your shade and enjoy buildable color with a light, dewy finish that won't feel greasy — it's oil free! And most importantly, it costs a lot less than the $20 Glossier Cloud Paint!
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says:"I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!"
Promising review:"This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It's less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
21. OR! 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 $7.99 (available in five shades and in sets of three).
22. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment — it'll ~treat~ your hair to next-level silky softness in a matter of seconds... literally. Lather it on wet lengths, massage for eight seconds, and rinse it out. It's similar to the expensive Redken version you've seen at salons and just as effective!
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that's usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" — Stavana Jubinsky
"I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L'Oreal are all owned by L'Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." — anonymous87
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
23. NYX setting spray so you can complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without splurging on Urban Decay's version.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I had seen this on TikTok and thought it was a waste of money, until I tried it, and it works. It locks in your makeup. You just have to make sure your makeup is perfect and then spray your face." — Mary
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in four styles, in jumbo sizes, and in packs of two).
24. 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.
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).
25. 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 that can set you back quite a few bands, 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).
26. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with results you may have to see to believe but that can be arranged! Your hands will feel supple and hydrated without spending 4x the cost on name-brand versions, like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown says:"This is my 11th winter in NYC, and every year I MUST have some sort of hand cream in my bag, because the backs of my hands always turn crusty. Some years it's this, other years it's the pricier stuff. But it all works the same!! You only need a small dab for your hands, and don't worry, it's fragrance-free! TBH a tube of this in my bag usually lasts me through most of the winter, although I also keep other lotions that I use when I'm at home."
Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. I've been using it since I was a kid and it's just perfect. I get super dry hands, especially because where I live the winters can get down to -40 degrees F. This stuff is magic. I don't know how else to explain it. This is just the best and most moisturizing hand cream I've ever tried — and I've tried a lot! A little bit of this goes a LONG way, so don't worry that it's only two ounces. One tube of this can last me probably 3–4 weeks, with me applying it every night." — hatchibomitar
Get it from Amazon for $5.24.
27. Some soft microfiber makeup removing towels reminiscent of the popular Makeup Eraser but for way less. Hello, you literally get 12 of 'em! Add a bit of water and they'll wipe away the day's makeup with ease. These are *the* definition of legit, so don't sleep on 'em.
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian owns and loves these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one."
Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" — Shopforbargains
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30).
28. And!!! Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water when you're ready to get un -ready but don't want to irritate your face with endless scrubbing and wiping. This gentle formula contains rose water and glycerin to remove makeup, cleanse, *and* hydrate your skin. Just think of it as the more sensible version of Bioderma!
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I was skeptical about this product at first, but I am so glad I decided to buy it. 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, which I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" — Kat
"I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores, but nobody ever told me what it was. This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even exist...this cleanses your face and takes off your makeup. Nobody should not know what this stuff is." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for 3.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!
30. 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 loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
31. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which helps blur your pores to give you a buttery-smooth, matte complexion that's ~primed~ and ready to receive any makeup you may apply next. It contains collagen, squalene, and hyaluronic acid so you know it's the good stuff — in fact, it's eerily similar to Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other expensive options.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"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 $9.72.
32. CeraVe Retinol Serum that'll 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've been using this for a month or two! I definitely notice smoother skin and less breakouts. Wish I'd tried this sooner. Currently only using 2–3 times/week!" — Rachy
Get it from Amazon for $18.68.
33. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — these absolutely live up to the hype for expert-level blending. Reviewers say it's comparable to the Beautyblender version but you get way more bang for your buck! Use it wet or dry for BB cream, concealer, foundation, *and* powder.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am VERY picky when it comes to my makeup sponges. For years I would only use a Beautyblender because, to be honest, nothing else compared or gave the same foundation finish. These are truly a game changer! They are not 100% identical to the name brand blender in texture, HOWEVER, they DO give the same flawless foundation finish. I would even go as far as to say they soak up less foundation which means you aren't wasting as much product. And can we talk about this price point?!?! Save your hard-earned money and PURCHASE THESE! You won't be disappointed." — Lindseyy
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five color combos).
34. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because you need to wash away the impurities residing in your brush bristles 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
A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this).
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 $6.79 (available in two sizes).
35. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer when you live for a quick, lightweight under-eye application instead of packing on several layers. It's infused with goji berry and Haloxyl too, so it may also help reduce dark circles and puffiness over time. I bet you'll be glad to add this lil' miracle to your makeup bag instead of the outrageous Tarte Shape Tape.
Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this makeup! I only wish I'd found it sooner. I use it as a concealer for dark circles. It is very easy to apply and blend and while it provides good coverage it doesn't feel or look heavy. I've added it to my daily routine following moisturizer even on 'low makeup' days where I'm really only slapping on mascara and lip gloss." — cav6
Check out our full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in various shades).
36. 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 $12.25+ (available in two sizes).
37. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub that'll quickly become a series regular in your skincare rotation thanks to its magical powers. Reviewers love how well the sea kelp and French green clay work together to detoxify, soften, and get rid of dead skin cells. Plus, it's more affordable than the pricey versions, like Clinique and The Body Shop, for example.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews:"You need this face scrub. Got rid of my obvious blackheads after two to three uses. Just make sure you tone or moisturize after each use. This is much, much better than the $60 scrub I purchased last year at an expensive chain makeup store. Do it!" — WhatTheFrenchRoast
"I have no clue how this stuff works as amazing as it does, but it's AWESOME! After getting this and using for over a week I officially switched from the Rodan + Fields reversal line to the Acure brightening scrub. It works even better than products that were costing almost 15x the amount. I've even gotten two of my friends to order it and they love it as well. You can't go wrong." — Michelle A Malaska
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.