25 Target Beauty Steals That Beat Expensive Brands

Buzz Feed

03-06-2025

A luxe MCoBeauty Summer Daze Tinted Lip Oil for when you want that I woke up like this hydrated glow on your smackers. No pricey liner, no mirror or ring light? No problem. It's the easiest way to fake effort while still looking and feeling fancy.
Promising review: "Love this! So smooth on the lips and very hydrating. Nice little tint of color. Really impressed with it." —Abby Price: $8.99 (available in four colors)
An Essence mini eyeshadow palette that costs less than your daily coffee order but seriously delivers on pigment, blendability, and glam vibes. How's *that* for an instant energy boost?
Promising review: "Love this palette of eyeshadow. My favorite colors all in one palette. So happy." —Mama22Price: $3.99 (originally $19.59; available in seven color combos)
Or a single ColourPop eyeshadow if you don't want to splurge on a full palette (or just don't need or desire every single color they come with) and would rather carefully select your fave shades and colors individually. These are extremely blendable *and* highly pigmented without you paying top-shelf price.
Promising review: "Talk about sparkle! This formula is so unique. There's a soft wash of color mixed with flecks of glitter, and it's stunning on the eyes." —Target reviewerPrice: $7 (available in six colors)
A Native hair mask as affordable as it is effective and easy as pie to use: simply let it sit in wet hair for 3–5 minutes, then wash it out and enjoy strands so soft and smooth, you'll wonder if you've just stepped out of a hair commercial (wind machine sadly sold separately).
Promising review: "I've always used/tried different hair masks and nothing has ever stuck out to me. This mask makes my hair super soft and shiny. My hair has a healthy feel/glow! I'm already on my second bottle and I hope they carry this forever." —sammyn Price: $9.99
A brilliantly affordable Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 made by women of color to protect your skin from sun damage while adding much-needed moisture. Bonus: it won't leave an annoying white residue behind as it dries completely clear.
Promising review: "Awesome product that doesn't break my face out, as all others have — including the so-called gentle brands. It also works better at protecting better than the overly priced brands." —Chanchan75Price: $15.99 (originally $19.59)
A glittery gold Essie nail polish because who needs jewelry when your nails sparkle like this? Perfect for a night out, a work soirée, or just adding a little extra shine to your Tuesday... pop it on by itself or over your fave color for instant magic. No expensive manicurist needed. 💅✨
Promising review: "I used it over a gold polish and it looked great! The glitter made my nails pop!" —JlowderPrice: $9.99
An alcohol-free and unscented Thayers facial toner, which truly sets the *tone* for great, reasonably priced skincare. Reviewers herald it as an absolute lifesaver for dry, stressed-out skin, as it leaves your face hydrated, refreshed, and ready to take on the world (or at least the next step of your routine).
Promising review: "This toner has been a game-changer for my skincare routine! I love that it's gentle on my skin yet still effectively removes impurities and balances my complexion. Since it's alcohol-free, it doesn't dry out my skin or cause any irritation, which is a big plus. The unscented formula is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or those who prefer a more neutral experience. I've noticed my skin feels smoother, hydrated, and refreshed after each use. The packaging is simple, easy to use, and a little goes a long way. This toner has quickly become a staple in my daily skincare regimen, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a gentle, non-drying toner." —A complete set Price: $11.49 (also available in rose petal, lavender, and cucumber scents)
A ColourPop highlighter stick so you can get that vacation level glow without dropping vacation level prices. Creamy and compact enough to live in your bag, it's the kind of glow-up that goes wherever you do.
Promising review: "This was a great affordable option. I liked that it blended nicely and was creamy. The highlight stayed in place nicely and wore great through the day. Buildable to get your desired effect. I liked the ease of application due to the stick formulation. I like the color/tone of this highlight (from a highlight addict!)" —JulandthepPrice: $10 (available in two colors)
An E.l.f. face sponge for super smooth liquid and cream makeup application. This lil' powerhouse is essential for everyone's makeup tool kit, as it blends to absolute perfection with no streaking or need for a blending brush. Just be sure to clean it regularly.
Promising review: "Amazing!! My favorite makeup sponge to buy. Perfect sponge for a cheap price." —ErinPrice: $6
A hydrating Essie roll-on cuticle oil that smells like fresh apricots and feels like a mini spa treatment for your nails. Swipe it on, let it soak in, and enjoy hands that look like you just stepped out of an expensive salon — no appointment necessary.
Promising review: "Works great. Easy to put on and smells great, too." —CnelPrice: $18.29
A pack of Neutrogena makeup-removing wipes to prevent mascara stains and makeup streaks from turning your pillowcase into a piece of modern art by morning. These are gentle on your skin, so you don't have to worry about them drying it or causing irritation.
Promising review: "Neutrogena face wipes are great for gently removing eye makeup. I also like how cool and smooth they feel in your face as a 'wake up' in the morning." —RozziPrice: $1.99+ (available in three sizes)
A nourishing Ogx anti-breakage leave-in serum that's like a protective shield for your hair because no one has time for frizz, am I right? This little bottle of magic smoothes, strengthens, and gives strands the kind of shine that'll have everyone asking if you've been using some kind of magic hair potion.
Promising review: "This product has a long-lasting smell (a great coconut smell) and leaves my hair soft and moisturized! My hair is much shinier, softer, stronger, and hydrated. My hair is straight-wavy and I love it. It's also super affordable compared to other products!! This is a yes!" —lillyPrice: $10.19
A Maybelline mascara featuring a ~super flexible~ wand and sensational lash flare effect that'll leave your lashes feeling soft and conditioned in addition to looking voluminous and absolutely wow-worthy, all without giving your wallet a workout because, yes, this glam is totally budget-friendly.
Promising review: "I got this mascara because it caught my eye, and it did not disappoint! It doesn't leave my lashes clumpy, but it gives them definition and length. Also, my curl lasts all day!! I will definitely keep purchasing!" —OhPrice: $11.89 (available in several styles)
A pack of satin sleep scrunchies to wear while you snooze so your locks can rest and refresh without tangling. They're low-effort, affordable, 100% fabulous, and great for ALL hair types, so feel free to gift 'em to everyone you know with long hair.
Promising review: "Love these! Purchased twice (once for myself and once as a gift) and they are perfect for both thick and thin hair! Holds my super thick hair without pulling!" —Eld14Price: $9.79 for a pack of five (available in three colors)
A Jergens cherry almond moisturizer *cherry picked* for ultimate softness (and its deliciously low price tag). I mean, truly the almond joy your skin's been craving: rich, silky, and nut-urally irresistible. 🍒
Promising review: "This has always been my favorite lotion. Love how it smells and leaves my skin feeling soft." —Caligirl73Price: $5.69+ (available in three sizes)
A Revlon kiss balm because when it comes to preventing and treating my chapped lips for cheap, NOTHING comes close to this miraculous little balm that also boasts SPF 20.
Promising review: "Love this stuff! Perfect for keeping your lips smooth." —HPrice: $5.59 (available in five colors and flavors)
A portable Versed bronzer stick that blends out in seconds and gives you that sun-kissed glow without you needing a single brush (or a minute spent in front of a UV ray). It's perfect for a quick makeup routine that's as chill as your fave iced coffee order.
Price: $14.99 (available in three shades)
A Kristen Ess moisturizing shampoo that gives dry strands the tall glass of water they've been begging for. This stuff is nourishing and budget-friendly enough to make luxe hair care part of your everyday routine.
Promising review: "This is a GREAT shampoo/conditioner combo!!!! I was really nervous to go back to drugstore after falling in love with Dae products, but this works just as well as the expensive stuff for half the price!!! My hair feels so soft and this has a nice smell that lasts!! I will be repurchasing!! Not to mention gorgeous packaging!!" —KayleePrice: $5.99+ (available in three sizes)
A jar of Aquaphor healing ointment that's basically the MVP of your affordable skincare stash, as it's soothing, multi-tasking, and always there to save the day (or your lips, cuticles, elbows… you name it).
Promising review: "Aquaphor is great for dry skin during the fall and winter. A little goes a long way. It's not like lotion; it's more concentrated and does a better job than just lotion." —LuluPrice: $5.49+ (available in two sizes)
A Garnier micellar water that melts off every last bit of makeup (waterproof mascara included) without leaving your skin feeling tight or thirsty. It only removes the bad stuff, making it a dry-skin dream. And the best part? It's gentle on your face and your wallet.
Promising review: "Very effective in deep cleaning and removing makeup, including mascara." —jrPrice: $4.99+ (available in three sizes)
An Odele leave-in detangling tonic for a lightweight spray that tackles tangles, frizz, and knots with zero effort, leaving you with smooth, shiny strands and a whole lot of money saved on splurging on pricier products.
Promising review: "I love how this product makes my hair feel after allowing it to dry, then flat ironing it or curling it. I use it right after towel-drying my hair. I start at the ends of my hair, then the root. I have thick, frizzy, wavy hair. This works wonders." —The taste was just rightPrice: $12.99
An E.l.f. waterproof liquid eyeliner pen because precision this sharp shouldn't cost an arm and a leg (or an eye, to be more pun specific). Whether you're going for a subtle flick or a don't-mess-with-me wing, this pen gives you FULL CONTROL over your cat-eye destiny.
Promising review: "I've used liquid eyeliner for winged eyes almost daily for the past 15 years. I've used everything from the most expensive to the cheapest, and this has to be the best eyeliner I've ever purchased. Stays perfectly unless you rub your eyes often, then, it can definitely start to come off. Survives most crying sessions, and it's super black and opaque and never ever dries out. I've repurchased 50 x over and will continue to do so because even the highest-end eyeliners don't compare!" —catPrice: $8
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam that gives your hair that effortless, just-woke-up-like-this volume and texture. Whether you're aiming for waves or a tousled, full-bodied look, this mousse is your secret weapon. Bonus? It doesn't leave your hair crunchy. Just touchable, soft perfection.
Promising review: "I've been using this for a while now. The ONLY product that I've ever used that detangles, moisturizes and defines my curls. It is 100% consistent. I can't even bring myself to buy another product for my curls. I have mixed hair 3c curls. Thick and coarse." —SDgirl88Price: $15.99
A Wet n Wild soft blur matte lipstick that glides on smoother than your favorite Oscar-winning movie plot twist, serving up a dreamy, soft-focus finish without drying out your lips... all without costing as much as a red carpet-worthy outfit, of course.
Promising review: "While the shade I bought isn't for me, I love this formula! This is a great creamy matte lipstick with good pigment that doesn't accentuate the dry spots on my lips. And while it's a matte finish, it's not drying at all. I also appreciate the light, sweet vanilla/sugary scent. I've already ordered two other shades for delivery. And for the price? *Chef's Kiss!*" —SjashbyPrice: $4.79 (available in four shades)
And a Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine hairspray that will have your strands so smooth and frizz free, even humidity will be like, "Wait, what just happened?" No spend-y salon appointment necessary.
Promising review: "I love this hairspray! I think it works really well to keep my hair in place without making it sticky, crunchy, or hard. It smells amazing and is a great finishing spray for all of my hairstyles. It definitely keeps my curls in place while still leaving them flexible and soft." —Larkspur37Price: $7.49