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Step away from Sephora — effective skincare and wow-worthy makeup doesn't have to cost $100.

Promising reviews: "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

"Better than TikTok said! OMRyan Gosling, this is an amazing lotion!!! Run, don’t walk, and buy this lotion! The name is vanilla cashmere and that is exactly what this is! Love love love!" —DeeDra Billings

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in eight other scents)

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

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (clip the coupon on the product page and get it for $7.99; available in nine colors). 

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

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in two sizes, unscented and fragranced, and also in a two-pack). 

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

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

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

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $2.48+ (available in 17 shades).

Use this treatment two or three times a week — one dose for fine to medium textured hair, two to three doses for thick to curly textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair. 

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

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

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

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

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

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves this body lotion: "I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying, and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry." 

Promising reviews: "Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you’re a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." —Ralph D. Thompson II

"Perfection!!! Seriously PERFECTION!!! I just jumped in the shower as soon as I got it. Let me just add it to subscription." —Quiihw25

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in two other scents). 

Promising review: "I just love this nail polish! Love the color and how fast it dries. I will order again." —Georgie 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 29 shades) .

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $21.97 (also available in a day cream option).

Some reviewers mention that this leaves a slight white cast, so if you want to wear it during the day, you can combat that with some bronzer drops.  

Promising review: "Heals skin overnight. Someone on TikTok said use it when you need a 'quick overnight glow up,' and they weren’t lying. Nourishing is the best word to describe it. Like my skin got everything it needs. Kind of like an overnight hair mask for skin. Comes out white like zinc and mostly rubs out, but I don’t use it during the daytime. Good texture. Neutral smell. Not sticky. Very moisturizing. Be aware that the container is small, but you don’t need a lot." —Niki

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available with or without SPF 50, two sizes, and a two-pack).

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ (available in five colors and also in two-packs).

Promising reviews: "You get a lot of product for an affordable price! Very happy with my purchase i still have it after months." —lily

"Awesome!! I’m on Accutane, so I use this for my lips to keep them from getting super chapped, and they really help! It’s super moisturizing, and I love that it’s in a big tub, so I don’t have to keep repurchasing! If you have chapped lips, I definitely recommend it; it’s super moisturizing and hasn’t caused any breakouts around my lips so far." —M

You can also use a blow-dryer to increase the effects of the heat-activated spray.

Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I usually buy it at the beginning of the summer to help lighten my already natural blonde hair. It really helps get rid of the growth and darkness of winter. The summer sun and saltwater at the beach already naturally help lighten my hair, but this product really accelerates the process and give it that extra oomph. I spray it pretty liberally all over my hair and just use my fingers to distribute it. The key is making sure you spend a good amount of time out in the sun. It only takes a couple of sessions to really start seeing noticeable lightening. It still has hydrogen peroxide in it, but in small amounts, so it's not extremely damaging. Also, use a purple shampoo occasionally to help bring out the highlights and remove some of the brassiness." —Ninar

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

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

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

Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $9.88. 

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

Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in two colors).

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

BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves this mascara and says: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black." 

Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in three shades).

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in three sizes).

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal says, "My hair is the ~perfect~ combo of wavy, curly, and frizzy and this drugstore product has been a holy grail of mine for some time. I've found that it's the only formula that will give me soft, naturally curly waves come the a.m. and since I'm generally a nighttime hair washer, I have the perfect excuse to avoid blasting my hair with heat. Before hitting the pillow, I like to run my fingers through my towel-dried hair with a pea-sized amount of this, flip my mane over, and then give the ends a good scrunch. In the morn, my hair appears shiny with defined, wavy curls — we're not talking HD — but they have a nice, soft definition to them that doesn't require much styling."

Promising review: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair too. I have had super straight to very curly over the years and have loved this on all hair styles." —Bunco Queen of the Universe

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

Get it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in two sizes and a variety of shades).

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in two sizes).

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

Get it from Amazon for $8 (also available in four other shades). 

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $3.82+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

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

Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in four varieties and quantities).

Promising reviews: "Cheap and works great.. been using it for like three years." —nick t

"I've struggled with incredibly sensitive, acne-prone, textured skin for a lot of my adult life. I stumbled onto this cleanser via TikTok (I wish I was kidding) and bought this in conjunction with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream and, LET ME TELL YOU, these products have become holy grail skincare items for me. Prior to this, I was using homemade soap and an exfoliating mitt to wash my face, but my skin would quickly develop uneven texture in between exfoliations. This cleanser makes my skin smooth, and it doesn't irritate it. My breakouts are already a lot smaller, and I've noticed a huge difference in the overall appearance. This is a holy grail cleanser." —C. Hallgrimson

Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game-changer. My skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" —Darina 

"I love love love this body wash. It smells SO expensive and like a luxurious perfume without being too much...still very gentle but long-lasting at the same time. Delicious spicy scent that's also delicate. It really made my skin feel smooth and soft after use with good a moisture level. Totally useful. Good for my sensitive skin. Large bottle and easy to use pump. I will 100% buy again!" —Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $12.94+ (available in two sizes and four styles). 

Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.

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

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

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few weeks now, and I’m thrilled with the results! This moisturizer is a gamechanger in my skincare routine. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling hydrated without any greasy residue. What I love most is how it enhances my skin’s natural glow and softness. The collagen boost helps firm and plump my skin, making it look and feel more youthful. It’s a fantastic base for makeup and keeps my skin looking fresh all day." —Gizem Atkan

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

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

Promising review: "I have very, very fine and fragile hair. It’s wavy (2b–2c with some 3a curls mixed in). My ends are dry, and my scalp gets very oily quickly. When the product arrived, I was on second-day hair. I worked the foam through my roots and the sides of my head. The most oily places for me. It was easy to work through, and it smelled fresh and clean. My results were amazing! My roots looked clean, no residue or buildup like powder dry shampoos. My scalp does not itch, and it gives my fine, flat hair a ton of volume. Also, my hair looks thicker when I use it. I usually can’t go more than a day or two without washing my hair. With this product, I was able to go four days without washing my hair." —Amelia Tilton

Get it from Amazon for $7.47 (also available in coconut and almond).

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

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $1+(available in a variety of colors).

* TikTok Beauty Products You’ll Use Every Last Little Drop Of

* Beauty Products With Before And Afters So Good, You’ll Be Like, “Me Next”

* Beauty Products That Work So Well, I’m Convinced “Magic” Is In The Ingredients List

* Cheap, Soothing Beauty Finds That’ll Make Your “Ouch” Skin Say “Ahhhh”

* Beauty Products Reviewers Swear By For Staying Matte

* Helpful Products For People Who Think They Suck At Makeup

* Beauty Products Perfect For Anyone Who’s Clueless About Beauty Products

* Things To Upgrade Every Step Of Your Beauty Routine From Head To Toe

* Beauty Products That’ll Have You Looking Downright Ethereal

Plus, concealers, cosmetic bags, fragrances, k-beauty must-haves, products reviewers in their 60s love, waterproof mascaras, and finds from Sephora, Soko Glam, Ulta, and Walmart.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.