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30 Game-Changing Beauty Items From Walmart That Didn’t Have To Go As Hard As They Do, And Yet
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If your current beauty routine feels safe, these are about to shake things up. Promising review: "Finally, a blush that delivers in all categories: color, application, consistency, effect, and price. Beautiful! Won't have to reorder for quite a while because a little goes a long way." —FairGrace "This product is the perfect color for my cheeks and lips. It's great for my olive complexion, and it's easy to apply for the natural flush I like." —BrookeyB It's super easy to use — just apply it to wet hair in the shower (avoid your scalp) and rinse off after eight seconds. Done. Promising reviews: "This stuff is BOMB! I put it in a spray bottle and spray it all over my hair after I shampoo in the shower. It lasts much longer and doesn’t waste as much product. This whole hair care line has really revamped my hair, but the Wonder Water is seriously 10/10." —Valerie "Wow! This is a hidden beauty hack for sure. I use very high-end skin and hair products. This is probably my favorite hair product, ever. It does exactly what it says it will. You massage your mid to the ends for eight seconds. Immediately, you can feel your hair becoming softer. I have super long blonde hair, and I live in a humid climate. This made my hair super shiny and non-frizzy after one use." —Melissa Promising review: "Olive and June make THE BEST press-ons in the market, and I will not entertain any ideas to the contrary. The extra sizing means they will fit each nail perfectly, and the shiny "velvet" finish on this set is gorgeous. I always get about 100 compliments with every set I wear. People are shocked to find out I didn't go to a salon for how good they look!! I am always recommending these nails to whoever will listen. :)" —elisabeth Promising reviews: "Subtle color, subtle sweet fragrance. The perfect go-to for reapplication throughout the day. Great over stains, lip liner, or lipstick. True to its name, it's not sticky. One of my absolute favorites. Crème Brûlée is a color that is one of the first to sell out. I use cool-toned makeup, and this light peach/pink is perfection, even for me. Reasonably priced under $10. I have one in multiple locations so that I always have one on hand. (Purse, wristlet, work bag.)" —Nellica "This is absolutely the best lip gloss you can buy. There is no stickiness, no tingling, no burning, and no weird flavors! I will never buy another brand!" —Walmart customer Promising review: "I don’t know how I ever lived without this! I’ve been using Garnier’s micellar water ever since my eye doctor recommended it at an exam. It is the only thing that completely removes my eye makeup (and all other makeup) without me having to basically scrub my skin away! I just put some on a cotton round and in a few gentle swipes, it all comes right off! It is unscented, which is a necessity for me, and lasts a long time! It is just right for my sensitive skin and never bothers my eyes at all! Highly recommend." —Tracy Price: $3.82+ (available in three sizes and in a two-pack) Promising review: "Baby stretch marks almost gone!!! I bought this product two and a half years after having my son. I had a ton of stretch marks on my lower abdomen. I have used this for about four months now, and I can honestly say I’m EXTREMELY impressed! My stretch marks are about 75-80% gone! Even my sister was like, 'No way!' I don’t post about beauty products often, but this one is worth a 5-star review. It’s working, and my belly is starting to look amazing again!!" —Dawn Promising review: "After not loving the same $7 moisturizer I have used for the last ~eight years, I was hesitant to try a new one that was double the price. Reluctantly, I decided on this one off the shelf. Oh man, it has been my favorite everyday moisturizer since my first purchase. It is lightweight but still rich in consistency. My face feels smooth and has a dewy look after application. It pairs very well with my different oils and serums. For someone with sensitive skin, this was a great option to switch to. I have had no reaction to the switch-over or when combining it with my current oils. Highly recommend for others looking for a new moisturizer with sensitive skin." —Lexi Price: $14.97 (also available in a two-pack) Promising review: "I love this brow pencil. I used to buy the super expensive brands at Ulta or Sephora, but when I found this one for half the price, I was thrilled. It has a fine line and a great spoolie, just like the ones I used to buy. Love it!!!" —Marie "I have been using this product for quite a while now and continue to come back to it. It is easy to apply and does not smudge or come off for me. The shades are versatile. I have used a couple of different ones and have had no problems." —Michelle Price: $8.97 (originally $12.99; available in 11 shades; also available in two-packs) Read our review of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer! Here's an excerpt: "I still don’t know how a $7 tube of concealer (I use the Neutralizer shade) beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cakey feeling. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically, what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!" —Kayla Suazo (former BuzzFeed Shopping and Products Editor) Promising review: "Amazing!!! This is no gimmick. These things seriously work! And it doesn't just pull the gunk out; my skin and my family's skin have improved drastically even after the first use. Our pores appear very visibly smaller and clearer. GET THESE!" —Pamela Promising review: "Has a silky feel and just the right amount of glow — I didn't want anything that looked like I had glitter on my face. Gave a nice glow to my suntanned face/skin!" —T "Love this and will definitely buy again as soon as I run out. I use it either by itself or under foundation, and it gives the perfect amount of glow without being overbearing. Love it!" —Ana Price: $14.97 (available in five shades) Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! Promising review: "Goes on smooth without being greasy. It feels like it dries powdery, but not in a bad way. I usually skip sunscreen unless I know I'm going to be out for long periods of time because I hate how my skin feels with it on… But this has made it to where I put it on almost every day!" —Genevieve Promising review: "My eyelashes have never looked so good! They look longer, they are separated, and they are not stuck together. For the first time in years, my lashes look thicker (but not clumpy or flaky). Lashes are separated, longer, blacker... And there was no fuss in obtaining this great look." —MJ "The BEST mascara I've ever used (and I have used them all). Great for volume and length. Incredibly affordable. I will never go back to any other mascara. If I could give it 10 stars, I would." —Ashley Price: $4.97 (available in two colors and two-packs) For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review! Promising review: "I love this oil! It has a great aroma, which immediately calms the mind. Feels wonderful on the skin. It's a light cooling oil that does not leave a heavy, hot, oily residue feel and actually absorbs into the skin to make the skin feel very soft. Relaxes the mind and body. I've become obsessed with it. My mom loves it, too. I have purchased this oil many times for both my mother and me. Great gift for men and women." —Esther Hyaluronic acid can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it's such a popular ingredient in moisturizers. Promising reviews: "Great for summers. Not thick or heavy. Dries quickly and leaves skin moisturized." —SB "The lightweight gel texture makes it very hydrating, and I've found this one works best for my dry and sometimes peeling skin." —Jennifer Price: $15.92+ (available in gel and cream formulas) Promising review: "Having oily skin, I can't say I've ever washed my face with a better cleanser. I had been washing my face twice in a row after a long, hard day, but I only need to wash once now and feel fully clean. Be careful, though, and make sure to rinse thoroughly, because it will bleach your towels if you're not fully rinsed." —Marissa Promising review: "Love this stick!!! It's big and beefy, much larger than a regular lip balm, but still fits in your purse or pocket. It can be used on everything. I like it on my lips a lot, but if my hands or knuckles are looking dry, it's super easy to just swipe on, and it's not overly greasy. Thinking about getting these as stocking stuffers for my family!!!" —Sarah Promising reviews: "Wow! Don't sleep on this foundation! It's got great full coverage and leaves you with a glow, making you look flawless. It stays put and won't transfer to your clothes. My color match was perfect. It's better than any higher-priced trending brands! and the price is unbeatable!" —Heather "I usually strictly use Nars makeup or Fenty Beauty from Sephora. I used to use drugstore makeup, but it all made me look cakey and oily, and didn't last all day. This is the first time in a long time I have found one that is full coverage, doesn't make me oilier than I am, and stays on all day! I was looking for a foundation that I can use on vacation because I get so much darker and don't want to spend $50 for a shade that I won't use for too long. 100% get this makeup if you are looking for full coverage and on a budget." —Erica Promising review: "Second purchase of this. It truly works well — great for plumping crow's-feet and under-eye puffiness. No stinging or irritation on my sensitive skin. I'm just going to buy several tubes of this because the price is great for something that ACTUALLY works. 😭" —anonymous Promising review: "This is by far the best vitamin C serum that I have ever used. I like that it is a water-based serum and not oil-based because I have very oily skin, and oil-based anything doesn't work for me. It works very well with my moisturizer." —Jacqueline "I wasn’t expecting much, but it took me by surprise! I know that vitamin C is very unstable and is usually very expensive. I’ve used a much more expensive one before and couldn’t keep buying it… I might just replace it with this because it really does make my skin feel great and has a wonderful glow." —Melissa Promising reviews: "I always get ingrown hairs on my cheek and neck after tweezing, waxing, dermaplaning, whatever. This stuff gets rid of them fast and prevents new ones." —Brittany "Only product that keeps razor bumps away! I put this on straight out of the shower or bath, while still damp, after shaving. I use it under my arms and my bikini line. I applied three days in a row with not one bump in sight! It also helps keep ingrown hair at bay. Huge believer in Megababe." —CassE Promising review: "I reach for this product almost every morning! It has a lightweight consistency, but provides a great amount of moisture for my skin. Leaves my skin glowing and wears wonderfully under makeup! Love the sturdy packaging it comes in as well." —Kara Promising review: "It exceeded my expectations. I'm using the fair-to-medium shade and wasn't sure my skin would become noticeably darker, but I've only been using the product for three days, and I'm already seeing that sun-kissed glow. I don't know if others have had this problem before, but I usually don't like the smell of self-tanning products; it's a cross between a blown-out match and a bonfire. 🤢 With this lotion, though, the smell while you are applying it is very light, and after you dry, there is no smell at all. I haven't seen a single streak, and there is no orange tone at all. If you're not sure, go ahead and press the 'add to cart' button!!" —Judy Price: $10.47 (available in two shades and in multi-packs) Promising review: "This is my favorite lotion ever! Not sure what I'll do if they ever discontinue it. 😩 I used to hate the greasiness of other lotions, but THIS ONE!!!! This one absorbs into my skin, leaving it so smooth. 💕 I'm a fan! My lotion came right on time from Walmart, and I absolutely love their free shipping. 😍" —LaTayvia Price: $9.97 (also available in multipacks) Promising review: "I will never use another primer again because of how much I love this!!! It goes on amazingly, helps smooth out my skin for concealer, and I LOVE that it has SPF, too. Perfect for the summer, but I'm going to use this year-round to protect against the sun! I love that it's primer and SPF in one, I don't have to buy and use two different products." —Baylee Promising reviews: "This product has been working well for me. I have sensitive skin, and this product has not irritated my skin; my skin looks nourished and brighter. It's been noticed by others who say my skin is glowing." —Lillie "Fresh and glowy results. This has such a fresh smell! In love! After just a couple of uses, I can visibly tell my face is glowing. I purchased it to reduce dark spots, and I feel that it has helped somewhat. I'm sure continued use would show great benefits. I would purchase again." —Krista Promising review: "I'm 42 years old and have always been very self-conscious about the skin on my arms and legs. I have keratosis pilaris and thought I'd be stuck with red, bumpy skin forever. This, paired with the SA body wash, has been a game-changer. I love my smooth skin!" —Chelsea "This cream is a game-changer. Nothing else I have tried works like this lotion does, and I have tried everything! I tried the regular CeraVe cream, but it didn't work like this one." —Bonita Promising review: "I spray this on my back and chest after workouts, and it's been great for keeping acne under control. It helps calm my skin without drying it out. Super easy to use and gentle enough for everyday." —Julie "Works well on my skin. I have noticed less acne and fewer flaky spots on my hairline. It doesn't have a pungent smell and hasn't caused any irritation at all. Feels like spraying saline or saltwater on the skin. The sprayer is great too, lets out a fine mist." —Kylie Price: $18.39 for a two-pack of 8.5 fl oz bottles (originally $22.99; also available in different sizes and multi-packs) Promising review: "THESE ARE FREAKING MAGIC! This product is a game-changer, and I was blown away by the results. Definitely takes out the gunk from blemishes, leaving smooth skin, even though the sore is still there afterwards, of course, that heals over time and with proper, extensive care. Overall 100/10" —Pamela Price: $8.97 for a 24-count pack (also available in larger pack sizes) Promising review: "You can spend a lot more money, but why do that when this product works on acne and blackheads and provides excellent exfoliation. I wish this product had been available 60 years ago, when I was a kid who had pimples and blackheads and wanted them gone so I would have had a pretty complexion. It's a little expensive, but the results are so very worth it for me! And I hope for you!" —Martha * TikTok Beauty Products You’ll Use Every Last Little Drop Of * Helpful Products For People Who Think They Suck At Makeup * Beauty Products So Good, Reviewers Say They “Can’t Live Without” Them * Sensitive Skin–Friendly Beauty Products You’ll Be So Glad You Own * Korean Beauty Products You Probably Haven’t Heard Of Yet But Should Totally Try This Spring * Problem-Solving Beauty Products For Those Issues You Didn’t Even Know Had Legit Solutions * Beauty Products That'll Help With Upkeep Without Costing A Fortune * Beauty Products That Work So Well, Reviewers Called Them “Wizardry,” “Sorcery” Or Just Plain “Magic” Plus, cosmetic bags, concealers, waterproof mascaras, and finds from Sephora, Soko Glam, Ulta, and Walmart. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and 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. Yi Yang is a freelancer and former associate editor who’s been contributing to BuzzFeed Shopping for eight years, as someone who’s been obsessed with shopping since her mom first unleashed her into a mall — and she’s been chasing the perfect find ever since.