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Aug 06, 2023

37 Inexpensive Beauty Products That'll Probably Become Your Holy Grail Items

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Brb, putting the Acure brightening facial scrub in my will because it's just *that* good.

BuzzFeed Staff

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "Skip the expensive mall store — buy this. This is one of those drugstore products that lives up to its reputation. 'Angel Food Cake' is a nice, rose mauve color with no yellow undertones. The color stays true and won’t turn orange while you’re wearing it. It’s not sticky like so many inexpensive lip glosses. It will also keep your lips reasonably hydrated. This gloss is all you need for everyday wear." —Toomanycats

Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in 32 colors, a clear shade, and three-packs).

Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!

Promising review: "Girl! This edge control is bomb. I have 4b/4c hair and this lays my edges no problem! It even survives the Caribbean heat. It didn’t turn white on me unless I packed too much on, but I just sprayed with some water before I applied and it worked out. It smells GREAT and it’ll last me ages. I bought it like, months ago and I still have about half left and I use it every day. GREAT bang for your buck." —Chelsea R.

Get it from Amazon from $4.97.

Promising review: "No matter what I do or what expensive and high rated product I try, my flyaways are an annoying constant. This product has completely rid me of my daily top of head flyaway frizz! I wish I would have discovered this product years ago! It smooths my hair out and truly lasts all day. Be careful, as a tiny bit goes a long way!" —RachelOK

Get it from Amazon for $5.94.

Promising review: "This is smooth, blends well with foundation, and feels good on the skin. Sets well with powder. I sometimes wear it alone for a little smoother look, since it's colorless it doesn't look like foundation. The price is great and I've yet to see it in a store. I like that I can control how much to apply and a little goes a long way. It appears to wash off well. Will be buying it again." —Y. C.

Get it from Amazon for $9.

BTW, this is cruelty-free!

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $16.

Promising review: "I love this brush! I ordered because I saw a YouTube video of a girl with curly hair using it, and her curls came out amazing! I always do wash-and-gos, and I usually would only brush/comb my hair in the shower style it once I was out, but sometimes if I waited a little longer to style it, my hair would get dry and frizzy. It would be almost impossible to get my curls defined without getting back in the shower. With this brush, now all I have to do it spray my hair with water, put product in it, and comb it through with this brush, and my curls are poppin'! The brush is also very sturdy and you can take rows out if you want a looser curl!" —Bryant

Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in four styles and multiple colors).

2023: The year we stop spending over $10 on mascara.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord says, "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."

Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

It also comes with a cap to cover the comb end for travel and storage.

Promising review: "The handiest tool you didn't know you needed! This inexpensive little tool is perfect for creating natural-looking eyelashes! Even expensive mascaras can look cheap if they clump up on your lashes. This tool acts like a comb to gently separate your lashes and keep them from sticking together. It has been so quick and easy to incorporate into my makeup routine, and the results are much nicer than a cotton swab." —Saved1

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "This stuff does not just sit on top of your lips and make them slimy — it actually absorbs and makes them feel like baby-soft skin. Not sticky at all and no shine so it's great to go outside around the lip where the dryness is without showing. In winter especially, my lips are red and irritated and stinging from the dryness and I have to keep applying lip goo all day. This stuff, one application and they feel soft for hours even after eating. Use it at bedtime and they are perfect the next a.m." —pltrn

Get it from Amazon for $13.50 (available in five flavors).

Jenae: I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel.

Promising review: "I love this product. I’ve been using lip scrubs for ages, but this exfoliator takes it to the next level. It really helps in removing dry lip skin for smooth lipstick application. To clean, I just wash it with antibacterial hand soap and store in a dry place. My new go-to beauty product!" —Cristina

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.

Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.

Promising review: "This is the first product that I have ever used where I saw immediate results. For those out there that have tried Olaplex at home, it's very similar in consistency but I think I see better results and this product is much cheaper. I shampooed my hair, towel-dried so my hair was damp, then ran the product through all my hair, mostly concentrating on my ends. I left it in for as long as I could and rinsed it out and my hair felt smooth and soft immediately. I let my hair air dry and it was soooo shiny! It is a small bottle but you don't need to use much so I can see it lasting for a while if you only do a treatment once a week or once every two weeks." —Samantha Ellis

Check out our full Elizavecca Hair Protein Treatment review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $7.25.

Jenae: I've been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for months, and it's now my go-to exfoliator. I use it a couple of times a week in the shower, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn't been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin, something I was definitely worried about considering I use a retinol cream once or twice a week (though I do avoid doing them on the same day). Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer. This is one product that's going to be in my beauty arsenal for as long as they keep making it!

Promising review: "I've been dealing with acne for over 10+ years + oily skin. So you can imagine the acne scars/hyperpigmentation my skin has. I've used TONS of facial scrubs/masks that claim that it brightens your skin. The Acure facial scrub is the BEST and worth-your-money facial scrub I've ever used. My acne scars lighten almost immediately after use. I usually use it at night and leave it on for about five to 10 minutes and wash it off. My skin is seriously so smooth (normally I have to exfoliate almost every night or else my foundation does not go on smoothly) after just one use. The next morning, my skin looks so good! Acne scars are less red and my face is so smooth. I always use less foundation the next morning too. I love that its super affordable too. Will def continue to use this product." —Tiffany

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

It's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!

Promising reviews: "I have very thick, super curly, coarse hair. I have been natural going on nine years. I’ve never been able to wear my hair in a wash-and-go style because my roots were always puffy, tangled, and had no curl definition. It would just swell up and look like cotton. Oh, but then I used this miracle in a jar. It’s messy, and takes forever. But for the first time in my natural hair journey, I have been consistently wearing wash-and-gos. Takes me no time to style my hair, it’s moisturized, shiny, and looks so healthy. I’ve had soooo many people tell me how healthier my hair looks now. If I could give it 20 stars just for my hair I would!" —keina

"I bought this as a last hope for cystic acne. I bought raw apple cider vinegar to mix with the clay powder because I heard that worked best for people experiencing skin problems. This mask had been such a life saver. I'm not sure words can describe how impressed I am with this healing clay mask. Since my skin has been through hell and I've literally tried everything, it's pretty resilient, so I've been using this mask every night for the last four days. It's not nearly as drying as I thought it would be so that hasn't been an issue. But the mask has dried up everything and I have no new breakouts. I was so happy that I cried. If I could give this product a million stars, I would!" —Afton StAmour

Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would've thought this brand would work on my hair. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen." —Theressa Hailey

Get it from Amazon for $9.87.

Promising review: "I LOVE the smell of this! Bought it due to frizzing from coloring my hair, but really didn't believe that it shortened drying time. I mean, how can something putting moisture on you hair shorten the drying time, right? I was shocked. I don't know if it cut it down by 50%, but I did notice blow-drying my hair took quit a bit less time. I am sold on this stuff. Makes my hair feel like silk, but not greasy (I was worried about it making my hair greasy) and it takes only a few sprays to get the results. I hold it about 15" from my head and spray the top, both sides and the back once, the rub it in with my hands. Perfect!" —Janice C. Henderson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "This product has replaced ALL of my high-end brow products. This is the most amazing brow stuff I’ve ever used. I don’t even have to fill in my brows because this has such great coverage. It’s a game changer!!" —Isabella

Get it from Amazon or Ulta for $5 or from Target for $6 (available in four shades).

Check out a TikTok of the Glimmer Glow lipstick in action.

Promising reviews: "This is such a pretty pH color lipstick, viral for a reason — it's very pretty to look at, it's not sticky at all, and the more you layer it, the darker the pink shows up. The only thing I don't like is the scent in it, I can almost taste it a bit. It's nice to have in my purse if I need a quick color while I'm out in case of sudden dinner plans or a meeting, because you can control the color saturation to how light or bold it is." —Kristina Bumbelow

"This product is beautiful. Being a darker skinned woman, I am hesitant to purchase lip colors online because I am unsure how they will look on me. This product is truly tone-matching and the added sparkle is a nice touch." —lookitsanonymous

Get it from Amazon for $3.99.

The face roller is reusable! 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 rolling device is like pure magic. You simply roll it around your oily areas and BOOM the oil magically vanishes into the ball never to be seen again! This is an item that #tiktokmademebuyit for sure! I saw a video on TikTok and immediately went on the hunt only to be disappointed that this item was sold out everywhere! I eventually got added to a waiting list here on Amazon and once they had it in stock again, they charged my card and sent it my way! If you have the chance to purchase this and you have oily skin, get yourself on the waiting list if you need to and just kick it until it shows up. You will be pleased. Thank me later." —Veronica Cooper

Get it from Amazon for $13.46.

Promising review: "This was recommended by my hairstylist. I usually wear my hair in braids and decided to wear my natural hair out after a cut and color. I didn't think my hair would even curl up but this works perfectly. it's not flaky and leaves my hair soft and shiny. When something works don't change it. It's great used alone, do not add any other products to it. I will continue to use this product for my wash and go." —Gifty

Get it from Walmart for $6.98 (originally $9.01) or from Target for $8.29.

Promising review: "I feel so stupid...I'm 65 years old and have always been annoyed by the fact that by mid-afternoon, my upper lids would be oily, shiny, and sporting a stripe from my eyeliner. I didn't think there was a cure. Then stumbled upon the idea of using a primer/foundation designed for the eyelids. What? How BRILLIANT!! Who would have thought? I dipped my toe into the water and purchased one tube of the Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer. I don't use eye shadow on my lids, but I do use it as a liner on my lower lashes. (I add water to compressed eye shadow and put it on my skin with a sponge-end pencil thing). This stuff ROCKS!! At the end of a hot Texas day, my lids are still as fresh and dry as they were at 6 a.m. And it only takes a pinhead-sized drop to cover one entire lid from lashes to eyebrow, with enough left to cover the lower lid area as well. It's creamy, but dries very quickly. Awesome! The only thing that keeps this product from being 100% perfect is that it has a chemical smell when you first put it on...BUT...after a few minutes, the smell is gone and my eye makeup looks impeccable for 12+ hours. Obviously, I highly recommend this product. They've found a lifetime customer with me." —ShortieTX

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: "This stuff has changed my hair game. I have excessively bleached hair. But this stuff is so great to my hair it has returned it to a soft, healthy, silky feeling. My regimen is wash, condition for a while or use a protein treatment, let it dry till it's damp then I run like two to three pumps through my hair (I have long thick hair) and work it into the bleached parts. I dry and then add a little more after. I also add more before curling my hair to protect it from heat damage. The amount you get for the price is astonishing, considering most hair oils are less product for like twice as much. Buy it: works great, smells great, feels great." —Eva

Get it from Amazon for $20.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate." For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review!

Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!

Promising review: "I've struggled with absolutely random outbursts on my face and back. Naturally, during the summer, this is embarrassing to the point of wanting to stay covered up. I am SO happy to have randomly come across these magical little patches. They are simple to put on your skin, and fairly easy to take off. I truly appreciate that they almost blend into your skin and are not very noticeable unless someone looks very close. After a few days of using patches on a targeted area, I notice a significant decrease in oil and swelling in the area. ANY time I feel the start of a bump, I immediately put one of these on, and can assured it'll stop the growth before it even has time to think!" —Viktorija Grillo

Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $11.97.

Promising reviews: "It's a thousand times better than any other leave in conditioner I've ever used! I'm an AA female and I need this product to detangle my 4c, almost APL hair. I've been using this product for over a year. I tried other products but I always go back to It's A 10." —M. Baker

"I tried everything from taking Biotin, to conditioner after conditioner, to spraying on a heat protector before blow drying. The ends of my hair still were brittle and dry. One time with this and my hair felt silky and looked nourished. My hair is very fine and it didn't weigh it down at all." —Lori L. Rose

Get a 10-ounce bottle from Amazon for $25.98.

The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b through 4c hair mentioned it working for them.

Promising reviews: "I have naturally wavy/curly hair. First time using this I was impressed. It took me about 10 minutes to completely dry my hair. It felt so smooth and soft. I used no product before drying.I have told so many ladies I work with about this. Best thing to shorten my morning routine." —Stacy

Get it from Amazon for $39.89 (available in two colors).

This small biz specializes in innovative, on-the-go makeup essentials and is known for their compact and customizable beauty product stacks.

Promising review: "Such a great little brush! So versatile. One of those makeup basics everyone should have. My adult daughter spotted mine in my makeup bag and immediately wanted one for herself." —Shawn Morgan

Get it from Subtl Beauty for $20.

The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.

Promising review: "Amazon makes all things possible, even the perfect winged liner. I’m speechless. I’ve never been able to do winged liner in the 30 years I’ve walked the Earth. This product is amazing, it’s seamless. Literally, it’s foolproof. Not to mention it has great staying power, it’s very dark, and hasn’t smudged all day. I seriously wasn’t expecting to like it this much, you’ve got a customer for life!" —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in three styles and a combo pack).

Check out why these are a fave in this TikTok.

Promising review: "I love every style I’ve tried from Lilac St. I have subscribed to their monthly program now and will continue using these beautiful lashes for forever. I’ve tried almost every false lash system on the market and none are as beautiful, wispy, light, and affordable as Lilac St. Waking up looking like my eye makeup is done every morning is awesome!!! These save so much time and I don’t have to use mascara anymore! I love Lilac St." —heather

Get them from Amazon for $9 (available in five styles).

Jenae: Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours. I recommend getting the style with a pump on top so you don't have to dip your fingers into the tub!

Promising review: "I have extremely dry skin that's also acne-prone and sensitive. That's a tough combination to treat because most products that heavily moisturizer also cause acne. This lotion is by far the best I've used! I can slather it on as much as I want without any irritation or acne and it soaks right in and soothes my dry skin. I'm a lifetime customer for sure." —Laura K.

Get the bundle with a pump from Amazon for $18.99 (also available separately and in a smaller size).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman says, "An oil is always the last step in my skincare routine, and The Ordinary's squalane oil is a personal fave. I use products with retinol weekly, so this oil plays a big role in keeping my skin hydrated and happy (retinol can often cause irritation and dry skin). I squeeze two to three drops into my palm — that's all you need! — warm it in my hands, and press it on my face, making sure every inch is covered. It definitely feels like I have an oil on my face but it's not suffocating or super greasy. Before I started using this, I would notice flaky, dry patches develop throughout the day. My skin was also a bit sensitive during cleansing. But since I've started using this consistently, my skin is much plumper, much glowier, and much more hydrated."

Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this oil. I have combination skin and it does not make me skin greasy or overproduce sebum. This oil is so lightweight that you can add serums and creams on top without making your skin feel packed. It hasn't made my skin break out at all and lasts for a long time. I purchased my second bottle; this is an essential in my skincare routine." —ashleymendoza

Get it from Sephora for $10.

Promising review: "I really like this concealer for everyday use. Let me start off by saying I’m an admitted makeup addict so I have a ton of concealers mostly more expensive ones but this little gem really surprised me. I have very sensitive skin especially around my eyes and this concealer didn’t bother me at all. It works well, not a super glam perfect canvas well but great for a natural everyday look. It’s quick and easy to put on and doesn’t crease or wear off easily. It washes off easily with soap though. This is my new go to concealer for quick everyday makeup." —Amanda

Check out our Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets.

Get it from Amazon for $6.50+ (available in 14 shades).

Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too).

Promising review: "I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin! I stopped using this product for a bit because TBH I was too lazy to order it again and my skin went back. When I started using it again my skin again looks amazing." —Jackie

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris

Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in eight colored sets).

The Crayon Case is a small Black-woman owned business founded by New Orleans entrepreneur and influencer, Supa Cent. The brand creates school supply themed makeup products for eyes, lips, and face.

Promising review: "This contour palette is bomb for the price! I am really pale and use Ross and Raven to contour and bronze. I’ve used the darker highlight as an eyeshadow and it’s gorgeous. I would recommend this to all skin tones!" —Sarah

Get it from The Crayon Case for $6.95 (originally $19.80).

Promising review: "I am in my late 60s with normal to dry skin and let me tell you, I'm already in love with this powder foundation! A lot of the reviews I've read have come from younger folks with oiler skin who rave about how awesome it is for oily, textured skin. Well, I'm here to tell you that my skin is mature, on the drier side, with dark spots, texture and wrinkles, and this stuff is magic IF you take the time to BUFF IT IN!! That's the big key here. I just received my package and couldn't wait to try it out, so without prepping my skin like I usually do before applying foundation, I took a full, dense, soft powder foundation brush and started working that baby into my skin. OMG the formula was so creamy. I just kept blending and blending, and my pores started to disappear, my dark spots began to be less noticeable, and my skin had a smooth, creamy, natural appearance like no other powder foundation I've ever tried (that includes my high-end products). Imagine with prepped skin how this could be! The hype is very real with this, I had to check it out for myself because I have dry, older skin, and sometimes powder foundations can make my skin look drier and too matte. Not this stuff." —Flanamom

Get it from Amazon for $10.65+ (available in 20 shades).

Promising review: "This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya

Get it from Amazon for $11.72+ (available in seven shades).

Promising review: "Holy grail for oily skin! My skin has always produced excess oil and I’m very prone to breakouts. One new thing in my skincare routine and I break out immediately the next day. So I was anxious to use this in fear it’d clog my pores-also had no idea this would actually help with combatting against my oily face! I live in Florida where it’s hot and humid basically 365 24/7. I put this on after doing all of my normal routine and it literally helps keep my skin OIL FREE! It’s incredible. I used to go through oil blotters, napkins, the back of my hands (gross I know) to dab at the excess oil but now I put this on and I’m good to go!" —Kay

Get it from Amazon for $12.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a while, but finally needed to write a review. This morning, I put my makeup on and did some generous sprays of this setting spray. Then, I went into the 100-plus-degree heat and demonstrated a short workout at an outdoor event. Despite drinking as much water as I could handle, I overheated quickly and EMS had to come to my rescue. Between my boyfriend and EMS, there was a small crowd around me literally pouring ice water on me, mopping my face and neck with cold towels, and pressing ice packs on me. This continued for a while and I was sure that my makeup was gone, but this spray kept my face mostly intact! If this spray can keep my makeup on through an encounter with EMS and being essentially submerged in ice water, it can keep yours on through your (hopefully less eventful) day!" —Bugaboo

Get it from Amazon for $7.79+ (available in four finishes — matte, dewy, radiant, and plump — and also a jumbo size)

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.