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If you’ve decided that this is the year you’re gonna wear more than just mascara and lip balm...read on.

I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels.

Promising review: "I bought this because I was looking for a high SPF something that would be easy to re-apply during the day. I have a lot of redness on and around my nose and struggle with chin-acne and have dry skin. WOW, I'm so happy to have found this, it has replaced every foundation and concealer in my drawer. It is buildable, fun to use, and easy to apply in a way that it looks natural. I'm lucky that it works with my skin tone and I hope more shades are made soon." —KaraLea F.

Get it from Sokoglam for $42 (available in two shades).

Promising review: "I was skeptical. I have never had success with getting a concealer color proper when selecting online. The color is a perfect match!

The lip and cheek is great. All the products are good. I'm loving how fast my routine is in the morning now. No searching. It's all there, at my finger tips." —Tina B.

Get it from Subtl for $55 (originally $80; available in 21 shades).

Promising review: "Finally, a fine tip to draw hairs with ease. And I am not a pro by any means, but this makes it so easy to fill in spots I have missing from scarring and sparse areas due to age! Great color that blends well with medium or dark brown hair and a gel that holds them in place without messing up the pen strokes, no transfer, no flaking, and not shiny or hard…soft, stay in place brows. I don’t write reviews often but this was so worth it after trying so many! Highly recommended." —katy h

Get it from Amazon for $4+ (available in five shades).

Promising review: "Beginner friendly. I love how well this stays on, but also how easily it washed off! Good, even coverage with no clumps." —Rachel B.

Get it from Thrive Causemetics for $26 (available in seven shades).

Promising review: "The concealer from Tarte is really amazing. It has a creamy texture that blends perfectly into the skin and doesn’t look cakey. It covers dark circles and imperfections really well, but still feels light and comfortable on the face. The shade matches nicely and looks very natural. It works great as part of a full-face makeup look and stays nice all day. I would definitely recommend it if you want a smooth and flawless finish." —Veronika S.

Get it from Tarte for $32 (available in 47 shades).

Promising review: "I am a 34-year-old with dry skin and this is the only product that has helped my foundation not look dry and patchy." —Jena A.

Get it from Rhode for $20+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "Cost effective. Lasts more than 10 hours of my shift AND I work in a hospital and it survives all the chaos. I always get compliments whenever i wear this blush." —dan-i

"Good pigment— strong yet buildable. smooth look. Not much blending required to disperse color." —Caroline Denton

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

Promising reviews: "Love this product! All you need is the eraser and water. It really does remove the makeup. Easily! I have gone these as gifts! They are soft- does NOT scratch your skin or eyelids. They last a long time and are machine washable." —Kindle Customer

"I was pretty skeptical but have been desperate after my makeup remover wipes have started burning my face. This little fuzzy piece of cloth removed ALL my makeup in half the time and my face doesn’t hurt. I even went over my face with one of my regular makeup wipes just to see if there was any residue left behind—nothing. I am sold!! Even removes my waterproof mascara way better than a makeup wipe. I’m in love!" —Anna Bode

Get it from Amazon for $22.77+ (available in 13 color combinations).

Promising reviews: "I really love that it looks very shiny and shimmery (peach bellini). Even a coworker said 'Girl, your lip gloss is popping!' 😂 It's a win/win: looks pretty, plus the lip balm benefits." —Armeny

"I normally don't write reviews but I had to this time. This lip gloss is very hydrating, pretty, and doesn't have that rebound dryness a lot of products have. I don't even buy lip products anymore because the dryness always gets worse when I use them. I gave these a try because I will always support cruelty- free companies. I was shocked to find my lips were still hydrated after the gloss had worn off later that day. I immediately went and ordered more colors. Definitely recommend!" —Bunnygirl

Get it from Ulta for $21 (available in nine shades).

Promising reviews: "As someone who doesn’t like foundation since it makes me feel cakey, I find that this is the best simple every-day tint. It has nice coverage, you really only need about four seed-size drops around your face, then blend with fingers or a brush. Pro tip: spray a glowy setting spray on your face before blending!! I don’t wear makeup often since I breakout sometimes, but this is very lightweight and good for simple daily wear!" —jjaelynn25

"This skin tint is my absolute favorite! I have combo acne-prone skin and it doesn’t cling to any of my spots. Also doesn’t enhance texture, has a radiant/natural finish, it's acne/fungal acne safe, and buildable coverage." —Sephora customer

Get it from Sephora for $24 (available in 20 shades).

Promising reviews: "I personally don't think this has a smell and I've been using it daily for almost four months now. I waited to do a review to see if it was going to cause breakouts or other issues with prolonged use (since I have sensitive and reactive skin). Happy to report it has not caused any issues at all, and I've actually seen an improvement in my skin! I use this with pat mcgrath labs skin fetish sublime perfection primer base and morphe continous setting mist. This trio of products leaves me with a natural, dewy finish that lasts literally all day (up to 16+ hours). I've gotten SOO many compliments on how I have great skin since using this skin tint and even a few people who couldn't tell I had anything on. Highly recommend everyone try this product. It's amazing." —sarah

"Such a pretty glow from this "serum"…also acting as foundation and sunscreen!!! Perfect for my 71-year-old face! Never cakes or creases, and gives me a subtle sheen so I don't have to add other products to get a glow!" —Cappie

Get it from Ulta for $48 (available in 30 shades).

Promising review: "This stuff genuinely works better than almost anything else I have tried for taking off makeup at the end of the day. One cotton pad soaked in this removes everything including mascara and eyeliner without any rubbing or irritation. My skin is on the sensitive side and this has never caused any redness or reaction which I really appreciate. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft not stripped or dry and the price is great especially for how long a bottle lasts. There is a reason everyone uses this one." —Marc

Get it from Amazon for $3.82+ (available in two sizes and one or two-packs).

Set includes Smudge Eye Sponge, Lip Defining Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, Blending Eye Brush, Defining Eye Brush, Eyelash & Brow Wand, Brow Comb & Brush, Foundation Brush, Bronzer Brush, Total Face Brush, Concealer Brush & Eyeliner Brush.

Promising reviews: "I love these brushes. They're all labeled for its specific function so you know you have a brush for all your makeup needs. There's even an all-face brush included in this set. The bristles are so soft it feels like a feather on your face. If you're a beginner this is the set for you. Everything you need for one low price!" —Forever Boston

"I have been very satisfied with this product. I'm really a novice when it comes to makeup, but I have been trying to improve and having a pack of these that I acquired at a very reasonable price helps. They are each individually packaged with no pouch or any means of keeping them together, but I already had a makeup case to use with them. My mother was jealous when she saw them, so I bought a second set for her for Christmas!" —Liyana

Promising reviews: "I normally don't leave reviews but after using this product, I felt the need to let everyone be aware of how great this product is. My makeup brushes got cleaned so easily, even my stubborn, waterproof foundation and concealer brushes were completely clean after one or two washes with this product. It is also non-drying so I didn't feel the need to go in with a conditioner afterwards, which was great." —Val

"I found this in store and with how relatively cheap it is and a big bottle, I decided to give it a try. I started cleaning my brushes and immediately noticed how CLEAN they were compared to the other cleaner I used. They're completely back to the same color as when I bought them! No foundation in sight! 100% recommend! BUY THIS." —AHappyMakeupCustomer

Get it from Ulta for $10+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "I’m just learning a few things about eyeshadow (or trying to 🤣) at the ripe age of 41. I love the Color Pop palettes." —Amazon Customer

"A COMPLETELY cool-toned eyeshadow palette!!! Omg!!! I cried when I saw this advertised on TikTok. I thought, 'There's no way this is true.' Well, it is!! Every single shade can be worn alone or layered for different effects and GUARANTEES a great eye makeup day. The coverage is stellar, highly pigmented and blends so easy, it's amazing! Best large palette I've ever had. Like all powders, it tends to crease so make sure to use a primer or setting spray to lock it all in." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $35 (also available in five other shades).

Promising review: "I've stuck to cream concealers since turning 40, thinking they would be better for the bit of texture under my eye. Over time (well, 10 years) I learned not to do the TikTok application of applying concealer all around my eye, instead dotting it on the very inner corner of my eye where my darkness is most noticeable. This Glossier concealer is perfect, both in the shade match and consistency. It blends easily but doesn't move around. It works well to cover a bit of redness on my cheeks, and can even function as foundation when I'm in a hurry. At this price point, it's such a deal." —Dawn S.

"I have really bad dark circles, so I usually apply a peach-toned corrector under my concealer to hide them better. But with this concealer, I didn’t need to use anything underneath — it matched my skin tone perfectly and has great coverage." —Nicole B.

Get it from Glossier for $22 (available in 30 shades).

Promising reviews: "This is a great lipstick! Non-drying, feels weightless on the lips and really lasts." —rainicity

"I have been loving this lipstick! It is so pretty! Matte but hydrating and blurred! So beautiful! My lips but better! I want to buy more shades." —ajcrane

Get it from Sephora for $16 (available in 10 shades). 

Promising reviews: "The best make up setter. I have tried other less expensive brands but always come back to this. It is a finer spray so coverage is more complete and it actually lasts longer than other sprays." —Amazon Customer

"This is my new "can't do without." Love this stuff and a little goes a long way. It makes my makeup last all day without any touch ups. Without it, my face tends to get oily looking and I have to put more powder on which ends up making my face look dry and the makeup settles in my fine lines. With this spray, I can set it and forget it!" —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes and two-packs).

Promising review: "This was my first time buying and using Paula’s Choice toner, and I’m very impressed with the results. I have large pores, and after adding this toner to my skincare routine, I noticed that my pores look much smaller. It has made a huge difference in how my makeup applies—my foundation looks more like natural skin and goes on much smoother.

The toner is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. I use it every other day, mostly at night, and it has become a must-have in my nighttime skincare routine. If you’re looking for a product that helps minimize the appearance of pores and creates a smoother base for makeup, I highly recommend giving this toner a try." —Thanh D. Nguyen

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes and one or two-packs).

Promising review: "I am absolutely obsessed with this multi-use stick! It has quickly become my go-to for achieving a fresh, glowy look in under five minutes. I love that I can use one product for my eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s a total game changer for my morning routine and keeps my makeup bag from getting cluttered. The cream-to-powder formula is incredibly creamy and lightweight. It glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly with just my fingertips, melting right into the skin for a natural finish. This has quickly become a top item on my favorite things list!" —Audrey

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in seven shades).

Promising reviews: "This product is amazing. I love how pigmented it is and non-smearing.  It went on soo smoothly.  Also, it’s not irritating to my eyes. I love my purchase!!" —vallygal

"These are an absolute dream. They are highly pigmented and last ALL DAY. Easily one of the best eyeshadows out there." —CaroBoop

Get it from Sephora for $32 (available in two finishes and 15 shades).

Promising reviews: "This is the best mascara I've found for lift and hold. My eyelashes are very straight so I curl them and this holds the curl. I get minimal smudges where my top lashes touch my eyelids, but other than that it's great!"—Tressa R.

"Been using this consistently for 2+ years now and I don’t see myself ever switching. This mascara stays on and keeps my lashes curled literally all day (even the next day if I fall asleep with it on after a night out lol). The waterproof is the best!!! Dries and holds shape immediately and makes my lashes look so good. I get compliments all the time still and I always recommend this to people!" —hannah kate

Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (available in two shades). 

Promising reviews: "This makes your skin look like GLASS! Like you are glowing from within. The most natural, radiant, sparkle-free highlighter I’ve come across (and I do love me some sparkle but there’s a time and a place.) Staying power and blendability are also wonderful." —jessicaq123

"I love, love, love this product. When you do not have time or want to wear makeup, this is perfect. Use on cheeks, forehead, nose and eyelids. Blend and you are good to go. Look polished without lots of heavy makeup nor more than a minute to put on." —dnectow

Get it from Sephora for $26+ (available in two sizes and five shades).

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and it works beautifully. I wish I tried this sooner, the scent is so pleasing and the mask itself is buttery and dries like a lip balm." —hunnibunnii

"I LOVE this lip mask. It smells so good and it’s super hydrating." —ilikemakeup23

Get it from Sephora for $8 (available in two flavors).

Promising reviews: "I recently started using blush and has been a bit difficult finding good colors for brown skin. This is so cute on my skin! Very smooth and beginner-friendly." —Prathyusha

"This NYX Powder Blush is fantastic! The color is beautiful, and it doesn't dry out my skin. It blends effortlessly without any patchiness and looks lovely on the skin. It lasts all day long, making it a must-have in my makeup routine!" —barbara

Get it from Amazon for $9.39+ (available in 13 shades).

Promising review: "These blotting papers and the sticky puff they attach to is genius!! Where has this been all my life?! Gently removes the oil from my face without disturbing my makeup at all. I love them!" —itsninfaJZ

"Having oily skin, especially around the T-zone (forehead and nose), isn’t the problem — constantly layering powder throughout the day is what often makes makeup look heavy, textured, and cakey. These blotting sheets from @Sephora are amazing for absorbing excess oil without disturbing your makeup or adding more powder to the skin.  They’re compact enough to fit in your purse and come with a clever adhesive pad dispenser that easily picks up one sheet at a time. Once the adhesive layer loses its grip, simply peel it off to reveal a fresh new layer underneath." —MeshaMUA

Get them from Sephora for $12 (refill packets also available).

Promising reviews: "It's incredibly useful; it corrects eyeliner very effectively. You'll never need makeup remover again—this completely replaces it. A great feature is that you can easily carry it in your makeup bag. It's truly practical and perfectly removes any line you want." —Fidelin

"I wasn't sure what to expect with a makeup remover pen, but let me tell you - I was NOT disappointed!! This is the best staple to have in your makeup bag! It's a game changer! No more need for quips or anything else! I love how easy it erasers, it doesn't leave anything behind! The style of the pens is well thought out and it has such a great grip!" —Nikki

Reviewers say the gloss's tingling sensation and plumping effect can be intense, so folks with very sensitive skin may want to skip this one.

Promising reviews: "For most of the plumping lip glosses that I've tried, they plump but they leave my lips dry. These leave my lips so hydrated + bouncy! And the level of sparrkle is perfect! I have Chuckie and I need to try Fembot < 3" —Benji

"I am absolutely obsessed with this stuff. I got the shade Fembot after seeing it online and it is STUNNING. So shimmery, SO HOLOGRAPHIC which I adore! I like to wear it with a nude liner. It is pretty intense though, as far as the feel of the plumper goes, and it honestly seemed to actually make my lips a bit fuller; not many plumpers I've tried actually do that. I would not recommend this to somebody with sensitive skin, but if you can handle it, it's amazing. My new favorite gloss, I'm gonna go back and get every shade." —Caitee

Get it from Ulta for $22 (available in four shades). 

Promising review: "I've been using the Benefit Lip and Cheek Stain for a while now, and it's quickly become a staple in my makeup routine. The formula is lightweight, buildable, and gives a really natural flush to both the lips and cheeks. It blends seamlessly and leaves a fresh, just-pinched look that lasts for hours. One of the things I love most is its versatility—perfect for no-makeup makeup days or layered under other products for more intensity. The staying power is impressive too; once it sets, it stays all throughout meals and drinks." —jennac163_3991

"I'm absolutely IN LOVE with this formula. To be honest, I was expecting an overly pigmented product upon opening. I am pleasantly surprised. A light fresh scent that dries down with no scent. I applied a very thin layer as a prefer natural makeup looks. I dabbed it right after applying and it dried down into a gorgeous natural shade. I have very pale lips and this brought them back to life. I love that it's buildable for a full glam look. Application of a VERY THIN layer lasted 7-8 hours. Zero transfer. I didn't like using this product as much on the cheeks, however I have rosacea so maybe the formula will work better on different skin. I'm giving this a 10/10!" —elizabethdolce_5909

Get it from Benefit for $28 (available in three shades). 

Promising reviews: "You can’t go wrong with this powder. No flash back, great for baking, sets everything for a lifetime, lasts forever, and is just all around the perfect powder for beginners. And if you’re getting into makeup, it teaches you what a good setting powder is. Every other powder is always compared to this. The true OG." —MadiPickle

"This is an awesome product. I am a beginner at makeup and this totally works for holding your makeup in place. My eyeliner stayed all day with the setting powder on top." —syzen

Get it from Sephora for $25+ (available in two sizes and six shades).

Promising reviews: "I’m not usually a makeup person, but I could not be more in love with this! It makes my face look so much better and it makes me feel so much more confident. 10/10 recommend!" —Payton K.

"This was the first primer I ever had the privilege of trying. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I had been told that primer would make my makeup go on better and stay on longer. I tried it and instantly loved it. At the end of the day, my makeup was still looking like it did when I put it on that morning. I have tried other primers, but this is the one I come back to every time." —Laura

Get it from Milk Makeup for $20+ (available in three sizes). 

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Plus, finds from Amazon, Glossier, Soko Glam, Tarte, and Walmart.

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.