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31 Affordable Beauty Products That’ll Have Your Credit Card Breathing A Sigh Of Relief
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Sometimes the best beauty finds are under $10 and this gripping primer proves it. I'm a resident writer on the Buzzfeed Shopping team, where my love for shopping (and doomscrolling on TikTok) helps me curate lists of the most trending lifestyle, home, beauty, and fashion products. Promising review: "I LOVE the look of pimple patches on myself (as weird as that sounds) and absolutely hate the semi-clear ones, since they just draw my eyes to something that’s SUPPOSED to be invisible. So I easily fell in love with the Starface pimple patches — but the issue with those is they’re SO expensive. THESE, however, have immediately sucked everything out of my face. I love them and literally wear them all the time. So many people have complimented me, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I love how you just wear stickers on your face; it’s adorable.' These also work as [an alternative to] the TikTok Shop ones that are really popular right now and are cheaper! 10/10 from me :)" —evalyn evoke Get a pack of 240 patches from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four designs/shapes as well as multipacks). Promising review: "I love this tinted lip balm! It gives my lips the perfect wash of color while keeping them super soft and hydrated. The texture is smooth and lightweight — not sticky at all — and it feels like I'm just wearing a nourishing balm, but with a natural lipstick look. "The tint is buildable too, so I can swipe once for a subtle glow or add more for a deeper pop of color. It's perfect for days when I want a little something without doing a full face of makeup. Plus, it's great for touch-ups on the go." —J.P. Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (available in five shades). Check out a TikTok of the Aussie multi-use spray in action. Promising review: "This is an amazing product! It’s like that other '10' product, but MUCH more affordable! You only need to spritz some on your hand, rub palms together, and then apply. I have yet to try it on dry hair, but as a leave-in applied on wet hair, it is amazing! My hair is dry, medium to thick, and its texture changes due to hormonal fluctuations and certain medications. My hair feels wonderful with this (and it smells great, not overpowering at all). Best leave-in I’ve used in quite a long time that doesn’t leave my hair feeling weighed down or dirty. Highly recommend if you like '10' products. Can’t go wrong with this stuff!" —Shayne Promising review: "So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nicely without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." —jessica alexandra Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in six shades) My review: "I have been a ride-or-die for the One/Size On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray, but the price was getting a little hard to keep restocking on, so I decided to give L'Oreal a chance, and boy, did it not disappoint. It feels very similar on the skin, giving my makeup a matte finish without feeling like I added another heavy layer to my face. I've tested it out in intense humidity, rain, and at outdoor events where I had a full beat for over 12 hours — it didn't budge." Promising review: "I’ve used this setting spray a few times now and I absolutely love it. It really helps my makeup stay in place all day without needing touch-ups, even in heat or humidity. The mist is super fine and dries quickly without feeling sticky or heavy on the skin. It sets everything beautifully without ruining your makeup or leaving any residue. I also love that it doesn’t have a strong scent. If you want your makeup to last and still feel comfortable, this is a great choice. Definitely a new favorite in my routine!" —YSantiago BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea benton "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK Get a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $11.99 (available in fives and in multipacks). Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first, but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." —Chrissy Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the Nyx Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long-lasting as any other thick lip gloss. It’s always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." —Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 18 shades). It works for all curl types from 2a–4c. Promising reviews: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel-dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." —Marissa "My baby has curly hair, and since the texture is a lot different than mine, I have been trying out different products for her hair. I saw this one on TikTok and decided to give it a try. It is slowly becoming one of my go-to products for her! It does not leave the hair crunchy at all, and it moisturizes her curls nicely. Also smells good!" —Heather This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it! Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical, but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows, and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.50 (also available in a nine-pack). Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "Absolute sorcery. I have sagging skin at the jawline from weight loss. This stuff has absolutely helped! I’m really impressed. Has smoothed out the crepe paper look. Try it!" —S. Livingston "This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using it daily (morning and evening) for over two months and still have product left. I’ve even tried it on my face, and it gives me a bit of a 'facelift.' I’m officially a Bond girl. A bit sticky to the touch after a few hours of wear, but that doesn’t bother me. Will order again." —AP Wang Check out our Instagram post to see just how grippy it really is. Yup, that's me in the video and photo above! This is my HOLY GRAIL primer! I use it every time I have a big event or just need my makeup to last more than an hour. As an acne-prone girly, I've tried so many primers to find one that doesn't irritate my skin and actually leaves it looking relatively smooth. This one has yet to let me down! Make sure to wait 30 seconds before applying your foundation to ensure it has fully set, since it does go on a little tacky. Also, ALWAYS PAT IN for best results. I have made the mistake of rubbing it in like other primers, and it doesn't leave the same smooth finish, or it will clump up a little. The cooling gel is also so nice because it makes your skin feel hydrated and helps your makeup not flake off. It is water-based, so I recommend checking your foundation ingredients to ensure it is compatible. The rule of thumb is: Water-based primer goes with water-based foundation, and silicone-based primer goes with silicone-based foundation. 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). Check out this Tiktok of Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control. Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars, I would! Ran out of 'The Ordinary' hyaluronic acid I’ve been using for a year, and no stores close [by] sold it, so I gave this a try. So glad I did because it’s a thousand times better!! I put it on first, then moisturizer after I put on my primer and makeup, and it looks the best it’s ever looked. My pores were smaller in just three days, and my skin was so hydrated. I have combo skin, so my 'T' zone gets awfully oily. The fix is to make sure your skin is hydrated. Also, the bottle is twice the size of 'The Ordinary'! This does it all!!! So very impressed." —smnthfinch Promising review: "I am LOVING this 'ONE AND DONE' product. I'd watched a few videos about how wonderful having this dual-ended item was; blush on one side, bronzer on the other. I needed something easy for travel, and I love creamy textures, so I thought I'd try them. WOW; I'm in love. They glide across the skin, blend out, and look very natural. The value is fantastic compared to other dual-ended makeup sticks. The smell is light and a touch tropical." —Vanessa Sykes Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in four shade combos). Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. Buzzfeed Shopping writer Emma Lord 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). I have tried plenty of foundations, and this one has always been my go-to! Literally since high school! Back in my cheer days, this would last hours of sweat and intense lifts without budging (or making me look like a greasy pizza). It's super buildable, so I can use a light layer for everyday wear or add a bit more if I am going full glam. I never feel too cakey even with several layers on. I also love liquid products, so this blends beautifully with my many layers of blush and contour. 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 44 shades). Promising reviews: "My hair grows somewhat fast, so I find myself coloring my roots at a minimum every two weeks, which I think is bad for my hair. This product has been a lifesaver in allowing me to extend that time frame somewhat. I wish I had found it sooner!" —Mmandkcs "This is the second time I have purchased this. The first time I bought it was because I saw a TikTok where someone used this to make fake freckles. I did that a couple of times, and it was cute, but fake freckles just aren't me. I kept it around, though. Then one day I was throwing my hair up in a tight ponytail and I noticed the little thinned-out areas around my temple. I thought I'd give it a go and sprayed this on...and now this is a total game changer. I use this stuff almost daily when I have a hairstyle that shows that area. A little spritz, and that hairline area is perfect! It stays all day and looks so natural."—Jennifer Simmons Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in eight colors). Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six 'almost' versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, the same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack, so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!" Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim [because] I never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). Promising reviews: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. It's gentle on the skin. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." —KimT "Wow, does this work amazingly! I discovered this from a TikTok video, and I am so pleased with how this works. It is literally like magic; my feet have never been this soft." —Brian Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product in so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Placeholder BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes has only praise for this product. Check out her Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener review to learn more. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." —Julie F. Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in five styles). Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered, but then I got an email saying it was in stock, and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." —Kelsey B. Promising reviews: "I have only used the two original pens that I purchased and can already see an improvement. I am older than 60 and drink coffee daily and red wine weekly." —vicki houska "I have extremely sensitive teeth from over-whitening in high school, but this product has been such a lifesaver! I am a daily black coffee and red wine [drinker], so my teeth have taken a toll as far as staining goes. Seriously, I was very hesitant about getting this because of how sensitive my teeth are, but I wish I had gotten it sooner! This is such a great product!" —Mimi Doherty Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.95 (also available individually and in a four-pack). Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit pricey compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT." Promising review: "As a foundation enthusiast, I own and have tried SO many foundations (drugstore, luxury, and prestige brands). This foundation is in my top five of all time. For the price, it is FABULOUS. Great for skin of all ages, blends into the skin effortlessly, and gives you a nice airbrushed effect. The perfect [swap] for Dior Airflash! It also comes with a blending brush that works well with the application process. Will continue to buy again and again, and I plan on buying in different shades for my client's makeup kit." —Gabrielle Vera Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 12 shades). Just a little cleanser, buff, and moisturizer for the smoothest skin you've been dreaming of. Promising review: "I used this product years ago and had the most amazing skin, but I assumed it was mostly genetics. Now that my skin is showing signs of aging, I decided to give it another try — and I'm so glad I did. My skin is transforming daily. They say your skin can rebuild itself, and it really does — especially when you remove the buildup of dead skin cells. I've been using it morning and night, and I genuinely look younger. My skin feels polished, my pores are noticeably smaller, and I need much less makeup. Such a fantastic product — highly recommend!" —Sweet Caroline It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them. Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair, and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare, and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too, right? This makes my hair soooo soft, and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good, and it smells fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil, and I will never use anything else but this." —Brianna Get it from Amazon for $17.88+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and five other formulas). Promising review: "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent Get it from Amazon for $12.15+ (available in two colors). Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift, and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it worked for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time! Promising reviews: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist-length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" —Ilsa Get the 2.0 model from Amazon for $45.21+ (available in three styles). Many reviewers with curl types 4a–c prefer the oval brush, but if you're looking to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step paddle brush instead. This model is made for users with curlier hair. You can get it for $49.99. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair! 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 $5.99+ (available in four sets of colors). Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz! Promising review: "I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money, and I believe I have found a winner with Elizabeth Mott’s product! I am thankful and impressed!" —Miss Lilly It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination! It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "I ran out of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, which I love, but didn’t want to spend $169. After reading glowing reviews, I gave this serum a try. Wow! Just as effective for a fraction of the cost. It smooths your skin and reduces my bumpy texture. At 62, I no longer break out, but now have milia. This product, along with Paula’s Choice BHA, is slowly reducing the milia and improving texture. Buy it!" —ramonalisa "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O. Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes). * Beauty Products Reviewers Say They’ve Been Using For Over 5 Years * Easy Makeup Products That Won’t Require You To Watch Beauty TikTok Tutorials * Trust Me When I Say You’ll Want To Add These 38 Beauty Products To Your Routine ASAP * TikTok-Approved Beauty Products That’ll Convince You That App Isn’t A Total Waste Of Time * Beauty Items With Results So Good, You'll Wonder If Otherworldly Forces Are Involved Plus, finds from Amazon, Glossier, The Ordinary, Sephora, Soko Glam, Tarte, Ulta, 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.
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