32 Cheap Beauty Products That Actually Factually Deliver Results

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

Because you shouldn’t have to waste beaucoup dollars on products that don’t work.

1. A long-lasting mascara formulated to give you bold and intense lashes even *you* will think are falsies. Salon quality at a fraction of the cost? Yes, please!Promising review: “I NEVER write reviews unless I either really love something or hate it, and I LOVE THIS MASCARA. I am a mascara fanatic; I buy mascara constantly, always trying to find the best one. So, this mascara is super cheap and the best one I’ve bought so far. This mascara doesn’t clump (unless you don’t know what you’re doing), and it has great volume and thickness. You can use one coat to be subtle, or you can keep building it up. It also lasts all day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS! It’s a steal. Better than all the higher-end mascaras I’ve tried and the drugstore ones. I will most definitely be buying another one when my current one runs out.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Check out BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd’s in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review.

2. And a magical mascara remover since it’ll remove that stubborn (but admittedly long-lasting) waterproof mascara. It applies a liquid that melts away makeup while nourishing skin with camellia oil, almond oil, argan oil, and wild rose oil.
And BuzzFeed writer Melanie Aman is in love with this thing:

“This stuff is MAGICAL. I have stick-straight Asian lashes that refuse to hold a curl with wetter mascara formulas. As a result, I have to use waterproof mascara, which is a total pain to remove at night. Instead of rubbing my eyes raw with makeup removers that burn, I apply this like mascara, let it sit for a few minutes, and my waterproof mascara MELTS. Then I go in with a micellar water–soaked cotton pad, and my mascara is gone in 1–2 passes.”

Promising review: “TikTok made me buy it. It definitely does the trick, and it’s super portable.” —Mbae

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

3. A skin spatula with four modes that’ll offer you a deeper clean and help remove blackheads, oil, and other dirt chilling beneath your skin. It even comes with scrubber attachments so you can experience a spa-like massage at home.

Promising review: “After my last pregnancy, I started developing cystic acne; my skin was congested with oil, whiteheads, blackheads, you name it. After all those years of desperately doing my own extractions, trying every mask, cleanser, and device, my skin was scarred and discolored. I hated the texture of my skin. I impulsively bought this and tried it the day it was delivered. I was amazed at how well it extracted all the gunk I could and couldn’t see lurking under my skin. I use it every night to cleanse, then apply my serum and moisturizer. I took the first set of photos on 5/27 and still didn’t love how my skin looked under makeup. I could tell it was doing something, though, so I stuck with it. Three days later, I woke up in shock! Took the second set of photos wearing the same makeup (but needed much less). I am finally happy with how my skin looks, and I posted a selfie without a filter for the first time since I can remember! Just try it! (All photos were taken in natural light. Must’ve gotten some cloud cover in the last one. No filters on ANY of them! I’m still in shock!)” —Marlena H.

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three colors).

4. A skin-evening eyeshadow primer because you didn’t perfect your pink-to-orange ombré and cat-eye eyeliner for it to melt before the whole world could see it! This clear, waterproof primer will have you thanking it later.

Promising review: “This product is magical. I have very oily skin that tends to mess with my makeup as a whole. I have hooded eyes and a little extra skin. This is all perfect for mascara on eye socket bone, shifting shadows, and terrible eyeliner — this fixes it all. It holds my eyeshadow in place, no mascara gets on the bone, and eyeliner stays on all day. It’s so great. For reference, I have tried all the drugstore options plus Urban Decay. Highly recommend and will be repurchasing.” —TheGooGooMuck

Get it from Amazon for $11.19.

5. A Some by Mi Miracle tea tree leaf toner designed to help those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. This exfoliating toner can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.Promising review: “This stuff works! First, there was no purging period, which my acne-prone skin is grateful for. It also doesn’t sting or smell harsh. Within a week of using this toner, I stopped having breakouts. My dark spots are slowly getting lighter, and my skin is starting to glow. I’m on my second bottle now, and I have nothing but good things to say. I really hope they never stop making this.” —kem

Get it from Amazon for $12.

6. A moisturizing and nonsticky Etude lip tint whose water-based formula absorbs quickly, leaving behind a perfect and long-lasting color. Pucker up!

Promising review: “This is an alternative for Benetint. I wanted to try this because I saw it on TikTok. It literally smells amazing and stains my lips so well. It’s also lightweight and comfortable on the lips; it doesn’t feel dry, which I like, so I recommend.” —❤️❤️

Get it from Amazon for $6.77+ (available in six shades and combo packs). 

7. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that’ll remove years’ worth of calluses quick and easy. Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let it do its magic, and rinse!

Promising review: “Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love.” —Cheri whisker

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

8. An eight-second L’Oréal lamellar rinse-out treatment for shinier, healthier, and silkier hair in, well, eight seconds. No need to wait 10 long minutes to rinse your hair out. This treatment targets damaged areas to help give you smooth and shiny hair that’s easier to style.

Use this two to three times per week after shampooing your hair, and remember not to use it on your scalp. This treatment is just for the length of your hair.

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 always used ethnic hair products and stayed away from brands such as this one. 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. Thank you so much!! ♥️” —Theressa Hailey

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

9. A skin-repairing body oil chock-full of natural oils to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its skin-renewal formula could help fade acne scars, surgery scars, and so much more!Just make sure to use sunscreen with this since it can make you a bit more sensitive to the sun.

Promising review: “Bio-Oil is the BEST skin product on the market. I use it twice a day: morning and before I go to bed. Small lines have disappeared. My skin is very smooth and seems to glow. A doctor recommended this to one of my friends, who told me about it. I have bought several bottles as gifts. Be patient. It will take a few months for you to see the changes. I am 71 years old. No one paid me to write this.” —Amazon Customer

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

10. A vegan and paraben-free self-tanner if you simply won’t have the time to lay in the sun to get the glow you deserve. Get the tan of your dreams in just an hour!

Promising review: “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!” —Amazon Customer 

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six shades).

11. An oil-absorbing face roller made using absorbent volcanic stone that’ll soak up any excess oil. Forget those disposable oil-blotting sheets and get instant matte skin ASAP!

Promising review: “I have super oily skin and am always looking for something to help control it during the day. The linen squares are good, but you have to keep them around (aka keep replacing them), and they end up in the landfill. This little contraption really works, and I just rinse it at the end of the day and start over again the next. I kept one on my desk and bought a second for my purse. This is magic for my shiny skin, especially on camera in my hours of Zoom every day.” —Jennifer Helseth

Get it from Amazon for $9.09.

12. A roll-on after-shave treatment formulated with salicylic acid to help get rid of and prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps so you can bikini it up without fear.

Amazon

Megababe is a woman-owned small biz making skincare products for problems the beauty industry often ignores.

Promising review: “I love everything from Megababe, and this is amazing! Got rid of shaving irritation almost immediately, and the red bumps were gone entirely in under 24 hours.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Megababe on Amazon for $13.97.

13. A gentle, plant-based face serum whose blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, witch hazel, and jojoba oil can help even skin tone and reveal your inner radiance.
Promising review: “I am prone to a chin breakout during that time of the month. After reading so many reviews, I gave this a shot, and I’m very glad I did. My skin has cleared up considerably in the three months I’ve been using this product. I put it on every morning under my makeup, after my shower, and again before bed. WOW, my skin looks so great! The texture is smoother, I have even less small acne than before, and overall, I see a marked improvement in my complexion. Love this stuff and will continue to buy it over and over each time the bottle runs out.” —C. Morris

Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).

14. A non-greasy CeraVe under-eye cream with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe skin. If stress has been keeping you up at night and resulting in puffiness, this may just leave you with brighter and less swollen under-eyes.

Promising review: “This has truly been a savior for my under-eye concerns. It works wonders on dark circles and puffiness, leaving my delicate eye area feeling nourished and rejuvenated. The gentle formula doesn’t irritate, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin. A must-have in my skincare routine!” —Veronica Smith

Get it from Amazon for $11.75.

15. Or a rejuvenating vegan eye cream that’ll absorb quickly into the skin to start the process of brightening and lifting your under-eye area. Perpetual late nights got nothing on this cream!

LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.

Promising review: “I never ever write reviews. I have tried every eye cream out there. Not one does what it says. This was immediate! I saw the softening of my wrinkles and crow’s-feet. It’s amazing. I will be buying this again and again.” —melisa delaney

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

16. An anti-bacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil to help prevent breakouts. Truly have a bottom as smooth as, well, a baby’s bottom.

Promising review: “This product is gentle on the skin but strong enough to combat any buttock issues caused by stress, environmental issues, or whatever. Living in the Deep South, we sometimes have a condition called ‘swamp butt.’ Little red bumps like a rash or breakout can form in sensitive areas. I’ve been using this product once a day after showering, and I’ve had ZERO bumps in over three months. It works.” —Billie B

Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 

17. A nail and cuticle repair oil that’ll help soften cuticles and strengthen your nails when used daily.Promising review: “My nails have always been cracked, thin, and brittle. I read about this product and decided to give it a try. It’s the first time I have been able to grow out my nails. I’m so amazed by this product that I had to come back to write my first review. It really works!!” —Stace

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in two sizes).

18. A cute lil’ octopus-shaped blackhead remover for gently scrubbing away excess sebum and exfoliate your pores. It’ll help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and whatever else is trapped in your clogged pores. 

Promising review: “I have awful pores and am always using super drying products on my face to target this annoying adult acne I now have, but that causes flakey skin. I have sensitive skin, so there are only so many affordable store-bought scrubs I can use. So far, the ones I’ve tried don’t do enough or anything at all. The FIRST TIME I used this, I literally watched my pores get cleaned out, and my skin wasn’t irritated at all by the ingredients. The scent is very pleasant and not too strong at all, I think. It seems like it will also last a while because I really used the heck out of it the first day because it was working so well and my pores are deeply clogged. When I was done, my face looked SO much better and was super smooth. I was really amazed that this tiny little Tako could do that. I love this thing!” —Diane Delfino

Get it from Amazon for $12.50. 

19. An eyeliner stamp so you don’t have to trial-and-error your way to the perfect cat-eye. This smudge-proof and waterproof formula will keep you looking fierce all day long.

Lovoir Beauty is a small biz based in New Zealand!

Promising review: “I don’t wear makeup because I pretty much don’t know how to. I thought I’d give this a go because I have no skills and can’t do a cat-eye to save my life. But I was able to do this on the first try! I really thought it was going to take a while to get the hang of things, but it didn’t! Truly amazing, and it stays on all day and comes off easily! Love, love, love!” —Ilana

Get it from Lovoir Beauty on Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three styles).

20. A reparative K-beauty snail mucin essence with a hydrating and hypoallergenic formula that may help remove dark spots and fine lines. Reviewers say it makes their skin glow!

Promising review: “This stuff is incredible. I have suffered from minor acne for almost two years, and I finally realized the products I was using were far too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin. After using gentle products and eventually moving on to K-beauty, I found this to lighten all the scarring from the years of picking at my breakouts. My scarring is still a bit noticeable, but it has gotten tremendously better thanks to this product and this product alone.” —Marc

Get it from Amazon for $16.19.

21. Paula’s Choice BHA liquid exfoliant if you’re sensitive to scents but want to gently unclog your pores, as well as exfoliate and brighten your skin. This unscented leave-on formula is even gentle enough for daily use (though you may need to work up to it!).Promising review: “I bought this in a dark time: My skin texture was garbage, all my pores were massive, I had clogged pores all over my face, and I was just waiting for them to become actual acne. I got this because I just wanted SOMETHING to help with my skin texture while I waited for my oral prescription. Now listen here — THE FIRST time I used it, I saw a difference. My forehead and cheeks, right to the side of my nose, were flawless. I don’t know what kind of stuff was in it that provided immediate results. I thought maybe that was just ‘fake’ results like it has something to gloss over the skin surface to give the appearance of smoothness. But then I used this stuff twice a day for four days, and alllll of the tiny red pimples all over my cheeks and forehead were gone, and my pores STAYED small! I am telling you. This product has changed my whole face in under a week. It’s so clear! I expect to have full celebrity skin going forward. You have to try this. You barely need to use any of it, too. It’s a thicker gel liquid, so it smooths on so easily, and you don’t have to use a ton like with a toner or micellar water. I’m just shook. I’ll buy this for the rest of my life!!” —K Fied

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).

22. A Revlon hot air brush for drying, styling, AND adding volume to your hair in one fell swoop! With this oval brush, you can say goodbye to tangles and frizz.

Have coilier hair? This paddle brush might work better for you!

Promising review: “I have a headful of thick, wavy, shoulder-length hair. I sometimes wear it curly, but when I want it smooth, this tool is a huge time saver. I used to have to section my hair and spend a half hour or more flat ironing it. I still section it a little, but I can go from a big mop of mess to a sleek flip in very little time. I just spritz my hair and go to work. I have arthritis, and it is a big bonus that the handle is big, so I don’t have to use a pinch grip to hold it. I also have shoulder pain, and the less time I can spend with my arms over my head, the better. This tool is worth every penny.” —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $40+ (available in three colors).

23. An exfoliating glove to help you bring the spa experience home. Easily lift away dead skin to reveal soft and glowy skin.

Promising review: “Although the process of removing dead skin was gross, the results were worth it! My skin felt incredibly soft and smooth, and it was well-prepped for my after-bath products. I am so impressed with how effective this mitt is in removing everything and leaving me with a glowing complexion. I can’t stop raving about it. I am completely obsessed!” —KC Morris

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a pack of two).

24. An SPF 30 scalp sunscreen mist because you probably forget that the top of your head needs sun protection, too. Formulated with plant-based antioxidants, this spray will also help nourish your hair and prevent UV-related hair color fading.
Amazon

Promising review: “I bought this before my honeymoon in the Caribbean because I always tend to fry my scalp and then deal with the gross peeling after. This was fantastic; it protected my head all week in the hot Caribbean sun.” —Danielle Hendrix

Get it from Amazon for $28+ (available in two sizes).

25. A pair of eyeshadow color removal sponges that cleans your makeup brushes without water so you can go from applying a neon pink eyeshadow to a bright white eyeshadow without breaking out the makeup brush shampoo OR having to dirty another brush.

Fellow BuzzFeed writer Jenae Sitzes is a fan of these sponges:

“I picked up this color removal sponge from Amazon after hearing about this hack on TikTok and can testify that it actually works SO well. I’m *so* bad about cleaning my brushes (I know…shameful), and this makes it super easy to clean a brush in a matter of seconds. So, even if I’m trying to do a *slightly* more elaborate eyeshadow look for the day, this makes the process of switching colors as quick and painless as possible. Also, it’s *super* lightweight, and I’ve already tossed it in my bag and brought it on vacation with me. This is one of those products I won’t be traveling without in the future if I plan on doing eyeshadow at any point — and it means you only need to pack one or two eyeshadow brushes!”

Promising review: “This product makes it even easier for me to be lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes. It also allows me to use the same brush for a makeup look since I can swish away a previous shadow and move on to the next. Great buy. Super easy to wash.” —Azaleah Bumpus-Barnett

Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

26. A pore-control Anua heartleaf-extract cleansing oil for gently and effectively ridding your face of dirt, makeup, and blackheads. This hypoallergenic formula has soothing ingredients that won’t cause clogged pores.

Promising review: “I am so happy I listened to the hype on TikTok about this oil cleanser!! It is soooo good. I love that it’s not scented or has a light scent that doesn’t irritate my skin! I don’t break out from it, and it clears up all the sebum buildup on my nose. It’s not drying and doesn’t leave a greasy film on my skin after I wash it off! Remember to use a water-based cleanser after to help wash off any residue! ” —Yasmeen Badami

Get it from Amazon for $17.69.

27. Some 6-hour hydrocolloid nose patches designed to target popped pimples. Plus, it’ll be weirdly satisfying to peel this off and see all the gunk its grabbed. 

Promising reviews: “Saw it on TikTok, and I already use their acne patches, so I was sold. Works just as well. I’d highly recommend them!” —Sarah Fox

“It’s gross in the most spectacular way. The amount of disgusting gunk that came out of my face was appalling, and I instantly gagged. However, my nose has never felt so clean and smooth for consecutive days. If you have oily skin, I definitely recommend washing your face first and applying it to the nose before moisturizing the rest of your face. If I could give this 10 stars, I would.” —Justina

Get 10 patches from Amazon for $16.55.

28. An aluminum-free all-over deodorant because it’s also pH-balanced, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. Use this anywhere on your body to feel and smell fresh.
Amazon

Happy Curves is a small business!

Promising review: “It lasts! Subtle scent and easy to glide on wherever you need.” —DLK

Get it from Happy Curves on Amazon for $11.97.

29. A waterproof Julep cream-to-powder eyeshadow stick that’s hydrating and rich in antioxidants since it contains both vitamins C and E. This double-ended stick even has a built-in smudger, so you don’t have to dirty another brush to get the perfect application.

Promising review: “Saw this shared by an Instagram influencer, so I tried it out because it was cheap, and I love a stick shadow. This stuff is amazing!!!!! Rivals all of my expensive brands: MAC/Bobbi Brown. I have oily skin and my eyeshadow always creases and melts off of my eyes by the end of the day. I’ve had this stuff on for 12 hours, and it still looks good. I’m not exaggerating. Get it, you’ll love it! This is all I’ll buy now!!!” —C Sean Stewart

Get it from Amazon for $11.45 (available in 53 colors).

30. A detangling Ouai leave-in conditioner and heat protectant spray for shiny, smooth, and frizz-free hair. Formulated with an amino acid blend, tamarind seed extract, and vitamin E, this spray will detangle and nourish your hair while protecting it from heat/UV damage.

Promising review: “Great detangler for fine hair. I have (a lot of) fine hair that is prone to tangling. I use this product after the shower and before brushing my hair. Not only does it do an awesome job at detangling without having to spray a ton, but it doesn’t weigh my hair down when it’s dry. It also keeps my hair soft, hydrated, and protected in the Arizona summer. To date, this is my favorite detangler/protectant spray.” —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

31. A delightfully scented foaming mousse formulated with coconut and shea oils to hydrate hair, define curls, and combat frizz. It’s also a great mousse to use atop natural protective styles like knotless braids.

Promising review: “This stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is. My curls aren’t stiff. And on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this. I wish I had known bout this product sooner. Thanks TikTok.” —Angelia Taggarrt

Get it from Amazon for $3.98.

32. A rainbow eyeshadow palette that’ll make just about any lewk possible! This highly pigmented palette contains cool and warm tones as well as mattes and glitters, so go absolutely awf.

Promising reviews: “All I have to say is RUN and get this product!!!! I looked up reviews on TikTok for affordable but pigmented palettes, and I kept seeing this one. Safe to say I was NOT disappointed.” —Courtney Melvin

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two color combinations). 

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