38 Pharmacy Beauty Products That Deliver High-End Results

Buzz Feed

26-04-2025

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.
Step away from Sephora — effective skincare and wow-worthy makeup doesn't have to cost $100.
1. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion with a heavenly caramel-vanilla smell that could compete with anything from Bath and Body Works or Philosophy. The fast-absorbing shea butter and oil offer a lovely amount of moisture, so you can feel like a freshly baked cake as you walk out the door.
Promising reviews: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo
"Better than TikTok said! OMRyan Gosling, this is an amazing lotion!!! Run, don't walk, and buy this lotion! The name is vanilla cashmere and that is exactly what this is! Love love love!" — DeeDra Billings
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (also available in seven other scents)
2. A Nyx liquid eyeliner, with a precision tip and long-lasting, ultra-pigmented color, capable of serving just as dramatic looks as Kat Von D or Stila, at less than HALF the price.
Psst, we named both Nyx and Stila as two of the best eyeliners you can buy, so you really can't go wrong either way.
Promising review: "I have been using the Stila felt tip eyeliner for years, but wanted to find something more cost effective. So far, I like this eyeliner more than Stila. It is extremely pigmented and feels much softer than other prestige eyeliners. It was easy to apply and lasts all day." — Anna
Get it from Amazon for $9.91+ (available in seven colors).
3. L'Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer who has been clearly cheating off Charlotte Tilbury's test paper. Like the Magic Cream, this cheaper alternative absorbs quickly and seals in moisture for smoother, plumper skin.
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product. The texture is just like the CT Magic Cream. It is super rich but doesn't make the skin feel greasy. I have extremely sensitive/acne-prone skin, and this doesn't break me out at all. I have been using it for about two years now, and I will never stop using it. Super inexpensive and works wonders!" — Monica S.
Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (available in two sizes, and unscented and fragranced).
4. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a TikTok-hall-of-famer that almost 80,000 5-star reviews confirm is worth the hype. The biotin-infused serum can help strengthen hair and encourage new growth, leaving hair feeling healthier and fuller. Reviewers say it's helped with everything from receding hairlines to sparse eyebrows — who knew something so effective was just sitting on a drugstore shelf this whole time?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic — plus, according to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil comparable to Rogaine in helping with hair growth.
Promising reviews: "I hardly write reviews, but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow, just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fall. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And I've been using it only once a week, just a few drops and massaging in. Omg, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this, hats off!!" — Dee
Get it from Amazon for $9.33.
5. An E.l.f. hydrating grip primer that reviewers say is a comparable swap for Milk's Hydro Grip primer. The cooling gel uses hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and smooth your face and clings to makeup so you can enjoy full coverage all day long.
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 $10.
6. A high shine lip gloss from L.A. Colors providing a splashy shine so bright, you might blind people with your smile. The luxurious, vanilla-scented color has shea butter for moisture, isn't sticky, and costs less than a cup of coffee (even a cheap one from the corner store!).
www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I will love and cherish you forever L.A. lip gloss! Everything about these glosses are perfect! The color pops, the smell is delicious, no nasty taste, it glides on smoothly, and it's not sticky. Not only that, it last hours and hours. I'm about to buy this in every color." — Dominique
Get it from Amazon for $1.98+ (available in 18 shades).
7. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub that gently exfoliates, leaving skin feeling fresh, smooth, and smelling delicious. If you're trying to decide what scent to try first, may I suggest Desert Haze? Reviewers love this smoky, floral"loud" scent (jasmine, raspberry, musk, etc.) so much that it sold out repeatedly. Once you try it, you'll forget all about the more expensive brands.
Promising reviews:"This is our favorite scent Tree Hut scrub. Always hard to find in stores because it is usually sold out. Thought it was discontinued, but very happy to find it here." — AJ
"Seriously, I am in love with sugar scrubs! My skin feels so soft and after, I smell so good. I bought another one because I've used it so much!" — Sarah and Nick Vanalfren
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (also available in 30 other scents).
8. L'Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water bringing you silkier hair in just eight seconds. On top of a wave of hydration, it also adds shine and decreases frizz and static. Reviewers note it's a close match to a certain Redken product, but for way cheaper.
www.amazon.com
Use this treatment two or three times a week — one dose for fine to medium textured hair, two to three doses for thick to curly textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair.
Promising reviews:"Bought this not expecting that it would work. I've been using products in and on my hair for years, both expensive and inexpensive. This is the best I've used, bar none! It smooths and takes away the tightness of the curls. Will buy it again and again!" — Judith Cohen
"I had been using Redken's lamellar rinse with great results, but really wasn't happy with the price tag in comparison to how long the bottle lasted (about three weeks using a couple of times a week — I have long hair). I'm so glad I tried this one, because it makes my hair feel even smoother, and it's a fraction of the cost. The ingredients are exactly the same, aside from one or two ingredients towards the very bottom of the list. Highly recommend." — Caitlin B
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
9. Nyx's Pore Filler Targeted Stick that's basically Photoshop's blurring tool, but IRL. Apply it like a giant tube of face ChapStick to help smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. It's under $8, which is certainly less than an Adobe subscription.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action.
Promising reviews: "This stuff is fantastic!! It literally fills in your pores so your skin looks like a Barbie doll! And it's cheap too. I was worried it might clog my pores and make me break out but it doesn't. I love it and get so many compliments on my skin/face." — Mars Alexandria
"This is a life-changing product for me. I have HUGE visible pores as well as incredibly acne-prone skin that makes me break out from just about every product. I've started to use Nyx Pore Filler on my face with some regularity, and it doesn't seem to cause any irritation or breakouts. It does an AMAZING job filling in and smoothing out my face texture. The difference to my skin consistency is astounding. My skin looks so smooth when I use this product." — Jenny Penny
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
10. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash offering an affordable solution to your dependence on that beloved (but pricey) fragrance. Thanks to the notes of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber, shower time has never smelled better.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves this body lotion: "I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying, and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry."
Promising reviews:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
"Perfection!!! Seriously PERFECTION!!! I just jumped in the shower as soon as I got it. Let me just add it to subscription." — Quiihw25
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in two other scents).
11. Opi RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish because HELLO we have better things to do than sit around watching polish dry. Now you can be out the door in just 60 seconds without a smudge in sight. If you avoid professional manicures because they take too long, this one is for you.
Amazon
The shade Speed of Bright is featured above on the left, and the shade Proceed with (No) Caution is featured on the right.
Promising review: "I just love this nail polish! Love the color and how fast it dries. I will order again." — Georgie
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 31 shades) .
12. A tube of Roc retinol night cream possibly imbued with time traveler magic, because it will feel like you're turning back the hands of time when you go to sleep each night. OK, maybe it won't be that dramatic, but the shea butter and squalane will hydrate, and the retinol will work hard to smooth and possibly reverse some signs of aging. This reviewer says it's a great alternative to prescription retinol.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Retinol is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while lifting and firming your skin by boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It can also help make your skin tone more even and fade dark spots.
Promising review: "I did a lot of research on retinol anti-wrinkle face creams before purchasing this product. It consistently got high ratings and at a price I could afford. I was not going to pay $100+ for comparable products. Much to my surprise, I saw visible results after only one week of use. Wow. Highly recommend." — Lisa
Get it from Amazon for $11.79+ (available in two sizes).
13.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm for heavy-duty hydration when you're so dry, you're beginning to feel like the Spiderman villain Lizard. Apply this shea butter, thermal spring water, and glycerin-boosted formula to your face, body, hands, and lips to smooth scaly skin. I'm still surprised this fancy French brand is just hanging out at the drugstore!
Some reviewers mention that this leaves a slight white cast, so if you want to wear it during the day, you can combat that with some bronzer drops.
Promising review:"Heals skin overnight. Someone on TikTok said use it when you need a 'quick overnight glow up,' and they weren't lying. Nourishing is the best word to describe it. Like my skin got everything it needs. Kind of like an overnight hair mask for skin. Comes out white like zinc and mostly rubs out, but I don't use it during the daytime. Good texture. Neutral smell. Not sticky. Very moisturizing. Be aware that the container is small, but you don't need a lot." — Niki
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available with or without SPF 50).
14. L'Oreal Lumi Glotion that's a lotion, glowy foundation base, and highlighter all in one bottle. Over 30,000 5-star happy customers love how effective this vacation-in-a-bottle is, despite the low price. Some reviewers even compare it to the pricey Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops!
Wear it alone or as a base for your makeup. The shea butter in it also gives it a hydrating factor. Check out this TikTok to see how it looks when applied!
Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this product. I have fair skin but I use the deep shade anyway and it makes me look like I have a glowing tan. I get compliments every time I wear it. It is sparkly but subtle. If you don't have time for a full face of makeup, this really pulls it together with just this one product — the sparkle adds a highlight effect and the tone warms up my complexion. Of course you can wear it as part of full makeup too. I will never go without this product again! Please make it forever!" — Elana
Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in five colors).
15. A tub of Aquaphor healing ointment, which can be used on pretty much any part of your body that's feeling a bit parched — chapped lips, scaly hands, brittle cuticles, cracked heels and feet, tattoos, minor burns... I could go on! Sure, you could spend more on fancier-looking products that do less, but why would you?
Amazon
Promising reviews:"You get a lot of product for an affordable price! Very happy with my purchase i still have it after months." — lily
"Awesome!! I'm on Accutane, so I use this for my lips to keep them from getting super chapped, and they really help! It's super moisturizing, and I love that it's in a big tub, so I don't have to keep repurchasing! If you have chapped lips, I definitely recommend it; it's super moisturizing and hasn't caused any breakouts around my lips so far." — M
Get it from Amazon for $17.79.
16. A Sun Bum hair lightener made with pineapple and lemon to lighten up blonde to medium brown hair with the power of the sun. Yes, you can cancel your highlighting appointment! Just spritz on this banana-scented spray and let the sun help you achieve a fresh, summery look.
You can also use a blow-dryer to increase the effects of the heat-activated spray.
Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I usually buy it at the beginning of the summer to help lighten my already natural blonde hair. It really helps get rid of the growth and darkness of winter. The summer sun and saltwater at the beach already naturally help lighten my hair, but this product really accelerates the process and give it that extra oomph. I spray it pretty liberally all over my hair and just use my fingers to distribute it. The key is making sure you spend a good amount of time out in the sun. It only takes a couple of sessions to really start seeing noticeable lightening. It still has hydrogen peroxide in it, but in small amounts, so it's not extremely damaging. Also, use a purple shampoo occasionally to help bring out the highlights and remove some of the brassiness." — Ninar
Get it from Amazon for $15.79.
17. A lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. One reviewer found success with this when expensive neck creams from department stores and Sephora fell flat.
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The brand recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 benefits the skin from the National Library of Medicine.
Promising review: "I've been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game-changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin's texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea's body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn't a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." — Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $13.98.
18. Peach Slices nose pore patches offering an overnight solution to blackheads, clogged pores, and oily skin. Just wash your face, exfoliate, and pop one on before bed. The hydrocolloid bandage will soak up gunk from your pores without drying your skin. Normally you'd have to book a facial for these kinds of results!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"It had to be said. These things are disgusting, that's why you should buy them. Squeeze part of your nose skin. Do a bunch of little pustules come out? Yeah, if you put one of these puppies on at night, you wake up, and that is all trapped inside that weird film. I dunno how it works. It's probably sorcery." — Jack Sawyer
Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $9.98.
19. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess lengthening mascara that's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day — oh and makes your eyelashes look like tall, beautiful skyscrapers. Why Essence only charges $5 for such an S-tier mascara is beyond me, but we're all grateful.
Promising review:"Love this mascara! I've used the 'best of the best' designer, super hyped, ultra-popular mascara available, and NOTHING compares to this stuff! I don't even bother using a lash curler anymore! I buy two at a time, so I always have a spare. (Yes, it's that good!!) I highly recommend this particular mascara... it goes on effortlessly, it lasts pretty much all day, and the price — I feel like I'm almost stealing it! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!!" — chulaboola
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two colors).
20. Or E.l.f Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara, which creates tubing around your lashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. The lightweight "extensions" won't smudge or weigh down your actual lashes and — best of all — they fall right off when you wash your face. Priceless!
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves this mascara and 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 $7 (available in three shades).
21. L.A. Colors metallic nail polish that somehow costs less than $2, yet still provides a striking shine you normally have to pay 5–10 times the amount to achieve. At that price point, I'm shocked it works at all, let alone WELL!
Promising review: "I'm so obsessed with the L.A. Colors Metal nail polish line! I now own almost all of them — just need two more. They're all so pretty! Pics just don't do it justice! 🤩 Really nice pigment and stays on my nails for a good couple of weeks without chipping. So affordable, yet really nice quality polish! Dries quickly, nice thickness, easy to apply, and isn't sheer. It's highly pigmented! Highly recommend! 💯💅🏻😍" — Felix
Get it from Amazon for $1.98+ (available in 12 colors).
22. Bio-Oil made with vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to moisturize your face and body and help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dark spots, and more. One reviewer loves using it in place of a pricey serum!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Bio-Oil contains retinol, which accelerates skin turnover but can make you more sensitive to the sun — so don't forget your sunscreen!
Promising review:"After using Bio-Oil for a month, I'm seriously impressed. It's lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I've noticed a visible improvement in my scars and stretch marks, and my skin looks more even overall. It hasn't caused any irritation, even on my sensitive skin. It's also become a go-to for dry patches and post-sun care. In just a month, Bio-Oil has definitely earned its place in my daily routine." — Mireille O.
Get it from Amazon for $11.12.
23. Ogx Argan Oil of Morocco Curl-Defining Cream for curls so bouncy you'll be jumping for joy (and to show them off). The argan oil-boosted formula moisturizes and tames frizz while adding a level of volume and shine you'd normally expect from a much higher price point.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal says, "My hair is the ~perfect~ combo of wavy, curly, and frizzy and this drugstore product has been a holy grail of mine for some time. I've found that it's the only formula that will give me soft, naturally curly waves come the a.m. and since I'm generally a nighttime hair washer, I have the perfect excuse to avoid blasting my hair with heat. Before hitting the pillow, I like to run my fingers through my towel-dried hair with a pea-sized amount of this, flip my mane over, and then give the ends a good scrunch. In the morn, my hair appears shiny with defined, wavy curls — we're not talking HD — but they have a nice, soft definition to them that doesn't require much styling."
Promising review:"Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair too. I have had super straight to very curly over the years and have loved this on all hair styles." — Bunco Queen of the Universe
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in two styles).
24. A beloved Maybelline "Fit Me" matte foundation that has over 40 shades so you're sure to find the perfect match. This oil-free, breathable, lightweight formula gives you buildable coverage and a fancy matte finish you normally don't get outside of Sephora.
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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 $7.64+ (available in two sizes and 40 shades).
25. A Vanicream cleanser for when you just want something super gentle, simple, and effective. It costs less than $10 and, without any fanfare, cleanses and removes makeup. It's a great option for sensitive skin — no drying or irritation here. I have since sworn off fancy cleansers because this does the job better than anything else!
I love this cleanser! It's not fancy, but it works well, is stocked in most pharmacies, and is perfect for sensitive skin. The formula is sort of creamy and lathers well. It doesn't remove *all* makeup, but enough that I feel like my face is getting properly cleansed. I love cute packaging and nice fragrances, but when it comes to skincare, I recommend keeping it simple!
Promising review:"I've been using this face wash every day for the past three years, and I absolutely love it! It's gentle yet effective, making it perfect for everyday use. One of the things I appreciate most is how effortlessly it removes my makeup — including mascara — without any harsh scrubbing. Some days, I'll do one or two washes just to get that super fresh, extra-clean feeling, and my skin never feels dry or stripped afterward. What I really love is that it's so lightweight; it doesn't leave any residue or that heavy feeling some cleansers do. Instead, my face feels light, refreshed, and super clean. Plus, I got creative and turned it into an exfoliating scrub by mixing it with jojoba beads in a separate container — such a game-changer! If you're looking for an effective, gentle, and versatile face wash, this one is a must try!" — dahlserich
Get it from Amazon for $8.86.
26. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say works as a very good, affordable replacement for Clinique's " Black Honey," the $25 "universal shade" that has a Shakira-level of fame and adoration. This $7 alternative is nonsticky, moisturizes with vitamin E, and melts onto your lips like buttah.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in five other shades).
27. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to pamper your décolletage with some special skincare attention. The glycerin and aloe hydrate while the salicylic acid gently exfoliates, leaving firmer, softer skin. After seeing these impressive results, I have to thank Gold Bond for not charging double.
Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It's not only soothing, but it also feels like it's really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It's become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta
Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack).
28. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, which has a place in an astounding amount of medicine cabinets (56,000+ positive ratings on Amazon!) because it gently (but effectively!) removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup without drying out your skin. You don't even need to rinse with water — just apply and wipe off. Weird that pharmacies sell magic potions?
Promising review:"I switched from using makeup pads and makeup remover for environmental purposes, and switched over to re-useable makeup cloths and micellar water. This has been my favorite, as it removes makeup and cleanses skin. I have very sensitive skin, so I just use this on my face at night and follow up with a light moisturizer. This combination has done wonders for my skin, and I keep on coming back to this one by Garnier because I've had no negative side effects." — Claire
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
29. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a green-tinted formula that combats redness through the power of color theory. It doesn't stop there — it also works to even complexion, hydrate with vitamin E, and sets the perfect stage for you to apply your makeup on. The fairly-priced product offers light to medium coverage and won't feel crusty.
Promising review:"I swear by this. Been using it for about a year now, it goes on every day and gets all the redness off my face, when I'm in a hurry I just top it off with a little powder and I'm done but it's a perfect base layer for any makeup routine if you had a lot of redness like I do." – Andrea
Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in five varieties and quantities).
30. A CeraVe cleanser that uses salicylic acid to help reduce inflammation and gently exfoliate, perfect for addressing rough, bumpy, acne-prone skin. It finishes with hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hopefully prevent that unpleasant tight-skin sensation. Despite being described as " gold," a bottle will cost way less than that.
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Promising reviews:"Cheap and works great.. been using it for like three years." — nick t
"I've struggled with incredibly sensitive, acne-prone, textured skin for a lot of my adult life. I stumbled onto this cleanser via TikTok (I wish I was kidding) and bought this in conjunction with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream and, LET ME TELL YOU, these products have become holy grail skincare items for me. Prior to this, I was using homemade soap and an exfoliating mitt to wash my face, but my skin would quickly develop uneven texture in between exfoliations. This cleanser makes my skin smooth, and it doesn't irritate it. My breakouts are already a lot smaller, and I've noticed a huge difference in the overall appearance. This is a holy grail cleanser." — C. Hallgrimson
31. Olay Super Serum Body Wash — the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum. It's packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides to make your skin feel next-level nourished and has the same expensive perfume-like smell that the internet has been raving about.
www.instagram.com, Amazon
Promising reviews:"I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game-changer. My skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" — Darina
"I love love love this body wash. It smells SO expensive and like a luxurious perfume without being too much...still very gentle but long-lasting at the same time. Delicious spicy scent that's also delicate. It really made my skin feel smooth and soft after use with good a moisture level. Totally useful. Good for my sensitive skin. Large bottle and easy to use pump. I will 100% buy again!" — Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three styles).
32. A Revlon volcanic face roller way easier to use than those disposable blotting pads. You just roll the volcanic stone over any oily or greasy areas on your face and then pop it in your bag for later. A portable spa treatment if you think about it.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 little miracle worker is a game-changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning, the oil has disappeared, and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" — Jason Zapata
Get it from Amazon for $8.18 (also available in rose quartz style).
33. A Curél moisture spray when you want to boost your routine with a hit of ceramides — a key ingredient for helping your skin's moisture barrier. Spritz it on your face, body, or over makeup for a hydrating refresh. Despite the chichi packaging, you're more likely to find this affordable gem at your local drugstore than at a department store.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Since turning 45 and being pre-menopausal, I've never had dry skin in my life until now. Nothing seemed to help because I was already moisturizing my oily skin. I say this on a YouTube channel so I decided to give it a try... and OMG. It's amazing! My skin is holding moisture without overly producing oil. I use one to two times a day, depending on my skin. I've gotten so many compliments since I started using it. There's no real scent; it does take a moment to absorb, but it's totally worth it, and my skin has been glowing." — Rae
Get it from Amazon for $15.
34. Neutrogena's Collagen Bank Daily Facial Moisturizer that not only hydrates with the best of them (thank you, micro-peptides) but also protects your skin from the sun with SPF 30. It's also lightweight enough to function as a makeup primer, so that's three products for the price of one!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been using this for a few weeks now, and I'm thrilled with the results! This moisturizer is a gamechanger in my skincare routine. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling hydrated without any greasy residue. What I love most is how it enhances my skin's natural glow and softness. The collagen boost helps firm and plump my skin, making it look and feel more youthful. It 's a fantastic base for makeup and keeps my skin looking fresh all day." — Gizem Atkan
Get it from Amazon for $19.97.
35. Jergens Natural Glow tanning lotion — a classic because it gives you a gradual, just-got-back-from-vacation glow after just a few uses. It's easier to use than more expensive brands that risk getting streaky *and* it's formulated with elastin to help your skin feel firmer.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I'm really impressed with this product. It's very easy to apply, the same way you would any lotion. It absorbs quickly into the skin. There is a very light, pleasant, fragrance. I had no issues with application or streaks. The tanning lotion gives a nice bronze appearance to the skin which is what I was looking for. The sunless tanner allows you to continue to build the color until you reach your desired look." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.47 (available in Fair to Medium, Medium to Deep, and several sizes).
36. A Batiste waterless dry shampoo foam that's a little more targeted than messy powders to refresh hair and keep it going for at least another no-wash day. If time is money, then this under-$8 can pays for itself.
Amazon
Promising review:"I have very, very fine and fragile hair. It's wavy (2b–2c with some 3a curls mixed in). My ends are dry, and my scalp gets very oily quickly. When the product arrived, I was on second-day hair. I worked the foam through my roots and the sides of my head. The most oily places for me. It was easy to work through, and it smelled fresh and clean. My results were amazing! My roots looked clean, no residue or buildup like powder dry shampoos. My scalp does not itch, and it gives my fine, flat hair a ton of volume. Also, my hair looks thicker when I use it. I usually can't go more than a day or two without washing my hair. With this product, I was able to go four days without washing my hair." — Amelia Tilton
Get it from Amazon for $7.67 (also available in coconut and almond).
37. L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal — a new dark spot correcting serum that aims to be like a professional peel in a bottle. The blue gel uses 25% AHA, BHA, and PHA to chemically exfoliate and help reveal brighter, smoother skin. Expect compliments with words like glowing, radiant, and wellness influencer.
L'Oreal, Amazon
Of course, this won't literally work like a professional peel, but it'll be a gentle, affordable alternative. Remember to spot check before using on your whole face.
Promising review: "This does not disappoint. I'll admit I haven't been using it long enough to see a huge difference in my hyperpigmentation (I have a few light patches). I am also using this in conjunction with other products that help with dark spots. However, the biggest surprise was how incredible my skin looked and felt immediately after using it — so smooth and even. I have sensitive skin and recommend following all product instructions. I have not had any issues using this product. This is hands down the best new product I have added to my skincare regimen." — Lizzie
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
38. A Wet n Wild lipstick formulated with vitamins A and E and macadamia for silky smooth color. Reviewers are shocked at the quality considering the price: a single dollar. Nothing at the dollar store even costs that little! Some reviewers have even compared it to MAC. 👀
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Love this color on — I have a pale lip and it goes on as a creme lipstick with a little shine. Not matte or glossy, but a bit in between. It's ridiculous to buy the same colors at MAC for $20–$30 when you can get the same from this brand for $1–$3. Definitely buy." — Genevieve
Get it from Amazon for $1 (available in 22 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.