28 Makeup Products So Good, You'll Send Them Straight To Your Friend Group Chat

Buzz Feed

07-04-2025

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.
Because this tinted SPF 50 mineral sunscreen and that magical whipped primer are worth yapping about.
1. E.l.f.'s Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara hugs each lash to create volume and extends length with a unique technology that our readers and editors alike can't stop raving about. Enriched with jojoba seed oil, this conditions as the applicator separates and lengthens each lash. What you're left with? A long-lasting, dramatic, eye-opening finish.
Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan:
"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I 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."
Promising review: "I've used Thrive Causemetics for quite a while and always had trouble with it flaking and clumping. I always just chalked it up to something that I'd deal with using a tubing mascara or something I was doing when applying but E.l.f. says: 'NOT the case!' My mind is blown that a $6 mascara is so amazing. I never have to deal with flakes sticking to my contacts after applying or clean any makeup out of my eyes at the end of the day anymore! I thought it was a fluke when I first started using it, but it's been weeks now and stayed consistent. It looks amazing, lashes are longer, fuller, and separated — I'm so happy I tried it, and you will be too!" — Adel Richardson
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades).
2. Or Essence Lash Princess Mascara, which achieves skyscraper falsie lashes at such a gasp-worthy price, 30,000-plus reviewers haven't been able to shut up about it. Yep, this holy grail sculpts lashes at only $5 a tube, which, if you think about it, is less than a fancy coffee order!
And this is cruelty free!
See it in action on TikTok.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes, and I'm terrible at applying them), this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort."
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect, and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like wild...and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E Weikert
Get it from Amazon for $4.74 (available also in a pack of three).
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
3. Milani Conceal + Perfect Smoothing Primer casts a magical soft-focus filter over pores and uneven texture — one that also blurs and brightens. With niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in a whipped souffle-like formula, it ensures smoother makeup application and long-lasting hydration.
Promising review:"This primer is a game changer! It blurs pores, smooths skin, and controls shine without feeling heavy. My makeup stays fresh for hours, and it works great with matte foundations. Plus, it's fragrance-free — perfect for sensitive skin! If you have oily or combo skin, you need this!" — 3rdeyecreation
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
4. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey flushes lips with a subtle shade that thousands of reviewers can't get enough of. From the moisturizing benefits to the universally complementary hue, this no-fuss makeup enhancer has users raving about the natural-looking tint they can achieve in seconds — one that doesn't feel sticky and can be applied with ease throughout the day.
Promising review: "This lip color is a fantastic, no-fuss lip product for those who want a natural, effortless look. It offers the best of both worlds —hydrating balm and a hint of color — making it ideal for daily wear. The subtle pink shade enhances lips with a subtle tint, while the moisturizing formula keeps lips feeling soft and nourished. It's perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, lightweight lip option with a natural finish. While it may not be the longest-lasting product, its comfort and versatility make it a great addition to any beauty routine." — The Unexpected Girl Mama
Watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks!
5. Or E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine captures the essence and possesses similar magical traits to Clinique's " Black Honey," but for a more attractive price. For a conditioning color that melts into lips and leaves a sheer tint, this vitamin-E-formulated gem won't disappoint. Plus, you can either just apply a couple of sweeps or buildup to a darker finish.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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).
6. Live Tinted Glotion Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 layers beautifully over prepped skin and offers lightweight coverage in a flexible shade that can even out your complexion (while still protecting your skin). You can expect a dewy glow that pairs well under concealer and foundation — or even while flying solo.
Live Tinted is a South Asian woman-owned beauty brand founded by beauty blogger and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. Her brand is built around diversity and inclusion with phenomenal multitasking products that address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. Just peep their top-selling color-correcting Huestick.
I have an announcement to make: I've officially found my new holy grail in Live Tinted's Glotion. From the way it layers on top of my skincare to how it blends under my concealer and bronzer, this stuff means business. My skin feels hydrated and protected at the same time, and I've found it makes the perfect lightweight base for when I want to even out my skin tone without heavy makeup. The spout applicator is genius, allowing the product to trickle out easily across the skin. Plus, it rubs in seamlessly — unlike other mineral sunscreens you might have come across that leave behind a texture, cast, or weird-feeling film that pills. This does none of that. Something else I've noticed when I wear this? I receive a ton of compliments on the way my skin looks. So needless to say, my obsession with this brand continues.
Promising review:"I started using mineral sunscreen as my skin has become too sensitive to chemical ones. I tried various mineral sunscreens, and all left some type of white cast, too greasy, too heavy, pills under makeup, but not this one! It leaves a beautiful, glowy finish without looking greasy. It sits well under makeup, so I can't recommend it enough!" — Ash
Get it from Ulta for $36 (available in two shades).
7. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream neutralizes redness and evens out complexions fast with a moisturizing lotion that's perfect as a primer, pre-makeup application. It's lightweight, so you won't feel like you're packing on more product than you need to, and it keeps flare-ups at bay while still hydrating your skin.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Cheeks, 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 $9.71 (available in six styles and a pack of two)
8. Catrice's "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener blurs, brightens, and conceals with its creamy, nourishing texture. The pinky hue is intentionally designed to neutralize the blue-green tones of dark circles, while the hyaluronic acid and shea butter formula will give your skin an instant glow. Reviewers note that this provides sheer-to-light coverage, and it's available in two shades to suit different skin tones.
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action.
Promising review: " This stuff is my new holy grail product! I am a fair-skinned girl, and I have the WORST dark circles. They get worse during spring and fall (thanks, allergies!), and I have tried literally everything to try and cover them. This color corrector works WONDERS! I just dab a little on and blend out with my ring finger. It works so well that I don't even have to use a concealer over it! I will never be without this product again! And the price?!? It's a STEAL! 10,000/10 you should try this product!!!" — Samantha Nelson
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades)
9. Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint knocks it out of the park with an affordable formula that rivals premium beauty brands. Reviewers rave this vitamin-C-infused, noncomedogenic foundation stays put (with the brand claiming it lasts up to 24 hours!) doesn't set into fine lines and creases, and provides feather-light coverage that still evens out complexions.
Amazon
Promising reviews: "Best foundation ever. Looks like skin, feels like nothing. Can be applied thinner or thicker. The shimmer is light but pretty. I add an extra shimmer when I want to be very glowy, and it mixes well. I've searched for a product for years and never had anything I'd stick with. Now my whole family uses it. Really is a 24-hour foundation, doesn't sweat off, yet easy to wash off. I'll be a lifelong fan. Skin tint forever!! Excellent value. No smell." — J. Nguyen
Get it from Amazon $13.98 (available in 18 shades).
10. Elizabeth Mott Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer laughs in the face of oily lids and creases, since its paraben-free formula features a sebum-controlling powder that locks in your shadow. (And you're not going to want to skip out on this step if you're looking for your pigment to really pop.)
And it's cruelty-free!
Promising review:"So let me start by saying, I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" — Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in seven styles).
11.
Ulta Beauty Collection Color-Correcting Setting Powder packs in skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid to ensure your look stays put without any leftover crepey-ness. Offering a finish reviewers describe as "comfy," this won't leave your skin feeling tight or dried out — no matter if you decide to dust over concealer with a fluffy brush or press in your look with a puff.
Ulta
Promising review:"I love this powder so much! It helps with making my smile lines less noticeable, and it lasts all day. I have very oily skin, so this product has been my holy grail. I have repurchased twice." — Julie
Get it from Ulta for $14 (available in four shades).
12. Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer pencils in patchy brows for a look that's natural, long-lasting, and can be tamed using the soft, built-in spoolie. And! Reviewers note that the angled pencil allows for quicker (and easier) application over a smaller, pointed tip.
Promising reviews: "This is the easiest and most effective way to add some life to fading eyebrows I've tried (and I've experimented with a lot of them). Once I've filled in sparse areas, using the little brush on the end can smooth and blend the color in to get a pretty natural-looking result, one that will last all day. This is my second purchase — the highest recommendation I can give." — Cecilia P.
"Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. Tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat. I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in. Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." — Shannon M Slape
Get it from Amazon for $7.36+ (available in four shades and as a pack of two).
13. Laura Geller New York Baked Balance-n-Brighten Powder Foundation covers and corrects in a demi-matte formula that conceals hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and blemishes. Simply apply using a fluffy brush to blend and sweep into the skin for lightweight, buildable coverage — that won't leave you looking cakey.
Promising reviews:"I've been wanting to try this for a long time and I'm sooo glad I finally purchased the medium shade. It covers everything perfectly without even looking like I'm wearing any foundation at all. I'm 64 and my skin is combination oily/normal and it's the best I have ever used including Lancôme, Tarte Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, and Clinique. Doesn't go into wrinkles and stays flawless all day." — Laura
"Finally! A perfect foundation. I love this for my skin! It matches perfectly (I got it in tan), and the coverage is amazing. I have never left a review for any product that I have ordered from Amazon, but I had to let others know. It hasn't been easy finding a foundation that matches my skin complexion, plus it goes on like a powder and covers my dark circles! Glad I finally purchased it!" — Tira Hunter
Get it from Amazon for $20.90 (available in nine shades and in six travel-size shades).
14. One Size 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner laughs in the face of other eyeliner equivalents because this baby is waterproof, smudge-proof, and like your ever-reliable BFF, will *never* flake on you.
Sephora
This is vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review:"I used KVD for years and have tried many others. This is my new favorite eyeliner. It goes on super smooth and mine stays all day." — Sephora Customer
Get it from Sephora for $19 (available in three shades).
15. NYX The Brow Glue sets brow hairs in place and up for success! Your over-tweezed brows from your teens are *so* jealous of your present brows since this stuff tames and fluffs all at the same time. Just give them a brush upwards for a perfectly feathered look.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I found this item going viral on TikTok, and if it's used correctly it can do wonders. My brows give a look as if they are freshly threaded/waxed AND laminated! 10/10 recommend." — Chanel H
Get it from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in five colors).
16. Ulta Beauty Magic Marker Lip Stain that colors in your pout with a fun applicator (not to be confused with something you might've found in your pencil case as a wee tot). This transfer- and smudge-proof lippy allows for precise application, whether you're lining, defining, or filling in your look. And reviewers rave that, once applied, it stays put.
Ulta
Promising review:"Bought it for the packaging…stayed for the product. I LOVE this stain! Perfect as a liner or all over. Doesn't dry my lips. More colors, please?!" — Customer
Get it from Ulta for $10 (available in four shades).
17. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer treats *and* defeats dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines that are taking up prime real estate around your delicate eye area. This comes with a built-in sponge applicator so you don't even have to *think* about using another tool when your mind is still on snooze.
Promising reviews: " I can't help but rave about this magical concealer that has become my holy grail! The formula itself is a dream – lightweight, yet incredibly effective at brightening and concealing, without settling into fine lines. The sponge applicator ensures a smooth and precise application, making it quick and easy to achieve a refreshed and youthful look. The 095 shade seamlessly blends with my skin tone, providing flawless coverage for my dark circles. I've tried countless concealers, but this one takes the cake." — Win and Rachelle
" I bought this after seeing a TikTok, and I am very glad I did. I am NOT a makeup expert — but this product allows anyone at any level to successfully conceal under eyes." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in 24 shades).
Want to know more? Check out our full Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer review (#4).
18.
Pür Silky Tint Creamy Multitasking Stick blends and melts into skin with a moisturizing, peptide-rich formula to deliver a sun-kissed glow that begs the question, "Who's that girl?!" Oh, it's just you and your new elevated makeup routine. Using the handy applicator, simply dab it on lips, across your cheekbones and nose bridge, plus your brow bone for a unified, year-round, influencer-inspired flush.
Ulta
Promising review:"The Pur you go pearl multitasking stick is beautiful! The packaging makes it super easy to dispense the product and convenient to take on the go. The pearly color worked really well for my olive undertones. I use two methods for application: first, with just my hands, I'll warm the product up on the back of my hand, then apply it using my fingers to the high points of my cheeks and nose. The second — If I want to get a more precise application, I'll pick up the product with a brush and apply it to the inner corner of my eyes and brow bone. The product wears well and layers well both under and over powder. I'm interested in trying the pinker shade now! Highly recommend this!" — Jasmine
Get it from Ulta for $13 (originally $26; available in six shades).
19. E.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray promises to hold your makeup all day with its lightweight mist that grips makeup and ensures it won't transfer onto your favorite white T-shirt. This provides a dewy finish over your look that reviewers note doesn't budge even in intense heat.
Walmart, amazon.com
Promising review:"I use this not just to set my makeup but also to dampen my makeup sponge. I think it has made a huge difference in how my makeup looks and how much smoother it applies. It is just as good, if not better (feels less sticky), than the similar, more expensive milk makeup one." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.
20. Sephora Mini Color Shifter Strange Botanicals Eyeshadow Palette delivers four base shades to sweep over your lids and one shimmery topper to elevate the look. Purse-friendly, you can take this with you whenever you want to switch up your glam. Reviewers love the pigment and price — and I think you will, too!
Sephora
Promising review:"I can't believe this palette is not more expensive. The quality is amazing. I have three of these palettes. The mushroom one is my favorite, although the strange red poppy one comes in second. The color-shifting shadow is beautiful!" — Anonymous
21. Neutrogena Remover Eraser Stick touches up and reverses any makeup mistakes in a snap. Whether you're on the go and notice an end-of-day mascara smear, or you're still sat at home trying to match your cat-eyes, this fixes with precision and ease.
Amazon
Promising review:"Why didn't someone think of this sooner? For years, I've been using cotton swabs dipped in makeup remover to remove little goofs or mistakes. This is so much better and portable! Erases waterproof mascara marks around my eyes easily. Must-buy product!!" — Katherine
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in a pack of one or two)
22. Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick layers on rich, creamy pigment that could be compared to the likeness of other more premium makeup brands. This long-wearing formula may be cheaper, but it doesn't skimp on rich, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your lips moisturized.
Target
Promising review: "Smells amazing, color is rich and texture is creamy. The matte texture makes it long-lasting. My absolute favorite lipstick. I have porcelain-colored skin, and the color secret is lovely dusty rose pink. Neutral but feminine." — Target Customer
Get it from Target for $10.99 (available in 13 shades).
23. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation simplifies the coverage step of your makeup routine. By simply spraying this handy product onto the included brush, you can glide on flawless foundation that's made up of a microfine mist that A) won't streak or B) leave you with a heavy finish. And, of course, it's buildable, so you can control how much you apply with each sweep.
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
Here's why BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves it: " HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their 30s, 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: "Seriously! I haven't gotten a makeup product that made me verbally say "oh my god?' to my self alone I think ever. But, I actually did. Just like the directions say, it took two little spays on the brush to cover my entire face evenly. It felt like I was wearing nothing, and nearly zero makeup appeared on my phone after an hour of talking with my sister. She is also about to buy this foundation now. I also now have the stackable, setting, and primer sprays on their way to me, and I just can't wait! Perfect for coverage of all types, amazing quality product, amazing price, OMG! It matches me perfectly, light on my face with no oily residue, and lasted all dang day! 100% a win." — October Klein
Get it from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in 12 shades).
24. Aliver DIY Lash Extension Kit users say is beginner-friendly and perfect for those who'd prefer to ~stick~ to at-home glam instead of paying exorbitant salon prices. With 280 lash clusters and all the tools necessary, you can design your full-feathered lash look to be as dramatic or demure as you wish.
Walmart
Promising review: "I do want to preface by saying this is my very first time ever doing lash clusters. I typically do the strips but I don't like how they look but These are a 10/10 in my book! For someone like me who knows nothing about makeup about makeup or lashes these were extremely beginner-friendly and only took me about 15 mins. The more I use them the better I will get at application I'm sure. And they last after sweating and washing my face." — Jasmine
Get it from Walmart for $12.99 (originally $18.99; available in two styles and three colors).
25. Nooni Tinted Appleberry Lip Oil provides a similar look and feel to costlier alternatives like, say, the Dior Lip Oil — but all for a more attractive price. According to thousands of reviewers, this Korean lip oil offers a natural-looking tint that's glossy *and* gives a natural plumping effect. Cracked lips will now be a thing of the past, thanks to the Appleseed oil and raspberry fruit extract, which provide up to 24 hours of hydration.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This lip oil is also vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising reviews: "This is a game changer! I love how this oil stains the lips and keeps the colorway longer than a gloss, but without needing to reapply like lipstick. Plus, no smudges on teeth." — Rachel
"For the price of this product, and the quality — I'd say the value is more than worth the price. It's important to understand before you buy, that with stains, the color will vary for each person. Does not take much to get the desired effect. I apply one swipe on my bottom lip in the morning, smack between the top, and within a few minutes, the stain is set. Gloss will wear over time, but the color remains and does not smudge!" — CJ
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 10 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks).
26. Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick glides on buildable coverage that's formulated with heat- and humidity-resistant ingredients. Worth the splurge, users love how easily this blends, leaving a long-lasting, natural skin-like finish.
Sephora
Promising review:"This product is amazing. It's creamy, lightweight, and blends beautifully without settling into fine lines. I paired it with a silicone-based primer (Bare Minerals) and a touch of Bobbi Brown vitamin-enriched base for a smooth, flawless finish." — byebyejenny
Get it from Sephora for $52 (available in 18 shades).
27. Beakey Makeup Sponges apply and blend your holy grails with an airbrush finish every single time — plus, they also absorb less product! That means you won't be unnecessarily wasting your expensive, only-for-special-occasions foundation.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have put off buying sponges because they are ridiculously high in price! This bag of beauties are wonderful!! Just the right size — not too small and not too big! I love the colors as well as the quality!! They are easy to use and easy to clean up! You don't have to break your bank cleaning them! Just a little soap and water and dry overnight, it's just that easy! You can't even buy one sponge from CVS, Walmart, etc., for the price these folks are charging for five of these jewels! I will be ordering more! You should, too!! Heck of a deal!" — Sheri Davis
Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (for a set of five — available in five colors).
28. Pretty Smart All-in-One Face Palette combines three makeup staples into one convenient travel-friendly set. Add a flush of color with blush, sculpt the areas you want to contour with bronzer, and seal in your concealer with photo-blur pressed powder.
Walmart
Promising review:"The product is compact enough to fit into a small handbag. It's an all-in-one palette; Yuka app rated this as an excellent makeup (all natural/ organic ingredients). A bronzer, blush and all over mineral / dewy face powder. Doesn't settle into wrinkles. Amazing coverage, perfect amount of, affordable price for clean beauty. Great for sensitive skin, washes off easily. Magnetic closure is nicely done." — Krista
Get it from Walmart for $9.98 (available in two color palettes).
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.