30 Little Additions That Will Make A Huge Difference In Your Makeup Routine

Buzz Feed

12-03-2025

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 why are you still saying you're bad at makeup in 2025 🤔
1. A pack of soft and bouncy makeup sponges — people are saying they're better than Beauty Blender and Real Techniques at a fraction of the cost. Their soft texture allows for a smooth and even application, whether you're blending out foundation, concealer, or contour. Reviewers also love how durable these little sponges are and that they don't easily rip or tear when your wash them.
Promising review: " New holy grail! These sponges are amazing! I've been buying the Beauty Blender for years and as you all know they are $20 for just one. An aunt of mine had ordered these and I tried one and I was amazed by the quality of these. These are my new go-to everyday sponge. I love them!! You get five for half the price of a Beauty Blender. These double in size when wet and they apply foundation flawlessly...so if you are debating just buy them! You won't be disappointed. 😊" — Aileen S
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five sets).
2. A light-up makeup mirror so you never have to do the awkward bathroom counter lean again just to get your eyeliner on point or apply those lash clusters perfectly. The flexible gooseneck brings the mirror closer to your face, letting you adjust the angle; plus, it features a super bright LED light and 7x magnification for flawless makeup application.
Promising review:"The suction is awesome; I have moved this mirror every which way and it hasn't come off once. I'm really pleased with how well it has held up on my vanity mirror. Bending over the counter top to apply my makeup in the morning was driving me wild. It took me a day or two to get used to the magnification but that has actually be super helpful with applying mascara. I'm very pleased." — Jade
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
3. A touch-up dermaplaning tool for a quick and easy way to shape your brows and get rid of peach fuzz. Not only will they leave your skin feeling silky smooth, but they're also perfect for prepping your face for flawless makeup application.
It comes with a precision cover to help you shape your brows to the exact shape you want. Or leave them just how they are — remember, removing facial hair (or any hair) is optional, not necessary!
Promising review:"Plucking the more egregious of my thick black hairs is at least a 2–3x/week effort. I opened these rather hesitantly — I mean, they are sharp blades going on your face — took a sip of Prosecco for courage, washed my face and started shaving. I could not believe how easy and quick it was. After a couple of swipes down my cheek, I noticed that it was done. I thought it was going to take a lot more skill and time. First complete face shave (full cheeks, upper lip, lower lip, jawline) over and done with in less than three minutes with outstanding results. So much easier than tweezers and depilatories!! Wow." — Tara D.
Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a pack of nine).
4. E.l.f.'s Power Grip Primer, a gel-based hydrating primer that will keep your makeup in place all 👏🏽 day 👏🏽 long 👏🏽. This primer also has a smoothing effect, reducing the appearance of pores and giving you a velvety canvas for your makeup.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is the HOLY GRAIL of primers!! It's really sticky and keeps my makeup set for hours! This is the best primer I've ever used!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. Plus, a tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer that'll help enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow, giving it that ✨ pop ✨ you crave. It also helps control oil on your lids to make your makeup last all day. Why spend more on Mac Paint Pot when this exists?
Promising review:"This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." — Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $11.89.
6. A waterproof eyeliner stamp to get the perfect winged liner every. dang. time. Doesn't matter if you're a makeup pro or a beginner who barely knows the basics — this pen is easy for anyone to use. Just line the stamp side up with the corner of your eye and firmly press, then follow up with the felt tip on the other end to connect your wing with the rest of the liner. The result: a wing that could cut glass.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Promising review:"I can't even with the 🎉awesomeness🎊 of this product! I live in Florida with the humidity and this DOES NOT BUDGE!!! Easiest eye EVER and perfect for those who have a hard time with this look! Even we makeup artists (I personally have over 20 years experience) will take an easy way out!! Why make it hard when it doesn't have to be?! That is what I teach in my makeup classes and this will be a STAPLE in my classes!!! Love this so much!!!" — Natalee Goehrig
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
7. Or, an easy-to-use guide wand and eyeliner duo that's like a magic wand here to make applying liner SO much easier. The design helps steady even the shakiest of hands, while the flexible silicone tip, which can be easily replaced, is gentle on your delicate eyelids.
Guide Beauty is a woman-owned small biz founded by makeup artist Terri Bryant after her own Parkinson's diagnosis made some once-routine makeup techniques more difficult. So she set out to listen to the most common makeup struggles and develop tools to make application easier for everyone!
Promising review:"I have extremely hooded Asian eyelids and shaky hands so eyeliner has kind of always been insurmountable to me and I had pretty much given up on it before trying this. I bought it with hopes it would work but it's now an actual game changer in my makeup routine. Upon first attempt I was able to do winged eyeliner for each eye in under five min. and the eyeliner has not budged since application. I haven't worn it out yet, but it feels like a pretty strong hold. Overall I'm in love with this product." — Hailey
Get it from Guide Beauty for $50.
8. A creamy eyeshadow stick, which is available in a delightful array of matte, shimmer, and metallic shades and glides on like buttah. This stick lets you be the artist, giving you total control over where the color goes. Plus, it's got a nifty smudger built in for seamless blending.
Amazon
Promising review: "This is my fifth color. This is the best thing to happen to makeup. I can do a smokey eye or a natural one in under a minute. I suck at makeup. This makes it so easy. I am also 51. The Coco color has some shimmer. It does not crease or define my wrinkles. Putty and Clay are amazing." — kristyn
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 30 colors).
9. Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub ideal for really making your lippies pop by giving them a smooth base to work with. This scrub exfoliates your lips, removing any dead or peeling skin to leave your pout plump and moisturized.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It uses real cane sugar from Maui for exfoliation along with Hawaiian kukui oil to restore moisture to parched lips. Tip: To keep things hygienic (and ramp up the exfoliation), you could use a lip brush like the one pictured above to scoop out and use the scrub on your lips.
Promising review: "This works so, so well for me. I have struggled with dry, chapped lips forever. I have had breakouts of perioral dermatitis that has affected my lips. I am also an anxious lip-biter. Lately I have been trying to take better care of my skin, lips included. This is the first lip scrub I have ever tried. First of all, this stuff smells incredible and doesn't leave a bad taste on your lips. It is super easy to use. And I never see any dry skin on my lips after using it. I have actually been able to wear lipstick several days in a row which I NEVER do, because it always used to dry my lips out and look flaky. I will definitely continue to use this." — Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
10. Plus, a Lucas' Papaw Ointment ready to put all your other lip products to shame. Made from pure Australian pawpaw (aka papaya), this magical tube gives your lips that glossy, well-moisturized look that lasts.
Reviewers say it's also brought soothing relief from cuts and cracked skin, burns, insect bites, and even eczema.
I initially bought this to try out because I saw Sophia from the global girl group Katseye wearing it, and her lips are always hydrated and glossy-looking. When I tell you this is the best lip product I've ever had (and I've tried plenty)! It has a nice texture; it's not too thick like petroleum jelly, but it isn't runny either. My lips actually feel moisturized hours later, unlike other products (which I'm convinced dry your skin out, causing you to keep reapplying). I can confidently say this balm just earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
Promising review: "I've tried all the big names, and there is nothing that beats Lucas' Papaw. It comes in three, which is perfect as I have one in my car, in my purse, and one at home. I could buy more and stock in every corner of our house. I swear by this product; goodbye to cracked lips forever! The value and quality is superb!" — OffcamMama
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $21.85.
11. Followed by a buildable blurring pudding pot with a dreamy, pudding-like texture that leaves a soft matte finish — use on your lips and cheeks for that gorgeous airbrushed look, like an IRL filter.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are incredible. Such a pretty velvet matte finish. Feels like cream pillows on the lips. You do have to moisturize your lips beforehand, though, because these pots do not provide any moisturize. But they're so pretty that it's more than worth it to just put on a little lip balm before hand. Also I'd suggest getting the silicone lip applicator — it's not necessary but it keeps the pot from getting all messy from your fingers. The silicone applicators cheap and super easy to clean too. They apply the product so smoothly too. Also, I love how bouncy these pots are! Makes putting on makeup so fun" — Sanura McGill
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 30 shades).
12. A skincare-infused Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Glow Serum that hydrates and preps your skin, blending hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to give it that smooth, juicy look and ethereal glow. It's lightweight enough to layer under makeup, or you can wear it on its own (which I personally do) for a low-effort, natural, everyday look.
Sephora
It also has antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental stressors!
Promising reviews: "I love this. It's such a beautiful glowy but not sticky primer. I wear it a lot on its own with a little mascara, little concealer and gloss. It smells like heaven and never breaks me out. Perfect for those dry skin ladies like me." — Allizen
"This under the Huda Beauty Easy Blur foundation is a dream combination. My skin looks absolutely flawless. The texture of the product is beautiful it sinks right into the skin and adds a beautiful glow on its own. I'm oily so I tend to stay away from glowy primers but this is one of my new favorite products!" — Ghosoon
Get it from Sephora for $34 (available in three shades).
13. And a satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation offering 72 hours of flawless wear, blending seamlessly to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. It has buildable coverage, perfect for a natural look or full glam. Plus, it's packed with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. *AND* to top it all off, its oval-shaped puff can reach every little corner of your face!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.
Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned t here are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at al l. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go to foundation from now on." — AJ Bond
Get it from Amazon for $21 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).
14. A flat-top oval brush made with compressed but oh-so-soft fibers that work together to blend your foundation and concealer perfectly, giving you the seamless, airbrushed look of your dreams. You'll feel like a seasoned makeup artist!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This one works with liquids, powders, and creams, and is beloved by over 31,000 5-star reviewers.
Promising review: "I was skeptical at first, but the second I made my first swipe of foundation on my face with this, I was amazed. The application is so smooth. I used to use my fingers thinking that the heat from my hands would help the foundation go on better, but this is far better. It also comes with a plastic case, perfect for travel or storage." — Carolyn Z.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 11 colors).
15. An eyebrow stencil kit, which comes with 30 self-adhesive stencils to help you nail that perfect brow shape. This kit is a total game changer, especially if you tend to go a bit overboard with plucking or feeling inspired by those TikTok eyebrow filters, but never quite getting it right.
The kit comes with 30 different eyebrow stencils, a shaping razor, and a double-sided waterproof eyebrow pencil.
Promising review:"Really great! Surprisingly! I bought these expecting the worst and they were awesome! There are tons of different eyebrow stencil options. I found one closest to my eyebrow shape. I struggle with drawing my eyebrows to match. Their shapes are naturally quite different. This set did a great job. I used my own brow pencil however because the light brown color is very crayon brown. I like a more taupe color for my brows." — Chls
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
16. The fan-fave Nyx makeup setting spray that every makeup enthusiast should have in their arsenal. A few spritzes of this miracle elixir will lock your makeup in place, preventing it from smudging, melting, or fading away. Perfect for those days when your foundation seems to have a mind of its own.
This personal makeup assistant comes in four different finishes: matte, dewy, radiant, and plump.
Promising review: "Love this spray. Like that it's small and portable. It does set your makeup matte, which I love. Keeps my makeup in place all day. I use it pretty much daily when it's summer. It is great for when you travel to anywhere hot and humid and don't want your makeup to slide off." — Tina
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in four finishes and a larger size).
17. A genius eyeshadow color removal sponge if you're someone who usually sticks to using one eyeshadow brush. This lets you remove quickly pigment from your brush when switching shadow colors. Now you can finally recreate that vibrant look from your saved inspo pics.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "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!"
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
18. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller in case your skin creates more oil than a KFC. This roller removes excess shine from your face WITHOUT disturbing your makeup. It's also compact so you can keep one in your purse, car, office drawer... you get the point.
Promising review:"I have a naturally oily complexion. If I put anything on like foundation, concealer, highlighter, blush, bronzer (even with putty primer, finishing powder, and setting spray) I get oil buildup within a couple of hours. This stick worked so well. I put my full face of makeup on at 7 a.m., had a presentation at 1 p.m.. Used this through the morning and right before my presentation and my makeup looked so good. Highly recommend!" — Molly
Get it from Amazon for $8.66.
19. Or a pack of 100 blotting papers you can whip out whenever you need to keep that oily shine at bay. These will keep you matte all day and *won't* disturb your makeup, according to reviewers.
Promising review:"This is a must-have for those who use makeup. No matter how expensive the makeup is, we all will sweat it out. We will all get that greasy skin that looks icky. Just take one of these, dab it on your face and the grease is gone. You can see the grease on the paper. Way worth the cost." — Honest Reviewer
Get a 100-count pack from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles, plus packs with a mirror).
20. A Neutrogena makeup-correcting stick if you know the struggle of spending hours on your makeup only to mess it up with one wrong move. This little tool is like a Magic Eraser for your face. You know those annoying smudges or mistakes you make when applying eyeliner or lipstick? Well, this fixes them in a snap. No need to panic or start your makeup all over again! 🙌🏽
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 $9.99.
21. Along with a self-sharpening clear lip liner to keep your lipstick in check without the stress of making mistakes like with traditional pigmented liners. Plus, the clear shade makes it versatile, working effortlessly with any lip color you throw its way.
Amazon
Promising review:"I like that you don't have to sharpen this liner! It stays on good and helps my lipstick last longer." — SoonerGal
Get it from Ulta Beauty for $8.49 or Amazon for $6.98 (available in 14 other colors).
22. A Nyx instant brow styler if Cara Delevingne has been on your Pinterest inspo board since high school. With just a few swipes, this magical potion will give your brows that extra *oomph* and hold them in place for 16 hours with no flakiness or icky white residue!
www.amazon.com
Nyx is a cruelty-free brand. If you want something that focuses a little more on pigment, try this one out!
Promising review: "I bought this on a whim to try to get my newly curling dark brown brows under control. Many other 'clear' products I've tried leave a white residue. I'd been using the brown Patrick Ta Major Brow which works and is fine, but it's expensive and takes a little longer to prepare and apply. This Nyx product is so fast and easy — swipe and go, leaves virtually no residue, keeps the brows laying straight, and is a fraction of the cost of many Sephora products I've tried." — E Morris
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in five colors).
23. A silicone reusable eye makeup shield to catch any eyeshadow pigment fall-out and ensure that your base layer stays gorgeous. It easily wipes clean and can also double as an under-eye de-puffer if you pop it in the fridge or freezer.
Promising review:"This moon slice is perfect and everything I've ever wished for. I wanted an eyeshadow shield that a) wasn't sticky, and b) was reusable. This particular gadget gets bonus points for being made of silicone, which is stiff yet flexible and fits comfortably — and pleasantly — under the eye. I also feel the grippy nature of the silicone helps catch eyeshadow fallout better than, say, a business card. All in all, this is an amazing little tool." — Kat
Get it from Amazon for $13.26+ (available in two colors).
24. A lash lifting kit if you're tired of always having to curl your stubborn lashes before doing makeup. This lash kit can give you a cute curl that'll have people questioning if you're wearing falsies or not. It's also reusable — one reviewer said they were able to get five uses out of the kit! The instructions are easy to follow and results can last 4–6 weeks, so you'll be able to say goodbye to those expensive salon appointments.
www.amazon.com
This kit includes lash glue, lash perm, lash fixation, lash nutrition, lash cleanser, five silicone pads, three lash cleaning brushes, 10 lash micropores, 10 brushes, and five gel under-eye pads.
Note: If you have sensitive skin, especially around your eyes, some reviewers noted this can cause irritation.
Promising review: " Okay I'm not gonna lie, I was worried that this stuff would either not work at all or make all my lashes fall out. Thankfully, it was neither and the results are UNREAL. I HIGHLY suggest watching some YouTube videos of other people using their perm kits before attempting to use yours. I have big fingers and small eyes so it was difficult for me to get the lift pads in the right positions but once that was over, the rest was a breeze. Unlike some of the other kits I've seen on here, this one has basically everything you need. The only other things I needed were a mirror, some tissue, and a little bit of plastic wrap to cover my lashes while waiting for the lotions to work their magic. I'm totally impressed and will definitely be buying this again! — Ryan
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
25. An illuminating L'Oréal moisturizer so you can bask in the bronzy glow of fabulous skin. This moisturizer has light coverage and helps color correct any little blemishes you might have while creating a fresh, dewy look.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Didn't need this but bought this due to watching a TikTok. Pleasantly surprised by the magical erasing powers. This product has magic dust. Gives you a great glow and erases imperfections with the thinnest layer." — Kim Wilmot
Get it from Amazon for $13.87 (available in five shades).
26. CoverGirl's TruBlend matte concealer reviewers say is similar to (if not better than) Tarte's Shape Tape, AND it's under $10!! With 28 different shades to choose from, you're basically guaranteed to find the perfect match for your skin tone — plus, it's super easy to blend. No more awkward orange or ashy patches on your face!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My everyday holy grail concealer! I really love this concealer for my everyday makeup because it covers very well my blemishes without leaving my skin feeling heavy. It's really matte, it blends out beautifully into the skin, and I love that this it's exactly my skin tone!" — Marilegny G. (@marimuabeauty)
Get it from Amazon for $7.94+ (available in 28 shades).
27. A set of Lilac St. false lash segments, aka your secret to a captivating eye look that can last up to 10 days. All you do is gently brush the mascara-like glue onto the underside of your natural lashes and attach the segments wherever you want to add that extra pop of length and volume. And this little bit of lash sorcery won't break the bank, either.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I've worn these lashes, and tbh I'm never going back to strip lashes again! These look much more natural, are easy to apply, and don't budge until removed!"
Lilac St. is woman- and AAPI-owned BTW!
Promising review: " At-home lash magic! I've been wearing this brand for a year now, I don't know what I did before. They are perfection, I use their extra strength lash glue and I can easily get 10–14 days out of a set. I also use sizes 10mm-16mm for a beautiful natural look and I get so many compliments. OFTEN people think I get professional lash extensions!!! If they ever went out of business I'd be so lost without them!! Just do it already treat yourself. PS — Give yourself so time to adjust to this method before deciding if you like it. Watch some videos to figure out how to put them on. It's worth it I promise." — Stephanie R.
Get the original lashes from Amazon for $12.95 (available in lengths from 10mm–16mm). You can also get a starter kit (including 10mm and 12mm lashes, glue, and applicator) for $38.
28. Or a GrandeWrap tubing mascara that doesn't just coat your lashes but actually wraps around them, giving you that fluttery long look like professional extensions. It's packed with provitamin B5 and mango butter to condition your lashes instead of making them stiff. And when it's time to say goodbye at the end of the day, the "tubes" slip off like a charm — no raccoon eyes or harsh scrubbing needed.
Ulta
I'm typically a lash cluster girlie because all the mascaras I've tried in the past are always clumpy, too hard to remove, and gave me raccoon eyes. I wanted to try this out since it claimed to also help promote better lash health. This is the best mascara I've ever used. It actually separates my lashes and gives noticeable length without being a gross clumpy mess. Now keep in mind, this gives you *volume*, not density. So if you want that thick dramatic strip lash look, this is not for you. But, if you're like me and prefer the more natural "lash extension look," this is for you. I also love that it removes so easily. I just apply a cleansing oil and let it sit for a few seconds, and it wipes completely off.
Promising review:"The first time I bought a tubing mascara I wasn't impressed, but I saw all these reviews for this one and I have to say I am so very impressed with it. My lashes were longer and had volume. No flaking or raccoon eyes; it went on so nice and layered well. The brush is great, and it looks good on top and bottom lashes. So glad I gave this one a try. I have finally found my 'can't be without' mascara." — Malea
Get it from Ulta for $25.
29. A hydrating lip-plumping gloss here to make you wonder if you've mysteriously swapped smiles with Angelina Jolie herself. This set comes with a daytime formula featuring ginger essence to give you that extra ✨ plumpness ✨ and a nighttime formula with mint to repair and moisturize.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.
Promising review: "I loved this stuff, it was magic. The evening moisturizer was fabulous. It is the first plumper that actually works for me. Will be buying more for gifts!!!!!" — Alexandra
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
30. And finally, an incredibly soft MakeUp Eraser here for when you're ready to wind down and bid adieu to your masterpiece. This reusable cloth works its magic with just a touch of warm water, easily whisking away all traces of makeup, even stubborn mascara, without tugging or pulling at the skin. Now you can relax without worrying about any leftover makeup causing breakouts. 😌
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It has two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and light scrubbing, and another that exfoliates your skin. And each one lasts for up to five years!
Promising review:"This did exactly what it claims to do. I use some warm water on a little part and my whole makeup comes off, even mascara! I used to always buy makeup wipes and this has saved me so much money. I just throw it in with the laundry and it's perfect. I've been using it for over six months now and it hasn't failed me at all, it's worth the money!!" — Sharmin Rahman
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 16 styles).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.