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17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Cheap Beauty Products With Results That Look Like A Million Bucks
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. Big fan of spending as little money as possible for the best results possible., 1. An under-eye brightener that's gone super viral super quick and FOR GOOD REASON! This awesome stuff contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and brighten the area under your eyes. Your new holy grail for concealing dark circles hath arrived! The color adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 2. A wake up eye gel formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to up your eyes — and by that, we mean keep the skin around them hydrated while helping to cut down the appearance of puffiness and swelling. Evidence of the fact you keep going to sleep too late because you can't stop watching Real Housewives, begone! Good Molecules, Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review:"Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I've always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow's-feet. While this doesn't completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn't feel cakey, or like there's a ton of product on." — Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 3. Bio-Oil, a cult-favorite skincare oil to help reduce the appearance of scars left behind by acne, pregnancy, injuries, or surgeries thanks to a powerful (but gentle) combo of vitamin A, vitamin E, sunflower, lavender, and chamomile oils. Your skin will thank you. Reviewers say it sinks into the skin easily and never ever leaves a greasy residue. Promising review:" I am a 70-year-old woman with all the skin issues those years bring: fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, uneven skin tone, and dry patches. This oil is lightweight, absorbs nicely, and has a fairly pleasant smell, although a bit flowery. The main thing is it works. I could tell a difference in my skin the first week of use. My skin is hydrated and glowing, and the overall tone has improved considerably. Believe me when I say I have used a lot of serums, oils, and moisturizers over the years. I wish I had found this oil years ago." — Connie J Get it from Amazon for $11.12. 4. A long-lasting liquid eyeliner that just so happens to be waterproof — a must for anyone whose tear ducts are already feeling the effects of those lovely springtime allergens in the air. It's also great for those who live in an eternal state of sweat during the warmer months but still want their makeup to stay intact. Yes, it is possible! Promising review:"Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. ... Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners (Stila, Urban Decay, YOU NAME IT). I will never switch to anything else." — Jacky Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in 15 shades). 5. A cleansing oil designed to clean makeup residue, potentially clear up blackheads and sebum, and help minimize the appearance of pores and acne. It's hypoallergenic and the gentle formula plays well with sensitive and acne-prone skin, and many reviewers actually use it as a step in their double cleansing routine. Double cleansing = using an oil-based cleanser (like this one) and then a water-based cleanser afterward! If you're looking for a water-based cleanser to go with this one, reviewers love this pore-deep cleansing foam from the same brand for their double-cleansing routine! Promising review:"I don't usually leave reviews, but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER!!!!! It worked flawlessly after the first try, and I could actually see the results immediately!! My gosh, it's lightweight and smells relaxing. Massage it to your skin for 5–10 minutes, and you can see the magic. I will definitely add this to my skincare routine. JUST GET IT!!!!!" — Vince Get it from Amazon for $17.69. 6. A skin-renewing night cream containing three essential ceramides in a fragrance-free, non-irritating formula designed to bring your skin a delicious dose of hydration and softness, all while you SLEEP! Out: expensive (for literally no reason) night creams. In: THIS STUFF!!! It has new packaging, just FYI, if it looks different when you order it. Promising reviews: "CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is my skincare savior! I use it every night and wake up to a dewy, plump complexion that's like magic. It's my secret weapon for fighting fine lines and wrinkles and keeping my skin hydrated and barrier-strong. As someone with sensitive skin, this dreamy overnight moisturizer is an absolute game changer!" — Brooke "I've been using the same cream for over seven years. Every other cream would break me out, not moisturize my skin enough, or just make me too oily. I got this because I've been breaking out and I've been trying to find something to calm my skin down. The first night I used this, my skin improved!! Redness/bumps reduced, my skin was soft. I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, and this did not irritate my face at all. I wake up, and my skin is soooo soft. My skin texture has drastically changed in just a week. My makeup applies so smoothly, and my pores even look better. My new go-to!" — Melody Get it from Amazon for $15.68. 7. A collagen hair protein treatment to help repair damage from things like heat, sun, and dye, just to name a few, because we want you to be able to do all the cool, experimental things with your hair. Go ahead — dye it, fry it, do whatever makes your heart happy. This stuff has your back. Promising review:"I bought this based on a review in a BuzzFeed article. I have long, thick, curly hair and use this maybe once a week. I get a ton of compliments every time, and I absolutely love the way my hair feels afterward. So amazingly soft. I use it in the shower and usually wash my hair and then towel dry it. I put a small amount in my hair, mostly on the roots. Let it sit while I shave my legs, and then rinse it out and comb through with a wide-tooth comb. I allow my hair to air dry, and bam, amazing hair. This will forever be part of my hair routine now." — m. damocles Read our Elizavecca CER-100 collagen coating treatment review for more deets! Get it from Amazon for $7.60. 8. A no-fuss self-tanning mousse that delivers a deep, bronzed glow minus the streaks or orange tones. This fast-developing formula gives you that just-back-from-vacation look without the sun damage. Because a great tan should be that easy! Promising review: 'If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I've used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!' — Review Writer Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in 10 shades). 9. A tube of Essence Lash Princess mascara to give you lashes so dramatic, no one will believe you when you tell them you bought it for less than $5 on Amazon. No need to spend hours wrestling with falsies to get the long lashes of your dreams. Reviewers also rave that this lasts all day. Thank goodness! You have better things to do than reapply throughout the day. Promising review: "I tried this mascara for the first time in 2020 after seeing it go viral on TikTok. It was too inexpensive not to try, right?!?! Well, let me just say how upset I was to find out this little inexpensive bottle outperformed EVERY expensive mascara I had ever bought. This is now the only stuff I use!" — Amanda Sims Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a three-pack and two colors). BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review. 10. Or an E.l.f. tubing mascara that wraps each lash and gives it a length only false lashes could compete with. PLUS, it's resistant to clumping, flaking, and if THAT wasn't enough, it comes off so easily that you'll no longer dread the process that is wiping off your mascara at the end of the day. 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." Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). 11. An eyebrow soap designed to help give sparse brows a more volumized look. It comes with an easy-to-use spoolie, and the soap is made of mild ingredients, so you can achieve that ~on fleek~ style quickly, easily, and for less money than the name brands — buh-bye, Anastasia Beverly Hills. Promising reviews:"I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I've used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." — Bailey M, Deacon "This is so, so much better than the clear mascara that I was using. Ditto for the expensive eyebrow gel that I used before that. This stuff is not crunchy, not crusty, and doesn't wear off all day long. What it IS is nothing short of amazing: a little brow pencil and some of the eyebrow soap, and you have perfect brows all day, with no worries." — H. K. Rodman Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set and with a brow gel). 12. A rosemary mint scalp and hair-strengthening oil formulated with a combination of over 30 essential oils and nutrients to help nourish your locks, increase circulation, and potentially provide relief to an itchy scalp. Plus, it's great for all hair types and boasts working particularly well on types 3a–4c hair. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine! And read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Every year, without fail, I experience a flaky, dry scalp at the end of winter/early spring. I've tried so many things throughout the years, but after putting this hair oil in a post, I convinced myself that I should try it. I was hesitant because my hair does have a tendency to get a bit oily (oily hair and a dry scalp, can I pick a struggle?!), but I figured I'd take the plunge. I am so glad I did. I've had this hair oil for three weeks, and NO FLAKY SCALP!!! No itchiness! Here's what I will say, tho: I have to be careful about when I choose to use this. I'm usually the kind of person who if I'm going out for the day with friends, shower and wash my hair beforehand so my hair is clean and damp before styling. When I used the oil then, it did make my hair look greasy after styling. Now, what I do is wash my hair the night before, apply the oil, and let my hair air dry. The next morning, it's ready to style and doesn't look greasy! Not sure why this works better, but it just does! Get it from Amazon for $9.97. 13. A Briotech spray reviewers say is a GREAT alternative to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray — both are formulated with hypochlorous acid, an ingredient that helps calm inflammation and redness. Just give your skin a little spritz and bask in the relief! BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: "This is a [swap] for the Tower 28 spray that's 28 bucks for 4-ounces. I use this after cleansing my face before toners or serums. It's healed my acne. Also great for eczema. I have recommended this to so many people. Thanks, Biotech, for saving me money! Lifelong customer here." — Mea Beauty "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" — BK Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes and in packs of two). 14. A styling mousse that's especially great for folks with curly or textured hair. It's made with coconut and shea oils to help give locks some volume, definition, shine, and hold without unwanted stiffness. Say adios crunchy hair! Promising review:"First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price versus its quality. Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced let's say you get what you pay for, so usually you're left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew bout this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok." — Angelia Taggarrt Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 15. A lip repair balm from O'Keeffe's (yep, the same brand that makes the beloved Working Hands cream) — this awesome stuff contains deep conditioning oils to relieve dry, cracked lips overnight. Waking up with a smooth kisser? You're one "add to cart" away. Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic, and I won't go anywhere without it now." — Anna C. Adams Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in a pack of two). 16. A pack of dark spot remover soap bars formulated with a combo of *takes a deep breath* vitamins C and E, turmeric, retinol, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, olive oil, and shea butter to help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of dark skin spots and acne marks, and even skin tone. Promising review:"I'm big, so my inner thighs have always been darker than the other parts of my legs. I've tried other products for it, but nothing has worked. I HAVE BEEN USING THIS SOAP FOR THREE DAYS AND OMG!!!! My inner thighs are SMOOTHER, and they are ALMOST THE SAME COLOR AS THE OTHER PARTS OF MY LEGS. I'M SO SO SO HAPPY!!!! I hate that I didn't take a before picture, but trust me!!!! BUY IT!!!! My face also looks brighter and fresher, agghhh!!" — Daphney Get them from Amazon for $14.99. 17. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment with a cult following that'll leave your locks looking shiny and silky in just eight seconds. It boasts the same ingredients found in Redken's lamellar treatment for a fraction of the price. Promising reviews:"Wow! I have waist-length 3c curly color-treated hair that's usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer, and this stuff is a game changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" — Stavana Jubinsky "I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L'Oreal are all owned by L'Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." — anonymous87 Get it from Amazon for $10.97. 18. A fan-favorite E.l.f. Cosmetics primer that glides on like butter and helps reduce the appearance of pores. In turn, this makes for SEAMLESS makeup application. When I say your foundation will GLIDE right onto your skin and look airbrushed, I mean it!!! I'm speaking from personal experience here, BTW. I purchased this on a whim, and it's been one of my holy grail beauty products since 2023. There are some days I just quickly put on foundation without putting on this primer first, and I NOTICE the difference because my face doesn't look nearly as smooth. Promising review:"This is magic cream. My face looks so fresh all day. It blurs the lines and age spots just enough so I don't look like my foundation is caked on. I usually have to powder or blot my face during the day, and I haven't had to ever since I started using this a month ago. My face stays flawless all day. If only they could make eye makeup that holds up that well." — Should I buy this Get it from Amazon for $10. 19. A nail renewal treatment to give damaged nails a much-needed refresh. While it's not a substitute for prescription treatments, it works to improve the look of nails that have seen better days. Think of it as a little TLC for your toes! To use, you just apply a thin layer twice a day (morning and night) to the affected area and under the edge of the nail for a week — after that, switch to applying once per day at night. Promising review: "I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren't too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present. Even below the quick. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application." — WIAPilot Get it from Amazon for $16.97. 20. A L'Oreal glow-enhancing lotion that'll give the expensive bronzing drops you've been eyeing a run for their money. This glycerin-infused illuminator can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or foundation and worn as a makeup base OR as a highlight or bronzer. Glowy skin, here you come. Reviewers say it's similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops! Promising reviews: "Magic! I am blown away by how good this product is. I really didn't expect much from it, to be honest. It covers like a BB cream and has a pretty dewy finish. I originally got it to put under makeup as a moisturizer/glowy finish, but I just wear it alone mostly because it looks so nice. For reference, I wore Dr Jarts BB cream before, so not a heavy foundation. I find it similar to that coverage but a fraction of the cost." — Simone "I've been using this product for seven months, and I 've been complimented almost weekly about how I get my skin to look so dewy and glowy. I use this all over with a good coverage foundation, and I've never felt/looked so sunkissed. Such an amazing product for a killer price!" — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in five shades). 21. A colorful eyeshadow palette featuring 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades that'll make doing your eye makeup feel like painting. If you remember the James Charles x Morphe palette but never bought it because of its $40 price tag, then this veryyy similar under $10 alternative is perfect. Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m., and it's almost 1 a.m. The 'highlight' stayed on my nose, even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." — Daniel T Adams "Best palette I've owned, and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands, and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" — Mary Diamond Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 22. A nail strengthening cream that's been a cult favorite for ages and is packed with ingredients like calcium and jojoba oil to help nourish brittle nails. Whether you're giving your nails a break from gels, growing them out after a bad break, or just want them to look healthier, this little jar has your back. Natural tips, here you come — no salon appointment required. Promising review:"I've been using this product for almost a month. Before, my nails were bendy, paper thin, and had little ridges. After applying this product almost every day, three times a day, I can grow my nails without fear. They are smooth, pretty, and have excellent white tips. They still have a slight flexibility to them but are leagues better than where they were, and I'm hoping with continued use, my nails will be hard as hoof, ha. After trying so many products, I believe this one is a holy grail." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.88. 23. An E.l.f. Cosmetics melting lip balm in the shade "Ecstatic," which reviewers say gives the same effortless, your-lips-but-better look as Clinique's "Black Honey" — but for a fraction of the price. This balm-lipstick hybrid glides right on, so you can add a sheer wash of color while keeping your lips hydrated. It's the kind of low-maintenance, throw-it-in-every-bag essential that makes getting ready way easier. 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 multiple 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). 24. A biotin shampoo that could help hair look thicker by strengthening strands to prevent breakage. It's made with a blend of botanical extracts to help nourish and cleanse your scalp. If your shower had a VIP section, this bottle would definitely be on the list. Maple Holistics is a small personal care brand founded by lifelong pals Ben and Motti after they searched for solutions to Ben's hair loss and scalp irritation. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:"I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn't make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After I used the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever. I still use it twice a week and love it! I'm not a fan of the way it smells, but others love it when they smell my hair." — Diane J. Huff Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in four sizes and three scents). 25. A lightweight CeraVe retinol serum made with encapsulated retinol — that's when traditional retinol is shelled and, therefore, is absorbed at a slower rate over time, which may prevent the irritation or redness of non-encapsulated retinol. Plus, you still get to reap similar benefits like brighter skin and a reduction of post-acne marks! And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. It's recommended to use this at night and follow up with sunscreen in the morning! Promising review: "This product is magic in a bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skincare routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! I've only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Don't think twice about this product, just buy it!!!" — mallory brook bravo Check out BuzzFeed editor Daniel Boan 's Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum review for more deets! Get it from Amazon for $18.68. 26. A 2-in-1 eyeliner that also happens to be false eyelash glue because your time is precious, so saving yourself the step of having to apply eyelash glue OVER your eyeliner without smudging it in the process will really pay off in the long run. If you're looking for falsies people *love* (you've probably seen them on TikTok), try the Ardell wispies — you can get them from Amazon for $10.19. Some people cut them apart for that ~individual~ look. Some reviewers mention removing the liner is a little difficult to remove but many reviewers agree using micellar water or a cleansing balm works! Promising review: "What sorcery is this?! After years of trying to put on falsies, I gave up and opted for waterproof mascaras and eyelash growth serums. Of course, the mascaras and serums only did so much. Then the stars aligned, and I came across this eyeliner glue magic from the heavens! IT WORKS, FRIENDS! I apply two coats, and BAM! These babies stay on all day. I've worn lashes from Eyelure, KISS, and House of Lashes — all of them stayed put for over 12 hours, and they looked flawless. I even drove down the highway with the windows open, and they didn't budge! I use a makeup remover balm from Good Molecules to remove my eye makeup, and it gently removes the lash glue, leaving the lashes ready for another day. I'm about to stock up on these before prices go up!! Both the black and clear work great." — KareBear Get the liner from Amazon for $7.49. 27. A hair wax stick formulated with beeswax, vitamin E, avocado oil, and more plant-based ingredients to provide a nongreasy, nonhardening solution to smoothing frizzy hairs and stray strands. This is especially great for fans of the slicked-back ponytail look. Promising review:"This wax stick effortlessly tames even the most stubborn flyaways and unruly strands. Its unique formula provides a firm hold without the stiffness or flaking associated with traditional hairsprays. It keeps my hair looking sleek and polished all day long. The compact, easy-to-use stick design makes application a breeze. Simply swipe it over flyaways or areas that need a touch-up. The wax glides on smoothly and blends seamlessly, leaving no visible residue." — cwin Get it from Amazon for $7.99. 28. A tea tree oil and body wash that can help mitigate a plethora of common skin troubles like athlete's foot, acne, ringworm, and dry skin — just to name a few. Side effects include wondering where the heck this little miracle worker has been your whole life?! Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic. Promising reviews:"I usually use Dr. Bronner's, but I wanted to give this a try after seeing it on TikTok. I actually like this better and feel really clean after using it. Love the fresh smell." — KJeanine ATL "This is my favorite body wash ever! I was dealing with some serious postpartum BO, and this saved me! Results from the first use!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a two-pack). 29. A spray-on foot mask if your dry/cracked feet could use a refresh after spending all winter in fuzzy socks, galore. All you have to do is spray this on, rub off dead skin (or use an exfoliating mitt), and rinse with soap and warm water. Thanks to moisturizing ingredients like aloe and coconut, your feet will be ready to rock your springtime sandals in a cinch. Promising review: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. The dead skin comes off effortlessly. There's no waiting time, and it's gentle on the skin. In fact, I've even started using it on my cuticles. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." — KimT Get it from Amazon for $5.48+ (also available in a two-pack). 30. An E.l.f. liquid blush — whether you've been on the liquid blush train for some time now or you're looking to get aboard, this inexpensive (less than $10!!!) option is the perfect pick. It boasts gorgeous pigmentation and blends so smoothly. And! Reviewers say it's very similar to Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch liquid blush (which is more than double the price). Promising review: "Imagine sweeping on a blush that feels like a little whisper of color, just enough to give your cheeks that perfect, healthy glow. That's what you get with the E.l.f. blush. The formula is silky smooth, blends like a dream, and sits on your skin so naturally it's like a second skin. Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or amping it up for a night out, this blush has got your back. It's like a little magic in a compact, and it won't break the bank either. Plus, it's kind to our furry friends! Honestly, it's a total game-changer in your makeup routine! 🌟" — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 12 shades). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
14-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
24 Beauty Products Reviewers Over 50 Wished They'd Known About Sooner
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. "My only regret is not having found it sooner." —one reviewer's hard-earned wisdom 1. A wildly popular Bio-Oil because real-life magic (aka science) has gifted us this powerful blend of moisturizing oils and vitamins to help fade the scars and stretch marks you thought were going to stick around for the foreseeable ever. Promising review:" I am a 70-year-old woman with all the skin issues those years bring: fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, uneven skin tone, and dry patches. This oil is lightweight, absorbs nicely, and has a fairly pleasant smell, although a bit flowery. The main thing is it works. I could tell a difference in my skin the first week of use. My skin is hydrated and glowing, and the overall tone has improved considerably. Believe me when I say I have used a lot of serums, oils, and moisturizers over the years. I wish I had found this oil years ago." — Connie J Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in two sizes). 2. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel so you can quickly get your feet sandal season ready by removing years' (I repeat, YEARS') worth of hard calluses without endless scraping and scrubbing. Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind. Promising review:"I followed the instructions from many of the 5-star reviews, and everything worked better than I expected. I sat on the side of the tub and soaked my feet (while reading and sipping wine). I used a pumice stone on my feet while they were soft — then I PUT ON A PAIR OF GLOVES — and generously applied the gel. Then pumice stone after the rinse and washed — I had baby soft heels — better than getting a pedi. I will forever use this product — my only regret is not having found it sooner. Btw I'm a 65-year-old grandmother, and it was super easy." — Caribare Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three scents). 3. A tub of rejuvenating eye cream to help tighten, brighten, and lift those tired eyes and make it look like you actually got enough sleep and didn't stay up late marathoning White Promising reviews:"OMG, what can I say? This stuff is great! I've had dark circles since I was in my 20s, and now, in my 50s, I find this product! Love it! Dark circles are gone! Puffy eyes are gone by the time it dries! My eyes look more lively!" — lida Sadati "I really love this eye cream. It feels so soothing going on. I apply it every morning and at bedtime. My mature skin just soaks it up. I just wish I found this sooner." — JOJOinTN Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes). 4. Or a TikTok-famous temporary eye tightener that'll whisk your bags away like a good bellhop, delivering jaw-dropping results in just a few minutes. Check out our Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener review for more compelling B&As! And if you want to see it working in real-time, take three minutes and watch this TikTok. Promising review: "This product is awesome. It works better than I ever expected and does everything it claims. I only wish I found this years ago. As soon as it dries (which is not long), you can see the difference. I must say it took years, yes years, off my appearance. I'm a senior, and it went on easy, and in just minutes, years were gone from my appearance. I couldn't believe that it really did what it said. I just wish I had found this sooner." — Tina Feldman Get it from Amazon for $38. 5. A Korean exfoliating mitt if you spend every shower examining your skin and wondering "How do I get rid of these bumps?" The answer: these gloves, which will slough away dead skin right before your eyes. Promising review:" I am 67 years old and have very dry skin. I always had trouble exfoliating my skin to my satisfaction. The very first time I used it, I was disgusted by how much dead skin I was able to remove! My skin felt so soft afterward! I use the mitt once a week and have less dead skin to remove. I absolutely love this mitt! Wish I had known about it sooner!" — Sweetwriter Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 6. An anti-dandruff shampoo for reducing scalp flaking and itching thanks to a little ingredient called ketoconazole, which kills the fungus that causes dandruff. Now, you and your favorite black turtleneck can reunite without fear! Read more about ketoconazole shampoo at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:"This is without a doubt the best dandruff shampoo ever. I am 50 years old and have had a very bad, dry scalp and even face and ears dry skin all my life. I have tried everything on this side of the moon without any success until now. This stuff truly works and is amazing I literally put it on my face and even in my ears where I've always had problems with dry skin and after even the first use I saw amazing results. No more itching, no more flaking. I can actually wear a black shirt now with confidence, no flakes to worry about. I truly highly recommend this product. Where was it when I was a teenager and had to endure many embarrassing moments? Thank you so so much for this shampoo. It's worth every last penny!" — stacy Get it from Amazon for $15.88. 7. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen you can get quick results without the lingering sensitivity, so you can smile with confidence in every graduation, vacation, and wedding photo this season. Promising review:"I'm a 66-year-old wine and coffee lover with yellowing teeth. I've tried every tooth-whitening product to brighten my smile to no avail…until now. After two weeks, I am seeing amazing results, and I'm very impressed. It does cause some tooth sensitivity, so follow the instructions carefully to minimize the sensitivity." — E. Addison Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in packs of four). 8. A fragrance-free texturizing powder that'll add some heatless *oomph* to fine hair that usually likes to do one thing and one thing only: lie flat. Simply massage this translucent powder into your roots to enjoy hours of texture and va-va-volume. Promising review:" I'm over 50 and have thinning hair, so I need help with volume! Recently cut my hair short after a decade of the same long, no real style hair, and my stylist suggested this. Man! I could have used this years ago! She recommend to use it very lightly and she was right. I blow out my hair after lightly misting some volumizing leave-in conditioning spray while it's wet. Once dry, I make the waves and curls with my flat iron. Then I lift a few sections at the top of my scalp and sprinkle it at the root. Massage gently to spread through roots. Be really careful — less is more! It only takes a few sprinkles strategically over the top roots for lift. There is no weird smell, in fact, it's odorless. I apply a little setting/hair spray, and I'm done. S o happy with how it gives texture and lift, even on newly washed hair. I highly recommend this." — Denise P. Get it from Amazon for $21.95. 9. A compact facial hair trimmer to take painful plucking out of the equation with an easy-to-use electric option that's built to handle every stray hair from unibrows to mustaches. Promising review: "OMG. This is the most wonderful product EVER. I have paid my beautician $10 a week to remove my 'hair lip.' If I only would have found this hair remover sooner. It is 'flawless.' It is painless and gets all the mustache (I'm 66) as well as other chin hairs. In three weeks, this product has saved me $30, and it is better than my beautician ~ she never got all the hair. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Love, love, love." — Diane Mary Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in four colors). 10. A moisturizing tinted sunscreen with SPF 46 if your definition of an enviable beauty routine is one that doesn't take ages to apply. Allow me to introduce you to this nongreasy formula that delivers the daily sun protection your skin needs combined with the subtle, complexion-evening glow you most definitely want. Promising review: "I bought this on the recommendation of an IG dermatologist, Dr Daniel Sugai, and he wasn't wrong. The texture is amazing. It's SPF 46, which is great, the color is very sheer but does even out my skin tone, it moisturizes, and there's no chalky aspect to it. Smells good too. And the price is incredibly reasonable. I'm 69, with fair skin and wrinkles. I would have worn this in my 20s. It looks natural on my face, which is what I was after, as well as sun protection. It goes on well after serums too. Recommend highly 10/10." — Dr. R. Evans Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in matter or dewey finishes). 11. A pair of extra sharp stainless-steel toenail clippers that's similar to the ones used by podiatrists for quick and painless removal of your thickest nails (as well as ingrown ones) so you can rock your extensive sandal collection without hesitation. Promising review: " This has been the first product I've been able to use on my (and my 98-year-old friend's) thick toenails that actually work. Having arthritis, the grip and sharpness now make this task easy. Would recommend this product to anyone, especially seniors and caregivers like me. The price was more than affordable and wish I had discovered these clippers sooner. I was skeptical after purchasing other clippers over the years but this is excellent." — She She V Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 12. An award-winning anti-humidity spray for coming as close as you ever will to feeling like you control the elements. This long-lasting spray creates a waterproof barrier around hair that blocks out frizz-inducing moisture for up to 72 hours. (Yes, you read that right.) It's your secret weapon in the decades-long war against humidity. Promising review:"I don't usually try all the latest hair things because my hair is very fine and it doesn't like product. But I received it as a sample, and I can't believe how nice it made my hair and how long it lasted. I have to wash every single day, or my hair would be limp and lifeless. You could tell if I didn't wash my hair for one day. This miracle stuff makes it so that I don't have to wash my hair for a good three days at least and it still looks fresh. It also lasts between washes, so I only have to use it every other wash or sometimes not for three or four. I can't live without this now that I found it. It took me 'til my 50s to find this amazing product. I sure coulda used this in my 20s!" — B.S. Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes). 13. A fragrance-free CeraVe retinol serum because you already suffered through the breakout and didn't ask for any souvenir scars to remember it by. Fortunately, this lightweight gel is designed to smooth out your skin's texture while helping restore its natural protective barrier. And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising review: "I am 65-years-old and still have large pores and oily skin. Within a couple of days of applying this at night, I could see a very noticeable difference in the size of the pores on my nose. Pores are no longer clogged with oil! Overall, my ruddy skin looks more refined. It's a bit drying on my skin in the winter, but not a problem for me. I wish I had discovered this product decades ago!" — Lulabelle Still not convinced? Check out our full CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum review for more details. Get it from Amazon for $21.99. 14. A bestselling tightening cream so you can join the legions of reviewers who have given it 5 stars for its visible results and delicious scent. It's infused with caffeine, coconut oil, and guarana extract to firm and smooth skin while adding a little shimmer. Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that's something you're looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I use a light coat all over after a shower. I'm heading for 60, and I inherited my family's crepey skin. Nothing has really worked after the first hour, but this was amazing! My skin looked more for my age instead of an 80-year-old's. It isn't dry and flaky anymore. Got one for my 86-year-old mother, whose calves looked like molted snake skin. No more flakes! Day after day! I use it on damp skin after my shower." — VERONICA Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes). 15. A reviewer-beloved Panoxyl foaming wash to boost your skincare routine with the highest dose of benzoyl peroxide money can buy without a prescription. Safe for use on your face and body, this antimicrobial formula works to bust the bacteria that can frequently cause adult acne breakouts in the first place. Promising review: "I'm a 54-year-old male and never thought I'd be writing a review for soap, but this stuff has been a godsend. I began dealing with adult acne/cysts/nodules about 10 years ago. The only thing that helped was antibiotics until now. Using this product twice a day has eliminated everything. I'm not claiming to have perfect skin, but this has worked better than anything the dermatologists ever prescribed." — JAMES E GODFREY Get it from Amazon for $9.77. 16. A paraben-free argan oil hair mask that'll help bring the glow back to your halo if split ends and dryness are dulling your hair's shine. Promising review:"I can't say enough good things about this product. It took 50 years to find something to turn my naturally curly/frizzy, high-maintenance mess into low-maintenance, fabulous curls with body and shine. I get tons of compliments on how my hair looks and smells. For the first time EVER, my hair is manageable and easy to style. I can even wash and run if I want to — which was impossible before using this product. I won't go a day without it! I recommend it to all my friends with natural curls or permed hair." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 17. Or a silicone-free L'Oréal moisturizing treatment if you want visibly healthier-looking hair FAST — like, eight seconds fast. This rinse-out formula works on any hair texture or length, delivering the proteins and amino acids necessary for a shiny, flippable mane. Promising review:" I'm 57 years old, and I've been searching for a product since I turned 30 that actually delivers what it promises. In one single use, my hair looked 30 years younger. Shiny, smooth, silky — it makes my hair look like my stylist just did it. In fact, when I showed it to her, she started using it on problem clients. The only drawback is, with my medium hair length and fullness, I only get about three uses per bottle. Then again, that works out to roughly three bucks a pop, definitely worth it for these results." — Liz Get it from Amazon for $10.97. 18. Vanicream — a face and body product that's a dream for sensitive skin, since it skips out on many common irritants *and* is fragrance-free. Now, nothing is coming between you and the glowy, hydrated skin you've been chasing. Promising reviews:"Perfect for this 62-year-old face. Love it and wish I had found it sooner." — Judy Clark "LOVE!!!!! I am so happy I decided to give this a try! After countless products (I'm 50), I have finally found a winner! My skin is super dry. This is not greasy like most I have tried. Also, bonus…PUMP!! It's like having pants with pockets exciting!! 😂" — Kelly Jo Get it from Amazon for $13.56. 19. A gentle Juno & Co. cleansing balm because it's time to experience a world where your mascara actually comes off when you wash your face with just 10 simple (yet oh so effective) ingredients. Promising review:" I'm 53 years old, and it took me this long to find such a great product. Loved everything about this cleanser. The smell is terrific and feels great on my skin. Removes all makeup (lash glue too)." — Whyukry Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 20. A bottle of nail and cuticle care oil you apply like a clear coat of polish to give your nails all the cuticle-softening, nail-strengthening nourishment they've been craving. I started using this stuff recently and my nails look presentable for basically the first time ever. It's no one-time-use miracle — you have to be consistent about application. But if you are consistent, you'll be able to maintain happy, hydrated nails and cuticles with pretty minimal effort. Fun bonus: It smells absolutely delicious. Promising review:"So my nails have always been thin and brittle — always cracking and breaking. I read about this and thought I would try. I've been using it daily for over a month an my nails are definitely stronger and they are not cracking and breaking. I'm 52 and I can't believe it took this long to find something that works. You have to keep using it and make it a part of your routine." — Grant's Mom Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes). 21. Plus, a vegan nail-strengthening polish available in both clear and tinted so you can buff up your nails with a low-maintenance mani that actually protects them against chipping, splitting, and peeling. Promising review:"I rarely write product reviews, but I feel compelled to explain why this is a great product. I am an older man who has struggled with fingernail biting my entire life. OPI Nail Envy really helps! 1. It is true matte with a barely noticeable shine. I am old-fashioned and would never use a shiny polish. I have tried several other brands that claimed to be matte, but they all had a little shine. 2. OPI Nail Envy not only strengthens my nails — it accelerates the healing of my cuticles and skin around my cuticles. 3. IMPORTANT: Be aware of the formula! This is a vegan formula. There is another formula, OPI Nail Envy Original Formula. I tried some, and it triggered a severe allergic reaction on my cuticles and skin. I switched back to the Vegan formula, and it healed the skin quickly. I wish I had discovered this product 50 years ago. It would have prevented a lot of embarrassment about my nails." — Stephen Bell Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in clear and eight colors). 22. A stain-proof hairline powder to stretch out those root touch-up appointments or fill in thinning gaps without having to twist yourself into knots styling your hair to hide it. This compact includes a built-in mirror and precision puff applicator — like makeup for hair. Promising review: " Wow. I'm 53 and should've bought this product years ago. I can't begin to get into the multitude of ways that I have worn this. Basically, you can style your hair anyway you want, then anywhere that you can see your scalp, you pat this powder on. My hair color is usually some variation of 4RV, 4RR, 5RV, or 5RR, and the dark auburn is somehow always a perfect match! :)" — WhiteDove Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in 14 shades and two sizes). 23. A moisturizing curl-activating cream if you're ready to win the fight against frizz with a locks-loving formula that doesn't just enhance your natural curl pattern but is designed to add volume, bounce, and shine, too! Promising review:"Granddaughter shared hers with me, and I fell in love...I use it on my longish hair after washing, comb through, and let it air dry. I have soft, pretty curls, and my hair smells amazing...I use the reactivate spray between washing. I'm in my 60s and wished I had these products years ago." — Teresa S. Get it from Amazon for $6.25. 24. A cult-favorite Embryolisse moistuizer for a budget-friendly cream that delivers high-end hydration. Loads of reviewers (including makeup artists) also use it as a primer, just in case it wasn't already enough of a bargain. Promising review: "At 67 and after a long battle with cancer (in remission now and doing great), my body and face took a good 'beating.' This is an excellent moisturizer! It pumps the skin, moisturizes without being too greasy, and can be used as a makeup primer, cleanser, or even face mask! I'm usually a 'high-end' kind of gal, but I decided to try this based on reviews, and now sorry I didn't buy it sooner! Just a tiny bit goes a looong way. I don't expect to look 20–40 again, but I can always do everything to look my best, and my complexion is much better today than it was in my 20s... spots, acne, uneven skin tone, etc. I will be buying the larger size and don't want to be without — Monica Grusenmeyer Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two colors).
