Latest news with #Moroccanoil
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
36 Cheap Beauty Products That Are Perfect For Summer
Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydration designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurgeworthy products without committing to the whole price first! A set of limited edition Band-Aids with retro flower patterns so the next time you get a little ouch, you can be like, "wound care, but make it summer-y." A cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the pricey Sol de Janeiro version 👀☀️ . This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents! A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. E.l.f.'s Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo with some real "Laneige, but make it cheap" energy. This mango and watermelon duo is actually the oh-so-tropical remix of the brand's wildly beloved Squeeze Me More Lip Balm that came out last year, so reviewers are already obsessed with how lightweight, hydrating, and deeelicious these go-to balms are. A cult-fave ginormous set of seamless hair ties that will be your new holy grail — they're designed to stay the heck put without damaging, pulling, or bending your hair, with a hold so strong that a lot of reviewers love the *pop* of volume that comes with them. Also, these are so ridiculously affordable that you will NEVER run out of hair ties again!! Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, just in time for potential spring shaving shenanigans. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas, helping spare you from razor burn and ingrown hairs. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion gives you a gradual-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier, and a HECK of a lot cheaper than its competitors. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, the summer-friendly sister of the TikTok-famous "old money" Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired body wash. I am a massive fan of both — the moisturizing clean is so fresh, and the scents are so DELIGHTFULLY luscious without overpowering — but trust me when I say that Wild Iris Musk is *the* warm weather scent. It's floral, soft, playful, and grounded all at once. (And yes, just like the original version, it smells ... expensive 👀.) E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum, which finally answers the question of, "What if a high-quality priming moisturizer could also punch the UV right out of the sun??" This lightweight, nongreasy, no-white-cast formula is here to solve all your warm weather beauty woes once and for all by playing nice under your makeup *and* protecting you from the sun's rays. Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick with similar energy as the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick for a smooth, rich, and ridiculously easy-to-apply contour to give your skin that ~sunkissed~ glow with as little effort as possible. This dual-ended stick is the definition of no muss, no fuss, and so versatile that when you're not using them on the go, you'll love experimenting with all the different ways you can make a subtle colorful *pop*. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant helps exfoliate and smooth skin by dealing with rough patches or dry bumps at a price point a *lot* cheaper than expensive prescription creams and washes. A lot of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin textures swear by this for relief, with many noticing a difference after the very first use. A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo reviewers with chemically- and color-treated hair *swear* by for toning down yellow hues in blonde hair on the cheap, seeing a noticeable difference even from the very first wash. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, aka the more affordable version of the beloved $39 Drunk Elephant version. This buildable, hydrating formula is an easy way to add a ~sunkissed touch~ to your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!). E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder so effective that reviewers gleefully compare it to the $68 Dermalogica version. This gentle, foaming powder is formulated with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts, and should be used three to four times weekly to help gently break down dead skin cells for a brighter, more refreshed flow. A set of "Golden Glow" under-eye gels made with 24-karat gold collagen formulated to brighten, nourish, and soothe your under-eyes so you can get that sweet, sweet de-puffing relief (and look ~expensive~ while you're doing it). A shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a punch as powerful as the $30+ versions — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like an ice pop. A multipurpose blush stick reviewers compare to the $18 Pixi Beauty version — this version may be cheaper, but it's also easily buildable, blendable, and perfect for that light, dewy, "kissed by a happy pink cloud" look. Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, an affordable WinkyLux alternative that not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!! Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette as an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just say "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!) A deliciously soothing, super gentle Briotech spray reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. It's similarly designed with hypochlorous acid, which targets bacteria that causes acne, skin irritation, and blemishes *without* drying your skin. Reviewers swear by this handy little spray for helping not just with acne, but rosacea, eczema, dryness, dermatitis (scalp included!), and even toenail fungus. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil reviewers compare to the cult-fave Dior Lip Oil ... that is, if it were a FRACTION of the price 👀. Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well! An adorable, clear waterproof sunscreen bag to keep your various SPFs for easy access when you need to protect yourself from the sun's shenanigans, and to keep the rest of your stuff safe if one of your sunscreen bottles decides to go ~kaboom~. (Psst — these have the same vibe as the beloved Stoney Clover cosmetic bags that start at $68!) A dark spot-removing soap bar you might want to try if you're someone with sensitive skin or hyperpigmentation — this is formulated not only with hyaluronic acid to protect your skin's moisture barrier but a blend of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to help brighten and soothe skin. An "Exfoliate & Glow" premium scrub mitt for that oh-so-squeaky clean sensation that comes with sloughing off dead skin. No, for real — one reviewer saw all the dead skin left in their shower floor and dubbed themselves a "Lizard Person" after shedding it. This is great for helping even out skin texture and tone, preventing ingrown hairs, calming keratosis pilaris, and removing self-tanner, too!
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
35 Underrated But Ridiculously Cool Products
A ridiculously versatile solar-powered bird bath fountain pump — all you have to do is plop it in water in a traditional bird bath, planter, or backyard decor, and boom! You have a sweet little bird haven that can burble water up to a foot high for all our feathered friends to enjoy. Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurgeworthy products without committing to the whole price first! A clever magnetic two-layer fridge shelf so roomy and useful that your fruit bowl will be like "Excuse me? What is SHE doing here??" Reviewers are especially impressed with how strong the magnet is on these, and how much space it saves them! Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydration designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. Marshmallow Blush Perfume, a romantic, soft scent that has taken TikTok by STORM for this summer — reviewers are obsessed with how beautifully this strawberry-leaning scent blends vanilla, floral, and fruity notes for the ultimate summer vibe. It's also got some major longevity, so it makes for a perfect signature scent! A four-pack of silicone straw soda can lids that are like, "Oh, you're obsessed with Diet Coke? Let me find you a reason to be even MORE obsessed." Reviewers love these not just for the ~thrill~ of a straw, but because the covers make the cans a whole lot more spill-proof, prevent your drink from going flat, and protect your can from bugs and debris during outdoor hangs. Clinique Pop Lip + Cheek Tinted Oil tailor-made for the lifelong fans of the TikTok-famous "universal" Black Honey lippie that sells out time and time again — this ~juicier~, luscious version gives a dewier finish perfect for the lips and cheeks and a tint that lasts, making it the ultimate in your "no makeup makeup" arsenal. It's basically as if Dior Lip Glow Oil, Benetint, and Clinique Black Honey had a baby. Mixsoon Bean SPF 50 Sunscreen with an ~airy~ texture, making this K-beauty staple perfect for anyone who loves a good SPF but hates the icky sticky feeling of it. This feather-light, hydrating sunscreen plays so well with makeup that it's about to become the primer of your ✨dreams✨. A mini colander with folding handles that is basically a mandatory purchase for fruit and veggie lovers — reviewers love how easy it is to plop produce into this lil' guy and rinse it off in the sink with no muss, no fuss of drying everything out after! Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so moisturizing, gentle, and decadently-scented that you're going to feel fully transported to your ~happy place~ every time you lather it on. This is especially lovely for sensitive skin, since the plant milk base is nutrient-rich and sulfate-free to keep your skin feeling eeextra soft and loved. A Lego face mug that will put you in a true "🎵 everything is awesoooooome, everything is fun when you've had your caffeine 🎵" vibe in the morning. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in a new brown shade so you can have all the *vavoom* of thick, full lashes with that romantic ~softness~ of the more muted shade. Similar to the iconic black shade that made it famous, this mascara doesn't smudge, clump, or flake for alllll day wear, and washes easily to be extra gentle on lashes. A delightfully irreverent Maybe Swearing Will Help coloring book that's equal parts cheeky, cathartic, and genuinely fun to color. It even comes with a set of markers so you can get down to business immediately. Reviewers especially love this since it leans more optimistic and clever than other swearing coloring books, without losing its edge. Biofreeze's new Dry Stick for "portable pain relief" — this mess-free, cooling solution for aches and pains all over your human body, whether it's your neck, shoulders, knees, hands, or many numerous joints. Its targeted menthol relief also works *fast* and is delightfully travel-friendly, unlike competing menthol creams. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time. A wildly popular hummingbird projection lantern to make your porch or backyard feel like you're stepping out of the real world and into a whimsical fairy tale. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder so effective that reviewers gleefully compare it to the $68 Dermalogica version. This gentle, foaming powder is formulated with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts, and should be used three to four times weekly to help gently break down dead skin cells for a brighter, more refreshed flow. A reviewer-beloved four-piece airtight food saver set designed to adapt to the shape of halved fruits so you can snack or cook at your leisure without worrying about food waste. Truly, what wouldn't we do to keep a perfectly ripe avocado half safe?? Case-Mate's iconic waterproof beach totes, which are, of course, ridiculously roomy and useful, but more importantly, RIDICULOUSLY cute. This is it "It" accessory of the beach if there ever were one. Get ready to be swimming in the ocean AND in compliments from strangers. Bonus — it even comes with a separate dry bag for your phone! An affordable sleeveless exercise romper you will be SO glad you bought on days when the sun is trying to bake you like cookie dough. These are medium-compressive, soft, breezy, and SUPER easy to throw on when your brain is too fried to match a top and a bottom in the heat. Bonus — these are comparable to Aerie, Abercrombie, and Hollister versions that can go for three times this price! McCormick's Potato Topping Seasoning for anyone who's not afraid to get a little feral about their air-fried, mashed, and baked potatoes — this blend of salt, garlic, and asiago cheese is so mouthwateringly delicious that you'll be dumping it on everything from popcorn to grilled cheese to guacamole. E.l.f.'s Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil reviewers LOVE as an alternative to the pricier versions — this overnight face oil is formulated with 1% granactive retinoid and blueberry extract for the geeentlest boost to help reduce fine lines, plump skin, and tone your complexion without drying you out or compromising your skin barrier. It also absorbs beautifully and is super lightweight, so it'll play nice with the rest of your skincare routine. A timeless transparent beaded handbag so mesmerizing that friends won't believe how beautiful it is in person, let alone how little you paid for it. Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Face Masks, the overnight face mask version of the internet's wildly beloved hydration serum, Snail Mucin Essence. This mask visibly absorbs within a few hours to become transparent over your skin, packing it with 25% snail secretion filtrate, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for a deeeeep hydration that visibly plumps and brightens your complexion to give it that "glass skin" effect. A guided visual sloth "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid-friendly! A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. Dae's Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream & Taming Wand, which is basically the brand's "holy grail," TikTok-famous styling cream in the form of a mascara wand. This versatile lil' tool helps you carefully target flyaways, style edges, and smooth frizz. Kitsch's new "Ultra Petite" Satin Scrunchies for anyone who loves the hair-protective style of satin, but wants a lower profile that the big billowing versions. These are super gentle and prevent creasing, but still have an all-day firm hold. A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't accidentally turn your unsuspecting car interiors into "Beach, Part Two." A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put all other styles on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. A set of slanted stemmed wineglasses in muted colors for anyone who loves to make their guests go "Ooooh" when they host a lil' happy hour. A set of lightweight, super sharp cylinder block kitchen knives that did NOT come here to play — the blades on these are so good that reviewers warn to be careful, because they're even sharper than you think! This is an especially clever space-saving option for smaller kitchens, since the cylinder block takes up less space (and looks quite chic, too). A delightfully affordable wireless bottle lamp to convert bottles into a cheeky light fixture, so your favorite wine can literally ~light up your life~, or you can preserve a bottle from a special occasion as part of your decor. This also makes an excellent gift to pair with a bottle of something yummy! An absurdly darling pink Lego typewriter that has multiple build options — you can also turn it into a flowery "keytar" instrument and a sweet little flowerpot with a writing pad and pen. (But honestly, I've imprinted on that pink typewriter so hard that if I hear about any of you making something else, I'm gonna cry some big Barbie tears.)
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Why is Israel still in Eurovision? The answer is more complex than you might think
As they get ready to watch this year's final on Saturday, many Eurovision fans will be feeling conflicted. Some will not watch at all. The reason is the participation of Israel. Isn't Eurovision supposed to be about 'love, love, peace, peace' (as the 2016 contest's Swedish hosts so memorably portrayed it)? If so, they may ask, what's the besieger of Gaza doing there? Some people argue that the people who run Eurovision, members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), are simply spineless. Others point to the sponsorship of the event by Moroccanoil, which despite its name is Israeli. But a big international organisation is hardly dependent on a beauty products company. The Eurovision vlogger Matthew Wrather has put forward a more subtle argument: it's about the EBU's fundamental purpose. The union was founded in 1950, and had both a technical and what we would now regard as a political remit. Technically, the project was about sharing ideas and enabling international broadcasts (the song contest was just one of these: the first was an awards festival in Montreux). Politically, the EBU supported state-run 'public service broadcasting' with a fundamentally critical, liberal bias: broadcasters that were simply mouthpieces for their governments were excluded. Having fought nazism and now living in the shadow of Soviet Russia, western Europeans saw open debate as being at the heart of serious broadcasting. Since then, however, this model has come under fire. In most parts of Europe, the right routinely blasts public service broadcasters as liberal mouthpieces. Many on the left see them as bastions of conservative values, defending the status quo at best or as state propaganda at worst. With its mission now contested, the EBU has its back to the wall in ways it didn't in 1950. Nowhere is this more true than in Israel. In 2017, Benjamin Netanyahu abolished the old Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) – Eurovision in that year was its last broadcast. The reasons cited were financial, but commentators argue that it was a political move: the IBA was seen as too leftwing. It was replaced with Kan, the current broadcaster. Kan is more docile than the IBA – but still not docile enough for the government, which wants to it handed to the private sector. The communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, previously put forward a proposal to this effect in 2023, accusing the network of biased coverage and claiming that it spoke in a 'disgraceful manner' towards members of the government. Such a body would be breaking EBU rules and would not be allowed into Eurovision. The EBU feels obliged to protect Kan, even if that means risking the Eurovision brand. That's what it was created for: to champion 'free and independent' public service broadcasting. Running the Eurovision song contest is only tangential to that mission. There is no easy way out. After Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine the EBU made no move to ban Russia from Eurovision until participating nations changed from issuing statements and suggesting meaningful dialogue to saying they would quit – at which point action followed swiftly. The same has not happened over Israel's involvement in the competition. The EBU is in a way the victim of its own success in running Eurovision. The contest has grown from its original, essentially lighthearted roots into something that sends powerful political messages around the world. Its bosses had it easy for a long time, as these messages were uncontroversial in liberal circles. When the transgender Israeli singer Dana International won in 1998, the EBU could genuinely pat itself on the back for being at the forefront of social change. The same with Conchita Wurst's magnificent victory in 2014. Eurovision was about good and wonderful things. 'Love, love, peace, peace.' Now, the organisation finds itself with a dilemma. The current Israeli government is not a practitioner of peace and its participation in the contest has been used by some to demonstrate support for the nation. In the long run, the EBU must either relinquish control of the song contest or change its mission so that protection (and development) of the Eurovision brand lies unambiguously at its heart. It must set clearer rules for eligibility, so that the contest really is about 'love, love, peace, peace'. But this year, Eurovision will not be an easy watch for the thoughtful fan. Chris West is the author of Eurovision: A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest, published by Melville House UK
Buzz Feed
15-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
32 Hair Products That Are Basically Bottles Of Magic
An Ogx leave-in conditioning cream to apply to your towel-dried hair for a magic trick. *Voila*, defined, bouncy curls that'll put a little extra pep in your step because of the way your curls bounce when you walk. A bottle of TikTok-famous Elizavecca hair treatment that contains ceramides and collagen to help give your hair shine and make it smooth in just five minutes. This stuff is *chef's kiss* mixed with a little witchcraft and seriously rivals the famous Olaplex treatment. A Moroccanoil treatment to hydrate your beautiful mane. This detangling, conditioning, and smoothing oil will increase shine and have you spotlight-ready. You should probz start making space in your phone for all the BOMB selfies you'll be taking once you start using this stuff. And careful, people might start calling you a witch once they see your hair transformation. Mielle's (TikTok-famous) Rosemary Mint strengthening oil made with biotin and moisturizing oils like jojoba, rosemary, and mint that can help stimulate and nourish your scalp while also strengthening and promoting hair growth at the root. I know they said a magic flower grew Rapunzel's hair, but let's be serious, it was probz this stuff. Some Cécred shampoo and conditioner for anyone whose hair is practically *begging* for some extra hydration. The hyaluronic acid-infused shampoo + the conditioner (which is packed with lightweight, nourishing oils) will leave your hair smooth, shiny, and easy to detangle. Plus, the conditioner only has to stay in your hair for one minute to work its magic (instead of 3–5 minutes, like most other conditioners). Wash day just got much easier and quicker. I have both of these, and they're both 100,000/10. I've had them for a while (and loved them), and I only used them when my hair was curly, but I just used this magical combo to straighten my hair for the first time, and omg omg omg. Guyssss, my hair has never ever looked/felt better. I ran out of my ol' faithful Chi shampoo and conditioner, which I normally use when I'm gonna straighten my hair, and in such a mid-shower crisis, I thought *What the heck, let me use my Cécred products instead and just hope for the best*. I was absolutely SHOOK when I straightened my hair and it turned out bone-straight and silky. The results are, dare I say, better than my favorite reliable seven-year shampoo and conditioner. The products smell incredible, and my hair feels extremely clean after washing with these. Annnnd, my hair feels SO moisturized. I feel like after washing with Chi products, my hair looks and feels suuuuper dry. But with the Cécred shampoo and conditioner, my hair didn't even need moisturizer or anything, but I def added my Cécred nourishing oil to set things off, make my hair smell like literal heaven, and add a lil' extra moisture and shine. This shampoo + conditioner combo is literally the definition of perfection. They work the shampoo from Cécred for $16+ (available in two sizes) or Ulta for $31 and the conditioner from Cécred for $16+ (available in two sizes) or Ulta for $31. An Arctic Fox semi-permanent hair dye so you can switch up your color after you make that drastic decision to dye your hair because you had a bad day. Happens to the best of us. It's made without peroxide and ammonia to help avoid damaging your strands and works best on pre-lightened hair, although many reviewers say it somehow gives a pretty nice tint to dark hair, too! One word: sorcery. Or a Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint for anyone with commitment issues and the desire to constantly have a new 'do. Just spray this on your wet hair after shampooing, wait two minutes, rinse, and — *voila* — beautiful rose gold locks for the next two to three washes. As Ariana Grande says, it's just like magic. A Brazilian keratin treatment that'll make Glinda look like an amateur. You'll get all the perks of a professional one — soft, shiny locks for up to six months, reduced frizz, and salon-quality results, but minus the harsh chemicals. Who's been rubbin' genie lamps, cuz that's the only logical explanation for how well this stuff works. A Cantu curling cream made with coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and mango seed butter — all the things your hair finds yummy and hydrating. Hair's at that ~ehh stage~ after washing and drying? Bring those curls back to life like the Sanderson sisters brought back Billy Butcherson without needing to re-wash or consult with a spell book. A sulfate-free biotin shampoo with tons of 5-star ratings from people who swear by its effectiveness. It works on all hair types, including colored hair. This stuff can help stimulate hair growth and make your hair look thicker with regular use. Starting to believe Mr. Potter had something to do with this one. An Xmondo color-depositing hair mask by Brad Mondo to keep your hair color looking oh so fresh. If you hate when your bold, vibrant hair starts to look all dull, but don't wanna dye it and cause damage every other month, this is def the holy grail product you've been searching for. It helps lock in water molecules to retain moisture and restores damaged fibers to strengthen dry hair, all while taking your faded mane and making it look freshly dyed again. Promising review: "Wow, color me impressed! I was hesitant to buy this because, most of the time, anytime a celeb or influencer comes out with their own line of anything, it's mediocre nonsense. But I was swayed after reading the reviews. I had grey hair in the past and used Overtone and another big brand name that you can get at Ulta, and they did an okay job at helping me keep the grey in between salon toner visits. I just recently went back to grey again, and this time, I thought I'd try this one to help between salon visits. Applying it was easy, and I left it on for 20 minutes. As soon as I started washing it out, I was EXTREMELY surprised by just how darn soft my hair was! It's not lying when it calls itself a mask because it rivaled my other hair masks in my bathroom. Better than my Sol de Janeiro mask and better than my Coco & Eve mask. I also noticed that it wasn't straining my bathtub or tiles, nor making a big purple mess, which was not the case in the past with other purple 'pigment depositing' grey hair masks. Overall, I'm SO pleased! Brad really pulled it off. Not only is the color output very much like it advertises it will give, but it's not lying when it says it's a nourishing hair mask. Cheers to Brad Mondo!" —DanaGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 14 shades). A Briogeo leave-in conditioning spray that'll help you say *au revoir* to that frizz! Using coconut oil and argan oil, this leave-in spray is suitable for all kinds of hair, from straight to wavy to curly. Plus, it'll help with tangles and knots. How is that so? Fiona Goode (AHS: Coven), that's how — or at least that's the only explanation I can think of. A styling mousse to help define your curls without flakes and crunch, keeping them soft to the touch. Hogwarts might send you a letter after the magic you work on your hair with this stuff. Calm the frizz, up the lightweight moisture. Or Lottabody's super fluffy mousse — a lightweight option that'll help your locks air-dry into a super perfect mane. If you want tamed frizz, defined curls, and soft wraps, look no further, your fairy godmother has arrived and she's surprisingly a bottle of mousse with coconut oil in it. A bestselling argan oil hair mask for dry and damaged hair. It'll help promote growth and strengthen weak strands by deeply conditioning, detangling, and hydrating your gorgeous locks. Marc Anthony "Grow Long" Leave-In Conditioner Spray to help strengthen your hair. Your locks will thank you for using this anti-frizz deep conditioner. Oh, and it's also full of vitamin E, ginseng, and caffeine — yeah, I said caffeine — to help prevent breakage and damage. A popular, nongreasy Herstyler serum that'll give you some silky smooth, seriously glossy hair with the help of argan oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera. It'll help control frizz, lock in moisture, and leave your hair looking *stunning*. A heat-activated anti-frizz treatment to apply before you blow dry. With anti-humidity technology, sorcery, and moisture repellent, it works kinda like a mini keratin treatment and seriously DELIVERS some incredible results. Oh, and Chris Appleton, celebrity stylist to both Kim Kardashian and swearssss by this stuff. A L'Oreal repairing hair treatment that'll give you shiny, silky, healthier-looking hair in just eight seconds. Eight seconds... EIGHT SECONDS?! What kinda witchcraft... Apply it after shampoo but before conditioner and let the amino acids target the parts of your hair that are damaged without weighing it down. Or!! L'Oreal's Wonder Water in-shower detangler which *also* takes just eight seconds — *coughs* *witchcraft* (sorry, something in my throat) — to deliver tangle-free, glossy hair. Simply apply to wet hair, count to eight, rinse, and your hair will look better than it ever has. A Shea Moisture anti-frizz curl mousse — a super hydrating, lightweight formula that'll give you manageable, silky smooth, bouncy, voluminous hair. I know, I know, you were thiiiis close to cracking open a spell book and using a spell on your hair, but this bottle of magic is here so that you don't have to. A well-loved "defunk" spray by Uncle Funky's Daughter with lavender, some sort of magic potion, and rosemary to get rid of hair odor without absorbing your hair's natural oils. It can also help soothe itchy scalp and help you go without washing a bit longer if your hair requires less cleansing. So if you plan to rock box braids all summer, or some other protective style, this'll be your new bestie. A blow-out creme that'll help reduce frizz *and* act as a heat protectant. It'll add body, bounce, and shine to your hair! This'll be the love of your life this summer. I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so you can say so long to oily, greasy strands while also adding volume and making your hair look fuller. Now you can go another day without needing to wash and your hair will still feel oh-so-clean. A scalp serum that'll help remove product and oil buildup, prevent breakage, and nourish your roots. It'll provide a clean environment so your hair can *thrive* like heck. If you don't believe in magic, check out the review pics. An air-dry leave-in cream so you can get perfect waves without needing any heat. More bounce to your curls without the crunch or frizz. Uhmmm, this kinda sounds like witchcraft. A Pantene daily repair mist that'll help reduce breakage and rebuild your hair's protein structure for healthier, more resilient locks. Use this weightless formula on dry or wet hair and sit back and watch the magic! Plus, the smell is *to die for*. Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is too good. Postpartum hair loss and the unruly regrowth had me looking like Hagrid from Harry Potter. I was looking for something to improve my overall hair health so I could live out my hot mom dreams, but I hate the feeling of product in my hair. The vitamin essence was marketed as being 'weightless', so I took a leap of faith, and WOW. First of all, everything about this stuff is luxurious, even the packaging. I love that you can use it on wet or dry hair. I used it on my dry, sweaty, post-workout hair and then ran my styling brush over it, and the before and after is alarmingly good. Even after the first use, my hair just FEELS healthier. And the best part is that it genuinely does not feel like I have any product in my hair. Zero grease, zero build-up feeling. Is it cheesy to call it 'liquid gold'? Whatever, I'm doing it anyway. Liquid golddddd." —KelliGet it from Amazon for $21. An Eden BodyWorks leave-in conditioner to moisturize your tresses and clump your curls together for some impressive, bouncy curls, no sorcery involved. You'll be doing Beyoncé hair flips all day. Mane Club One Hit Wonder — a 10-in-1 spray that LITERALLY does it all, but won't cost you the price of 10 products. Like, you know how the witches in AHS: Coven had to pass all of the Seven Wonders tests to become the Supreme? Yeah, this stuff is the Fiona Goode of hair products. It'll detangle, take care of frizz and split ends, and provide heat protection (up to 445 degrees). A conditioning spray by Honest to help you untangle your hair and leave it smelling like orange and vanilla, mmm, heavenly. It's made with a blend of argan oil, shea butter, and quinoa extract for some seriously soft locks. A wildly popular Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo that uses ketoconazole 1% (could be some sort of magical potion but is *actually* an antifungal) to relieve your itchy scalp and help fight dandruff. Ah, just imagine — hair without those dreadful flakes. No more scratching your head and wondering if anyone else saw the lil' snow showers that fell from your scalp (we're all guilty of this). John Frieda Midnight Brunette shampoo to help make dull brown hair look more vibrant and glossy. This'll help lock in some much-needed moisture and then bam! Rich, lustrous hair. You after using the Xmondo color depositing mask to revive your colored hair: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
35 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Work Even Better Than Their Pricier Alternatives
1. A hair-repairing serum made with argan oil and aloe leaf extract to add softness and shine without making your hair greasier than a Wendy's triple cheeseburger — although it's basically the same price as one! Smooth it through damp hair for easy styling, or apply a few drops to dry hair to smooth flyaways and frizz. Promising reviews: "I have used Moroccanoil for years and decided to give this a shot. This is better than Moroccanoil and I will be buying again. It keeps my hair soft and smooth even in summer humidity. Great product." — Caitlin K. "This product is a legit alternative to the Ouai hair oil. They smell identical, they feel exactly the same, and they left my hair shiny and soft. And most importantly it saved me some money for the future." — Brianna Reed Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in packs of two and four). 2. A tinted lip balm for anyone intrigued by Clinique's " Black Honey" lipstick that went wildly viral on TikTok for its sheer shade that's meant to blend seamlessly with your natural lip color. It's impressed several reviewers, including loyal fans of Clinque's pricier shade. Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both)! 3. SeoulCeuticals' Day Glow Serum that brings vitamin C, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e, citrus stem cells, and organic centella together to form the most powerful sextet since Friends. The result? It can help fade discoloration, brighten your complexion, and add a serious dose of moisture. Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely fantastic! Don't let the low price throw you off because this can do better, in my opinion, than 'the elephant stuff'! I had those itty bitty bumps right under my bottom lip on my chin and four days after using this stuff with micro-needling, they were gone! I have always taken good care of my skin and now that I am 43, I am just now realizing that I did a better job than I thought I had. I want to KEEP doing doing good stuff for my skin but not pay a fortune. This formula has a fresh orange-like smell to it and goes on very easily with a dropper. It dries within a minute and soaks in completely. I haven't had any irritation from the product but I had been using 'the elephant stuff' with similar ingredients prior to this, so it could be my skin was used to it. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this purchase." — AudibleAddicted And SeoulCeuticals is a small biz! Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in two sizes). 4. An adorable polar bear hydrating eye stick — it's basically a venti iced coffee for your under-eye area. It features Iceland glacier water to help relieve the appearance of puffiness, and the niacinamide in the formula can provide a brightening effect to lessen the severity of dark circles. Also, reviewers love putting this lil' cutie in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation! I mean, it is a polar bear, after all — it only makes sense to keep it cold. Promising review: "This is just like the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick — but I like it better. It's less than half the price, the packaging is cuter, the smaller applicator makes it easy to get under my eyes — and it smells like clean water and rose petals. It's hydrating, cooling, and non-greasy. It makes you instantly look and feel more awake. Love it." — Janelle Patricia Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a collagen formula). 5. A nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It helps strengthen nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done. Read more about nail care, including how nail strengtheners may help nails, at Mayo Clinic. Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." — reviewer22 "Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I'm guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I'm nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." — Andi Get it from Amazon for $5.51. 6. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 193,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5 and comparable to Tarte?! Unlike other mascaras at previous price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes. Promising review:"Since trying this product, I will never go back to anything else. For years, I've been using Better Than Sex by Too Faced, and I absolutely loved it. But as you know, it's at a higher price point. I was looking for a cheaper option that worked the same, if not better. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this. For me... THIS WORKS BETTER! I've tried both the black and brown options as well as the waterproof options and [I'm] blown away by every one of them!! This is my new favorite mascara! Makes my lashes look like I had them professionally done." — chela1389 Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and as a three-pack). 7. And a cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara that's basically lash extensions in a tube. The formula wraps your lashes with lengthening tubes for a fuller appearance, which also makes it SO easy to remove at the end of the day. If peeling off your mascara isn't witchcraft, I don't know what is. 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." Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). 8. Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner, which many reviewers say can stand toe-to-toe with Rhode's Glazing Milk. It's designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin while adding a light touch of moisture that's perfect for prepping your skin for the rest of your routine. Some people on TikTok are even mixing this in with their foundation to get a glowy look even Hailey Bieber herself would be impressed with. Amazon Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I tried it on a whim after hearing a few different people rave about it. I had tried a similar product from Rhode and was not really 'wowed' by it, but thought it was still a nice product. This milky toner, however, blew me away. I apply it after washing my face with my hands and gently pat it in, and it just leaves a moisturized, dewy finish. I also have recently started mixing it in with my foundation when I apply it to my makeup and it's been a game changer. Since it's winter and I live in the northeast, I have had issues with my foundation being really dry lately — this has solved it. It leaves a beautiful satin finish. For the price point, amount of product, and versatility, you just can't beat it. Will be repurchasing!" — talon12 Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 9. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — it'll have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 when you realize it might just replace your beloved Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Cream. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and now it comes in four shades! The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "I used to use the Becca under-eye product and this one is way better. You can sheer it out and warm it up on your hand. Don't need to use a lot and it adds a lot of brightness under concealer." — Ariel O "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." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 10. And Maybelline's Dark Circles Treatment Concealer for even more coverage. The lightweight formula is infused with Haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin. Many reviewers say it's easy to blend with just your fingers, so you can ditch the brush if you want to! Promising reviews:"This is the first concealer I have ever used that actually WORKS! It's much better than the pricier Tarte concealer that has such a loyal following. This is much more cost-friendly and the poof brush makes it easy to apply lightly." — bethSLC "I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under-eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I sit with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 21 shades and various pack sizes). 11. Or! A $7 E.l.f. Camo concealer that's perfect for all-over coverage — reviewers call a perfect alternative to Tarte's Shape Tape. It's high-coverage (hence the "Camo" in its name) but blends easily, so it's perfect for concealing any dark circles or acne scarring. Promising review:"Shhhhh… I like it better than Shape Tape! 😳 Well, shoot. All these years, I've been spending so much money on Tarte's Shape Tape... And I never tried this?! Thank goodness for TikTok because I hear about everything on there! I wasn't willing to spend $30+ on makeup recently, so I decided to try this stuff. I'm SHOCKED at how much coverage I get without it looking cakey. It never oxidizes and lasts the entire day in most areas. I might have to touch up my under eyes or acne spots, but most of the time, there's no need to reapply. It's also super hydrating but doesn't leave my skin looking oily. There's been a few times I've applied this instead of foundation and it looked so good and natural. The finish is flawless and dewy, and looks amazing in pics. Ended up ordering a lighter shade for my under eyes and a color that's closer to my skin tone for everywhere else. I highly recommend it if you like the coverage and longevity of Shape Tape but hate the price … 👍🏼" — Sarah Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 25 shades). 12. A Nyx Fat Oil lip gloss to douse your lips in hydrating raspberry seed oil while adding a super glowy shine that'll have you forgetting all about Dior. You'll get the lightweight feel of a luxurious lip oil with the moisture of a heavier lip balm, all for under $10. Promising reviews: "I have the Dior lip oil, and I actually like this one better! It leaves my lips softer and leaves the perfect tint on my lips. Sometimes I combine with a lipstick for extra color." — Emily R. "I really like this and the applicator! It's so fun and cute. I like the texture and the feel of it on my lips. It feels thicker, and it doesn't come off too quickly. I got the color supermodel. It's not too pink like it looks and I wanted it to be natural, so it's perfect. Will be repurchasing." — Martha R. Get it from Amazon for $7.45+ (available in 14 shades). 13. A Wet n Wild lightweight tinted hydrator that gives you a perfect hint of coverage while also improving your skin over time — your current foundation can't do that! It goes on just like a normal moisturizer, but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized. Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. It has light to medium coverage. It lasts all day. The oils in my skin usually breakdown foundation but this one stays in place and after a little blotting looks good as new... I just recently purchased the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in 6 and like it, but I actually prefer the Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator better. You can buy six of these for the same price as the Fenty. I'm so happy I tried this." — Nancy Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two). 14. E.l.f.'s Halo Glow Liquid Filter — this can be used in so many ways. You can apply it to your high points like a highlighter, mix with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow, or get wild and slather it all over for the ultimate lit-from-within shine. Charlotte, dahling, this is giving your Flawless Filter a run for its money. 👀 It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $8.96+ (available in 12 shades). 15. Or L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion you can use under your foundation to add some radiance or use by itself on the days when you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body because the glass skin look isn't only for your face! Reviewers are even saying the deeper shades can act as a replacement for Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops. Promising review:"OK, so last summer, I took the plunge and bought the Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay but IMO not anywhere near worth the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no-makeup glow.' I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only [an alternative for] Drunk Elephant, it's a better product. It doesn't make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It's a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and blends in with your natural shade as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer, but that's all that's necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." — Emily W. Get it from Amazon for $12.42+ (available in five shades and two-packs). 16. An Ogx air-dry leave-in cream, which will give you Sephora-level results at a drugstore-level price. Now you can stop dreaming of buying one of those $400+ blow-dryers — this lets you air-dry your way to bouncy waves! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls. According to reviewers, this cream will add a slight bit of volume to thin, fine hair or enhance the waves in those with thick, curly hair. Promising reviews:"I've tried so many curl products and this is my favorite even over high-end curl creams. I have really long wavy hair. This controls the frizz and leaves my hair soft and brushable. This isn't texturizing and it doesn't leave a sticky or tacky residue. Love this so much." — Amazon Customer "I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" — mich0610 Get it from Amazon for $8.96 (also available in a pack of two). 17. An E.l.f. camo liquid blush — its results will turn you into a rare beauty, if you catch my drift. 😉 Reviewers say the pigment is super strong with a glossy finish but is still easily blendable and buildable. Promising review: "This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" — oscar Julian zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in 12 shades). 18. And a convenient Catrice blush compact with matching cream and powder formulas so you can achieve Patrick Ta's signature cream-over-powder technique without paying Patrick Ta prices. You can totally use them separately if you want (or go with the traditional powder-over-cream method), but layering the cream on top of the powder will give you a dewy finish and a slightly more vibrant color. It sounds weird — but just trust the process! Promising review: "These are fantastic. I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day individually, but if you want you can layer them for even more color saturation. The textures are great, easy application. The two pinks are very pigmented and vibrant, so go easy at first. Highly recommend." — Joan A. Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in four shades). 19. A nonaerosol, benzene-free I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo you can pat directly onto your roots to mop up any excess oil right from the source. Just tap and massage it in — it'll even provide a little extra volume! Promising review:"I have tried IGK, Living Proof, Not Your Mother's, Amika, and so many others but THIS LASTS THE LONGEST! I am impressed by this product. Don't listen to the haters because I have severely fine and oily hair and this product allows me to last for one week without washing and it gives me volume..." — 473X Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in the original six shades and various pack sizes). 20. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks — they're less than $2 each but the results will make you feel like you spent closer to $20. No seriously, reviewers have compared these to brands like Tarte and Stila! The colors are gorgeous "everyday wear" shades everyone needs in their collection, and the matte formula won't leave your lips feeling dry. Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" — Claire "Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" — Vickyy Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six sets). 21. A pack of star-shaped pimple patches so cute you won't mind wearing them out and about. They're made of a wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid that can help drain fluids from any open pimples and cover any that are already on the surface, and they also contain salicylic acid to help dissolve excess sebum. Promising reviews: "Better than Starface!!! These stick extremely well and actually pull out and absorb the gunk. Plus, they come with soooooo many." — chey "I love these and wish they had them around when I was a teenager! I literally use them as facial decorations in addition to hiding blemishes and, my teenage son has no problem wearing them because they effectively minimize zits!!" — Monica LivaClean is a small business specializing in acne solutions and skincare. Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four shapes/colors and in multipacks). 22. A root touchup powder you can pat on like magic dust so you can stretch the time between salon appointments when you're much too busy trying to overthrow an evil wizard. Just use the attached sponge to pick up some powder and rub it directly on any grays, or use it on your hairline to create a fuller appearance. It'll become one of your new beauty lifesavers. Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine! Check it out in action on TikTok here! Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." — Amazon Customer "LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." — Catie B. Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 23. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which has gone mega-viral several times for providing a perfect base for makeup by blurring pores and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, and it might just remind you of Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Primer. It's formulated with squalene for an extra dose of hydration, and it's designed to grip onto your makeup to help it last all day long. Promising review:"Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless,' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" — Olivia Get it from Amazon for $10. 24. A L'Oreal Infallible setting spray that takes just three seconds to apply to your whole face (thanks to wide-spraying microfine mist) and claims to help your makeup last for up to a whopping 36 hours. If you don't feel like parting with $32 dollars for the super viral One Size On 'Til Dawn setting spray, reviewers say this might just work even better. Amazon Promising reviews:"Love this product. I always use it, and I am a sweaty person 😅 I sweat easily.. not even kidding. I compare it to the One Size and I have to say that I do like this one much better. It really doesn't budge." — Zully B "This works just as well as the One Size. I have very oily skin and need a high-quality setting spray, and this one works amazing! Skip the expensive one and try this!!" — Shopgirl Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (also available in a pack of two). 25. A No Poreblem primer from Korean beauty brand Touch in Sol because the key to effortless makeup application is a strong base! This will provide a velvety smooth surface for your foundation to glide on top of like an Olympic figure skater — and it'll add some extra moisture thanks to the green tea extract. You'll also be protected from excess oil production so you'll be glowy, not greasy! Promising reviews:"I am rather picky on my primers. I have used a bunch of different ones including Too Faced, Urban Decay, Elf, Nyx, Smashbox, etc. This is by far my favorite. It has a nice light scent (I have sensitive skin), dries quickly, and does not leave my face sticky. It really sinks into the skin too. A little goes a long way with this stuff. After applying foundation, it really minimizes my pores and gives my skin a nice healthy glow." — Stephanie "I never leave reviews but I had to praise this product. This is seriously a holy grail staple to your makeup. I've tried dozens of primers, and none have even come close to this. It doesn't matter if you're using oil-based or silicone-based makeup. It will all blend and sit seamlessly. I have dry skin and oily skin, so finding something that suits both needs is hard. It doesn't get patchy either, which is something I struggle with. But THIS primer is absolutely perfect. 10/10. Would give 100 stars if I could!!" — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $11.75 (also available in a green tint and in packs of two). 26. A set of makeup sponges that'll make you question how you ever spent top dollar for a Beauty Blender. You can get five of these for less than $10, and reviewers say they blend everything from foundation to concealer like a dream. Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five sets). 27. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. Many reviewers say it's replaced Olaplex in their routines! This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. I have been bleaching my hair for 12 years. My hair has never looked or felt better before using this. It is so soft and shiny... only using this once a week. It has worked better on my hair than Olaplex or other expensive treatments. I'll never use anything else!" — Craig Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60. 28. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray — it can help reduce the bacteria that causes acne and breakouts in just a few spritzes. It features hypochlorous acid, which is meant to fight infection and promote healing. It's perfect for refreshing your skin after a sweaty workout, and you can even use it for body acne as well. If you've had you're eye on the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray but the price is putting you off, give this a try instead. Amazon, Promising reviews:"This stuff literally saved my skin! I started using it daily. Especially after gym sessions. My skin started clearing up and I have used it every day and I have never looked back. This has become a staple in my skincare routine. I use it after toner and before serum in the morning and then I spray it after the gym. It's better than the Tower 28 one." — Shay G. " Does the EXACT same as Tower28 for a fraction of the price! I love it, my face feels refreshed. Highly recommend, no shade to Tower28, they are great, but this is cheaper and if you're on a budget, use this alternative! Great for after work, the gym, or existing in these hot summer months. If you have sensitive skin, it's gentle." — Paul R. Get it from Amazon for $17.46. 29. A compact and super affordable ionic hair dryer that has reviewers questioning why they ever shelled out the cash for a $400+ Dyson. 😩 It has three heat levels and a temperature-regulating function to prevent overheating, and the powerful motor is designed to dry hair in less than 10 minutes. It comes with a smoothing nozzle, styling nozzle, and diffuser nozzle. Promising reviews:"Great powerful hair dryer. Great price too. Have had Dysons in the past and nothing but trouble with them. This is far better and very affordable, and no problems with it. (Retired hairdresser)." — bamzee "Purchased this dryer to help dry my granddaughter's type 4C hair. Drys quickly and cuts down on her squirming. She hates having her hair done. Shortened the drying time significantly. Would recommend." — Jiggilypuff Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in eight colors). 30. A $4 E.l.f. lip balm reviewers have compared to both Laneige and Summer Fridays. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter to soften and moisturize, and some of the formulas contain a sheer hint of color. Promising reviews: "This lip balm is as smooth as butta, and not to mention smells great. I apply it at night and wake up with soft, hydrated, plump lips. Bonus: if you apply hyaluronic acid on your lips beforehand — chef's kiss. As for the price, I wish it had way more product, but it is cheaper than the Laneige lip mask and way better, in my humble opinion." — María "This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best e.l.f. products I have tried and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." — Lance Z. Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles). 31. And! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that's less than half the price of a single jar of Laneige's popular version. They contain vitamin C for a brightening effect and come in fun flavors (lime, pomegranate, and berry) so you can switch up your routine every night. Promising reviews: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laneige at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it's a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keep my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." — Michaela " This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos). 32. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, which might just convince you to save some cash and hold off on trying those Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops you've been eyeing. This super lightweight serum is meant to provide an instant ✨glow✨ to the skin, whether you wear it on its own, under foundation, or mixed into your foundation for a radiant finish. Prepare for the onslaught of compliments coming your way. Amazon Promising reviews: "Love these better than my glow recipe! Better because it doesn't have the smell... Makes my skin feel amazing and so juicy! Great value for the money." — Tiffany T. "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesnt pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." — K.C. Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 33. A creamy, oil-based Juno & Co cleansing balm reviewers swear by for removing every trace of makeup, even stubborn waterproof formulas. (Seriously, take those makeup wipes out of your cart right now!!!) It's made with only 10 ingredients, including Japanese pearl barley to hydrate and brighten. If you've tried and loved Farmacy's Green Clean, keep this cheaper alternative on your radar. Amazon, New to cleansing balms? Start by warming the product up with your dry fingertips, massage in circular motions on dry skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. If using as part of a double cleansing routine, follow this up with a water-based facial cleanser. Promising review:"I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great, and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 34. Nyx's extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours — I think even Anastasia Beverly Hills herself would be impressed! Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day. Promising reviews: "I've tried just about every eyebrow gel on the market, from high-end to drugstore. This is not only [an alternative] for Benefit's brow gel and Glossier Boy Brow, it's better! So much better and way cheaper." — Amazon Customer "OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." — Miss Jordan Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in five shades). 35. A box of skin-lifting Skin 1004 face masks — it'll make you look like a terrifying zombie until you rinse it off, but it's worth it for the pore tightening and complexion brightening benefits! It contains albumin, an ingredient derived from egg whites that's known to tighten and lift the skin, even if reviewers say it's a bit smelly at first (but most say they get used to it quickly)! Reviewers say it's similar to the popular Hanacure mask, but way cheaper since you get eight of these in a box! Promising reviews:"I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 Zombie Mask... Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!??... This Zombie mask is every bit as magical, with better results in my opinion... Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure, both price and results-wise." — Dana D. Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $19.70. Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
