22-04-2025
30 Affordable Beauty Products With Unexpectedly High-End Results
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.
From highly pigmented blushes to silky hair masks, these products prove less money doesn't mean less results.
1. 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 $12.75 (also available in a green tint and in packs of two).
2. 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).
3. 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 $7.64+ (available in six sets).
4. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream, because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Reviewers say it takes a few applications to see results — so start using it now, then marvel at your results later!
Promising reviews: " Was running low on my Strivectin and didn't want to spend a bunch to replace it. Frankly, I wasn't sure it was really doing much... So I ordered this and immediately saw a difference in my neck skin. Moisturizes well and lines are reduced. And the price is very good." — Mme S
"My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It's not only soothing, but it also feels like it's really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It's become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta
Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (also available in a two-pack).
5. 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).
6. 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).
7. An eyebrow soap kit that's the true definition of a "beauty secret" — it's simple, affordable, and under-the-radar. Just spritz the brow wand with some water, dip it into the clear brow soap, and comb through your brows to set them in place. Skip the nearly-$30 brow gel on your wishlist and use the money you save on a new brow pencil!
Promising review:"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 this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." — Bailey M, Deacon
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in a one- or two-piece set).
8. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine — it takes the hydration of a lip balm and the color payoff of a lipstick, and then *POOF* transforms them into one moisturizing lip tint! The heart-shaped core adds a dose of moisture, while the outer circle adds just a hint of sheer color. Plus, some reviewers say the "Ecstatic" shade is a cheaper alternative to Clinique's " Black Honey." 👀
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves this shade: "I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!"
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in seven other shades).
9. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen that acts as an SPF 35 sun protectant and a blurring primer that plays well under makeup. The best part? Reviewers say it leaves no white cast behind, which is a rare feat in the world of affordable sunscreens. Plus, reviewers say this can hold its own against pricier brands like Supergoop.
Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." — Angelina S
Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in two sizes).
10. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will 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. Also, reviewers say this is similar to the Smashbox x Becca brightener!
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).
11. 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 review:"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).
12. 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:"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).
13. A retinol body lotion, because the magic of retinol is not just for your face! This retinol in the creamy formula helps promote skin cell turnover, while the ferulic acid firms skin for a tighter appearance. Reviewers also note that this works wonders on rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms and legs after consistent use.
Promising review:"Originally bought this because I cannot be spending $18 on the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion that's only 6 ounces. Out of all the other retinol body lotions this one had the best ingredients (for my skin). Has a light fresh scent (baby powder-ish), absorbs nicely, and can see a difference overnight with skin hydration. For other things like wrinkles, crepey skin, and hyperpigmentation, it will take months to see results. With all retinol products remember start slowly and wear your sunscreen daily and you'll see results. This a great affordable [alternative] that will remain in my skincare routine." — MG
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack).
14. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that's basically like a latte for your face. It uses the power of yerba mate to soothe the delicate skin under your eyes, and also contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to moisturize. I did not know there were several types of hyaluronic acid, but I would now like to collect all of them like Pokémon.
Promising review:"I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don't have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith
"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." — K. Grant
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
15. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 253,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5?! Some reviewers even compare it to expensive brands like Tarte 👀. Unlike other mascaras at premium price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes.
Promising review:"After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect, and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat [a lot]..and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E Weikert
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and as a three-pack).
16. A nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It strengthens 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.
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 $5.37.
17. And! Sally Hansen nail polish with a gel-like finish that requires NO UV LAMP! Sally, girl, you have done it again — constantly raising the bar and doing it flawlessly. When paired with the matching top coat, these shiny formulas should last you up to eight days. Fun fact — doing your own nails will save you approximately 1.2 trillion dollars over the course of your lifetime. Ok, I made that up, but I'm sure the actual figure is not far off.
Promising review: "I don't typically leave reviews so me going out of my way says a lot. Quality is superb. Even though your brush strokes may leave streaks while applying, it settles into the nail with a flawless finish. Drying time is comparable to standard polish. Allow 2-3 minutes between each coat. I did however, use a vegan base coat to protect my nail before applying. I finished off with the same brand's shiny clear top coat. I am not a professional by any means; just trying to get the same look for less. I'm blown away... This is a phenomenal polish, and I'd recommend to all my friends." — Hillana
Get it from Amazon for $8.33+ (available in 30 shades).
18. 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 $5.24+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two).
19. Or a super dewy L'Oréal tinted serum reviewers say provides the same glow as Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. It's formulated with hy-a-lu-ro-nic acid (hi, Eva Longoria!) to provide extra hydration along with its sheer-to-medium coverage, so it's truly the perfect marriage of skincare and makeup.
Promising review:"This reminds me so much of my Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for a fraction of the cost! This foundation blends so easy and literally melted into my skin. It looks like I am not wearing foundation but gives coverage at the same time! My new holy grail foundation!!" — Nicole P.
Get it from Amazon for $9.80+ (available in 14 shades).
20. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that 34,000+ reviewers swear by. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands, while rosemary and coconut oil are known to nourish and moisturize the scalp.
Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action.
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews:"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 using 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." — Diane J. Huff
"This shampoo is like NOTHING I've ever tried in the past. The way my 4C hair comes out after using this is INCREDIBLE. Soft, easy to comb, and super manageable. I've been using it for two years!" — Jae
Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients.
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in three scents and three sizes).
21. A hydrating Cosrx repairing essence with 96% snail secretion filtrate to give you a ~glass skin glow~ that'll have you feeling like you dropped money on an expensive facial. Reviewers mention seeing a reduction in dark spots and acne with consistent use, and even people with oily skin find that it absorbs quickly and doesn't clog their pores.
New to essences? Try applying this after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Applying it to clean skin and under you moisturizer will help lock in all that snail mucin goodness!
Promising reviews:"This stuff is more like a serum. Sticky upon application but then dries down nice and smooth, so have some patience when applying... This product is much like Dr. Barbara Sturm's $300+ Hyaluronic Serum, although Sturm's is not sticky upon application, same soothing glow though!" — Penny
"Cured my dry skin in one day. ONE DAY. I can't believe how good this stuff is. It's absolutely incredible. It is super moisturizing but doesn't leave any greasy feeling, is gentle on my sensitive skin, and leaves it so smooth and glowing. I told everyone I know to buy this. I would give it 10 million stars if I could." — Leviiiii
Get it from Amazon for $19.20.
22. A keratin hair mask that's revived the tresses of 11,000+ Amazon reviewers — and it's at least 20x less than a typical pro treatment. The keratin can help reduce frizz and add shine, and there's even some biotin to help add a boost of volume to thinning hair. You're about to get so many compliments, and you'll be so excited to tell them it was only $10.
It's designed for all hair types, though reviewers with thin to wavy hair seem to have the most success.
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"If you're anything like me, you have a giant basket under your sink overflowing with hair products you've tried and eventually abandoned as you continue your mission to find the holy grail. Well, folks, you have found it! (one of them, at least) Having naturally curly hair that I bleach on a regular basis, my haircare routine/products must be on point. I have tried dozens upon dozens of conditioners, whether they be deep, leave-in, masks, or your run-of-the-mill standard conditioner. I will say of all of them, this is one of my top favorites that I continue to purchase and keep in rotation; it leaves my hair feeling incredibly healthy and soft with no oily or heavy residue, and best of all, the scent is dreamy." — LKru
Get it from Amazon for $8.48+ (available in three sizes)
23. Elizabeth Mott's waterproof eyeshadow primer — it'll make the shades from your favorite palettes last all day long. The smoothing texture prevents your eyeshadow from settling into fine lines and wrinkles, and the matte formula keeps excess oil at bay. These are the kind of long-lasting results you thought could only be found in a pro makeup artist's bag.
Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." — Chloe
Elizabeth Mott is owned by Korean American Alice Kim and partners with top Korean manufacturers to bring affordable yet effective K-beauty products to the U.S.
Get it from Amazon for $13.60.
24. A Schwarzkopf permanent hair dye that might have your stylist calling in to check on you because you haven't been back to them in MONTHS. They're great, but this cheap hair dye kit is too convenient to resist — you'll get everything you need for a bold color that lasts for up to 28 washes. Plus, the amonia-free formula is infused with argan oil and oat milk, so it's basically a hair dye and conditioning treatment in one.
Promising review: "Covers my stubborn grays and NO allergic reactions. I have been searching for a hair dye that does not cause me major itchiness, feeling like my scalp is on fire, and even scabbing — I've tried too many brands to count. Finally I have found THE ONE! " — Von
Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in 11 colors).
25. 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 $7.85+ (available in 12 shades).
26. 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).
27. 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.
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.
28. A moisturizing hair serum from Korean hair care brand Mise En Scéne made with SEVEN nourishing oils: argan, coconut, jojoba, marula, olive, camelia, and apricot. They all work together to protect your strands from damage (including up to 446-degree heat protection!) while adding some hydration and shine. One reviewer even said the results are comparable to Crown Affair's $40 hair oil!
Promising reviews: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. My hair is softer and doesn't seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair and then after it's dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I'll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value, too; I've been using it pretty consistently since purchasing, and I've barely made a dent in it. Love it!" — Noley
"Coming from someone with very coarse 4c hair.. this product is heaven-sent. Extremely satisfied. Sticking to this product and this product only from now on, lol." — Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
29. 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:"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.
"I have ordered this twice now. If my skin is breaking out I just spray this on after washing my face and let it air dry. It is nonirritating and nondrying. It has a light chlorine smell to me. I can use both morning and night with no irritation. After a few days of this my skin starts clearing up! I put some in a travel spray bottle and take it when I'm flying. My skin always feels dirty on planes, and I spray it on a few times on travel days to freshen my face and hopefully kill some bacteria. It sprays over makeup with no issues." — SaraSmile11
Get it from Amazon for $17.46.
30. A box of skin-lifting Skin 1004 face masks that'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 review:"As good as Hanacure, much better price! The Zombie pack face mask is the best! It works just as well as other tightening masks but it's a fraction of the cost. I use these once a week and am extremely satisfied. My skin feels so good after, and my wrinkles are getting less noticeable." — meredith shaputis
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $20.29.
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
