News

Oct 13, 2023

26 Budget

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Inexpensive alternatives that'll soon become staples in your routine — I mean, who can say no to trying out a $5 mascara 👀.

BuzzFeed Staff

I can attest, this thing is like witchcraft in a mitt. I use this weekly to rid my skin of dullness and dryness. And I'm not joking, my arms, legs, tummy, bum, literally everywhere this thing graces becomes 10x smoother. It's now part of my routine before I shave — and if you think a razor can give you slick skin...paired with THIS, oh boy, you haven't seen (or felt) anything yet. Is it gross to see a week's worth of skin trickle off your body and into the tub with you? Yes. But is it oh-so-satisfying to get a closer shave? You betcha. Oh, and for me, I feel like this has stopped ingrowns in their tracks, too, because it lifts layers of skin before they harden and become more of an ish'. Basically, if you're looking to up your shower time routine, give this a go. Being gentle for the first couple of uses is key, and then once your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the pressure you apply. I can't wait for you to see how you and your skin like it!

Promising review: "I'll be honest; I thought this would be another thing I saw on Amazon via TikTok that was way overhyped. I have dry skin, and despite using lotions, oils, and gentle body washes, I'm ashy. This thing is incredible. I don't think I've ever been this exfoliated in my life! Not a single flake or scaly patch in sight. 1,000/10." —Ruth Bromberg

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in a one-piece and two-piece option).

Apply this directly to wet hair, avoiding the roots, massage it in for eight seconds, then rinse. Effort required = practically zero. You can use one dose for fine- to medium-textured hair, two to three doses for thick- to curly-textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair.

Promising reviews: "I don't usually do reviews on products, but for this one, I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle a lot with breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn't take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing, and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen. Thank you so much!! ♥️" —Theressa Hailey

"I have never had a hair product make such a fast and wonderful impact on my hair EVER! I have naturally good hair. Long and shiny.....until I went to Madison Reed and had most of it completely damaged beyond belief. My silky strands felt like hay. They were breaking. I was masking, conditioning, oiling, air drying, not brushing it, and still, it was a total tragedy. I turned to the TikTok gods and found this. ONE USE OF EIGHT SECONDS completely restored my hair to its soft shine down to the ends! If I did not use this myself, I would never have believed it. Thank god it is so reasonable in price. If you are anything like me — your hair is your crown, and when changes happen to it, it is devastating until you find a way to make it work. This stuff is a miracle product. I love it!" —Sonia

Get it from Amazon for $9.87.

See why this TikToker swears by this body wash.

Promising review: "My 6-year-old daughter has keratosis pilaris, commonly known as 'chicken skin.' This year it really flared up during warm weather so I gave this wash along with lotion a try. Wow, I saw results after just a few uses and after a couple of weeks most of her bumps disappeared. Thrilled we skipped a trip to the dermatologist! Can't beat this price for the results either." —Ashley Steigerwald

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it!

Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko

Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a nine-pack).

And this is cruelty-free!

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes, and I'm terrible at applying them), this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort."

Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect, and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour work day right to the gym and sweat like wild...and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" —Carrie E Weikert

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in multipacks).

For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!

Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray in action. Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy. And it's free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors or dyes, propylene glycol, gluten, wheat, and nuts!

Promising review: "This is the BEST product EVER! I will never use another hair detangler ever again. We use this product daily in my house, my daughter, my son, and me. Both of us girls have long and thick curly hair, and it allows us to brush through our hair with no problems! And my son mostly uses it to style his hair before gel, and because it smells so good! We tried a few products from Walmart, Ulta, and Target, and nothing was good enough. This is now on my Subscribe & Save every month!" —Tamira McLelland

Get it from Amazon for $9.58 (also available in two-packs).

Promising review: "I caved to the TikTok hype and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin but this was the first product that I didn't have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." —Shelby

Get it from Amazon for $20.90.

Promising reviews: "I heard about this from either BuzzFeed or TikTok and thought I might try it. I don't have terrible feet, just wanted something a little more effective than a pumice stone. I soaked my feet for 10 minutes and gave this a shot, and it did not disappoint! I had no idea it could get so much dry skin and callus off, and my feet have not looked like this since I was a teen (I am in my 30s). This will eliminate the need to go get a pedicure regularly and save me a ton of money. Don't hesitate, just buy it." —KR

"AMAZING!!! Seriously beyond impressed with this product. I've never had dry or cracked heels until recently, and I've tried everything I could find to get rid of them. This is all you need!!! I literally opened the box and did this in less than a minute! I'll never use anything else! Even better than professional pedicures!!!" —Kyla Jackson

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising reviews: "I swear by this neutralizer! It covers my dark circles incredibly well (and instantly!), and the coverage is still light and never cakey. I love that it dries and sets very fast as well. This will not crease if you are applying it properly on the area. I have tried EVERY under eye-circle product that exists, and this is now my one and only. I can never find it anywhere except for Amazon, and I'm happy that they offer it." —Jasmine

"I bought this after seeing a TikTok, and I am very glad I did. I am NOT a makeup expert — but this product allows anyone at any level to successfully conceal under eyes." —Jennifer

Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 17 shades).

Want to know more? Check out our full Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer review (#4).

Promising review: "I'm not one to leave reviews...but this product deserves it! Holy cow! I was going to go into the salon to brighten my hair up, but after discovering this product I cancelled my appointment. I'm totally in love! This shampoo is not drying at all and just after two washes I achieved my desired results! I can't recommend it enough!" —Rachael B.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in a travel size!)

And check out our Fanola No Yellow shampoo deep dive.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga says: "I recently received samples of this shampoo and conditioner and, honestly, wasn't sure if it was only for people who had dyed their hair dark. In fact, it is not! It's for brunettes of all kinds — natural and all!"

Promising review: "I purchased this John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and my hair looks golden brown instead of brown with a lot of gray underneath. I didn't want the mess of coloring my own hair nor did I think I could do as good a job as my hairdresser, so I was so pleased that Frieda's shampoo did the job. I definitely recommend this shampoo along with the Brilliant Brunette Conditioner." —Dan Cremeans

Get it from Amazon for $9.79 (also available in a two-pack).

Check out this TikToker's review after a year of using this magic sauce!

Promising reviews: "I just started to notice fine lines appearing under my eyes, so I ordered this eye cream on a whim, and it is SO WORTH IT! Major game-changer. I noticed a huge difference not only in fine lines but also in under-eye darkness and puffiness in only one week! Highly recommend this product to anyone and everyone, I have extremely oily skin, and I put this all the way around my eye and haven't had any breakouts, not to mention my skin is super smooth, which makes makeup application a dream. 10/10 product, will purchase again!" —Katherine E Brings

"I’m 26, so I wanted an eye cream for preemptive measures. I had seen this one on TikTok, and it had amazing reviews so I figured I’d test out. I have now religiously used it every night for about a year or so. It is easy to dispense, you only need a small amount, and it keeps my under eyes so smooth. I love it and have bought four of them so far. Definitely recommend." —Taylor Mulligan

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes or a two-pack).

A bonus? This stuff is free from parabens and provides a sulfate-free haircare system. Translation: This is gentle for use on all curl types and textures to help bump up your hair's natural strength.

My hair is the ~perfect~ combo of wavy, curly, and frizzy and this drugstore product has been a holy grail of mine for some time. I've found that it's the only formula that will give me soft, naturally curly waves come the a.m. and since I'm generally a nighttime hair washer, I have the perfect excuse to avoid blasting my hair with heat. Before hitting the pillow, I like to run my fingers through my towel-dried hair with a pea-sized amount of this, flip my mane over, and then give the ends a good scrunch. In the morn, my hair appears shiny with defined, wavy curls — we're not talking HD — but they have a nice, soft definition to them that doesn't require much styling.

Promising review: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair too. I have had super straight to very curly over the years and have loved this on all hair styles." —Bunco Queen of the Universe

Get it from Amazon for $7.97.

Promising review: "I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! I found it on TikTok and OMG!! It works so well. I don't have to sit there and rub the crap out of my eyelashes to get the waterproof mascara off. I will admit, it doesn't take 100% of the makeup off but about 95% of my makeup comes off. It is not water-resistant, as emulsifying it with water helps take the makeup off. I have not found a better makeup remover, and yes, that includes micellar water (which also works well but leaves my skin feeling oily). With this cleansing balm, my face feels hydrated and smooth. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!! 1,000/10 would recommend!!!" —Deetje Frederick

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Folks, one of my favorite purchases over the last couple of years has to be this godsend from Revlon. I've never been much of a blow-dryer — I never had the patience, energy, or the technique for that matter. But then in swoops this 2-in-1 tool to give my hair the glam of Jackie O in just about 20 minutes. I have relatively thick, wavy, shoulder-length locks and I've never enjoyed witnessing a transformation quite like the one I'm able to achieve with this styler. Giving myself a quick, ~salon-worthy~ blowout for morning meetings has been my new way to feel a little less disheveled for the day.

Promising reviews: "I never write product reviews, but this brush is amazing! I have curly/wavy hair that is past my shoulders, but very fine. If I don't blow-dry and straighten it right away it gets very curly and frizzy and has always been a pain to blow-dry and flat iron. I have never been very good at blow-drying with a round brush and have always relied on the flat iron to get my hair smooth after drying. With this brush, I can let my hair air dry for a bit, and then use this, and I don't need to use the flat iron at all. My hair looks so full and bouncy that several people have asked me if I just got my hair done. Honestly, with this brush, it looks better than when my hairdresser blow-dries! It is so easy to use and takes way less time to do than blow-drying. My only complaint is that the handle is a little big and hard to hold on to, but that is fairly minor. Also, I was worried about it getting tangled in my hair, but so far I have been able to wrap my hair around the brush and not have any issues getting the brush out. I love it!" —Bostonchick

"I used this to blow out my hair for box braids. The first time it gave me this beautiful fro (I have a mix of 4a, 4b, and 4c coil patterns). Being that my hair is thick and has those patterns I did use it twice in order for it to be easily braided. I blew out my hair and honestly I loved the look. My parents said it reminded them of Afros from back in their day! A compliment in which I enjoyed!!! I can't wait to do this look and actually rock my hair like this 🥰🥰🥰 OH and I would like to add that if you have my hair type or a lot of thickness like I mentioned PLEASE detangle your hair first. Always and that's with any tool. ♥️" —Mariah D.

Get it from Amazon for $39.89+ (available in three colors).

You'll get the satin curler and two scrunchies in the set.

RobeCurls is a woman-founded small business that specializes in heatless hair curling tools. Plus, this rod is designed to work with all hair types!

Promising review: "WOW!!!!! I can't believe how well this works!!! I’ve seen this all over Instagram and TikTok, and wanted to try it. It's so easy to put in, takes about a minute or two. Comfortable to sleep in. Then, you take it out, and it looks like you put all this effort into doing your hair. The curls turned out gorgeous, I’m so impressed!!" —Katie Oswalt

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in six colors).

Promising review: "I have purchased this three times in the color Sienna, and it is perfect! Totally worth all the hype on TikTok. This is a very emollient powder that sticks to the skin. I prep with sunscreen then use this. The fragrance dissipates quickly. I noticed the actual powder is bouncy to the touch. Have not used sponge it comes with. I like to use a powder brush. It gives me full coverage, and I look flawless all day. I also don't need to blot. And I am very oily. Will certainly continue to repurchase. This is the best powder I have tried since Mac Studio Fix." —Maria Webba

Get it from Amazon for $12.31+ (available in 20 shades).

Promising reviews: "I have tried everything on the market to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this hair treatment on TikTok. I had never heard of it before but decided to give it a try. I used it for the first time yesterday, and I couldn't believe how amazing it made my hair feel and look. Its sooo soft, shiny, bouncy, and nourished. My bleached rat's nest now looks and feels like virgin hair again. Even my boyfriend noticed a huge difference in my hair. And you know it's a GOOD product when the boyfriend notices :D. I’m going to buy a lot more of this product." —Eline

"I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile hair. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it that it wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was very skeptical about this product because I have never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy was I wrong to doubt this product; it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone natural or with curly hair." —Therese-Claire

Get it from Amazon for $7.29.

And check out our full review of the Elizavecca CER-100 collagen protein treatment (#1).

If you're new to chemical exfoliants, greetings! You'll definitely want to start off by applying this one or two times a week to take note of your skin's response. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by shedding extra layers while *also* unclogging and clearing pores.

Promising review: "Best exfoliant out there! Ditch the scrubs and start using a chemical exfoliant. I just revamped my entire skincare routine and added Paula's Choice exfoliant to it. I have extremely sensitive and dry skin and often struggle to find skin care products that are effective. When used correctly, this exfoliant helps to rid my skin of the ungodly White Walker looking sheets of skin that fall off my face in the winter without being too harsh on my skin. Plus I swear I have noticed fewer blackheads on my face!" —Tray and Celia Henderson

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "So I have been a loyal Eos fan for quite some time but you constantly have to reapply and honestly my lips are still cracked. I found Jack Black balm from a TikTok video and it has been glorious. I keep reaching for it to reapply and I don't need it. It doesn't feel greasy on my lips but it is a bit sticky? Or waxy. Either way, I don't mind it at all, and it also smells pretty darn good." —Trisha

Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in six flavors and also in packs of three).

Promising review: "I'm 27 and this is my second time purchasing these masks. I use these about once every other week or so. I have seen drastic improvements in my skin. After one use my skin was not nearly as dry and flaky. My face seemed a lot more supple and plump as well. After continued use, I have noticed my fine lines on my forehead are less noticeable and the overall texture of my skin is smoother compared to bumpy looking. I also noticed I don't look as tired even though I'm exhausted LOL. My uneven skin tone has improved and my face has brightened some. I live and work in the city and I think you can tell by my skin appearance but after using these my skin looks fresh, soft, and has a nice glow to it even after one use. I will continue to keep these masks stocked in my vanity." —Rachel

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $16.95 (available in multipacks).

And if you're looking for more definition, this goes on *before* your go-to pigmented pencil or gel for a sleek and fuller look! This kit comes with two packs of soap and four wands.

Promising reviews: "Saw this on TikTok, and after looking around where I live for some clear soap and coming up short, I decided to try these out. They are a great value for the price. Super easy to use and give a great effect on the brows." —Linds

"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 BH, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks and individually).

Oh and hey! This formula contains cannabis sativa seed oil, which works like a charm to moisturize and highdrate without the weight.

Mane Club is an indie beauty brand based in New York.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these hair products. Since using them, my hair has practically been restored to it's natural curls! This has been super helpful in that it protects hair from heat damage while also easily detangling — two big things for me. I love it and won't ever be going back to anything else!" —Katie P

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (also available in multipacks).

Read our Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for the 411.

You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.

Promising review: "I loved this stuff, it was magic. The evening moisturizer was fabulous. It is the first plumper that actually works for me. Will be buying more for gifts!!!!!" —Alexandra

"I discovered this product from TikTok and I had to give it a try. I tried the day lip plumper and within a few seconds, there was a subtle tingling/burning that lasted for a few minutes but as it occurred, the plumping started to happen! It made a noticeable difference and made my lips look like I had filler! I'm obsessed!! —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

Pretty Fab Nails is a Florida-based small business founded by Nicole.

Promising review: "Probably the best nail wraps I’ve used so far. I applied these to my Kiara Sky Gelly tips as I am not great with painting my own nails lol. I finished them off with a gel top coat and cured them. I’ve been wearing them for the past week and no chips or tears. I’m sold!!" —Etsy Customer

Get it from Pretty Fab Nails on Etsy for $3.59.

This stuff is cruelty-free and contains nontoxic plant fibers and beeswax so it's safe to use on your skin.

Promising review: "This product is AMAZING! If you have thinning hair or graying hair, this powder is a must-have. It even creates a bit of volume to my very thin hair. I've purchased many different hair products to conceal my thinning hair; most are ineffective, messy, or leave my hair feeling greasy. This is super easy to use; I even use it for my sparse eyebrows. I simply use a soft, small lip liner brush to fill in my brows for a natural look. I also love that it lasts till your next shampoo. At first I didn't like the built-in sponge, but I've grown to really like it. The powder sticks to the sponge, making it easy to apply to whatever area you want to cover up, and the powder doesn't come off on pillows if you leave it on overnight." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 12 shades).

Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.