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Nov 04, 2024

35 Under-$25 Beauty Products Your Wallet Will Be So Glad You Found

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

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.

May your wallet and lashes be thick forever.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "My skin is *super* sensitive, but as I've aged (44 years), I feel like my pores have become more visible. I hadn't used an oil cleanser before and wasn't 100% sure how it should all work. The Anua oil cleanser works how we all once hoped Biore pore strips would work back in the day but without any pain or irritation. My skin is combination skin, so I have to be really careful about not drying out the dry spots (and getting eczema) and not over-hydrating the oily spots (and getting a breakout). I rub the oil on my face as the first part of my cleansing routine; I massage it in for ~60 seconds and then put a small amount of water on my fingers and begin rubbing that on my face. The water starts the emulsification process and helps to clean out everything the oil has bonded to/mixed with. Then, I just rinse it clean and use a gentle cleanser afterward. I haven't had any irritation, redness, or fallout from adding this product to my skincare routine. I love it. I am almost through my first bottle and if I go a few days without using the cleanser, my pores become more visible/dirty again. I will definitely keep purchasing the Anua oil cleanser." —Tassa

Get it from Amazon for $17.69.

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 $4.48.

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 $5.99.

According to reviewers, this product can add more definition to 1c wavy hair, and provide moisture and smoothness all the way up to type 4c hair.

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." —Bunco Queen of the Universe

Get it from Amazon for $7.97.

Promising review: "I recently tried this new lash mascara, and it has quickly become my favorite! The formula is lightweight yet incredibly volumizing, giving my lashes a dramatic lift without clumping. The wand design allows for precise application, easily reaching every lash, even the tiny ones. I love that it lasts all day without smudging or flaking, which is a must for me. Plus, it’s easy to remove at the end of the day. Overall, this mascara has delivered the perfect combination of length and volume, making my eyes pop. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting gorgeous lashes!" —sailor moon

Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in five shades).

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).

Promising review: "This stuff works great on my skin. It’s gentle yet cleans so well. It removes sebum so well! The little black seaweed has a little distinctive smell but nothing noticeable. I wish I’d known [about] it sooner. Definitely magic stuff!!!" —Kristye

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set with the matching cleanser).

Promising reviews: "I bought this very skeptical and was amazed by the results. I use it as a toner and in three days I was already seeing my texture disappear. I will definitely buy it again." —Angelina F.

"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.

The yellow shade works to brighten dullness in fair to medium skin tones, the peach shade masks dark spots in fair to medium skin tones, the orange shade masks dark spots in deep skin tons, green neutralizes redness for all skin tones, and blue can be mixed with foundation to offset overly warm tones. See it in action on TikTok.

Promising review: "So I was in a car wreck on the third of June 2024, and in the first picture [above], you can see a lot of the markings that are on my face. I just got this concealer in the mail today, and not a moment too soon, because I have an important Zoom meeting. You want to talk about coverage!!!! Now, purple is a really hard color to cover, but this product did it, and I took a picture [above] just to show how well! I am super impressed. Plus, the price point is amazing, and it's just as effective as any high-end product. It went on silky smooth! Thank you, E.l.f. cosmetics, you saved me!" —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five shades).

The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.

Promising review: "I was amazed by how well this corrected the color under my eyes and with such little product. I literally tap the pad of my ring finger onto the product and tap it under my eyes. It's not necessary to wipe and pick it up. Love it!" —Teri L.

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades).

Promising reviews: "I have some discoloration/hyperpigmentation, and I am not usually good at using concealer. This is easy to use and perfect for beginners and amateurs like me." —Marie

"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).

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 $12.95+ (available in three scents and three sizes).

Promising review: "I was initially concerned that these nails might be cheap due to the price, but they exceeded my expectations. They are sturdy and don’t bend like other brands I've tried. Plus, the designs are incredibly fun and eye-catching." —Emma Wood

PaintLab is a small business that specializes in unique press-on nails and nail and beauty accessories.

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 34 prints).

Promising review: "Perfect for beginners. I’m new to the whole nail scene but I figured I’d make an investment of $100 on gel nail polish, led light ect. I tried using this polish on my natural nails after prepping then and I’m pretty happy... The colors are beautiful!!

I was a little surprised by the smaller size, but for $20, you can’t beat it!!! It is such a good variety and has a beautiful, deep pigment. I10/10 would recommend. 👏🏼" –MiKayla C.

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in 17 color varieties).

Promising review: "First of all, be aware that these shadows are about the size of a nickel. I thought it was the size of the 350B palette, but for < $8, I'm not disappointed. I haven't worn it for a super long time, but it seems to stick pretty well. The pigmentation is out of this world for the price; I'd say comparable to Morphe or NYX, and there's a great selection. A couple of the shimmer shades are kind of multi-dimensional, bordering on duo-chrome, which is cute, but honestly, I'm here for the mattes. This is perfect for a beginner or someone who's seasoned but looking for a bunch of shades to play with." —Allan

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in colorful and neutral styles).

Check it out on TikTok.

Promising review: "First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price vs. its quality. Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced product...well, let's say you get what you pay for, so usually you're left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew bout this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok." —Angelia Taggarrt

Get it from Amazon for $3.98 (also available in a pack of two).

This oil is designed specifically for 3A-4C hair types.

Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Learn more on TikTok.

Promising review: "I started using this oil on my hair after watching TikToks about it. They did not lie. This product works great! I have been using it for about a month now, and I have nothing but good things to say. I like to lather it on my scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before showering. This helps your hair to produce those natural oils, which makes your hair grow healthier. It has made my hair grow faster and stronger." —Alexis Jacobus

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

Promising review: "I started taking medication that dried my skin, including severely drying my lips to the point that my lips were peeling and cracked. I bought this lip repair balm based on the reviews, and after the first night, I started noticing my lips healing! I apply the lip repair to my lips every night, and it keeps my lips moist throughout the night. I just ordered my second order! Highly recommend!" —Delia K.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in a two-pack).

Promising review: "I usually suffer from chapped lips in the winter, to begin with, but now having braces makes it 100x worse. I have tried all kinds of different lip balms and moisturizers, and nothing was helping. I have used this product once (and followed up with their lip treatment), and the dryness and peeling are gone. I wish I had tried this a lot sooner. It would have saved me from weeks of dryness and soreness!"—Kathleen M.

Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

Reviewers with hair textures from type 1a (stick straight) to type 4c (coily) have left 5-star ratings for this bottle of magic. Those with straighter hair say it helps smooth flyaways and add volume, while those with coily hair say it enhances their natural curls and adds shine.

Promising review: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a 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." —Theressa Hailey

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

Promising reviews: "After a month and a half of using this product, I don’t have a single active breakout on my face. This is the first time in over a year! My only regret is that I wish I would have found this sooner to save my skin from scarring." —Ashley L.

"This stuff actually works. I work in a spa, and I’ve tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acne-prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me, and dang if she wasn’t right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly, so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer, but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks, and I’m still amazed." —Rin Wisell

Get it from Amazon for $14.54+ (available in four sizes and two bottle styles).

Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!

Promising review: "This product is terrific for hiding the pesky gray hairs that start to emerge one to two weeks after coloring my hair. I have dark hair, and a lot of gray around my forehead and temple areas, so any gray hairs are beyond obvious. Once they start to peek out, I use this product and I can last another couple of weeks before coloring." —Carissa K

Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in 12 colors and packs of two and three).

Promising review: "What can I say? I saw a TikTok about this lipstick, and for $10, I 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 it 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

Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five color sets).

I personally use this one and love it. The actual pencil itself has never broken while using (I've had many a brow pencil from other drugstore brands snap in half before I even use it two times), and the spoolie at the end is softer and smaller than similar pencils, allowing for more precise application and less irritation.

Promising review: "Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. Tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat. I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in. Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." —Shannon M Slape

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four shades and packs of two and three).

Promising review: "Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I use the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night." —Yasmin Rodriguez

Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "This is a sheer coverage and buildable foundation perfect for beginners." —Fee fee mcgee

"I’ve tried so many tinted moisturizers, and hated every single one. I was very surprised when I used this one, and it went on flawlessly. I used to love a heavy matte foundation with powder to finish it. However being a teacher, I need to just be able to get ready for work and go and I needed something that would stay on all day especially on hot days. This tinted moisturizer is easy to apply, it only takes a minute, you can top with powder if you need to, but it literally has great coverage it stays on all day and I believe that it’s actually making my skin look better because of the hyaluronic acid, I’ve been using it for almost a year now and my skin looks great." —Allison K.

Get it from Amazon for $5.47 (available in eight shades and also in packs of two).

Promising review: "I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow, without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin." —Jessica Giles

Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in five shades and various packs).

The set comes with 24 reusable stencils, a brow stamp, and a brow brush.

Promising review: "This is perfect for beginners! I have almost no makeup knowledge, but I’ve recommended it to a few makeup friends who are waiting to try it out! If you make any mistakes or want to change your mind about the shape, it’s super easy to quickly wipe it away and start a new style. I’m really excited to try these out more." —Maxx

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

Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day, I would sweat through it, and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great, and I’m glad I did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder, nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby

Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in five shades).

Promising review: "This eyeliner is worth the buy, do it now!!! It is very easy to apply, and once it is on, it stays in place unless you wipe it off. I love, love, love this eyeliner. —Catrinna F.

The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.

Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes and a combo pack).

It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane 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 $13.29+ (available in 12 shades).

Promising review: "I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spent way too much time on getting my hair into a bun. I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke so I did it again, and then again. I have hair to my mid back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in a bun in under 30 seconds, trust me...anyone can." —Tina

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in a two-pack).

Promising review: "I absolutely love this. This is now my go-to hair mask. I have bleached and curly 4C hair. This makes your hair go from brittle and crunchy to soft and loose, and it locks moisture in your hair. Your hair will stay moist for 2-3 days without adding any other product to your hair. And the best part is it smells so good. Too good. Like… I have the urge to eat it." —V

TGIN ("Thank God It's Natural") is a Black woman-owned business based in Chicago.

Get it from Amazon for $16.62+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "This bronzer has the most luxurious feel to it. It’s perfect for beginners as well as experienced users. You can’t put on too much. The first application is just right, or it can be built upon. The color is foolproof. I won’t use any other now since discovering this." –Stef

"This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful, warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin, but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya

Get it from Amazon for $6.41+ (available in nine shades).

Joesoef Skin Care is a small business that specializes in anti-acne skincare products.

Promising review: "I recently saw a dermatologist talk about those clogged pores on and around your nose. If they are of uniform size, they aren't blackheads. She suggested using a sulfur soap to get rid of or minimize those stubborn clogged pores. This has a slight sulfur smell; it is not overwhelming, and it disappears when dried. It works! My pores are much smaller. After applying and drying, moisturize." —Sandy G

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in multipacks).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.