27 Semi

Jul 28, 2023

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.

It's totally A-OK to splurge a little when these beauty products work so well.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "Great product with outstanding results. I love this product. It is really effective and easy to use, as I noticed my skin is cleaner and very fresh after using it. Having never heard of the brand, I was curious about ground rice as an exfoliant. To my surprise, I saw results after daily use within a couple of weeks. My complexion brightened in tone and some dark patches slowly began to fade." —edujapa70

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $18+ (available in mini or regular size).

Promising review: "Ever since getting off of birth control I’ve had terrible hormonal cystic acne on my cheeks. I felt like I’ve tried everything and nothing was working for me. Adding this product to my skin care routine has truly been life-changing. I always see results even after one use." —Elisabeth

"I have big pores and a combo skin of oily and peely. Love this product because I visibly noticed smaller pores after using this before bed in just a couple of days, it also doesn't leave your skin dried out or over moisturized. you wake up and your skin feels almost tightened." —Janie

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

Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. I have suffered from minor acne for almost two years and I finally realized the products I was using were far too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin. After using gentle products and eventually moving onto K beauty, I found this to lighten all the scarring from the years of picking at my breakouts. My scarring is still a bit noticeable but it was gotten tremendously better thanks to this product and this product alone." —Marc

Get it from Amazon for $15.50.

Promising review: "Have not stopped wearing this. This product is a 20/10. A little goes a long way and it’s so easy to blend out, even on top of product. It’s a thin consistency but gives full blown illuminating glow. I AM OBSESSED with the shade Captivate, which gives me a soft rose gold highly blushy glow, similar to the Charlotte Tilbury glow wands. I attached pics of me wearing the product underneath all my powder and blush products, no highlight at all. LOVE" —TrendJunkie

Get it from Sephora for $25 (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "A VERY noticeable difference after just one use. I was on the fence of buying this for a while because it's more than I usually spend but it is absolutely worth it. I let it sit for about 30 minutes, then after shampooing and blow drying my hair was much shinier, less frizz and my ends looked much more moisturized and with fewer split ends." —Michelle Holly

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $30.

Promising review: "Love this! It’s super creamy and moisturizing and brightens my under eyes so well!!! No more cakey dry under-eyes!" —bookie86

Get it from Sephora or Kosas for $30 (available in two sizes and 27 shades).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking several trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray that I knew after one use I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin, and it caused me no issues.)

Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that time span: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, a number of meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying a few times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter (for the most part) were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray."

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "It’s the third time I’m buying it. No wonder it became a cult product — there’s just nothing quite like it. I like using the cinnamon Skinstick as an added shimmer over contour lines to soften and warm them a little so the finished look is fresher and gets a little umph…and when I don’t use foundation for a non-makeup look, it’s a great substitute for a light bronzer." —ms2409

Get it from Sephora for $32 (available in eight colors).

Promising reviews: "This product is so good. Definitely worth the money. I use is every day in the morning before I put on my makeup or whenever I remember if I don’t put on makeup that day. I do recommend staying regular with it. Not only is it making my brows fuller, but it’s also making the tail of my brows longer! Love it." —Katiej

Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in six styles).

Promising review: "Y'all. This stuff smells like heaven. Somehow this scent is appropriate for summer and winter at the same time. It absorbs quickly with no sticky feelings afterward. The one thing that might deter some people from buying it is that there is a shimmer to it. Once I've used it on my hands, I notice that in sunlight, my skin has a bit of a glimmer. I personally love this and can't wait to use this lotion during the summer. I think it's 100% worth the high price tag. When I can summon up the will to spend the money, I'll be buying the body wash, spray, and full-sized lotion as well, as the current, the mini lotion stays in my purse." —Elizabeth

Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).

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.

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 four colors).

Promising review: "This is hands-down the best mascara over ever used and I’ve tried hundreds over the years and tried ones that are so expensive and this is the best one in my opinion. I only need one coat and it gives the best results and the price is great. If anyone is looking for a great mascara, look no further, I believe you will absolutely love this one for sure." —Michelle R.

Get it from Amazon for $14.85+ (available in mini and regular size).

Promising review: "I am 100% a liquid foundation girl, but with summer approaching this is just the most beautiful powder foundation I have encountered it's quick easy and the finish is too natural. I am in love with this and will continue to use and buy!" —agneschong

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $38 (available in 28 shades).

Promising review: "Seriously impressed. What is this sorcery? I am 34 with acne scarring and pitting. This foundation completely smoothed it out and made my skin look glowy and radiant. I thought this would be best suited to young people but holy crumb, I’m mind blown." —Jndiaye

Get it from Sephora for $30 (available in 46 shades).

Healthline claims that sulfur helps to dry out pimples and draw out excess oils, but is gentler on your skin compared to other acne-fighting ingredients.

Promising review: "I have struggled with cystic acne for a decade, but didn’t know that my birth control was keeping it MOSTLY at bay. When I got off BC, my skin went bananas during the hormone adjustment. I have never had more aggressively terrible cysts or scarring, it has been endless. I have tried every patch, mask, bentonite clay, etc treatment around. Things that used to work don’t work anymore. I got this product six hours ago and immediately washed my face and applied it to the active volcano that’s been brewing on my chin the last two weeks (if you have cysts you know) and it started going down RIGHT AWAY. My mind is blown." —Kay Harms

Get it from Amazon for $20.

Spritz on your skin morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC.

Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are also vegan and cruelty-free.

Promising review: "Best beauty product EVER (not kidding). A friend recommended this because I was complaining about mask acne. And she was right, this bottle of magic is a game changer. I've graduated from the mini size to the regular size...because this stuff is literally the only thing that keeps my face from breaking out these days! LOVE LOVE LOVE!" —Amy B.

Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in mini or full size).

Promising review: "Lasts forever! Love Cloud Paint so much. A little goes a long way and it lasts all day! I've had the same tiny bottle of Cloud Paint for three years now because I only need a tiny bit to look naturally flushed and it lasts so long! Bottom line: Yes — I would recommend this to a friend" —Sophie

Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $20 (available in 10 colors at Glossier and eight at Sephora).

Promising review: "This is one of my all-time favorite glosses. It feels so good on the skin — it’s not sticky or oily. It has a little plump factor, but it doesn’t burn and isn’t too much. I plan to get several colors!" —Sarah Y.

Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 56 colors).

Promising review: "The Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint is a staple in my makeup collection. This product adds a beautiful and natural flush of color to my lips and cheeks, giving me a fresh and radiant look. I love the long-lasting formula, and the sheer, buildable coverage allows me to achieve the perfect rosy glow. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a versatile and effortless lip and cheek tint." —Ronibetesh

Get it from Sephora for $21 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "A little goes a long way. This bottle is worth every penny spent seriously it doesn’t dry out your skin but you can definitely tell the difference between before and after using this. I have really sensitive skin and this helps I love it. It does remove any oils and impurities from the skin." —Chee

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

Promising review: "I’ve suffered from a lip balm addiction for years. I’d apply a lip balm probably 12+ times a day and right before bed. I’ve tried so many lip balms with little or barely noticeable results. I noticed that my lips were getting dark and I’d get whiteheads around the perimeter of my lips. I read the reviews on this product and decided to give it a try. Immediate results! The next morning, my lips were lighter and thoroughly hydrated." —sexychocolate

Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $24 (available in six flavors).

Promising review: "I love love love this lipgloss. I’ve bought it twice and will restock again once it’s out. I never buy two of the same thing just to give myself a chance to try new things but this is a must-have in my makeup collection." —limabean232323

Get it from Sephora for $21 (available in six colors)

Youthforia is a woman-owned small biz that aims to make makeup that's so good for your skin you can sleep in it. The founder, Fiona Co Chan, even tested the blush by sleeping in it for two months! They are passionate about being environmentally-friendly and not using fossil fuels or gross toxins in their products.

Promising review: "New holy grail. I have seen this product a ton of times on TikTok but have held off on buying it because I found it to be a little pricey. I am soooo glad I ended up buying it because it does exactly what it claims to and is incredibly long-lasting! Feels like skincare going on but holds up like great high end-blush!" —Jordan

Get it from Ulta or Amazon for $36.

When I found out about The MakeUp Eraser I immediately bought it and I wish I did sooner! I stopped using single-use makeup wipes and I've saved sooo much money. It feels so soft on my skin and all it takes is a few swipes to remove everything. I can use it a few times before washing it and if I don't have a load of laundry to do, I just wash the towel with face wash and everything comes right out!

Promising review: "If it works on a drag queen, it'll work for you. I'm a drag queen with pretty sensitive skin. I CAKE on the cosmetics to create my illusions, and the cold cream and terrycloth removal method was just not working. My skin would be raw, and I'd have to go through three cloths just to get 90% of my face off, and still have to go to bed with some eyeliner on. Cue MakeupEraser. This little puppy made me go from woman back to man in less than two minutes with JUST WATER. I have on full coverage stage foundation, enough powder to choke a horse, 24 hour wear lipstick, and tons of black eyeshadow with glitter. Buy it! It's awesome." —Luke

Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 13 colors).

Promising review: "I have hooded AND watery eyes. The worst combination when looking for a long-lasting eyeliner. This was IT. I am so happy my long days of trial and error with so many other brands (some very expensive) that continued to smudge mainly due to how hooded my eyelids are. If you’re tired of looking around, you should seriously just buy this." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in eight colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown is a proud member of the Supergoop fan club:

"I've been using this sunscreen at least once daily since my mom gifted it to me two Christmases ago, and have every intention to keep using it for years. A dime-size amount covers my entire face, because it's translucent it leaves absolutely no white cast, and 10 minutes after putting it on, my face just feels like I applied a little bit of a nice moisturizer or makeup primer, not anything that's grease-central, like sunscreen usually is. After several years of stubbornly trying (and failing) to find a decent, oily-skin-friendly, non-greasy drugstore option, I've caved to this pricier kind because literally none of the six or seven other options I tried even compared to this.

Every time I've worn makeup since I got it, I've been impressed by the way my matte foundation glides over it, looks with it, and lasts with it. You can see the texture and color in the photo above; it really does go on completely clear. And it's water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes!"

Get it from Amazon for $18+ or from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).

This antioxidant-rich formula contains rosehip oil, B-vitamins, and algae extract to restore essential moisture and hydration.

Briogeo is a Black woman-founded biz, started by Nancy Twine who has had her hand in making homemade beauty products since she was 5. She has now developed a popular haircare line that specializes in texture-specific products: from repair to volume to curl care, you'll find something here to meet your needs.

Promising review: "I haven’t had my curls look this beautiful as long as I can remember. So light and soft and just lovely! I also used the shampoo and the gel, too, which I really recommend!! I also restyle when it’s dry by adding some water and some of the gel, and it does a wonderful job. 😊 Favorite curl products I’ve used for my hair so far." —Allison P.

Get it from Amazon $39+ (available in three sizes).

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.