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Makeup and skincare and haircare, oh my!

I'm a freelancer who's been a part of the Buzzfeed Shopping team since 2026, covering home goods, beauty products, fashion, and anything that enhances everyday living.

Promising review: "I love this mascara. It's the only one I've tried that truly delivers both volume and a natural look. As I've gotten older and my lashes have thinned, I needed a mascara that would help — and this one absolutely does. I've tried more expensive, well-known brands that didn't come close to these results, so I appreciate that this one is both effective and cost-friendly. It enhances without looking overdone and feels comfortable to wear throughout the day. Even my daughter, who is in her 20s, tried it and loved it so much she went out and bought her own. That says a lot." —Debbie

Price: $8.74+ (originally $10.02+; available in 13 colors)

Promising reviews: "This polish is exactly what I was looking for. My nails are thin and they peel. After just a couple of weeks of using this Sally Hansen Maximum Growth my nails are noticeably harder with no peeling. Application is very easy and it has a great shine. I'll keep using this for sure." —Debra

“I am super impressed with this product. I cannot attend recommend for anyone with thin flaky or easy to break nails within a couple of days of using this. I noticeably saw a difference. I'm excited to continue using this great product. Great price.” —Zoya

Promising reviews: "Great moisturizer! It keeps my skin hydrated all day without feeling heavy or oily. It's gentle on sensitive skin and works really well alongside adapalene. No irritation or breakouts, and my skin feels much smoother. I'll definitely keep buying it again." —Mazen

“love it! was getting alligator skin across my cheeks (I'm 70) and just a pea size amount once a day remedies that and your skin absorbs it immediately, non greasy, can't tell you applied it except for the immediate results. alligator skin gone in 3 days! highly recommend!” —Linda

Promising reviews: "This is my favorite face powder. It goes on smoothly, gives a nice matte finish, and helps keep shine under control without looking heavy or cakey. It blends really well and works great for setting makeup or quick touch-ups throughout the day. I always come back to this one." —Kelly

“My ride or die powder! I’ve been purchasing this for YEARS! On the days I work I only wear this powder. I think it has a light clean/fresh scent. Buildable coverage and many shades to choose from. I will FOREVER repurchase!” —Kista

Price: $8.98+ (available in 35 shades and three-packs)

Promising review: "TRUST ME when I tell you.. this lip gloss is 100% worth it! First of all, what a reasonable price for such a good lip gloss! I applied this on my lips at 6:20 a.m. and at 10:43 a.m. best believe my lips were STILL glossy. I naturally apply a lot of lip gloss because I love glossy lips, but this lipgloss does NOT disappoint. I never have to re-apply throughout my day." —Tia

Promising review: "I can only describe the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing Mirror Shine Lamination Mask as magic shine in a bottle. After shampooing and conditioning, I apply a generous amount to my wet hair and leave it on for at least five minutes. I then allow my hair to air-dry, and the results are consistently impressive. My long, chemically treated (color- and highlight-processed) hair is left with an incredible mirror-like shine, and it actually feels healthier and thicker. I have used this product about three times in the past ten days, and I absolutely love it. What truly sets this mask apart is that the benefits last well beyond wash day. I have oily hair and was able to go three days without shampooing, yet my hair still looked healthy and glossy every morning. It doesn't just revive hair temporarily—it delivers lasting shine and manageability. This is now my go-to product for achieving healthy, high-shine hair. I strongly recommend it." —Anjanette

Promising review: "After adding the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum to my routine, I started noticing changes in my skin pretty quickly. It feels lightweight, absorbs easily, and doesn't leave my skin greasy. I can already see a difference in my discoloration, and my skin looks more even and brighter. It's gentle enough for regular use and has been a great addition to my skincare routine. Definitely worth trying for the price!" —SiMya

Promising reviews: "My manicurist suggested I use this when doing my own nails, putting one coat on first, then my colored nail lacquer, then another coat of this as a top coat. It extends the life of my self-manicure. I love it!" —ANN

“Great base and top coat. Follow directions for basic manicure, then once a day as instructed. Manicure lasts a solid week - 10 days. This is my second bottle; my new base and top coat go-to.” —MAJ

Promising review: "I'm so obsessed! This bronzing product looks GREAT on my light skin. I use it to add warmth and bronzing after my contour and it looks like I've been kissed by the sun; the glow is incredible. I wish I found this product so much sooner! New favorite." —Amber

Price: $9.97 (available in five shades and also blush formulas)

Promising review: "I had been trying to find a more cost-friendly toner than the one I usually purchase from the dermatologist, but am so nervous about irritating or inflaming my sensitive combination skin. I actually tried the Thayers regular witch hazel toner first and really liked that. When that was a “go” and I kept hearing all over social media about how great the milky toners were, I went ahead and tried the Thayers Milky Hydrating Toner. WOW! I could kick myself for not trying it sooner! It has really changed the texture and hydration level of my skin has never been better!!!!!! It really does make you feel like you are glowing. Important to note it is not the same texture as a “traditional” toner that absorbs immediately. It takes a minute or two to fully absorb. I just move to a different part of my routine then return to my face once it is dried." —Tracey

Promising review: "I've tried many BHAs and other treatments over the years for my severe acne, hyperpigmentation, and bumpy skin. This actually works! After about a month of usage, the uneveness is smoothing out, and there are very few keratin plugs. You only need 1 pad as this is pretty strong. For reference, my skin is very oily." —Sam

“I've been buying this product generation after generation. My granddaughter came to me whom is now approaching the adolescent stage. she requested something to use to keep her face clear and free from breakouts. product definitely works and will be buying three more, one for myself as well! 😊” —Luv2Shop

Promising review: "I've been using this serum for a few weeks now and I'm honestly so impressed. It's super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling really hydrated without being sticky or heavy. My skin just looks healthier and more glowy overall. I love that a little goes a long way, and it layers really well with the rest of my skincare. For the price, the quality is amazing. If you're looking for an easy way to add hydration and a nice glow to your routine, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!" —Sabrina

Promising reviews: "This is a very useful multipurpose stick. You can use it as just an eyeshadow or a eyelid primer to get a more pigmented and longer lasting look. It can also be used to highlight the brow, bones, cheeks nose. Truly a multi use product with an amazing price point." —Bri

"I will be buying more of these! I wear bifocals and can't see well enough without them to apply eyeliner anymore. Problem solved! These sticks are so creamy and just glide so easily. No mess! The color lasts all day. They don't smear or bleed. I'm a happy lady!" —Rachel

Price: $1.94 (available in sixteen colors)

Promising review: "This polish applies easily and is thicker than other polishes. Smooth appearance. Removes easily. Have this brand is several colors. Friends have asked where I get my manicures. They are surprised when I tell them I do my own sometimes. Nice substitute when you are unable to get a professional manicure." —Carol

Promising review: "I've been using this hairdryer for a few weeks now, and I'm genuinely impressed. - Fast Drying: The airflow is powerful without being overwhelming, cutting my drying time in half. - Lightweight %26 Comfortable: Easy to hold, even for longer styling sessions, with a well-balanced design that doesn't strain my wrist. - Heat Settings: Different heat and speed options make it versatile — gentle enough for fine hair, strong enough for thick hair. - Cool Shot Feature: Locks in style beautifully and adds a smooth finish. - Quiet Operation: Noticeably quieter than my old dryer, which makes mornings more pleasant. - Sleek Design: Modern look that feels high-end, and the build quality seems durable. Overall, this hairdryer delivers salon-quality results at home. My hair feels smoother, shinier, and healthier compared to using cheaper models. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable upgrade!" —joe

Promising review: "I love these hair ties! My thin, curly hair tangles and mattes easily. I recently switched to a satin pillowcase and satin scrunchies. Most scrunchies I found were the big ones, which looked ridiculous on me and were too much for my super thin hair, which has been falling out since my weight loss surgery. Then I discovered these thin satin scrunchies, and they’re game changers. I use them for my ponytails, and they hold my hair up while keeping my curls intact. They also look cute!" —AuntieErrica

Promising reviews: "A couple of years ago, my regular shampoo and conditioner stopped cleansing my hair. I went through I don’t know how many different products and my hair continued to look greasy even after a wash. I decided to switch to a cleansing dandruff shampoo and haven’t looked back! It’s the only product that cleanses my scalp and hair, but keeps it clean! I only have to wash my hair once or twice a week!" —Courtney

“My family won't use anything else We've tried others but have stuck with this one for over 10 years. Cleans well and makes our hair and scalp look and feel great” —Jason

Promising review: "I've been using this concealer for nine months and it's honestly blown me away. For around $6, this little tube delivers full coverage that rivals high-end concealers. At $6, this concealer punches way above its weight class. The application is smooth, it blends beautifully, and it performs better than concealers I've paid five times more for. I ABSOLUTELY recommend!!! This is proof that great makeup doesn't have to break the bank. If you're looking for a reliable, affordable concealer that actually works, this is it." —Mjhayes352

Promising review: "OH. MY. GOD. this is exactly what I've been looking for. I've tried the Sabrina Carpenter perfumes, the Billie Eilish perfumes and so many more But this takes the cake!!!!! It smells absolutely delicious, like vanilla cookies with a hint of musk (I hate musky vanillas btw) BUT after it's on for a few hours it goes straight into bakery mode. Three sprays have lasted me five hours so far and I can still smell it strong!! I originally thought it was gonna be tiny but it's actually a good size. I'll definitely be reordering this and the rest of mix bars vanilla bourbon scents!" —Dani

Promising review: "I think Sally Hansen was the first nail polish I ever used when I was a little girl playing with my mom's polish, pretending to have long natural nails like hers. Now that I type this review, she must have used this hardener as well because her nails hardly ever broke! Long story short, there is a reason this brand has been around for decades. The price and quality of this product is just how it should be! I accidentally slid my hand across the corner wall after applying a good two coats (maybe 3) of this stuff on and I was surprised my nail didn't chip! Now, it could have been just dumb luck, but I definitely give props to this stuff! I really don't see how you can go wrong with it." —Beth

Price: $2.94+ (originally $3.28; also available in a two-pack)

Promising review: "I was sick of going to the salon and paying close to $50 and leaving with nails that were either too thick, or the wrong shape, etc. Now I just buy a four-pack of Kiss Nails and I'm a happy camper. if you prep your nails correctly, gently file the surface to roughen them a little and then swipe on some acetone to remove any oils, they will stay on for a couple of weeks or more, depending on how fast your nails grow. Finally I have nice nails, without spending a fortune! Try them!" —anonymous

Price: $4.97+ (also available in two-pack)

Promising review: "My husband and I both use a few high end brand Shampoos. I was visiting with a friend about a year ago that had this product in her shower, I tried it and loved how nice it smelled and how well it made my hair feel clean and shinny. Now, my husband and I will only use this product when we was our hair. It is easy on our hair, smells clean and our hair feels soft. We also use the Dove conditioner. The price for this large shampoo is very affordable as in 31 ounces and it comes with a nice pump. We don't buy anything else! We order it online at Wal-Mart before we run out and this bottle will last the two of us about a month." —Kenny

Promising review: "They really do speed the recovery time. I usually put one on at the first sign of a zit popping up somewhere. It does take a little time but never comes to a head or needs to be popped...leaving a dark spot. Also I can wear it all day at work, they are essentially invisible as long as you don't wear a lot of makeup." —Kristen

Promising review: "The product is kind of expensive, but super super worth it. I've been dealing with boils and ingrown hairs for many years now I've only used this product for three days. I apply it twice a day and I already see a huge difference. This is not a bot. I'm a real reviewer and all I can say is wow. Honestly, I never leave reviews for products, but this one really amazed me." —Sb

Promising reviews: "OMG!!! 😍🔥 The EOS Toasted Marshmallow spray smells SOOOO GOOD! It has the perfect sweet, warm, toasted-marshmallow scent that feels cozy and delicious without being too overpowering. 🤤☁️ It's light, refreshing, and leaves a soft, sweet fragrance that makes me want to keep spraying it! 😂💕 If you love warm, dessert-like scents, you NEED this spray!." —T

“HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND the EOS Toasted Marshmallow Body Mist. Pairs so well with EOS Toasted Marshmallow Lotion, I just hope a body was is in the works!! The notes are spot on, not overly sweet, just a deelish, cozy fragrance. Scent lasts for 6-8 hours. And yes, will wear this summer, despite marshmallow typically being a fall/winter scent. it's just that good!!!” —anonymous

Promising review: "I never have success with press on nails, these changed that. The color is nice and looks great with my skin tone. Better yet, they have lasted well beyond the duration it says. They even lasted through cooking, cleaning, planting flowers, and a water park. Game changer." —Samantha3

“I really enjoyed the Kiss Core Magentic Flaming press-on nails. They were fun, stylish, and very easy to install. They lasted a long time and stayed in place well. These are a great quick and fun option if you're on the go and need your nails done fast without going to the salon.” —Tay8040

Promising review: "Wow! Super impressed at the results of these eye patches. I was totally not expecting that. After I removed them, I could immediately see an improvement of my under-eye area. They smoothed out the texture of my skin and made them look radiant. These need to be available in a larger quantity box! They will be on my shopping list always." —Tishypoo13

Price: $14.88+ (also available in a three-pack)

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* If You’re Stuck In A Makeup Rut, These 30 Products Will Get You Out Of It

Plus, the beauty products we gave 2026 Buzzy Awards to and finds from Amazon, Dermstore, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, and Walmart.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.