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.
1. An eyeshadow primer to make sure your eye makeup survives your night out on the town. I use this every time I wear eyeshadow, and it works so incredibly well. Even after hours of gettin' sweaty on the dance floor, my look is still sharp!
Promising review: "So, let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low — MAC, Lorac, Urban Decay...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer, and my shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I'm lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
2. A Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer that comes with a super handy sponge applicator for blurring fine lines and concealing puffiness and dark circles. This has been my go-to concealer since I was 13, and I don't see that changing any time soon! Just do yourself a favor and add it to your cart, people.
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 apply it properly to 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 am very glad I did. I am NOT a makeup expert — but this product allows anyone at any level to conceal under eyes successfully." —Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 23 shades).
3. An E.l.f. Cosmetics Acne Fighting Putty Primer made with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc to smooth uneven complexions and blur pores that'll have your makeup going on smooth as buttaaaaa.
The 1.8% salicylic acid helps prevent the development of pesky breakouts and redness. Zinc helps reduce inflammation, and kaolin keeps oil at bay while minimizing the appearance of pores.
Plus! It's vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: I’ve only been using this for about a week, but I have already noticed a big difference in my skin! I have normal skin with an oily T-zone, large pores, hormonal breakouts, and hyperpigmentation that leaves my skin scarred for months, even if I don’t touch my breakouts. This primer has cleared my acne (even the tiny ones on my nose), reduced my scars, went on smoothly, and made my skin feel so soft. I easily use it under my tinted sunscreen, Putty Blush, and Halo Glow setting powder every day, and even when I’m not wearing anything else on my face. My skin looks beautiful!" —BeachBunny
4. A popular long-lasting eyeliner stamp so you can give yourself a perfect wing on the first try with next to no effort. Your makeup will look *on point* and put together even if you're equal parts frazzled and exhausted, and because it's a stamp, it'll take only seconds to apply.
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
Promising review: "Got this before a trip I took a few days ago. I have never been able to do wing eyeliner properly so I was excited to try this. It's very pigmented and goes on beautifully! I've tried other liquid eyeliners before and they were so watery and not close to a dark black I wanted at all but this product was great. I did my makeup and put this eyeliner on at 9 am, traveled two hours, walked around a city for about three hours and it was warm so I was sweating, and then went to an NBA game. After all that time (about 16 hours!), the eyeliner was just as perfect as I had put it on! I love this product and can't wait to use it more often!" —Elizabeth
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).
5. A set of matte lipsticks if you want the quality of high-end lipstick without the hefty price tag. This stuff goes on easy and stays on — even through eating a cupcake *and* a whole night out, as one reviewer confirms.
See it in action on TikTok here.
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 survives eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out with no smudging, and it had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in five color sets).
6. Tower 28's SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation featuring a lightweight fragrance-free SPF 30 formula to help even out your complexion and protect your skin from harmful UV rays all at once. I love this product for how velvety is makes my skin feel!
Promising review: "I bought this after seeing it all over TikTok and Instagram, and I’ve tried several tinted moisturizers/ sunscreen foundations, and this is the best one out there. It goes on nice and sheer and soaks into the skin." —haleynicole97
Get it from Sephora for $32 (available in 15 shades).
7. A Youthforia BYO Blush Oil formulated with pH technology, so you end up with your own perfect share of pink. I have used this every single day since 2022, and I swear this is my #1 beauty product. It gives me a nice, natural sunkissed look; plus I use it on my eyes and lips too!
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I don’t wear makeup to work but I still wanted something that made me look alive in the morning and this is it!! I just apply this oil blush with my fingers or a brush and it’s blended within seconds! This gives me a natural flush that lasts a full work day and it’s become my favorite for a natural, everyday look. I have been taking this with me everywhere and has replaced all my powder and cream blushes. I know I will keep repurchasing this product for years. Highly recommend!" —Elena P.
Get it from Youthforia or Amazon for $36.
8. A lightweight, oil-free Maybelline foundation, which is available in a wide range of different shades that'll help create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup routine.
Reviewers say it gives excellent coverage and wears all day.
Promising review: "This is great for oily skin! Flawless, very thin formula! I LOVE IT! I’ve used many brands, from drugstores to department stores to professional name-brand formulas. This is definitely one of a kind! Sincerely, an esthetician and makeup artist." —Alyssa Kennedy
Get it from Amazon for $8.26+ (available in 24 shades).
9. A NYX Professional butter gloss designed with a nonsticky, cruelty-free, and featherproof (!!!) formula if you want to show off your irresistibly gorgeous pout without a goopy residue left behind.
Promising reviews: "Gorgeous color. I bought it after a makeup artist used it as a lip gloss over some lip liner for one of my friend's weddings. I love it for everyday use or a special occasion." —Julia
"I had my makeup done for my 40th birthday party and the MUA used this on me. I took a picture of it so I would not forget the name. I absolutely LOVE this color with my complexion. It is great for a simple look when your eyes are popping with great eye shadow." —YorkieLover75
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 44 colors).
10. A bestselling, dual-ended Maybelline eyebrow pencil featuring an angled pencil on one side and a spoolie brush on the other, so you can achieve the brows of your dream with just one tool.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this eyebrow pencil. I am an esthetician, and a makeup artist. This pencil is my everyday go-to for myself, and clients alike. I have very sparse eyebrows — this pencil allows me to outline and fill in my brows with a very defined and natural look. Will repurchase over and over again." —Emi
"I’m a pro makeup artist and this is the only brow pencil I’ve truly fallen in love with. I’ve tried high end like ABH and Urban Decay, etc., and I’ve never loved a brow pencil like this one. The color is perfect, the shape is perfect, the formula is perfect! I can’t find them in store anymore!" —Jessika Morin
Get it from Amazon for $8.54+ (available in four shades).
11. A cult-famous, cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara with over 200,000 5-star ratings if you want long, flake-free lashes that'll hold up all day long — even if you're on the go!
Promising review: "I am a makeup artist. This mascara outperforms nearly every other mascara I have used. I am 55 and have purchased and used numerous drugstore and specialty mascaras. All the high-priced ones are SUPPOSED to do what this very quiet, marketed, very black mascara does: coats every lash, thickens, and lengthens every time, and for this price?!?! Sssshhh, don't tell anyone, lol." —Laura Price
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two colors and a three-pack).
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
12. A smudge-proof Maybelline matte liquid lipstick because you don't want to worry about your lipstick getting messed up while you're at brunch sipping mimosas with your bestie or eating your favorite meal.
Promising review: "Wow! Very happy and need to order in more colors. I’m a makeup artist and I test longevity of wear on all my makeup. I literally still had lipstick on the following day after putting it on at 3 p.m. the day before. It is matte so if you have dry lips I suggest you exfoliate prior to use. Definitely buy!" —S.S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.19+ (available in 42 colors).
Check out BuzzFeed's Maybelline liquid lipstick review for more.
13. A long-wearing cream blush created with hydrating hibiscus extra you can easily build up for a more dramatic look or use spareingly for a subtle flush.
Promising review: "As a makeup artist, I truly believe this product is amazing for any MUA regarding a versatile product. I have used this as an eyeshadow base, lip color, and blush. The formula is very smooth and rich with an amazing flushed tone color. This product lasted all day, even when applied on oily clients. I definitely recommend and will repurchase in my kit." —Tabethaashly
Get it from Sephora for $28 (available in five colors).
14. A delectable lip-plumping gloss set if you have a major needle phobia but still want to achieve filler-like results. Why spend hundreds going to a med spa when you can pay just $10 for this set?
You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.
Promising reviews: "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 love this duo!!! I am a makeup artist so I've tried almost every lip plumper on the market! This is a great value since you get two different products for lower than the cost of one tube by other brands. Keeps my lips hydrated as I live in dry Arizona. I'm so excited I came across this!" —Mandy Burden
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
15. A highly pigmented eyeshadow palette that comes with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, because even though Pride is wrapping up, that doesn't mean you can't rock a rainbow look all year round.
Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even-4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." —Daniel T Adams
"Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two color schemes).
16. A NYX mechanical eyeliner with a creamy texture that'll last even while you're sweating your butt off in 100-degree weather.
Promising review: "I'm HORRIBLE at applying eyeliner, so this was a godsend. It's creamy, so it doesn't snag on your eyelid when you apply it, but it dries out in a minute or so, so it actually lasts all day. If I want a darker look, I put on black or navy eyeliner and then apply this on top — it smooths over the shakiness of the dark eyeliner and looks a whole lot more interesting (like I actually put work into it, when I really didn't). I used to use a different liquid eyeshadow, but I found this and it works so much better — it stays on for a lot longer, doesn't fade, and actually reaches the lid line. Even though it stays on for a while (all day — 10+ hours), it comes off really easily with a wipe or micellar water. It's great for covering mistakes or simply as a stand-in so you don't have to project to the world that you have no clue what you're doing with eyeliner." —Anonymous 1
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 12 colors).
17. A Neutrogena Moisturesmooth Color Stick for an effortless pout that'll have everyone asking where they can buy some. You can also use it as a creme blush and eye pigment!
18. A splurge-worthy Make Up For Ever cream palette featuring 12 ultra-pigmented hues for highly colorful looks you might want to try out. You can also use it as body paint for any parades or music festivals you plan to attend!
Promising reviews: "A must have for pro MUAs! Purely pigmented, creamy color perfect for mixing or using straight. Much more product than expected. Sets perfectly with the MUFE HD powder!" —Sephora Customer
Get it from Sephora for $99.
19. A Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque you can use to achieve a gorgeous lip color that'll last literally all day long. All you have to do is apply it to your lips, wait 30 seconds, and then wipe it off to reveal tinted lips with a matte finish. I've used this a handful of times and I am always SHOCKED at how long the color lasts!!
Wonderskin is a small business that specializes in makeup and skincare products.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this lip stain and it’s now apart of my everyday use! What I love most about the lip stain is how easy it is to put on and how long it will last. It goes on purple but turns into the most natural looking color once it’s applied." —Celeste Middleton
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 30 shades).
20. A Maybelline Cheek Heat gel-cream blush that reviewers have compared to Glossier's Cloud Paint. 👀 This has a water-based formula and will give you a nice touch of color on your cheeks when you're looking for that subtle summertime glow.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan, so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!"
Promising review: "I heard about this from an Influencer on TikTok. Sheer and the color is great. And the price can't be beat. Thank you, Maybelline!" —Kaye Ralene White-Hancock
Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
21. A NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner for a bold graphic eye look that'll have everyone wondering if you'll be in the new season of Euphoria.
Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Epic Wear Liquid Liner in action.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Amanda Davis, pictured above, has to say about it: "I'm wearing the blue liner there on the left, and the reviews are 100% right. This liner LASTS. I love to throw it on top of my usual black liner when I want an extra pop on a night out or am just feeling a little "adventurous." The liner's super thin tip glides nicely and makes it easy to be precise, too!"
Promising review: "Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. ... Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners (Stila, Urban Decay, YOU NAME IT). I will never switch to anything else." —Jacky
Get it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in 14 shades — including classic black!).
22. Or! Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner I've been using for yearrrrs. I swear no other liquid eyeliner lasts as long as this one does! And it's super pigmented which makes my cat-eye really pop!
Don't worry, this eyeliner will look just as good when you graduate from Harvard Law School as valedictorian and he graduates with no job offers. 💁♀️
Promising review: "At first I was skeptical as to why this eyeliner is 'so great,' but then one day, I decided to cry three times with this product on my eyes...let me just say, IT DID NOT BUDGE!! I have tried other felt-tip eyeliners, and they were really similar to this product, but this one has the absolute BEST staying power. For real. You will not regret buying this!" —Jay
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in 18 colors).
And read our full review of the Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner here.
23. An Etude multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint for a natural-looking pout that'll last throughout the day. People use it for a cheek-tint as well!
Promising review: "I am SO glad I gave this a chance! I only have the cherry color, but it is the perfect bit of natural color, which can be deepened as desired upon application. There is no sticky residue, and it does not dry or get irritating at all. Looks great alone but even better with gloss on top. Love!" —Mollie
Get it from Amazon for $6.69 (available in five shades and combo packs).
24. A Live Tinted Huestick Corrector to help even out dark spots and purple under eye-bags. Plus, you can also use it as a lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush!
Live Tinted is a small business that was founded by Deepica Mutyala, who first went viral for her red lipstick hack for under-eye circles in 2015. This magical, fan favorite Huestick was the first product the company launched! It's beloved because it's the first multi-stick with clean ingredients to also balance out dark circles and spots. It's made with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamins C and E.
Promising review: "I'll admit, I was totally skeptical of these Huesticks. I am 34-years-old, of Sri Lankan descent (medium to deep tan skin), and I've NEVER been good at makeup. I was excited to try these Huesticks, made by and vouched for by a fellow South Asian, but I was worried it would look like I was ACTUALLY wearing makeup. I was pleasantly surprised after using Rise under my eyes and around my mouth, blending with a beauty blender, and then using the same amount of cc cream and powder foundation. You really still can't tell I'm wearing makeup. I even asked my BF if he could see the orange 'glow' under my eyes before I put on the CC cream, and he couldn't see it! It really was color-correcting!" —Reviewer
Get it from Amazon for $26 (available in seven shades) or Ulta for $26 (available in six shades).
25. A perfectly pigmented Han cheek and lip tint that'll add a lovely pop of color to your lips and eyes as well as a natural flush to your cheeks. 3-in-1 products for the win!!
26. A Physicians Formula Diamond Dust translucent powder if you haven't been able to bring yourself to shell out the $40 for the Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb highlighter, but still want that glowy finish.
Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison!
Promising review: "I love, love, love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent
Get it from Amazon for $12.25.
27. And finally, some long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint to give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish without having to worry about constantly reapplying.
Reviewers compare to products like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint.
Promising review: "This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 29 shades).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.