Shopping
Cheap beauty products that shoppers swear by
People Are Calling These Cheap Beauty Products Their Most Amazing Finds Of The Year

These are the MVPs.

Written by Claire Epting
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Elite Daily / Amazon
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

I’m the type of person who — upon discovering an amazing hair or beauty product — wants to shout it from the rooftops. Of course, I’m not going to rave about just anything — it has to be really special. That’s why I believe in the power of user reviews. You can discover some fantastic, budget-friendly beauty products, thanks to the recommendations of thousands of people who also love to shout from the rooftops.

So beloved are these products, many customers are calling them their best finds of the year. From a butter-soft lip gloss with thousands of perfect five-star ratings to a uniquely shaped hair brush that glides through knots with ease, there are so many inexpensive beauty items to add to your collection. Each one has been vetted by tons of reviewers, so you can feel confident in knowing they actually work.

01
This Moisturizing Lip Treatment Made With Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil

A blend of vitamin-rich Hawaiian kukui nut oil and moisturizing shea butter, this lip treatment from Hanalei soothes and moisturizes dry, chapped lips. The formula has a light tint that adds a hint of color, as well. “This lip gloss is unlike any other,” wrote one reviewer. “It tastes amazing, makes your lips super hydrated and glossy, and doesn't give you that tingling sensation.”

  • Available shades: 7
02
A Light-Up Makeup Mirror With Magnifying Side Panels

Whether you’re applying false eyelashes or plucking fine eyebrow hairs, this backlit mirror makes it so much easier to see what you’re doing. The portable mirror has magnifying side panels and a dimmable LED light border, illuminating your face as you work. “WONDERFUL! Just as bright as can be and I use batteries to operate it, so no cords to worry about. Very, very pleased,” raved one customer.

  • Available colors: 6
03
The Primer That Creates The Perfect No-Budge Base For Your Eyeshadow

Want your eyeshadow to stay put, without having to reapply multiple times throughout the day? The Thank Me Later primer from Elizabeth Mott can be applied to your eyelids, locking your pigment in place while preventing any creasing as the day wears on. “Keeps my eyeshadow on all day long! I have very oily eyelids and this does a great job!” wrote one reviewer.

04
These Loofahs That Are Infused With Bamboo Charcoal

The loofahs included in this pack are infused with bamboo charcoal, and one’s even attached to a handle that makes it simple to wash areas that are hard to reach. The loofah pouf itself has a loop attached so you can easily dry it between washes — but the pack itself also includes a shower hook that makes storing them both simple. One customer wrote, “This is honestly the best loofah that I’ve purchased in the past [three] decades.”

05
This Chemical Peel That Gently Exfoliates Your Skin

Unlike physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells without aggravating delicate skin. This chemical gel peel is formulated with glycolic and lactic acids that gently exfoliate the skin, along with chamomile to soothe any irritation. One reviewer wrote, “My pores look tighter and I have a nice glow. I love it.”

06
An Under-Eye Gel That Cools & Soothes Delicate Skin

Combining ingredients like moisturizing jojoba oil and cooling aloe vera — not to mention a peptide complex that boosts collagen production — this under-eye gel instantly soaks into your skin. Unlike a standard eye cream, the consistency of the gel feels much lighter and won’t run the risk of clogging your pores. Plus, a little goes a long way. “The first jar I had for nearly a year, it lasts FOREVER,” wrote one reviewer. “It smells great and does exactly what it promises, assuming you do your part too!”

07
The Serum That Encourages Lash & Brow Growth

Combining the power of ginseng root extract and hydrolyzed silk, this strengthening serum can help you achieve longer, voluminous eyelashes and fuller brows. It’s gentle enough for daily use — apply it to your lashline or eyebrows in the morning and at night. “After using this product for about two months, not only are my lashes healthy again, but they are longer than before!” wrote one reviewer.

08
This Exfoliating Body Brush That Helps Prevent Razor Bumps

Prevent uncomfortable razor bumps and ingrown hairs by regularly exfoliating your skin with this body brush. Featuring flexible bristles, the brush is safe for use on both wet and dry skin, and the ergonomic handle keeps it securely in your hand while in the shower. “This has literally changed the texture of my skin much for the better,” wrote one reviewer.

  • Available colors: Blue, Orange
09
A Mattifying Powder Mask For Oily Skin

Mario Badescu’s Silver Powder is formulated with kaolin clay and zinc oxide, which work together to unclog pores and absorb excess oil from your skin. Apply the mattifying powder mask to congested areas of your face with a cotton ball, leave on for 10 minutes, then remove with your toner of choice. One reviewer reported their positive results: “My skin looks smoother, whiteheads are almost gone, skin tone looks clear, smooth, and even. I am SOLD!”

10
This Deeply Nourishing Cuticle Oil That Moisturizes & Strengthens

Keep your nails in tip-top shape with this cuticle oil that provides nourishing moisture to your nail beds. Featuring a blend of jojoba and almond seed oil, the vitamin E-rich formula provides relief to cracked, parched nails while adding strength. “This stuff legit SAVED my nails,” wrote one reviewer. “After a week or using this stuff every day— they were fixed.”

11
The Cleansing Balm That Melts Away Makeup

This cleansing balm uses a blend of sunflower and ginger root oils to gently remove stubborn makeup from your face, without causing any of the dryness that conventional makeup removers are known for. Turmeric and moringa extracts remove further impurities, while papaya enzymes gently exfoliate. “It removes makeup so easily without any problems,” wrote one reviewer. “My skin feels so soft and clean after using it.”

12
A Silky Gloss That Leaves Lips Butter-Soft

Available in over 30 dessert-inspired shades of pink, red, purple, and brown, NYX Butter Gloss is popular among beauty fans — over 60,000 reviewers have given it a perfect five-star rating on Amazon. The creamy formula goes on smoothly, without any stickiness. “It smells great, feels great, and looks amazing!” raved one reviewer.

  • Available shades: 33
13
This Cult Fave Stainless Steel Lash Curler

Designed to work on all eye shapes, this ergonomic lash curler lifts eyelashes without tugging or pinching. Its sturdy stainless steel construction makes it durable, too. “If you want a 5 star eyelash curler at an incredible price, this one is it,” wrote one reviewer. “I'm planning on buying more replacement pads so I can have this always. Love it so much.”

  • Available colors and patterns: 4
14
These Heel Sleeves That Are Infused With Moisturizing Gel

Got dry, cracked heels and soles? These gel-infused heel sleeves provide moisturizing relief. Fitting over your foot like a toe-less sock, the sleeve delivers the cooling, hydrating benefits of aloe vera and shea butter to your skin. “I have extremely dry skin! These things have worked quicker than anything else I have used,” reported one customer.

15
This Versatile Concealer With Tons Of Rave Reviews

With over 113,00 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s clear this multi-use concealer from Maybelline is adored by many. I mean, what’s not to love? The luscious, versatile formula provides smooth, even coverage under your eyes, along your cheeks, or atop any blemishes. Plus, it’s easy to apply with the soft sponge applicator head. “Absolutely holy grail concealer,” wrote one reviewer. “Great coverage, lightweight, easy to spread.”

  • Available shades: 18
16
A Rich, Fragrant Body Butter For Ultra-Soft Skin

Combining hydrating shea butter with skin-softening seaweed extract, this ultra-rich body lotion will leave your arms and legs feeling oh-so smooth. There are four heavenly scents to pick from — lavender, pomegranate, lemongrass, and coconut. “Absolutely love the scent of this body butter! It's nice and light and absorbs quickly,” raved one reviewer.

  • Available scents: 4
17
The Hyaluronic Acid Serum That Boosts Your Skin’s Hydration Levels

If you’re searching for a skincare product that can help boost your skin’s hydration levels, you’ve found a gem: this hyaluronic acid is said to smoothen and brighten skin, and it boasts the backing of more than 21,000 reviews. In addition to HA, the vegan formula is packed with nourishing vitamins C and E and antioxidants like green tea and Chinese ginseng.

18
This Cult-Favorite Mascara That Delivers Serious Volume

Boasting over 211,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s no secret that Lash Princess’ volumizing mascara has a cult following. The conic fiber brush sculpts each individual lash, creating a dramatic effect that looks like you put on falsies — without all the effort. One reviewer gushed, “I loooove it! No clumping, globbing or sticky mess. Lashes come out beautiful.”

19
A Callus-Removing Gel That Works In Minutes

Don’t have time for a pedicure, but crave soft, supple feet? This callus-removing gel may just become your new best friend. Simply apply to your callused soles for five to 10 minutes, rinse, and follow up with a foot scrubber — the dead skin just melts away. “It glides through like butter and takes away all of the dead skin with minimal effort,” wrote one reviewer. “Quick, easy, and painless, and my feet feel great now.”

20
This Amazing-Smelling Coffee Scrub For The Smoothest Skin

Packed with nourishing organic plant oils and exfoliating dead sea salt and Kona coffee, this fan-fave scrub is just what you need to keep skin smooth and rejuvenated. You can use it all over your body, and unlike other harsh exfoliators, this one leaves your skin moisturized and refreshed. One fan raved, “I love this!! Have ordered it several times the smell is amazing and it makes my legs feel soooo soft.”

21
A Silicone Scalp Massager That Can Lather Your Shampoo

This scalp massager is made with soft-but-sturdy silicone that can help you lather shampoo while you’re in the shower. It even has a handle that makes it simple to hold onto when the water is running — however, you can use it on dry hair, too. There are two different surfaces to choose from with each order, and one person wrote, “If you’re looking for a great scalp massager and scrubber in one, look no further! This is the one...”

22
A Skin-Brightening Moisturizer That’s Vitamin C-Rich

Packed with skin-brightening vitamin C, Elizabeth Mott’s Sure Thing! moisturizer leaves your face feeling soft and refreshed. The ultra-light gel-cream is absorbed easily by skin, and no stickiness will be left behind. “It's fragrance-free, light and moisturizing without that greasy feeling, and it works!” wrote one reviewer.

23
The Precise Pencil Liner That’s Fully Waterproof

Smudge-resistant and waterproof, this pencil liner creates precise, dramatic makeup looks that won’t budge. Available in six black and brown shades, the self-sharpening pencil allows you to define your eyes with total ease. Wrote one reviewer, “I think I've used every last eyeliner of this type and price and this one is the best!! It actually stays on ALL DAY.”

  • Available shades: 6
24
These Fast-Working Foot Peel Masks Infused With Botanical Extracts

Not only are these spa-worthy foot masks aloe vera-scented and infused with botanical extracts, but they can also help you achieve smooth feet — and fast. All you have to do is wear the booties like socks for an hour and then wash your feet off afterward. Then, after one to two weeks (and 10-minute warm-water foot soaks daily), your feet should shed old skin and reveal the new. One customer said, “Wow! Really works! My feet are so soft. [...] I bought a second box to use again as the winter months dry out my skin again.”

25
A Cream Blush That Doubles As Lip Color

For those who like to keep their makeup collection to a minimum, Honest Beauty’s cream blush is for you — the smooth, meltable formula doubles as a lip tint. Available in four vibrant hues, the vegan formula can be applied with either your fingers or a sponge. “I love this blush! It’s very pigmented and a little goes a long way!” wrote one reviewer.

  • Available shades: 4
26
This Fine Mist Bottle That Works For Your Hair Or Your Plants

This Dutch-designed spray bottle emits a fine, continuous mist at any angle — even when held upside down. Use it to mist your hair when styling, dampen linens before ironing, or keep your plants hydrated and happy. One shopper raved, “The mist is very fine and I use it on my face and my plants because it doesn't overwater either. My friend loves it as well. I will be buying more as gifts!”

27
This Multipack Of 24K Gold Eye Masks

This set of eye masks will bring relief to undereyes by brightening the area and relieving puffiness with the infusion of 24K gold. One shopper reported, “These are really soothing! I have been using them now once a week for at-home spa days and I could not be happier with the results.”

28
An Ice Roller To Instantly Soothe Inflammation

If you woke up with puffy eyes and have 20 minutes to get out the door, spend just a few of those minutes basking in the soothing cool relief of this ice roller. The cold therapy tool can help reduce swelling and puffiness while gently massaging the skin with its rotating gel head. Just pop the detachable head into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before you use it and it’s ready to go.

29
The Retinol Cream That’s Boosted With Hyaluronic Acid

Retinol creams have a reputation for drying out skin, but not this one from RoC — it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, which promotes long-lasting hydration. The rich cream can help smooth and firm skin, while stimulating cell turnover for a bright, glowing complexion. According to several users, it really makes a difference — one reviewer raved, “This is hands down the best moisturizer I have ever used. It keeps my face hydrated and I wake up with a natural beautiful glow.”

30
This Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag That Fits Everything

Packing for a trip is stressful enough without having to pick and choose among all of your favorite skincare products and toiletries. Alleviate that burden with the help of this hanging travel toiletry bag that features four pouches, three mesh pockets, and one exterior zippered pocket. Once you arrive at your destination, simply hang it in the bathroom and have access to everything you need in one place. Choose among four colors and styles.

31
A Purple Hair Mask That Helps Get Rid Of Brassiness

Over 31,400 reviewers have given Bold Uniq’s purple hair mask a five-star rating, calling it “Absolutely the best mask I’ve tried!” and “The holy grail”. Using a cruelty-free, vegan formula, this mask is intended for blonde, gray, platinum or silver color-treated hair that could use some nourishment. It works to remove brassiness and yellow tones as it conditions hair with a blend of coconut and marula oils. The sulfate-free mask will also leave your hair protected with a toner that blocks the sun’s UV rays from fading hair. “Have tried for years to bleach out my hair to the platinum color and could never get the orange tint to disappear,” one reviewer wrote. “This did it in just 5 minutes.”

32
An Invigorating & Effective Body Wash With Tea Tree & Peppermint

When you find a body wash that not only smells great but cleans well enough to hold its own against ring worm, foot odor, and and body acne — well, you’ve found the unicorn. Remedy Soap’s tea tree and peppermint body wash comes backed by nearly 30,000 perfect five star reviews (and counting). As one shopper reported, “I've tried prescriptions soaps and deodorants, but nothing works like this. It leaves me so clean and smells so nice.”

33
An Exfoliating Body Scrub Made From Himalayan Salt

This body scrub harnesses the purifying powers of Himalayan pink salt to exfoliate your skin. Not to mention, Himalayan salt is also known to soothe sore muscles and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. It’s blended with lychee oil and sweet almond oil to leave skin soft, smooth, and supple. “Super soft skin — this stuff is literally the best scrub I have ever used. No scent. Just perfect softness!!” raved one reviewer.

34
This 3-Pack Of Dermaplaners For Getting The Smoothest Skin Without Leaving Home

Featuring sharp stainless steel Japanese blades that come with safety caps for when not in use, these high-quality dermaplaners are the must-have tool you need to remove fine hairs and slough off dead skin without ever leaving home. Use them for a flawlessly smooth base so makeup and serum go on like a dream.

35
The Pore-Clearing Face Mask Made With Volcanic Rock

Made with finely ground volcanic lava, this creamy clay face mask is specifically formulated to clear up those clogged pores and absorb excess oil. Nervous about smearing volcanic rock on your face? Don’t be — as one reviewer wrote, “The texture is so smooth, it’s actually satisfying. It’s so gentle on my skin that my skin doesn’t hurt after using it. JUST WOW.”

36
A Makeup Brush Cleaner That Requires Minimal Effort

A lot more makeup brushes in the world would get cleaned more often if the job wasn’t such a headache. Ridding your brushes of bacteria, dirt, and grime is crucial though, and this makeup brush cleaner turns a previously annoying task into an effortless one. The set comes with a cleaning bowl, eight brush collars for brushes of different sizes, a brush cleaner dock, an AC charging cable, and a brush spinner that dries brushes in seconds (because your eye shadow needn’t wait).

37
This Backlit Vanity Mirror With 3x Magnification

Make grooming, skincare, and makeup application so much easier with this backlit vanity mirror that helps you get a better look at your face with a 36-piece LED panel. It features 2x and 3x magnification panels, and the mirror can rotate 180 degrees.

38
The Slanted Stainless Steel Tweezers With Over 40,000 5-Star Ratings

These tweezers have over 40,000 five-star ratings on Amazon — and one person even wrote, “This is the best pair of tweezers I have ever owned.” They’re made with durable stainless steel and have slanted tips to help with precision plucking for any unwanted hairs you might have. Each order also includes a cover for the slanted tips so it’s easier to travel with. There are tons of colors to choose from, too.

39
A Foundation Brush One Reviewer Called “Better Than My Beauty Blenders”

This foundation brush is built for buffing and blending, made with dense flat-top fibers that are incredibly soft. An all-purpose sort of brush, it’s ideal for applying not just foundation and blush, but also contouring and highlighting. The brand touts its seven-step shedding prevention process for their brushes to ensure no shedding occurs. “I just received this brush and have been using for a few days, I could tell how much better my foundation looked after the first use,” shared one reviewer. “It's way better than my beauty blenders. There was no shedding and it was super soft.”

40
A Rejuvenating Rose-Water Facial Mist That Soothes & Hydrates Your Skin

The main ingredients in this facial mist — vegetable glycerin and rose oil — work together to help soften and hydrate your complexion with just a few refreshing spritzes. The formula (which has three ingredients total, including water) is also paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free. One customer said, “I use this spray every day. The rose scent is fantastic!”

41
This 2-Pack Of Derma Rollers That Are Soon To Be A Key Part Of Your Routine

Derma rollers have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their ability to improve the skin’s texture for glowy results. This best-selling two-pack of derma rollers from Sdara Skincare is designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy-to-grip handles and a needle length recommended by pros. “It was because of this product that I now consider dermarollers to be a key part (if not THE key period) of my skin care routine,” one shopper raved. “Honestly, it's incredible. I've gotten so many compliments on how bright and glow-y I look.”

42
A Nourishing Scalp Serum To Prevent Breakage

Strong hair starts at the scalp, and incorporating this follicle-boosting serum into your routine can help nourish hair at its roots, banish pore-clogging excess sebum, and even prevent breakage. The serum is formulated with a blend of keratin, ginseng root, and red clover and can be used daily. It’s free of dyes, sulfates, and parabens and some reviewers say it has helped reduce hair shedding and encourage new hair growth.

43
This $20 Vitamin C Serum That’s Hydrating, Too

This vitamin C serum is a cult fave for its potency and irresistible price point. With 20% vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and ferulic acid, nearly 12,000 shoppers give it five stars. One reviewer reports, “This product is a strong dupe for the skinceuticals, which costs about 100 for a small vial. But this product is really good, visible results occurred with continued use. I’ve used it for about five years and people always comment how bright and young my skin looks.”

44
This Brightening Vitamin C Serum For Dewy-Fresh Skin

This ultra-popular plant-based serum promises to leave skin smooth, soft, and oh-so-glowy. It’s loaded with vitamin C and E, as well as hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and dandelion and geranium extract for an overall brightening effect. Sdara Skincare recommends using it with the derma roller (also featuerd above) for optimal results. “Even on days I don't use the microneedle roller, I still use this serum prior to my moisturizer,” one fan reported. “I like to compare it to how my skin feels in the middle of summer after the perfect amount of sun and humidity, just glowing and dewy.”

45
The Reusable Makeup-Removing Cloth That Only Requires Water

The highly rated MakeUp Eraser can help you remove your makeup — even the waterproof mascara! — without any additional products or serums. In fact, all you need is water for it to work. The cloth has two sides (one for makeup removal and one for exfoliating), and it can be reused again and again. It’s even machine washable and is available in various vibrant colors. One customer wrote, “Amazingly effective. I don’t wear makeup all the time, often because I hate taking it off at night. I’m now wearing makeup more than ever because of how easily my MakeUp Eraser takes it off.”

This article was originally published on