These Affordable Beauty Upgrades Transformed Reviewers’ Routines

In beauty as in life, sometimes little changes can make an outsize difference. Even if you already have tried-and-true makeup and skin care products, supplemental tools and additions can up the ante and enable items you already own to perform that much better — or make you realize those other products weren’t really doing that good of a job after all.
We looked at what gems reviewers say upgraded their beauty routines to the next level. From items that worked so well reviewers were “almost giddy with joy” and ones that proved “non-negotiable must-haves,” here are the picks that reviewers say you won’t regret taking the plunge on.
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If you feel a little self-conscious about thin hair or patchiness, hairline powder offers a low-effort solution that’s subtle yet realistic. Plus, for those who color their hair, it’s easier to apply and less messy than spray-on root coloring.
Boldify’s hair powder is one of the best, sporting 15,000 5-star ratings and 15 shade options. Just tap it on with its included puff applicator. It’s also handily portable!
Promising review: “I finally bit the bullet and bought this hair powder after having it sitting in my cart for 6 months. I wasn’t sure about which color to choose, and I was unsure it would work for me. I didn’t want it to cover up grays or to add highlights like I’ve seen others use it for. I am post-menopausal, and my hair is much thinner on my temples because it breaks off so easily. Also, I have had a cowlick in the middle of my forehead my entire life. I didn’t realize that Boldify offers to send you the right color for free if you choose wrong. So all that worry was unnecessary. I am truly amazed at how well this powder works. There’s no way anyone would guess that you are using it. It’s like magic! My hairline looks like I turned back the clock 20 years. My cowlick has completely disappeared. I am so happy I am almost giddy with joy. If you’re even slightly considering this I would buy it immediately. I have no regrets. It’s truly amazing.” — frugalista
If your skin often feels not-quite-clean even after a dedicated wash, these understated yet cult-favorite sponges will get the job done. Made out of natural cellulose, they expand when exposed to water, providing a gentle, soft texture that lightly exfoliates while deeply cleaning skin. I often find that the sponges visibly capture dirt and makeup leftover on my skin even after double cleansing.
They’re also reusable, so you can use them on your face and then repurpose them for some body scrubbing to get full bang for your buck. Reviewers also love these for helping fully remove facial masks.
They’re available in packs of 50, 100 and 200, and in multiple colors.
Promising reviews: “I rarely write reviews but I had to share how great these sponges are. I think they may have transformed my skin routine. It may be because they allow deeper cleaning of my face, but without irritation due to its softness. I’m not exactly sure. But I have noticed my products working more effectively and they will be a permanent tools among my (many) skincare products.” — Shan
“If you are a diligent face washer, you NEED these. They are spa-quality, clean, one-use sponges. Once the sponge is wet, it’s soft and not abrasive or irritating. Perfect for a good, clean face wash minus the bacteria-filled washcloths we’ve been using for 100 years. Great price. Get them!” — Margaret Jones
Blotting papers are something of a dark horse must-have for just about anyone, but especially people prone to sweating. The thin sheets absorb excess oil from skin impressively effectively, without budging makeup.
Zorom’s blotting papers are the best ones I’ve used: They’re larger than competitors’ and more affordable, plus extra-effective since they’re designed specifically for oily skin. They freshen me up instantly when I use them — I no longer even use powder — and even help cool me down if I’m overheating. I love them for use on the face, but they also work great for other areas of the body. Plus, seeing all the oil they suck up is strangely satisfying!
They’re available in packs of 100 — you can buy one, three or six at a time — and in charcoal-bamboo and green tea versions. (I personally use the charcoal-bamboo ones.)
Promising review: “I have tried many different oil blotting sheets – these are the best.Most paper sheet tear very easily – you can hardly use them as you are always in fear of tearing them in half.I’ve tried some made out of what looks like plastic, which don’t tear, but aren’t very good at blotting up oil either.These are far bigger than most – just big enough to match my hand size – which I find very convenient.They absorb oil very easily – better than any other I’ve tried.They are also apparently indestructible – I’ve yet to rip one – they just feel really strong.Add in that they are a great value at this price and you have an unbeatable combination – bigger, better, and cheaper. I highly recommend trying these!” — Tom
“I had slightly oily skin but when I wear makeup at work all day, I tend to have oil build up after several hours. I’d go check myself in the mirror every now and then and then realize I’m walking around the office looking like a greasy mess! These wipes WORK! Definitely stocking up! Buy them, you won’t regret it!” — Cat
If you wear eyeshadow regularly and aren’t using primer, trust me: You’re missing the most important part of the routine. Eyeshadow primers are game-changers for extending the life of shadow, keeping it locked on lids without creasing or fading for hours upon hours longer than it would otherwise. This is doubly the case, I’m convinced, for those with oily eyelids such as myself — without primer, my shadow creases in minutes.
Urban Decay’s eyeshadow primer is the only one I’ll use and famous among makeup lovers for being just that good. It applies smooth, dries quickly and delivers a mind-boggling performance (the brand promises it’ll help keep shadow on for 24 hours, and in my experience, it’s delivered that and beyond). You can use it for eyeliner, too. Plus, it’s vegan.
It’s available in two sizes.
Promising review: “There are products each of us have that are non-negotiable must-haves in our daily lives. For me, this Urban Decay eye primer is one of them. If I don’t use this product each day, my eye shadow melts right off after an hour or two. However, if I use this primer, my eyeshadow is still going strong even the next day if I forget to remove my makeup before bedtime. I don’t know how they do it, but when I get hot flashes or sweat or just moisturize prior to applying my makeup, it’s impossible to keep my eye shadow on without this product. I’ve tried sundry primers over the years, but a makeup artist at Sephora a couple years back turned me on to this amazing product. You can try a trial size if you’re hesitant to invest in something you’re not completely confident in, but I promise you, you will be back. I order them several at a time so I never run out. It doesn’t take much, either. Here is a little hint: my eyebrows are blonde (I’m a natural redhead) and I even swipe the primer through my brows and let it dry before applying my brow pencil. It doesn’t budge all day long! This is a game changer, and it’s much more affordable than your local makeup store. Thank you, Urban Decay.” — Cindy Vassar
No matter the mascara you use, you’re bound to deal with clumpy, stuck-together lashes at some point, especially when your tube is brand-new or at its tail end. This hidden-gem tool cleans up lashes in seconds, separating clumped lashes to return volume and definition to your look.
One of the best parts of this tool is its safety additions: The outer teeth are longer and blunted to safeguard your eyes and lids from the middle, finger teeth. As a mascara-lover who used safety pins to de-clump my lashes for years (which I would never recommend), this piece is more effective while giving me endless more peace of mind that I won’t accidentally poke my eye out.
The teeth are made of stainless steel and the comb comes in six colors.
Promising review: “Where has this little tool been all my life?!? It works so perfectly! Don’t hesitate in buying! You won’t regret it!!” — The Prices
“Simple, but will change your MU game. For years, I’ve tried to separate my lashes with tweezers and even straight pins! It was dangerous and not very effective. This simple lash brush is perfectly spaced and has curved ends to protect your eye. It’s so good at removing any mascara clumps or just fanning out the lashes.” — Alicia B
If your hair just isn’t feeling clean even post-shampoo, this scrubber will step up your game with only seconds of your time.
Reviewers are calling this Heeta scrubber “a revelation” for its ability to do away with scalp buildup and flakiness. Its silicone bristles are gentle on the scalp — including particularly sensitive scalps, according to reviewers — while getting deep into hair’s roots to cleanse grease.
I use this myself and find that the scrubber is much better at cleaning my hair than when I just use my fingers to massage my shampoo in: Its flexible, evenly spaced bristles tackle dirt and dandruff the way only a specially designed tool can, plus I’m able to scrub for longer since my hands don’t get tired. It also provides a nice massage (that studies say helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp)!
It’s available in 23 colors.
Promising review: “I have been seeing these around and didn’t think I needed one until I purchased this scalp brush. It has completely transformed my hair care routine. Not only does it give a great head massage, but my scalp feels cleaner than ever. I think this is a product that everyone should invest in.” — CustomerKylie
Differin is a prescription-strength retinol that only recently has become available over-the-counter — to our collective luck and delight. It’ll help speed up cellular turnover to brighten, plump and firm skin while preventing future breakouts.
Just remember to incorporate this into your nighttime routine slowly, as you would with any retinol, and to be diligent about wearing sunscreen during the day.Promising reviews: “As many others here pointed out, Differin takes time to work. In my case, it took about 12-14 weeks. It requires a lot of patience and perseverance, including resisting the urge to start adding other things to the regimen. But that patience pays off—in the end, Differin completely transformed my skin. It is clear, supple, and healthy-looking. Any random spot that does appear clears very quickly and is barely noticeable. Differin works in a way that no other cleanser does, no matter how expensive and how fancy the brand. Go for it, buckle down, and wait for the results.” — De Charlus
These dentist-designed Mouthwatchers toothbrushes sport extra-thin “flossing” bristles to help clean deeper and more gently into grooves and gums. They’re 10 times thinner than typical bristles!
Promising review: “I cannot even describe how much I love this toothbrush. Ever since I started using Dr. Plotkas I simply cannot tolerate other brand of toothbrush. The bristles are soft and pliable. Even my dentist commented on the reduced amount of plaque at my six month appointment. I like that the backside of the toothbrush is smooth and does not tear at the inside of my cheek. I recently traveled and did not switch out my travel brush with this product. I felt like I was brushing my teeth with rubber spikes. It was the longest week ever. Since I started using this product more than one year ago I have converted everyone in my family to the Dr. Plotkas flossing brush.” — Cole People
“The Toothbrush That Will Change Your Life. I never would have thought that when I went outside of the big toothbrush brands that I was going to be as happy about my purchase as I was. This toothbrush is amazing. It’s really soft but because of the bristle design and density it is a cleaning powerhouse. It’s comfortable and easy on your gums. I’m just sorry it took so long for me to find this. Love It!” — Gene Avorio
I’m convinced that when it comes to facial cleansers, micellar water just cannot be beat. This type of cleanser removes makeup, pollution, dirt and oil from your face without requiring you to wash it off. That means you can use it just about anywhere as long as you have a cotton pad or something similar to apply it with.French brand Bioderma’s bestselling formula is extra gentle on skin, so you won’t have to resort to harsh rubbing or tugging to remove makeup, oil and dirt.
It’s available in multiple sizes.
Promising review: “If you’re going to use the micellar water this is the one. As a skincare enthusiast this is my ride or die. I have found ones in the drug store or big box stores just do not do what this one does. This was the first micellar I ever used and will be the last. Great for sensitive skin takes everything off mostly on the first round where others like Garnier do not. A must have staple, especially when traveling or flying.” — Myra View
“my dermatologist recommended this product and it has transformed my skin! All the bumps on my forehead are gone and I feel so moisturized. Before when I washed my face with typical brands and my face always felt tight afterwards.. I also get acne from underchest sweat and I used this there and it cleared everything up! I am about to finish my first bottle but I noticed a difference after a few days. Halfway through the bottle my bumps were all gone. Just buy it!!!!!” — Laura
This Cosrx serum contains a whopping 96% snail mucin, hydrating and plumping skin while helping improve the appearance of fine lines and scars. Plus, it’s a bonafide bestseller, boasting over 72,000 5-star ratings on Amazon alone.Promising reviews: “There is literally too much good about this product to list it all! DONT WAIT JUST BUY IT! You will not regret it. This product has transformed my skin in just one week! I can’t wait to see the long term affects. My skin has never felt so nourished! I have oily combo skin and I am sensitive to a lot of products and this product didn’t cause any type of breakout and did NOT increase my oil production! I actually started using this the day before I started my period and I had a pimple and I really feel like this made it go away. I didn’t get any other spots during my period and I usually get a few. I will use this forever!” — Amazon Customer
Reviewers are obsessed with this rich cream moisturizer. It’s designed to strengthen the skin’s barrier by replenishing its natural lipids, helping quench and revitalize dehydrated skin.
It also employs a blend of peptides and vitamins to plump and hydrate skin while increasing its glow.
It’s available in up to three sizes.
Promising review: “As a beauty enthusiast, skin care has always been my favorite of all. Always on the look out for the best products with good ingredients that work. Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is a winner hands down! After just the first use my skin was noticeably more soft and supple! My face looked more plump, smooth and hydrated. I feel as though I look radiant after using this cream! Overall my skin not only looks healthier but feels healthier too. My face has never felt more hydrated. Great moisturizer for balanced to dry skin but anyone can use it! I love this product and recommend this cream to anyone who wants to see a transformation in their damaged skin. This truly is a great product!” — kulabura
Originally created to soothe the hands of dairy farmers working in the harsh, cold Vermont climate, this hidden-gem occlusive balm expertly softens and moisturizes severely dry, chapped skin using a blend of lanolin and petrolatum. I swear by Bag Balm for bringing back to life the dry, cracked skin on my lips, hands, feet and face. The 4-ounce tin is a mainstay on my nightstand, and I like the tube version for taking with me on the go. The tube’s slanted applicator also makes it easy to apply straight onto the lips.Promising review: “For years, I suffered through brutally cold and dry Michigan winters with terribly cracked hands, so severe that even making a fist would lead to pain and bleeding. I tried countless hand lotions and creams, but nothing helped, and some even made it worse! Finally, I decided to try this, and WOW!! Incredible results after the first use. This is the gold standard, S-tier for stubborn hand dryness. Moreover, it only takes a small amount per hand to make a difference.Yes, the smell is very industrial and rather unpleasant, but I recommend using this product as a moisture mask at night, while covering your hands with thick cotton tube socks — not only to mask the smell and protect the cream, but so you can roll them up and not worry about accidentally removing them in the night vs. gloves. The smell washes off easily with hand soap, but my hands were still soft and smooth! I cannot recommend this product enough!” — Jill
This “Meltdown Oil” treatment is full of antioxidant-rich natural oils, like rosehip seed, tamanu seed and black cumin seed oils, which keep skin hydrated while brightening dark spots, balancing oily skin and, thanks to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, helping soothe acne and keep future breakouts at bay.I depend on this serum to repair my dehydrated skin barrier; my skin drinks it up, and I have it on subscription to make sure I never run out. I love that it calms and balances my sensitive, adult acne-prone skin by hydrating instead of stripping it like most acne antidotes.
Promising review: “I love Blume so much that I’m actually stressed about it ever being discontinued or sold out. It has been a game changer for my skin. I’ve suffered from pretty bad hormonal acne for the past two years and it was seriously deflating. It got so bad that I actually had a part of my budget dedicated to trying new acne products. While many made a slight difference, none of them changed my skin. I tried Blume on a lark and was amazed when I noticed a difference next day. Now my skin is mostly clear with occasional hormonal break outs, but even those are easier to cover and go away faster. I attribute my clear skin entirely to Blume. I’m almost afraid to write a review and don’t want it to get too popular, since I don’t know what I’d do if it sold out. But I know dealing with acne can be so rough, so if you’re on the fence about it just try it. I hope it works for you!” — Karmen
As an adult with acne, I swear by the blemish-healing function of these K-beauty pimple patches. I buy them in bulk and I fastidiously ensure I never run low on them; they are my true desert island holy grail.
It’s incredibly satisfying to remove the patches after hours of wear and see evidence of their work, the patches swollen with oil and gunk and my spots noticeably flatter. Plus, they help protect my skin from my wandering fingers and picking.
Promising review: “I ordered these on a whim, not knowing what to expect but, woah, let me tell you! These have changed my life! Although my skin is relatively clear, around that time of the month, I break out. Not the small little white pimples, but the really uncomfortable, painful ones that are under the skin. The ones no amount of squeezing or trying to pop with relieve. BUT THESE BABIES GET THEM! I put them on my face at night after I’ve washed my face, but before moisturizing. (I moisturize around them) when I wake up in the morning, I find that the pimple is mostly, if not completely reduced and no longer hurt/feels like it needs to be popped (you know what I’m talking about). The most ive treated the same pimple is two days, and 3 patched. (One the first night, a new one during the day and then again a second night). You can see how they work, as a little colony forms on the patches where its pulling all the yucky stuff out of the skin! The stuff becomes trapped inside the patch and is not on the outher most layer.I was really skeptical because I have VERY VERY sensative skin (can not try new foundations or creams wothout breaking out) but these cause no irritation what so ever. The can hurt a little on removal(like a bandaid does).I will order these for the rest of my life.” — Kenna
This cult-favorite spray, which has gone viral on TikTok multiple times over, contains antibacterial hypochlorous acid that helps soothe, strengthen and cleanse skin without drying you out (you can read more about the benefits of hypochlorous acid, according to dermatologists, here).
Multiple shopping editors at HuffPost, including myself, swear by this spray for calming irritation and redness while making skin glow.
It’s available in three sizes.
Promising review: “I LOVE THIS SPRAY. I have eczema and rosacea along with dry skin in general and this spray is a godsend. It keeps my redness toned down and has really transformed my skin.” —Aliciaaaaaaaa
Reviewers call this thick cream a “godsend” for dry skin and eczema. Its hydrating formula of ceramides and hyaluronic acid works to replenish your skin barrier while soothing and moisturizing. You can use it as a body and hand lotion, too.It’s available in multiple sizes.Promising reviews: “Due to chemotherapy over the last seven years, living in a dry climate, bruising easily, and being a woman of, shall I say, ‘a very vintage age’ my skin made an alligator look smooth and silky. Learning about CareVe, I decided to give it a try. It comes in a large jar that is easy to open even with my slightly arthritic hands and I get just the amount I want…. down to the last tiny bit. I much prefer this to the pump type lotions. The consistency is creamy, it soaks in rapidly, is not greasy at all, and is fragrance free. But what I love most is how it works. My skin has had a remarkable transformation in a very short time and I am no longer embarrassed to let my arms, legs, and hands be seen. After years of trying many, many, products I have found one that has worked miracles on my abused skin. Once again, my skin is smooth and silky feeling. I understand why so many dermatologists recommend it. I certainly do and will use only this going forward.” — Whimsy 1
Black Girl Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum sun protection defense while drying clear without a white cast, so it won’t be a pain to apply or blend in. Its formula also includes hydrating ingredients like jojoba, avocado and sunflower oils to nourish your skin while it protects it. Plus, it’s fragrance-free.Promising reviews: “This is the only sunscreen that I wear. I have gotten quite a few compliments at how dewey my skins looks when I wear this. As someone with dry skin I like that this helps to further moisturize my skin.” — Patrice
“I love this sunscreen so much. I use to not wear sunscreen becsude I always had a hard time finding one that didn’t leave a white cast. This sunscreen does not leave me with a white cast. It feels like nothing is on my skin. I highly recommend this sunscreen.” — Gful
This crowd-favorite SPF applies clear with a matte finish and has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s formulated with skin-loving, antioxidant-rich ingredients like red algae and frankincense to add moisture to dry skin while helping soothe irritation. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, doubles as a makeup primer and works beautifully over beards!
It’s available in up to three sizes.Promising review: “I have gone my hole life absolutely HATING having to apply sunscreen because I don’t like feeling greasy. Supergoop Unseen is legitimately the first and only sunscreen I have ever voluntarily put on my face more than once. It has a matte texture that is lightweight and not greasy at all, and the fact that it goes on clear also helps me not feel like I’m lathering myself in butter. The sun protection is stellar, and I haven’t gotten sunburnt this summer even without reapplying during a 5 hour golf round in the Georgia sun. I will swear by this for a long time.” — Juan
“I have finally found the holy grail of sunscreens! As someone with acne-prone skin, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t cause breakouts has been a never-ending struggle. But the Supergood Unseen Sunscreen has completely changed the game for me.” — EMY823 (This review has been edited. See the full review here.)
This Allure Best of Beauty winner is the only pair of tweezers I’ll use: They’re strong, last for years and are precise enough to catch even tiny hairs from your brows to upper lip, chin and more.
Promising review: “These tweezers are the ones you want and worth the investment. Precision ground to a sharp point and a tight fit. Grab any stray eyelash, eyebrow, etc. and give a tug. Then go on to the next one. Cheap tweezers never work and they’re painful when they slip…over and over. Get these instead.” — Delos D. Harriman
I am head over heels for this zinc-rich concentrate from Black woman-owned brand Rosen Skincare. Tiny but hardworking, it manages to keep my aggressive acne at bay without stripping my skin of whatever moisture is left from the Los Angeles climate. The formula also includes grapeseed oil for some hydrating action, plus niacinamide and tea tree oil for added anti-bacterial benefits. It’s been a proven holy grail for me, given that every other acne solution I’ve tried has left my skin too fragile and dehydrated.It’s meant to be applied after your nighttime moisturizer, ideally before bedtime, as its high zinc concentration leaves a white cast.
Promising review: “I was looking for something to apply that would help take care of my acne all night, entire face. THIS IS IT! I even apply it full face in the am and rub it in real good and it does the trick to protect me all day from increased breakouts. What a win for Rosen and for us customers!” — Shawna