Hair, makeup and skincare products under $25: Best beauty finds

May 12, 2022

With a classic catalog of retinol creams, full-coverage foundations and shampoos to sort through at your favorite retailers, your subtotal can cost a pretty penny before you know it.

Though we love those fancy formulas and splurge-worthy skincare items, we’ve learned — through research and product testing — that beauty doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank.

From best-selling Amazon products (including the retailer’s beauty products on everyone’s wishlists) to the best concealers and cream blushes you can get your hands on, we rounded up this year’s 30 must-have hair, makeup and skincare products — all under $25.

Not to mention, we’ve tried nearly all of the below beauty finds — so you know we’re speaking from the heart (or, in other words, items we would take with us on a deserted island).

Ahead, find our exclusive edit of the buzziest beauty products on the market. Divided by retailer, we may have made your shopping experience (and your wallet) even happier.

Click to jump to a specific beauty retailer:

Best Ulta Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Ulta’s beauty page here.

1. The POREfect Parcel Mini Pore Primer and Setting Spray Value Set, $15

Ready, set, prime. This POREfect Parcel Mini Pore Primer and Setting Spray Value set is the perfect stocking stuffer, and available from Ulta for just $15 this holiday season.

2. Merry Mini Mail Makeup Value Set, $20

For pores and more, there’s this Merry Mini Mail Makeup Value Set, complete with mini versions of Benefits Cosmetics mascara, pore primer, and brow setter, all for the mini price of just $20.

3. Tarte Tartelette Tease Clay Eyeshadow Palette, $19

Tarte Tartelette Tease Clay Eyeshadow Palette, neutral — Ulta Beauty

Tarte’s Tartelette Tease Clay Eyeshadow Palette is one of our favorite eyeshadow palettes to date, namely for its six shades that scream “essential neutrals.” Just shy of $20, you’ll be surprised how often you whip it out for daytime looks and an evening shimmer alike.

4. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores, $14

If you want your skin to feel anew again, pick up Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask and never look back. From personal experience, we can attest that it leaves your skin feeling buttery soft and is just the perfect grab to take with you on the go.

5. It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, $21

If you watched YouTube videos in the prime beauty era (think: Bethany Mota and Blair Fowler), then you know the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product doesn’t exaggerate — the spritz-on formula is genuinely a miracle. The multi-purpose detangler, heat protectant and conditioner is worth the grab, for sure.

6. Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream, $23

Buxom’s Full-On Plumping Lip Cream is so sought-after that we’ve had issues buying it when it was still in stock a handful of times — it’s just that good. Its “White Russian” shade is, by far, the most popular, and we recommend taking a look at its full color swatches for the perfect $23 lip gloss grab.

7. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $18

As one of our favorite eye creams we tested, CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream is the less-than-$20 beauty find that’ll transform your skincare routine. Not only is the brand vetted for being dermatologist-tested, but it’ll keep your under-eye area soothed and primed.

Best Sephora Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Sephora’s beauty page here.

1. Sephora Collection Big By Definition Defining & Volumizing Mascara, $12

Truth be told, this $12 mascara surprised us — and it instantly became one of our most-used. The quality, at this budget-friendly price point, is virtually unmatched, with the brush carefully volumizing and defining each of your lashes (as its name suggests).

2. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, $20

Can we get a drumroll, please. Supergoop!’s Glowscreen Sunscreen not only ranks as one of our best facial sunscreens to buy but leaves the most natural finish on your skin to serve as a sneaky little makeup primer. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (aka, two of our fave ingredients ever).

3. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner, $10 to $24

As one of our favorite brands for shampoo, Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner is the perfect follow-up to your sudsy hair wash. The line is also one of our favorites for frizz treatments, too.

4. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $14

Behold, a cult favorite: NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer. If it’s not holy grail, we don’t know what is — and you can snag the formula (with an extensive shade range, BTW) for just $14 in its travel size.

5. Fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash, $15

Enter one of our favorite facial exfoliants: Fresh’s Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash. For just $15, it’s the perfect texture and scent combo to take you into the warmer temps. Plus, it’s effective on sensitive skin.

Best Amazon Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Amazon’s beauty page here.

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer, $23

As one of our favorite brands for brow products, Anastasia Beverly Hills deserves much acclaim (after all, we reviewed nearly every ABH product its inventory boasts). Specifically, the Brow Definer will help fill in sparse spots and is super buildable, which we love.

2. Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, $15

Run — don’t walk — to Korres’ Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser. It’s heaven-sent for dry skin, specifically, and its decadent texture will instantly transport you to Santorini. We recommend using this product with the brand’s Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Gel-Cream ($36) for enhanced results.

3. Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Velcro Rollers (6-Pack), $12

As one of the most life-changing products we listed this year, Drybar’s High Tops Self-Grip Velcro Rollers is the bundle of our dreams. For one, they’re irreplaceable for achieving that 90s full-bodied blowout, and they’re just as wonderful to use with your favorite curling iron or blow-dryer brush (like the best-selling Revlon one we reviewed).

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, $18, original price: $22

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, black — Amazon

Available in a slew of shades, Urban Decay’s infamous 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil will help you achieve that on-trend smolder or entertain your lids with that lovely thin line to define. Plus, it’s on sale right now, so we recommend buying it ASAP.

5. amika Perk-Up Dry Shampoo, $10

As one of the best dry shampoos we tested, amika’s Perk-Up Dry Shampoo has a divine scent like no other. Pretty packaging aside, it’s a pretty great buy (especially for the travel size that’s $10 and perfect to stash in your work tote).

Best Bloomingdale’s Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Bloomingdale’s beauty page here.

1. Lano Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $17

Meet one of the best lip balms for dry and chapped lips that we tested: Lano’s Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm. For just $17, give your lippies a treat they’ve never witnessed before. And, after using it, you’ll never go back.

2. Charlotte Tilbury “Pillow Talk” Lip Cheat Re-Shape & Re-Size Lip Liner, $24

If we had a dollar for every time we heard someone mention “Pillow Talk,” we’d be rich. Truthfully, the match-every-skin-tone shade is remarkable, and for just $24, it’ll be your favorite bring-around-everywhere product.

3. Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels, $15

If you’re on the market for one of the best under-eye masks, Patchology’s are at the tippy-top of our list. Namely, its FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels will help prevent your sensitive under-eye area from having a dull and dry texture (not to mention, they’re super fun for a self-care night).

4. R and Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Creme, $16

R and Co is that up-and-coming, quality brand we just have to recommend (please, do us a favor and go try it!) We enjoy using its High Dive Moisture + Shine Creme to give our locks some added hydration and lift. If you want photoshoot-ready hair, this is where to start.

5. Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray, $17

Lancôme’s Fix It Forget It Setting Spray is one of our go-to setting sprays, lasting for four hours and then another four hours after reapplying. It just feels high-end, and we love how it’s just $17 to finish off your makeup look.

Best Nordstrom Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Nordstrom’s beauty page here.

1. MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow, $19

MAC Cosmetics’ single-pot eyeshadows have been all-the-rage for years — and for a good reason. Not only does the travel-friendly mini tub come in a variety of colors but the shades are such good quality and greatly pigmented. Pro tip: buy “Amber Lights” and “Naked Lunch.”

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Face & Body Moisturizer, $16

If you have eczema-prone skin (or, sensitive skin in general) you can’t skip on First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. Perfect for your face and body, it’s also one of the best dry skin products we tested.

3. Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer, $13

Great to use as a creamy concealer or a cream-based contour product alike, Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer will become your built-in BFF in an instant. The shade range is generous, use, and it just feels like something the pros use.

4. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream, $22

Kiehl’s Since 1851 has a lovely Ultra Facial Cream that’s one of our favorites in our skincare collection. It’s lightweight, has a near-whipped texture and will give your skin the smoothest finish upon using.

5. IT Cosmetics CC+ Color-Correcting Full-Coverage Cream SPF 50+, $17

IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Color-Correcting Full-Coverage Cream isn’t just wonderful for being a skincare product with SPF, but it provides that second skin-finish like no other. Plus, it’s super buildable, so it’s even great as a mature skin foundation.

Best Saks Fifth Avenue Beauty Finds Under $25

For more options, visit Saks Fifth Avenue’s beauty page here.

1. Benefit Cosmetics Yes They’re Real! Xtreme Precision Waterproof Liner, $24

When Benefit Cosmetics slaps “precision” in its name, it means business — from its brow pencil ($14) to its fabulous, red-hot eyeliner. The tip is flexible, too, allowing you to create that perfect wing.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask, $17

Charlotte’s having her moment, and we’re going to let it ride. The buzzy brand’s Goddess Skin Clay Mask, as its packaging discloses, will provide you with baby skin and it does all the things, too: helps brighten, tightens pores and makes your skin more supple.

3. Clinique Pop Lip Colour and Primer, $20

If you’re hunting down your next go-to lipstick but are on a beauty budget, Clinique’s Pop Lip Colour and Primer is one of the best options. Not only is its formula hydrating but the color payoff is next-level.

4. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil, $13

Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Oil, admittedly, is a hidden gem at the beauty counter. It feels like one a spa would use and it’s one of the safest for sensitive skin without being too drying. For $13, it’s worth the grab.

5. MAC Cosmetics Mini MACstack Mascara, $16

MAC Cosmetics’ new MACstack Mascara is picking up steam for giving your lashes intense volume and, with the mini size for just $16, you can see what all the hype is about. From its decked-out black and glass packaging to that impeccable wand, why not?

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