29 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Are Their "Go

Apr 02, 2024

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want...and that would be this winged eyeliner stamp so I can do my liner easy peasy.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising reviews: "FIRE. LITERALLY THE BEST. That's it....that's the post. JK, no seriously this product holds my makeup in place all day. Pleasant smell, not overbearing, and sticky. I pair this with Milk's pore primer (not sure of the actual name, came in my Ipsy bag, BOMB) and it gives my face a smooth filter-like finish. Awesome. Holy grail item." —Ariel Bersanetti

"My go-to primer. Love the Milk Hydro primer. Keeps my makeup fresh all day!" —debora brantley

Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in three sizes).

Promising reviews: "Seriously, buy this stuff. When they say 'highly pigmented,' it's no joke! A little goes a long way. I use this concealer daily to conceal under eye darkness and to spot-treat blemishes. One bottle lasts me 4–6 months. Having previously used Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, there's no way I'll ever go back to paying $25+ when this product is identical for one-fourth of the price. —Amanda B.

"This is my go-to concealer! Works better than most expensive brands and it doesn’t crease throughout the day! Love it!!!" —Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three sizes and 14 colors).

I did it y'all! I finally found my holy grail foundation and it only took like 10 years. I have oily skin, like suuuuuper oily skin. Glazed donut — my skin doesn't know her; my 4-year-old cousin once asked me if I was sweating but I was just drenched in oil. During the pandemic I was on a hunt to find a foundation that 1) actually matched my skin and 2) didn't leave me all oily and gross. An ad for Lancôme came across my phone with the gorgeous Zendaya and since her skin always looks freakin flawless, I thought *hey, let me splurge a little with my stimulus check.* I am so happy I did. This stuff is so so soooo worth it. I can wear it all day and not get oily which is extremely impressive. And even though I had to buy it online because we were in peak pandemic time, it was actually really easy to find my shade. I just looked through the models, found the one my skin looked most like, and what do ya know, a perfect match! I'm obsessed with this stuff, it is seriously my go-to out of all the different foundations I have. I put it on and every time I'm like *that's my skin, that's my literal skin.* It isn't heavy, covers well, and keeps me matte. I treat this stuff like liquid gold and praise it like Glinda the Good Witch praised the ruby slippers. Thank you Zendaya, girl, you did me a solid. I love thisssss.

Get it from Amazon for $57 (available in 50 shades).

Promising reviews: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair, too." —Bunco Queen of the Universe

"Okay so I can’t rave about this stuff enough! This was one of the first products I used when I went natural five years ago and I still use it to this day. I love the smell and how lightweight it is. I have multitextured hair and I think this works SO well and just makes my curls look more uniformed. This is definitely my go-to styler and I’ll forever re-purchase it." —Gabrielle Wilson

Get it from Amazon for $7.97.

This is personally my absolute favorite setting spray. My skin is soooo so oily some days it looks like I rubbed Popeyes chicken on my face. This spray keeps me matte and keeps my makeup in place ALL 👏 DAY 👏. Like, even after brunch in DC (if you're from DC you know brunch is an all day event) my makeup looks absolutely perfect. You know when you come home from a full day out and you kinda cringe because your makeup has moved all around? Yeah, never happens with this spray. I get home, look in the mirror, and I'm still a baddie!! Nothing has ever worked this well for me, I kid you not. My oily skin and I can not live without this. 10/10 recommend.

Promising review: "My go-to. This has been the best and my favorite setting spray I’ve used for the past year. I can sleep in eyeliner (although it’s not recommended) and wake up with a perfect wing. I’ll work out, sleep, swim, sweat, cry, and my makeup will stay on, it’s like glue! I’ve recommended it to so many friends and wouldn’t choose another setting spray over it." —liz moore

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "The Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer has become an indispensable part of my makeup routine. First and foremost, this primer creates a smooth and even base for foundation application. The lightweight formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores. The impressive longevity of this primer is truly remarkable. Whether I'm facing long workdays, special events, or nights out, my makeup remains intact and fresh for hours. The primer acts as a reliable barrier, preventing the dreaded makeup meltdown and maintaining a flawless finish. It has become my go-to choice for occasions when I need my makeup to last without requiring constant touch-ups. Even on hot and humid days, the primer helps to mattify the skin and keep excess oil at bay. It feels lightweight on the skin, allowing it to breathe and preventing any clogged pores or breakouts. The Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer is a makeup lover's dream come true. This primer has undoubtedly earned its spot among my makeup must-haves, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and effective primer." —Victoria Schnaufer

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "When I ordered this product, I admit, I didn't think it would work. I have adult acne and visit a dermatologist regularly, my chin area is especially bad. I used one the first night I received them. It's acne sorcery. I honestly could not believe it worked. Pimple gone overnight and a flat surface remained. I do not know how they get this pimple magic to work but I am sold and have literally texted all the people in my life. It's complete magic! Do it, I promise you will be shocked!" —Heather L.

"This product really works, I’ve been using it for awhile. It’s my go-to if I feel a blemish coming up. I’ll wear the patch for a day or so and it’s gone. Keep in stock." —T

Get a 36-pack of the small patches from Amazon for $11.97.

I love love love this stufffff, omg. My skin is oily oily (gotta say it twice for emphasis) and I have spent my entire teen/adult life looking for products that'll make me matte and KEEP me matte. I've tried so many setting powders and literally none can compete with this one. This powder is a serious bad B and my go-to powder that I reach for time and time again. I mean, pores? Nonexistent. Oily shiny face? Not up in here. Im gagged every time. Just call me a walking IG filter, 'kay, it's that good. Patrick, I could kiss you for this freakin' powder. *OH!* and BTW I am a brown-skinned woman and the translucent shade works perfect for me. No cakey, weird, suuuper light powder, no flashback, nothing. Looks just like my skin!!

One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup expert Patrick Starr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all, as it should be.

Promising review: "New go-to. I really like this stuff and as someone who has a very sensitive face and is prone to breakouts, that’s saying a lot. This leaves me with a soft matte finish while still feeling light on my face. I don’t feel like it’s cakey or heavy at all. The powder itself is very fine and silky, and that’s how it feels on your face as well." —NoDramaLlama88

Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes and four finishes).

Promising review: "Love this product. It’s my go-to primer every time. I even use it when I'm not wearing makeup or very little makeup. I have pretty oily skin and this keeps me from getting shiny throughout the day and doesn’t clog pores or make my acne worse."

Get it from Amazon for $11.10.

Okay, soooo I finally got my hands on this and can not stop wearing it!! The shade it turns on my skin is just GORG. It's like watching a magic trick happen on your face because it changes right on your skin! I seriously haven't worn another blush since I tried this one out because it just makes me look so fresh-faced. Obsessed is an understatement, it's seriously my go-to. Oh! Andddd it kinda doubles as a highlight, like, I get the most stunning glow. I love, I love, I love, can't get enough of this stuff.

Youthforia is an Asian woman-owned small business established in 2020 that specializes in environmentally friendly, cruelty-free makeup.

Check out a TikTok of the BYO Blush in action.

Promising review: "I'm done, no more experimenting with other blushes, this is my forever blush. BYO is such a unique product on the market — it's plant-based, provides a natural/beautiful bespoke flush, and can be used on the lips as well. Its color-changing formula is a game-changer as it magically picks the most complementary shade/hue for the user. Furthermore, I don't feel like I'm wearing makeup, and the oil formula is nourishing for my skin! I loved it so much I bought all my friends a BYO Blush!" —JZ

Get it from Youthforia or Amazon for $36.

Promising review: "I have eyebrows that just won't stay in place no matter what I use. This has been my go-to product for years to keep my eyebrows in check! I have eyebrow hairs that are pin straight and no matter what I do they continue to go in a direction I don't want them to. Luckily, this product tames my eyebrow hairs and makes them stay in place. I love this stuff!" —Susana

Get it from Amazon for $22.

Promising review: "Personally, this has been my go-to foundation for many years. The shade is a great match, it spreads beautifully, and stays in place all day. I think the price and product are truly fantastic. The coverage is great, it covers my skin perfectly without feeling too heavy. I do not wear primer or anything underneath, I simply moisturize my face and apply this foundation with a damp blending sponge." —Katie Grant

Get it from Amazon for $6.94 (available in 39 shades).

Promising review: "I was a long time user of another mascara brand and decided to try this one out due to the great reviews on it. After applying it, I completely understand why the reviews were so good! This is now my go-to mascara because it goes on nice, doesn't clump, and makes my eyelashes appear longer and thicker. I love the volume and difference it makes on my eyes!" –LeAnn Woods

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a two-pack).

Hey, hi, yes, that's me up there. This gloss is without a doubt my go-to. I have one in every purse I have. To say I can't live without it is an understatement (yes, I'm fully aware that I'm dramatic). I love this gloss and whenever IDK what lip to wear, this one always is my default.

Promising review: "This lip gloss is perfection. It’s not sticky or greasy. It’s the perfect coverage and I love the color. I will not live without this lip gloss. I LOVE IT!!!!" —Mary L S.

Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in 33 colors and in multipacks).

Blume is a women-owned, POC-owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally-friendly products for skin, body, and period care.

I finally got my hands on this stuff and it is the truth. My skin is brighter, glowing, and super duper clear. I also got the fade serum and honeyyyyy, let me tell you. My dark spots, dark spots I've never been able to get rid of, gone! I have marks on my nose from my glasses, faded away. I am a Blume stan now. I love my skin but I also get super annoyed with little bumps that seem to never go away. My face is actually so smooth now though. I have oily skin and I was nervous I'd be a huge ball of grease after using this but nope, not at all! I use it at night and in the morning my skin is perfectly moisturized. Safe to say that I'm in love and their products have become staple go-to steps in my skincare routine.

Check out a TikTok of the Meltdown Acne Oil in action.

Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING and MAGIC. I ordered more out of fear of running out. All acne and fade products have dried or broken out my skin further but this stuff clears my skin, makes it glow, and hydrates it. Beyond beyond obsessed. THANK U BLUME! xoxo" —Kaitlin A.

Get it from Blume for $28 (available in two sizes) or Amazon for $27.95.

You see that shine? That volume? That bounce? Babyyyy my hair is FLAWLESS. Witchcraft, right? Oh, and if you could feel it?! HONEYYYY, so, so soft and silky. It is seriously bone-straight and looks and feels soooo healthy! And, my hair is NATURAL (other than the obvious blue dye); I haven't used relaxers or keratin treatments in over 10 years. Now, I am by no means a hairstylist, and nothing tops their magical hands, but sweetieeeee, these products blow my mind. This trio does what needs to be done, and like, I did it — I delivered these results. Nothing has ever made my hair look like this unless a stylist was styling my hair. And when I step out of my house, you cannot tell me I'm not the most fabulous person in the world — I'm literally Beyoncé. My hair flows and bounces as if I have a personal fan in front of me, and I CANNOT keep my hands out of my hair. The shampoo and conditioner help get ALLLL the product buildup out of my hair and leave my hair feeling squeaky clean. Then, I add my serum (before blow-drying and again before straightening), and BAM — I'm flawless. The combo of all three is just *chefs kiss*, and they help protect my hair from heat damage. I can't straighten my hair without these, they're my top hair products, my go-to trio.

Get it from Amazon for $23.49.

Check it out in this TikTok demonstrating a five-minute makeup routine using it.

Promising review: "This is my go-to concealer. I use it every single day without fail. I don't find the need to set it or cake it on because it has good coverage and doesn't crease a lot. I literally have backups for my backups of this product and pick some up every time there is the annual sales. Can't live without it." —SharReviews

Get it from Sephora (available in 32 colors) or Ulta (available in 30 colors) for $34.

Promising review: "Milani strikes again, this is my go-to blush. It's easily better than many others that I've paid double for and the color is subtle and lasts." —J.D.

Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in 23 colors).

Promising reviews: "I HAD to write a review. I use this in the morning and night after my whole face routine and putting on moisturizer. I don't have dark bags however, my under-eyes do get a bit puffy and I was noticing fine lines. DUDE, those fine lines are fading. Last night I went to a party and woke up looking like the crypt keeper, and this stuff normalized my creepy zombie eyes in about 20 minutes. It's $9. Do yourself a favor and buy it." —Jasmine Deatherage

"I have really noticeable bags under my eyes in the morning and took the advice of other reviewers to put this in the fridge. It’s amazing! I put it on in the morning and it’s so soothing. The puffiness goes away in minutes. Definitely going to be a go-to product for me from now on." —fragglish

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "After finding this primer, it’s become my absolute go-to. My skin is incredibly oily. This keeps my eye makeup looking freshly applied even 12+ hours later." —Jessica Vollmer

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "This has become my go-to foundation. The coverage is full yet flawless and after using for over three weeks I can definitely say my skin has improved, no blemishes, much more moisturized, and a little goes a long way. I’m really impressed and reach for this over my high-end brands." —dschwalm

Get it from Amazon for $47 available in 20 shades).

Thank God It's Natural is a Black woman-owned small biz based in Chicago that specializes in hair products.

Promising reviews: "I originally purchased this product to do a rod set, but the way my laziness is set up, my go to is a puff cause I haven’t gone anywhere. When I tell you this product moisturized my hair and activated my 4c curls. I will never use gel again and no residue either. I’m hella sold and will buy more." —Alyssa B.

"I have 3c fine hair and this has been my go-to for getting my curls right. It dries quick and the hold isn’t too bad. It’s also very lightweight." —Shanna Sanders

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

Promising reviews: "Like many other people, I used the Anastasia Brow Wiz for a long time. I really liked it but $25+ for an eyebrow pencil is absolutely ridiculous so I started looking for an alternative and found this. I usually get the Brow Wiz in the shade Soft Brown and I bought this pencil in the Taupe shade and I love it. I did a quick swatch and I see absolutely zero difference. The design is also the exact same and the Nyx one lasts much longer throughout the day. So glad I found this product! —Dianna B

"Go-to eyebrow pencil. I've been using this for three years now. So easy to use and a lot of people think I get my eyebrows done (ombre brows) until I tell them I use a brow pencil, they say it looks so natural." —Sheryl

Get it from Amazon for $8.79 (available in 12 shades).

This liner comes in sets of two, one liner stamp for each eye. ANDDDD did I mention this baby is waterproof and smudge-proof?! Each pen requires no dipping and has two ends — one to stamp, and one to clean and define your wing.

Promising reviews: "This is my favorite go-to eyeliner! Wings have always been part of my signature style, but over the years I’ve developed tremors and it became harder to draw them on. This was my savior! The stamps are so easy to use, and you know your wings are even without checking, which is a major confidence booster! This liner stays in place through everything too! I’m talking water, sweat, crying, even food mishaps. I’ll never use another brand again!" —Jei

Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in four styles/sizes).

Tower 28 is a LA-based, Asian woman-owned small business that creates nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types.

Promising reviews: "This is my #1 toner. It's just a simple, soothing toner that I feel comfortable applying day and night. I've gotten everyone in my home to use it so we go through multiple bottles of this thing. It's got a hint of a chlorine-like smell but it's nothing overwhelming and you definitely get used to it. What I love most is that it just has three simple ingredients! No frills, just a solid, go-to toner." —Zuzubear3

Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in two sizes).

Yep, that's me up there. I love a little synthetic wig because they're always like $20 so I can get like five of 'em and have five different hairstyles for the price of one human hair wig. My hair is shoulder length right now, which I love, but sometimes, ya girl wants a little Beyoncé type hair. Synthetic wigs are so easy, quick, and a great protective style. I don't like to put heat on my hair much, so I like to grab synthetic wigs in the exact style I want so I can go from straight to curly to wavy in a week without damaging my hair. I can also do my hair in like five minutes.

This wig is my current go-to, I'm obsessed. It's so freakin' cute and half wigs allow you to leave some of your hair so it can look as natural as possible, which I love because I'm not really talented with the frontal style wigs and glueing 'em down (if anyone wants to teach me I'll love you forever). This wig is literally so easy to manipulate and I found it on TikTok! I think it's my summer style because I love me some big hair. I don't have to worry about my hair getting frizzy which is huge for me because the moment I sweat my gorgeous curls become a big frizzy mess and end up in a bun. Remember this is synthetic so it won't last you forever. I just bought a second one after wearing my last one for, like, three months. Synthetic or not, it still looks and feels amazing and it's very full.

Get it from Amazon for $19.65+ (available in nine colors).

This is actually my fave blush. I became obsessed with blush a few years back and I love for my blush to be *BAM* in your face and this blush is perfect for that. It's soooo pigmented (so be careful, a few dabs will do the trick) and the colors are just beautiful on the skin. I've also been using the same tube since like, 2020 so like, win. The shade Joy is just *chef's kiss*, a gorg orange color that I use for an everyday chill, bronzy look and my personal favorite shade. Easy to blend and build up and a straight-up beauty.

Check out TikToker @rachelldaguanno showing how it works best with only one small dot!

Promising review: "My go-to! Such a beautiful color, I love how it gives a natural flush balance to my cheeks. Loved it so much I bought another one in a different color! This is a must buy for a natural soft finish." —MrsRunge

Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in seven radiant shades and four matte shades).

Promising reviews: "Okay this highlight is so good! Like, Becca Champagne Pop good, maybe even better? The pigment is amazing. Such a great highlighter and for $8? Even better! Totally recommend if you’re looking for a blinding highlighter." —Maria

"Wow! This highlighter really adds dimension to my face. It's a great enhancement for my cheeks. It's very smooth, blends well, and the amazing gold color adds a beautiful and soft golden touch. This is my new go-to highlighter for any occasion." —LL Williams

Get it from Amazon for $7.95 (available in three sizes and four colors).

Promising reviews: "My scalp felt invigorated after applying. I left the masque on overnight and when I rinsed the next morning my scalp felt refreshed and clean. I actually think this product also aided in elongating my curls. Hair looks hydrated as well! I plan to use every two weeks." —Dawn M.

"TGIN is the best. My go-to brand for my natural hair." —darold delaney

Get it from Amazon for $17.32.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.