1. Mighty Patch hydrocolloid pimple patches because popping your zits only increases the chances of scarring and infection. With these, you just pop one, leave it on for a few hours, and be amaaaazed at how much your zit has shrunken.
Melanie Aman , an editor on our Shopping team, tried these out and says: " These are hands down the best pimple patches I’ve ever used. Why? Because they actually work. I’ve tried some more cutesy patches that were great for Instagram photos but did nothing to shrink my breakouts.
And the pimple patches that touted themselves as basically invisible were — but so were any results. While the Hero Cosmetics pimple patches are a little more visible (but really only noticeable if someone was standing really close to my face), the results are clear to see. (And JSYK, they also make an invisible version , but I have not tried it.
) IMO they work best on whiteheads, drawing out the pus and preventing me from picking. Once all the fluids are drained (yum!), I plop a patch on what was once home to a very angry whitehead and replace it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). In my experience, that has been the best treatment for preventing really noticeable hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, which my skin is really prone to after breakouts.
" Promising review: " Works great. It brings those underground zits to a head. After brought to a head, or if the zit is already at a head it will continue to bring excess oils to the surface within hours.
I keep some in my purse for emergencies. You can wear it out of the house without it being noticeable. Sticks to the skin without being a problem when trying to remove it.
This is on my list or skin care necessities. Plus, great price." — Amanda Kessler Get 36 patches from Amazon for $10.
77 . 2. A bestselling Revolin oil-absorbing face roller made of real volcanic stone to help get rid of any extra shine you might accumulate throughout the day.
Promising review: "I never leave the house without it. It is great to roll over your face in a pinch when you’re oily. Or even sometimes it relieves an unwanted feeling of hours old sunscreen remnants from your face.
" — Caroline Hager Get it from Amazon for $9 . 3. 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: "Love this concealer! I keep one in my purse for on the go and I keep one in my cosmetic bag at home. Such a great value too.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 23 shades). 4.
A NYX Professional butter gloss designed with a nonsticky, cruelty-free formula if you want to show off your irresistibly gorgeous pout without a goopy residue left behind. Promising reviews: "This is my favorite lip gloss, it is light weight, glides on smoothly, not sticky at all, and lasts for quite a while. Although it is milky white in vial, it glides on clear.
There is no lip plumper in it, but gives the appearance of plumper lips. It is adequately priced. I keep three of these on hand at all times: one in makeup bag, one in purse, and one in car.
Definitely my “GO TO GLOSS.'" — Chance Get it from Amazon for $5.97+ (available in 44 colors).
5. 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 dreams with just one tool. Promising reviews: "This eyebrow pencil is easy to apply and the little brush helps smooth out your lines and fix any mistakes.
I have gone through powders, pens, you name it. And finally I found one that is easy to keep in my purse, quick and accurate to apply and matches my medium blond hair perfectly. I now have a spare in my home makeup bag and another in my purse in case I rush out the door and don't apply at home.
Definitely a good buy and something I will keep in my makeup rotation for the long term. If you are on the fence, buy it." — NicoleTep Get it from Amazon for $8.
54+ (available in four shades). 6. The cult-famous, cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara with over 200,000 5-star ratings if you're looking to achieve long, flake-free lashes that'll hold up all day long.
Promising review: "I’ve made the mistake of buying other mascaras when I ran out of this one. What a waste of money. This is literally the best mascara I’ve ever used and I’m ordering several now so I can have one in my purse and in my make up drawer in my bedroom .
Do yourself the best, cheapest favor ever and buy this mascara." — Vee 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. 7. 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.
Promising review: "Love this lip product. Had to give 1 to a friend who fell in love ❤️ with my color. So happy to get this as a subscription every other month.
Have one at work, one in my purse and one at home in vanity at all times! " — Kelly Ray Check out BuzzFeed's Maybelline liquid lipstick review for more. Get it from Amazon for $9.13+ (available in 40 colors).
8. 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 to throw this on when you need a little extra oomph? You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.
Promising reviews: "Can't say enough about how much I love this product! If you like a plump with a burn this is for you. It's definitely the best and most noticable. Great value for the money and so small it perfect for my purse! I keep one with me all the time.
I have ordered this several times and love it!" — April Holt Get it from Amazon for $9.98 . 9.
Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush 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 ordered two colors and they look so good. They showed up well, blended well, stayed on awhile.
I ’m impressed, and keep them in my purse. I also like to layer them together for a more dramatic look. I love these and wish they came in more colors.
I want them all." — Cheyenne Stroud Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades).
10. Some Mario Babescu facial spray to cool, hydrate, and tone your skin when you're on the go and could use a little ~freshening up.~ Promising review: "This right here is one of the products I SWEAR BY! The facial sprays are amazing!🙌 The green facial spray is cooling, moisturizing and great for before applying and setting makeup.
So far, I have ordered the Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea facial spray. It came in a set of two, one 4oz and one 2oz for $12.00! I like to keep one in my purse and one at home so I always have quick access to spritz whenever I feel like I need that extra oomph to my dull or tired skin.
Definitely going to try the rest of the sprays and other products in the line." — Mary Malarky Get it from Amazon for $7.60+ (available in two sizes and various multipacks).
11. Translucent E.l.
f. finishing powder to help fill in fine lines and blur pores, leaving you with a smooth look that'll keep your makeup in place all day long. Promising review: " Elf Cosmetics gets a win with this product.
The powder is sheer and lightweight, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I carry it with me every day in my purse. I definitely recommend this one.
" — Rich Get it from Amazon for $6. 12. A set of itty-bitty dermaplaning razors to take care of any little haairs you might have missed in the morning.
Now, you can just sneak off to the bathroom and define those brows before your date even orders their drink. Promising reviews: "I’m the kind of person who loves having smooth legs and I take extra care to make sure my upper lip, chin, etc. are free of stray hairs.
When I first bought these, it was a GAME CHANGER. I keep one in my makeup bag or purse usually, so if I’m out and about, and notice I missed something- it’s gone right then and there! This little razor works so well! Highly recommended!" — Carole M. Get a set of three from Amazon for $6.
49+ (also available in a set of nine). 13. Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint for a natural-looking pout that'll last throughout the day.
People also use it for a cheek-tint as well! Promising review: "Must have!!! I LOVE IT. So much. Like, gotta have it in my bag where ever I go.
I have darker lips than most individuals so I do have to apply a couple coats after each dries but the results are wonderful. The smell is lovely and the color lasts me about 4 hrs without eating." — Jasmine Get it from Amazon for $6.
67 (available in five shades and combo packs). 14. Or a perfectly pigmented Han cheek and lip tint to 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!! Promising review: "I keep this in my purse or makeup bag when I leave the house for touch ups during the day. Saves me from lugging around a lot of makeup. I use it in the morning on my cheeks and usually touch it up a little bit in the late afternoon.
Very smooth application." — Terra Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in eight shades). 15.
Jack Black Lip Balm for hydrating chapped lips and dry skin around your mouth. Its fast-acting shea butter and vitamin E formula will leave your pout feeling renewed, and with its SPF 25 formula, you won't have to worry about any nasty sunburns. Promising review: "I’ve been using Jack Black products for years.
Their lip balms are the best I’ve found. Having lived in very dry, high dessert mountain areas for years this was the only lip balm that kept my lips and nail beds moisturised. I always have a tube in each bag.
" — Joanne Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in six flavors and also in packs of three). 16. A magical makeup-correcting stick because there is nothing worse than being out on the town only to realize you accidentally smudged your makeup that took hours to do.
With this easy-peasy tool, corrections are no biggie! Promising review: "I keep this in my purse when I leave the house for touch ups during the day. Saves me from lugging around a lot of makeup. I use it in the morning on my cheeks and usually touch it up a little bit in the late afternoon.
Very smooth application." — Terra Get it from Amazon for $9.99 .
17. A coveted bottle of Sol de Janeiro hair and body fragrance mist that smells absolutely heavenly if you want to make sure you smell good all day long. Promising review: "This lovely little scent captures all the best notes from Bacarrat rouge at a fraction of the price.
I will be taking this with me everywhere I go. It smells so good I’m absolutely in love. It’s my favorite color too! This sent will live in my hand bag forever.
" — Cindy Martinez Get it from Amazon for $24 . 18. A three-pack of Vaseline mini lip therapy treatments — listen, I put Vaseline on my lips every single night, and I always wake up with a plump, hydrated pout, so I can attest to the power of this stuff! Promising review: "Vaseline Lip Therapy really works.
.I got one as a present a year ago and it was the only thing that helped with my chapped lips..
.it worked instantly and I won't use anything else now..
this is my go to and I always carry one in my purse! Great product!" — JadedBrat Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two variety packs). 19.
A pack of blotting papers in case your matte makeup look is looking not-so-matte after a few hours. Just lightly press one of these on your oily zones and watch the shine disappear! Promising review: "I use these sheets daily. I don't like the feeling of any oil on my face throughout the day and these sheets do a great job of absorbing.
At first, I was using a wet washcloth to cleanse my face in between morning and nightime washings but my skin was becoming dry and irrated. These sheets do the job and don't scratch my skin. I keep them in my purse, laptop bag, in my vanity, and on top of vanity.
I purchase them every few weeks and keep them stocked just about everywhere I may be. I can't live without them and they are a must have for everyone. " — Valdeezie Get a 100-sheet pack from Amazon for $6.
95 (available in three scents). 20. A Revlon Photo Ready Concealer Stick , because it's the worst when you're on the go and suddenly realize you have under-eye circles.
Promising review: "Easy to use. Small enough to carry everywhere you go. I wake with dark circles under my eyes but this concealer stick has been my go to for a few years now.
Instantly covers the dark circles without looking like makeup. Sometimes I use it to conceal lines around my mouth or frown area too." — bcarreras Get it from Amazon for $8.
47 (available in five shades). 21. A spray can of Coola Organic SPF 50 Sunscreen to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays this summer (and all year round tbh).
Promising review: "It fits easily in a purse. I've been using it nearly daily after work and it protects my face on my walk home from work. It's one of few sunscreen that doesn't clog my pores.
" — Natasha Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes). 22. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation which can last for up to 24 hours, so you know you have a super solid base for the rest of your makeup look.
Promising review: "I've been wearing this product in the Ivory Buff shade for quite a while now. I always have one of these compacts in my purse, as it's so easy to apply on the go. It has enough coverage for me that I can use it on bare skin, and it gives me the look of foundation without being too heavy or cakey .
If I have a blemish or dark spot to cover, I apply a little extra with my fingertip and then blend it in, and it covers well. Overall, a great product!" — Amy in Ohio Get it from Amazon for $6.19+ (available in 12 shades).
23. A Megababe anti-chafing balm formulated with aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oil to help prevent uncomfortable chaffing that also comes with hot weather. Megababe is a woman-owned small business founded by Katie Sturino , an entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer.
Promising review: "As a thick thighs girl I’ve struggled so much with chaffing growing up! Now I’m finally taking care of that area and always have this chaffing stick in my bag! So easy to apply whenever needed, I feel comfortable walking in a dress without having to wear shorts under. The quality is amazing! If you’re looking for a chaffing stick for your thighs I definitely recommend this one! It’s worth it " — Emy Get it from Amazon for $13.97 .
24. A pack of Neutrogena individually packed makeup remover wipes for when you're out and about this summer and your makeup starts to literally melt off of your face. This will help you not look like a sweaty raccoon.
Promising review: "What a great find! Portable and makeup clothes in the small little packet is full size and removes all makeup with just one cloth and no irritation to my eyes. I was so happy that I found these. I now carry one in my purse all the time, just in case, so portable and small.
I even purchased large pack for home, really like Neutrogena brand. Recommend purchase." — Jackie Walsh Get it from Amazon for $6.
74 for a 20-pack. 25. A hydrating eye stick for when you're out and about and notice that your under-eye area could use a little extra TLC.
This hero product will help reduce dark circles, lines, and puffiness while delivering moisture without oils! Rejoice! Promising reviews: "Originally bought for sister because was cute. Bought have bought for myself now twice. Feels wonderfully refreshing when applied.
Hydrates well also. This has become a standard part of my day. One is always in bathroom and another always in my bag.
" — Natalie Nasekos Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in two styles and in multipacks). 26.
An illuminating moisturizer if you want a lightweight alternative to traditional foundation that'll have you looking like the glowing ROYALTY that you are. *Adds to cart in glee.* Promising review: "Oh I love this.
I have used it over and under foundation but my sister told me she used hers alone in the summer for a sheer look and now I carry my tube with me in my purse bc it is so versatile and gives me a nice glow with just a bit of color." — TheGreatGatsby Get it from Amazon for $13.51+ (available in five shades).
27. A Catrice "Instant Awake" under-eye brightener because sometimes it's nearly impossible to get a full eight hours of sleep, and this product will at least *make you look* well-rested. The color-adaptive formula is designed so that one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "This little pink pot o' tinted cream is perfect for covering under-eye dark circles and detracts from puffiness. It blends well and does fine over an under eye moisturizer. I just got TWO more to have one in my purse, one for travel, and one at home.
I highly recommend." — Kristina Erhart Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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