Last year, I spent roughly a billion dollars on beauty products. I'm kidding, but I really did purchase a ton of products after noticing what I thought was unprovoked flushing on my face. I'm talking about a looked-like-I'd been-sunburned type of red. Turns out, I have rosacea, and while I've gotten it mostly under control now, it wasn't without a lot of trial and error trying new product after new product. But, it wasn't a total loss. I mean, I did spend a small fortune on dozens of different products, only to give them away or chuck them in the trash. However, I discovered a lot of new-to-me beauty finds that I'm downright giddy to share with you - everything from serums and gua sha tools to foot masks and one-step hair volumizers (my personal favorite). Did I mention everything is $35 or less? Be trendy without getting spendy!
This Cult-Favorite Mascara Volumizes and Lengthens
This False Lash Effect mascara from Essence is so intriguing, it almost makes me want to give up my lash extensions. (Almost.) With more than 324,000 reviews and growing, it's safe to say this volumizing and lengthening formula is a fan favorite. Wear it all day without flaking or fading.
These Gold Eye Masks Banish Dark Circles
These gold masks de-puff, treat dark circles and bags and minimize wrinkles. Think of it like an energy drink for your eyes. I own a few packages, and love to pop them on in the morning while I'm getting dressed. I even wear them when I'm logging onto work in the mornings at home.
These Peeling Foot Masks Soothe Your Feet
I got hooked on foot peeling masks a few years ago and it's one of the best things to come out of that time period for me because my feet are baby soft at all times. These help exfoliate dead and rough skin, including cracked heels and calluses, so you can put your best foot forward at all times, especially during sandal season.
This Hydration Serum Includes Hyaluronic Acid
Is it any wonder that "hydration" and "hyaluronic" acid both sound similar? It's because this serum is the gold standard for moisturizing your skin while boosting collagen and fighting fine lines and wrinkles. Some hyaluronic acids are pricy, but this Grace & Stella version is a pain-free purchase.
These Dots For Spots Protect and Cover Acne Spots
When I first discovered hydrocolloid acne patches, I was skeptical. Fast-forward through giving these a test run, and now I'm a total believer. Pop one of these invisible patches on a problem spot before bed and you won't believe your eyes in the morning.
Sculpt Your Face With These Gua Sha Tools
I don't know why I knew so little about gua sha tools for the face, especially since they've been around since roughly the 1300s. Gua sha is useful to the face in several ways including sculpting the jawline, depuffing problems areas and helping with lymphatic drainage. This one is authentic rose quartz, which has its own special properties if you're into that sort of thing.
These Small but Powerful Smoothing Patches Help Treat Fine Lines Overnight
When I first discovered Frownies, I was dubious, but time and consistency have proven me wrong. While I'm a firm believer that you don't need to incorporate anti-aging products if you don't want to, I have found my fine lines lessen by applying these at night. The patches help tighten facial muscles and also boost collagen creation and repair.
This Vitamin C Serum Is a Best Seller
You can get vitamin C in a lot of ways: vegetables, multivitamins and, of course, orange juice. You can also incorporate it into your skincare routine with this anti-aging face serum. Vitamin C is great for brightening dark spots, evening skin tone and treating fine lines and wrinkles.
This Leave-In Conditioner Looks Like Whipped Cream
This great product maintains an optimal level of moisture in your hair while preserving the integrity of your color. If you don't have much time in your hair routine, this is an easy add with big results. plus, it comes out of the container looking identical to whipped cream.
This Microfiber Towel Is Water-Wicking and Protects Your Hair
These water-wicking microfiber towels have been a game changer for my hair since I discovered them. They allow for hands-free drying so you can fix breakfast or fold laundry while it soaks up water, and they even reduce frizz, damage and breakage compared to typical towels.
This Chic Makeup Bag Looks Tiny But Holds a Lot
This makeup bag is pretty mighty with room for smaller makeup items and brushes up to seven inches in length. I like the handle for easy carrying, and you'll appreciate the zipper that keeps everything exactly where it belongs.
This Lamellar Rinse Is Magical and Affordable
When I first stumbled upon the lamellar rinse-out treatment, I figured I'd give it a go. It's only $8 and the reviews are pristine. Dubbed "Wonder Water," it truly does deliver sleek, smooth results in just eight seconds. You're blowout game is about to look like you just left the salon every time.
Remove Calluses And Dead Skin With This Foot File
The absolute easiest way to take care of your feet is in the shower with this foot file. Made from popular pumice stone, it works on wet or dry feet to have you vacation-ready at all times. This one is gentler so you get rid of the dead skin without creating scratches or scrapes.
This Multi-Use Brush Blends Eyeshadow, Concealer, Foundation & More
Alleyoop's cute makeup brush is actually a 4-in-1 tool. The tool includes a concealer sponge, an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush and even a portion that can be used for eyeliner or your eyebrows. That's a lot. As someone who travels, I love the fact that this brush won't take up a lot of room in my bag - and also as someone who isn't great at applying makeup, this tool gives me the confidence to know I'm applying things a bit better than I normally would.
These Konjac Facial Sponges Have Activated Charcoal in Them
Made with activated bamboo charcoal, these exfoliating sponges work to remove dead and flaky skin from your face. They are different from other exfoliating sponges in that they are made of konjac fiber and are biodegradable. All you need to do is soak the sponge under warm water and watch it expand into a squishy exfoliating tool.
Give Your Lips An Overnight Mask Treatment
My favorite products are the ones that work either behind the scenes or while I'm sleeping. Laneige's lip sleeping mask is a fan favorite for a reason, working as a leave-on lip mask that delivers on intense moisture. All you do is wake up with the perfect pout. Brilliant.
This Mint Toothpaste Is a Fan Favorite
Why do I leave the grocery store so unfulfilled? I'm talking about the variety of choices we have today: cereal, deodorant, toothpaste. The latter, despite having 100 options, seems to only come in one flavor. That's why I love this version from Marvis; it's a touch of mint with a floral note of jasmine. And it works just as well.
This Hair Dye Comes In 25 Different Semi-Permanent Options
I absolutely adore using fashion colors in my hair. To date, it's been red, pink and purple (in addition to "normal" shades, of course). I'm always on the hunt for simple ways to achieve a different color and I'm definitely giving Unicorn Hair a chance the next time. It comes in 25 different semi-permanent options and, unlike traditional dye, it conditions and moisturizes while it works.
These Lip Care Pads Hydrate and Plump Your Pout
These lip masks are shaped like actual lips. Could it get any cuter? These lip care pads hydrate, plump your lips, smoothe fine lips and deliver radical moisturization. Packed with natural plant-based ingredients, you can improve your pucker in as little as 20 minutes.
This Gadget Turns Your Cleansers Into a Foamy Lather
Do you ever see a product and think, "I just have to try that thing?" That was this marshmallow whip maker for me, which promises to take any cleanser of your choice and transform it into a rich foam. It takes a little elbow grease, but the foamy goodness at the end is worth the effort.
Thick-Haired Folks Need These Snap Hair Ties
If you're blessed with thick, curly hair, this one's for you. These innovative snap hair ties wind around your hair then snap securely to keep it in place. They're a stretchy soft material (not elastic) and you can simply unsnap to remove so they won't damage your hair at all!
These Nail Soak Off Clips Laugh in the Face of Gel Polish
If you've ever had gel or acrylic nails done, you know what a bear it is to get that stuff off your nails without doing major damage. These nail soak clips help you remove polish and gunk with ease as they hold an acetone-soaked cotton pad right against the nail. You'll get a set of 10 clips, or you can go for the kit which includes nail tools, nail polish remover bottle, clips, cotton pads, and more.
This Silicone Scrubby Pad Gently Exfoliates Your Skin
I'm all for removing dead skin cells, but some harsher body scrubbers seem like sandpaper! Not this gentle silicone exfoliating scrubby pad that sweeps away dirt, debris, and oil easily and painlessly. Super simple to use, just slide your hand into the snug back strap and lather up! Dries fast and cleanly, too.
Treat Your Hair Right With This Satin Heatless Curler Set
I absolutely love the look of romantic curled tresses, but sometimes they're not worth the risk of curling iron burns or heat damage to hair. Good thing some genius invented this set of satin heatless hair curlers that are incredibly comfortable to wear, even for sleeping! Happy reviewers say the curls hold for a lot longer than other methods, and work on all types of hair.
Hydrate And Soothe With These Eye Masks
What? You want more under-eye treatments? Say no more. These masks, dubbed "A dream come blue," are hydrating and soothing. You'll love that they're clean, vegan and free of parabens and sulfates, and your wallet will appreciate the sub-$20 price tag.
This Ice Roller Mold Allows You to Create Your Own Roller Concoction
It took me a minute to realize this was not, in fact, a delicious popsicle, but a reusable silicone molder facial roller that lets you add water and freeze repeatedly. Once frozen, use it to shrink pore, reduce pimples, decrease puffiness and more. Pro tip: Try it with cucumber water, green tea and other healing liquids.
This Skin Treatment Stick Is Called "Tako"
I stopped dead in my Amazon scrolling tracks when I saw this little guy, whose name happens to be Tako. Tako is a face stick that removes excess oil and exfoliates pores to remove impurities. And look at that adorable packaging. It's worth the $12 for that alone.
This Lip Oil Is A Dupe for a High-End Brand
You know the drill: Find a product you like. See product's price tag. Look for product dupes. This plumping lip oil is as close to Dior's $40 option as you're going to find - and it's less than $9. These offer a non-sticky texture and brilliant shine, just like its more expensive cousin.
Make Your Shower Steamier With These Aromatherapy Bombs
Baths are one of my favorite self-care hacks, but it's not always a realistic possibility. Sometimes a shower is just simpler, you know? These shower steamers deliver a dose of aromatherapy while you're running a bath. Choose from scents like lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla and grapefruit.
These Nose Strips Get Blackheads Under Control
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I saw a "pore melting kit," but this three-step system is pretty cool. It involves a sheet you apply to your nose, a sebum-clearing cotton swab to use after and a soothing sheet to treat any resulting redness. Blackheads be gone.
This Pumice Stone Has a Smooth and Rough Surface
Here's my problem with most pumice-style callus removers: they don't have enough to hold on to. This pumice stone has an ergonomic handle with a large, double-sided surface (smooth and rough) and a five-year promise that it won't crumble or wear out.
This Purifying Serum Is Vegan and Cruelty Free
You'll not only achieve blemish-proof skin with this purifying power-green serum, but you'll get to live in the right meow, which should be enough for anyone. This vegan, cruelty-free serum is like a drink for your house, soothing and purifying your complexion with ingredients like kale, spirulina and chlorella.
I Store My Face Roller In the Freezer for a Cooling Sensation
Nothing, and I repeat, nothing feels as good on a swollen morning face like an ice roller. This innovative cryotherapy tool primarily reduces swelling and redness, but it can also be used for headaches and even hangovers. Store it in your freezer so it's always ready to roll.
Add Some Highlight To Your Life With This Serum-Turned-Moisturizer
Call me a believer in these liquid highlighters, which I add to my concealer and collagen for a flawless finish with little work (or money). This one comes in bronze and rose gold hues and, let me tell you, whether you're wearing it under, in or over your makeup, it'll last you a long time. This will be your new favorite Amazon purchase.
Nail Your Mani With This UV Light Dryer
I always used to hate painting my nails because I'd never wait for them to dry (which takes forever) and I'd invariably smudge at least one. This LED nail lamp dries gel polishes in no time at all and is equipped with an automatic sensor and a perfectly portable design.
This Spa Headband Keeps Your Hair Out of Your Face
You know the dilemma: Do your hair first and have to work around it to get your makeup completed OR do your makeup first and sweat it all off while you're drying, straightening and curling. This spa headband makes either simpler with an adjustable, one-size-fits-all design and a built-in slit for a ponytail.
This Bargain Lip Oil Is High Quality
Tinted lip gloss is making a comeback. And this version, called Fat Oil Lip Drip is amazing. Choose from six different tints infused with squalane and rich in shine. Wear these solo or pair them with your favorite lipstick.
This Salt Scrub Tones, Exfoliates And Moisturizes
Salt is some kind of magic. It draws out impurities, it seasons our food, it even moisturizes and exfoliates. You won't want to put this Himalayan scrub on your veggies, but with collagen and stem cells included, you'll definitely want to slather it all over your skin.
An Easy-to-Apply SPF That Keeps Those Dark Spots at Bay
I'd be remiss to not include this top-tier sunscreen stick. The travel-friendly design makes reapplication easy! There's no white cast, making for a great daily dose of protection that helps reduce UV exposure. It's as easy as applying the SPF 50 formula over your skincare or makeup which makes this product a true winner in my book.
A Quick Drying Microfiber Scrunchie Helps My Hair Maintain Its Length and Elasticity
With this scrunchie, I'm able to skip the styling tools and air dry like a pro. The gentle material keeps my hair from breaking and absorbs water on its own, letting my hair dry quickly. It also holds up to 8 times its weight, so the compact design minimizes hair damage, creating a daily frizz-free air-dried style that lasts.
Keep Your Hair Looking Shiny and Tangle Free With an Expert Detangling Brush
Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, we all know the pain of waking up with a few too many tangles! This brush has soft, plastic bristles that work through wet hair. The bristles gently separate strands instead of pulling at your scalp, making it so you encounter minimal damage while working through strands.
A Portable Razor Perfect For Travel & Touch-Ups
This portable travel razor from Alleyoop is perfect for anyone who lives life on-the-go. The gadget comes with two triple-blade razor cartridges, a moisturizing shea butter bar, and mist container for storing water. The compartments for each are housed within the portable gadget and can be toggled by turning a wheel on the device. It's amazing - and the hundreds of Amazon reviews would have to agree!
Natural Bath Bombs That Also Have Essential Oil in Them
These natural bath bombs help cleanse your skin while releasing dirt and oils from your body. They contain moisturizing materials like shea butter and argan oil that help hydrate your skin. With over hundreds of reviews, users can attest to how luxurious these are.
This Kitsch Satin Pillowcase Helps Your Hair
Ever since this came in the mail, I have been sleeping on it at night. I'm not even kidding when I say I will wash it every weekend just to put back on my pillow before bed. I really love having a satin pillowcase because it helps keep my curly hair smooth at night, and I find that a lot of my hair products and the oils in my hair don't transfer onto it like they would with a cotton pillowcase. I really need to order another one!
This Breathable Case for My Makeup Sponge
I got this case specifically for traveling, but now I just keep my makeup sponge in this at all times. I love that it has little slats in it for ventilation and that it is a soft silicone material so it can fit in easily with my larger makeup case when going on trips. Its one of those fun tools that I didn't really know I needed until I had it. It keeps my sponge from contacting any bacterial outside of the little case.
This Spray Accelerates Your Tan
If you want to accelerate your tan while you can reduce the amount of time you spend in the sun, this spray is the thing for you! There's nothing as awesome as a fresh tan, but no one wants to be out in the sun for longer than necessary. That's why this spray is the best option for your tans!
Leave-In Conditioner For All Hair Types
I swear by a good leave-in conditioner, and this is one of the best. This "incredible milk" conditioner not only acts as a leave-in product, but also works to detangle your hair and maintain frizz for a shiny look.
This Travel Makeup Brush Set Takes Up No Space!
Save room so you can pack more stuff with this travel makeup brush set. It conveniently stores in one cylinder and comes with a lip brush, highlight brush, eyeshadow brush, and blending brush so your whole face is covered! Plus it comes in cute colors like aqua, mint, peachy pink, or sleek black or white.