25 Cheap Beauty Basics to Buy When You're Bored

When all else fails, this mascara will not. More than half of the 4256 reviews of this OG mascara are five-star ones. 

For the days when you can't commit to a full makeup-brush wash day, this quick-drying, rinse-free formula is the perfect remedy for gunky brushes.

This contraption is an absolute game changer for your makeup-brush washing routine. The silicone keeps your beloved tools secure as they dry in the optimal position—upside down. 

No more dropping falsies lined with wet glue all over your clothes. This handly little tweezer-adjacent tool makes applying strip lashes so much easier. 

Burt's Bees lip balm is an OG essential, but this lightly tinted version makes is even more of a must-have.

Dry scalp season is upon us, so keep your dome moisturized with this vitamin- and antioxidant-rich oil. You'll have fuller, more luscious-looking locks by spring.

The thick, soft scrubbers in this manual shampoo massager not only promote blood flow to the scalp, but they also help exfoliate it by sloughing away dead skin cells. For the curly and natural beauties, it also makes it so much easier to make sure you shampoo is actually reaching your scalp.

Whether you're still recovering from the pencil-thin eyebrow trend from the 2000s or trying to achieve great lash lengths, this serum is for you. Two different keratin peptides, green tea, saw palmetto, and nettle root all work overtime to strengthen weak hair and encourage growth.

This effective formula is a winning cocktail of 20% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, 1% hyaluronic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid. The smell is a little funky, but it's totally worth it for plump, healthy-looking skin.

The French broke the mold when they made this magical cleansing water. There's a reason practically every celebrity makeup artist on the planet keeps it in their kit.

This French pharmacy-grade vitamin A ointment can be used for treating fine lines, refining pores, and firming the skin. It's strong, so caution should be exercised, but the reviews don't lie—this stuff really works.

Look—acne happens. These hydrocolloid patches are thin enough to appear nearly flat on top of a blemish but powerful and soothing enough to zap that zit fast. With so many other similar products on the market, the more than 2000 five-star reviews speak volumes.

Everyone and their mother (and over 17,000 Amazon customers) use this iconic clay mask. Beauty editors have touted its magical powers for years, and in terms of dramatic results at such an affordable price point, it just can't be beat. Pro tip: Mix the mask powder with apple cider vinegar instead of water for a pH-balancing deep clean. 

This prescription-strength retinoid banishes breakouts fast by penetrating deep into pores to clear out any bacteria and also reduce inflammation.

This little-known cream has thousands of five-star reviews, many commenting that it holds its own against much more expensive products. This retinol cream is great if you're looking for a strong anti-aging treatment that also contains soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil to minimize the likelihood of typical retinoid-related irritation.

These soothing mists are wonderful for a quick moisture boost whenever you need it. Plus, two bottles for only $14 is almost too good to be true.

If you're not freezing your face off with an ice roller, I'm here to tell you it's time to start. All you have to do is pop the frozen roller head into the lightweight plastic handle and get rolling all over your face. It relieves pressure, shrinks pores, calms inflammation, and we heard a rumor that it also does your laundry.

This beloved skin salve reached holy-grail status long ago, and for good reason. It's an actual cure-all for any dryness or irritation anywhere on the face and body.

This K-beauty favorite is the perfect little hand moisturizer to throw in a gym bag or keep at your desk. Shea butter, coconut oil, macadamia oil, and a generous dose of banana extract make it super moisturizing. Plus, it's insanely cute.

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two of our favorite active ingredients, and this little baby houses both of them. Get ready for supple, glowing skin.

Look alive, girlfriend. This OG eye cream delivers a ceramide- and hyaluronic acid–packed moisture boost to brighten dull-looking under-eyes and reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. Even if you're brand new to eye cream, this is a solid place to start.

To quote Coach Taylor of Friday Night Lights, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." These drops will help with the clear eyes part.

It's officially fall, and this charcoal-toned nail polish is the perfect shade for a Halloween-inspired manicure that doesn't scream Hocus Pocus.

Set yourself up for at-home manicure success with this heavy-duty, ultra-shiny top coat. Reapplying it every couple of days will help to keep your paint job looking fresh.

While you're at it with the DIY manicure, why not add a few of these teeny-tiny flowers for a fun 3D pop? It truly doesn't get any cuter.
Up next, I tried Tracee Ellis Ross's new haircare line—here's my honest review.