Beauty Experts Say These Are The 50 Most Useful, Clever Things They've Purchased Under $30

“Every person with a makeup routine or even no makeup routine would benefit from the Catrice Under Eye Brightener,” insists celebrity makeup artist (and Catrice Cosmetics ambassador) Emily Gray. “If you already have an established makeup routine, adding this color corrector neutralizes discoloration and will make your concealer work even better,” Gray explains, noting that the pink and peachy shades help to cancel out dark tones. “If you don’t wear makeup, this brightener can be worn by itself and effortlessly blends in,” she adds.

• Available shades: 2

Celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend keeps these bobby pins in his kit for when he’s creating red carpet updos on clients like Dakota Johnson and Nina Dobrev. “These super-chic hair pins are strong and coated in nylon so they don’t snag the hair,” Townsend says of the pins that are made from stainless steel and castor bean-sourced nylon. “They come in a wide selection of colors so you can match them to your hair color or contrast the colors for a fun style,” he adds of the durable design, which was created by hairstylist Aviva Jansen Perea.

• Available colors: 8

Another favorite Almay product from Dr. Libby is this prebiotic-infused lip gloss that combines both color and care. “Formulated with a prebiotic complex, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this hypoallergenic gloss is the ideal solution for protecting the delicate lip skin and restoring the moisture barrier while providing fuller-looking lips,” she says. Hyaluronic acid is behind the natural plumping effect, and the gloss comes in six neutral colors with a soft shimmer for a high-shine finish whether you wear it on its own or over your favorite lipstick or liner.

• Available shades: 6

If you’re sick of your lipstick fading away after a few hours, try a lip stain instead — particularly this viral lip stain from TikTok-famous brand Wonderskin. “The blue, glittery peel-off formula is just an added bonus,” says Duff, who calls using the stain “so satisfying.” Once you peel it off, you’re left with a beautiful, long-lasting stain in your choice of 33 colors.

• Available options: 33

You’ve probably heard about this K18 hair treatment from celebrities and influencers who praise its transformative abilities. But if you’re wondering whether or not it’s actually worth the hype, Lauren Paglionico, a colorist and founder of NYC salon-LRN Beauty, confirms it’s legit. “Every hair type will benefit from this mask,” Paglionico says, adding that she uses it as part of her own hair care routine. “If you have color-treated or chemically treated hair, you will notice your hair is stronger and healthier with every use,” she explains of the leave-in product, which uses a patented technology to repair hair on a molecular level.

Hypochlorous acid sprays have been having a moment on social media for their ability to kill bacteria that can mess with your skin without causing any irritation in the process. This alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula is recommended by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Rukmini Rednam, M.D., F.A.C.S. for a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on efficacy. “It can be used anywhere on the skin to kill most bacteria [and reduce] rashes and acne, leaving skin clearer and cleaner,” Dr. Rednam explains. This 8-ounce spray is less than the viral brands (and double the size), but it also comes in a variety of other sizes.

“These viral Korean collagen masks have become a staple for me,” shares Dr. Rednam. “Used one to two times a week, they truly hydrate and temporarily firm and smooth the skin,” she adds of the hydrogel masks, which come in a set of four on Amazon. Makeup artist and esthetician Erica Marie Gatt is also a fan of using these masks while traveling, since they require you to wear them for three to four hours for best results. “One of my favorite picks for long flights to provide an added boost of hydration and bounce to the skin,” she says.

“This clever tool is designed to hold your sheet mask in place, allowing you to move around freely without worrying about the mask slipping off,” aesthetic nurse practitioner Jackie Spagnuolo, AG-NP, says of one of her go-to products. “It also helps your mask’s ingredients penetrate more deeply by preventing evaporation,” she adds of the silicone mask. Another bonus? Spagnuolo points out that it’s also reusable and easy to clean.

You never have to worry about getting your hair or sleeves wet again while washing your face, thanks to this plush headband and wristband set. “The absorbent wristbands catch every drop, while the soft headband keeps hair out of your face, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free skin care session,” Spagnuolo says of the fluffy microfiber material, which also stretches to give you a more comfortable fit.

• Available colors: 14

If you’re hoping to enhance your lashes, celebrity lash and brow artist Melina Cespedes recommends this $10 castor oil. Cespedes, who is the founder of Lash Society Miami, calls this “a cure-all for so many beauty needs,” including for moisturizing dry skin, hair, and even cuticles. “It conditions lashes and brows — my favorite,” she says of the USDA-certified organic formula. Not only is castor oil thought to help with lash growth by moisturizing the hairs, but it’s also a solid alternative for anyone who is hesitant about the potential adverse effects of prostaglandin analog-infused growth serums (just be sure to do a skin patch test first to ensure you’re not allergic).

“What’s worse, thinking you look silly in a sweatband or ending up with breakouts and irritated skin?” asks esthetician Sylvia Brownlee. “I’m choosing the sweatband every time,” she says, citing this multi-pack of stretchy headbands as her top pick. “It’s perfect for protecting your hair while working out and keeping your sweat or hair products from irritating your skin,” explains Brownlee, who is the founder of Cincinnati-based Skin by Brownlee & Co. “These are comfortable, soft, and they stay in place!”

• Available colors: 25

“You might be surprised to hear me say that pillowcases are a crucial part of your skin care routine, but it’s true,” insists Brownlee. “These pillowcases won’t dry out the skin and are great for our hair, reducing matting and breakage,” she says of this set of satin pillowcases. Melina Cespedes confirms they’re great for those with lash extensions, too, as they “prevent your lashes from getting caught or pulled while you sleep.”

• Available colors: 22

Once you’ve got your satin or silk pillowcase, Brownlee says to consider keeping a humidifier by your bed for improved skin quality, too. “Having a humidifier in your bedroom is the easiest way to keep the skin from becoming dehydrated — especially as the weather changes,” Brownlee says of the incoming cooler weather. “Remember to keep the bedroom door closed to lock the moisture in the room, and this humidifier is also an essential oil diffuser, which is a plus,” she adds.

• Available colors: 3

These compressed sponges almost look like nail files in the package, but add water, and they transform into circular, plush sponges you can use anywhere. “This is a product I can’t live without,” shares Brownlee, who uses the facial sponges in the spa and at home. “I love using the white sponges because it’s easy to tell if you missed any makeup.”

• Available colors: 3

This memory foam pillow was designed to prevent neck pain while you sleep, but Brownlee says it also makes for a great way to improve your skin. “If you deal with frequent breakouts or are into anti-aging remedies, the ergonomic design of this pillow allows us to sleep comfortably on our backs instead of on our sides or stomachs,” she says. “This reduces wrinkles and the amount of bacteria the face is exposed to.”

“When you are wanting to control flyaways or lay down your hairline, I like using OSis+ Flexwax,” says Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador. “Just take a small amount and rub between your fingertips, then place into the hair,” she explains of how she uses the styling wax. “It gives great hold with a natural shine, and the best part is, it still has some flexibility in it so your hair is not stiff, but controlled.”

“Learning how to tint your own eyebrows is a game-changer,” says Adeline Duff, a beauty editor for The Zoe Report. If you don’t know where to start (or if you’re just looking for an easier DIY solution), Duff recommends this hair color kit that comes in four different brunette shades. “This kit comes with everything you need to get the job done, including developer, dye, and a little mixing bowl.”

• Available shades: 4

“I’m not a big fan of manicures, so to keep my nails looking polished without coating them in polish, I rely on LONDONTOWN’s kur Illuminating Nail Concealer,” confesses Duff. “It coats your nails in a sheer, barely-there wash of color and gives them a bit of a healthy glow, resulting in a your-nails-but-better effect.” You can choose from five tinted shades, but all of them are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with the brand’s proprietary blend of nourishing rapeseed flower oil, cucumber extract, garlic extract, evening primrose oil, chamomile extract, and vitamin E.

• Available shades: 5

If you’re not into traditional cuticle oils, Duff has the perfect solution for preventing hangnails and strengthening nails sans grease. “Most cuticle oils and treatments tend to be a bit messy, which is why I love this old-school salve that I can apply wherever I am.” The solid formula still uses moisturizing favorites like shea butter, castor oil, and beeswax, and it’s even cruelty-free and USDA-certified organic.

“I’m obsessed with having smooth feet, and I love this rich, buttery balm that leaves me with silky-soft heels come morning,” Duff says of this fast-absorbing formula. Take a quick scan of the ingredients list, and you’ll find favorites like shea butter, coconut oil, and mango seed butter to smooth dry skin and calluses right away, while also locking in moisture for longer-lasting hydration. “Just apply a generous layer, pop on a pair of cotton socks, et voila – angel feet,” Duff adds.

Different types of breakouts call for different treatments, and this set of 14 stickers helps you heal and protect whiteheads and deeper pimples. “The ‘Killa’ patches are best used on early-stage blemishes and cystic acne, while the ‘Undercover’ patches are best reserved for run-of-the-mill whiteheads,” explains Duff, who notes that the ‘Killa’ patches use tiny microdarts that help to deliver salicylic acid and niacinamide deeper into the pores. You can wear them overnight, but because they’re completely clear, you can also pop one of these zit stickers on during the daytime.

“I use a fresh washcloth each night to deeply cleanse my face, but when I don’t have access to one (e.g., I’m camping or on an overnight flight), I love these compressed facial sponges as an alternative,” shares Duff. “They’re as flat as discs, so they don’t take up any space in my toiletry bag, but once they’re wet, they swell up in size,” she explains of how to use them. “They’re super handy, they’re nice and soft, and a 50-pack costs less than $10.”

• Available colors: 6

Multiple beauty experts we spoke with count disposable face towels as a must-have, but hair artist and Phenix Salon Suites founder Gina Rivera says these are the best towels around. “It’s not only gentle and safe on the skin, but has many functions,” she says. “It can be used to dry the face after cleansing, to remove makeup more effectively, paired with toner to gently exfoliate the skin, and to dry makeup brushes,” she shares of the 50-count set’s multiple uses. The double-sided towels have both a smooth and textured side, and they’re also biodegradable.

When you’re running short on sleep (and time), makeup artist and esthetician Erica Marie Gatt says these patches are her secret for perking up tired eyes in just five minutes. “I love that they are packaged individually so they’re easy for on-the-go use,” she says of the peptide-, cloudberry extract- and bakuchiol-infused eye patches. “Store in the refrigerator to provide a cooling and depuffing benefit,” she advises.

Another of Gatt’s quick-fix products is this contouring hydrogel mask from Plantifique, which comes in a set of five for under $20 on Amazon. “This is a great product to help lift and shape the jawline before a big event,” she says of the masks, which were designed to be worn for up to 60 minutes. “You will notice hydration and firming that helps to give the appearance of a more shaped and taut jawline,” she explains, noting that ingredients like seaweed extract and aloe vera are behind its smoothing effect.

California-based colorist Patricia Nikole turns to this Schwarzkopf Professional shampoo to keep her blonde color looking fresh and her hair healthy. “It has technology that strengthens the inner hair structure,” she says of the nourishing formula, which uses a patented bond-building technology. “Not only do I use it on my own hair, but I also recommend it to all of my salon guests,” adds Nikole, who serves as an ambassador for the brand.

When your hair is in need of a deep cleanse, Tricia Trimble, the founder and CEO of mineral-based sunscreen brand Suntegrity, swears by this detox hair mask from Innersense. “This removes the buildup of hairspray and oils and leaves my hair silky smooth,” she says of the weekly hair mask, which uses charcoal, kaolin clay, and white vinegar to remove excess oil, dirt, and product. Then, to prevent hair from drying out, it also includes ingredients like glycerin, rice bran oil, hydrolyzed quinoa, and panthenol.

“This is a quick and easy way to remove a buildup of dead skin cells and peach fuzz hair on your face,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D.. The DIY-set comes with three miniature disposable razors that were designed with a long-grip handle to make dermaplaning easier. “The end result is your skin care products and makeup application will apply better and your skin is left looking brighter and smoother,” adds Dr. Chacon.

“Ice rollers are a great skin care tool that helps reduce wrinkles and face puffiness,” Dr. Chacon says, naming this face roller duo as her personal favorite. A few minutes of moving one of these rollers across your skin in the morning can help to reduce any inflammation and swelling, while also adding a brightening effect to your skin as the cooler temperature restricts blood vessels and helps close your pores. Another bonus? They couldn’t be easier to use. Just pop one of the detachable roller heads in the freezer for 15 minutes, place it back on the handle, and massage away.

• Available options: 5

“This acne patch is a game-changer for when zits pop up at the worst times,” Dr. Chacon says of these overnight stickers that help to absorb the gunk from your pimples. If you’re someone who’s guilty of picking at breakouts, you can also wear one of these to keep your fingers off and prevent scarring (while simultaneously speeding up healing time).

As essential as a cleanser is, it can be surprisingly difficult to find a formula that thoroughly cleanses without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. “This product does not dry your skin out and is a great cleanser for both morning and nighttime routine,” assures Dr. Chacon. Made with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, the gel-to-foam cleanser works to restore your skin barrier and increase moisture as it removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup. Its lightweight formula is especially great for those with oily skin, but the gentle, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic formula can be used by any skin type.

If you’re looking for a drugstore face moisturizer that’s dermatologist-approved, try this new formula from Gold Bond. “It features skin-strengthening proteins and lipids to help visibly diminish the signs of aging with clinically proven results,” explains Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D,, a board-certified dermatologist and Gold Bond partner. “It is made with intense moisturizers and vitamins that deliver 24-hour hydration and restore the skin barrier,” she adds of the hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula.

Another staple in Paglionico’s routine is this smoothing and shine-enhancing spray from Color Wow, which also serves as a heat protectant. “I have a bob, and I love how sleek my hair looks when I use this spray,” she says of the beauty award-winning treatment. Lightweight and suitable for all hair types, the product was designed to be used after you shampoo and condition by misting the formula through towel-dried hair and using a brush and blow dryer to activate the smoothing technology. “The best part is it lasts up to three shampoos, so you don’t have to spray it on your hair every time you blow-dry,” adds Paglionico.

“When my clients ask how they can prevent their hair from getting damp or frizzy when they shower, I always recommend they use a microfiber towel instead of a shower cap,” Paglionico says of this hair wrap that can also be used to dry your hair post-shower. “The tiny fibers in this towel help create a barrier and repel water. Even if it gets a little wet, it will dry quickly, preventing your hair from getting wet or frizzy.”

• Available colors: 3

Sometimes you want a product that’s both practical and fun, which is where this crystal-infused texturizing spray comes in. “If you’re into crystals like I am, you’ll love this,” confirms Paglionico, who recommends this volume-boosting (and mood-boosting) styling spray. “It’s made with responsibly sourced crystals like mica, which leaves your hair super-shiny.” You’ll also find clear quartz in the formula, which is thought to clear negative energy, and ingredients like zeolite that add lift to fine and flat hair. “Unlike other texture sprays, this one’s lightweight and not gritty, so you can still run your fingers through your hair — and it still has great hold.”

The getting-ready process has been hotly debated on social media, with some in favor of doing their makeup before their hair and others after. No matter which side of the prep process you side with, we can all agree that being able to keep your hair out of your face while you get ready without wrecking your hair is a must. That’s exactly what these colorful clips were designed to do. “They keep hair out of your face without creating a crease,” confirms Voodoo Makeup founder Aimee Carr, who calls the clips “an absolute need” when applying makeup.

• Available colors: 7

When you want to color your brows at home without wasting product (and money) on a full hair coloring kit, celebrity barber Mark Marrero has found the perfect solution: beard dye. “With years of experience in the grooming industry, I’ve found that Rewind It 10 is not just for beards, it’s also a fantastic solution for dyeing eyebrows,” Marrero shares. “Its precision and long-lasting formula make it a go-to for clients who want to subtly enhance their brows,” he adds of the ammonia-free formula that includes nourishing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and aloe vera.

• Available shades: 4

“For an effortless wave or loose curls at home, I recommend using a heatless curling rod like the Kav Silk Heatless Curling Rod set,” shares Valery Joseph, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Valery Joseph salons. The four-piece set comes with everything you need (a plush silk rod to wrap your hair around, two silk scrunchies to secure the ends, and a hair clip), and it doesn’t require any heat styling tools. “It’s gentle on the hair, making it perfect for overnight styling,” adds Joseph of its ability to be worn while you sleep for effortless waves come morning.

• Available colors: 2

These drugstore hair ties have more than 90,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, but they’re also Joseph’s go-to for his own hair. “Often when I’m working, I like to pull my hair back into my everyday man bun,” he says. “But whether it’s for men or women, I always look for damage-free hair ties to hold hair back all day without tugging or snagging strands.” These metal-free elastics do exactly that, giving a more secure hold than a silk hair tie at an unbeatable price of 27 elastics for $5.

• Available options: 27

Whether you’re looking for a quick fix to smooth split ends or a more nourishing treatment that can help moisturize a dry scalp and even encourage hair growth, this hair oil can help you out, according to celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon, Jennifer Korab. “Infused with rosemary, peppermint, and biotin, the oil boosts circulation and reduces breakage,” she says, adding, “It helps promote hair growth, strengthens strands, and enhances scalp health.”

Korab calls this brightly-colored tool one of her “top choices for scalp scrubbers.” Not only does it give you a salon-quality scalp massage at home, but it also serves quite a few practical purposes, too. “It has soft silicone bristles that gently exfoliate the scalp, removing buildup and boosting circulation to support healthier hair growth,” Korab explains. “Heeta’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, and it’s effective for all hair types, including thick and curly hair.”

• Available colors: 23

“I start almost every blowout with this serum,” Townsend reveals. “I add a few drops to damp hair to protect the hair from heat damage, but it also smooths frizz and leaves you with a beautiful blowout,” he adds of the flaxseed oil- and sunflower seed oil-infused formula. “I also love to add this to damp hair and let it air dry,” he shares, noting that the serum works to protect against unwanted frizz.

It turns out, spoolie brushes aren’t just for your lashes and brows. “Every day when I come home from work, I pull a few of these out of my pockets because I always have them on me for hair touch-ups,” says Townsend. “I spray hairspray on these small brushes before snatching up those pesky hairs around the ears and nape of the neck or hairline when doing a tight ponytail or updo. They are also easy to clean, so you can use them forever,” he adds for anyone interested in taking a more sustainable approach.

• Available colors: 10

I have fine hair that gets greasy fast, which means I rely on dry shampoo whenever I want to be able to go a day without washing my hair. The problem is, dry shampoo also tends to irritate my scalp in the form of itching and breakouts. This shampoo is the only one I’ve found that calms my scalp (probably due to ingredients like niacinamide and centella asiatica leaf extract), and it also contains salicylic acid to leave my hair grease-free for a solid 24 hours (which sounds sad, but this is no small feat for me).

Even after properly soaking off my gel manicures, my nails are left pretty dry. But this cuticle oil is my go-to for restoring moisture, repairing any damage, and preventing breakage. It has a tiny rollerball tip that disperses the oil, which is packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, and argan oil. Plus, it has a light rose scent, which comes from rose extract, as opposed to synthetic fragrance.

Yes, you probably already have a dry shampoo or two in your product rotation, but celebrity hairstylist (and Dove partner) Lacy Redway says this drugstore dry shampoo is one of her longtime go-to formulas. “It’s under $10, and it allows you to skip a wash day without sacrificing your best hair day,” she shares of the volumizing formula. “A few sprays of this at your roots takes your hair from lifeless and greasy to bouncy and refreshed.”

Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon stores her face masks in this mini refrigerator for a post-workout pick-me-up. “Beauty refrigerators — or just a regular refrigerator — can be helpful for when you want that extra cooling effect for skin. Overheated skin can lead to more oil production and irritation, so whenever skin is feeling heated, applying a product that can cool skin down helps keep skin balanced and at its best,” she explains.

• Available colors: 6

“I absolutely love the CV Skin Labs balm as a multi-purpose balm to heal cracked and dry skin,” shares Melissa Lenberg, the founder of Arizona-based Citrine Natural Beauty Bar. The petrolatum-free balm pairs moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, castor seed oil, and shea butter with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric root extract, bisabolol, and reishi mushroom to help with wound healing. “It also works well under makeup,” Lenberg adds of its endless uses.

“When hair is wet or damp, it becomes more susceptible to breakage – especially while detangling,” says Gerard Caruso, a colorist and founder of Salon G. “This is where the milk spray mask truly excels,” adds Caruso, who — full disclosure — serves as the creative director of education for milk_shake. “Its unique formula strengthens and protects your strands, ensuring they remain resilient and manageable even during the most vulnerable times.” A combination of murumuru seed butter, fruit extracts, and hydrolyzed milk protein are behind the leave-in formula’s multi-tasking benefits, which include everything from detangling and frizz control to protecting against heat damage.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby, M.D., names this liquid concealer as her go-to for covering up blemishes. “Not only does it seamlessly cover spots, but it also has salicylic acid, which dives deep into the pores to clear out oil and prevent breakouts,” explains Dr. Libby, who has teamed up with the brand. “Plus, the new formula has prebiotics that support a healthy skin barrier for a well-balanced complexion and soothing aloe vera to moisturize skin and calm signs of irritation.”

• Available shades: 6