Beauty Experts Say These Are The 50 Weirdest, Most Clever Things On Amazon Under $35

Are you in between hair color treatments and struggling with mismatched roots? Rachel Lee Lozina, Founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, New York says, “This Magic Root concealer fixes the pesky gray roots that never fail to pop up when you need to look your freshest. It’s absolutely crucial to have a bottle handy at all times.” Plus, it’s ammonia and peroxide free — and it won’t damage your hair or smudge.

Lozina also recommends this lip tint for a pop of color that isn’t too drying. She says, “These lip tints [...] really pack a punch and last all day. The precision applicator leaves a velvet stain that doesn’t dry out your delicate lips.” The unique formula gives the curves of your lips a silky, soft finish. “You can’t go wrong with this K-beauty purchase, it’s one of my faves,” she adds.

• Available shades: 38

Speaking of non-drying beauty products, Lozina also recommends the Illuminate Me shimmering body oil. She says, “The shimmer in this formulation is subtle, but the hydration is epic and it smells really good with a light cocoa butter scent.” Glowy skin plus amazing hydration? Sign us up. The sheer oil is infused with ethically sourced mica, and it’s earned a stellar 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon.

When it comes to applying makeup, having reliable brushes is a must. Lozina recommends this kabuki brush by wet ‘n wild, saying that it’s “fantastic for blending foundation or applying creamy bronzers and cream blushes.” And since it’s cheaper than your favorite latte, she adds, “At this price point, I keep several on hand at all times.” These brushes are vegan and made with dense, synthetic bristles that are soft on skin.

Multitasking sticks are trending right now in the makeup world, and these monochromatic multi sticks are no exception. Suitable for nearly all parts of your face, these cream-to-powder sticks are available in seven shades and are virtually mistake-proof. Lozina says, “This multiuse stick is great for on-the-go touch ups because it can be used on your lips, cheeks, and as eye shadow. It’s non-greasy and lightweight for easy application and buildable color.”

• Available shades: 7

Another go-to for Lozina is this 100% authentic rose quartz roller. She calls it a “great facial massage tool,” and points out that it can relieve tension, increase blood circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage, and contour the jawline and cheeks. Keep it in the freezer for a cooling effect that’ll reduce swelling, too.

“Gone are the days of leaving a dollop of pimple cream on your face and hoping it doesn’t rub off in your sleep,” says Lozina. Instead, she recommends these Mighty Patches instead. She says that they’re filled with “powerhouse ingredients such as hydrocolloid, which is a gummy-like gel that heals wounds.” She explains that they’ll flatten zits by morning, “so you can wake up with a flawless, pimple-free face.” Each pack contains 36 patches ready to tackle all your unwanted visitors.

Clyde Haygood celebrity hairstylist, is a fan of this scalp serum that features an invigorating blend of 16 active ingredients like niacin, biotin and argan oil. He says, “This [...] scalp serum delivers stronger, thicker, healthier hair starting straight from the scalp. It’s my recommendation to any client with weak or thin hair that tends to break easily. It comes with the perfect applicator to deliver the product straight to the scalp and roots.” Packed with antioxidants, the serum is hypoallergenic and cruelty free.

From the same brand as his recommended scalp serum, Haygood says, “This shampoo really gets to the root of scalp irritation and is my number-one recommendation for any client with an itchy, dry, or flaky scalp.” He notes that moisturizing ingredients like argan oil and calming ingredients like tea tree and peppermint work to nourish hair. “It also improves hair texture by reducing frizz and static,” he adds. The shampoo is available on its own or in a set with its conditioner counterpart. The best part? It smells as good as it works.

Catherine Bennett, founder of Catherine Bennett Beauty, calls this microdermabrasion cream “a fab holy grail exfoliant that will leave your skin buttery soft and smooth.” It can be used in the shower or standing at the sink and “is basically a microdermabrasion treatment in a bottle — leaves skin silky smooth.” The cream may also help increase collagen production while helping to even out skin texture.

Christina Uzzardi, esthetician and owner of Los Angeles spa Cheeks + Co, has a unique tip for better brows: castor oil. “Brush your eyebrows with castor oil every evening. While it's not scientifically proven to stimulate growth, I've been doing this nightly for years and my brows have never looked better.” To take her word for it and use this certified-organic castor oil nightly. It boasts a 4.5-star overall rating after 100,000 reviews and comes with a spoolie for your brows and a precision tip for your lashes.

Uzzardi says, “We spend a majority of our life sleeping, and the friction your face endures over time starts to add up. Give your face a break and let it rest on a soft, smooth surface.” This set of satin pillowcases is a great option that’s racked up 3000,000 reviews and a 4.5-star overall rating. Available in an impressive 35 colors and all standard pillow sizes, they’re silky soft and protect your delicate facial skin and hair from the hazards of overnight friction.

• Available colors: 35

Soyoki Abo is an esthetician and the founder of Abosoyoki spa in New York. She says, “Just like pillowcases, reusing the same unwashed towel can cause breakouts and irritation, as reusing a dirty towel exposes your skin to oil, makeup, sweat, and acne-causing bacteria.” She recommends using these disposable towels by Clean Skin Club instead. You’ll get a fresh, clean towel every time you wash, and since they’re softer than standard terry towels, they won’t cause irritation. Made from biobased materials, they’re dermatologist approved.

Abo is also a fan of the Twilight sheet mask by celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas. She says it’s a “great, nutrient-rich mask that is formulated with plant-based ingredients for normal, dry, and combination skin. It delivers epidermal growth factors to promote optimal vibrance and skin resilience.” The masks are available in singles or double packs and only takes about 15 to 20 minutes of wear for quick, impressive results. Abo adds, “I love it because you can also bring it with you when you travel.”

Abo calls these self-heating steam eye masks one of her favorites whenever she needs to relax. She says the warm therapy they deliver is great for puffiness, headaches, and stress. “I usually bring it with me on flights. You can also use it after work and extensive screen time as it will release tension and make you feel relaxed and peaceful.” Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, the eye masks nourish overworked eyes in just 20 minutes for a revived and relaxed appearance that feels oh-so-good, too.

Abo believes that bathing with salts is an excellent form of self care because “it soothes your aching muscles and calms your body and mind.” She recommends Dr. Teal’s Himalayan mineral soak saying, “This is part of my own daily routine, especially after my workout. It helps to recover my muscles faster and minimize my muscle pain.” The dermatologist-tested blend is also scented with bergamot and sweet orange for a full sensory experience.

Yana Zhakhouskaya, owner of cosmetiqua.com and founder of fragrance discovery service perfumestry.com, recommends using a scalp massager like this one for relaxation and to stimulate hair growth. She says, “Imagine leaning back, closing your eyes and forgetting the world while the fingers of your hairstylist give you a deep and relaxing scalp massage. With this little helper, you’ll get as close to this experience as possible without actually visiting a luxury hair salon.” She also notes that scalp massage “increases blood circulation and helps supply the hair follicles with more nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.” This ergonomically designed scalp massager is available in 11 fun colors and uses gentle silicone spikes to move through the hair without pulling and tugging.

Zhakhouskaya says, “If you care for your hair, give it the luxury of a silk scrunchie. Not only does it look effortlessly chic in any situation, it also guards and protects the hair against damage.” This three-pack of silk scrunchies is made of 100% pure mulberry silk to keep your hair healthy and smooth without tugging at strands, causing frizz, or sapping moisture like cotton does. They’re available in 35 different color combos.

• Available colors: 35

Zhakhouskaya also recommends this moisturizing cleansing gel that’s made with fermented black rice. She says, “This Korean gel is formulated to gently clean while leaving the skin barrier intact. It’s unscented, slightly acidic, and suitable even for very sensitive skin.” It generates a soft, fine foam that’s easy on the skin, and uses coconut instead of soap to whisk away makeup and impurities. “Plus,” Zhakhouskaya adds, “it looks expensive and fancy, but is very budget-friendly.”

New York City dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., recommends using La Roche-Posay’s redness-reducing cream to balance out uneven pigmentation. She says, “It contains color-correcting green pigment that can quickly improve the appearance of visible facial redness, making it especially good for those with rosacea or redness-prone skin.” She adds that it’s good for those “who don’t necessarily want to wear makeup, but want to reduce the look of redness.” In other words, it’s ideal under foundation or worn solo. The formula also soothes and hydrates skin with the help of thermal water.

Dr. Garshick also recommends this mineral sunscreen because it “contains zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage while also protecting against blue light and pollution.” (Yep — it shields you from the light coming off your computer screen.) She’s also a fan of the fact that it hydrates and plumps skin, all without leaving a white cast on your face. With a sun protection factor of 30, the hydrating sunblock is gentle and dermatologically tested, while being organic, cruelty-free, and fair-trade.

LJ Vernon, New York City makeup artist at Abracadabra, calls the SOS Daily Rescue facial spray a “holy grail product.” “It’s a facial spray that calms irritated skin like literally nobody’s business. The featured ingredient is hypochlorous acid, which has antibacterial properties that soothe and treat inflammation and redness from acne, rashes, eczema, and sunburn.” The vegan and cruelty-free formula can be used after washing your face in place of toner, either in the morning or evening. Use it to soothe already-irritated skin or to fend off future flare-ups.

Vernon calls this glycerin cream “your new secret weapon against winter dryness: a thick, glycerin-based formula with a bouncy texture that absorbs readily into chapped skin and creates a non-sticky moisture barrier to protect against dryness and flakiness all day long.” It comes in a compact tin for easy application, and can be used to target dry spots like the elbows, heels, and feet to create a barrier of hydration. It’s a fan favorite on Amazon, having earned a 4.7-star overall rating after 1,300 reviews.

“Irritation, dryness, dandruff, thinning… no matter what your biggest hair concern is,” Vernon says, “the answer is likely in this bottle.” Formulated with natural ingredients including coconut oil, mint, and blueberry seed oil, this scalp treatment is a no-rinse formula — just massage it in before styling. “But the best part,” Vernon says, “is the tingly, minty sensation — it lasts about two hours after application and feels like a mini spa day just for your head.”

This serum helps to strengthen the skin barrier and is formulated to calm, protect, and hydrate — and it’s even gentle on super sensitive skin. Marie Tanner, esthetician at London & Surrey Aesthetics says, “This is a massive help with skin barrier issues and also contains ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol. Even people with acne and sensitive skin types can usually use this without an issue.” Also infused with the centella asiatica herb, the formula is unscented, lightweight, and goes on like a smooth gel.

Tanner is also a fan of this re-barrier cream, saying it “gives the skin a glass-like finish and great glow, without greasiness.” Formulated for all skin types, it includes all-star ingredients like centella, panthenol, squalane, and niacinamide. When used daily, the cream will help deliver softer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin.

Kerry Spindler, owner of Bespoke Aesthetic Spa in Winthrop, Massachusetts, recommends using this healing clay as a purifying facial treatment. She says, “This natural calcium bentonite clay mask is known for its deep pore-cleansing abilities.” Apply like a mask and leave on five to 10 minutes if you have sensitive skin, or a bit longer for regular skin. After using, a hint of redness can be expected, but should fade quickly.

Spindler also recommends using this witch hazel toner by Thayer’s since it’s a “gentle, alcohol-free toner with the soothing properties of rose petals and the astringent benefits of witch hazel.” Boasting a 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon, it’s made with certified-organic witch hazel harvested exclusively for the brand and works to improve skin texture. Just one use yields a more even skin tone and added hydration.

• Available varieties: 6

Instead of using harsh makeup remover wipes that can pull and tug, Spindler recommends this micellar water that’s “effective at removing makeup and is suitable for sensitive skin.” It offers a more gentle and effective solution as it removes 99% of makeup and other impurities while soothing your skin at the same time. It’s a no-rinse formula, making use a breeze.

Proper care and maintenance of your makeup brushes is essential in keeping your skin healthy and achieving your desired looks. Spindler recommends “a gentle, environmentally friendly brush shampoo that helps to keep makeup brushes clean and conditioned,” like this makeup brush cleaning shampoo by EcoTools. The shampoo removes excess makeup, dirt, and oil while restoring your brushes to great condition. Just run them under warm water, use the cleanser, and lay flat to dry.

For softer, more supple lips, Spindler recommends using “an overnight lip treatment that soothes and moisturizes,” like this Lip Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE. Available in seven different scents, this leave-on lip mask is packed with antioxidants like berry fruit complex and shea butter that deliver hydration while you sleep. Meanwhile, vitamin C helps protect your lips from the elements and other environmental stressors.

• Available options: 7

Dr. Leah Ansell, dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates in Rye, New York, recommends using the Womaness Let’s Neck serum to hydrate and smooth your neck. She says, “This incredible product has over 1,500 reviews on Amazon,” she says, and it’s true. Intended for your neck and decolletage, it’s formulated with micro-algae extract and antioxidant-rich emblica to create a thin, tightening film over skin. Just apply the roller ball on your skin with an upward motion until it’s absorbed.

Marisa Garcia, owner of Lux Skin Studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, adores this strawberry lip scrub by Brooklyn Botany. She says, “Especially if someone wears lipstick regularly, this will help the lips stay smooth and your lipstick from showing texture.” Nourishing and moisturizing, the formula makes use of powerhouse ingredients like cocoa seed butter and shea butter. The scrub is available in four different varieties and is paraben, preservative and cruelty free, too.

• Available varieties: 4

Garcia says that this Whoah Glow SPF-30 sunscreen is one of her favorite dupes for a more high-end option: “The Whoa Glow from e.l.f. will give you the dewiest skin. [...] I have used similar products that were four to five times more expensive and always come back to this little gem of a product.” The sunscreen is a multitasker, priming skin and adding a subtle, sun-kissed shimmer. “It is more glow than tint, but if you are looking for a no-makeup makeup look, this is a must,” she adds.

• Available shades: 3

Joshua Ross, celebrity esthetician at SkinLab in Manhattan Beach, California, says that the Seaweed Bath Co. Melt-InWater lotion “isn’t your typical lotion.” It’s infused with nourishing sea grape and beta-glucan for quick absorption and weightless hydration. But it gets better: “It’s a concentrated formula that instantly absorbs into your skin so you don’t have to wait for it to dry before getting dressed,” Ross explains. It’s available in three different scents, including refreshing sea salt bergamot and tropical-inspired coconut water.

• Available scents: 3

Olga Markuse, professional wedding hairstylist and educator at The Right Hairstyles, says, “This Y.S Park teasing comb is a game changer when it comes to creating volume. It’s honestly the best tool for backcombing I have ever tried.” The comb features a three rows of teeth that are ideal for teasing and creating volume. Its thin tail makes sectioning a breeze, too. “It’s also easy to use, sturdy, and so pleasant to hold, which is always a plus,” Markuse adds.

Markuse says, “If you are not done with the ‘90s trend yet, you’ll love this bun shaper from Kitsch.” The shaping tool can be used on dry or damp hair and easily rolls into a chic bun or French twist, adding extra volume for all-day comfort and hold. And, if you don’t want an updo, you can roll it up before bed, and wake up with gorgeous waves as an alternative.

• Available sizes: 2

Love the look of heat-free curls but hate how long it takes to dry? Then give this hair dryer bonnet a try. Markuse says, “If you are stepping into your heatless curls stage, but the lengthy drying time puts you off, try a hood hair dryer attachment. Yes, it is heat, but it won’t cause nearly as much damage as tongs, even when used regularly.” Choose from three different colors of bonnets and just hook it up to your hair dryer, wrap it around, and let the low heat help set your curls in record time.

For an easier way to achieve a fresh, bouncy blowout, give this blow dryer brush a try. Markuse says, “I think hot air brushes are widely underrated. For many people, holding a hair dryer in one hand, and a round brush in the other feels like yoga — especially if you have long and thick hair. A wide-barrel hot air brush is way easier to use to make that nice and bouncy blowout.” This blow dryer brush uses ceramic technology that’s less damaging on hair, while negative ions help to lock in moisture and shine while reducing frizz and static.

Markuse is also a big fan of this volumizing spray powder to add extra body to your hairstyles. She says, “This volumizing powder is a blast! Spray it into your roots before back combing and you will be totally flabbergasted by how much more volume you can achieve.” The paraben- and sulfate-free spray adds thickness and light control, all without leaving behind stiffness or stickiness.

This gloss shampoo and hair conditioner is approved by Raven Hurtado, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She says they “contain natural, marine-derived ingredients like harvested seaweed (yes, seaweed for your hair!) to remove debris and residue and provide moisture and shine.” But that’s not all. Hurtado points out “other cool ingredients” like “lactic acid to exfoliate dull hair and hydrolyzed quinoa to help retain moisture.” So while you may never have considered washing your hair with seaweed, now might be the time to get in touch with your inner mermaid.

This eyelash tape is designed to be used for applying lash extensions, but celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher says it actually works great for creating winged eyeliner looks, calling it an “instant face snatcher.” She explains: “You place the tape following the line of your lower lash line, angling it towards your eyebrows. Apply your eye shadow and blend out, apply liner, remove tape, and you have the most perfect, crisp liner [and] shadow!” The tape is made from breathable material that’s friendly to skin and comes in a budget-friendly six-pack.

“Forget using expensive sponges, these are super cheap and work even better,” says Dresher. According to her, the wallet-friendly makeup sponges “blend out foundation and concealer like a dream,” and reviewers seem to agree — the six-pack has earned a stellar 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon. They offer healthy skin benefits too; as Dresher points out, “The price tag makes switching them out often possible, leading to cleaner makeup tools and less breakouts.” The sponges are latex free and can be used wet or dry.

The key to nailing your makeup look is being able to actually see what you’re doing — and that’s no easy feat when you’re traveling. Dresher says, “Crappy hotel light is no match for this travel mirror. I love packing this on my carry-on for travel, it packs up flat and doesn’t take up much space and allows for makeup application in the actual room rather than being a bathroom hog.” The rechargeable mirror is smaller than an iPad mini and has three temperature settings: warm, cool, and natural. You can also dim or brighten with just the touch or your hand.

Hope Russo, hair studio owner in Spanish Fort, Alabama recommends the Olivia Garden Speed XL Pro brush if you’re looking to upgrade your home blowouts. “The longer barrel holds more and gets your hair dry faster, while the total length of the brush helps you shape hard-to-reach areas like the back of your head.” To boot, the ceramic barrel retains heat to help set your style, while the ionic technology infuses your strands with shine. Uniquely, it has a retractable pick in the handle, so you can create parts with ease.

• Available sizes: 5

Valerie Aparovich, certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin, is a fan of these carbonated charcoal masks, explaining that the bubbling action “helps boost circulation in the epidermis, strengthening the deep-cleansing and detoxifying effects of charcoal.” The result? “A more radiant and glowing complexion.” The masks also features other great ingredients like sugar cane and papaya extract to exfoliate skin and hyaluronic acid to restore hydration.

Aparovich is a fan of zinc, especially when it comes to oily and acne-prone skin. She recommends this zinc-infused skin mist, explaining that it “acts on the symptoms and causes of blemishes, providing soothing, purifying, and mattifying effects on the skin...” She notes that it’ll also help reduce redness and irritation, balance oil production, and strengthen the skin’s response against bacteria. Made with 100% natural ingredients, the French-formulated mist can be used after cleansing, to set makeup, or any time of day to refresh skin.

Aparovich is a fan of these charcoal-infused blotting sheets, saying they “do a great job absorbing excess sebum from the skin’s surface, eliminating unhealthy shininess, and providing a lasting mattifying effect without messing up your makeup.” The blotting sheets come in a pack of 100 and on top of removing excess oil, they gently exfoliate the skin, too, all with the softness of linen.

Anna Peterson, owner of Salon Route in Flushing Queens, recommends this rose spray by Grace & Stella. “This refreshing mist is a multitasker, perfect for setting makeup, refreshing the skin, and providing a quick hydration boost. It's like a spa experience in a bottle, instantly reviving the skin and mood with just a spritz,” she says. The formula includes Damask rose flower water to tone skin, aloe vera to soothe redness, and glycerin to add moisture. Use the rose spray while prepping skin for makeup or whenever your face needs a quick freshening up.

Nicolas Malabett Pineda, hairstylist at Revolve Hair in New York, has a secret for preserving a salon-fresh style: “After a blowout, put your hair up in flexible satin rod rollers before you go to sleep — if you do it every night, it can help your style last a full week.” This satin curling rod by Kitsch does exactly that, and comes with satin scrunches to keep your hair secure all night long. Choose from 13 different colors to suit your aesthetic.

• Available colors: 13