These Are the Best Under $35 Products of 2024, According to Byrdie Editors and Experts

What do a water-dissolving facial cleanser, a social media–beloved hairbrush, and a best-selling classic eyeliner have in common? They’ve all earned spots on our vanities this year—and come in under $35. What can we say: We love a beauty product that gets the job done and leaves room in the budget for another iced coffee. Keep scrolling for the full list of our favorite under-$35 beauty products for 2024.

Best Hydrating Skincare Product: Futurewise Slug Cream

“Yes, this cream is impressive for the price, but it’s also just impressive—period. The brand describes it as a ‘big hug for your skin barrier,’ and that really is the best description. It’s so hydrating but sinks right in, only leaving a pretty dew—not grease—behind. The formula is full of peptides and a vegan triple-lipid complex to deeply moisturize, plump, and strengthen skin. The results? Hydrated, bouncy, and happy skin.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Innovative Skincare Product: Olay Cleansing Melts

“In the crowded beauty industry, innovations that prioritize user experience are hard to come by. So when Olay released its Cleansing Melts, my interest was piqued and subsequently rewarded. If you’re like me and lead an active lifestyle that often involves hopping from work to a train, the gym, and back to train, you need these. These Cleansing Melts are mess-free, activated with only a dash of water for an on-the-go refresh. Plus, they come infused with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid to help you hydrate, brighten, and smooth your skin.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor

Best Cleanser for Breakouts: Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

“My skin is prone to clogged pores that usually come in the form of tiny whiteheads, so I love an exfoliating cleanser that can keep this to a minimum. This one from Paula’s Choice includes 0.5% salicylic acid, which is gentle enough for everyday use but keeps my complexion clear of excess sebum and debris. I’ve found it to be effective at removing makeup and SPF, friendly to sensitivity, and also non-drying, thanks to the inclusion of hydrating, conditioning pro-vitamin B5.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best Curl-Enhancing Product: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

“If you’re looking for long-lasting definition, moisturized hair, and curls that pop, meet your new favorite product. Since transitioning from heavy creams and butters to foams, my hair has never looked better. I love that I don’t have to restyle my hair midweek thanks to the non-crunchy hold this product provides.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best for Heat Protection: Nexxus Repair & Nourish Ultra Lightweight Hair Oil

“I’m selective when it comes to hair oils, as many tend to weigh my hair down. However, Nexxus’s Repair & Nourish Hair Oil has won me over. The formula is incredibly lightweight, moisturizing (thanks to Rose of Jericho oil), and shine-boosting. But that’s not all. This high-performance hair oil also offers heat protection up to 450 degrees, 72 hours of humidity shielding, and 48 hours of frizz control. I feel at ease knowing my hair is protected from heat and daily aggressors whenever I use this product.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best for Tired Eyes: Talika Reusable Eye Therapy Patches Solo

“You’ve probably seen these under-eye patches on your timeline or feed and for good reason. The unique formula that includes ceramides, shea butter, and oils moisturizes, soothes, and plumps the under-eye area to help you look like you actually get enough sleep at night. Bonus: The patches are reusable up to three times.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Anti-Aging Product: Cerave Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

“This approachable retinol combines encapsulated retinol with hydrating and soothing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to create a gentle formula to address fine lines and wrinkles at an approachable price. You only need a pea-sized amount for results. Start twice a week and increase frequency as tolerated and desired.” — Dr. Elyse Love, MD, board-certified dermatologist

Best Exfoliating Product: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

“As someone who is acne-prone, I use chemical and physical exfoliants to clear my skin. I love SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub because it physically exfoliates, giving my skin a deep-clean feeling without being too harsh. It’s formulated with hydrated silica, a natural mineral, that gently sloughs away dead skin cells, and glycerin that leaves my skin feeling hydrated. I use this scrub on my face multiple times a week and I’ve found it works to exfoliate my body as well. It’s gentle enough that it’s safe for all skin types and it’s paraben-, sulfate-, and fragrance-free!” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Skincare Set: Kate Somerville On the Glow Kit

“I’m a chronic overpacker, but with this kit, at least my makeup bag can be streamlined. The set contains a tube of Kate Somerville’s cult-classic ExfoliKate treatment, aka an exfoliating ‘facial in a jar.’ In addition to the glow-boosting treatment are two daily essentials: the gently exfoliating ExfoliKate Cleanser and the radiance-boosting ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer. All you need is sunscreen, and you’re good to glow.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best for a Warm Glow: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops

“I love for my skin to look incredibly dewy and radiant at all times, and the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops help me achieve just that. The multiuse serum has become a staple in my daily beauty routine. I like to use it on no-makeup days to make my bare skin look naturally bronzed and glowy. However, it also works great under makeup to enhance the radiance of your look. I also love that my skin feels incredibly nourished and hydrated after using this product—thanks to ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best Hairbrush: FHI Heat Unbrush Detangling Hair Brush

“The Unbrush is viral for a reason—it works! I admit I was skeptical at first, but this hair brush detangles my hair incredibly easily and without any ripping or tearing. I didn’t realize how time-consuming detangling was, and now I detangle my hair in a fraction of the time. It literally smoothes out my hair in one brush stroke. Afterward, my curls are more separated and defined, and I have less hair fallout on washdays.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Skincare–Makeup Hybrid: Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Foundation

“I’m one to wear some amount of makeup no matter what’s on the agenda, but for the everyday, I prefer a lightweight complexion product—and if it includes a bit of skincare, even better. This essence–foundation hybrid from Covergirl has changed the game with an innovative, skin-friendly formula at a drugstore price point, using 0.5% bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) to promote a refreshed appearance while blend-activated pigmented capsules provide even, skin-like coverage. Don’t let the seemingly small shade range fool you: Given the lightweight, water-first formula, each shade is flexible enough to fit a range of adjacent skin tones, leaving you with a hydrated, natural-looking finish.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best for Blurring: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Concealer

“Of all the beauty products, concealer might just have the toughest job. It needs to impart enough pigment to cover up dark spots, blemishes, or both, but do so without looking heavy or cakey. Lancome struck that tricky balance with the Care and Glow Hydrating Serum Concealer, which counts hydration powerhouse hyaluronic acid and barrier-boosting ceramides and peptides among its ingredients. The resulting formula blurs imperfections in a natural, subtly radiant way.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Lip Product: Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Mask

“My nighttime skincare routine isn’t complete without swiping on a lip mask. Naturium’s Phyto-Glow Lip Mask is my formula of choice. The ingredient list includes a thoughtful blend of shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. As soon as you apply it, you can tell that this thick lip mask will deliver intense hydration and soften your lips—something I appreciate because I have perpetually dry lips.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best for Eye Definition: MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but ‘messy girl’ beauty—the Gen Z take on ‘indie sleaze’—is having a major moment. As someone who participated in that latter trend way back in the aughts, trust me when I say that the key to perfecting the look is a great eyeliner pencil. MAC’s Eye Kohl Eyeliner is soft and blendable enough to get that perfect lived-in smoky eye but precise enough for the days when you want your eyeliner to live squarely in 2024.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best for Body Breakouts: Dove Acne Clear Body Wash

“I know people who spend so much time thinking about what skincare they put on their faces but don’t think twice about what they put on their bodies. To which I say: big mistake! Using active ingredients can totally change the game when it comes to creating a smooth, even complexion all over. Dove’s Acne Clear Body Wash is an excellent example: The formula includes salicylic acid, the derm-loved ingredient famed for its acne-fighting capabilities. So, along with smelling amazing, you’ll leave your shower one step closer to a clearer back, chest, or wherever else you’re battling bumps. Win-win.” — Eden Stuart, editor