45 Cheap, 2-Minute Tricks That Make You Look Hot As Hell

Add some oomph to your lips with this plumping lip gloss that gives you a fuller-looking pout — without any stinging or burning. "I learned about this lip gloss from makeup artist Nam Vo, and it's safe to say it's one of the best lip glosses I've ever used," says Bustle beauty editor Adeline Duff. "One swipe makes my lips look positively juicy, and the Cherry Vanilla color is so flattering."

• Available shades: 14

In the market for a heatless curling set? You might as well invest in this one that comes with a curling rod, scrunchies, a detangling brush, a claw clip, and a wide-tooth comb to brush out curls. It takes just a couple minutes before you go to bed to wrap your hair around the satin curling rod, and then you’ll wake up to the perfect, voluminous waves without any heat damage. “I tried it for the first time last week, and I’m obsessed,” says Duff. “I didn’t think it would work on my thick, frizz-prone hair — but it did! Safe to say I’m sold.”

"I'll never stop singing the praises of tanning drops — they last forever since you only need to mix a few drops in with your moisturizer, and they're the most foolproof way to give your skin a healthy glow," says Duff. These tanning drops from L'Oreal are packed with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, they give you a totally customizable glow depending on how many drops you use, and they cost less than $20.

A touch of shimmer on the high points of your face will have you looking better in a subtle, hardly noticeable way — like with this easy-to-apply, long-lasting cream eyeshadow stick. "A gentle dab of this champagne-colored eyeshadow in the corner of my eyes is an instant way to fake eight hours of sleep," says Duff, who also uses it on her cheekbones and brow bones. The product is less than $20, and it's racked up tens of thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon.

• Available shades: 48

This 100% cold-pressed rosehip oil from The Ordinary will run you no more than $20, and its applications are pretty much endless. Use it to lock in moisture as the last step in your nighttime routine, as an oil cleanser, or to give your gua sha tool good slip. Or, says Duff, "When you want a sweaty-in-a-sexy way kind of glow, you don't need to mess around with any shimmery highlighters. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite face oil with your morning moisturizer, et voila — the effect is much more natural, but every bit as dewy and gorgeous."

This under-eye brightener isn't your typical concealer — it's a hybrid between skin care and makeup, as it hydrates with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, counteracts signs of fatigue with its tint, and adds a subtle shimmer with mica. "I'm not the biggest fan of under-eye concealer, but this new generation of under-eye brighteners is much more up my alley," says Duff. "Whether you wear them solo or underneath concealer, they'll instantly help you hack your way to less tired-looking skin."

Does your lipstick tend to fade by lunchtime? Consider switching to this peel-off lip stain that, according to Duff, “really does last all day long.” It only takes about 30 seconds to apply, and then you only need to let it sit for a further 30 seconds (or less, depending on the intensity you’re going for) before peeling it off to reveal a vibrant color, which can be anything from light pink to deep red, given that it comes in 16 different shades.

• Available shades: 16

Shiny skin (in the wrong places, that is) can seriously mess with your makeup — and that’s where blotting powder comes in. So next time you look in the mirror and see that your T-zone is looking extra oily, simply dab on some of this mattifying powder; the result will be decidedly velvety. “I love this new launch from LANEIGE, one of my favorite Korean beauty brands,” says Duff. “Not only is the powder great for soaking up excess oil, but it also helps blur the appearance of pores.”

Powered by lanolin and beeswax, this ultra-nourishing lip balm is intensely hydrating to even the driest of lips. Amazon reviewers have given the product glowing reviews, as have Bustle editors. "My aesthetician always recommended I put a little bit of this on right after I brush my teeth at night — when I wake up in the morning, my lips are so hydrated," says Bustle editor Amy Biggart. "It's a game-changer."

Hero Cosmetics' pimple patches remain a cult favorite for good reason. They gently draw excess fluid out of blemishes overnight while providing a clean healing environment for flatter, less red pimples when you wake up. "When someone recommended acne patches, I was skeptical," says Biggart, "but they actually make such a difference in discouraging me from touching my face unnecessarily." And these patches come out to around $.30 each.

For hair that's bouncier and lighter (especially if your hair is fine), consider switching to a silicone-free shampoo and conditioner. While silicones are great at smoothing unwanted frizz, they can also weigh hair down. "It takes one minute to swap out silicone-based shampoo for silicone-free ones, but my hair stylist recommended it to me and it really helped with how quickly my hair looks greasy," says Biggart. Each product in this set from Nuva Botanicals has a delicious coconut vanilla scent, and comes out to less than $10.

"My mom bought me one of these portable lint rollers, and now I can keep it with me on the go for any moments my clothes need a refresh," says Biggart. This mini lint roller measures less than 6 inches long when it's closed, making it ideal for stashing in your bag or purse — and it comes with three refill rolls for a total of 90 extra sheets, too, all for less than $20.

"I never leave the house without a way to clean my sunglasses or my glasses (if i'm wearing them)," says Biggart. "A quick swipe of one of these pre-moistened pads and your lenses will look so much better." Specifically designed for lenses of all kinds, these pads come in a pack of 400 for less than $25, they're individually packaged so they’re easy to take on the go, and they dry with a streak-free shine.

An eye cream can do wonders at keeping that dry area hydrated and smooth. This one has peptides to help support skin's collagen production and niacinamide for brightening. But here's an expert trick: don't only use it under your eyes. "My mom, who worked for a makeup brand for years, swears by dabbing eye cream on the upper lip area — she credits this habit with keeping that line-prone area oh-so-smooth," says Bustle editor Cassandra Seale.

Looking better has to do with the tools you use, too — not just the skin care products. "I tend to have some redness, and swapping out the same old facial towel for single-use ones has made a major difference," says Seale. These compostable face towels from Clean Skin Club can be used wet for extra exfoliation when you're cleansing, or dry to pat your skin dry after washing without transferring bacteria. And they’re fully compostable, so you don’t have to feel wasteful using them.

"When I don't have the time or desire to blow dry, my hair stylist recommended clipping hair at the roots for volume. It couldn't be easier and it works!" explains Seale. These hair sectioning clips come out to around $1 each, and their silicone band means they'll stay put without leaving a crease as your hair dries. They’re also great at keeping your hair out of your face while you’re applying makeup or keeping rollers in place.

• Available colors: 3

Looking for bold lip color that lasts all day, dries down matte, and won't dry out your lips? This liquid lipstick duo fits the bill perfectly, and each lipstick comes out to less than $10. "These colors are gorgeous and bold, and make even a T-shirt and jeans a fashion moment," says Seale. "They also last for hours and hours."

• Available colors: 2

To neutralize redness in seconds, check out this Thank Me Later primer by Elizabeth Mott. "My cheeks are naturally rosy and a color-correcting primer is a must for evening out my skin tone," says Bustle editor Anna Anderson. The green tinted primer gives your makeup a flawless finish, and it's packed with skin care ingredients, too, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and cica.

Never underestimate how put together a sleek hairdo will make you look. Another pick of Anderson’s, this styling cream by Dae comes with a styling wand to quickly clean up flyaways for a more polished look, whether you're wearing a slick-backed bun or want to tame breakage at your part. The cream is less than $20 and is infused with botanical oils to nourish strands for all-over healthier hair.

Defined eyebrows can give you a more polished look in seconds, which is why you need a good brow gel. "I have pretty sparse eyebrows, so if there's one makeup thing I do, it's brows," says Bustle editor Jen Fiegel. This eyebrow gel volumizes brows and fills in sparse areas with just a few swipes, defining and shaping brows in the process. It has a smudge-proof formula to stay put all day long, and it comes in six natural-looking shades.

• Available shades: 6

"I rarely heat style my hair, but air-dry cream gives a nice dose of texture and polish to my hair without much effort," says Fiegel. This wave-enhancing air-dry cream adds flexible hold without feeling crunchy, so it’s perfect for wavy and curly hair types. It nourishes with coconut oil while providing shine and piece-y, non-frizzy waves. It's great for long and short hair alike, and it's less than $30.

Another editor-approved color-correcting product, this NYX concealer lets you give targeted color correction to redness-prone areas like the nasolabial folds, chin, cheeks, or blemishes. It gives you medium coverage, it blends well underneath foundation for a seamless finish, and it only comes out to around $5. "For redness around the nose and cheeks, green color corrector makes such a difference," says Fiegel.

Tint your brows with this at-home coloring kit and you'll not only save money by avoiding the salon — you'll also save time in your morning routine when you don't have to worry about your brows. One application will dye your brows a rich color that'll last for four weeks. After all, "The epitome of high maintenance is to be low maintenance," says Fiegel.

• Available shades: 5

Don't underestimate the power of a lip liner to make your lips look so much fuller in seconds. Check out this Maybelline shade if you're in the market for a new one. "Hear me out: This unlikely shade is incredibly versatile," says Bustle editor Scarlett James. "Its cool brownish-nude tone creates a natural-looking yet defined and dimensional lip no matter what color you layer on top. The creamy formula glides on easily and I love the convenience of a self-sharpening tip."

• Available shades: 15

These huggie earrings will have you looking more polished no matter how casually you're dressed. "Earrings are the accessory that’s closest to the face," which is why they have such a positive impact on your look, explains James. "These chunky huggies have enough heft to dress up an outfit, but won’t feel too fancy with your weekend tees, and they’re made in America from recycled metal." Plus, they’re less than $15.

• Available colors: 4
• Available styles: 6

"Wearing the bodysuit version of a wardrobe basic is one way to polish up casual outfits,” advises James. “They’ll always look perfectly fitted and stay perfectly tucked. It doesn’t get much more classic than a crewneck T-shirt — I like this one because it’s double-lined for a seamless look and has a discreet thong bottom,” she adds. It's made of a buttery soft, double-lined, moisture-wicking fabric, it has a discreet thong bottom, and it comes in so many different color options.

• Available colors: 13
• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large

This one-step polish might be a new launch, but Bustle beauty writer Marissa DeSantis says it's already saved her with a lightning-fast mani or pedi when she's been on a time crunch. "Infused with moisturizing biopeptides and kale leaf extract, the polish serves as a treatment, base coat, color, and top coat," says DeSantis. "It creates a gel-like shine, it's fast-drying, and honestly, you can get away with a single coat when you're really in a pinch."

• Available colors: 21

The versatility of e.l.f.'s Halo Glow skin-enhancing tint makes it more than worth its under-$15 price tag. "I won't put foundation on without this drugstore glow booster, which is formulated with the tiniest shimmer particles to give your skin a dewy, radiant finish," explains DeSantis. Wear the product on its own for a slight tint, mix it into your foundation for a dewier finish, or use it as a liquid highlighter on just the high points of your face.

• Available shades: 12

Shinier, glossier hair doesn't have to take more than a few minutes with this glossing hair mask by L'Oreal that only needs to sit in your hair after shampooing for five minutes before rinsing — and DeSantis notes that if you use that time to exfoliate or shave, you're not actually adding any time to your routine. "Hairstylist Jenda Alcorn shared that she prepped Elle Fanning's hair with this smoothing and shine-enhancing mask," adds DeSantis.

"Okay, technically, you need about 10 minutes to get the full benefits of these under-eye masks, but they're still a quick way to de-puff and hydrate ahead of makeup," says DeSantis. The eye masks have a layer of gold foil on the outside to trap in heat, while the cellulose bottom layer delivers an intense shot of hydrating ingredients, like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to refresh tired eyes in minutes.

DeSantis loves using these nail art stickers to perk up her nail looks when she's in between salon visits. And this set of five sheets of nail stickers comes with so many adorable designs for less than $5. "Pro tip: use a pair of tweezers to transfer the stickers from the sheet to your nails, and apply a clear top coat to make them last longer," says DeSantis.

"I can't stand having hangnails or ragged cuticles, so I'm diligent about applying cuticle oil,” says DeSantis. But since oils can get messy, she swears by this easy-to-apply cuticle balm instead. “It still contains nourishing ingredients like safflower seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, but you can swipe it right onto your nails without any drippy, greasy mess.” The product is less than $10, and it’s easy to travel with, too.

Not a contour expert? Not a problem with this MegaGlo contour stick that takes seconds to apply. “Just swipe the crayon-like contour along your jawline, under your cheekbones, or anywhere else you'd like to create a more sculpted effect, then use your makeup brush to blend it in," says DeSantis. The stick has a super subtle shimmer for a glowy finish, and it’s impressively under $5.

• Available shades: 13

"One way to guarantee better skin? Make sure you're thoroughly removing all of your makeup and sunscreen at night,” says DeSantis. She loves this Green Clean cleansing balm by Farmacy since it’s tough on waterproof formulas, and work to “clear out pores while keeping skin moisturized in the process with ingredients like sunflower seed oil, moringa seed oil, and papaya fruit extract.”

Covering up your roots is such an easy way to look more polished even when you haven’t been to the salon in a while, and it takes literally no more than two minutes with this root touch-up stick. “I've seen this root concealer stick all over social media, and it might just be the cleverest way for on-the-go touch-ups,” says DeSantis. “The cream-to-powder formula is housed in a marker-like applicator that lets you color right over grays," and there’s even a sponge on the other end for blending.

• Available shades: 4

And don’t forget those quick wardrobe hacks that keep you looking so put together, like this must-have: double-sided tape. “I’ve had double-sided tape in my arsenal since my teenage years,” says DeSantis. “You can use it to temporarily hem pants, ensure bra straps stay hidden, and even tape down jewelry if you're dealing with a chain that's too long." And this fashion tape comes in a convenient carrying tin with 36 strips, all for less than $10.

Here’s another hack you need to know about: this deodorant removing sponge. “As someone whose wardrobe is almost exclusively black, I'm all too familiar with the struggle of deodorant marks,” says DeSantis. But she also says that this pink foam sponge removes them with ease, and it doesn’t even need any water — just briskly rub it back and forth on a deodorant mark to buff it away.

Everyone from actresses Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning to model Cara Delevingne turned to this liquid blush for the perfect flush of color this awards show season. One to three dots of the pigmented color is all you need of the easy-to-blend formula, which is available in both dewy and shimmery finishes.

• Available shades: 6

To make your lashes look like they're naturally long and thick, steal celebrity makeup artist Melissa Hernandez's trick. After applying mascara to actress Mikey Madison's lashes ahead of the Oscars, Hernandez gently combed through them with this lash separator for defined lashes without any clumps.

From updos to blowouts, this frizz-smoothing leave-in cream was the MVP of hair styling products at the 2025 Oscars. While the humidity-resistant formula prevents unwanted frizz for up to 72 hours, the leave-in cream also adds moisture and protects against heat exposure up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The acid part might sound scary, but fear not. Hypochlorous acid is dermatologist-approved for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help with soothing irritation and even preventing acne. This Tower 28 mist is Hailey Bieber's go-to, and it's especially helpful to store in your gym bag for a post-workout refresh that cools skin, reduces redness, and fights breakouts.

“Whenever my skin is feeling dry or dull, a quick application of this Glowy Super Gel by Saie perks it right up,” says Bustle beauty writer Natalie Gale. Its gel-like formula feels so refreshing upon application, and it adds a subtle, natural-looking radiance that makes it so versatile — use it as a highlighter, blend it into your foundation, or wear it all over on its own for a more radiant complextion. “It’s even infused with vitamin C and squalane, making it a sort of skin care/makeup hybrid,” says Gale. “It’s one of my secret weapons.”

“I’ve been getting Dazzle Dry manicures at the salon for years — they last longer than regular polish, they’re cheaper than gel, and they’re supposed to be better for you than either,” says Gale. “But I recently found out that you can do a Dazzle Dry mani at home to save even more money.” This starter kit gives you everything you need for a salon-quality Dazzle Dry mani, including the prep formula, base coat, a pale pink polish, and a high-shine, fast-drying top coat, along with a nail polish thinner in case a polish starts to get too gloopy.

“I don’t know what I love better about Saltair — their affordable products or their delicious scents.” says Gale. This shimmering body oil features the brand’s signature Santal Bloom scent, a blend of earthy sandalwood and delicate jasmine, and it adds non-greasy moisture to your skin along with a subtle shimmer. “I love using this right out the shower on my chest and arms,” says Gale, “for the scent, hydration, and shimmer, especially in the summer when I’m wearing a tank top.”

“Weleda’s Skin Food is one of those classic celeb-approved products you hear about again and again, and it really lives up to the hype in my opinion,” says Gale. The super-rich cream is great for dry skin, whether it’s used as a moisturizer, slugging balm, or even cuticle cream, but it’s also commonly used by makeup artists in lieu of highlighter, to give skin a non-shimmery glow. Gale adds that “it always has me waking up to the most radiant, bouncy skin, even when I’m suffering from retinol-induced dryness.”