What Cheap, Easy Tricks Make You Look Way Better? Here Are Our Fave Answers

“For [a] quick fix, try a lip product with blue undertones,” says Dr. Joyce Kahng, a cosmetic and restorative dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio.“The blue hue contrasts with the natural color of your teeth, making them appear whiter.” The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss in Raspberry is Dr. Kahng’s personal favorite, but Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss in Taffy gives you a similar sheer berry shade for less than half the price. The gloss is also a favorite on Amazon with more than 30,000 five-star ratings for its high-shine, non-sticky finish.

• Available shades: 25

You don’t need any advanced styling skills to follow this tip from Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at the Chicago-based Maxine Salon. Rather than use a plain elastic to secure your low (or high!) ponytail, Hurtado says to opt for a cuff design that instantly elevates your look. “Wrap the elastic around the ponytail, and adjust the cuff so that it’s facing up,” she says of how simple it is to use. “I love this chain detail that I saw on Emily in Paris this past season – so chic.”

• Available styles: 5

“To get that dewy, fresh-out-of-a-Pilates-class look, I love mixing a teeny bit of oil in with my morning moisturizer,” shares Bustle beauty editor Adeline Duff. This organic jojoba oil from Cliganic is her top pick for keeping skin nourished without clogging pores. “It’s an easy way to give your skin an all-over glow without relying on highlighter or shimmer,” she says of the glitter-free oil, which can also be used to add moisture to your hair and cuticles.

“My top desert island beauty pick would have to be tanning drops,” says Duff. “Just a few drops mixed in with my morning moisturizer counteracts the ghostly pallor that I’ve developed ever since moving to England.” These self-tanning drops are completely customizable, as you can mix them in with your face cream or body lotion, and add more drops for a deeper bronze color. One more reason to love the tanning drops? They apply via a completely clear serum that won’t transfer onto clothes or sheets and is packed with good-for-skin ingredients like vitamin C, aloe vera, and panthenol.

• Available shades: 4

For a universally flattering berry shade, Duff turns to this tinted lip and cheek oil. “Clinique Black Honey is my secret weapon, and undoubtedly one of the MVPs of my makeup bag,” she says. “The OG Almost Lipstick is still a personal go-to, but lately, I’ve been even more obsessed with the lip and cheek oil. It gives you the most gorgeous dewy flush when dabbed onto your cheeks, and it makes your lips look glossy and just-bitten without being sticky or gloopy.”

“These soft, velvety makeup puffs make your under-eye setting powder look absolutely flawless,” shares Duff. “I’m never going back to using a brush again!” The versatile makeup puff features a triangular tip that makes it easier to apply powder to smaller areas like the under eyes, while the opposite side is a circular shape better suited for the forehead and chin. And for less than $10, you get a pack of six.

• Available colors: 17

Every once in a while, I find myself in desperate need of a manicure with about 10 minutes to spare. Whether you procrastinate like me or you just don’t have the patience to wait for several coats of nail polish to dry, this new, one-step gel manicure from Nails Inc. answers all of your polish prayers. The four-in-one formula contains a nourishing treatment with ingredients like a bonding complex and kale extract, but it really saves you time as it serves as your base coat, color, and top coat. Ideally, you’ll want to paint on two thin layers of the polish, but when you’re really in a pinch, one coat will still give you glossy, just-back-from-the-salon color.

• Available shades: 21

The easiest makeup trick I’ve learned from the pros (and the one I use the most often) is to pop a white eyeliner along the waterline and inner corners of my eyes. It instantly perks up your eyes, making them look ever so slightly more awake without having to worry about color-matching concealers or multi-step eyeshadow routines. This mother of pearl shade combines an easy-to-blend white liner with a touch of shimmer to really make eyes pop, and it’s less than $10.

• Available shades: 21

I’m religious about applying my sunscreen, but my lips are one area that I admittedly tend to skip. Enter this Bondi Sands gloss, which protects lips with SPF 60 in a completely clear, high-shine finish that smells like a tropical holiday. While it is a little thicker than your average lip gloss, it smooths on just fine – plus, it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, castor seed oil, and jojoba seed oil.

“Flyaways are literally my nemesis — adding a little hair wax really helps keep them in place, and this one is super easy to apply,” says Bustle editor Amy Biggart. Wax sticks like these are also a pro-favorite method for creating ultra slicked back buns and ponytails, à la Bella Hadid.

“This multipurpose balm is perfect for soothing dry, irritated skin,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins, M.D. Whether you’re trying to combat the effects of colder weather or you’re dealing with irritation from acne, Dr. Collins explains that a combination of panthenol and madecassoside works to support the skin barrier and promote healing. “Apply a thin layer overnight for a deeply hydrating treatment that leaves skin soft and radiant by morning,” she advises.

“Hands are often neglected, but keeping them hydrated can make a big difference in your overall appearance,” says Dr. Collins. One way to ensure you’re applying hand cream often enough is to stick with a more affordable drugstore option that’s small enough to keep in your purse. Eucerin’s fragrance-free hand cream checks both boxes, and Collins insists that it really works. “This fast-absorbing hand cream is packed with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors to deeply nourish and smooth dry, cracked skin.”

To improve the look and health of your hair without any effort, hairstylist Davontae’ Washington, recommends this multi-tasking leave-in spray. “Its bond repair technology helps fix damage from heat, chemicals, and everyday stress, keeping hair strong and hydrated,” says Washington, who works with celebrities like Ciara and Keke Palmer. Alpha-hydroxy acids and omega-9 are the hero ingredients behind the spray, which was designed to be misted through the hair post-washing for help with detangling and reducing breakage. “The lightweight formula absorbs fast, adding long-lasting shine and softness without making the hair feel heavy,” Washington assures.

Makeup artist Katy Holland likes this multipurpose makeup stick so much, she uses it in her own beauty routine. “The creamy texture allows for seamless blending, making it super easy to achieve that desired dewy glow and the perfect color wash,” she says. Travel-friendly and suitable to be used on the cheeks, lips, and eyes, Holland especially loves that the makeup stick is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba seed oil and mango seed butter, so it won’t settle into fine lines. “To lift the face and create a soft, balanced look, keep the blush about two finger widths away from the sides of the nose and two finger widths from the hairlines,” Holland says of her top application tip.

• Available shades: 8

From midday touch-ups to traveling abroad, this mini curler lets you enhance your lashes without taking up precious makeup bag space. “It is a powerful tool that opens the eyes immediately,” says celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern. The compact curler can be used on natural or false lashes, and it comes ready to use with a silicone pad (and a bonus pad) to prevent lashes from breaking.

• Available colors: 2

“I don’t leave home without Saint Jane Sun Ritual Mineral Sunscreen,” Stern shares of this pore-blurring formula, adding that it “works as both a primer and protectant.” Mineral sunscreen in the form of zinc oxide gives the primer broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, while antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea leaf extract, jasmine extract, and hibiscus flower extract bring soothing and firming benefits. The part primer, part sunscreen even has a slight tint to it that cancels out any white cast while still being suitable for all skin tones.

“One of the best and easiest ways to improve your look is to find a warm, happy-colored blush,” says Stern, who names this cream blush in Magic Hour as her go-to. The warm rose shade adds a luminous finish to cheeks, thanks in part to more than a dozen moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, castor seed oil, and avocado oil.

• Available shades: 7

To define curls without the crunch, there’s this ultra-lightweight curl lotion. “Whether your curls are freshly washed or second-day hair, Miss Jessie’s Feather Soft Curls freshens, detangles, and fights frizz,” Miss Jessie’s co-founder, Miko Branch, says of her hero product from the line. Because it’s a lighter lotion formula, it’s fast-drying and won’t weigh down your curls, but it still contains nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and hydrolyzed silk to leave hair bouncy and full of shine.

“[These cloths] are perfect for makeup removal, but they’re also great to remove fall under the eyes when applying shadow,” shares makeup artist and founder of LOVER Cosmetics, Ashley Maurin Rodden. For less than $20, you can grab a set of 10 microfiber cloths, which don’t require a separate remover or cleanser to work — just saturate the cloth in warm water. Rodden especially likes that they can be washed and reused, and she recommends sticking with the gray color to minimize the visibility of makeup stains.

For fluffy brows that remain brushed up by the end of the day, Rodden says you can’t go wrong with this $5 pomade. “This clear pomade gives you a brow lamination without the lamination,” she says. You’ll need to purchase a spoolie separately to sculpt your brows, and Rodden recommends brushing in upward and outward strokes.

To apply the brow pomade mentioned above, Rodden suggests this container of sparkly spoolies, which gives you 100 disposable brushes that you don’t have to worry about cleaning. “I love these to apply the e.l.f. Brow Lift, LOVER Brow Fibers, and to clean up clumps from newly applied mascara.”

• Available options: 12

“Made with no-crease elastic, these satin scrunchies won’t pull on or break your hair like regular elastic hair ties or hair bands,” assures Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. Yates also likes that this set from Kitsch works on thin and thick hair types. Plus, they’re available in a lot of different colors and sizes.

When you’re in between salon visits, celebrity hairstylist and colorist, Jonathan Colombini, says this root cover-up spray is a must. “Infused with keratin and vitamin E, it instantly delivers up to 100% gray coverage,” says Colombini, who also serves as the brand’s global color expert. In addition to covering, the two-in-one spray also helps to add volume like a dry shampoo. “The formula is non-irritating and ammonia-free, so it is scalp friendly, it dries quickly, and it will wash out with your next shampoo.”

• Available shades: 3

Celebrity hairstylist Tokyo Stylez notes that “the strong hold formula and fast drying time of this gel make it a game-changer.” The travel-friendly wand features a double-sided brush that delivers a castor oil-infused gel designed to style both brows and edges. The gel doesn’t leave behind any flakes or residue, and Stylez, who serves as an ambassador for the brand, assures that the humidity- and sweat-resistant formula “keeps brows flawless all day.”

“This versatile ointment provides intensive care to the skin wherever extra hydration and protection are needed,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Naeha Gupta, M.D. In addition to petrolatum, which serves to lock in moisture and keep out irritants, the ointment also includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid, making it a great choice for treating chapped lips and dry cuticles, according to Dr. Gupta. “It’s also great for minor cuts [as it helps] to support the skin’s natural healing process,” she adds.

If you recognize this orange-tinted eye balm from TikTok, Dr. Gupta confirms that its viral status is well deserved. “Infused with vitamin C and peptides, it instantly brightens the under-eye area while reducing puffiness,” she says. Thanks to its balm applicator, you can swipe the brightening formula right on, and Dr. Gupta assures that it plays nicely with makeup. “I use it in the mornings, as it layers seamlessly under concealer for a refreshed look.”

“Whenever I get acne, it tends to show up as a large, inflamed cystic bump,” shares Dr. Gupta. (See, even dermatologists get breakouts.) Rather than go for a spot treatment, Dr. Gupta likes these sensitive skin-friendly pimple patches. “They’re discreet, reduce the appearance of breakouts, and contain hydrocolloid to absorb excess fluid,” she says. “Plus, with bakuchiol, a bio-retinol antioxidant, they help soothe the skin and promote a clearer complexion.”

“Starting in your mid-twenties, collagen production declines by about 1% per year,” says Dr. Gupta. That’s where this drugstore moisturizer comes in, which is formulated with micro-peptides and bakuchiol to help boost collagen production. “It delivers instant hydration while gradually smoothing the appearance of fine lines for long-term skin benefits,” shares Dr. Gupta, who notes that it should be used on the face and neck.

If you’re prone to ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing, Dr. Gupta shares that this serum is key for keeping things smooth. “Its gentle formula makes it ideal for sensitive areas like the pubic region and underarms,” says Dr. Gupta, who has teamed up with the brand. “I also love that it contains mild exfoliants, such as lactic acid, which helps brighten discoloration over time.” The serum uses a spray-on applicator, so you can mist the exfoliating formula exactly where you need it (and as often as once daily). “Just be sure to shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the active ingredients,” Dr. Gupta stresses.

Whether you’re looking for an SPF-infused makeup primer or you’re trying to achieve that lit-from-within glow, this lightweight lotion has you covered. A favorite of Dr. Gupta’s, the Glowscreen provides SPF 40, while also helping to brighten the skin both immediately and over time with shimmery pigments and niacinamide. “With shades ranging from a pink pearl to deep bronze, it complements a variety of skin tones, giving a beautiful, luminous pop,” Dr. Gupta says of the slightly tinted formula.

• Available shades: 4

Dry shampoo is a staple product for many, but for those of us with oily hair, it’s a true beauty lifesaver. Klorane’s dry shampoo gets Dr. Gupta’s pick for anyone in need of a quick refresh, but especially for those whose hair gets greasy, fast. “The sulfate-free formula absorbs oil in seconds while adding volume, and it also helps regulate oil production on the scalp,” she says of the star ingredient, nettle root extract.

For a non-invasive way to combat unwanted fine lines (and the creases on your face that form during sleeping), board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hadley King, M.D, recommends using these silicone patches. “In my practice, I often use medical-grade silicone after skin cancer surgeries to help prevent scar formation and transepidermal water loss, and to create an environment conducive to wound healing and collagen production. Silicone pads for wrinkles take advantage of these same ideas,” she explains of these reusable silicone patches, which were specifically designed for the forehead. Patches like these have been everywhere on Instagram and TikTok lately, as users claim that they really do work.

This leave-in styling cream is so good, celebrity hairstylist (and Olaplex ambassador) Vernon François, used it when creating Lupita Nyong’o’s loc bun for the Oscars. “I started with Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother on damp hair to provide moisture, reduce frizz, and create a smooth foundation for styling,” he shares of the lightweight cream, which also protects against breakage and hot styling tools up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. “For styling natural texture, it’s a must for moisture and frizz control, especially before any sculpting or protective styling.”

“For a lash upgrade, try Westmore Beauty’s Red Carpet Lashes Mascara,” advises Miami-based makeup artist and hairstylist, Brazil Raine. “Every sweep gives longer, thicker lashes that won’t flake or smudge as the day goes on.” For your most dramatic lashes, Raine recommends wiggling the brush at the base of the lash line and twisting it as you pull it upwards, which “maximizes volume and separation.”

You can use this argan oil multiple ways (including as an overnight conditioning treatment) to revive dried-out strands, but Chicago-based hairstylist, Megan Schnell, shares that it’s especially helpful in between washing. “Try to add the oil to your routine on non-wash days,” she advises. “A pea-sized amount on the ends will keep your hair shiny and nourished.”

Believe it or not, Schnell stresses that fabrics can affect the strength of your hair. “Silk and satin protect hair from friction which can cause breakage,” she notes, recommending that you sleep in a satin bonnet like this one. Not only does the satin material prevent breakage and minimize tangles, but it’s also a great way to keep your pillowcase clean when doing an overnight oil treatment. Plus, it uses an adjustable elastic band to keep the bonnet secure without being too tight.

• Available colors: 10

“To protect color and treat damage, use the Ouai Hair Gloss once a week,” Schnell says of this in-shower treatment. Because it’s clear, you don’t have to worry about shade matching, but the rice water- and hyaluronic acid-rich formula still serves to protect against color fading. Schnell adds that the multi-tasking product also works right away to add shine and smooth unwanted frizz.

To streamline your skin care routine, this moisturizing gel comes dermatologist-approved to serve as your serum, moisturizer, eye cream, primer, and face mask. “Incorporating ingredients like glycerin, collagen, vitamin C, and centella asiatica leaf extract, the moisturizer provides deep hydration without leaving the skin feeling greasy,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D. It’s fragrance-free for anyone sensitive to scents, plus, the moisturizer comes with a mini spatula to make applying it less messy (and to keep the moisturizer germ-free).

To give your sunscreen a boost, Dr. Garshick recommends applying this vitamin C serum in the morning before your usual SPF. “TruSkin uses a highly stable and gentle form of vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which can even be used by those with sensitive skin,” she assures, adding that the formula is lightweight and non-greasy. “The vitamin C is combined with vitamin E as well as hyaluronic acid to help brighten the skin while also hydrating and nourishing.”

Maybe you’re looking to speed up recovery time after too many back-to-back gel manicures, or your already fragile nails have taken a beating from frequent hand-washing. Either way, this daily nail serum has got you covered, according to Ogle School cosmetologist and beauty education specialist, Stanley Nolan. “This nail serum is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your nail game,” says Nolan, who notes that consistency is key when it comes to achieving visible improvement in nail strength, color, and texture. “Start with painting one coat of Repair Mode on bare nails and let it soak in for ten minutes, twice a day for six days,” she recommends.

“This is my go-to leave-in treatment, and I recommend it to everyone since it’s suitable for all hair types,” says Nolan. Formulated with silk amino acids and moisturizing and strengthening ingredients that are native to Australia like desert lime fruit extract, quandong fruit extract, and wattleseed fruit extract, the leave-in was designed to be applied to damp hair to provide 11 benefits at once. In addition to protecting your hair from heat damage and exposure to UVA and UVB rays, Nolan likes that it “leaves your hair shiny, smooth, and works to repair damage.” She’s also a fan of the coconut and lime fragrance, which she says works like a hair fragrance to impart a tropical scent.

Emme Diane Burg, an esthetician and founder of her eponymous skin care line and Scottsdale-based studio, Emme Diane, loves this makeup brush cleaner so much, she’s gifted it to friends. “As much as I stress the importance of clean brushes to my clients, I wasn’t always the best at keeping up with it myself,” she admits. “That changed when I got this electric makeup brush cleaner. It makes the whole process effortless by deep-cleaning your brushes and dramatically cutting down the drying time so they’re ready to use much faster,” she says of the cleaner, which spins the brush to both clean and dry. The device can be USB- or battery-operated, and it works with every makeup brush size, from foundation to eyeshadow. This way, you won’t have to worry about breakouts (or worse — infection) from using dirty makeup brushes.

“Okay, so this one is kind of disgusting, but in the most satisfying way possible,” confesses Burg. “Instead of scrubbing endlessly with a pumice stone, you just slip on the booties, let the formula work its magic, and wait for the peeling to begin.” The formula in question is a mix of chemical exfoliators that break down the dead skin that contributes to calluses and cracks. Just be sure you leave enough time between the treatment and going barefoot. “Do not do this right before a beach trip or sandal season unless you’re prepared for your feet to shed like a snake for days,” Burg says, explaining, “The peeling process can take up to two weeks, so I usually time it during colder months.” One more major no-no? Leave the peeling skin alone. “While it’s tempting to pick at the peeling skin, let it come off naturally for the best results.”

This beauty award-winning treatment is also a favorite of NYC-based hairstylist Marie Nino, who calls it “a keratin treatment in a bottle.” Designed to seal the cuticle for hair that stays frizz-free for 24 hours, the smoothing spray pairs bonding polymers with spirulina extract and hydrolyzed proteins. “The trick is to mist it lightly on damp hair before blow drying,” Nino shares of how to use the spray, which also doubles as a heat protectant. “The protein in it helps strengthen your hair over time, so it’s not just a quick fix, it actually makes your hair healthier.”

“This is hands down my favorite styling product for effortless, tousled waves,” says Nino. “It adds texture and body without crunch or stickiness.” The secret to creating volume without the crunch is its salt-free formula, which instead includes ingredients like glycerin and hydrolyzed wheat protein. “After curling, spritz a little into the mid-lengths and ends, then break up the curls with your fingers for that perfectly undone, lived-in look,” Nino says of her go-to way to use the texturizing spray. “It also works great on damp hair for an air-dried, beachy finish,” she adds.

“If you color your hair, this shampoo is a game-changer,” says Nino of one of her other favorite hair products. “It’s super gentle but still gets your hair clean without stripping the color. It’s packed with caper blossom extract, which helps keep your color looking fresh and shiny for longer. Just use a small amount, focus on your scalp, and let the suds do the work as they rinse through your ends. It leaves your hair feeling soft, not dry, which is exactly what you need after coloring."

Anyone committed to a self-tanning routine knows how drying lotions and mousses can be. For smoother skin from the start, celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman recommends this buildable bronzing formula, which is packed with moisturizers like aloe vera, green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid. “One of the only (if not only!) at home self-tanners formulated with oil to walk in hydration,” Freedman says of the oil-like consistency that was designed to be mixed with your face and body moisturizers before applying. The self-tanner is fragrance-free and won’t transfer onto clothing, and Freedman guarantees that the subtle bronze color that develops after three to five hours is “perfection.”

For a dry shampoo that refreshes your hair and your aura, hair colorist and founder of NYC’s Lrn Beauty, Lauren Paglionico, recommends this sulfate-free formula. “On non-wash days when my hair is looking flat, I spray this AIIR dry shampoo into my roots and let it set. Depending on how I am styling my hair, I may leave it as is if I’m going for something lived in or I may pull out my dryer and round brush to give my hair a more polished look,” she explains of how she uses the oil-absorbing formula. “I love the boost it gives to my hair, the scent is not overpowering, and they even incorporate crushed selenite into the formula, which is believed to promote calmness and clarity.”

“I was recently gifted CLE CCC Cream from a client, and now I can’t live without it,” Paglionico says of the beauty product that gets her the most compliments. “It gives a dewy finish (but not shiny!), and it’s also buildable if you want more coverage,” she says of the hybrid formula that can replace your primer and foundation (and boost your morning sunscreen). Plus, it’s formulated with good-for-skin ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich blueberry fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, and vitamin E.

• Available shades: 13

For those with lighter lashes looking for a softer way to define their eyes than the traditional black mascara, Paglionico suggests trying a brown mascara. “Lancôme’s Lash Idôle lengthens and gives volume without getting clumpy or making my lashes look too thick,” she says of why this has been her go-to formula. “The curvy applicator brush also helps me to separate my lashes, giving a very natural and soft look.”