Shopping

You Could Look So Much Better If You Try Any Of These 40 Tricks, According To Experts

Upgrade your look from head to toe.

Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Before and after effects of expert beauty tricks in order to look much better
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Beauty tricks have been around forever, whether it’s the age-old tip of brushing your teeth with baking soda for a brighter smile or the classic egg white hair mask your mother told you about. Thanks to Amazon — and some genius advice from expert stylists — we have a wealth of budget-friendly beauty and fashion tips at the ready.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your closet, step up your makeup routine, or achieve luminous hair, you’ll find plenty of expert advice here on how to look so much better.

1

The De-Wrinkling Fabric Spray That Doesn’t Require Ironing

Smoothing out the wrinkles in your clothes is a simple way to make your outfit look fresh and crisp. “Using something handy like a [...] wrinkle spray can make you look more polished in an instant!” says Sobrato. If you loathe ironing, this plant-based spray is a simple but effective cheat — just spritz and pull on the material with your hand. Plus, it has an invigorating citrus-mint scent.

2

This Primer That Creates A Smooth Complexion

Use a primer underneath your foundation — or on its own — for a smooth-looking complexion. Ball recommends this silky, vitamin E-infused formula from NYX that creates a lightweight layer of coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. It’ll even make your foundation, highlighter, and blush last longer, so you won’t have to bother with reapplying.

3

A Value Pack Of Seamless Bikini Panties

Smooth and seamless, these polyamide-elastane panties are ideal if you’re looking to avoid lines for a beter fit — wear them under leggings, pencil skirts, bodycon dresses, and more. The low-waist underwear feels like a second skin, moving with your body without digging into your skin uncomfortably. You get five different colors in a pack for a super wallet-friendly price.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 5

4

A Conditioning Primer For Thicker-Looking Lashes

Want a quick, easy way to boost your lashes (that doesn’t involve applying pounds of mascara)? Ball recommends L’Oréal’s conditioning lash primer for thicker-looking eyelashes. The lightweight formula is applied before your mascara, creating a base for dramatic length and volume that can’t be achieved with mascara alone.

5

These Denim Pants Extenders That Give You More Wiggle Room At The Waist

If you find that your favorite denim is feeling a little snug, New York-based personal stylist Lana Blanc suggests picking up these waistband extenders that she calls an “absolute GAME CHANGER.” The polyester-cotton panels come in light, medium, and dark washes, so you can get a great match, and the flexible sizing means you can add up to 2 inches to your waistband.

6

The Comfy Straight-Leg Pants With Lots Of Stretch

While it’s tempting to throw on our favorite sweatpants when working from home, Monica Barnett, founder and chief image curator at Blueprint for Style, recommends wearing something a bit more tailored, but still comfortable — like these pocketed straight-leg yoga pants. “Instead of leggings or joggers, opt for straight-leg pants with enough stretch to be comfy while working at home but also polished enough to wear into the office for a casual or hybrid workday,” she says.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large (select petite, short, long, tall, and extra-tall options)
  • Available colors: 11

7

The Handheld Garment Steamer That De-Wrinkles Your Clothes

Steaming your clothing is an effective way to smooth out wrinkles without having to haul out the ironing board. This handheld garment steamer heats up in just two minutes, providing up to 15 minutes of continuous steam. Ball suggests steaming your clothes once a week before hanging them with your other garments. “That way if you are rushing to get dressed, you aren't grabbing items that are wrinkled,” she says.

8

This Set Of Mesh Laundry Bags That Protect Your Delicates

Ball says, “Take care of your clothes so they look better and last longer. Wash your clothes in a mesh bag with gentle detergent and hang them to dry on a clothing rack.” So before tossing your lingerie and sweaters in the washing machine, it’s a good idea to place them in one of these zip-up mesh laundry bags first. Made of durable nylon, the bags allow water and soap to flow through, while also keeping your delicates from ripping or tangling. You get seven bags in different sizes, suiting all of your laundry needs.

9

This Seamless Bralette That’s Invisible Under Clothes

Want to know the secret to better-fitting clothes? “Bras and underwear make a huge difference on how clothing lays on your body,” says Victoria Havlik, personal stylist at Refined by V. This seamless bralette from Calvin Klein is made from a highly stretchy nylon-elastane blend, providing smooth support underneath your garments. The adjustable spaghetti straps allow you to achieve the perfect fit, and the wire-free design offers all-day comfort.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 16

10

This Sophisticated Slim-Fit Blazer That’s Great For Layering

Gisondi loves topping dresses off with a blazer; if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for one, this blazer is a fantastic pick. With a slim fit, notched lapel collar, and fierce padded shoulders, it can also elevate a simple jeans-and-tee combo. Two functional front pockets provide the perfect place to stash your small essentials. Choose from basic colors like black, add a pop of color with shades like mustard yellow, or go classic with plaid.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 19

11

The Highly Rated Lint Roller That Keeps Your Outfit Looking Fresh

It’s happened to all of us: We’re heading out the door in a perfectly styled outfit, only to realize it’s sprinkled with lint or pet hair. Luckily, this extra-sticky lint roller from Scotch-Brite keeps hair and debris at bay, and it’s earned an impressive 4.6-star overall rating. “Keep one in your closet, car, and bag and use it liberally,” Gisondi-Little instructs. “Dark colors especially are a note to self to use the roller.”

12

An Iron-On Adhesive For Hemming Your Clothes At Home

Before you ditch those pants because they’re too long, you might want to think about altering them. “Simple alterations can make a huge difference in your appearance,” says Erica Ball, personal stylist and creator of Erica Ball Style. With this iron-on hemming tape, you don’t even need to make a trip to the tailor — the heat from the iron creates a permanent bond with the fabric.

13

Some High Heel Protectors That Keep You From Sinking Into Grass

While high heels and grass don’t necessarily mix, there’s an easy way to make your dress shoes suitable for outdoor events. To protect your footwear investment, Gisondi-Little recommends using heel protectors like these that, adding that they can also keep you from “sinking into the turf.” The transparent heel stoppers blend into any shoe, allowing you to walk on grass, sidewalk grates, and cobblestone pathways without worry.

14

These Wet Wipes That Keep Sneakers Looking Fresh

While it’s nearly impossible to keep white sneakers completely dirt-free, Ball has an inexpensive remedy to keep them looking fresh: “Make sure your white sneakers stay clean by cleaning them with wet wipes,” she says. These sneaker wipes can help remove surface dirt from your shoes, returning them to their crisp white appearance. Just pull one out and swipe your sneakers when you walk in the door.

15

These Retro-Inspired Sunglasses With Rectangular Frames

Besides protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses can also give your outfit a unique edge. “Sunglasses are an underestimated accessory that bring mystery and glamor,” says Sobrato. These sunglasses have retro-cool rectangular frames, and they come in a variety of colors — from neutral black and brown to lime green and bright orange.

  • Available colors and styles: 33

16

A Delicate Necklace With A Layered Look

To achieve the layered look Havlik recommends, try this delicate two-layer pendant necklace — it will add an elegant touch to any ensemble. Plated in 18-karat gold, the subtle necklace can be paired with a mock turtleneck sweater, a V-neck blouse, or a simple T-shirt — the possibilities are endless. Choose from several unique pendant designs, including a heart, horseshoe, and crescent moon.

  • Available colors and styles: 25

17

A Set Of Dainty Layered Bracelets For Low-Key Style

When putting together an outfit, Ball believes that less is more: “Add simple accessories like delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings,” she says. “They can easily elevate a look.” This pair of dainty gold-plated bracelets can be paired with a laid-back tee-and-jeans combo, or they can be worn with a sweet sundress. There are plenty of yellow, rose, and white gold options to pick from.

  • Available colors and styles: 32

18

This Blending Sponge To Help You Apply Your Foundation Effortlessly

According to the Director of Artist Education for Blo Blow Dry Bar, Becca Raziuddin, who’s also a multi-state licensed cosmetologist and stylist as well as a celebrity hair and makeup consultant, it’s important to “find a foundation that actually matches.” She tells Bustle, “When looking for your transitional foundation shade, match from your chin and cheek, and down your neck. Pro tip: Match the foundation to your chest, as that is what is most noticeable when the shades don't match!”

This high-quality beauty sponge can help you blend foundation with ease as you find the shade you want, and it can be damped with water for smooth application. Plus, the teardrop design makes it perfect for applying makeup on various parts of your face, from under-eye areas to your forehead and cheeks.

19

This Versatile Maxi Tank Dress That Can Be Styled Up Or Down

Simplify your wardrobe by investing in versatile basics — such as this maxi-length tank dress. Made from a lightweight viscose-elastane blend, the garment has a scoop neck and a drapey fit. “Create multiple looks with floaty or fitted dresses by belting them (skinny or wide!) or topping with a blazer,” suggests personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little. With just one dress, you can create multiple casual and dressy looks.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 8

20

A Pair Of Faux Leather Belts With Groovy Metallic Details

To achieve Gisondi-Little’s recommendation of belting your dresses, try these faux leather belts that are embellished with metallic double-ring buckles, giving them a groovy, chic vibe. Besides pairing wonderfully with flowy or formfitting dresses, you can add these to your denim for a more polished look. You get two different colors in a pack, creating double the amount of styling combinations. Besides faux leather, they’re also available in faux alligator skin and microsuede.

  • Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 12

21

This Mattifying Face Primer With Over 9,000 Positive Ratings

Raziuddin also advises to “use more mattes!” After stating that “summer is all about the warm and glowing look,” she says, “In the fall, opt for a cool tone bronzer that isn't so shimmery, and swap the coral blushes for purples and mauves.” In addition to swapping your bronzers, this highly rated face primer by Elizabeth Mott can help you create a matte-makeup look by simply applying it before your foundation.

22

A Chic Silk Scarf That Comes In Tons Of Patterns

Looking for an easy way to breathe new life into your looks? “Tie a silk scarf around your neck to give your outfit an unexpected twist,” says San Francisco Bay Area personal stylist Andie Sobrato. This mulberry silk scarf is available in a sea of gorgeous colors and patterns, from florals to stripes. This is definitely the French girl-chic accessory your wardrobe has been missing.

  • Available colors and styles: 35

23

Some Chunky Gold-Plated Hoops You Can Wear With Anything

Whether you’re sporting a T-shirt and jeans or a maxi dress and heels, adding some simple jewelry — like these earrings — can elevate your look. “Pair your outfit with a statement earring like a gold hoop for a little flair,” Sobrato suggests. Available in three finishes, these hoops are plated in real 14-karat gold, with stainless steel posts that won’t irritate sensitive ears.

  • Available sizes: 4
  • Available colors and styles: Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

24

This Classic Crew-Neck Tee With A Boxy Fit

Made of 100% cotton jersey, this classic white crew-neck T-shirt is a great go-to wardrobe staple that can be worn with jeans, skirts, shorts, and more. “You can pair a white T-shirt with anything to make an outfit,” says Sobrato. “Just make sure it’s crisp, clean, and well-fitting.” This pick features a contemporary cropped silhouette and a boxy fit for an updated take on the wardrobe staple.

  • Available sizes: XX-Small — 3X-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 6

25

A Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick With A Velvety Matte Finish

Need a little something-something? “A pop of color in the lips can be a great way to pull a look together,” says Sobrato. Available in a wide spectrum of shades ranging from light pinkish-beige to a deep berry, Maybelline’s SuperStay liquid lipstick is a great way to add a vibrant hue to your ensemble. The highly pigmented formula has a smooth, matte finish that lasts up to 16 hours.

  • Available shades: 35

26

This Puff-Sleeve Turtleneck That’s Great For Layering

Here’s a lightweight turtleneck that looks amazing tucked into jeans, trousers, and pleated skirts. Knit from a soft blend of cotton, modal, and elastane, the top has a slightly relaxed fit with puff sleeves, and it makes for the ultimate layering piece. “Don't be afraid to layer items like a turtleneck, adding a jacket, and then a necklace on top,” says Havlik. “It is all about adding dimension!”

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors and styles: 8

27

An Affordable Makeup Brush Set With So Many Eyeshadow Applicators

Raziuddin tells Bustle that “it's all about the eyes.” She continues, “During the fall, go for cooler tones of eyeshadow like a calm green, light blues, and natural brown. This can also sometimes make it easier to transition from a daytime to evening look.” You can test different shades with ease when you have this makeup brush set on your vanity because it includes various different brushes designed to apply eyeshadow (in addition to larger brushes for foundation and blush).

28

Some Cream Shoe Polish That Restores Your Leather Boots

You don’t have to toss out your favorite pair of boots just because they’ve seen some wear and tear. “When your leather boots get worn, use inexpensive shoe polish to restore them,” advises Ball. This nourishing, cream-based formula allows you to buff out any scratches and scuffs on your shoes, while also adding plenty of shine. It comes in several shades to match your boots and other shoes to perfection.

  • Available shades: 7

29

A Set Of Whitening Strips That Give Quick Results

You’re never fully dressed without a smile, which is why professional film and television makeup artist Patty Bell recommends this teeth whitening treatment. “You can get great results with Crest Whitestrips,” says Bell, and reviewers seem to agree, as this classic treatment has a 4.6-star overall rating after having racked up more than 46,000 reviews. With daily application, you’ll see noticeable results in just 10 days, without having to shell out big bucks at the dentist.

30

The Tinted Dry Shampoo That Adds Temporary Color To Your Roots

Not only does this dry shampoo spruce up your hair in between washings, but it adds temporary pigment to your roots. Ball says, “I love Batiste tinted dry shampoo sprays to add fullness to the hair, reduce oil, and gently color the hair in between trips to the hairstylist.” The lightweight, waterless formula is easy to apply and doesn’t leave behind any white, powdery residue like some other formulas do.

31

These Individual False Lashes That Look Surprisingly Natural

If you’ve shied away from false eyelashes in the past, Ball recommends these subtle, natural-looking individual lashes. “Ardell individual lashes are the secret sauce to fuller looking lashes used by celebrities worldwide!” says Ball. Instead of one uniform strip of lashes, you get over 20 individual lash flares, allowing you to add subtle fullness where you want. Plus, with this budget-friendly pack, you’ll be set for a while.

32

This Moisturizing Lip Tint Made With Apple Water, Raspberry Extract, & More

Raziuddin tells Bustle, “Don't forget about your lips!” She says, “Glosses and oils are great for hydrating the lips during the chillier seasons — nothing can ruin a perfect look like noticeably chapped lips.” Thankfully, this lip oil is infused with apple water, vitamins (A, C, and E), raspberry extract, and more to help moisturize your lips. Since it’s tinted, it’ll also add some color — and there are tons of shades to choose from.

33

A Pigmented Multistick For Cheeks, Lips & Eyes

Formulated with moisturizing shea butter and vitamin E, this multistick adds vibrant pigment to your lips, cheeks, and eyes. “A multiple is a great way to get your ‘game face’ on in the morning because it's one item that can work on your lips for a little color along with your cheeks, and pop in the evening on your eyes,” Barnett explains. The compact size can be easily stashed in a purse, and it also takes up minimal space in a toiletry bag when you travel.

  • Available shades: 7

34

The Cotton Button-Down Shirt That Looks Good With Everything

“A great fitted, white shirt can be worn solo, layered under a sweater, or on top of a tee to work almost like a jacket,” says Barnett. “It can do so many things and matches everything!” This 100% cotton button-down shirt is a versatile wardrobe staple that can be worn in the office or on the weekends. The soft, tumbled material has a polished but lived-in feel as soon as you put it on.

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

35

This Non-Comedogenic Face Cream Infused With 97.5% Snail Mucin

Raziuddin tells Bustle to “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” She says, “Colder months tend to be very drying to the skin, so make sure that you choose a healthy moisturizer or use a foundation that has moisturizer built in. However, you do still want to have something lightweight as a super heavy foundation will dry out your skin even more.” This non-comedogenic cream is infused with 97.5% snail mucin, as well as shea butter, vitamin E, organic aloe, and more. One Amazon customer wrote, “This is one of the most moisturizing facial creams I've tried.”

36

These Ceramic Hot Rollers That Create Voluminous Waves

Achieve beautiful, voluminous waves with these ceramic hot rollers that only take two minutes to heat up. “Heated curlers might seem like they take a long time to work. But if you heat up the bottom of the device while taking a shower, you can easily roll your hair once you jump out,” says Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist for The Right Hairstyles. The jumbo rollers come with a set of clips that hold them securely in place.

37

Some Microfiber Hair Towels You Can Use For Heat-Free Curls

For heat-free curls, Abdullah suggests using these super absorbent microfiber hair wraps: “When you're done washing your hair, use a light coating of leave-in conditioner or a curl product,” she explains. “Put your head upside down and fold your hair into a microfiber turbie, accordion-style.” When your hair is dry, simply pull off the towel and let your soft curls fall around your face.

38

This Curl-Defining Cream That Nourishes Your Hair

To follow Abdullah’s heat-free curling method, use this curl-defining cream from Garnier Fructis. Formulated with rich, nourishing coconut oil, the leave-in conditioner strengthens your strands, reduces frizz, and helps add definition. Apply it to your damp locks before throwing them up in a microfiber hair twist for best results.

39

This Lightweight Eye Cream Infused With Caffeine, Vitamin C, & More

Saya Nagori, an ophthalmologist and the CEO of EyeFacts, tells Bustle that “the skin around the eyes is some of the most delicate skin on the body, therefore it should be treated with the utmost care.” She continues, “Eye cream will help nourish the skin around the eyes...” This lightweight eye cream in particular is infused with refreshing, moisturizing ingredients like caffeine, shea butter, vitamin C, and more. There’s even hyaluronic acid added for maximum skin under-eye skin hydration.

40

This Sewing Kit To Help You Repair Pieces Of Clothing Fast

JenniLee, a fashion stylist and personal stylist, tells Bustle to “make friends with a tailor.” She says that “even the one at your local dry cleaner will be skilled enough to nip your waist or hem your pants or shirt sleeves.” However, if you’re in a time crunch and need to fix a piece of clothing before your tailor’s available, this sewing kit can always help. It includes sewing needles, tons of thread colors, scissors, and more — all in an easy-to-store case.

41

A Natural Cleaner That’ll Make Your Shoes Shine Like New

Julie Durocher, a professional stylist and clothing designer, tells Bustle that “dirty sneakers, dress shoes, or boots can really offset a look.” Durocher continues, “Any amount of dirt, road salt, or mud can instantly discolor your shoes, making them pull the attention away from your complete outfit.” If you’re hoping to refresh your shoes, this natural cleaner can help. Included is a brush with durable bristles that can scrub various materials ranging from canvas to leather and suede.

This article was originally published on