Clearance Beauty Products: Smart Finds for Your 2025 Glow-Up

During our review, the r.e.m. beauty Midnight Shadows palette impressed with shades that blend easily and pack travel-friendly convenience into a compact. Many colors are richly pigmented, but there are a few that show weaker payoff, so a tacky eye primer helps them pop. Some users with hooded lids reported creasing or fading—set with a thin layer of powder or a long-wear base to extend wear. We did see occasional patchiness, so build in thin layers rather than overloading the brush.

Our experience shows Maybelline Sky High Waterproof delivers impressive length and lift that stay put through sweat, humidity, or a teary rom-com. The flexible brush easily grabs short lashes and helps separate for a fanned-out look, though volume is more natural than dramatic. Because it’s truly waterproof, plan on an oil-based or bi-phase remover for a gentle takeoff. A few users report occasional flaking or clumping, so comb through while it’s still pliable and avoid over-layering.

On days when we want instant color payoff, this blush delivers—one tiny dot goes a surprisingly long way. In our testing, the lightweight formula blended into a skin-like finish, with both dewy and matte options to match your vibe. Because it’s ultra-pigmented, start with a rice-sized amount on the back of your hand and build slowly to avoid patchiness. It’s pricier than some drugstore liquids, but the intensity means you’ll use less per application, stretching the value over time.

We found this creamy, no‑tug liner super easy to control thanks to the chiseled, angled tip and retractable design—no sharpener needed. The formula is advertised as long-wear and waterproof for up to eight hours, making it a solid pick for all-day outlines or a full-lip fill. If your lips run dry, our experience shows layering a balm helps, and deeper complexions may prefer darker shades since some colors read sheer. Heads up: several reviewers say it runs out quickly, so don’t overextend the tip.

During our review, Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Oil melted off waterproof makeup and stubborn sunscreen with minimal massaging, then rinsed clean without that tight, stripped feel. We found a little goes a long way, making the $13 clearance price feel especially smart even if it’s typically higher than drugstore oils. The silky texture leaves skin cushioned and ready for a second cleanse. Note it is fragranced, and the smaller travel sizes can disappear fast if you double-cleanse daily.

We found La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair ideal for everyday barrier support thanks to ceramides and niacinamide, with a lightweight texture that layers cleanly under makeup and sunscreen. Being fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it suits many sensitive or acne-prone routines. That said, some users—especially with rosacea—report stinging or redness, so patch test first. Our experience shows the finish can read slightly dewy or even a touch oily on certain skin types, and deals can vary by retailer, so shop around.

Our experience shows this 2% BHA is a workhorse for clogged pores—over time it helped reduce blackheads and visible texture without a heavy feel. The toner-like, fragrance-free liquid absorbs quickly, though some notice a slightly oily or sticky finish at first. To minimize dryness, irritation, or the initial purge, we recommend easing in a few nights a week and following with a moisturizer. In our testing, consistency mattered most; when used correctly, it clarified skin without overstripping.

We like No. 3 Olaplex Hair Perfector as an easy at-home pre-shampoo treatment—apply to damp hair for 10–30 minutes to help improve smoothness and shine with regular use. It’s marketed to rebuild broken disulfide bonds in damaged strands, and in our testing we noticed better manageability over time. However, some users report scalp irritation, burning, or even increased breakage or shedding, so proceed cautiously and strand test first. At $15.30 on clearance, it’s a more approachable try than standard retail pricing.

During our review, K18 delivered a noticeable boost in smoothness and resilience for bleached, color-treated, and heat-styled hair in about four minutes. The concentrated, lightweight cream spreads far, so start with a small amount and apply to towel-dried hair after shampoo—skipping conditioner is part of the process. Our experience shows hair can feel drier the first few uses while it’s repairing, so stick with it and add a leave-in if needed. To avoid counterfeits, purchase from authorized retailers even when hunting clearance deals.

In our testing, this multitasking skin tint made morning routines effortless by combining broad-spectrum SPF 40 with dewy, light-to-medium coverage. The formula’s hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane left skin looking plump and smoothed, blurring minor imperfections. Our experience shows oily or combo skin may want to set the T‑zone or skip it in humid heat since the finish can read greasy, and some notice a brief scent on application. The dropper can get messy—store it upright and wipe the tip between uses.

We found Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser excels as a gentle morning wash or second cleanse, leaving skin fresh without that tight feel. Leave it on for five minutes as a quick mask when you want a bit of extra radiance—our experience shows it boosts glow without harshness. It won’t replace an oil cleanser for removing heavy makeup, so pair accordingly. Fragrance could bother some noses or sensitive skin, and the $38 price is higher than drugstore options, but the ingredient list is impressively clean.

We reach for this duo when we need makeup to last through long days and late nights. During our review, the lightweight mist kept foundation and eye looks locked in with a natural, transfer-resistant finish and claims of up to 24-hour, waterproof hold. Do shake well and spray from a bit of a distance to avoid occasional white spots, and note the scent can be strong at first. While minis cost more per milliliter than a full size, the two 1 oz bottles are perfect for travel and gifting.

For a moisture reset in one box, this set bundles a full-size No.5 Leave‑In with travel-size No.4 and No.5, plus a No.0.5 scalp treatment for hydration and longevity. During our review, the routine tackled dryness, made detangling easier, and helped seal the look of split ends without weighing hair down. Our experience shows a little goes a long way, especially on fine hair, since minis can disappear fast. It’s pricier than some travel kits, and patch testing is smart for anyone sensitive to Olaplex.

During our review, e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer locked makeup in place impressively for the price, giving that long-wear grip without feeling heavy. The gel texture feels hydrating, but it’s tacky at first—our tip is to let it set 30–60 seconds before applying foundation. We found it plays best with water-based or lightweight formulas; some users experience separation or flaking with heavier bases. Sensitive or acne-prone skin should patch test, as a few reviewers reported irritation or breakouts.

For effortless everyday glam, Ardell’s Demi Wispies multipack is a go-to—during our review the lightweight, flexible band blended seamlessly with the lash line and was beginner-friendly to apply. The multipack delivers great value if you wear falsies often. Some trimming may be needed for an ideal fit, and a few packs have inconsistencies where lashes can tear from the tray. They’re reusable, but durability varies, so remove gently, clean the band, and store curved in the tray to maintain shape.

In our testing, The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% delivered impressive oil control and helped the look of enlarged pores, all for just $10.80. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula layers seamlessly under moisturizer and sunscreen, so it’s easy to slot into a morning routine. That said, the high 10% concentration can sting or trigger redness and purging for sensitive skin—start slowly and buffer with moisturizer. Our experience shows it can clash with L‑ascorbic acid for some, so consider spacing applications.

If you love bold florals, Alien’s unmistakable jasmine-forward trail makes a statement from morning to night; in our testing, just a couple sprays lasted hours. The travel spray format is perfect for touch-ups and stashing in a bag. Because the profile is polarizing and can become overpowering if overapplied, we recommend starting with one spritz and building. At $36 on clearance, it’s a savvy way to try a designer icon that’s usually pricier when not discounted.