We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant gently exfoliates to minimize the look of pores while simultaneously soothing skin so it's less inflamed and irritated.
Promising review: "I have every skin issue you can think of. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars I would. It has seriously changed my life!" —hc
Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in three sizes).
2. Essence Lash Princess Mascara lifts and volumizes lashes to new lengths. A few swipes of this and your lashes will be fuller in seconds.
Promising review: "Love this mascara! I’ve used the 'best of the best' designer, super hyped, ultra popular mascara available and NOTHING compares to this stuff! I don’t even bother using a lash curler anymore! I buy two at a time so I always have a spare (yes, it’s that good!!). I highly recommend this particular mascara...it goes on effortlessly, it lasts pretty much all day, and the price — I feel like I’m almost stealing it! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!!!" —chulaboola
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
3. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream improves the look of fine lines and dark under-eye circles with its advanced botanical formula. This is perfect to keep handy if you've been having a lot of late nights recently and could benefit from looking like you haven't skimped out on sleep. It'll help rid your eyes of puffiness and discoloration.
LilyAna Naturals is a small business that specializes in clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products.
Promising review: "I have been using this daily for about eight months now. It reduced the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes. It has brightened up my eye area. I am very surprised as I have paid much more for eye creams that have done so much less. I recently had pre-cancerous cells removed at the bridge of my nose. After healing, I was left with a dark scar. The dermatologist told me that it would heal over time. Since I began to apply this eye cream, the mark has almost disappeared entirely. I shop constantly from Amazon. This is the first time that I have taken the time to write a review. That's how impressed I am with this product. If you decide to purchase this, you won't be sorry." —Lynda M.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available three sizes and in a pack of two).
4. CeraVe SA Body Wash assists in diminishing razor bumps and scaly skin with its salicylic acid formula that exfoliates gently (unlike harsh, rough scrubs). If you tend to shave often or are prone to getting those small bumps on your arms (called keratosis pilaris), then this wash is for you.
Promising reviews: "I've been loving this product. It's great for the summer when I sweat more than usual. It really takes care of the breakouts I seem to get from my workout bra on my back and chest. It's also been great using on the back of my legs where I tend to get bumps from sitting down at my desk all day." —Cheyenne Rousseau
"Bought this for my 10-year-old daughter who has keratosis pilaris on her arms. This before and after photo is after two washes! Her upper arms are perfectly smooth now and she is very happy with the results." —MRenee82
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
5. Or Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts buff away dead skin to reveal fresh, new skin that'll feel oh so smooth. This mitt will help you satisfyingly remove any and all flakes. It's also great if you apply self tanner and need to prep the skin for a new application!
Promising review: "I use lotion or oil every day, sometimes both. It helps my mild dermatitis. But I also need help getting extra exfoliation. Especially after I sweat. These pads are amazing and you literally see the dead skin rolling off. Hot water isn’t great for sensitive skin but you need to steam your body before using this. Whether it’s in a bath or you take time in the shower to do so. Circular motions and light pressure work best for me. I finally feel clean and my strawberry legs stay clear. I will always buy these if they continue to make them. It’s a staple for the summer months." —Bray
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available as a pair).
6. Avarelle Acne Patches minimize pesky breakouts overnight when you pop one on before bed. These help bring the blemish to the surface and you can oftentimes see the extraction on the patch when you end up peeling it off. #satisfying
Promising review: This really works. Even though it doesn't completely prevent my cystic acne, it definitely does help reduce the swelling and make the cysts go away much faster. So easy to use and they stay on all night or all day; they don't slip off like other brands. I've purchased so many times and I will continue to do so. Nothing else I've tried works as well at treating acne, especially cysts deep under the skin, as this does!" —Kelly Dixon
Get 40 round patches from Amazon for $8.49 (also available in XL square patches).
7. Bio Oil offers many benefits including evening uneven skin tone, and fading stretch marks and acne scars. It's also fast-absorbing and incredibly lightweight so you won't feel greasy after application.
Psst! Bio-Oil contains retinol, which accelerates skin turnover but can make you more sensitive to the sun — so don't forget your sunscreen!
My colleague Ciera can vouch for this stuff:
"I've been using this on a scar on my chest for the past few weeks (trying to make it less noticeable before my wedding in September!), and it's slowly but surely fading away. I apply it at night, but reviewers recommend apply it in the morning as well for best effectiveness, so I'll start doing that too. It smells really nice and it doesn't feel as oily on your skin as you might think."
Promising review: "I was skeptical of how amazing the reviews are, but this stuff is pure gold. I use it on stretch marks on my legs and in just a week they went from bright angry red to purple. I use it twice a day if I remember, and it's amazing. I also rub it on my face after I wash my face. It has made my acne on my cheeks go WAY down, and is removing the scars. I have amazing skin now. I use this stuff EVERY day, and I've barely even put a dent in it. This size is amazing, and for the price — holy cow. I seriously never leave reviews, but seriously this stuff is pure magic. I tried vitamin C serum, rosehip, witch hazel, etc. and this is the only thing that has worked for me. Good luck!!" —Jessamyne Campbell
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ (available in three sizes).
8. Elizavecca Protein Hair Treatment repairs dry, broken hair with its creamy, rich formula that'll come in clutch if you have over-processed hair or hair that's just been out in the sun for far too long.
Promising review: "I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile hair. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it that it wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was very skeptical about this product because I have never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy was I wrong to doubt this product, it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone with natural or with curly hair." —Therese-Claire
Get it from Amazon for $7.84.
9. And if you're short on time — L'Oreal 8 Second Wonder Water restores shine and repairs damaged hair in as little as 8 SECONDS! Use it after you shampoo and before you condition so your tresses can soak up all the amino acids. Post shower you'll have smoother hair.
Promising review: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen. Thank you so much!! ♥️" —Theressa Hailey
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
10. Kyda Soap Brow Kit keeps brow hairs in place with a few simple swipes. This can be used on its own, or in tandem with your fave eyebrow pencil or pomade.
Promising review: "I was looking for a good soap for soap brows for so long! I have super dark brow hair and the problem I have with most bar soap is it will get each throughout the day or super sudsy and white. This product did not! It was amazing and left my brows in whatever direction I wanted!!!" —Savannah
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
11. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer lifts and brightens the under eye area so you can convince everyone you got loads of beauty sleep last night when in reality you probably got about two hours.
Promising review: "Let's start off with I sweat a lot. I work in retail and it is always hectic. This concealer hides everything from dark circles to discoloration of skin. It works all day. No creases and it doesn't sweat off. This is my only concealer I use after many brands." —A.J.S.
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 18 shades).
Want more? Check out our full Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review.
12. CND SolarOil restores nails to a healthy thickness with help from sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. If you're ready to give it a rest with the manis and let your nails breathe for a bit, this oil will help rejuvenate them and make them strong again.
Promising review: "This product is amazing. I've always had acrylic or dipped nails because my real nails have always been brittle and always break and peel. I decided to give my nails a break and wanted to try and grow them out. I can't even believe the outcome! They are stronger than ever and growing! I really wish I had taken a before pic to show the difference!" —JOE D.
Get it from Amazon for $8.50.
13. Revlon One-Step Volumizer gives you the opportunity to create your own salon-worthy blowout in the comfort of your own home. This is such a fan favorite product, it has over 249,100+ 5-star ratings. 👏
The brush has special vents that allow air to flow so hair dries faster. Plus, it's quicker than using a dryer and then a flat iron or curling iron, which equals less heat damage.
Promising review: "OH MY LANTA. PURCHASE THIS NOW. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. I found this one TikTok and saw the gal's review and had to buy it. I have thick hair and this dries my hair in less than 15 minutes. PLUS I don’t have to fuss with a straightener or a curling iron if I don’t want to!! It leaves my hair so soft and shiny and gives it SO MUCH VOLUME! I recommend this to ANYONE I talk to about it. Seriously my favorite styling tool. Seriously so in love." —Sydney
Get it from Amazon for $32.49+ (available in two styles). If you've tried this and it hasn't suited your hair type, then give the paddle brush version a whirl. Reviewers with 3a–4c hair love it.
14. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum brightens and softens skin, while also fading hyperpigmentation. That's a triple whammy if I've ever seen one. It also has hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate and firm the skin.
Promising review: "Works as advertised. I find it makes the dark marks disappear much quicker after a breakout. I bought this for mild under eye wrinkles and have definitely seen the difference. Been using it for two months or so and now it's part of my holy grail products. I also noticed that I have had less breakouts since I started using this product." —M. Russell
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
15. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer smoothes and protects skin with just the right amount of coverage. This will look like your skin — natural and lightweight with some much needed SPF.
Promising review: "I normally do not like to get a foundation with sunscreen because of the smell and how it feels oily on my face. However, this product is very lightweight, yet it doesn’t transfer when you touch it, which is great when you have two little kids. I don’t feel like it comes off when I’m sweating, and I’ve started wearing it this summer. It’s not a very buildable concealer or foundation, but it does well for everyday wear." —AMBabyMama
Get it from Sephora for $26+ (available in 20 shades and two sizes).
16. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm gives chapped lips new life with SPF 25 alongside a refreshing minty flavor.
Promising review: "I'm going to get straight to it. I have NEVER had a lip balm that does what this tube of magic does. I have had chapped lips for years, no matter the season, and no other lip balm works like this one. It goes on smooth, not greasy, and absorbs SO WELL. After just three days of use my lips are soft and smooth. No peeling or flaking, and I...AM...IMPRESSED! I'm literally conceited now, LOL. I've taken 93 selfies with the infamous duck lips pose, AND my hubby even noticed during our last smooch sesh that something changed, LOL....TMI? Maybe. But y'all need to know how friggin' awesome this product is. I'm stocking up ASAP!!" —iamzenobiamarie
Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in seven flavors).
17. Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo rejuvenates second- and third-day hair because you've been spending a ton of time outside and it's getting a bit greasy. If the humidity is taking a toll on the longevity of that recent blowout, pop some of this in for taming.
Promising review: "It makes my bangs and roots look fresh again. And I love that this is a powder and not a stinky aerosol spray. That also means that this lasts MUCH longer. I use it every other day when I don't wash my hair since I have very oily roots. I've been using it for almost a month and barely any is missing out of the bottle. A little goes a long way." —R. G.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
18. L'Oreal Voluminous Primer Mascara goes on white and adds additional fibers to lengthen and thicken lashes. If you've been saying you want lash extensions, this is your inexpensive solution.
Over the years I've noticed my lashes falling out and they're not as voluminous and long as they once were (*cries*). This mascara primer has changed all of that. I use it in tandem with the Thrive Causemetics mascara for a dynamic duo that hasn't failed me yet. The primer base adds a noticeable amount of fibers to thicken my thin lashes, which gives me a full lash look.
Get it from Amazon for $7.89.
19. Tree Hut Hair Minimizing Body Butter slows down hair growth over time so you can prolong shaves. Where has this been all my life?
Promising review: "After just about three weeks, I noticed that the hair on my legs had considerably slowed down growing. I normally shave my legs every day but now I can go a few days without shaving. Great smell and keeps your skin super soft too!! I love it so much that I’m on my second container of it!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.66.
20. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil works wonders on the skin by helping even out skin tone and reduce blemishes. It also doubles as a hair oil for taming frizz!
Radha Beauty is a small business that offers a slew of all-natural, organic beauty products.
Promising review: "My new holy grail! I have super sensitive, acne-prone skin in a very dry climate. This stuff is seriously so amazing. I use it from my face to my toes. It’s completely eradicated any dry skin I had and makes me glow. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin since I’ve started using it, even my boyfriend noticed! I love it after chemical peels too. It gets rid of peeling and dry patches as well as soothing any redness. It’s a decent-sized bottle for what you pay!" —Brynnieb09
Get it from Amazon for $15.95.
21. Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up razors shape and define eyebrows and also help remove peach fuzz on the face with a few simple strokes. We highly suggest using this in tandem with a serum or moisturizer for easy and painless gliding!
Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.67 (also available in a pack of nine).
22. Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray hydrates dry skin and is perfect to keep handy in your bag every day. It's great for sensitive skin and doesn't contain alcohol, oil, or fragrance.
Tower 28 is woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. The founder, Amy, started the brand after after working 15+ years in the beauty industry. The company works to create nontoxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are perfect for any skin type.
Promising review: "I started to experience hormonal cystic acne at a time where I had to wear a mask for 40 hours a week. I stopped wearing makeup to work, took certain foods out of my diet, and I tried so many skincare products to help bring my acne to a stop and nothing worked. It was really messing with my self-esteem to the point where I stopped putting makeup on and lost my passion for a moment. It wasn’t until I added this spray to my skincare routine that I found some relief. This is one of the two products that truly helped me. I see a major difference." —bwilliams18
Get it from Sephora for $12+ (available in two sizes).
23. Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips remove dirt and oil from clogged pores. The satisfaction of peeling this off is incredible.
Promising review: "These are amazing! I warm up my face with hot water and leave areas for application wet, then apply the strips! I have acne-prone skin and this really removes all the blackheads!! I also take a face strip and cut it in half for chin and forehead." —kat12
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $9.87.
24. Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask vacuums out pores and even tackles cystic acne like a champ. The mask is the key to soothing breakouts and acne-prone skin.
Don't forget the apple cider vinegar you'll need for mixing!
Promising review: "It's such a holy grail. I recommend this to everyone I know. Whenever my skin acts up and I get hormonal acne, I use this and it immediately calms down. I use it once a week in combination with apple cider vinegar, and it does wonders. The only downside is that it's such a pain to take off." —Neera
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
25. Urban Decay Primer Potion prepares lids for any eyeshadow look so it lasts longer and looks more vibrant. Primers are key, especially for more colorful eyeshadows that can sometimes apply patchy.
Promising review: "I love how they call it 'potion' because it really works like magic! This primer is a must-have for anyone who loves makeup. It intensifies your eyeshadow color and never, ever does it let your eyeshadow crease. I've even worn it for more then 24 hours and my eye makeup will still be flawless. Application is easy — I like to start applying shadow when it's still a little wet to get a bolder, rich, intense color. I will forever use this eyeshadow primer." —tdotcat
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $14+ (available in two sizes).
26. Revlon Face Roller absorbs excess skin oil with each and every roll. This lil' magical roller is reusable and can be cleaned to use over and over again. There's no need to keep packing on face powder (that'll leave your face feeling cakey and causes breakouts), just use this roller instead.
Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." —Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $11.62.
27. Maple Holistics Biotin Shampoo hydrates the scalp to prevent dandruff and assists with hair loss. It features a blend of tea tree, jojoba oil, and argan oil.
Promising review: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on) and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever. I still use it twice a week and love it!" —Diane J. Huff
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
28. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow BHA + PHA Pore-Tight Facial Toner tightens pores with its special blend of hyaluronic acid and tea tree extract. It'll also leave your skin looking super ~dewy~.
Promising review: "Totally worth it! I love it so much! It made my skin smooth, clear, and hydrated. I pour it on my palm and apply on my face. I bought this product as it is viral on TikTok and I consider it one of my best skincare purchases." —APS
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes).
29. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment evens out skin tone that's prone to redness with its slightly green tint. It supplies a medium coverage once blended in and is great for all skin types.
Promising reviews: "Very light, covers anything, wears well, and improves skin texture. I have been using for one year consistently and love it. Highly recommend. I even use it on the back of my hands." —Zukimima
"My makeup artist used this on my wedding day and I was so blown away with the coverage of my redness. I ordered a jar for myself shortly after and it’s quickly become a holy grail in my skincare/makeup routine. I don’t even need to use green concealer if I put this on under my makeup. The SPF is an added bonus!" —MariaTheGreek
Get it from Sephora for $20+ (available in two sizes).
30. Briogeo Farewell Frizz™ Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner tames frizz and detangles hair post-shower. It works fab on all hair types and textures so yes, even if you're hair is super thick, or super curly, this spray is for you.
It's made with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils (moisture, moisture, moisture!) and designed for use with all hair types.
Briogeo is a Black woman-owned, small biz dedicated to making inclusive haircare products that are cruelty-free, gluten-free, and mostly vegan.
Promising reviews: "My hair is always frizzy and because I have relatively thin hair, sometimes hair oils feel quite heavy. This product has changed my life. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also has tamed my frizzy hair! It's lightweight, so it's perfect for summer!" —hchoi2191
"Magical. I have coarse 3c hair and this worked wonders at keeping frizz at bay. I live in a pretty humid climate and have tried MANY products and techniques to combat frizz. I used this as soon as it arrived on second day hair; later that day I went on a run, and my hair still looked great. Definitely a new staple." —kbeauxk
Get it from Amazon for $25 or Sephora for $12+ (available in two sizes).
31. Glossier Solar Paint mimics that gorgeous summer glow that may fade quickly as we progress into fall (cries). A couple of dabs of this on the skin will look like it never left.
Promising review: "This bronzer is absolutely perfect! The lightest shade, Flare, fits my skin color so well. It has a little shine in it, but not like glitter chunks, more of a natural shine. I was a little afraid the color would be too dark, but it is really buildable so you can add more or less to get your perfect shade. The package is cute and the wand is easy to handle. Love it!!" —Matilda K.
Get it from Glossier for $20 (available in four shades).
32. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencil glides onto lips with an opaque, creamy color. Pop this on for fuller looking lips. Available in 17 stunning shades, you'll have a difficult time picking your new fave liner from this bunch (they're all GORGEOUS). My current fave for a '90s lip is the Pillow Talk Medium shade.
One of my favorite ways to do lips lately is just popping on lip liner. No filling in, no adding lipstick, occasionally I will add a super-lightweight gloss on top but I've been loving the '90s vibe of an autumnal brown just lining the lips for some plumpness. I buff it in with my finger a little so the lines aren't so harsh, and it's a great option for opting for a lip color that you don't have to worry about making a total mess inside your face mask like a full-on lipstick can. I have several of these pencils and they're my absolute holy grails.
Get it from Charlotte Tilbury for $24 (available in 16 shades).
Post slaying your beauty routine.
