We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are essentially liquid GOLD wrapped and packaged in a cute pink bottle. This serum helps reduce hyperpigmentation like no other and leaves skin looking moisturized and dewy.
Promising reviews: "100,000% OBSESSED with this product! If there is one product I couldn’t live without, It is THIS one! First off, it smells amazing, the texture is wonderful, and the results = unreal!! I have seen such a difference in my skin since using this!! I was instantly hooked on this serum and will recommend and brag about this product time and time again because it’s THAT good, you guys!! Do yourself a favor and add this to your skincare routine; I promise you will not regret it!" —emilyroseh, Sephora customer
"LOVE LOVE LOVE. I have been using this for the past few months, and I’m OBSESSED! I use it every morning with or without makeup; this is a staple product in my morning skincare routine. It leaves my skin looking glowy and feeling hydrated and just so fresh. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to create a flawless skincare routine." —missjulian, Sephora customer
Get it from Sephora or from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
2. The Schick Silk Dermaplaning Tool literally makes your skin feel brand new. This set comes with a handy pack of three, making it easy to remove unwanted facial hair and dead skin cells and shape those brows if you want to as well. Step away from the painful tweezers!
It'll also make your skin feel softer because it exfoliates as it shaves!
Promising review: "Game changer. Literally the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon! I've been doing dermaplaning for 10+ years and this is the first time in my life I actually didn't cut myself. The razors are incredibly sharp but smooth on the skin and to do my whole face took 10 times less time than before while using different brands. I just regret I didn't find these sooner, and I was torturing and cutting myself in the past with cheaper brands. Do not hesitate; you will be amazed as much as I am." —Veronica
Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.94+ (also available in a nine-pack).
3. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence is a gentle, lightweight, hydrating face serum designed for *all* skin types — even those with sensitive skin! It's used to protect your skin's moisture barrier in the summer heat, but reviewers swear by it for healing acne scars, fading dark spots, and smoothing fine lines, too.
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord says this stuff has changed her makeup routine for the better!: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it for a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!"
Promising review: "Game-changer. I don't know what kind of sorcery this is, but it has literally changed my skin!! The first time I used it, my skin felt tighter and more balanced. A week later, twice a day, my skin is so much brighter. Better texture and even coloring. Pores seem tighter. Not a single pimple since. It looks so healthy. Whatever magic this is, it works better than any expensive designer skin lab crap that I've tried." —Np
Get it from Amazon for $15.98.
4. A set of satin pillowcases ensures your hair and skin protection continues while you're sleeping! With satin, there's less friction, which means no more tangled hair (thank goodness!), and the cooling effect will help you sleep soundly.
This #1 best seller has...wait for it...176,000 5-star reviews! I am currently adding to cart for another set.
Promising reviews: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok, and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key
"I was a little skeptical that a pillowcase could make much of a difference with my hair, but I recently bleached my hair at home and fried it slightly, so I bought these as part of a multi-pronged plan to heal it. I woke up this morning after using them for the first time, and my hair is legit less frizzy. Not just not more frizzy, but less frizzy than when I went to sleep. I'm blown away. I just ordered three more sets." —Anne Allen
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five sizes and 21 colors).
5. Golden cooling eye gels help rid you of under-eye puffiness and all of those annoying "you look so tired" comments, thanks to ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid. Apply a pair in the mornings, after a long evening, or just when you need a mid-day pick-me-up. They'll feel so hydrating!
Promising reviews: "I struggle from dark circles no matter how much sleep or water I get. So I ordered these and hoped it would work because I'm not a person to wear makeup. I've been using it for two months now, and it INSTANTLY works. I don't use them every day, only when the circles are really dark, and it instantly brightens the area, and I don't look like a tired raccoon anymore. If you're anything like me and struggle with dark circles, ORDER THESE, game-changer." —Riley Wilson
Get a 20-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
6. OR Topicals' brightening eye masks have caffeine and kojic acid as the main ingredients to not only eliminate puffiness but *actually* reduce dark circles, too! Who says you can't take your morning coffee in eye mask form?
Topicals is a WOC-founded small business started by Claudia Teng and Olamide Olowe. The brand is all about helping you love the skin you're in, with a little help from their effective, science-backed products.
Promising review: "Love it. This is my favorite eye patch! It feels so nice on the skin and doesn’t [slide] off. My eyes were visibly less puffy after usage!" —AnnaHearts, Sephora customer
7. Bread Beauty Supply's Hair Oil Everyday Gloss hydrates, repairs, and coats hair in a lightweight, nongreasy formula. Thanks to ingredients like Kakadu plum oil and safflower oil, you'll get silky and shinier hair with limited frizz.
Bread Beauty Supply is a Black woman-owned small business that creates amazing haircare specifically for those with curl types 3a–4c.
Promising reviews: "I will probably never stop using this oil. I love it that much. Seriously though, I have very, very thick hair that gets frizzy like a lion's mane. I use this oil after I've heat styled my hair to tame the frizz, and I use it on second/third day hair. It's truly a magical hair oil! When applied after styling, I use 3–4 drops (on thick, mid-back length hair), and the oil leaves my hair looking soft, shiny, and sleek. For days in between washing, my frizz loves to pop back up, but with 4–5 drops of Bread Oil, my hair looks fresh...And it smells like gummy bears! The fragrance is fairly strong right after it comes out of the bottle, but once it's on your hair, it dissipates to a very faint but still sweet smell. I think the fragrance is the perfect amount." —duckyy
"My hair is very fine and can easily look greasy if products are too rich for it, but this product is a total home run. The oil has a thickness that reminds me of hair serums or products with dimethicone, but unlike dimethicone products, this formula actually absorbs into my hair and nourishes it instead of leaving a residue or coated feeling behind. My hair is shiny and healthy-looking, but it doesn't feel like there's any product in it, and that is exactly what I need and want in a product like this. The bottle is made from sturdy glass, and the oil smells like a bright and fruity Lip Smackers gloss from the '90s, but the scent disappears after application, so it doesn't become too much. It's such a joy to use." —nleslie63
Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in three sizes).
8. The Esarora ice roller can help decrease under-eye puffiness, minimize fine lines, *and* shrink pores! It can also help relieve headaches (score!) and sore muscles, so that's pretty awesome too.
Promising review: "OBSESSED. How have I lived without this little gem?! These great reviews are for a reason!... I’ve had it for two days and have used it 5+ times... SO relaxing. Helps with my rosacea inflammation and incoming painful zits. I haven’t had a headache to try it out, but going by how nice it feels on my neck and forehead, I would assume it’s effective in that sense as well! Stop contemplating and get it! :)" —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors).
9. Freck Beauty's lash-enhancing eyeliner helps your lashes grow over time with each use. So not only will you have a killer cat-eye, but you're stimulating lash growth at the same time!
This liner has easily become an essential for me (seriously, I've never switched a makeup product so fast). I wear eyeliner pretty often, so having one that gives me an awesome benefit, like LENGTHENING MY LASHES? I'm sold. I've even noticed my lashes become a little fuller after using it for about a month. The formula is pigmented and very long-lasting. Now, I'm just waiting for more colors at this point. 🤷🏾♀️
Freck Beauty is a woman-owned business based in Los Angeles. The company started off with Freck OG and has since grown to facial masks, eye creams, serums, and more.
Promising reviews: "I am obsessed with this eyeliner! The tip applicator makes it easy to use with maximum precision! It lasts all day, and no issues with smudging. My lashes even appear fuller after using this constantly the past few weeks!" —CeeRenee, Sephora customer
"I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS EYELINER!!! The application is so easy to just swipe and put on my eyes. It’s not waterproof, but seems like it! To the touch, it won’t rub off, but with a makeup remover, it comes off very easily. 11/10!!!!" —kitkato24, Sephora customer
Get it from Sephora or straight from Freck Beauty for $24.
10. Reusable exfoliating Japanese towels remove dead skin and soothe skin conditions like eczema or keratosis pilaris. Use the towel in the shower to reveal super soft and super clean skin when you step out.
You can use this daily or weekly, depending on how you feel about its abrasiveness.
Promising review: "This is a holy grail to my sensitive skin and germaphobic personality! It does take time to get used to due to its rough feel, but once you start to use it daily, it's hard to use anything else! Nothing else gives me such a clean feeling on my skin during my showers. I used to have very bad skin conditions all over my body: eczema, body acne, dry patches, and dark spots. This helped clear basically everything, and now I'm more confident in showing my skin in public than I have ever been. It soaks up very nicely, and you can feel all of the dirt that's on your skin from day-to-day activities getting scrubbed off. The long length is great for reaching hard-to-reach spots, such as your back. Since it's extremely rough, I would advise against using it on your face." —Jay G.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.90 (available in four color variation packs).
11. Solawave red light therapy wand is essentially a multifaceted beauty genius in one small tool. You've got red light therapy that helps fade discoloration, microcurrents that stimulate facial muscles and lift skin, and therapeutic warmth to decrease redness and help your skin absorb your skincare products even more. It's like having a pro-level facial right at home, and I'm here for it!
This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine, and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind-blowing. The tone of my face is much more even, and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it's like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one...with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!), and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night), and it's super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!
The wand is rechargeable and lasts for up to 12 treatments per charge. Read more at LED light therapy and skincare at Cleveland Clinic.
Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.
Promising review: "It took some getting used to — the device doesn't have an on/off switch and is activated by touching the device to your skin with ample (oil-free) serum, so it can be a little finicky if you don't have the right amount or type of serum. But once you get it all figured out, it's a total game-changer! I am so in love — I use it every night as I'm sitting in bed, winding down from the day (read: mindlessly scrolling Instagram). Not only does it feel like a spa experience, but it really works on wrinkles! Hallelujah!" —Rose Gold
Get it from Amazon or straight from Solawave for $169 (available in three colors).
12. Olaplex's No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector provides a salon-like hair treatment right at home. It's specifically made to repair damaged hair and restore your gorgeous locks.
Reviewers with thick and wavy hair (2c) and coily hair (4c) love this Olaplex treatment. And reviewers with straight hair (1a-1c) say it's great for getting softer, shinier hair!
Promising reviews: "OBSESSED!! I recently got a hair cut, and the lady used a flat iron. I personally don't like using heat on my hair to prevent damage. Me being paranoid, I had to use this to protect my hair afterward. When I tell you my hair was SILKY SOFT and SUPER SHINY, I mean it. It looked and felt so healthy after the first time." —Skinjunkie2, Sephora customer
"This product is amazing!! I’ve been using it a couple of times, and I’m already obsessed. I use it with No. 0, and it makes my hair super silky and soft, which is a surprise because my hair is bleached and has always been frizzy! Will definitely order again!" —Maryam91R, Sephora customer
Get it from Sephora or from Amazon (where it has over 61,000 5-star reviews!) for $30.
13. OR Elizavecca Collagen Hair Protein treatment has been bestowed the title "magic in a bottle" by reviewers. Say goodbye to frizz and grease after just 10 minutes (yep, 10!) with this in your hair!
Reviewers with thin or fine hair LOVE this hair treatment, and various hair types from 3b to 4c say it helped their damaged hair. Even folks with dyed or bleached hair say it's safe to use. TL;DR: It works!
Promising reviews: "I am obsessed with this conditioner. It's light enough to use every other wash, and it smells amazing. I have ultra-fine, curly blonde hair that’s extremely prone to breakage, and I feel like my hair has grown an inch since using this product. Just bought two more bottles because I never want to run out of this magic.." —sgt
"I am obsessed with this product. My hair was super dry, damaged, and unmanageable from too many rounds with hot tools. Since I started using this product, my hair feels soft and is getting natural curls back." —Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $6.80 (available in two sizes).
14. Kulfi crease-proof concealer does. It. All👏. It's a SELF-setting, hydrating, miracle-working concealer that covers dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. It even has amla fruit and rose hip extract as the main ingredients to help nourish and promote bouncy, hydrated skin. TL;DR: It will have your skin glowing.
Kulfi Beauty is a South Asian woman-owned small biz that was created to empower the South Asian community through representation that was lacking in the beauty industry. And BTW, "kulfi" is a type of South Asian ice cream!
Promising reviews: "Let me tell you. This concealer has beaten out every other concealer I have tried. And I have tried plenty. It’s hydrating and creamy but doesn’t budge. ... It’s a beautiful finish. Brightening for my under eyes. I’ve literally told everyone I know to grab this." —sv222, Sephora customer
"Was lured in by the reviews, and they do not lie! Crease proof it is indeed, even for my 42-year-old (ever so slightly) wrinkled under eyes. Ahem. I didn’t think this would top my Nars concealer for under my eyes, but it does. Worth a try!" —michb, Sephora customer
Get it from Sephora or straight from Kulfi for $26 (available in 21 shades).
15. The cult- (and BuzzFeed editor-) favorite Essence Lash Princess mascara gives you dramatically long lashes without the price of extensions or false strips. This bestseller has over 215,000 five-star ratings!
My colleagues Kayla Boyd and Emma Lord *love* this stuff!
Kayla says: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes, and I'm terrible at applying them), this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. It uses a conic-shaped fiber brush to help the mascara apply evenly without getting too clumpy. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes without the discomfort." Read her full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more!
Emma says: "Hello, that is my face above (I'm the blonde), because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."
Promising review: "I've been wearing makeup for 35 years, so I have worn my share of different mascaras. Dollar store, drugstore, high-end, you name it, it's been on my face. This little unassuming sucker is a GAME. CHANGER. She is now my holy grail. I scrape the whole brush, sometimes even lightly blot it because I don't like a lot of product right out of the gate. A little wiggle and a swish, and I legit have eyelashes that look like they've been glued on. They're feathery and defined and full, super dark, with no flakes, no smudges, no traveling under your eyes. I add one more light coat to the tips of my lashes, and voila, I'm a doe-eyed princess. The trick is to CURL YOUR LASHES first. That goes for any mascara because it makes a massive difference. Blast your curler with your blow dryer for a second if you're feeling super fancy. Don't sleep on this, queens! For the results I get with this mascara, I would happily pay triple the price, but the gag is, you don't have to! Scrape your change together and buy this!" —ByeFelicia
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
16. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant provides awesome results in smoothing and clearing skin. It's got over 57,000 5-star ratings and (thankfully) comes in a 1-ounce mini version too!
Promising review: "GAME-CHANGER! I thought I had tried EVERYTHING on the market for congested skin (I don’t get breakouts anymore, but very clogged pores along the T-zone) and enlarged pores. I’ve only been using it for a week and just at night, and the difference in blackheads along my nose and enlarged/congested pores is almost unbelievable! This just might be my very favorite Amazon purchase EVER!" —AJDEX
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
17. A foot file removes dead skin, calluses, and buildup for baby-smooth skin. The feeling is also oddly satisfying! Sign. Me. Up.
Promising review: "Omg GAME-CHANGER. I am astonished. I have actual control over my calluses. My feet are embarrassing unless I literally go every two weeks for pedicures. I slack off? It’s terrible. It was an ongoing joke between me and my ex husband. After using this ONE TIME, I could cry with excitement. In a few strokes, it shaved off all the hard, thick, ridiculous callused mess that is my feet. I had to actually be careful to not be so aggressive like I am used to. I had literally resorted to taking a box cutter to shave off calluses. Hoping I didn’t slip. If you know what I’m talking about? Get it. Skip the files (electrics, too) and the exfoliating BS. Skip the single-blade shaver. Go. Get this." —A. Donato
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
18. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion dries up your blemishes overnight! This award-winning liquid blends salicylic acid (to shed dead skin cells), sulfur (to cleanse pores), and calamine (to cool and soothe). Reviewers say it's ~thee~ go-to when they need a speedy remedy for acne.
Promising review: "Obsessed with this stuff and would give it more stars if I could. My daughter is a teenager and is going through acne issues right now. She puts it on any spots before bed and she wakes up so much clearer. I will say if you have major acne, it could take two nights in a row to clear up but after the first night a lot of redness is gone, and they shrink. If you're like me and don’t break out often, if you catch it early and put this on at night you will wake up with smooth skin like it never happened. I have recommended it to others in my family, and they are obsessed with this stuff too." —HarlowJBD, Sephora customer
19. LaBeautyologist Cleansing Cuffs stop the annoying drenched sleeves from being a part of your skincare routine. The cuffs are comfortable, super absorbent, and essentially make your arm a drip-free zone when you wash your face.
BuzzFeed writer Genevieve Scarano says: "My sweatshirt sleeves ALWAYS get wet when I wash my face. It's really tricky to keep them dry because I use creamy cleansers that require a little more rinsing than other products. I decided to try these cozy cuffs, and they make such a difference in my skincare routine. They protect my sleeves from getting drenched and make self-care time a little more fun. They're also machine washable!"
LaBeautyologist is a Black-owned small biz founded by beauty guru Nayamka Roberts-Smith. She's known for creating the 60-second rule: cleansing with fingers for a minute to allow your cleanser's ingredients to get to work on your complexion.
Get them from LABeautyologist for $25 (originally $27; available in two colors).
20. AND a pack of fluffy spa headbands holds your hair back while you wash your face or do your weekly mud mask. The bow on top makes it extra adorable, don't ya think?
21. A box of antiperspirant towelettes keeps you dry for up to an entire week! 🤯 All you have to do is wipe under your arms before bed, let them dry for five minutes and have a good night's sleep. When you wake up, you'll have dry armpits!
Promising review: "So happy I saw this on TikTok! I was skeptical about the product because I am a very heavy sweater. There has been no deodorant that has helped this problem, but these Sweat Block wipes have literally been the best thing I've found that has made the quality of my life so much better!" —Amazon Customer
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (each box lasts two months).
22. A reusable Revlon volcanic face roller absorbs shine in seconds *without* messing up your makeup — how awesome is that? Simply roll it over any oily or greasy areas of your face and watch it work its magic.
The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.
Promising review: "This little miracle worker is a game-changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning, the oil has disappeared, and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" —Jason Zapata
Get it from Amazon for $9.
23. Glossier's Boy Brow is the top-rated, cult-favorite, brow-changing product you've gotta try for yourself! Boy Brow gives you fuller and bolder brows without the crusty residue like with some other products.
Glossier is a woman-owned business that was founded in 2012. They took the world by storm by making the barely-there "no makeup, makeup look" trendy again with their beauty products meant to enhance, not cover-up.
Promising review: "Game changer! I don't think I'll ever go back to my past eyebrow ways. This makes my eyebrows look so much better, but in such a natural way. I don't wear much makeup; I only do my eyebrows and eyelashes, so this really fits my "natural" look. I have pretty thin eyebrows, but this makes them look full, and since using this product, I have received so many compliments on my brows, which has never happened before. I highly recommend this product" —Lea
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Glossier's Boy Brow for more deets!
Get it from Glossier for $20 (available in seven shades).
24. 54 Throne's truly multitasking body butter hydrates dry skin, scalps, and tattoos, AND (according to reviewers) soothes irritated skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It uses two types of all-natural shea butter and other clean ingredients to ~literally~ bring skin back to life.
I'm happy to report that I've found *thee* body butter that not only has my skin glistening like a glazed donut in the sun, but it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturized, AND it smells amazing, too. The rich, creamy, and suuuper thick texture is incredibly smooth, especially when rubbed in. My favorite scent is Egyptian Lavender + Moroccan Mint. I've been using it on my hands daily since I got the opportunity to try the brand. But when I'm feeling ~fancy~ (or am just going out for the night), I apply the Kenyan Hibiscus + Moroccan Rose all over after I shower to lock in a beautiful, floral scent. Once you try it, you won't be able to live without it in your beauty routine!
54 Thrones is a Black woman-owned small business that makes natural, clean skincare products.
Get it from Sephora for $12+ (available in three sizes and four scents) or straight from 54 Thrones for $24 (available in five scents).
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of 54 Throne's Beauty Butter for more details!
25. LilyAna Naturals' eye cream can help you hide how tired you really are after a long week. The rose hip and hibiscus-infused eye cream helps reduce dark circles and puffiness, leaving your eyes to look bright and wide (or alert and awake).
Promising review: "The product is a game changer for me. I would have dry creases under my eyes no matter how much primer or expensive foundation I used. I use this in the a.m. and p.m., and it has made a 100% difference. I was at the doctor’s waiting room and was chatting with a woman and I mentioned I was going to be 53 in two weeks. She was shocked and said she thought I was 35, saying I had barely had any wrinkles. It made my day!" —Angela Kilburn
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes).
26. A Cantu curling cream is specifically made to hydrate, strengthen, and revive those gorgeous curls of yours. Thanks to ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and mango seed butter — your hair will look *and* feel brand new for a cheap, cheap price.
Promising reviews: "Works great on curly 3a hair. This hair cream is a game-changer! I went from never wearing my hair curly to wearing it down for a whole week. Smells good and is very moisturizing as well. I put it in while damp, and it dries almost the exact same as it looked wet. It leaves curls shiny and frizz-free. I would recommend this product to anyone who has fought with their curls." —Amanda
"Game-changer. This has become the holy grail for my long, curly, but frizzy hair. Finally, something that keeps my hair in check without making it crunchy! It smells amazing, and you get sooooo much, the price point is perfect!!" —Melanie Lee
Get it from Amazon for $6.29.
27. And a detangling brush for 3A–4C hair provides results worth $100+...but luckily, this gem is much, much less. This brush has eight flexible comb arms with tons of bristles that'll detangle wet and dry hair painlessly.
Promising reviews: "This brush is amazing! A game-changer for curly hair. It helps detangle my curls so easily, with minimal friction, way better than a comb. I don't think I'll ever use a comb or any other brush again!" —Tuere K.
"This was a great purchase for my curls. I have thick, 3b-type curls so it can be a hassle to detangle; however, this brush has been a game-changer. I strictly use this brush in the shower on my wash days, which saves so much time for me, leaving my hair soft and tangle-free when I get out so I can style it however without any worries. Not to mention, the brush is easy to clean, gentle on the scalp when combing through big knots, easy to grip, and so much more. I highly recommend this product, you won’t be disappointed." —Shay
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five colors).
28. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray is a long-lasting, oil-free spray that's perfect for anyone who wears makeup and doesn't want to worry about smudging and reapplying. And just FYI, the formula happens to be the #1 setting spray in the US!
BuzzFeed Editor Jenae Sitzes loves this setting spray: "I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking multiple trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray, which I knew after one use I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin, and it caused me no issues.)
Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, multiple meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying multiple times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray."
Promising review: "I used this as my setting spray for my wedding makeup, and it was such a game-changer!! My makeup lasted throughout the entire warm summer ceremony day, through jumping in a lake, and through the dance party. Cannot recommend this enough!! Worth every penny and more honestly." —Eliza Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
29. Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers get rid of pimples quickly, easily, and in a hurry. Bonus points! They also prevent picking and acne scarring. Simply apply the patch right on top of your pimple in the evening, and the rest is history.
I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate. For more deets, check out my full Mighty Patch review!
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!
Promising review: "Using this product has been a game-changer. It’s as if the adhesion of it literally pulls all of the bad stuff from the spot, and you’ll know when it’s time to remove it when it turns up white on your sticker — so easy to remove, and my spot has gone drastically down. I’m on my fourth box, or maybe fifth? They’re my go-to at the slightest spot I get to try to nip it in the bud. Might I add that my hormonal cystic acne spots have been majorly suppressed by these — as soon as I feel one coming on, I take a hot washcloth to the area and put a sticker on overnight for a couple of nights, and the deep underneath feeling of that spot is gone. I love these so much, and you will too." —Deborah Hart
Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $10.97.
30. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen has the name "Unseen" for a reason, because reviewers say that it leaves zero white cast behind and isn't sticky AT ALL. It's also totally water resistant, so you can enjoy a day in the sun and the water in peace.
Promising reviews: "A total game changer! This has completely helped clear up my skin. I feel like other SPFs would've clogged my pores and had a cast. This product is amazing! It has reduced my clogged pores, applies well with makeup, and leaves me glowy." —casandra21, Sephora customer
"Game changer!! SO happy I took the plunge and purchased this! Lightweight and matte — the perfect sunscreen and primer solution for my oily combo skin. Does not pill when it comes into contact with my moisturizer, does not melt off my skin in the heat, and keeps everything together when I wear makeup. Definitely protects my skin because my scars have not darkened!" —jessyj07, Sephora customer
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes) or Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).
31. OR Black Girl Sunscreen protects and moisturizes skin without leaving a greasy white cast. While it works for all, BGS is specially designed for melanated skin!
Learn more about sunscreen and SPF at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and be sure to check out BuzzFeed's post on sunscreen myths.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned small business. The sunscreen comes in three versions: original SPF 30, matte SPF 45, and a kid's SPF 50. Each is paraben-free, fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free!
Promising reviews: "It’s GREAT! I use sunscreen on my face every single day. I live in FL so it’s a necessity. Finally, a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, feels good on my skin, and it’s moisturizing. I will definitely be purchasing this again." —Katrina H., Target customer
"Finally! A sunscreen that’s made for people with an abundance of melanin! This doesn’t leave a white cast, and it doesn’t have much of a scent to it. It goes on effortlessly and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and protected. Do you understand how long it’s taken me to find an SPF for my skin?! I’m so thankful that it’s available at Target, and I hope they continue to stock the shelves with this product!" —Jay, Target customer
Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99.
32. Maple Holistic's biotin hair shampoo moisturizes your scalp and promotes hair growth! It includes ingredients like biotin, keratin, and zinc that are known to work wonders for hair.
Reviewers with all types of hair (from fine 1a to long 3c and 4c hair) say this shampoo works wonders.
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "This shampoo was a game-changer. I’m a breast cancer survivor, and this shampoo helped my hair grow back healthy and thick and so much faster than I expected! This is a miracle shampoo. Thank you!!" —rissa714
Get it from Amazon for $10.76+ (available in three sizes).
33. And Mielle rosemary mint scalp oil has become a constant sell-out after going viral on TikTok! It's a biotin-infused hair-strengthening oil that helps smooth split ends, moisturize dry scalps, and deeply nourish 3A–4C hair. In other words...you need to try it ASAP!
Read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "This hair growth oil is a game-changer! I've been using it for a while, and I'm amazed at the incredible results. My baby hairs have noticeably increased, and my overall hair texture feels healthier. The ingredients of the formula are fantastic, and it's so easy to incorporate into a daily routine. If you're looking for effective hair growth, I highly recommend this oil; it's worth every penny!" —Nutri Andy
"I have just started to use this product and have seen a visible difference in my hair. It immediately became softer and shined almost right after one or two uses. I am really thrilled with the results... The dropper is a great bonus to easily apply it on the scalp. I just massage it into my scalp, and it absorbs nicely. The combination of rosemary and mint not only smells incredible but also provides a refreshing and invigorating experience when applied... It is a haircare game-changer." —Elle
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
34. Voyor's pore vacuum extracts everything from blackheads, whiteheads, and the oil that comes along with both. This cool gadget uses deep suction to remove it all, going straight to the source rather than just treating the surface. It'll leave your skin feeling cleaner and smoother!
Three different suction levels (low for sensitive skin, medium for small blackheads, and large for pesky blackheads) and six interchangeable heads that span from strong suction to gentle suction enable you to customize your blackhead removal experience with ease.
Promising review: " Yaaaaaaasssssss queeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen I am obsessed with this vacuum!!! I have hormonal acne-prone skin, but I always struggle with whiteheads around my nose and chin area. This thing does WERRRRK!!! I use the flat-looking head, and it’s amazing for really getting larger areas like my skin and the curvature around my nose... After a few uses, especially right after getting out of a hot shower, this lil' guy started really working! I’d suggest doing it after a hot wash/ face wash or after a facial steamer...This makes my skin finally feel so clean and not oily and clogged!" —Stacey Checcino
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three styles).
35. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is a number-one bestseller for very good, well-earned reasons! After a night with this on, you'll wake up to moisturized, hydrated lips that are softer than ever.
BTW, some people use it as a daily lip balm or lip protectant over their lipstick, too!
Laneige is an Asian-owned brand that has been in the beauty game for years (seriously, since the 90s!). The luxury brand prides itself on being affordable, too, and has many fan-favorite products because of it.
Promising reviews: "Holy freakin grail!! I pick at my lips so they’re constantly chapped and raw. I used this once and by the second day, all the dry/dead skin had come off, and my lips were softer than I’ve ever felt. Totally worth the money and smells amazing!!" —Anissamarie01, Sephora customer
"Lives up to ALL the hype. Holy grail, amazing product. I have been chapstick-obsessed since birth, and this product goes above and beyond. I carry it around in my purse and use it every day. My lips look super glowy and hydrated, and it lasts a long time after application. I'm slowly collecting every shade." —honeycbxdger, Sephora customer
Get it from Sephora or from Amazon for $24 (available in five scents).
36. A Revlon one-step drying brush makes ALL the difference when you're blow-drying your hair, when you've just showered and have to rush to brunch, or are just having a bad hair day. It produces gorgeous blow-out results and works for all hair types.
The oval brush design smooths the hair, and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them.
Promising review: "Game changer! I always dreaded the blow-drying process, holding a heavy dryer in one hand and a styling brush in the other and spending waaaaay too long on the process with shoulder-length hair. This has changed the game for me, and I couldn't be happier — only one hand is needed, and the drying/styling is all done so quickly despite having a very thick head of hair. It's cut my time in half. Highly recommend this!" —maidindetroit
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two styles and eight colors).
BTW, Revlon's got a One-Step Styler specifically for curly hair, too, for only $35.99! It has over 31,000 5-star reviews and has earned just as much love as the OG styler.
37. Sdara Skincare's derma roller is a painless micro-needling treatment that provides smooth, glowing results. With weekly use, it can help diminish wrinkles, large pores, and dark circles. FYI: professional sessions generally cost hundreds of dollars, so this is an effective and affordable alternative!
Add a hydrating serum to serve as a primer over your skin as you derma roll. Derma-rolling will allow the serum to sink into your skin even deeper, allowing you to reap its benefits. Make sure you learn how to derma-roll properly before going at it!
Promising review: "Obsessed! This is a necessity for every person’s daily routine! Works so well at creating blood flow and promoting collagen production. Definitely makes a huge difference in improving product absorption as well. I notice a big improvement in any laugh/forehead lines I get and definitely think this has been helping with my acne scars! Not painful at all either." —Niloo
Get it from Amazon for $15.49.
38. Oui The People's gel-to-milk shave gel will not only make for a smoother, closer shave, but it'll leave your skin brighter (thanks, vitamin C!) *and* more hydrated, too. On top of it all, reviewers say the light scent is — *chef's kiss* perfection.
Oui the People (originally Oui Shave) was founded back in 2015 by Karen Young. The brand is known for its amazing skincare and shaving products made to limit ingrown hairs and razor burn. Fan favorites include the Sensitive Skin Razor, which provides a close shave, getting even the thickest, most stubborn body hair.
Promising review: "[This gel] elevates shaving to a spa experience. I started using this during shelter in place. This makes shaving feel like a part of my self-care ritual. You only have to use a very small amount, zero shaving burn, and it smells amazing. The price may seem steep, but it lasts longer and does a better job than other shaving creams." —Mindy F., Oui The People customer
"This moisturizing shave gel is absolutely AMAZING in just about every way. It’s very pricey for what it is, but it’s a luxury that I’m only too happy to provide for myself because of how great it is. First, the light scent is great so that it doesn’t clash with any of my other self-care products. Second, the gel-to-milk is a neat experience and makes it so that I use less of the product than I do with other shave gels and creams. And finally, it provides an amazing shave, and I helps prevents nicks and cuts. Every time I use this I love the way my legs feel after. So soft and smooth. I love it." —Melissa C., Oui The People customer
39. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer is the TikTok viral bestseller that blurs pores and fine lines like no other. Seriously, it's got over 30,000 positive reviews, with people gushing about how smooth and weightless it is! It works as a silky, mattifying base to ensure your makeup stays on all day and night with a prolonged filter effect.
It's sold out frequently thanks to TikTok, so if you want this, it's probably best to grab it while it's in stock!
Promising reviews: "This stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone is the worst for pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend it. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game-changer. Honestly, it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay, and lasts all day. I am oily, so I usually blot some powder on later in the day, but if you have dry skin, this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia
"Highly recommend. Learned about it as several influencers used it on TikTok. Tried it, and it’s my favorite. Better than all the expensive brands I had tried before. Smooth application and does an excellent job! Excellent." —Binnyx1
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors).
40. Bio-Oil has earned the "cult-favorite" title because so many reviewers swear by it. It has over 85,000 5-star reviewers full of people who use it to help fade scars, soothe dryness, and moisturize without clogging pores. And yes, you can use it literally anywhere on your body!
Promising reviews: "I pick my face when I'm stressed (I'm sure some can relate) and have scars on my forehead from doing so. I came across Bio-Oil and was blown away. Yes, I've seen a difference in scars, but I wasn't prepared for the other benefits! I've spent a LOT of money on skincare, Bio-Oil is a game-changer. My skin is soft, bright, and hydrated. I've even noticed my fine lines are receding. I'm an unpaid Bio-Oil ambassador because I tell EVERYONE about it!" —Jen
"I recommend this product! I used to have really bad acne, but ever since I incorporated this into my skincare, I only get pimples once in a while, and they go away quickly thanks to this oil. The first week of using this, I noticed my skin was getting softer and looking glowy; after one month, my skin just literally stopped producing acne. Even though I have acne scars, they are fading rather quickly." —Anya
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
41. A set of makeup blending sponges makes it ridiculously easy and efficient to blend makeup and get full coverage. Reviewers say these are the ~perfect~ alternative to the OG Beautyblender, and that they work great for foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer — wet or dry!
Promising review: "I am VERY picky when it comes to my makeup sponges. For years, I would only use a Beautyblender because, to be honest, nothing else compared or gave the same foundation finish. These are truly game-changers! They are not 100% identical to the name-brand blender in texture. HOWEVER, they DO give the same flawless foundation finish. I would even go as far as to say they soak up less foundation, which means you aren't wasting as much product. And can we talk about this price point?!?! Save your hard-earned money and PURCHASE THESE! You won't be disappointed." —Lindseyy
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight color combos).
42. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is destined to become your holy grail hair mask, face mask, and all-around beauty go-to (I mean, it's got over 47,000 5-⭐️ ratings for a reason). All you need to do is mix this 100% natural calcium bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar for a deep clean of your hair and skin.
It's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!
Promising reviews: "I don't normally leave reviews, but this product is a game-changer! I have only used it one time and noticed results right away! This mask gets deep under your pores and removes all the dirt and bacteria. Combine with apple cider vinegar for the best results!" —Joidon Jennings
"Curly hair game-changer! I have extremely spirally curly hair. I am used to having lots of it fall out while I'm washing my hair. I've used this the last two weeks before washing my hair and only lost a couple of strands — total game-changer! Also is a great deep cleaner for my pores, especially on my nose." —marathongirl1968
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes).
43. The NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Facial Steamer can really help unclog pores — aka unclog all of the stress you had to deal with over the week. If you're in need of an at-home spa day, say "aye!"
The NanoSteamer comes with a five-piece blemish and blackhead extractor kit in addition to the facial steamer to help you really get all the dirt that's stuck in your pores. Oh — and the facial steamer doubles as a humidifier and a towel warmer, too!
Promising review: "I’m turning 30 in a couple of weeks and wanted to upgrade my skincare routine, and this is a game changer. I said goodbye to my pot and crouching over it with a towel over my head, which made me not want to do it very often cause it was so much work. This is so much easier, and now I can steam more often and not once every eight months or so. Lol. After steaming then toner and face oil, my skin looked so glossy! I love this little apparatus!" —Dee Benus
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in two colors).
44. The popular Demora foot exfoliation mask peels away your calluses — literally. Your feet will be shedding the old, dead skin away and feel soft as heck within days.
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
With these foot mask "socks," you just slide them onto your feet, leave them on for an hour to let the gel soak into your feet, and you should start to see the dead skin peel away within 6–11 days (with remarkably softer feet in two weeks!).
Promising review: "I placed this order after seeing it everywhere on TikTok... and boy am I glad I tried it! I was initially skeptical of trying anything on my feet.. and let’s be honest, the peeling feet pictures are not for the weak :) .. but oddly extremely satisfying. I soaked my feet in the bag for an hour as instructed (super easy to use) ... two weeks later, BOOM baby soft feet...10/10 would recommend!! " —Alma Elias
Get two pairs from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 11 scents).
45. A super-soft Makeup Eraser wipes off your makeup using *only* water! (Yes, you read that right.) The gentle fabric also has a microfiber blend specifically designed to clear gunk from your pores. If that's not magic, I don't know what is.
It's got two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and light scrubbing and another that exfoliates your skin. Plus, all you have to do when you're done using it is wet it and hang it up to dry! No more wasting money on icky washcloths that hurt your skin!!! I can hear your pores singing from here.
Promising review: "I am amazed by this product. I would even say that this is life-altering! I have not had to buy makeup remover in three months, and don't believe I will ever have to again! When I used makeup remover, I felt like I could never get all of my makeup off, and I had to rub my eyes quite a bit to get it off. Even after a lot of rubbing when using makeup remover, I still would wake up the next morning with makeup residue from the previous day and I never felt I could completely get my makeup off. With a makeup eraser, there is not one bit of makeup left!! It is like magic!! Make sure you follow directions; you have to use warm water and use the correct side!" —Sprklbuz
Check out BuzzFeed's review of the Makeup Eraser for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in six colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.