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    28 Products That Proved Reviewers Wrong In The Best Possible Way

    If the phrase "don't knock it before you try it" was a person, it would be these skeptical reviewers.

    1. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, which will have your hair feeling like it's on cloud nine. This hair mask is infused with collagen and protein extracts — after applying to wet hair and sitting for only five minutes, your hair will be completely transformed.

    According to reviewers, this mask works on fine haircurly hair, and type 4 hair

    Check out our Elizavecca CER-100 hair protein treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."

    Promising review: "Bought this instead of Olaplex because it seemed like a cheaper alternative. Didn't have high expectations because of the price but JUST WOW. After one use my hair was shiny, soft, and NOT CRISPY anymore. It did not feel oily. Not sure how often I'm supposed to do this treatment but I think once a week should suffice. My hair hair type is straight Asian hair that has been bleached into a balayage. Did not mess up my color or anything. Hope this review helps you :)" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $6.70.

    2. A set of Bluapple freshness balls — just by existing in the same space as your fruits and veggies, these can extend their lifespan and save you a ton of money in the process. No more wasted trips to the grocery store just because your bananas and bell peppers went bad too soon!

    on the left, a brown banana captioned
    a reviewer photo of the produce saver ball in a crisper drawer with a bunch of apples

    BluApple is a small business that was founded 2009 to help combat food waste. Just snag a refill kit and refresh your freshness ball with a new packet every three months.

    Promising review: "I didn't really expect this to work, but it was so cheap I figured it was worth a try. I can't believe a head of iceberg lettuce was still crisp after two weeks in the fridge. It's not a miracle — it did not seem to help my cilantro last longer, but if I can stop throwing away a fraction of the produce I currently toss each week, I think it's worth it." —momin8er

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99.

    3. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer that'll help enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow, giving it that vibrant ✨ pop ✨ you crave. It also helps control oil on your lids to make your makeup last all day.

    A customer review photo of their eye makeup done at 8:30 a.m.
    The same customer with a review photo showing their eye makeup at 6:30 p.m.

    Promising review: "I was skeptical whether this actually worked but I decided to give it a try. Usually my eye makeup is all smudged within an hour due to my hooded eyes. However, this little miracle kept my makeup looking good all day long. The second picture is after seven hours of use and right after a very intense cardio workout that left me sweaty from head to toe. I can’t say enough good things about this product." —Linea Wigginton

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

    4. A lemon-scented cleaning gel, because admit it — we all have cookie crumbs in between our keyboards and dust all over our car's air vents. This gel will help get the tiniest of particles right out and won't stick to your hands. It's also reusable!

    A ball of slime that's covered in dirt and pet hair
    a model using the gel to clean a car air vent

    Promising review: "I used this to clean out the little holes on my iPhone 13. Before using it people kept telling me they could barely hear me and the voice to text and audio assistant could never understand what I was saying. I used this product for about 3–5 minutes and I didn't expect much from it. To my surprise it cleared up pretty much all the problems I was having. My phone calls are so much clearer (from what I'm told) and the voice to text works like the day I bought the phone. I can't recommended this product enough. It was more than worth the money. Plus, I can use it for so many more things. I am so happy I bought this and it worked way better then I could ever ask for." —Rob and Katie

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

    5. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel with results so good, the pictures speak for themselves. It's like a spa pedicure in a bottle! Just apply the gel and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then finish up with a foot scrubber to ensure there's no dead skin left behind.

    Promising review: "This was so amazing. I was skeptical, but my feet are even softer than after leaving the nail salon. I’ve always had a hard callus on the side of my foot and it’s sooo soft now." —Keyona

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    6. A set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds (boasting a whopping 237,000+ 5-star ratings) so you can listen to your favorite tunes without the hassle of tangled wires. Not only do these offer an impressive 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, but they also help block out surrounding noise. One reviewer even said they get a clearer sound from these than their Bose headphones. 

    These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of playtime when you're on the go. 

    Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical about buying these as the price was incredible, but after reading an article and the reviews I took the plunge — and I must say I'm impressed! The sound is great, the range is much farther than any of the other wireless earbuds I've had in the past! I love the recharging case and the fact that they lock into place in the holder. The fit is great, and they come with additional ear pieces to ensure that you size is included. Although I can't yet speak to battery length, I have confidence that they will last as long or longer than any others out there. So JUST BUY THEM! Edit: I have found the noise cancelling to be excellent, and the range is impressive!" —James Moses

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors and two models).

    7. A concentrated allergen spray if you ever feel like your sinuses are under attack from pet dander and dust, and you’re looking for some relief. Whether they're airborne or lingering on surfaces, this spray reduces the presence of allergens like a superhero.

    Allergy Asthma Cleaning Store is a family-owned business making safe cleaning goods for the whole family. If you suffer from pet allergies, it's recommended you spray this daily. For dust mite allergies, try three times a week.

    Promising review: "I read all the amazing reviews but remained skeptical that this could work for me. My asthma is terrible in the winter, as I am allergic to my cat and it gets worse once our heat goes on. I spray this on all of my furniture, in the air, and on my vent covers every day and I have noticed an incredible difference in my symptoms in the last few days. It’s really wild. I just got more on subscription because it’s that amazing. We still vacuum regularly and have air purifiers on but those measures still didn’t help that much until I added in this spray." —Grace Valentine

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99

    8. A set of mint-flavored teeth-whitening pens because come on, who doesn't want pearly white teeth? These easy-to-use pens brush the whitening gel onto your teeth so you don't have to struggle with any whitening trays. If you use them consistently twice a day, you can get a noticeable difference in no time.

    Promising review: "I'm so glad I purchased this whitening pen. I've tried several products with just OK results so I had pretty low expectations. This whitening pen gave fantastic results and was super easy to use. I didn't have any sensitivity and there was no bad taste in my mouth from it. I will be purchasing again!" —Amazon Customer

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99.

    9. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll help you fly through making dinner because (in my opinion) prepping your fresh ingredients is the most time-consuming part. This handy gadget allows you to chop, slice, and julienne your veggies in record time. This chopper also features a built-in storage container to prevent messy countertops.

    a reviewer photo of the chopper, attachable blades and a bin filled with chopped potatoes
    a reviewer using the chopper to dice an onion

    Promising review: "I didn't really expect a lot, because I have purchased mandolins in the past and I've not had any luck with those. But this is really cool and easy to use!" —Jan Flin

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and four styles).

    10. A bottle of nail and cuticle care oil to moisturize and help repair raw, damaged cuticles and peeling nails. If you ever wanted to get that salon finish without having to go to the salon, this is like having a personal manicurist in the comfort of your home.

    Promising review: "Didn't expect this to work so well, but even after just a couple of uses, it's a huge improvement in my cuticle condition. Massive help for my skin picking!" —D 

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes). 

    11. A patented ChomChom pet hair remover that works so well to remove pet hair, it'll make you say, "Oh yeah, my couch was that color!" Unlike a normal lint roller, the ChomChom doesn't contain sticky adhesive, which means it can be used over and over again. 

    a reviewer photo of a the ChomChom sitting on a black hoodie with the left covered in hair and the right free of hair
    a gif of a reviewer using the lint roller to pick up hair

    ChomChom Roller is a Massachusetts-based small biz creating an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to sticky lint rollers. 

    Promising reviews: "I purchased this off the recommendation of a friend and didn't have the highest of expectations. I already have a lint roller that works in this way, with the fuzzy grip, and it doesn't compare to regular lint rollers. This ChomChom however, worked better than I thought! Started it off on a few pet beds and bedspreads and was impressed with the hair removal. Definitely will keep using this!" —Green Sardine 

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors). 

    12. A fabulous lip-plumping gloss set to get that Kylie Jenner pout (without needles). This set comes with a daytime formula featuring ginger essence to give you that extra ✨ plumpness ✨ and a nighttime formula with mint to repair and moisturize.

    before/after of reviewer's lips looking plump and hydrated after using the plumper
    reviewer holding lip plumpers

    You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips.

    Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical about this product but it really does help. My lips are thin and dry and this helped a lot. Also, it looks great over or under lipstick or all by itself. Nice gloss. There is a little tingling sensation but not bad at all. I will re-purchase this again when I run out!!!" —D. Hillman

    Get it from Amazon for $9.98.

    13. Some seamless bra liners for when boob sweat just won't allow your day to be great. This amazing invention absorbs sweat and provides a barrier that prevents the underwire from digging into your skin. Now you can wear that cute top without worrying about any discomfort or sweat stains.

    Promising review: "I honestly wasn't expecting much from these. I am DD so I was leery about buying a medium, but the chart was right. These are so comfortable and stayed in place all day. Didn't even feel them. At the end of the day, my underboob is usually gross and sticky (live in a desert area) but with these the area was completely dry!! I was so surprised and happy!" —jerry5234

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes M–XXL and in three colors). 

    14. A bottle of Paula's Choice salicylic acid liquid exfoliant useful for clearing out pores and evening your skin's texture and tone. It's gentle enough to use daily, unlike those other gritty face scrubs that feel like you're sandblasting your skin.

    Reviewer's skin with acne before using exfoliant
    Reviewer's skin after using exfoliant, noticeably clearer

    Promising reviews: "I received a small sample of this with a perfume purchase at Sephora. When I first tried it, I was skeptical but the next day I noticed how soft, smooth, and clean my face felt. I used the sample up and hopped on Amazon to buy more! I have very sensitive skin and this doesn't dry me out, burn, or leave me feeling oily or sticky. I have naturally dry skin, so hydration can be a struggle for me. This makes my skin feel so soft and hydrated! The scent, however, is not good. I wish they would work on the smell but otherwise, I can't wait to try their other products!" —Tina M McKenna

    "All salicylic acid products have the same percentage so I was skeptical of the hype for this one but it works really well. It’s saved my bikini line from razor bumps!" —sally

    Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in three sizes). 

    15. A doctor-recommended Squatty Potty because some days you're feeling a bit ~stuck~ and it seems like you're straining a little *too much* just to go. This contraption helps you achieve a more natural position for doing your business, making it easier and quicker. 

    a model sitting on a toilet with their feet on the squatty potty
    a reviewer photo of the stool in front of a toilet

    If you want more Squatty Potty content before making the best purchase of your life, check out our Squatty Potty review.

    Promising review: "I didn't expect to love this as much as I am! Highly recommend for anyone who has a harder time making #2. I especially love how it hides under the toilet when not in use." —Benzion Gelernter

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99. For a more ~aesthetic~ throne, splurge on the acrylic version for $79.99 or the teak wood version for $55.99

    16. Bio-Oil, a multi-use oil packed with all the good stuff like vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and more. This nongreasy body oil also helps to retain essential moisture so your parched skin can get the good hydration it needs.

    Promising review: "I was skeptical of this oil at first. I have had scab scars on my knees since a car accident almost 20 years ago. I put the oil on them a few times a day for a week and it was absolutely stunning how good this oil worked!! I also have a stitch scar on my forehead (hello Harry Potter) and has made it far less noticeable, but for my 50-year-old wrinkles you wouldn't even notice it. I have very sensitive skin, can't even wear foundation, and this oil only made my skin softer, I would like to bathe in it. It does have a light scent but I also have severe asthma and have no problems with it. I AM NOT A BOT. This stuff is the real deal!!" —Jennifer Landin

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95

    17. Some fragrance-free Avène thermal spring water whenever you feel like your skin needs a quick pick-me-up. Not only can it help reduce irritation and protect the skin with the help of antioxidants, but it's also gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, psoriasis, and eczema.

    A model spraying the bottle on their face
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I have dry, sensitive skin and I saw this product recommended by a reputable influencer. I didn't really expect that it would be anything special but was willing to give it a try. I LOVE it! The spray pattern is perfect (light and well distributed), the size of the product is substantial, the variety of uses makes it more than a single-purpose product. I spray it on immediately before I moisturize. My skin looks much calmer. I have rosacea and this has helped. And it's from France so of course it feels like a very elegant addition to my skincare routine." —PepeLaPue

    Get it from Amazon for $9.09+ (available in three sizes).

    18. A heated Shiatsu massage pillow if you ~knead~ a way to relieve all your aches and pains. It’s like an at-home spa experience to help soothe and relax your body, giving your neck and shoulders some much-needed TLC.

    a reviewer photo of the black massage pillow
    a reviewer photo of the massage on and illuminated red

    Fire this massage pillow up with the included power adaptor and enjoy pre-timed 20-minute sessions with auto shutoff and overheat protection!

    Promising review: "I really didn't expect much with this, but wanted to try it due to the reviews and a recommendation from an online source I trust. And, wow, was I wrong. This thing really does give a nice massage. It truly makes a difference for pain/tightness as well as general relaxation. Only thing I've ever tried that even comes close to a real massage therapist. Totally worth it." —Professional Mom

    Get it from Amazon for $57.95.

    19. Grande Cosmetics brow enhancing serum for anyone who suffered from a failed YouTube tutorial attempt at arching their own eyebrows, and now they’re looking a bit…sparse. This little bottle of magic promotes the appearance of fuller and bolder brows — with daily use and some patience, it might even have people mixing you up with Cara Delevingne. 

    You can start seeing results within 6–8 weeks, though as the reviewer below shows, some folks saw a noticeable difference in their brows even sooner.

    Promising review: "I was skeptical it wasn’t going to work on me. I had shaved my eye brows as a kid and since then I’ve had hardly any brows. Plus I think it’s genetic. In two weeks my eyebrows got really fuzzy! New hair growth! Even one my friends noticed. Every few days, my eyebrows seem to be getting thicker and darker! Can’t wait to see the results. Definitely worth trying!" —Ani V

    Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in two sizes). 

    20. A set of fast-acting cleaning K-Cups in case your cup of French vanilla dark roast has been tasting a bit...off lately. Just pop the pod in and brew like you're making a normal cup of coffee, then watch all the gunk come out that you didn't know was in there.

    Promising review: "Didn't expect the difference it made. Coffee much smoother. So easy to use." —James Martin

    Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95.

    21. Essence's Lash Princess mascara that gives instant volume and length while also being smudge-proof, so you don't have to worry about looking like a hot mess by the end of the day. And the best part? Reviewers say this $5 mascara delivers the same (if not better) results as options from high-end brands like Too Faced and Benefit.

    before and after showing the mascara made their light lashes visible and lengthened
    Reviewer showing off their fluffy, full-looking lashes

    And the 244,000 5-star ratings only back it up even more! BTW, this mascara is gluten- and cruelty-free. 

    Promising review: "I was skeptical on this mascara. I have tons of mascara tubes that I try and don't like. With a price like this, I really didn't expect this to be any better. I was wrong. It has a decent and not oversized brush, goes on very smoothly, great color, and does make lashes look fuller and longer as you apply it to the degree that you want. I will buy again." —KsK

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    22. A plant-based stainless steel cleaner if you're tired of seeing handprints, paw prints, and everything else all over your stainless steel appliances. Just a few swipes of this is all that's standing in between you and smudge-free surfaces.

    Therapy Clean is a family-owned small business creating safe, plant-based cleaning solutions (that also smell amazing) from their very own factory in New Hampshire. 

    It also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth!

    Promising review: "Really I didn't expect it to work — boy was I wrong. It cleaned and shined my stainless-steel fridge, no smudges, no residue, and a nice scent!" —Christine M. Vipond

    Get it from Amazon for $19.95.

    23. A blurring setting powder that'll make your skin feel like silk, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep you looking matte for a whopping 14 hours!

    the model before and after using the powder to set their makeup
    the model with one half of their face showing flashback from a competitor's setting powder and the other side of their face with no flashback from using the o/s powder
    Sephora

    One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup guru Patrick Starr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all, as it should be. 

    Promising review: "I am so picky with powder. When I got this powder to test out, I was skeptical. It really is so good! I love how fine it is. Powder always brings out my texture in my dry skin, but this one doesn’t. It is pretty translucent so it blends in nicely. I have been liking it more than my Laura Mercier powder. Definitely worth the hype!" —berlinl

    Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes and four shades).

    24. post-blemish recovery cream for when you've finally popped that pesky zit, but now you're left with dry, red skin. This nourishing cream can help calm the irritation, smooth out the texture, and help prevent scarring so that annoying pimple becomes a distant memory.

    Promising review: "For the price I was like, 'Ehh, I mean, I need it but I’m not going to be happy buying it.' Bought it. And honestly, a little — I’m talking teeny tiny bit — goes a long way. For the price, IMO it’s worth it because it’s going to last. You just need a little baby dab on the blemish. Repeat. And watch it blemish away." —Touya

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99

    25. A flexible drain snake that can pull out enough hair to make a wig. You, my friend, just saved yourself a FAT plumbing bill.

    A model feeding the drain snake down the drain and using the handle to turn it
    a reviewer photo of the drain snake with the end covered in hair

    This pack contains a reusable handle and five single-use heads that you just remove and dispose of after handling your clogged pipes.

    Promising review: "OK, admittedly when I bought this, my expectations were not that high. I just figured if worse came to worse, it would assist with removing at least something. So, you can imagine how surprised I was when I used it on a sink I really didn't even think had any significant drainage issues, and out came a foot long mass of hairy gook!! It was truly gross. Now I am sold! I will always keep these around now. I am not excited that they are a 'one and done' kind of thing, but hopefully they can be recycled." —Nancy Baldwin

    Get a five-pack from Amazon for $19.99.

    26. A super comfortable Trtl neck pillow because even though you're packed on a plane like a can of sardines, that doesn't mean you should have to compromise your sleep. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you don't arrive at your destination exhausted and with an achy neck. This will also prevent you from nodding off on your neighbor, ensuring everyone can enjoy their flight in peace!

    Promising review: "I was skeptical about this product but was embarking on a 17-1/2-hour flight and knew I would need to try to sleep. I have never found a good airplane neck pillow. This product worked so much better. When I was ready to try to sleep, I wrapped this around my neck, and somehow...next thing I knew, it was six hours later! I was able to relax my head into it, and it felt supported and snug. I will now buying them as gifts for my family and friends who travel." —Deborah A.

    Get it from Amazon for $61.99 (available in five colors).

    27. A heat-activated anti-frizz treatment that Chris Appleton (a celebrity stylist who works with Kim K) keeps in his own arsenal. If you've ever had a keratin treatment, this gives similar results by essentially waterproofing your hair to resist humidity, which in turn prevents frizz and boosts shine. Sleek, glass-like hair, here we come. 

    Promising review: "Decided to try this product even though I was skeptical whether it would work for on African American hair. Results for me are incredible! I took it to my stylist to use to make sure I got the heat with tension part right because online reviews said that was critical. I waited two weeks to wash my hair again and barely had to use a flat iron in between, now I’m at four weeks and my hair is still like I just flat ironed it, no frizz or bushiness at all, it’s incredible!" —rachelle hatcher

    Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).

    28. A ultra-durable duck chew toy made to withstand the powerful jaws of your 6-pound (extremely cute but for some reason destructive) toy poodle. Say goodbye to the days of picking up toy shreds five minutes after giving it to your pup.

    buzzfeed editor's dog next to three torn-apart toys captioned
    buzzfeed editor's french bulldog chewing the duck
    AnaMaria Glavan / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "My dog destroys every stuffed animal he can get his teeth on within five minutes of contact. I never buy stuffed toys anymore so I don't have to constantly clean up the stuffing around my house. I bought this on a whim based on the reviews, but certainly didn't expect it to last. For some reason this duck is different — I'm not sure if it's the longer 'fur' or something else, but he has not even put a hole in it after a couple of weeks. I wouldn't say it's his new companion; he does greet me at the door squeaking it in his mouth, and attempts to get us to chase him to try to retrieve it, but he has not tried to rip it open to remove the squeaker, as is his norm. I'm interested to see how long it will be around!" —charrob

    For more doggone details, check out our in-depth Multipet Duckworth dog toy review.

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.