29 Beauty Products That Seriously Just *Work*

Finally — products that keep their promises.

1. SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie defines curls and cuts down on frizz, so you can have soft, bouncy hair.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "OMG... I can't believe the difference this made on my curls. I only used a tiny bit while my hair was dripping wet as I have type 2C hair. But I knew my hair was dry and thirsty. This did the trick. It's so soft and my curls are tighter than they have been in years." —Jenni

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

2. PUEEN Latex Tape Peel Off Cuticle Guard works like a stencil, allowing you to do your own nails without any polish getting on your skin.

amazon.com

Reviewers like this for using sponges or water marbling. Just paint it around your nails, apply polish, then peel off the guard when everything is dried.

Promising review: "I love this stuff! Perfect for my nail stamping. I used this product on my fingers for my first successful attempt at my holy grail of nail art: water marble!!! It was so much nicer to me than using a bunch of transparent tape. :)" —Alec and Sheila Luta

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

3. Frank Body Glow Mask smells like a sugar cookie and gives your skin a little extra hydration and glow. How sweet is that?

Frank Body

It has coffee seed oil to reduce puffiness and promote collagen production, shea and cocoa butter to hydrate, goji berry extract to even skin tone, and cranberry and raspberry seed oils to give your skin some bounce. Oh, and it's natural and cruelty-free. I've used this mask a few times and I can't get enough, thanks to its light, sweet smell.

Promising review: "The smell reminds me a cream croissant and it becomes like a drug. My skin is so smooth after using the mask and I use it at least three times per week. Absolutely recommended." —Giulia M.

Get it from Frank Body for $21.95.

4. CeraVe Repair Cream has three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to make you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Amazon, amazon.com

What are ceramides, you ask? They basically hold skin cells together and form a protective layer to keep out foreign elements like pollution.

Promising review: "This stuff changed my life. It got rid of the dark circles under my eyes and also worked for the folds around my mouth and nose. I have gotten so many compliments on my skin. I had serious bags and sagging skin at only 25. I have been using this in conjunction with doing facial exercises and after a month and a half my face is tighter and brighter. The only thing I don't like it that it stays on top of my skin and feels greasy. I am already oily, and so I have to wear this on a day I am not wearing makeup underneath or just at night. But for the results, I'll sacrifice! I included my one and a half month results." —kelly vazquez

Get it from Amazon for $10.39.

5. Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask is an easy addition to your shower routine that'll help soften and repair dry hair.

Amazon

Promising review: "First off I'm natural type 4B 4C and my hair LOVES this stuff. I use it as my cream in my LCO method. I also use it as a mask treatment using a conditioning cap. Leaves my hair soft, frizz-free, and tangle-free. Will definitely be purchasing again." —SHELBIE BOONE

Get it from Amazon for $2.97+ (available in five extracts).

6. Or if you have some more time, Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment will spin your dry hay hair into silky, luxurious locks.

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

It contains soy protein extract, allantoin, ceramide 3, and pig collagen components to bring your hair back to life. Just apply to wet, shampooed hair and wait 5-15 minutes before rinsing. I use this stuff all the time and it's made big and immediate improvements to my dry hair. It works a lot better than way more expensive hair masks I've used in the past, so I really can't recommend this treatment enough!

Promising review: "This stuff really works! I tried to go blonde about a year ago and burnt my hair to a crisp. This stuff brought my hair back to life. My hair was so soft. It wasn't frizzy after it air dried like it normally is. I highly recommend this product. I will definitely be repurchasing." —Kimberly Ann Jennings

Get it from Amazon for $7.96.

7. Versed's overnight facial peel wants you to wake up with refreshed, glowing skin. Its pH-balanced, nondrying formula has a blend of lactic and glycolic acid to help wake up dull-looking skin.

Versed

Promising review: "I was a bit hesitant about purchasing because I was worried that it's a bit too strong for my sensitive skin, but I decided to try out the travel size. I absolutely love it! It left my skin super soft after just one use and over the past month or so, I have noticed an improvement in the overall texture of my skin. I love it so much that I went back for the full size!" —IJAIN3403

Get it from Versed for $19.99.

8. Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patches harnesses the power of snails to reduce dark circles and puffy under eyes.

Rebecca O'Connell, BuzzFeed

You may not want a snail to slide all over your face, but snail extract is great for combating pigmentation aka dark circles. See my full review of these gold patches (#3).

Promising review: "These have made their way into my daily routine. They leave my eyes looking bright, hydrated, and give them a glow. They're also safe for sensitive skin, I haven't had any breakouts or clogged pores. They stay up really well too without getting dry too quickly lasting usually 30-60 minutes. Love them and their other products!" —MsCake

Get 60 patches from Amazon for $9.67.

9. CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care repairs peeling and painful nails, so you can find relief after doing the unspeakable and peeling off a gel manicure.

amazon.com

Massage this oil into your nails and cuticles nightly and wake up to marvel at your newly strong nails.

Promising review: "HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT. All my life, I've had super weak and brittle nails that would instantly break the second they grew out a tiny bit. This oil has changed EVERYTHING!! I’m shocked. I noticed after about a week of nightly use that my nails are growing (fast) and not breaking." —K. Black

Get it from Amazon for $8.50.

10. Pattern styling cream provides intense moisture and great hold for all kinds of hairstyle like twist outs, braid outs, Bantu knots, and more.

Pattern

Pattern is a company founded by Tracee Ellis Ross that provides products for curly and kinky hair textures.

Promising review: "It's light, smooth, and creamy. Pattern keeps coming up with some great products and it does wonders for my type of hair." —Vicki W.

Get it from Pattern for $25.

11. Skin1004 Zombie Pack brings your skin back to life in a good, non-horror-movie, way.

amazon.com

This mask is made with albumin, a component from eggs that helps moisturize skin. It claims to help tighten pores, hydrate, promote elasticity, remove dead skin, and balance pH. To use, mix the included powder and liquid together with a brush. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and leave until it begins to dry. It'll create a sort of ~undead~ look, hence the name. Wash after 10 or 15 minutes and enjoy your freshly hydrated face! If this looks familiar to you, it's apparently similar to the Hanacure facial that Instagram loves.

Promising review: "I own a salon and have worked in them for 19 years and never in my life have I used or seen something so amazing. I have read all about the Hanacure facial but it is expensive and always on back order. This is the same thing AND IT WORKS. It doesn't smell bad at all. There is a veryyyy slight smell to it but hardly noticeable and not something I'd complain about. This has natural ingredients and boy does it work. It sucked every thing out of my pores and shrunk them and all of the lines on my face are GONE. YES GONE. Usually I have to have Botox for my forehead. Well not anymore that's for sure!!" —Aja Rieger Cooke

Get a pack of eight treatments from Amazon for $29.98.

12. Glossier Solution gets rid of dead skin and clears complexion, leaving you glowing.

Glossier

This cruelty-free chemical exfoliator uses several acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to unclog pores, fight acne, and banish dark spots — all while moisturizing, conditioning, and exfoliating your skin. Plus, it's a lot more gentle on skin than a physical exfoliant. Check out our full review of the Glossier Solution.

Promising review: "I was really skeptical about buying this, but I'm so happy I did! I started using this about a month ago: I first noticed that my skin texture was WAYYY smoother, and then I noticed that all of my active acne fully went away. This product has also been a lifesaver for diminishing dark spots! I use this product every night, follow it up with rosehip oil, and it's perfect." —Alexa

Get it from Glossier for $24.

13. Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector will turn back time to before you pulled that overnighter by covering up dark circles.

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Promising review: "I just got this product today. I've already done some research as to application techniques so I tried it out. On bare skin I applied this product with a small kabuki brush. I then layered my IT Cosmetics CC concealer. After that I set it with Ben Nye Super White powder. My under-eye creases really badly no matter what, and especially with an extra cream layer so that struggle continues. As for the color correcting, you can see it does a great job. Before I applied concealer it was shimmery and sheer-looking. Definitely not a good look alone. I haven't been able to do a complete trial yet but what I've seen so far is impressive. My dark circles have never been covered so much by anything before." —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $28.98.

14. Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil isn't just good for cooking — it'll also hydrate the heck out of your hair!

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "I've been using this for about two years. I don't know how I ever lived without it! I use it as a hair mask once a week and my hair's never been healthier!!!!! I also use it as a moisturizer and for shaving my legs. I highly recommend it! It's a great product at a great price." —Lindsay Thorn

Get it from Amazon for $11.44.

15. Biossance Squalane Oil hydrates your skin so effectively, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.

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This is the stuff of dreams, people! I put it on my face at night after serum and before my night cream, and wake up with bouncy, bright skin. The first time I used it, I had overnight results. I am constantly yelling about this product to everyone who will listen; I even convinced my dermatologist to try it.

Get it from Biossance for $32 (or try a cheaper squalane from Amazon for $12.09).

16. MiroPure Hair Straightener Brush is capable of turning your curls pin-straight, just in case you want to mix up your look every now and then.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "Yaaaaaa'll! Buy this thing. Seriously, add it to your cart right now and check out. RIGHT NOW! I have never liked straightening my hair. It took way too long (upwards of two hours) the flat iron would get caught in my hair, I'd burn my scalp trying to get too close, it just was a hassle. I'm so glad I tried this because what used to be a two-plus-hour ordeal took only 45 minutes — and most of that was taking my hair down and detangling it from washing it! The actual straightening process was maybe 20 mins." —Manuel

Get it from Amazon for $36.99.

17. And the inverse: Bed Head A-Wave-We-Go Adjustable Waver adds some waves and body to straight hair.

Amazon, amazon.com

Forgetful people: This auto shuts off so you can leave the house without worrying too much!

Promising review: "I love the speed with which I can do my hair with this waver. Using a traditional curling iron takes me much longer and often gives my hair that overstyled, helmet-head look. This gives me loose beach waves that look just messy enough to come across as natural. I have short hair and it's great for my length. I highly recommend." —BeckyfromBama

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

18. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer blends like a dream and can cover up dark circles, scars, blemishes, or anything else you don't feel like flaunting atm.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I have used this product for years under my eyes, and have found that it blends and covers much better using a wet brush to blend after using the sponge applicator. It eliminates the cakey buildup and settling into creases that I originally experienced. I also recently had plastic surgery to revise a large dog bite scar on my lower lip and chin, and use this to conceal the incision while it heals. The pictures are one month post-surgery with and without the product. It covers very well and is barely noticeable." —Sue Lorenz

Get it from Amazon for $7.98 (available in 12 shades).

19. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser gently washes and hydrates skin, while also blasting away every speck of makeup.

Amazon, amazon.com

This daily cleanser contains prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin. I use it twice a day and will never, ever switch to a different cleanser. It's P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

Promising review: "This is very gentle on my sensitive skin. My face feels very clean after I use it without being overly tight or dry. This one is working out really well so far after several months of daily use." —P.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

20. Bomba Curls Forbidden Oil uses pure coffee seed and castor oil to create a lightweight leave-in product that moisturizes the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Bomba Curls

Bomba Curls was created by Afro-Dominicana Lulu Corder, and makes products that aim to help curly hair grow and stay healthy. This oil is cruelty-free!

Promising review: "My hair instantly felt softer, and my curls were more defined. The oil also helped when slicking my hair into a bun." —Katherine A.

Get it from Bomba Curls for $22.

21. Ultra Sexy Scrub refreshes chapped lips and smells like a tropical getaway, so win-win.

Amazon

This vegan and cruelty-free scrub is formulated with avocado oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil for extra hydration.

Promising review: "I bought this on a whim and I have no regrets! It smells delicious — like toasted almonds and almond cookies! I use the lip scrub before bed, and I could immediate tell the difference. My lips are smoother and softer, and my ChapStick lasts much longer on my lips. I made my husband use it once, and his lips were also much smoother and super soft after just one use!" —Cowie

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

22. Mia Adora 3D Fiber Lash Mascara has a three-step system to ensure you're really getting the most dramatic lashes possible.

Amazon, amazon.com

The system has green tea micro fibers that boost length and volume. Plus it's cruelty-free!

Promising review: "Here’s a pic of my lashes with nothing on it and then a picture of my lashes with the mascara. My lashes are so straight but this mascara gives them a lot of volume thanks to the fibers and keep them curled! You can switch to a more natural look or to a more dramatic look by applying less or more fibers." —kmmc

Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

23. Teddie Organics Alcohol-Free Rose Water restores your face's pH level and helps soothe redness.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "I have suffered from rosacea for about two years now, and most recently, it has turned into acne rosacea. Unfortunately, I have tried oral antibiotics, prescription creams, over-the-counter creams, etc., without any results. After a horrible flare-up that was requiring me to cover my face in green makeup to mask the redness, I decided to try rose water. I like the fact that this product is 100% distilled rose water — no other chemicals or ingredients. My face is ultra sensitive and EVERYTHING causes inflammation, so I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this product. I am pleased to say that after only using this for one day, my redness decreased by about 40%. The acne began to dry up, but my skin did not! Day two and I am at a 60% improvement in redness and my acne is almost completely gone! I HIGHLY recommend this product for anyone suffering with rosacea." —JmeF

Get it from Amazon for $16.95.

24. Yes To Coconut's Ultra Hydrating Energizing Coffee 2 in 1 Scrub Cleanser Stick exfoliates and refreshes tired skin with the power of coconut, avocado, and meadow foam seed oils.

Amazon

This scrubber removes dead skin and can get rid of impurities.

Promising review: "LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Removes makeup, softens skin, smells invigorating. And I love the rollup dispenser!" —Kelly Rogers

Get it from Amazon for $8.57.

25. Radha Beauty Organic Rosehip Oil moisturizes dry skin, hair, nails, and whatever else you think is too dry.

Amazon, amazon.com

Other reviewers say it reduces the look of blemishes, evens skin tone, and clears complexion. Read our full review of the Radha rosehip oil.

Promising review: "This oil is amazing!! It has evened out my skin tone, balanced my oily and dry patches, and cleared up my blemishes — all in only two weeks of use. This is the best my skin has ever looked, and even my friends and coworkers are noticing." —Alyssa

Get it from Amazon for $13.95.

26. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm melts away makeup and impurities while also hydrating your skin. What a champ!

Sephora

Promising review: "Absolutely essential! I cannot go without it. It removes all traces of all makeup, even eye makeup. My skin feels clean and silky soft. In the morning, I swear my skin looks even better." —WendyH1222

Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).

27. Wingliner by Lovoir has a pen on one side and a wing stamp on the other so you can just ~wing~ it when you want some dramatic eyeliner.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "It really is smudge-proof! Living in Texas in the 100+ degree weather, you definitely need something that’s not going to be running down your face a couple minutes after going outside. This is it! It's super easy to use and doesn't irritate my eyes like other eyeliners. I love it and will repurchase when I need to." —Lacey

Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in four sizes).

28. A Black Girl Sunscreen is made with natural ingredients (including avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil) and dries completely clear so you can enjoy total sun protection with no white cast.

Target

Black Girl Sunscreen is "sunscreen made by women of color for people of color." The formulas are vegan and cruelty-free!

Promising review: "I am an advocate for skin care, so protecting my skin on a daily basis is important. Buying sunscreen is usually a hit or miss for me but this one was certainly a HIT! I was so impressed by how moisturizing this product was that I almost forgot that I was wearing sunscreen. It doesn’t dry out my skin or leave a white undertone. Great for the winter weather too! This sunscreen is absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to purchase another bottle!" —Chasidy C.

Get it from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99 or Target for $15.99.

29. The Ordinary's multi-peptide face serum has hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and bio-derivatives to help fight dryness, dullness, and fine lines. It's also cruelty-free and super affordable.

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Promising review: "I love this serum! It’s so lightweight and gel-like. I apply this in the evenings before I go to bed and wake up with amazingly plump and hydrated skin. It gives my morning face such a nice base for makeup and I’ve seen an overall improvement since using it. I’m so excited I can get this at Sephora now! I bought this off of Beautylish before and fell in love with this brand. A lot of their products are really amazing. They just work, and you can’t beat the price. Please try this!" —daylighhtt

Get it from Sephora for $14.80+ (available in two sizes).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.