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. Tree of Life's Power Trio is the definition of "more bang for your buck" with vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid serums for less than $30! When used in tandem, the routine can help reduce dark spots and fine lines, support elasticity, and brighten and hydrate skin.
Be sure to follow the brand's instructions on how to use these together!
Promising review: "I'm in my mid-30s and realized it was time to step up my skincare game. I always looked younger than my age, but recently that's worn off a bit, and makeup remover wipes and argan oil at night weren't cutting it. I happened across this trio and, for the price, thought I'd give it a try. My skin feels AMAZING!!! This trio is worth every penny. I don't even feel like I have to wear makeup all the time anymore, and when I do, it goes on so much more smoothly. This is definitely going to be part of my routine for years to come!" —Caitlin
Get the pack of three from Amazon for $26.99.
2. Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Spot Treatments speedily pull the pus out of your most worrisome whiteheads. (Sorry that was a gross sentence, but it is what it is 🤷♀️) Before you head to bed, just slap the dots right on any zits and they'll work their magic overnight.
Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were Shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." —Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $10.77.
3. Seraphic Skincare's Korean exfoliating mitt scrubs away dead skin leaving you ready for a biggggg night in of applying your fake tanner. And if that's not your thing — no worries — it also helps unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris.
PS: Seraphic Skincare is a small biz!
Promising review: "Right out of the box I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed. Excellent quality and easy to use! I’ve tried them twice already and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I’ll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!" —Danielle Gill
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available individually or as a pair).
4. Lee Beauty's Callus Remover eliminates the hard skin on your hooves (ahem, :::clears throat::: feet) if you're too terrified to face the glorified cheese grater at your local salon.
Promising review: "I have the driest heels and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this my heels had some pretty deep cracks and now they're almost baby soft again. BUT please follow the directions...left it on my super dry thick callused heels for only three minutes and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those used tubs at the nail salon anymore." —Key2Del
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
5. And Dermora's Foot Peel Mask is SO effective, the before and after photos will both give you nightmares and earn a spot on your vision board.
If foot graters give you the heebie-jeebies (hi, hello, it's me!), try these instead. Just slip on the booties for one hour, wash away the leftover solution, and then wait patiently as it takes 7–14 days before your feet shed like a freakin' iguana. At the end, you'll be left with moisturized, baby-soft tootsies!
Promising review: "These booties have a lovely light scent and make your feet feel amazing. Once your feet start to peel in a few days, it’s pretty weird looking, but be patient and let them peel on their own. Your feet will be super soft and sandal ready!" —Monique
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in 10 scents and packs of 2, 3, or 4).
6. I Dew Care's "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo eliminates grease at your roots and keeps your scalp nice and healthy with antioxidant-rich black ginseng and nourishing biotin.
The benzene-free, powder-based dry shampoo works just like spray formulas — apply to the area you're looking to refresh and then shake out excess powder with your fingertips or a brush.
Promising review: "I have fine hair that gets oily on the second day without washing. I've been using dry shampoos for years but never really LOVED any of them — my hair and scalp still always felt greasy. Searching for a new brand to try, I came across this stuff and WOW! I love it!!! I dab it all over the hair on the front half of my scalp basically and just use my fingers to work it in. My hair looks refreshed after, it totally absorbs the oil, and even has volume! I can go three to four days without washing now and it looks fine. Hair feels a little stiff after application, but that's been true of any dry shampoo in my experience. So glad I found this!!" —Laura Andersen
Get it from Amazon for $16.
7. Hanalei's Sugar Lip Scrub buffs away dry, chapped skin with cane sugar and then locks in moisture with Hawaiian kukui oil and shea butter so you don't have to desperately lick your lips every two seconds in a failed bid to keep them hydrated.
Promising review: "This sugar scrub is a 10/10. I added this to my bedtime routine, and it has already made a tremendous impact on my lips. I’ll wash my face with a gentle face wash cleanser, then apply this sugar scrub after. I’ll take a slightly damp face cloth and rub it away so I don’t remove the moisturizing aspect. My lips feel smoother and softer after 10 days of consistent use. I feel refreshed and reset before I rest. I highly recommend this product. Also, I have sensitive skin, and this scrub has not irritated me. Add this to your routine asap!" —Laney87
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
8. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum wards off wrinkles, evens out dark spots, and helps brighten your overall complexion with a 🍃 plant-based 🍃 blend of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, witch hazel, and jojoba oil. And don't let the tiny bottle fool you — it'll be around for the long haul.
Promising reviews: "My search for an amazing serum is finally over. I just purchased my third bottle and I am hooked! My skin looks flawless and I have been getting so many compliments about how great I look. My skin glows as if I just walked out of a spa treatment. A little goes along way, the bottle usually last me about 3.5 months. I use it every morning and every night. Thank you for his amazing product!" —jaime handley
Get if from Amazon for $19.77+ (available in two sizes).
9. LilyAna Naturals' Eye Cream targets dark circles and puffiness so everyone in the office will assume you got a full eight hours of sleep and definitely didn't stay up until 3 a.m. scrolling TikTok...
Promising review: "I LOVE THIS! I spent every weekend for about a month going to Ulta buying high-end face moisturizers and eye creams and then returning them because my dry skin had gotten soooooo bad and nothing was helping! My eyes are still a little drier than I would like but this has helped tremendously and more than any other product. I was about to give up on even wearing concealer because it was looking so dry and crepey but my concealer is looking good again since I've been using this for a few weeks! I am also noticing a small change in my fine lines. It is the most hydrating product for my face and eyes I have found and I have tried a lot!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
10. Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Primer guarantees that the next time you spend a whole afternoon nailing a Mikayla Nogueira look, it won't immediately melt off your face the second you step foot outdoors.
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low — Mac, Lorac, Urban Decay...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer and my shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I'm lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you Elizabeth Mott for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
11. Maple Holistics' Volumizing Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set is an affordable way to encourage regrowth and combat hair loss. Reviewers with everything from stick-straight manes to natural 4c curls say it's given them a softer, fuller, more manageable mop.
PS: Maple Holistics is a small biz! Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "I found this product on a BuzzFeed list of hair products. I am struggling with thinning hair that is dull/lifeless, as well as scalp dryness. Since using this product, my hair has been softer, my scalp less irritable, and I can actually see some hair re-growing/coming back in. No more itchy scalp! The smell is great — it reminds me of a spa in the Caribbean. I love getting a random whiff of it now and again — it's not overpowering in the sense it's all I can smell as it's subtle enough that it won't drive me wild. Worth trying for sure!!" —FyrDncr715
"I have been having hormonal issues, and my hair has been thinning (especially up top), but since I've been using this product for the past couple of months, it has helped tremendously! My hair feels healthier, looks shiny again, and the smell of the shampoo and conditioner is amazing. Definitely found my go-to shampoo and conditioner." —Hannah Caddell
Get the set from Amazon for $22.46.
12. COSRX's Snail Mucin Repairing Essence addresses dullness and dehydration with — yes 😌 — 96% snail sludge that's harvested in a *100%* ethical and environmentally friendly way. Thanks for sharing the goods, friends! 🐌
Promising review: "So I have been using this for a month and I have to say — AMAZING. It really has helped my dark spots, which are also tied to my hormones. So the fact that it lightens them and keeps them from getting dark again during my period is a testament to the power of this stuff. Plus, this stuff just keeps going!! One pump is enough for my face, or two for my face and neck. Because of this it will last! It works amazingly well and considering how much you get, this is an amazing product. I highly recommend it." —JH
Get it from Amazon for $17.
13. Elizavecca's Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment will run you just $7 bucks and reviewers claim it delivers results just as impressive as another brand that may or may not rhyme with ~PolaFlex.~
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I saw this as a beauty recommendation on BuzzFeed as a compare for Olaplex (which I had tried and wasn't blown away by) so I thought I would give it a try — and I'm so thankful I did! My bleached and heat-damaged hair feels so soft, is more manageable, and looks healthier after each use. I agree with other reviewers that it seems like a big price tag for the size of the bottle, but a little bit does go a long way and it is so worth it. I wish it came in a larger size bottle so I didn't have to reorder so quickly." —Carly S. Whitson
Get it from Amazon for $6.65.
BuzzFeed contributor Bek O' Connell has this and loves it! Check out her full Elizavecca Protein Hair Treatment review for more info.
14. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara gives you a falsies-level look for less than 5 bucks. It seems questionable, I know, but for confirmation you need only to look at the 236,000+ 5-star reviews!!
BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raves:
"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. 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."
Promising review: "After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can’t stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like wild...and this stuff doesn’t budge! I love it!!" —Carrie E Miller
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review! You can also check out her review of the mascara on TikTok!
15. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub gets rid of pesky "chicken skin" — AKA those tiny bumps clinically known as keratosis pilaris — with glycolic and lactic acids as well as pumice buffing beads. After a good scrub down, the results will make you feel like you got a legitimate chemical peel!
Promising review: "I have had KP (Keratosis Pilaris) for many years. It got worse when I got pregnant and I tried everything to get it to go away. I even went to my doctors and the things they suggested didn't do a thing. I have been using this KP scrub for over 2 years and it doesn't fully take it away, obviously, BUT it does help with redness, minimizing pores, and making MOST of it disappear. This stuff is the only saving grace for my chicken skin which I'm very self conscious about!" —Maddison Wal
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes).
16. Bio-Oil is sure to come in clutch for anyone who spent their teen years picking and prodding at pimples (🙋♀️). If you were left with acne scars and skin damage as a result, it'll swoop in and encourage new collagen production and help with elasticity.
Take it from BuzzFeed shopping writer Emma Lord:
"FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night."
Check out a reviewer's before-and-after TikTok here!
Promising review: "I swear by this product. Very effective on discolored skin due to scarring. I had shingles on my face brought about by stress because we were moving. It ravaged the lower right side of my face, and I was pretty sure it was going to leave terrible scarring. I bought this and started applying it when I started scabbing and still haven't stopped using it until now. I had my shingles in April, and it's August now. Check the 'before' and 'after' pics (above). It works." —twitch
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two sizes).
17. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant helps scrub away dead skin cells leaving behind clear pores and a bright complexion. Apply it morning and night (after your cleanser and toner) and it'll leave ya lookin' as radiant as Ben Affleck when caught by the paps holding a whole tray of Dunkin' iced coffees.
Promising review: "I have acne-prone skin that is combo-to-oily with large pores, and this stuff has truly been a life saver! Like this is literally witchcraft in a bottle and my new holy grail! Ditch your harsh scrubs and give this a go... your skin will thank you." —Philena
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes or as a pack of two with one travel-size bottle and one full-size bottle).
18. NYX's Pore Filler Targeted Stick acts like an IRL filter as it blurs pores and fine lines and leaves you with a smooth complexion.
Check out the TikTok here!
Promising review: "This is a life-changing product for me. I have HUGE visible pores that really age my face, as well as incredibly acne-prone skin that makes me break out from just about every product. I've started to use NYX Pore Filler on my face with some regularity, and it doesn't seem to cause any irritation or breakouts. It does an AMAZING job filling in and smoothing out my face texture. The difference to my skin consistency is astounding. My skin looks so smooth when I use this product. In the photo I'm using it on just one side of my nose and under the eye area, and the difference is very noticeable (I think!)." —Jenny Penny
Get it from Amazon for $8.50.
19. Perfect Image's Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel removes dull, uneven layers of epidermal skin and stimulates cellular activity to reveal a softer, healthier complexion underneath. The professional-strength formula — which is boosted with retinol and green tea — also allows your skin to better absorb future products.
Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely incredible. In January of 2017 I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted and you'll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken June 2017.) I've used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office." —Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
20. Finishing Touch's nick-free Flawless Hair Remover keeps ya smooth as a dolphin without any additional need for shaving, waxing, or epilating. Reviewers who are used to razor burn and ingrown hairs say it's a lifesaver.
Promising review: "I love love love this shaver. It works great. Easy to use. Its design is a comfortable fit in my hand. The side grips allow no slipping. The more I use it the smoother my legs are. I have coarse hair and trouble with razor burn and ingrown hairs. This unit feels like an exfoliant treatment each time I use it. Really great. No irritation. I highly recommend it." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.98.
21. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil addresses all sorts of skin concerns (think: blemishes, fine lines, age spots, and scarring) thanks to its natural vitamin-, antioxidant-, and essential fatty acid-filled formula. If you're trying to combat more than one issue and want to keep your routine simple, try this baby out!
Promising review: "My new holy grail! I have super sensitive, acne-prone skin in a very dry climate. This stuff is seriously so amazing. I use it from my face to my toes. It has completely eradicated any dry skin I had and makes me glow. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin since I started using it. Even my boyfriend noticed! I love it after chemical peels, too. It gets rid of peeling and dry patches and soothes any redness. It’s a decent-sized bottle for what you pay!" —Brynnieb09
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
22. K-Beauty brand The Saem's Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick improves under eye elasticity and keeps bags at bay so no one will be the wiser if you nostalgia-binged The Angry Beavers (my fellow '90s babies — it's on Amazon Prime!!!) into the wee hours of the morning. Plus, it comes in a cutesy polar bear container and, I mean, that's enough to sell me.
How does this cute lil' guy work, you may be asking? It's filled with active marine ingredients like Icelandic moss, xylitol, niacinamide, and adenosine — that's how!
Promising review: "I love this so much! It's super hydrating and feels really nice under the eyes. Recently my eyes have been super puffy due to allergies and this has been helping. I would recommend putting it in the fridge before you use it so it's extra cooling. I think that this product is comparable to if not better than Milk Makeup's Cooling Water Gel Stick (which I have also tried)." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
23. Bestland's Finishing Stick looks like a mascara wand, but it's actually for the hairs on your head! If flyaways are something that bug you, give your hairline a good swipe and watch them be tamed without a fight.
Or if you have textured hair, a 24-hour edge tamer (but reminder: No one has to lay their edges — it's a personal choice!).
Promising review: "Seriously, how on earth does this work?? I have tried everything to get my baby hairs that never really grew back from chemo to lay down and nothing worked. This product works. I mean, it WORKS. And it doesn't make your hair crunchy or shiny, either. Y'all, I'm serious! This product is simply amazing." —Liesl McQuillan
Get it from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in packs of one or two).
24. CND's SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care hydrates dry skin and strengthens your nails so you can work on growing them out, if that's something you've always dreamt of doing!
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
Promising review: "Found it on TikTok and I’m so pleased with the results. My nails are getting stronger and growing. And the best of all not chipping. Love it." —sidna saavedra
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in four sizes).
25. Base Lab's Piercing Bump Solution helps heal and reduce the size of pesky keloids so you don't have to give up on your brand-new piercing. (Been there, done that, and I know it's devastating. 😭)
FYI: This product does not promise to work overnight. Apply this daily 2–3 times a day as long as needed. Also talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Jordan Grigsby has to say:
"Oh! BTW, I bought this. Last year I got a dermal piercing on my chest and since literally just about every piercing I've ever gotten has grown a keloid on it, I should have known my dermal would eventually, too. I got the piercing in February of 2023 and around May I noticed a nasty, stubborn little bump making a guest appearance on my piercing. 🙄 I had written about this stuff a few times so the light bulb went off and I immediately bought it. I consistently used it twice a day and it gradually disappeared, literally like magic within a month. Keloids are a serious nightmare and I'm so glad that I found this stuff. I even *accidentally* ripped it out in November and immediately grabbed this to prevent a keloid from forming cuz I just knew it'd get infected. To my surprise, no keloid, nada. You do have to be patient and consistent, this is NOT an overnight miracle but it's worth it. I also suggest that you continue to use it for like another week or two even after your keloid goes away juuust in case it tries to sneak back into your life. I haven't had issues with my piercing since and no more have grown."
Get it from Amazon for $12.85+ (also available in a multipack).
26. Clean Skin Club's 100% bio-based face wipes are just the ticket if BeautyTok has convinced you to ditch regular towels which — even when freshly laundered — can harbor acne-causing bacteria.
These are 100% USDA-certified bio-based, meaning they're made entirely from plant-based materials and better for the environment than your regular disposable wipes.
Clean Skin Club is a small business that launched in 2019 to create innovative natural skincare products.
Promising reviews: "Starting in my 30s, I had developed some acne, and not just around that time of month. I read your bath towels can develop bacteria every few days if they're not washed, and so putting that on your face can cause acne. That's why I bought these towels! I use them after my skincare routine on my face, and then again, to clean up our sink (yay for double use)! They have cleaned up my skin significantly, and I highly recommend these!" —Jaclyn O
"I’ve dealt with mild acne and terrible scarring since I was in 8th grade. I’m 30 now. I haven’t had one pimple since I’ve switched to using these. I use the same towel for about 3–4 days, which is 6–8 uses, so it’s not even necessary to use a new one every day / every use. They’re really wonderful." —Dami
Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.05 (also available in other packs).
27. Vivienne Sabó's Cabaret Première Mascara both lengthens lashes *and* lifts them so you can toss your time-consuming curler and falsies in the trash.
Promising review: "I never write reviews for things but this mascara was just so great I felt like I had to! I love lashes and my friends are used to me wearing thick coats of mascara at all times. Despite this, I got complimented on my lashes basically every time I wore this mascara this week. Multiple people even asked if I had extensions! This mascara isn't clumpy at all and makes your lashes look super long and defined without sticking them together. I've never had any problems with flaking and although it isn't waterproof, I've definitely used eyedrops, shed a tear, and gotten stuck in rain without them smudging or running down my face. All in all, this is my new holy grail mascara, and I'm thrilled!" —Sophie Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in brown and black).
28. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer erases dark circles, redness, and acne. If a full face of makeup isn't for you, but you would like a lil' bit of convenient, easy-to-use coverage, check it out.
Promising review: "Best coverage for under-eye bags and dark circles! I have used a lot of expensive eye products in the past and this has them all beat. I have light- to medium-olive complexion and was perplexed as to what color to choose. I went with the Brightener and it was a perfect match. My daughter is darker olive and it also looks good on her. Looks and feels great and can't beat the price." —Ana R.
Get it from Amazon for $7.68+ (available in 18 shades).
Want more? Check out a BuzzFeeder's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer.
29. Reecho's Clip-In Hair Extensions add instant volume to any do. No more burning yourself on a curling iron or leaving the house only to question if you turned off said curling iron 30 minutes later!
Promising review: "This was the best nine dollars I've spent in a long time! The color is a perfect match to my hair. The hair is very long — I cut at least 12 inches off. It stays in place very well. This is a fun addition to my going out look." —SBonert
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six lengths and 40+ colors).
Find out more in my colleague's Reecho hair extensions deep dive!
30. DearKlairs' Midnight Blue Calming Cream quickly calms and soothes skin whether you're dealing with irritation caused by acne, laser treatments, sun exposure, or shaving.
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide relief to my irritated skin. I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face was almost completely healed. The cream prevented peeling and helped clear up my rosacea skin irritation! I’m completely amazed! I’ve applied less than a dime size over my face four times! My skin has truly never felt better! It’s got to be witchcraft because not even the different RXs I’ve tried over the years have produced these results." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.90+ (available in two sizes).
31. SKIN1004's Zombie Face Masks employ albumin (an ingredient extracted from egg whites) and aloe vera extract to visibly hydrate, lift, and brighten your complexion in just 15 minutes. Just FYI: Reviews say the tightening effect can be startling, but the results are worth it!
Promising review: "I've had my eye on these for A WHILE. It seems to be a possible comp for the viral Hanacure masks. It’s a two-step wash-off mask. The smell is a bit reminiscent of household cleaner, which I don't love but it doesn't cause any skin irritation. As it dries, it shrinks a lot. But it's no more uncomfortable than a standard clay mask. It washes off easily with water. My skin has a lovely glow and brightness after." —rookery
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $25 (also available in multipacks).
32. La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm B5 is a multipurpose cream that you can use on your face, body, and hands. The fragrance-free shea butter and glycerin formula is so gentle, it's even suitable for use on babies as young as a week old!
Promising reviews: "This product was created by wizards in a magical realm. Guard it like gold. Whisper sweet nothings to it every time you open your medicine cabinet. In return it will restore the moisture barrier on your skin when you ever exfoliate and keep your skin baby-butt smooth during the dry days of winter." —So And So
"Now, I’ve loved this cream for a while. I wish I could write a sonnet about it. It heals popped pimples, irritated Tretinoin skin, cuts, scrapes, burns, you name it." —Sage Pennington
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
33. Topicals' Faded Serum visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots, scars, and blemish marks. The magic is in the combination of tranexamic acid + niacinamide + azelaic acid which work together to brighten skin, improve texture, and give you an IRL blur effect.
Promising review: "I have HORRIBLE scars on my legs — to the point I haven’t shown my legs in years. I started using this lotion and within days, I could finally see a difference. Trust me... I tried every product to get rid of my scars and nothing helped. I cried after a week of using this because I started to feel confident in my skin again. Finally, after a couple months I feel confident enough to show my legs for the first time in years. The only downfall is there isn’t a lot in the tube if you have a big area to cover, but to me it’s beyond worth it!" —Gena H.
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
34. Sky Organics' Castor Oil is loaded with fatty acids that nourish and hydrate your scalp thus encouraging healthy hair growth. For the best results, use it as a hair mask for ~45 minutes to an hour.
The formula can be used on your eyebrows and eyelashes, too! Apply one to two drops to a cotton swab and then gently brush through your hair to condition and nourish.
Read more about treatments for hair loss at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Promising review: "I doubted it at first but I was desperate to get my hair back so I just wanted to give it a try. IT ABSOLUTELY WORKED after two months. I had a completely bald spot on my head, like no hair at all. After two months there is baby hair coming out and filling that spot up. I believe after two more months that spot will look completely full and back normal !!!! Update: bought this June 20, 2020, and now it’s April 18, 2021, my bald spot is completely grown and full of hair. Applied twice a week and left it overnight. I am so happy now!" —Phoebe Lam
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes).
35. RoC's Retinol Correxion Eye Cream — users swear by it to address puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. One reviewer says it took 10 years off of their face in just five days!
Reviewers say patience is the key with this cream! It might take a couple of months to see results. (Note: This product contains parabens.)
Promising review: "I don’t write reviews, and I'm a huge skeptic. This eye cream is awesome! I almost don’t believe it! The pictures are proof. I’ve been using it for three months. Twice a day! I am blown away by the results. It’s so affordable, and if you're like me, I’m not a huge skincare guru!! Amazing product! Very happy with it." —Vett
Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in two sizes).
36. Burt's Bees Natural After Sun Soother is a must if you're prone to burns even when it's only 60 degrees and cloudy out. The aloe- and coconut oil-infused formula soothes and moisturizes to calm inflamed skin so it *doesn't* feel like your epidermis is being ripped off every time you change your top.
37. Spot My UV's SPF-detecting stickers give you a heads up when it's time to reapply sunscreen if that's something you are ~famously~ bad at doing.
The waterproof patches last 12 hours or through six applications of sunscreen — whichever comes first. When purple, it's time to reapply and when clear, you're good to go!
Promising review: "As a person some call a day walker, I am in LOVE with the concept of these — I cannot tell you how many times I asked myself the question 'should I put on more sunscreen?' when it's too late... and I'm as red as a lobster. When I read the description, I just had to buy them. Big fan of the packaging and portability, really ingenious idea. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, yearly there are 5.4+ million cases of skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people... and it's time to start being better. They just arrived in the mail and my wife and I immediately put one on and lathered up with sunscreen and are sitting in the front yard — putting them to the test! Here is to a happier, healthier, future ahead!" —CopperStad
Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in packs of 16 and 48).
38. Blume's Meltdown Acne Oil can help clear skin without depleting moisture. The nourishing rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula can be used as a spot treatment or mixed into your moisturizer for a full-face treatment.
Blume is a woman– and POC–owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products for skin, body, and period care.
Promising review: "Holy grail. This has changed the way my skin looks and feels! Hormonal breakouts are no longer a huge bummer, and I have officially subscribed to this product monthly!" —Ashley G.
39. Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Refining Serum is packed with peach extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptide complexes — all of which help your skin look brighter, dewier, smoother, and just downright radiant. Apply a small amount after you clean and tone your face but before you moisturize!
Peach & Lily is a Korean-owned and woman-owned small beauty brand inspired by K-Beauty.
Promising review: "This has become my must-have, can't live without. If I have no other products, I need this one in my life. I've been using it for a few months now, morning and night, and noticed dramatic improvement in the clarity, texture, pore size. My skin is so clear, less oily, smoother...I don't feel the need to wear any makeup, which might be a first in my life." —Angela G.
Get it from Peach & Lily or from Ulta for $39.
40. And, if you have any *sick* ink, Mad Rabbit's Tattoo Balm ensures it looks as good as the day you committed it to your skin forever. The fatty acid-rich formula prevents fading and fends off environmental stressors so you never regret spending $500 on a design that dehydration + too much time in the sun turned into a discolored blob. 😕
Promising review: "This is by far the best tattoo balm or lotion I have used in the last 30 years of getting tattooed. Speeds the healing process and works great after that to keep colors vivid. To those who gave negative reviews about the smell — they probably didn’t know what frankincense smelled like. I happen to like it, but it also comes in other scents. That is a personal preference and the fact is this stuff is great for your skin and worth your investment." —joseph hart
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in two scents).
Me being an unpaid spokesmodel for La Roche-Posay and telling all of my friends about how their products have given me the best skin I've had in 31 years:
