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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.
It's not every day you meet beauty products that deliver.
BuzzFeed Staff
BuzzFeed Staff
Promising review: "WOW! I’ve had a tough spot of big cystic pimples that wouldn’t dry out or get any smaller no matter what I did. I wore one of these overnight. The next day one of the pimples was completely white and gone in a few hours and the other was significantly smaller and is now almost gone. I’ve used many spot treatments before, but I LOVED this one. Definitely buying more! And I loved the microneedles it has, really think that’s what made such a difference!" —cassiefernandez
Get a pack of six from Sephora for $18.
Promising review: "Let’s be honest, for an at-home hair product that takes five mins in the shower, this mask kicks ass! I’m so mad I didn’t take before-and-after pictures. But I went from a yellowy bleach blonde to a cool icy blonde in just four minutes! Badass! Next week I’m going to leave it in just a little longer to get a couple of those stubborn brassy blonde highlights out, but seriously for an at-home $25 hair treatment, you can’t beat it!" —Shelly K.
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
I have fine 4c hair that's prone to breakage. By using this product every three months, I keep my hair from getting too soft and fragile. Definitely follow up with the balancing treatment because the protein will make your hair hard.
Promising review: "I am transitioning to natural hair using the Curly Girl Method. Current Status: Heat Damaged. Extreme Breakage. Dry. Coarse. 3a/3b mixed texture hair due to 20+ years of abusive styling and not feeding my hair properly. For about two months I decided to transition to natural hair because of the extreme damage. I was moisturizing a ton using the LCO method but that wasn't enough. I knew I needed to repair and balance the moisture, so I bought the Aphogee 2 Step (this smaller size just to see if I was protein sensitive). Results After Treatment: IMMEDIATE. I never felt my hair texture like this = thicker and stronger! When I washed the treatment out, my hair actually had weight to it; and not product buildup weight, but pure healthy weight. It holds onto moisture better after doing the LCO method and to my surprise, my hair isn't drying as fast! Usually, my hair dries in less than one and a half hours even if I pile on my creams and oils, but now it's actually holding onto moisture and drying reasonably (even my frizziest areas = crown). I am a believer that if you have super heat-damaged hair, you NEED a protein treatment at least one time. LOVE THIS PRODUCT!" —Lani
Get it from Amazon for $17.94.
Promising review: "I am totally blown away by this product! I have been consistently using a more expensive powder for about six months, and was dissatisfied with the fact that my skin appeared oily by the end of the work day. By 5 p.m. I have been wearing my makeup for about 10 hours. I also live in a warm climate and have oily skin. By the end of my work day using this powder, my face is still very matte! I am THRILLED! This way outperforms the other powder and is 13% of the cost. I can't believe it. I'm never going back." —AlexisJulian
Get it from Amazon for $5.43+ (available in seven shades).
To learn more, check out our Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder deep dive.
Promising review: "This is the toner that convinced me that toners are worthwhile. My skin is very fair and tends toward splotchy redness, especially after cleansing. I apply this toner after double cleansing and I can watch as the redness recedes and my skin becomes smooth and even. It’s the one part of my routine that I never skip." —Amy K.
Get it from Soko Glam for $19.
This miracle-worker has two sides: one is a triangle-shaped tip to create the perfect winged tip, while the other effortlessly glides to complete the look. It's even available in three sizes so you can choose the thickness of your wings!
Promising review: "Let me start by saying this isn't my first cat-eye rodeo. I've tried the taping method, normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! So when I saw this I thought, meh, why not give it a shot. Well, this gem arrived and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out....but to my surprise it was perfect. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN ABLE TO DO A CAT-EYE IN UNDER 10 MINUTES, LET ALONE THE TWO MINUTES THIS TOOK TO DO! There were no sloppy streaks that I had to touch up or anything you would expect. Just a clean, crisp line." —LadyMeow
Get a pack of two (one for each eye) from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in three sizes and two colors).
To learn more, check out our Vogue Effects double-sided eyeliner deep dive.
Promising review: "I recently took my hair out its protective style after wearing one for 10 months. I knew my hair needed some tender loving care. I love TGIN products so I was eager to try this new line. I needed to do a protein treatment and my hair was in need of repair. I was impressed with how my hair felt after leaving it in my hair for about 10 minutes. I followed it up with the hair mask within the line. My hair looked and felt revived. So I will continue to use this throughout the month. Worth the money." —Jenita M
Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I have a lot of acne and oily skin and I must say this setting spray is really the cherry on top! When I put this on after I finish applying makeup, I NEVER get oily! I have worn this through two shifts (I have two jobs), rode two buses to get home, and walked home, and I still looked flawless! This is a must-have." —Sasha
Get it from Amazon for $6.73 (available in both matte and dewy finish).
I have 4c hair with 4b moments and I'm really enjoying this product. Granted, my baby hairs are very fine. First I apply it generously with my fingertips so that every strand is saturated. Then, I style it with a toothbrush or edge comb. If I want a stronger hold, I'll wear a scarf for about 15 minutes. This is really great for stretching out my old braids because my edges are always the first part to get fuzzy.
Baby Tress creates modern hair tools that honor the legacy and evolution of Black hair.
Get the brush from Madewell or Baby Tress for $15 (available in six colors).
BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out "Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."
Each order comes with an application kit to save you a trip to the store. It has 48 adhesive tabs, glue, removal materials, detailed instructions, and a FREE sizing kit of 10 nails for your next order.
Promising review: "This is an awesome product! I have been so satisfied with my set. They looked just as amazing as the pictures and are very durable. I’m an artist so my hands are constantly in things and being jostled and the nails were never scratched or stained. The application instructions were clear, straightforward, and easy to follow. The adhesive tabs and glue that came with the nails have stayed solid and none of my nails came off prematurely. The quality has stayed the same as they were fresh from the package and are totally worth the money. They are overall well-made and I look forward to buying more soon!" —Sophia Edwards
Cover Baddie Nails is a Black woman-owned small business based in New Jersey. She's self-taught and totally killing it.
Get a set from Cover Baddie Nails on Etsy for $90+ (available in various designs).
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. My skin has virtually no breakouts, appears smoother, and feels smoother now that I use this. I’m 32 and still get cystic acne, been on Accutane twice, and nothing worked. I’m so happy BuzzFeed had an article about it, I’m sold! Yes, its pretty oily, but it soaks in. I use it in the a.m. as my moisturizer and at p.m. before bed. It has a yellow tint, but fades after soaking in. I highly recommend it." —Emily Jacob
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
To learn more, check out our Radha Rosehip Oil deep dive.
AND it's bleach-free, which is great for avoiding sensitivity!
Promising review: "Other whitening treatments have been way too harsh on my teeth, and I chose this one because I wanted a vegan one that didn't use strips. I've only used it a few times and I can tell that my teeth are whiter. The formula doesn't have a weird taste, and it's not annoying to leave on. It's easy enough to apply that I use it frequently. I will repurchase when I run out!" —Sara H
Get it from Tarte for $22.
See why this won best lowest-priced teeth whitener.
It has two heat and speed setting, plus a cool option!
Promising review: "I have very thick, long and wavy hair and this hair dryer/straightener is the best ever at making it look like I just stepped out of a salon! I have a ton of different hair styling tools, mostly because I had not found one that really does what I need well — until I bought this one! It dries and straightens my hair in just 10–15 minutes and instead of a flat dry look I get from a hair straightener, it looks silky! People at work keep asking where I get my hair done. It is fabulous at helping get the hair in the back of my head. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dryer!" —TJ
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in two colors).
AND it's available in 30 shades, so it's easier to find one that actually looks natural.
Promising review: "For all of you lovely makeup lovers (like myself), this stuff is amazing! I honestly thought I was going to get ehh ok results especially because I usually conceal with a peach/orange color correcting concealer for my under eyes and acne scars, because they're quite a bit darker than the rest of my face. I also normally set with a powder before applying my foundation over the top but I wanted to see if this was good enough on its own and it is. I didn't set it or my foundation and after shopping for hours in the Texas heat, there weren't any creases or patchy blotches. I love it." —Kimber Rosee
Get it from Amazon for $3.76 (available in 30 shades).
It's recommended to hold down the eyelash curler for three to five seconds, then pulse halfway down the lashes three times — one second per pulse.
Promising review: "I have had many eyelash curlers over the years, at varying prices, but this is the best one ever! My last lash curler was twice the price and this is 1,000 times better. The product is very well-made and I love the rose gold. It will be my only one for the rest of my life." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.47+ (available in four colors).
As far as gel cleansers go, this one's pretty great. I like the price point, I love the ingredients, and it hasn't made my skin freak out. I was inspired to try this line after watching Jessica's Go To Bed With Me episode. She really thinks about skincare as its own ritual and it shows in the products. Can't wait to test this out when I have a full face of makeup.
Promising review: "Amazing cleanser that doesn't dry out my skin. I've tried probably more than 50 cleansers and would definitely recommend this amongst one of my favorites. It smells pleasant but not overpowering, doesn't dry out skin and cleanses makeup and funk and sunscreen easily" —Mrsaylia
Get it from Target for $14.99, Ulta for $18, or Honest Beauty for $17.99.
The first time I used this, my ex and I noticed a difference the next day. Once I realized ditching scars meant chemically exfoliating regularly, I splurged and bought the full bottle. It's been two years and I haven't finished it. That's a testament to how little product I needed *and* the power of sunscreen. the lemongrass scent is a treat that doesn't upset my skin. Although my skin doesn't need as much exfoliating lately, I know Sunday Riley's Lactic Acid works well when I need it.
Promising Review: "I absolutely LOVE this stuff!!! Within only a few days, I noticed a huge difference in my skin tone, breakouts, and pigmentation. I have acne scars and other unmentionables on my face. That is really why I am using this product. I have not found another product out there that ACTUALLY as effective at decreasing hyperpigmentation. Good Genes is the answer. I did not experience burning or tingling — not even on the first use. If you are considering this at all, take my advice. Give it a go. It is saving my skin one day at a time." —maeganash0314
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $85+ (available in two sizes).
I tried this because I heard it was a great dupe for Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask. I loved the peel but it was clear that I needed to be more careful. It works immediately because it contains active ingredients. You need to listen to your skin. A little tingle is normal but anything more than that means take it off. I don't have to use this peel as often as the bottle suggested. Once every two weeks was fine, depending on how much dairy, sugar, or oil I consumed. I can tell my skin is ready for a purge when it starts breaking out for no reason. I highly suggest applying this at night so you can minimize sun exposure. If you do use it during the day, slather on SPF.
Promising review: "What an effective, heavy-hitting product for the price! I absolutely love this peel. It is really important to have a totally dry face and hands. It’s also important to not go over the time specifications…because it’s a strong effective product that actually works. My skin gets refreshed whenever I use it. If my skin is congested, this is my go-to. And I love the ordinary prices…please keep these great products coming!" —Jules84sephora
Get it from Sephora for $8.
Promising review: "After only one use I can already tell a major difference in my face! I have had acne scars my whole life and this has been the only thing that has helped them. I followed up with Sdara vitamin C serum and was wonderfully surprised at the results this morning. I can't wait to see how my skin progresses over the next few weeks. The photo on the left was taken before bed and the photo on the right was taken in the morning." —KamKake
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
Promising review: "At first I was very skeptical because it just smelt and felt like you were rubbing lemon on you face. I have very (OILY) skin. This product has lightened my acne scars and controlled acne! I LOVE IT AND WILL BE ORDERING AGAIN! I will post results." —Ilyasha Eiland
Rosen Skincare is a small business on a mission to make the acne space a cleaner, more enjoyable place to shop. Every product is informed by research.
Get it from Rosen Skincare for $18.
I have been eyeing Heat Free Hair for 10 YEARS because they are pricey. Now that I've gotten my hands on some clip-ins, I regret waiting so long because they're totally worth it. For context, I have 4b–4c hair. I'm not used to being able to use hair fresh out the box. However, this blends perfectly with my natural hair. Mind you, I installed these in like 20 minutes with minimal stretching. All I did was lightly detangle the hair and put it in where my hair was less dense. It's soft and doesn't have that weird "new hair" smell or waxy residue. You can tell that these were created by and for Black women. If you're a naturalista looking for an extra full Afro or a ponytail, try these — you won't regret it.
Promising review: "This is my third purchase of For Kinks in two years. I wear For Kinks full time, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! The texture is perfect, and I realize now the importance of buying from Black woman-owned businesses. We understand how curly hair is supposed to look, act, and function. For Kinks maintains a curl pattern no matter how many times it’s washed, and I consistently get compliments! I’m very happy using Camille Rose’s Curl Love, or Fresh Curl, or As I Am products to moisturize. In this last purchase, the color was a bit more medium brown than I was used to getting. A demi-permanent dark brown dye/rinse solved that issue quickly with no change in texture or quality from the hair. I’m interested in trying out other textures eventually, but this texture is my first love. :) If you’re on the fence about getting For Kink clip-ins, get the 20-inch — you won’t regret it." —Alison H.
Heat Free Hair is a woman-owned small business that makes hair extensions and wigs for Afro-textured hair. They sell lace fronts, wefted hair, full lace wigs, and clip-ins in a variety of textures.
Get it from Heat Free Hair for $189+ (available in three sizes and four textures).
When you're done, recycle the bottle for 15% off of your next Beauty Strike purchase. My skin was about as tight as Kim K.'s Mugler dress when I decided to switch to this toner. It's non-irritating, and I love that the spray bottle doesn't require me to touch my face.
Beauty Strike is a Brooklyn-based small business founded by Emani Mone Jeter, a third-generation beauty professional and licensed esthetician. She creates natural cleansers, toners, treatments, moisturizers, and more that are recyclable. Beauty Strike also manages a community fridge (you can donate to it remotely), offers monthly yoga, the occasional book club, and even skincare classes!
Get it from Beauty Strike for $14+ (available in two sizes).
I use these pads regularly because they have glycolic and lactic acids, lemon peel extract, and Indian gooseberry. It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
Promising review: "After finishing chemotherapy my skin was horribly dry and flakey. I can tell an immediate difference after using these pads. They slough off all the dead skin and brighten a dull complexion. You can feel the tingling and know that it's working. Great for prepping for face oils." —lalalalisalisa
Get a pack of 28 pads from Sephora for $18 (also available in a pack of 60).
Promising review: "OMG my nails look polished! I have used other "drugstore" buffers and they were ok, but this actually makes my nails look like they were polished with clear nail polish. Unbelievable. If this is what you are looking for, buy it. On the other hand, the other buffers out there do a good job of making your nails look "clean" and well kept. But this is SHINY! I am pretty lazy so if sooner or later my nails will revert and I will try and do before and after." —bluebox
Get it from Amazon for $13.95.
They're even all-natural! They're made from 100% natural linen fibers with organic bamboo charcoal to keep you nice and fresh all day.
Promising review: "I love these oil blotting tissues! I never had any issues with oily skin until recently. I had tried other products that didn't seem to work well. These tissues are amazing and are small to keep right in your purse for on the go. I only need to use them once a day usually and they produce immediate results. You can see the oil absorption on the tissue and your skin has a nice matte look to it with no more shine! Highly recommend this product." —Amazon Customer
Get a pack of 200 from Amazon for $11.95 (available in three sizes and three scents).
Promising review: "I bought my first Aquis microfiber towels decades ago for a trip to the Galapagos. I actually still have my two original towels but have since added to the collection. They remain as good today as they were back then, and I don’t wrap my wet hair up in anything but! My hair is less tangled and dries faster when I wrap it in my Aquis towel straight from the shower. The added bonus is that while it is wrapped, I can easily do makeup without stray hairs ending up in the mascara brush. Love my Aquis towels!" —Loves to Travel
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in seven colors).
Check out a BuzzFeed editor's full hair towel review.
Promising review: "I regularly used the Tinkle facial razors which I thought worked well, but I just used one of these razors for the first time yesterday and OMG the amount of peach fuzz and to my surprise dead skin that came off was shocking and oh-so-satisfying. I will definitely be stocking up." —I & S. Stark
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $4.99.
Promising review: "I am so in love with this product! It really corrects and evens out my skin tone...like a magic primer. It's the first step and everything that follows is completely easy. You don't have to worry about blending your makeup, because this already does that for you. It's a bit pricey, just like other Stila products, but truly, a little goes a long way. You will only need half a pump per use." —sarah paulson
Get it from Amazon for $36.
Reviewers say you can also use this after shaving!
Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. You would never believe it, but it works wonders. One of the worst parts of summer for me is razor burn and chafing/irritation, particularly at the beach when the hair follicles on my legs dry up from the saltwater. This stuff prevents ALL of that. No bumps, no pain, nothing. The best part? It doesn't matter when you put it on. Before you shave, after you shave, even when you're not shaving, going to the beach, getting back from the beach, etc. It just always works." —Claire
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).
To learn more, check out our Tend Skin Solution deep dive.
Promising review: "I had heard about this and finally decided to give it a try after going through many other prestige brands. This product does not disappoint at all. It goes on smoothly and is just the right amount of color. Also, it makes my brows stay in place all day, not just for the first hour after application. This will be a forever purchase." —Jessica
Get it from Glossier for $16 (available in five shades).
Check out why a BuzzFeed editor loves this in "Just 9 Glossier Products We Really Love." (#5 on the list).
Promising review: "I noticed a difference in my hair as soon as I used it. My hair is just past my shoulders by three inches. It's wavy, but extremely dry and has been shedding a lot lately. So I was desperate to try something new before losing it all. It’s so thin now that it’s a real concern. Right after the first use, I’ve noticed that it is shiny, soft, and much easier to mange. And it's tangle-free and has body without being weighed down. It’s nice and fluffy. I LOVE THIS STUFF." —Aragonme
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
Its molding leaves zero creases, while its ionic technology leaves your hair totally smooth! AND it works on all hair types, including thick.
Promising review: "I'm clueless about hairstyling — I'm an air-dry-and-go kinda gal, but this was stupidly easy to use, and created bouncy, buoyant waves that served my fine hair beautifully. I first tested it on freshly washed hair, and it gave me texture and bounce when my hair had been feeling lifeless. First use, I am in LOVE!" —lasilver
Get it from Sephora for $120.
Promising review: "This is the best under-eye concealer ever. I am 67-years-old and have tried them all. It blends nicely with my foundation and has never caked. The sponge applicator is soft and makes application quick and easy. I will continue to use this product and hope, like many products I've used over the years, that it doesn't get discontinued." —Morty
Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in 18 shades).
Check out a BuzzFeed editor's full review on why she loves this concealer in "Just 8 Maybelline Products We Really Love."
Promising review: "After using this, my hair has great volume and it doesn't look greasy at all. I have very fine, blonde hair. My hair gets greasy so fast, I'm amazed at how well this works and very impressed. The bottle is tiny, but you will be surprised how little you need to use. It will last you several months. It has a very light lavender smell and is not overpowering at all. If you want a more natural approach, definitely give this a try!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "This product has been a favorite blackhead removal of mine for years and years. I only use this about once every couple of weeks and every time I am amazed at how much oil and dead skin buildup these strips remove. The application process is simple and easy, I tend to apply this right after a shower (because the steam helps the product work better/open up pores).This product has never dried out my skin, broken my skin, or failed to remove blackheads and I recommend this everyone." —Jennifer N
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.62.
To learn more, check out our Bioré pore strips deep dive.
Its nourishing formula combines jojoba wax ester (a v hydrating ingredient), vitamins A and E, and grape seed and tea tree oil.
Promising review: "I NEVER leave reviews for anything I buy, good or bad, because I buy so much stuff from Amazon, but THIS deserves a review. My nails were brittle, flaky, and peeled very easily. I applied this multiple times a day, and saw mega improvement in my nails. They weren't completely fixed so I bought another, because as I said, my nails were improving. I'm a little more than halfway done with the second one and my nail are so strong! So so strong. I totally recommend it. It's worth the $8." —Don
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three scents).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.