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. A carbonated clay mask to double, double, toil and ~bubble~ up on your face and banish blackheads and other impurities from your skin. Selfies are not required, though highly encouraged.
Promising review: "Wow! I purchased this on a whim after seeing one of my favorite Youtubers try it out. I didn't expect a lot from it. I tried it out and was shocked!!! The mask was simple (and fun) to use. I wasn't sure I felt a lot happening while it was on, but it was pretty cool how the bubbles started to grow off of my face. Upon inspection after using this mask I was completely amazed. My face felt cleaner than it has in a very long time AND my pores looked amazing! I don't remember a time when I felt like my pores looked great before using this mask. I would highly recommend this mask to anyone. It's also so much cheaper than the GlamGlow ones I have been using (and didn't see near these results from)." —Phil Textor
Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in multipacks).
2. An Esarora Ice Roller, which targets pesky puffiness, swelling, and tension in your face, plus inflammation, sinus irritation, and a whole slew of other annoying things that are part of everyday adult life. 🎶What's cooler than being cool? ICE. COLD.🎶
You can detach the roller head and store it in the fridge or freezer, then put it together when your face (or any part of your body, really) is in need of some icy relief. Just be sure to clean it regularly and roll on, baby!
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product – I wasn't sure how it was much different than rolling any other frozen thing on your body. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised. I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, ect. Not to mention, when used on my face, it leaves my skin feeling tight and wakes me up in the mornings. It also stays cold for forever, but it never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic. I also bought one for my mom who suffers from nerve damage in her arms and legs. I think it'll really help when she has bad pain days." –Jessica McRee
"I was in the habit of rolling a cold can of soda on my forehead to help with tension headaches and sinus pain but that was cumbersome and not always cold enough. This ice roller works so well to ease the pain from sinuses and tension. It froze very quick and I felt instant relief. The rolling motion even cleared my sinuses and I could breathe better right away. I love this. Would highly recommend." –DT
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in nine colors). Be sure to clip the coupon before checkout to save an extra 20%.
3. A Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser, aptly named for the way it seamlessly melts into skin and removes makeup, SPF, excess oil, and other yucky stuff. Just activate with a little water and *voila* you're clean (no aggressive scrubbing required!).
Peach & Lily is a woman-owned Korean small skincare brand that creates spa-grade, cruelty-free products with stellar results.
Promising review: "I was lucky enough to try this product out and it was absolutely perfect. I wear tinted sunscreen and eyeliner. Removed that so easily and felt so good on my skin. After I washed everything off my skin felt fresh. I even checked with a makeup remover wipe to see if there was any leftover makeup on my skin and the wipe was completely clean. I also love that it doesn’t leave an oily feeling on my skin but at the same time doesn’t dry it out. And on top of all that it’s a clean formulation so I don’t have to worry about putting gunk on my skin. It’s the perfect cleanser and does everything it promises. A must-have!" —Madeline
Get it from Peach & Lily or Ulta, both for $32.
4. A ~handy~ exfoliating mitt for anyone that finds sugar scrubs and chemical exfoliants to be too harsh, but still wants to rid themselves of all of the dead skin buildup and clogged pores that are standing in the way of their baby-soft dreams.
This mitt scrubs away dead skin, unclogs pores, prevents ingrown hairs, and even helps to eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris and similar conditions.
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).
5. A Balm Dotcom from Glossier in an assortment of yummy scents and pretty tints to truly treat your pout to the best of the best.
BTW, this balm is universal, so you can use it all over your body and even on your cuticles (it works wonders). And if you're struggling to decide between scents like lavender, mango, and birthday cake, you can also pick up a Balm Dotcom Trio and save some extra $$$!
Promising review: "I've been a loving user of Balm Dotcom for years now and it's definitely one of my favorite things on the entire website! I love cherry and berry, especially because I can double them as blush sometimes and it looks so glowy and natural. But it's also just such a good balm to use on dry skin – I use it literally everywhere on my face if it's dry and sometimes on my elbows." –EG
Get it from Glossier for $12 (available in 10 scents and finishes or bundle and save with the three for $30 trio).
6. A Secure Attachment + Comfort Serum by Selfmade, a gentle 2-in-1 hydrating serum that hydrates, primes, and soothes signs of stress on your skin.
Selfmade is an AAPI woman-owned brand that makes sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free face and body products that promote emotional well-being and mindfulness. They were kind enough to send me their Secure Attachment + Comfort Serum, which I use and adore regularly. As someone with sensitive/dryish skin, I gravitate toward products that are gentle and nourishing. This serum does it all! It adds a nice boost of dewy hydration to my skin when I wear it solo (without making me look like a literal glazed donut), but it also wears well under makeup. In the photo above, I wore the serum under Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint, just to add a *smidge* of coverage, and basked in the ~afterglow~. Oh and P.S., it comes in a super-cute bottle and smells really. good.
My BuzzFeed colleague Allison Jiang is *also* a fan of this product! She raves:
"I put it on in the morning in lieu of moisturizer, and it provides the perfect base for my sunscreen and makeup to grip onto. I don't know if it's the key ingredient Cortinhib G, derived form the Helichrysum italicum flower, that's really reducing the amount of cortisol in my skin, but it feels like my skin is jumping for joy every time I put it on."
Get it from Selfmade for $36 (or save an extra 15% with the Subscribe & Save option).
7. A nifty lil' oil-absorbing face roller you can glide over the *greasy* parts of your face and quite literally watch the oil disappear. Aaand it produces a lot less waste than blotting sheets!
This roller can be used over makeup (without messing it up)! Just be sure to give it a wash before your next use.
Promising review: "I first saw this online and it looks like it worked very well in the video that I watched. I use oil blotting sheets a lot and I work but I thought if this rollerball works it would be way more convenient as it is reusable and washable. This does not move your makeup at all and it literally makes your face look completely matte, soaking up all of the oil! Super easy to clean." –Courtney
Get it from Amazon for $13.49.
8. A soothing facial spray made with hypochlorous acid, which helps calm skin irritation and stress, as well as build a stronger barrier. Random redness and PMS breakouts, you've met your match.
Tower 28 is a clean beauty brand and Asian woman-owned small business that makes skincare, plus makeup that acts like skincare. Their products are nontoxic, nonirritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so sensitive skin can breathe a little easier.
Promising review: "I have been using this spray for a few weeks now and it has drastically improved my skin and inflammation. I have extremely sensitive, reactive skin with a combination of acne, eczema, and the occasional perioral dermatitis. Within a day or two I was able to notice my skin healing and the redness was going away too. I will be repurchasing this forever! Never change the formula or discontinue this product, it’s a staple in my routine..." –Sam M.
Get it from Tower 28 for $12+ (available in two sizes and in a 16oz bottle to refeill your current stash) or from Sephora, also for $12+ (available in two sizes).
9. A skin-quenching Neutrogena gel moisturizer you can lather on in the a.m. or p.m. to add a serious boost of juicy goodness to your dry and flakey face.
Promising review: "Living in a dry, desert area, I go through a ton of hydrating creams. I've used all the usual suspects, many costing 5-10 times the price of this product. Frankly, I was amazed that this Neutrogena gel is as good as almost any other I've used. It instantly calms and hydrates. My skin feels smooth and soft for hours and each application goes a long way. I find this gel excellent for layering. I use it in the morning after cleansing and toning, then use my SPF day cream after I've applied the hydrating gel. At night I use it beneath my moisturizer and wake up with my skin looking dewy. Love it!" –fgc
Ge tit from Amazon for $16.94.
10. Some Avarelle acne patches to pop on when your skin is suddenly riddled with an annoying breakout. They're made with tea tree, cica, and calendula oil, which help to reduce swelling and suck out the gunk inside of your unwanted face tenants.
Promising review: "If you are looking for relief from occasional, painful, unwelcome cystic acne, then run, don’t walk and buy this product! I’ve tried other drying products such as sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, toothpaste (??!!)... but I didn’t have any luck and only had dry patches the next morning. I put these patches on as soon as I feel the 'here we go again' tenderness on my chin. Within two to three days, they’re gone. I am 31-years-old and am experiencing cystic acne for the first time. 😑 Go buy this product and experience the magic yourself." –Cheryl
Get a pack of 40 from Amazon for $8.49 (or $7.64 with the Subscribe & Save option; also available in an XL size).
For more info, check out our full review of the Avarelle acne patches.
11. A SolaWave Wand and Renew Complex Serum, an at-home facial kit here to bring you an authentic spa experience (with authentic spa results) right from the comfort of your bathroom (or wherever you like to get your skincare on).
The wand has a 90-degree rotating head that glides in and over all of the contours of your face. It's complete with red light therapy, microcurrent, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. The vegan and cruelty-free serum is formulated with blue tansy, hyaluronic acid, and all-natural aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. You'll be left with a de-puffed and energized face with a reduced appearance of fine lines, blemishes, plus dark spots and circles.
My BuzzFeed colleague Rylee Johnston tested the cool gadget for herself and said:
"It's like a jade roller, LED mask, gua sha, and microcurrent device all in one! I have sensitive skin, so I took the serum and put a little on my hand beforehand. It made my face a little red at first, but then my skin literally brightened and today my acne is practically gone!"
Get it from SolaWave for $169 (available in three colors) or from Amazon for $169 (available in four colors).
12. Or a no-frills stone roller and gua sha set to treat yourself to a relaxing facial massage that *also* happens to help with de-puffing, circulation, lymphatic drainage, contouring, and fine line reduction.
Promising review: "I honestly didn’t think this would work much besides massaging the face but I was so wrong! I had Botox done on my frown lines between my eyebrows, and between the Botox sessions the material loses its grip; the lines between brows become a bit loose again. I started using the roller two nights ago, just enjoying its cold feeling against my skin for about 15–20 minutes on and off, and naturally, I used it on my frown line, as well. I was so shocked when I suddenly noticed that the remnants of the lines were GONE!!! I kept looking in the mirror and even asked my mom and sister, and they both said it’s gone too! All it took was 20 mins of rolling for two nights and I’m even thinking of not going for another Botox session anymore! This is so worth it! It feels nice and it ACTUALLY WORKED even though I really didn’t think it would! Great buy!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.52+ (available in six stone varieties).
13. A top-rated face and body oil formulated with lavender and chamomile, plus vitamin A and E for dry and dull skin. Major bonus points: it also helps to fade hyperpigmentation and scars (both old and new) and can even be used to remove makeup!
Promising review: "I recommend this product! I used to have really bad acne but ever since i incorporated this into my skincare, I only get pimples once in a while and they go away quick thanks to this oil. The first week using this I noticed my skin was getting softer and looking glowy and after one month my skin just literally stop producing acne. Even though I have acne scars, they are fading rather quickly. The only con is that it makes your skin look oily but that's to be expected since it is an oil :)" –Anya
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ (available in four sizes and two bundles).
14. And some CND SolarOil, which is essentially a magic potion for unhealthy nails and cuticles. It's made with all-natural ingredients that help to strengthen and nourish your nails, leaving you with a brand new set of claws.
Promising review: "I had a problem with my cuticles getting so dry that they would split sometimes, and no matter how many times I put lotion on my hands they would never get moist enough to lay flat like they’re supposed to. My nails were dry and brittle, so I’d end up with one breaking and then have to cut them all back in order to have them the same length. This oil has ended all of that. Now I have to cut them back because they seem to be growing faster. I haven’t had a nail split since the day I started using this oil. It soaks into your cuticles and nails so well. I was really good at using it every day in the beginning, but in the last week I got busy and and only used it twice so I ended up with a split cuticle. That’ll help you remember, right?!?! I got back on track these last two days and the cuticle is healed already. That’s just how moisturizing this stuff is. I highly recommend it!" —mlasorensen
Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in four sizes).
15. A gentle yet effective eye cream by Gemini Beauty that targets dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness with sensitive skin-friendly ingredients like cucumber extract, peptides, hyaluronic acid, plus vitamins A and E.
Gemini Beauty is a woman-owned small skincare brand that makes products for sensitive skin. Founder Joann Zehenni was inspired to create clean products for sensitive skin upon learning that she had a borderline case of Lupus following her father and sister's diagnosis. In turn, Gemini Beauty donates a portion of their profits to Lupus LA, a non-profit that provides support to people fighting all stages of Lupus, as well as career opportunities to the practitioners that serve them. Read more about their beauty mission here.
Get it from Gemini Beauty or Thirteen Lune, both for $45.
16. A Handmade Heroes Vegan Coconut Lip Scrub because your fave matte lipstick deserves a perfectly smooth base to glide over and this nourishing exfoliant will do just the trick!
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 immediately 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 (available in two flavors).
17. A hydrating facial cleanser which uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to lock in moisture while it thoroughly rids your skin of a days' worth of germs and grease.
Promising review: "I wasn't sure if this would work at first because the texture is like body lotion, but after a couple of days I could really see the difference both in terms of hydration and acne! It’s such a great face wash! I have struggled with my acne for years and have tried a billion different products and none of them worked like this one. My face looked flawless just two weeks after I used this. I don't do a lot of reviews but I’m glad I bought this and I'm writing this review after having bought it for the third time. Trust me, this is a really good product." —RONGHUI XIE
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (or $16.14 with the Subscribe & Save option).
18. A tub of rich body cream by Sol de Janeiro that deeply hydrates and visibly firms your skin with a long-lasting scent that'll transport you somewhere warm and tropical, even if you're using it in the dead of winter.
Promising review: "I use this every day, no exception!!! I LOVE the smell. I also bought the hair and body mist and I also use it every day! I have also seen a big difference with my skin, I feel like it is visibly more hydrated and tighter. Would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a summer scent and a good body cream. Believe me it’s worth the money!" –sophierd
Get it from Sephora or Amazon both for $22+ (available in two sizes and in multiple varieties).
19. A Foreo Luna Mini 2 sonic cleansing brush that removes up to 99.5% of dirt and oil, plus exfoliates dead skin, unclogs pores, and removes makeup. TBH, you could store this do-it-all gadget in your tool box.
Promising reviews: "Well worth the money! I have notified a huge difference in the texture of my skin, it is so much smoother. The pores along my nose are also smaller and I have less blackheads. I highly recommend this product." –Sara Saxon
"I have sensitive/oily skin and spin brushes tend to hurt/irritate my face. But THIS! This is great on my skin, like it promises. This actually cleans your face REALLY well just like it says it will do, too! It's 100% worth every penny!" –Kate Nault
Get it from Amazon for $139+ (available in seven colors).
You can read more in BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer's review of the Foreo Luna Mini 2 cleansing brush.
20. An exfoliating body scrub cherished by reviewers with keratosis pilaris (aka, "strawberry skin") and other textured skin-related issues. These little beads will keep the bumps away, as well as brighten your skin so you can truly shine while you strut👏 your👏 stuff👏.
Promising review: "Honestly…wow. I have sensitive skin and usually can’t deal with manual exfoliation but this didn’t irritate my skin at all. AND IT WORKED! It helps with KP on my arms, sebaceous filaments on my chest and ingrown hairs on my legs. Literally perfect." –Meliss27
Get it from Sephora or Amazon, both for $12+ (available in two sizes).
21. Some SKIN1004 Zombie Pack Face Masks (no – not the kind you'd wear on Halloween) that briefly make you look like the living dead upon application, but washes away to reveal minimized pores and fine lines, as well as firmer and brighter skin.
Promising review: "Smells great! This face mask does exactly what it says. My skin is nice and lifted, hydrated, noticeable reduction in fine lines, improved texture, reduced my pore size, and eliminated some newly developed rough patches forming around the hairline. Couldn't be more satisfied with this product! I have pretty good skin, but this mask has really helped take my skin to the next level." —Samantha
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $25.
22. Or a "Slap It" butt sheet mask because skincare should absolutely extend *ahem* down there. All you have to do is ~slap~ these sheets on each cheek and relax as its plant-based, collagen-infused formula soaks into your derrière.
FYI, Bawdy Butt Masks are available in four varieties: "Slap It" (for retexturing and detoxifying with caffeine), "Squeeze It" (for brightening and rejuvenating with citrus), "Shake It" (for firming and illuminating with marine algae), and "Bite It" (hydrating and toning with plant-based collagen).
Promising review: "I will definitely be investing in more of these masks. I was a bit skeptical to try a mask for the b*tt lol, but I actually felt it work! I felt the firmness and detox! I would recommend trying it, but I will be purchasing more for sure 👍" –Lauren
Get the "Slap It" mask from Amazon for $10, or check out their full selection of butt masks here.
23. An inexpensive and revered hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin B5 by The Ordinary, which is essentially just a bottle of juicy, dewy, hydrated goodness you can douse your face in (or, you know, coat with an appropriate amount).
Facial hyaluronic serums work to help your skin produce more moisture, while also making other hydrating products, like your daily moisturizer(s), more effective.
Promising reviews: "This serum makes my skin so much softer and smooth to the touch immediately after applying. Before I started using it, I had really oily skin and this has definitely managed my skins barrier really well by maintaining its hydration throughout the day and preventing my skin from overproduction of oils on my face." –MinnieDW15
"I recently picked this up again and I can’t believe I ever stopped using it! My skin is very dry and this hydrates it so well without leaving any sticky or tacky residue. The rest of my skincare and makeup goes on flawlessly on top of it." –librab4by
Get it from Sephora for $7.50+ (available in two sizes).
24. A multi-purpose skin balm with a cute push-pop design that you can use on all over, from your head, shoulders, knees, and toes, as well as lips, elbows, heels, and every other part of the body *not* mentioned in the song.
Wiley Body is a small, plant-based, and BIPOC-owned skincare brand that makes simple yet effectively nourishing products for every body.
They sent the Super Balm my way a little while back and it quickly became both a desktop and on-the-go staple for me. I keep it close by while I'm working so that I can glide it over my hands and elbows whenever they're feeling particularly dry (so like, all of the time) and then toss it in my bag whenever I'm ready to hit the road. It's fragrance-free and very gentle, which I really appreciate. I'm also a sucker for cute packaging, so this lil' number checks multiple boxes for me.
Get it from Wiley Body for $24.
25. A steel foot file that I can only describe as a cheese grater for your feet (sorry). Rub this baby on your dry and callused tootsies and marvel at the sheer amount of dead skin that comes off. You'll become an exclusive sandal-wearer with one of these in your life!
Promising review: "Honestly, I’m going to be blunt...this product is AMAZING! I’ve struggled with dry, cracked, peeling feet for such a long time! I always thought it was bad lotions, lack of moisturizer or wearing socks for prolonged periods and I’ve tried EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYYYTHING to try and fix my feet. Hiding behind sneakers in the summer, packing lotion on or wearing socks to bed with my man is no longer needed. This product is NEEDED in your life. No bs. I’m obsessed and I want to order one for every one in my family with dry feet like me! DO NOT regret buying this. It was a steal!" —Natalie Gomez
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
26. A Supergoop Glow Screen with SPF 40 that protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays while it adds a little tint and subtle shimmery glow.
Promising review: "I really like this Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 in Sunrise. I love that it is SPF 40 and lightweight at the same time. I love that it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This shade looks great on my skin. I love that it gives my skin a luminous glow!" –Momof3girls579
Get it from Sephora for $20+ (available in three sizes and two shades) or from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
27. A holy grail liquid exfoliant for people with sensitive, acne-prone-, redness-prone-, and textured skin. It gently removes dead skin, unclogs pores, brightens and evens out your tone, and leaves you with a radiant complexion that'll have everyone saying "OMG, drop your skincare routine!"
Promising review: "I had never used a chemical exfoliant prior to using this BHA, but all I can say is I LOVE it so much. It helped even out the discoloration on my skin as well as acne scars. This is my second purchase in about a year now. I personally only purchase the travel size because a little goes a long way; I feel that the big bottle would just sit there for a long time. I use it about three times a week. IT'S CHANGED MY SKIN I SWEAR! My skin is GLOWING." –Mariamaaa
Get it from Sephora or from Amazon, both for $11+ (available in two sizes).
28. A trusty MakeUp Eraser, the magical addition to your linen closet that's sooo much more than an ordinary towel. With just water, this cloth effectively removes makeup (yes – even waterproof makeup), along with excess grime. Just toss it in the wash when it gets *particularly* grimy and it's as good as new!
Check out what some of my fellow BuzzFeeders have to say about this product:
"It honestly works better than I imagined! You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds. I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to wash it constantly. It also washes up shockingly well. Every time I toss it in covered in makeup and it comes out almost entirely stain free, I'm shocked." –Danielle Healy
"All you have to do is put the Makeup Eraser through one laundry cycle and then… add water. Seriously. One, two, three swipes across your mug and the job is done! It’s great for people with sensitive skin or easily irritated eyes. You can remove your eye makeup without getting any oils or gels in your peepers. This also makes it a great choice for contact-lens wearers." –Jennifer Tonti
Get it from Amazon for $9.986+ (available in 15 colors and designs).
For more info, check out our full review of the MakeUp Eraser.
29. A sensitive-skin-approved face and body oil chock full of antioxidant-rich ingredients like seabuckthorn, marula seed, and jojoba oils, which have tons of soothing, softening, and protective benefits.
Bathing Culture is a small biz established in 2015 in San Fransisco. They specialize in quality, nourishing bath and skincare products with an aim to celebrate the history and culture of bathing.
Promising review: "I absolutely adore the scent and formula of this oil! I only use it on my body but it is so luxurious and moisturizing without being greasy. I love the scent so much and have repurchased multiple times." –Joey W.
Get it from Bathing Culture for $32+ (available in two sizes).
30. And a Bishe mini skincare fridge to stash 'n chill all of your cherished serums, toners, masks, sprays, rollers, and maybe even a couple of snacks. It's functionality will majorly upgrade your skincare situation, while it's adorable design will look cute wherever you decide to put it.
Bishe is a Latinx, woman-owned small business based in Denver, Colorado. They make chic, portable, and accessible beauty fridges as an ode to the importance of self care.
Here's what BuzzFeed writer Ali Faccenda has to say about her Bishe fridge:
"I have ALWAYS wanted a skincare fridge for the longest time and truly could never pull the trigger on one because they were either TOO clunky, didn't fit my room decor, and were too noisy. Well folks, if you've also been wanting one for your plethora of skincare needs, then this IS THE FRIDGE FOR YOU. I can't say enough good things about this fridge. It's absolutely silent, holds everything I use on a regular basis, and also has additional storage pieces you can maneuver for compartmentalizing everything. I love this soooo much and it's also easily movable with the chic top handle."
Nothing like a little relaxing (and not excessive nor chaotic) skincare to start and end your day!
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.