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    Spare Yourself The In-Person Awkwardness And Buy These 27 Somewhat Embarrassing Products Online

    These sorta embarrassing problems have real solutions — and you can get 'em without ever leaving your home.

    1. An acne patch that'll help draw the gunk out of angry, inflamed pimples *without* touching your face. Put one on at bedtime and behold the grossness (but also amazingness, tbh) when you wake up. 

    reviewer holding two acne patches in the palm of hand showing all the gunk extracted
    Reviewer photo of cheeks with dark red acne scars and breakouts
    Same reviewer's cheeks, which are now a more even skin tone and free of almost all breakouts

    These patches contain hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, and calendula oil to gently but effectively heal pimples faster!

    Promising review: "These did exactly what they said they would. I had a rather large acne area breakout under my chin. Overnight it nearly disappeared! I will say these are best on spots with a whitehead as they work by drawing the yucky stuff out. I will definitely be getting these again." —Heather E Tapp

    Get 40 round patches from Amazon for $6.29 (also available as a set of 80).

    Our in-depth look at Avarelle's acne patches gets into the nitty-gritty — why they work, how to use them, and why they've earned 45,000+ 5-star reviews from customers.

    2. A nickel foot file for turning your rough skin problem to ~dust~ in just a few swipes. What you do with the leftover pile of remains is your business.

    left: reviewer before photo of crusty foot / right: after photo looking smooth thanks to the nickel foot file
    another reviewer image of floor covered in tons of foot flakes

    Promising review: "It didn't take long to get my feet back in shape! One good scrubbing did it. I wouldn't get a pedicure because I was so embarrassed how bad they were. Life changer! I won't be afraid to show off my feet this summer!" —WirelessRC

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors).

    3. Or, a callus-removing gel when the thought of repeatedly scrubbing or filing your feet gives you the willies. This will get you salon-worthy results without enduring that awkward stare from your manicurist.

    Promising review: "I have had bad calluses on my feet since I was a kid. I have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of them. This stuff works better than anything I’ve ever tried. I soaked my feet in warm water, applied the gel and left it on for 10 minutes. I wiped the gel off and briefly soaked my feet again. I then used a rasp and was amazed at how much tough skin came off. I’m glad no one else saw it because it was embarrassing lol! Highly recommend!!" —InfoSec

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    4. A nose hair wax kit if you want to quickly remove rogue nostril hairs *without* it ending in a face full of tears. The kit comes with everything you need to eliminate the hair and keep it gone for up to four weeks.

    Reviewer with the sticks inside their nostrils
    Reviewer's used wax sticks full of nostril hair

    You'll get 100 grams of nose wax beads, 30 wax applicators, 10 mustache protectors, a measuring cup, and 15 paper cups at your disposal.

    Promising review: "I highly recommend this product. The instructions were super easy to follow, and it worked perfectly! I was a little nervous to pull the sticks out once the two minutes were up; however, it didn't even hurt. I expected it to hurt momentarily and my eyes to water, but neither was true! If you wanna get rid of them pesky nose hairs...snag this product!!!" —Julie J.

    Get it from Amazon for $13.85.

    5. A stainless-steel tongue scraper so you can conquer horrific breath and leave your mouth with a fresh, clean feeling. No one will be offering you an unsolicited stick of gum anytime soon!

    Promising review: "Embarrassingly Gross. Never had any idea what I’d pull off my tongue each morning… I’ll save you the details – but surprised it took me into my mid-40s to discover. Every human who brushes their teeth need one… has already helped on breath." —L. Utton

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two styles and in packs of three or individually).

    6. A Squatty Potty you'll never poop without again after experiencing that first easy breezy BM, all thanks to a ~stool~. The best part? You don't even have to brave an in-person encounter. You're welcome.

    Read more about constipation relief at home, including using a squatting position, at Cleveland Clinic

    Promising review: "I like to poop. It's literally the first thing I do in the morning. This makes it even more enjoyable. I bought this about a month ago for my wife and I. We are pretty healthy people and have no 'problems' when it comes to #2. But with this, you just sit down, put your feet up, and bombs away! It feels like a straight pipe coming from your colon. Remember those difficult-to-push-out BMs? No more! With just a slight push, you are done. Gravity takes over, and out it comes. This is how the human body was designed to poop. We literally pooped like this for thousands of years! I recommend this to all my friends, who laugh at me until they try it. Stop making it hard on yourself when you poop. This is by far the best bathroom accessory you can buy!" —jjl1911

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes and as a two-pack).

    7. I Dew Care dry shampoo powder — sometimes it feels like your roots are on a mission to humiliate you. This will help revive your limp, greasy hair in a flash! It's a fine, hypoallergenic powder that helps absorb oil, sweat, and dirt while adding volume to keep your locks looking fresh longer.

    left: reviewer before photo of stringy, greasy roots / bottom: after using I Dew, roots are full, voluminous and no signs of grease
    model holding the powder container

    BTW, this is cruelty-free! It's suitable for all hair types, too.

    Get a look at how it's used on TikTok.

    Promising review: "I bought this in desperation after having elbow surgery, which left me unable to wash my own hair. I have tried countless dry shampoo sprays and have been disappointed every time. But this? Absolutely 100% game changer. It kept my hair feeling clean and oil-free for several days at a time. It's easy to use, absorbs in quickly, no white residue on my dark hair, and you don't need much. I will never buy another brand again. This is my holy grail of dry shampoo." —Bad Girl

    Get it from Amazon for $16.20

    8. blackhead scrub stick to get rid of excess sebum and other impurities that might be clogging your precious pores. After cleansing, rub it on your face to exfoliate *and* banish stubborn blackheads and whiteheads!

    A black small octopus shaped remover in a reviewer's hand
    the cap off to show the salt on the top of the remover

    Psst! TikTokers love this thing!

    Promising reviews: "Must-have. I use this a couple of times a week. I have terrible blackheads and this manages to scrub 90% of them away and the rest are barely noticeable. Will keep buying." —Princess Jasmin

    "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like me." —LuckLocust

    Get it from Amazon for $12.50

    9. A two-pack of "flossing toothbrushes," because is there anything worse than stubborn food particles stuck between the teeth? Problem solved! These not-so-ordinary brushes have multilayer bristles that act as strong pieces of floss to get in there REAL good.

    A toothbrush with two layers of bristles, one long and thin and one shorter and thicker
    top: reviewer before photo of teeth with slight yellowing and debris in between / bottom: after photo of teeth looking whiter with less debris in between
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans that even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. 

    Here's what one of our editors, Emma Lord, has to say: "I love it just after the first few days of use! I use an electric toothbrush usually, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively." 

    Promising review: "I'm amazed at how well this toothbrush cleans my teeth — it definitely gets between the teeth and also more importantly for me, gets in the small, deep crevices in my molars where I always have food stuck and regular toothbrushes couldn't get stuff out. I brush more often (after meals/snacks) because of how effective it is. As stated, definitely go easy around the gums. The bristles feel soft, but will cause your gums to bleed if you use regular pressure. Nice and easy does the trick, SO WELL!" —Jason A.

    Get a pair from Amazon for $9.90 (also available as a four-pack). 

    10. A caffeinated butt mask that'll shake up your skincare game in ways you couldn't imagine. Nosy shoppers will have to ~butt~ out because this purchase doesn't require a trip to the store.

    plus size model wearing the mask on their butt cheeks
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I will definitely be investing in more of these masks. I was a bit skeptical to try a mask for my butt (lol) but I actually felt it work! I felt the firmness and detox! I would recommend trying it, I will be purchasing more for sure. Thumbs up!" —Lauren

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    11. A pack of shoe deodorizers so you can finally address the disturbing stench emanating from your kicks, especially if you've been avoiding the task for quite some time. Your nose will thank you.

    Promising review: "I bought two sets of these, one for my gym shoes and one for my favorite everyday shoes I wear to the office. I've been pleasantly surprised by how well they work. I'm no longer embarrassed to take off my shoes in the presence of someone else. I've read I'll need to replace these over time, which makes perfect sense. I'll happily buy these again." —ATxQT

    Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $30.57 (also available in packs of two or four).

    12. An exfoliating scrub mitt for ~super smooth~ skin ASAP — no harsh chemicals or rough dry brushes necessary. Regular exfoliation is great for reducing those semi-embarrassing probs, like bumps and ingrown hairs.

    reviewer showing their legs before and after using the glove and how different their legs look
    Reviewer's mitt with visible dead skin flakes

    Promising review: "Saw someone review this on TikTok and bought it. The satisfaction of all the dead skin that comes off is unmatched. Makes my skin so soft and shiny." —Kallie

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a two-pack).

    13. A set of tiny dermaplaning razors to remove any stray eyebrow hairs or peach fuzz that's been bugging you. These leave your skin feeling silky-smooth, which also allows for much better makeup application.

    Reviewer using the tool to dermaplane their face
    another reviewer photo of pink dermaplaning razor with peach fuzz hair on it

    Promising review: "Omg! This is the BEST facial razor I have ever used. I have tried many different options. A lot of the razors out there leave stubble and require you to pass the razor over the area a few times to achieve a smooth look. Some even cut my skin and leave it feeling dry and itchy. I have suffered a lot in facial hair removal but this Schick product is a game changer. I was shocked when I first used it. One swipe over my skin and all the hair was gone – NO stubble left behind and my skin felt very smooth!!! I’ve been touching my face all day because I can’t believe how smooth it is. No more embarrassing stubbles for me!!! This is my favorite beauty product now!" —Lovely Lady

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.55 (also available as a nine-pack).

    14. An easy-to-use ear washer bottle — a safe *and* effective cleaning method instead for anyone who struggles with ear wax buildup, blockages, and impaction. Now you can solve the problem at home without having to dread the in-person visit you might've had to schedule.

    The kit includes the washer bottle and three disposable tips. Using it is simple: Fill the bottle with your preferred ear cleaning solution, attach the disposable tip, and then spray the cleaner into your ear. This will loosen up wax and cause it to basically just fall right out of your ear!

    Doctor Easy started 20 years ago with the invention of the Elephant Ear Washer by a doctor who saw the need for a better method of treating patients’ earwax impactions.

    Promising review: "Gross photos. My husband has had a lot of earwax impaction problems in his life and up until this point we have paid to have a professional take care of it. But recently, he suddenly lost about 80% of his hearing and just couldn't wait for an appointment so we bought this item. From the reviews I have read it was a particularly easy solution for my husband. Nasty huge chunks start falling out after just a couple of squirts. Cleared everything out, no problem. Highly recommend." —Tea

    Get it from Amazon for $31.95

    15. A bottle of Tend Skin Solution if you're tired of worrying about lifting your arms in fear that someone might catch a glimpse of your razor burn. Be gone, bumps!

    This can be applied after shaving and waxing to prevent bumps and burns. It can also be applied at night independent of shaving to help clear any existing ingrown hairs and bumps.

    Promising review: "I’m not one to leave a review about many products but I saw a review on this product that made me buy it and I thought it was only fair to pay it forward! I’ve dealt with horrendous ingrown hairs for years! I’ve tried everything to minimize them, expensive wax packages and expensive serums and creams, plucking, not shaving — you name it I tried it. This product has literally put everything I’ve tried to shame! For the price, it was so worth it! I’ve been using it for about a month every day after I get out of the shower (I saw someone say they put it in a spray bottle to get full use of the product rather than it seeping into a cotton ball, 10/10 would recommend) I haven’t gotten an ingrown since and the ones I had healed! The smell is kind of strong but so are the results. I also have pretty sensitive skin and I was worried about using it after I shave/wax, burns a lil' bit but it didn’t cause a flare-up. Can’t wait to not be insecure at the beach this summer!" —Jess

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

    16. A pair of comfy period-proof underwear so you can stop spending money on pads/tampons and worrying about embarrassing leaks? Reviewers find these to be way comfier than disposable products *and* they don't cost as much as leading brands.

    BuzzFeed editor wearing the black brief period underwear
    Closeup of the black underwear
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    Bambody has obtained the Oeko Tex Standard 100, Class 1 Certification, which means their garments do not contain any harmful chemicals, including PFAS.

    Also, unlike your regular undies, you don't have to scrub the blood out of these. They're designed so it rinses right out in the sink with soap and warm water, and can get tossed in the washer and dryer from there. Be sure to check out our full Bambody period underwear review for more deets!

    Psst — reviewers love these undies, but suggest sizing up!

    Promising review: "Perfect in every way. No pad needed. Absorbs heavy flow. 14-18 hours between showers to change them. Supreme overnight protection. No leaks! I just put them in a separate wash load at [the] end of my period and they are ready for the next month. Time saving. Money saving. Environmentally friendly." —LJ Shan

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XXS–3XL, four colors, and in packs of three or six).

    17. A set of silicone Kegel weights for taking charge of your health down there. It's great for Kegel newbies and can help those who struggle with incontinence, especially if you've given birth recently. It's also ideal for anyone who wants more enjoyable *and* less painful sex.

    Intimate Rose is a small biz creating wellness products, like dilators, weights, supplements, and more that help treat issues and pain related to the pelvic floor. 

    Promising review: "Since starting, my bladder control has significantly improved. I am now able to sneeze or cough without peeing myself. Yes, that's right. I am able to hold my pee longer, which means I can actually make it to the bathroom without dribbling on myself. The best part is that just a few short weeks into the program you will have results you can feel. I think every woman who has ever had kids should try this, out. The overall quality of my life has improved. Ditch your panty liners, stop the embarrassing dribbles, no more dashes to the restroom because of a weak bladder. Even my sex life has improved; I have control of those pelvic muscles now. Just remember to wash the weights before and after each use with an antibacterial spray, and allow time to air dry before putting them away. I say air dry because if you wipe them dry with a cloth you run the risk of giving yourself a bladder infection or urinary tract infection, and those are no laughing matter. Easy to use, easy to clean, stores away quickly." —Lady Tauber

    Get a set of six weights from Amazon for $49.99 (also available as a set of two and in a deluxe version).

    18. Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer if you've been wanting to get on the snail train for a while now but have been too embarrassed to buy something with "snail" in the name. It pairs perfectly with the famous Power Repairing Essence to help achieve smoother skin without redness, dryness, or irritation.

    a jar of snail mucin moisturizer
    left: reviewer before photo if irritated, broken out skin / right: after using moisturizer, skin looking smooth and clear

    Check it out on TikTok here!

    Promising review: "I fought buying this, but after several friends swore by this I caved. I have sensitive acne-prone skin but also have some fine lines. Let me tell you after applying this I immediately felt my skin calm down. And the next day my skin was glowing and my acne had diminished. This will forever be a part of my regimen." —arand5292

    Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in two sizes/styles).

    19. SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes because there's no way around it: Sweaty pits are ~the pits~, and I dare you to prove me wrong. Give your armpits a swipe before bed, wash them in the morning, and enjoy seven days of sweat-free bliss.

    reviewer showing how sweaty they were in a green shirt and then after using the wipes with no sweat in a grey shirt
    another reviewer holding a packet of the Sweat Block wipes

    Each box lasts two months!

    Promising review: "For anyone who might be a skeptic, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sport coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat...I was sweating through my shirt on my back...BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee

    Get a 10-count box from Amazon for $18.99+ (also available in packs of two or three boxes).

    20.  First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant when you're desperate for smooth, healthy skin without any dry patches or bumps ruining your day. Reviewers with keratosis pilaris and other similar skin textures love this stuff!

    Promising review: "I have keratosis pilaris or goose-like bumps on my bum and have been always super self-conscious about it. I’ve used this product five to eight times and they are seriously like GONE. It’s soooo smooth now and I’m super happy. It does say to use once a week but I’ve just been using it every time I shower (which is almost every day lol). I only use a dime size amount and it’s able to cover my bum and some of my legs. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who also has pesky bumps on their body. Also, this product has no scent, which is a plus for anyone who has sensitive skin!!" —Ang M

    Get it from Amazon for $12 (also available in larger sizes). 

    21. A pack of DressWeights so you can prevent an unwanted Marilyn Monroe moment because they only seem to happen at the worst possible times. These will hold your dress down so you can enjoy the breeze without a care in the world.

    The weight on the hem of a dress
    DressStrong

    DressStrong is a New York City-based small business. Christina, the owner, came up with the idea in 2012 to save us all from unwanted Marilyn Monroe moments.

    Each adhesive should last ~six uses with proper care.

    Promising review: "What an amazing invention! I had my bridesmaids use these for my destination wedding. I got married outside by a very windy gazebo and they worked like a charm. Highly recommend!" —kimberlyo143

    Get a set of four weights from DressStrong on Etsy for $13.29 (originally $18.99+).

    22. A box of gas relief pills that'll be a huge ~relief~ to buy online  instead of receiving weird looks from your neighbor who just *happened* to be at the store at the same time as you.

    Promising review: "Thank goodness for these pills. These are super fast-acting and so effective. I get so sick whenever I eat basically anything and these have helped so much. I can take two in the morning and I'm not in pain all day or sick if I eat. I'm ordering more ASAP." —Nerdy Chic

    Get a pack of 30 soft gels from Amazon for $9.96.

    23. And some anti-diarrhea medication worth stocking up on so you can take it before the you-know-what storm hits. Keep it in your bag and remember to take it prior to indulging at the all-you-can-eat buffet.

    Packaging
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I can't survive without these things. I have quite a sensitive stomach and any greasy or spicy food works like Drain-O on my stomach. So if I know I'm going to have some food like that I'll use these to settle my stomach. Without these, I would be stuck on the toilet for an hour or two. These things are a lifesaver to keep on you, and are essential for any home." —Reviewer

    Get a pack of 12 caplets from Amazon for $8.28 (also available as packs of 18 or 24).

    24. Live Tinted Superhue Hyperpigmentation Stick if you're battling dark spots and feel like there's no win in sight. Don't give up! This spill-proof serum stick targets hyperpigmentation with star ingredients, like niacinamide, bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), and THD vitamin C. Your skin will be looking glowy and even before you know it.

    model before and after using Superhue for 28 days with dark spots visibly lightened
    Live Tinted

    And yes, it's clean, vegan, and cruelty-free!

    Live Tinted is a South-Asian woman-owned beauty brand founded by beauty blogger and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. Her brand is built around diversity and inclusion with phenomenal multitasking products that address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. Just peep their top-selling, color-correcting Huestick.

    Promising review: "I HAVE NEVER HAD A HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT. UNTIL NOW!! Literally SO effective. Tons of people have been complimenting my skin from my boyfriend (who doesn't always notice subtle changes) to my coworkers ONLINE VIA VIDEO! My skin literally looks visibly brighter and smoother. The only thing you have to be careful of is if you freshly wax or thread any part of your face. Wait a day or two to use the product in case you have sensitive skin to be safe!" —Ulta Customer

    Get it from UltaLive Tinted, or Amazon for $34.

    25. Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo because not everyone wants to take a bunch of supplements and hope it'll fix their thinning hair. This uses botanical extracts to help thicken and hydrate. It also clarifies and removes product buildup!

    reviewer's before shot of their thinning hair with receding hairline
    same reviewer's after shot with their hair looking fuller and thicker after using the shampoo

    Talk to your doctor before using this product if you're experiencing hair loss. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.

    Promising review: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on) and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever. I still use it twice a week and love it! I’m not in love with the way it smells but others love it when they smell my hair." —Diane J. Huff

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in three sizes and as a two-pack).

    26. A hemorrhoid ointment if your butt is begging for mercy. You'll get that sweet, sweet relief in a tube *without* ever leaving the comfort of your bed. Shout out to the MVP: online shopping.

    the box and tube of cream
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Oh man!!! This saved my bum.... literally. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I sprouted some unsightly and uncomfortable hemorrhoids, and then the birth happened. My backside was a war zone that lit up at the slightest touch, not to mention the road less traveled between there and the front line where I received an episiotomy. After the initial 24-hour wait, this tube of bliss was threatening to replace my husband on the list of most important things in my life. But seriously, it's easy to apply and a little goes a LONG way. I used this every time I went to the bathroom for about five or six weeks and I still have half the tube left. It works wonders for more than just sphincters. I now buy a tube for every expectant mom that I know." —KJzCola

    Get it from Amazon for $18.73 (also available as a spray).

    27. nail repair pen so you can wear sandals without dreading that *one* odd-looking toenail that always steals the spotlight. This fungus-fighting formula helps restore brittle, discolored nails and prevents further damage.

    Promising review: "I definitely recommend this product, it worked for me from the first application. I can definitely see my nail growing and looking healthier. I applied it twice a day for the first three weeks, I cut and filed my nail once a week after I showered and applied the product." —Claudia

    Get four pens from Amazon for $16.19.

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.