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. An easy-to-apply Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer for when you were up all night watching Love Is Blind but need to look like a ~totally awake human being~ at work. It's medium coverage yet lightweight, and reduces puffiness while moisturizing skin. Plus, it wears for up to 12 hours, so you'll be covered for the whole day and then some.
It has an antimicrobial cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Promising review: "The best drugstore concealer on the market. I use it to conceal a port-wine birthmark on my forehead and eyelid. Coverage is more on the opaque side, which is what I was looking for. I find that the application with the tip is easy and my suggestion is to use dabbing motions with the applicator to build coverage. Product does not seem to clog pores. Great for travel and on the go touch-ups as you do not need to use fingers or any other tools to blend aside from the attached applicator." —George Calhoun
Get it from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in 18 shades).
2. A post-blemish rescue balm because sometimes you're gonna pop that pimple even though you know you shouldn't. (We've all been there.) Just pat some on the popped blemish to calm irritation, help reduce hyperpigmentation, and add moisture. 💪
Promising review: "Whoever made this needs a raise. I wish I could slather my whole face with it. I've had acne for like 10 years (no joke) and recently had a terrible hormonal breakout and this really helped. I know when products work and when it does and this works. PLEASE for the love of gawd try it." —Sarah L.
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of the popular Mighty Patch and more. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, and it's since evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
3. A pack of reusable and DEEPLY satisfying exfoliating washcloths for scrubbing the dead skin off your body and revealing the ~baby-soft~ skin underneath. Reviewers attest: This product does not come to play.
I use these about once a week, and they are *chef's kiss*. Stay in the shower or bath for five or 10 minutes with moderately hot water before using, which will soften up your skin so that when you start scrubbing; dead skin will basically roll straight off your body. Your skin will look and feel as good as new after, and SUPER soft. One of my favorite shower products, and worth every penny.
Promising reviews: "I stumbled upon these from watching a TikTok and I’m so glad I did! Definitely look into how to use them before you start so you do it efficiently and find what works best for you. I use them after being in a hot shower for at least five minutes then I start with long strokes in one direction. These got lots of gunk off my body and left my skin feeling so soft and smooth!" —Mariah C.
"Okay, these things are AWESOME! I watched a TikTok about this gal using them and I figured why not try them. They weren’t expensive and I spend $5 on useless crap all the time. This, my friends, is NOT useless crap. This gets so much gunk off my body it’s disgusting. How can I have so much dead skin on my body!? I don’t know, but this gets it all off and leaves my skin so soft! Just throw some baby oil on your skin after using it and you are good to go!" —Emilee Brinker
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $6.70.
4. ~Uber-satisfying~ and mega-affordable hydrocolloid pimple patches to suck the gunk out of acne that has come to a head. Plus, (crucially) they protect deep, under-the-skin pimples from wandering or picking fingers, which can inadvertently inflame blemishes more by adding dirt and bacteria to irritated skin. These are one of the best skincare purchases I've ever made, and reviewers agree.
I have used these for years, and I literally buy them in bulk so that I'm never caught without them. I really can't sing the praises of these enough — they make my cystic acne heal faster, whether by sucking puss out of active breakouts or by curbing the beginning of pimples through keeping my hands the heck off them. I like to keep them on overnight, and they're clear and unobtrusive enough that I'll usually use them during the day when needed, too. Different sizes are included so you can customize to different blemish sizes, or simply use smaller patches during the daytime and larger ones at night, lol. This is the product I'm constantly raving to my friends about, and TL;DR: It's my desert island item. You cannot go wrong with these. Plus, they're super affordable for the amount you get, and especially for the benefit they provide.
Promising review: "I’ve bought this product multiple times over the last couple of years because they really, truly work. I’m a (now) 37-year-old who still gets breakouts, including painful cystic acne at times. I sleep with these babies on, and in the morning, the size and redness is usually 50%–75% better. If it’s a larger breakout or a cyst, I repeat the process and have been known to wear these to work — depending on location of the pimple. They really are great and makes having acne in your mid-late thirties less stressful. They’re usually gone in one to two days with these patches! Highly recommend!" —Lauren Kerley
Get a pack of three (72 pimple patches total) from Amazon for $14.50.
5. The TikTok-famous Essence Lash Princess mascara for truly dramatic length without clumping or flaking. This mascara is cruelty-free, has over *200,000* 5-star ratings, and is less than $5. What else could a mascara lover want??
Promising reviews: "The only mascara I will buy. TikTok made me buy it and I’m so glad. It’s long lasting, doesn’t smudge…but best of all it makes my lashes look full. I look like I have on false eyelashes when I wear this product." —Michelle
"I didn’t think this was going to work for the price but I saw it on TikTok so I said why not! Y’all I brought three more after I tried this for a week! My lashes look dark and full like falsies!!! I love it. 🥰" —ShariRR
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
6. A bestselling bottle of TikTok-famous Elizavecca hair treatment that's packed with collagen and soy protein to revive damaged, dull, or brittle hair in five minutes, revealing soft, nourished strands. This is salon-level haircare for under 10 bucks, folks!!
Promising reviews: "I have tried everything on the market to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this hair treatment on TikTok. I had never heard of it before but decided to give it a try. I used it for the first time yesterday and I couldn't believe how amazing it made my hair feel and look. It's sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. My bleached rats nest now looks and feels like virgin hair again. Even my boyfriend noticed a huge difference in my hair and you know it's a GOOD product when the boyfriend notices :D I’m going to buy a lot more of this product. I’ve been really frustrated about my hair for years now because of all the damage; now I can finally relax and enjoy my new hair. <3" —Eline
"I was skeptical. I’ll admit it. I wasn’t sure this would work on my 4c hair but it made my hair so soft! And I didn’t need to use a tremendous amount of product. It made it easy to comb out and blow dry my hair. It even made it smoother after the flatiron. You can’t beat it for the price." —Niki D.
Check out BuzzFeed's Elizavecca Cer-100 Protein Treatment review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $7.45.
7. A set of itty-bitty dermaplaning razors you can use for shaping your eyebrows and removing peach fuzz on your cheeks, upper lip, or wherever else you please. It'll also help you apply foundation and blush *extra* smoothly.
This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it.
Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and was skeptical, but they work so well. I use them for any facial peach fuzz and to shape my eyebrows, and they're perfect." —Megan Kopicko
Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.94 (also available as a pack of nine).
8. A pore-clearing stainless-steel skin spatula that de-gunks clogged pores using high-frequency vibrations so your skin will be able to absorb products better, delivering a facial treatment worth way more money than you paid for it.
See it in action on TikTok here.
I finally caved and bought this during Black Friday, and wow, I am SO glad I did. Blackheads are less of an issue for me than cystic acne, and it worked beautifully for both, and somehow very gently, too. The first time I used it, I could see all the stubborn gunk in my skin being extracted — gunk that was still there despite having just showered and regularly adhering to a pretty strict skincare regimen (!). I used the Blume Nourishing Face Oil to keep my skin moist while using it, which worked well for me (they recommend using a toner, water, or some other moisturizing agent). After using it, my skin felt softer than it's felt in years, and super clean without being at all tight. In short, a great product and definitely a staple for me.
Promising reviews: "Don't doubt it, a staple in skincare. I got this little device from a TikTok and decided to give it a try. I never knew I needed it until the first time I tried it. The vibrations magically bring up all the stubborn blackheads you can’t reach with just your fingers, especially if you have acrylics like me." —Paige Chaney
"This thing is freaking amazing! I was super skeptical I would see any results because I just bought it on a whim because I have epic blackhead issues, but man was this the best thing I’ve ever used. It brought so much gunk out of my skin (once I figured out how best to aim it) I was seriously almost in tears. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see it come up on the first pass, experiment with the best angle and tool direction for you. Also, expect to keep having to use it like everything else you need to keep going to see results." —Tyler Dominguez
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors).
9. An eyelash curler with over 9,000 5-star ratings that'll gently curl your lashes and is designed not to pinch skin. (Literally: The company reports it ran hundreds of experiments before deciding on this curler model because it fits most human eyes without pinching.) That's science to me!!
The curler has soft silicone pads that enhance your ability to shape your lashes with minimal pressure so it is easier on lashes. It comes with five extra replacement silicone pads and can be used on both top and bottom lashes!
To curl, clean lashes, look downward, place lashes in eyelash holder, and lightly press down on curler for several seconds. For best usage, curl your lashes before applying mascara as this will prevent the curler from sticking to the mascara.
Promising review: "I have long, full, but straight lashes. Nothing has worked. They just won't hold a curl. I have no idea what is different about this item, but my lashes look great! Gets all the lashes from outer to inner in one easy–squeezy. I FINALLY have found something that holds the curl ALL DAY! 100% recommend!!!" —Tangie4242
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
If you are an eyelash curler ~devotee,~ check out this highly rated mini travel curler.
10. A bottle of Bio-Oil that folks love for helping fade old and new scars (including stretch marks), for calming and moisturizing dry skin, and for generally making skin ~glow.~ Packed with sunflower seed oil, vitamins A and E, and lavender, this fast-absorbing face and body oil does its job *so well* that reviewers are calling it "the best skincare on the market."
Promising review: "AMAZING PRODUCT! I am amazed! I wash my face with Cetaphil gentle cleanser while in the shower, and immediately after getting out of the shower put BioOil on my skin. That is all I do. I do have a spot treatment from Neutrogena with 10% maximum-strength benzoyl peroxide for those SUPER STUBBORN pimples, but hardly use it since starting with BioOil. I will forever use this product and recommend when I can. I have olive-toned, freckled, medium to dry skin with oily nose and forehead, adult hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. BioOil has given me a literal GLOW! I feel confident with my face again. I hardly leave reviews, but this product deserves it! Good luck on your healthy skin journey." —Amazon Customer
"Bio-Oil is the BEST skin product on the market. I use it twice a day, morning and before i go to bed. Small lines have disappeared. My skin is very smooth and seems to glow. A doctor recommended this to one of my friends who told me about it. I have bought several bottles as gifts. Be patient. It will take a few months for you to see notice the changes." –Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in two sizes or in a pack of three).
11. A popular long-lasting eyeliner stamp so you can give yourself a perfect wing on the first try with next to no effort. Your makeup will look *on point* and put-together even if you're equal parts frazzled and exhausted, and because it's a stamp it'll take only seconds to apply.
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
Promising review: "Got this before a trip I took a few days ago. I have never been able to do wing eyeliner properly so I was excited to try this. It's very pigmented and goes on beautifully! I've tried other liquid eyeliners before and they were so watery and not close to a dark black I wanted at all but this product was great. I did my makeup and put this eyeliner on at 9 am, traveled two hours, walked around a city for about three hours and it was warm so I was sweating, and then went to an NBA game. After all that time (about 16 hours!), the eyeliner was just as perfect as I had put it on! I love this product and can't wait to use it more often!" —Elizabeth
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
12. A Cosrx snail essence because sometimes you just need a big ol' dose of hydration, and snail mucin is the only thing that can get the job done. This bb contains a whopping *96%* snail mucin, which is kinda nature's MVP for intense yet incredibly gentle skin repair. And the glow you'll get from this is unparalleled.
I've been using the Cosrx snail mucin essence for years, and it's honestly a godsend for my dry, acne-prone, sensitive skin. Just like how snail mucin protects snails from damage while traversing over and around gravel and other jagged things, mucin is like a heavenly layer of nourishing protection for skin that's navigating the effects of weather, pollution, stress, and hormones. I don't care how weird it might sound — this ingredient is a dang star.
Promising review: "Best skincare purchase of my life! If you are questioning buying this product let me ease your mind and say you will absolutely not regret it!! I’m 39 and I’ve had a lifetime of dry skin. Literally the first day I applied this my skin was supple and soft by nighttime. No dry feeling, it’s totally gone. I have heard amazing things about snail mucin and I am totally sold. My skin has not felt this good probably since I was a teenager. Even the little bumps on the side of my face where it was dry and flaky are totally gone." —Ginger Leigh
Get it from Amazon for $19.17.
13. Maybelline Lip Lifter gloss to give your lips tinted, glossy shine without any annoying stickiness while simultaneously nourishing with mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Promising review: "I keep going back to buy more colors. This is THE gloss. You can throw it on alone and it has enough pigment to look great even without lip liner. I’ve never had a gloss wear this well without being sticky. I have some fine lip lines and it doesn’t bleed. Bonus that as it wears off, it leaves a nice bit of color without any weirdness and my lips just feel moisturized. Excellent price point that makes it fun to keep trying more colors. I just ordered my fourth and love them all. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a beauty product." —Natalia
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in 12 shades).
14. A bestselling, oil-absorbing facial roller made of real volcanic stone (!!!) that'll mattify your face after a long sweaty day. It'll get rid of shine without disturbing your makeup.
The facial roller is also small enough to fit comfortably in your carry-on or makeup bag.
Promising review: "I traveled to Italy this summer and this thing was a lifesaver. It was so hot there and I was drenched in sweat, but after using this I no longer looked sticky or shiny. 10/10 would recommend." —Shyenne
Get it from Amazon for $14.49.
And check out this pack of natural bamboo charcoal blotting papers for another tried-and-true method for getting rid of facial oil while preserving makeup.
15. A popular bottle of nail and cuticle repair oil you can apply once a day to nourish your nails with a conditioning and strengthening treatment. It'll make them shine *and* give you relief from painful hangnails, brittleness, and breakage.
Promising review: "Found this on TikTok and I'm so pleased with the results. My nails are getting stronger and growing. And best of all, not chipping. Love it." —sidna saavedra
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in four sizes).
16. A cult-fave E.l.f. poreless putty primer TikTokers love for smoothing pores, locking makeup in all day, and hydrating skin using gentle squalane oil. Long story short, it helps your skin look like an IG filter.
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and thought I'd take a chance. I have sensitive skin and have to watch what I use. I LOVE this product! Goes on smooth and you don't need to use a lot. I put it on before I put on my foundation. Makes a huge difference. Highly recommend and will buy again!!" —Brooks Crim
Get it from Amazon for $9.
17. A literal prescription-strength (!) Differin retinoid gel with over 34,000 5-star ratings that helps clear breakouts, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover for glowing, next-level skin. This is the kind of product worthy of running, not walking to go buy.
Promising review: "I wish I would taken before pictures, but I really thought it was not going to work since I have tried so many products on my face. Ever since my last pregnancy, I started breaking out a lot more during my period. I saw this on TikTok and I was like let me try this and I can HONESTLY SAY this thing WORKS!! Just give it a try you won’t regret it." —Stephanie De La O
Get it from Amazon for $13.47+ (available as a pump or tube, and in greater quantities).
18. A luxurious, lightweight L'Oreal rinse-out moisturizing hair treatment that utilizes amino acids to repair damage and restore shine in only eight seconds!
It's activated by water, so you can apply it after shampoo but before conditioner to let it work its magic! Recommended usage is 2–3 times a week. Reviewers say it works on all hair types, including straight hair and curl types 3a–4c.
Promising reviews: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair...I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen." —Theressa Hailey
"This stuff works. My hair was so dry and brittle, I tried a hair mask, deep conditioned it three times, etc., and nothing worked. I tried this the day I bought it and now my hair is soooo luxurious, soft, and bouncy. This stuff is magical." —@___.Fuego ig
Get it from Amazon for $8.62.
19. A vegan and cruelty-free Nyx makeup setting spray so you'll end your day with your makeup looking as perfect as it did when you applied it that morning. It promises to extend makeup wear to 16 hours, though reviewers say it works for even longer — and lasts through sleep, sobbing, swimming, and more.
Promising review: "Surprisingly much better than the expensive stuff! I’m a flight attendant and I work very long hours. This made my skin look like I had used highlighter. I get compliments on it all the time. It does as promised! It sets my make up for up to 48 hours! I will continue to purchase! Love this stuff!" —Steve Martin
Get it from Amazon for $9.12 (also available in a jumbo size).
20. Alcohol-free micellar water infused with rose water and glycerin to gently cleanse skin, hydrate, and remove makeup, with no rinsing required. One reviewer declares it one of their "favorite obsessions," and I agree — it's a low-maintenance dream.
I've used this micellar water for several years and *love* it for my sensitive skin! It's especially great for days when I don't have the energy to drag myself to the bathroom to properly wash my face. I keep a bottle of this by my bed and just soak a cotton pad with micellar water to clean my face.
Promising review: "Best makeup remover EVER!! I am head over heels in love with this product! I have used it as my go-to cleanser for years. It's very gentle and even cooling to your skin — a very light lovely scent. Don't saturate the cotton ball or pad too much, or you will get make-up and residue sloshing into your eyes as someone described above. A little goes a long way, and your makeup almost disappears like magic. Note: If you do get it in your eyes, it does not burn. No harsh chemicals to worry about. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!" —Babsie
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (also available in a pack of two).
21. Extra-soft makeup blending sponges for flawless makeup application — reviewers say they're even better than expensive name-brand options at less than $2 per sponge. That means you can take all the money you saved and use it for something else (like...more makeup 🙃).
Promising reviews: "If you got here because of TikTok, then just go ahead and add to cart. These babies are so much softer than the Real Techniques sponges and, in my opinion, better at blending than Beauty Blender." —Cassandre
"I had been seeing these all on TikTok so you know if it's on there it's going to be good! I had tried so many different beauty sponges and had not had any luck. But with these ones I fell in love. They are so soft, and they work amazing dry or wet. Super easy to clean. My makeup looks amazing as well. Definitely recommend!!!" —Allison
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95.
22. A set of 16 facial sheet masks packed with brightening vitamin E and plumping collagen for any time you could use a skin reset or some pampering.
Each mask features a different kind of essence, like green tea, aloe, or pearl, so they each target slightly different skin concerns.
Promising reviews: "On Friday or Saturday night, if my daughter doesn't have to work, we'll kick back with fruity drinks, foot rubs, and face masks. These masks leave our faces feeling fresh and hydrated and don't make my acne-prone skin break out. The only problem with getting a variety pack, we inevitably argue over who gets some of the more interesting variants. I've yet to use the 'snake' one because she always points out that I was sorted as a Hufflepuff and she's Slytherin, so naturally, she gets it. You can't argue with that logic." —Amelia E.
"These masks are an incredible bargain! They all have the same basic ingredients, which are excellent, and each mask has a different specific ingredient for skin smoothing, moisturizing, pigmentation...you name it! They are made in Korea and contain excellent ingredients. I slap one on for 20 minutes every morning after washing my face, before the rest of my routine. They are very moisturizing, and they’re absolutely dripping in serum." —Daba
Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $11.99.
23. A lightweight, water-resistant Neutrogena SPF 50 face and body stick sunscreen to keep in your tote or backpack for easy touchups throughout the day. It's *solid* so there's no risk of it spilling all over your bag!
PS: Reporters also report that their kids actually tolerate wearing this sunscreen, since it's solid and not greasy like liquid sunscreen.
Promising review: "The size of a deodorant stick, this is a high SPF sunscreen that's easily thrown into a purse or bag for last minute, on-the-go coverage." —E.D.Jay
Get it from Amazon for $8.07.
24. A hair-smoothing stick with a unique mascara-like brush applicator to easily get rid of any flyaways, frizz, or cowlicks.
I have 2c/3a hair that is prone to frizz, especially if I wear it in a ponytail or buns. I'm very low-effort when it comes to haircare, and this was such an unexpectedly great find for me. It smooths my hair immediately and holds for hours with natural, minimal ingredients, which has given back my confidence in my sometimes unruly mane. It's easy to wash out too without buildup. A must-try!
Promising review: "We’ve tried so many different products to try and smooth my daughter's flyaways. This product smooths her hair without being greasy or crunchy, and it lasts all day! The wand makes it very easy to apply, mess-free, and perfect for travel." —Allison H
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a pack of two).
25. Or a humidity-resistant edge control gel to help lay edges and baby hairs without flaking or appearing greasy.
BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they want to!
Promising review: "Hands-down! The best edge control I have ever used and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and nongreasy! And this one is not even the strongest in the line. Love this product!" —Mrs.Washington
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in four sizes and a pack of three).
26. A pack of 24-karat gold cooling eye gels packed with hydrating superstar hyaluronic acid, plumping collagen, and brightening seaweed to reduce puffiness, moisturize, and strengthen skin.
Promising review: "Their shape is perfect for not missing any area under the eyes and they're super comfortable to wear. They stick well and don't fall off, yet pull off easily when done. My skin felt the difference immediately and I can actually see results after my third application. I'm in my 40s and had a fair amount of puffiness and dark spots, but these have smoothed out the puffiness and lightened the dark spots. My skin actually feels tighter and smooth. This is a nice product to make you feel luxurious at home without high costs." —Angela Dooling
Get a pack of 20 pairs from Amazon for $17.97.
27. A tub of Vanicream Moisturizing Cream that'll provide deep hydration and soothe itchy, inflamed skin all over your bod. Free of fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, this baby even has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Hallelujah.
Promising reviews: "Swear by this stuff for sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin due to rosacea and skin allergies. My dermatologist recommended Vanicream Lite Lotion for my face. It was OK, but then I discovered this stuff — the moisturizing cream in the pump. The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is fantastic — my rosacea is so much better since switching to this stuff. It keeps my sensitive skin happy and protected. I even use it during the summer months with no problems. Vanicream made a fantastic product!" —S
"Finally a moisturizer that doesn’t burn, sting, or irritate my skin. I’ve had super-sensitive skin all my life, especially on my face, and I am 46 years old. I have finally found the one lotion that doesn’t irritate my face. I am day two into using the cleanser and the moisturizer, and you have no idea how great it is for my face not to burn and turn bright red — just fantastic!!!! The moisturizer is a bit thick so you don’t need a lot; even though it’s a little higher priced it’ll last forever, and it’s worth it when you have super-sensitive skin. FAN FOR LIFE!!!" —Alisa Griffey
Get it from Amazon for $13.56 (also available in various bundle sets).
28. Epielle Hydrating Foot Masks full of shea butter and jojoba oil to treat your hardworking feet to some rejuvenating, luxurious love.
These are vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising reviews: "Inexpensive luxury that really do make your feet feel great again." —Chuck Koernig
"I had been dubious about this product and whether it would really work on my heels, which had become horribly cracked, tough and rough. To my surprise they worked amazingly well. I kept them on for about one hour and in that time they managed to make a huge difference. The product is very easy to put on. I was astonished to see how much difference the socks made in just one hour. I will certainly buy the product again. In fact, I have included this product in my monthly subscribe and save list. I highly recommend these hydrating socks." —Nemo_dat
Get a 6-pack from Amazon for $13.
29. A 50-pack of compressed facial sponges for deep pore cleansing, makeup removal, and gentle exfoliation that TikTokers *and myself* love. They're made out of 100% natural cellulose: Sensitive skin, rejoice!
I ADORE these. My skin feels noticeably softer after using them and I can tell they clean my pores well because I'm breaking out less. Who knew that facial sponges were the skincare hack I've been searching for??? They make me look forward to washing my face, which is truly nothing short of a miracle.
Promising reviews: "OMG silly to be excited about a facial sponge but I love them. Saw them on TikTok. Wafer thin but plump up to 1/4 inch when wet. Just the right size for washing face. Gentle. Reusable. Use after face wipe or just with facial cleanser." —Janet
"I’m prone to dry skin so exfoliating is super important to me, but my skin is pale and delicate so anything too rough will leave me with redness and irritation. I’m also obsessed with skincare so I’m really picky about my tools and products. These are my new favorite sponges! I’m going to give them to all my friends because everyone needs them!! I’m so in love with these. The texture is soft but not too soft — after washing then exfoliating with a scrub using this sponge, my skin felt invigorated, soft, and clean. So pleasantly surprised because I’ve never tried this type of sponge and I don’t think I’ll ever use anything else ever again. Once you add water they become spongy and are soft but just the right texture to clean deep into my pores without the harshness of more textured sponges." —RejuveKate
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $9.98 (available in four colors).
30. A beloved Aztec Secret healing clay mask made with 100% calcium bentonite clay that folks call incredible for its ability to deep clean pores and help fight acne and hyperpigmentation. People love it for their face and even for their hair and body! This is ~a longtime classic~ for a reason.
Reviewers recommending mixing in some apple cider vinegar for best use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Promising review: "Skincare regimen must. This does exactly what you have seen on TikToks and reviews! My skin is so soft and clean after each mask. I use this to treat skin that I shave so that my shave is smoother and closer. I will always keep this as a part of my regimen." —Joann W.
"The best face mask I've ever used. I bought this because of TikTok and do not regret it. I have really sensitive skin so I was a bit skeptical at first. I used it for about the minimum time and I could not move my face. When I took it off I was shocked and worried because my entire face looked like it was burned. If this happens to you, don’t freak out! It goes away in less than 30 minutes. The next day my acne had completely disappeared and my skin looked glowy. Normally when I do a face mask I can’t tell any difference, but with this it was super noticeable. This will be my go to face mask from now on." —kk
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
Learn more about the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay in our deep dive!
31. And a silicone facial applicator brush that'll help you spread on your masks, because using your hands to apply clay or honey masks is kind of a mess. This brush helps you apply treatments evenly without getting goop all over your hands and fingers, and it'll also keep the jar of remaining product sanitary so it'll be good for longer.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I saw them on TikTok and ordered them right away. I've been using them for months now and they make applying masks so much easier. I get a much more even application than I did with my hands or with other brushes. Extremely easy to use, clean, and store. Love love love!" —caterina
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.50.
32. A K-beauty carbonated bubble clay mask reviewers say is as fun to use as it is effective. It helps clear pores without drying out skin by using a blend of charcoal and green tea extract, and foams into bubbles when it's done working!
See it in action on TikTok here.
Promising review: "Might be a holy grail for me. I have had a lot of face masks and mostly have felt like they felt nice while on, but didn't do much for my skin. This one is amazing. My skin has felt congested and oily since summer started. I have a few products I use that can help — but THIS ONE — perfect. I didn't think my pores were a problem and never was able to extract any actual whiteheads until I used this mask. I had no idea there was stuff that needed to come out until I washed off the bubbles. I have to figure out how many times per week to use this, and definitely need moisturizer after, but I am already seeing a difference in my bumps and small acne!" —Keri Starrs
Get it from Amazon for $9.27 (available in two sizes and in packs of two and three).
33. A spray containing hypochlorous acid, a groundbreaking anti-bacterial ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, boosts healing, and minimizes irritation. This may just replace half of your products, since it's formulated to take the place of toners, facial mists, eczema and acne treatments, and more. I would *literally* bathe in this stuff if I could.
Promising review: "Usually skeptical of any product with 'magic' in the name, but the name fits. This has massively helped me with stubborn acne and ingrown hairs. I added this to my normal routine, and I think it will replace several of the products I currently use. Can't get enough of this product!" —Faisal J
Magic Molecule is a small biz whose team has worked for years to create a stable, long-lasting formulation of hypochlorous acid for daily use — finally available now!
Get two from Magic Molecule for $25 (with the limited-time buy one, get one free deal).
34. A Cerave salicylic acid body wash with over 18,000 5-star ratings (!!!) — it uses a blend of salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and soothe body acne and keratosis pilaris.
Promising review: "MIRACULOUS! Game-changer. I have keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs all over my legs. I literally have been struggling with this for a few years and nothing has worked until I tried this. I’m going to make sure I never run out. This product along with Tend Skin have been miracle workers. I use it at least four times a week. My skin is noticeably shinier and smoother and it feels amazing!" —Iman
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
35. A NYX lip pencil you can use for defining your pout or as an all-over product to color your lips (extra points for topping with some clear gloss for a unique DIY look)! It acts as a primer to help your lip looks last longer, and makes your pucker really *pop*.
Psssst! The Peakaboo Neutral shade is a cheaper alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's popular "Pillow Talk" shade.
Promising review: "This is by far my favorite lip liner. It looks very natural and perfect for when I over-line my lips. I got the shade 'Ever.' Great quality for the price, too. Paired with NYX Butter Gloss 'Fortune Cookie.' Looking forward to buying more products!" –Victoria Nguyen
Get it from Amazon for $4.96 (available in 10 shades).
36. A plush microfiber makeup-removing cloth that's a great alternative to the infamous Makeup Eraser, except almost three times cheaper. It gently takes off your makeup and lifts away dirt using only water, freeing you from wasting money on liquid makeup removers that do half as good a job while tugging on your skin. It's not too good to be true — I only use makeup-removing cloths myself now.
Promising review: "Okay, so I know there’s a ton of reviews for how amazing this thing is, and I really thought it was going to be super overhyped. But seriously — THIS THING IS AMAZING! Usually, I have to really scrub to get my mascara off, and I’ll typically lose an eyelash or two in the process, but I wet this down and wiped my face once, and everything was off my face and on the towel. And I mean wipe, there was no scrubbing. I literally did a quick wipe expecting it to be just an initial pass, then looked up into the mirror and was like, holy hell, I think it’s all off. I’m in total shock. I have literally never once had a cream, oil, cloth, or otherwise that so effortlessly wiped off my mascara before. There’s got to be some magic going on here...my face thanks you." —anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colors and in packs of two and seven).
37. A cult-favorite ice roller to massage and calm skin, help relieve fatigue, and soothe oncoming headaches.
See it on TikTok here.
The ice roller comes with a detachable head and handle. Store the ice roller head in the freezer separate from the handle, which should stay room temperature. When you're ready to use the roller, remove the head from the freezer and reattach to the handle (it easily clicks in place)!
I love this ice roller for whenever I feel like my skin needs a pick-me-up! I also use it when I feel a headache coming, and it reduces the intensity and sometimes curbs it altogether.
Promising reviews: "Someone on TikTok said her grandmother used this. I love it to deal with what spring allergies do to my face (headaches/puffiness) without pulling the skin and without oils. It's cool and sculpting without being too fussy like the smaller jade roller that is so popular, which I also have but it gets less traction in this home. Enjoy!" —PinkRibbonGirl
"Hungover? Didn't get much sleep? Sunburnt? Been crying? This thing is great. Pop it in the freezer and anytime you want some cool soothing relaxation, pull this bad boy out and roll over your cheeks and forehead. My 3-year-old daughter takes this thing out every day and rolls all over her face because it feels so good. Not only hilarious to watch for me, but apparently very fun for her as well! —Kev
Get it from Amazon for $16.14+ (available in nine colors and in packs of two).
You can also check out this ice roller that you fill with liquid yourself, so you can add in anything from essential oils to green tea or even petals.
38. A unique two ounce turmeric hair detox mask that's packed with antioxidants like turmeric, charcoal, and green tea to nourish hair while breaking down all the buildup left by heavy products, so your locks will feel ~as good as new~ after giving it a spin.
Recommended use is biweekly or monthly.
Promising reviews: "This treatment is amazing! I’m def getting the bigger bottle next order! I also used it on my boyfriends locs and it did wonders." —Sarah
"The only thing that works. I have been having a problem with buildup on my scalp for awhile now. I had tried every product that had good reviews before…Olaplex…scalp scrubbers...treatments…I bought this product on a whim because it was only $10. So happy I did. This product really works. I will continue to purchase this. Please never discontinue this product!!!!!" —Jaimee Lee Winkler
Bounce Curl is an Assyrian-owned hair care company specializing in curly hair. Their products are cruelty-free, use safe ingredients, and are inspired by the founder's ancestors' traditional remedies for hair care.
Get it from Bounce Curl for $11.
39. A ~tried-and-true~ Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo to help relieve itchy, stubborn dandruff in just one to two uses. This shampoo is clinically tested to get rid of the fungus that causes dandruff, and not just mask the symptoms. Groundbreaking (*Miranda Priestly voice*) BUT ACTUALLY.
This works for sensitive scalps and all hair types and textures. For continued upkeep, use twice a week in between using your regular shampoo.
Promising review: "I’m so amazed tbh. I usually never write reviews but I really had to since this hits close to home for me. I have diagnosed scalp psoriasis which is very painful for me. I’ve been diagnosed for about five years now and it’s been a long journey of trying things and most things not working. The past few months my flareups were worse (could be from stress I, had a tough semester in college). I have been using a lice comb to comb through the top of my hair to get rid of the flakes but it’s so noticeable in the part of my hair. I saw this recommended on TikTok for psoriasis and bought it on a whim with low hopes because I’ve tried so many other shampoos and prescribed solutions and nothing really worked. After two uses I already see a huge difference with barely any flaking and the itching has severely subsided. I could cry how much this product helped me. I know this isn’t a typical product review but I had to emphasize how many other treatments and products did not work for me as fast and well as this one." —Mich
Get it from Amazon for $15.47.
40. A plumping lip mask infused with sweet agave, willow bark, and hyaluronic acid to quench dryness and smooth and soften lips so your mouth will be silky, hydrated, and full. Your lips deserve some TLC, and this pretty pink balm will feel like a dream every time you apply it. Plus, it's cruelty-free!
Besides its subtle scent that I adore and its perfect pink coloring (seriously, I want all my products to look like this), this lip mask became a staple for me as soon as it stepped into my skincare routine. It's deeply moisturizing despite its light texture, and wears as well in daytime as it does as a nighttime treatment. For anyone wanting to add softness or hydration to dry or chapped lips, it's a no-brainer. A little goes a long way, too.
Promising review: "Incredible product. Better than the Laneige mask and clean formula too which is great. Its beauty is in its ability to deliver more lasting results — even when the mask is off, I can tell my lips have been plumped and are much healthier. It is the best lip mask I've tried and has helped my lips loads <3" —KristinaGills
Alpyn Beauty is a small biz based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that's breaking ground by sustainably harvesting their own plants to infuse into their formulas.
Get it from Sephora or Alpyn Beauty for $28.
41. A can-do-it-all Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant that reviewers love for minimizing the appearance of pores, soothing acne-prone skin, and smoothing out texture. Many reviewers noticed results within 24 hours!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff: "Not my skin above, but I 100% vouch for this liquid exfoliant's amazingness. It's helped to even out my skin tone and control the hormonal acne around my mouth. It's the only thing I feel like has actually helped start to slow down those breakouts, and for that, I'm forever thankful. I apply a thin layer in the morning and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing."
Promising review: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE. I have every skin issue you can think of. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. It has seriously changed my life!" —hc
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
42. An eyeshadow primer to make sure your shadows last as loooong as you please without creasing or smudging. If you don't use primers for your eye makeup yet, trust me, it's game changing — especially if you have oily eyelids like yours truly.
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.
43. A cult-fave Denman hairbrush with evenly spaced bristles to define and shape curls so you won't have to spend an hour plopping and scrunching — all for your curls to still look flat and misshapen. It'll also spare your arm from getting sore while styling, which is forever a win.
I finally treated myself to a Denman brush over the holidays, mainly because I'd finally had enough of trying different "Curly Girl Method" styling strategies that my low-porosity, dense 2c–3a hair would simply laugh at and instead dry into a ball of frizz. The first time I used the Denman, I remember distinctly thinking, "Oh, this is what all the hype's about." It easily defined my curls with its spaced-out bristles, accentuating the spirals and making them pop. It's not a detangler, so you'll still want a regular comb or brush to detangle post-shower, but it's the best low-key styling step possible, IMO.
Promising review: "In my younger teen years I had CURLY hair, but as I hit my 20s and started highlighting my hair, somewhere along the way the curls became a very limp wavy frizz. Thanks to TikTok I thought I should give this a try to retrain my curls. And while I’m only a month or so in, this brush definitely puts a clean spiral wave back into my hair making it more shapely than the alternative frizz I had grown accustomed to." —The Belfis
Get it from Amazon for $22.05+ (available in three sizes and seven color sets).
44. Hyper Skin's Brightening Dark Spot vitamin C serum to help calm inflamed skin, prevent future breakouts, and reduce hyperpigmentation using an MVP combination of turmeric, salicylic acid, and 15% vitamin C.
This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and hydroquinone-free.
Promising reviews: "I have struggled with hormonal acne and acne scarring for years. I have tried dozens of products but nothing has made a difference the way Hyper Skin has. Not to sound cheesy, but in two months I have seen better results than I have with years of other products and I'm just now starting my second bottle. I could honestly cry tears of joy." —Ameena W.
"My absolute favorite skincare product. Okay, listen sis. I am not loyal when it comes to skincare. I love trying new things and seeing what my skin agrees with. I have jumped brands more times than a salmon jumping out of a fishing net. I also hadn't found the perfect mixture of products for my skin. I have fading acne scars, severe hyperpigmentation, dry skin and the occasional hormonal breakout. But when I discovered Hyper...girl! I had been following them for a long time saying, 'One day I'm definitely going to try this.' So when I decided to splurge and buy an all new routine, I added Hyper to that routine. And I will NEVER leave them. Eva, eva. My skin literally glows everyday because of Hyper. My acne scars have been significantly reduced and my hyperpigmentation is on its way out. I literally could not be happier with this product. Y'all have finally made a loyal customer out of me." —Akliatese H.
Hyper Skin is a Black woman-owned company. Their first product was this serum, after founder Desiree Verdejo couldn't find affordable skincare that both worked well and addressed the needs of skin of color.
Get it from Sephora or Hyper Skin for $36+ (available in two sizes).
You, pampering yourself with your new 24-karat eye gels:
