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 darling ice-pop-shaped Etude House lip tint to moisturize lips while giving a sheer blush of color for an easy, winter-friendly, TikTok-approved "gradient lip" look.
2. 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 ten 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 $5.78.
3. 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: "This product is amazing! When I use it on a regular basis, my skin is healthy, clear, and smooth. In my experience, it’s helped with acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation scars. To me, it’s a must-try." —Marie
Get it from Amazon for $24.94.
4. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for gently exfoliating, minimizing the appearance of pores, and soothing irritated skin.
BuzzFeed writer Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff. She writes: "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 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 three sizes).
5. A v pigmented Rare Beauty blush that's perfect for trying out the faux frostbitten "I'm cold" makeup trend that's taking over TikTok, characterized by intensely blushing cheeks, matte skin, and glossed lips.
Check the trend out on TikTok here.
To play around with the look, apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blend into your under-eye area, and then onto the the bridge of your nose. Don't be afraid to have fun with it!
Promising review: "Selena isn't playing around! Any babe needs this. This blush is a godsend. It doesn’t feel heavy, and has never clogged my pores. I would love to try out more products of hers. Especially at her price point! It is just so affordable for such high end makeup. It feels so luxurious to have in my kit. Rare Beauty reminds me to appreciate and bring out my natural beauty. I would recommend this to my mom, sisters, and future kin tbh. I’m in love." —Vickic163
Get it from Sephora for $20 (available in five shades).
6. Extra-soft makeup blending sponges if you've heard how sponges apply makeup flawlessly but haven't tried them out yet. Reviewers say these are Beauty Blender dupes, and at $1.65 per sponge compared to the $20 Beauty Blender, you can prepare to love your new application trick without breaking the bank.
To use the blending sponge, wet your sponge and squeeze out excess water so that it's damp, not soaking. For extra high-coverage looks, trying using the sponge dry.
Promising review: "I usually use Beauty Blender sponges, and I was about to purchase a replacement when I came across these on Amazon! It’s literally amazing, even better than Beauty Blenders. The makeup goes on so smooth and blends so well. It doesn’t absorb as much product, and obviously, the price is unbeatable! I used to think that cheaper products don’t work as well, but this definitely proved me wrong. I’m so glad I gave this a try because it’s my new favorite makeup staple now." —Macy
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95.
7. An organic, super nourishing turmeric and calendula soap that conditions and soothes dry, scaly skin so well that it's basically a must-have for the harsh winter months when your normal body wash is just not cutting it.
It can be used on the body and face.
I recently picked up this soap and it has floored me with how far it has exceeded my expectations. Many soaps promise to clean and moisturize your skin, right? For me, this is the only soap that has ever delivered on that promise. I literally feel the soap conditioning my skin as I use it, which I think is due to the fact that not all of the olive oil used in it is converted to soap, meaning that when you use it that extra oil is ~bequeathed~ to thirsty skin. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason my skin hasn't fully cracked off this winter, since I've been too lazy to use body lotion recently (I know) but my skin is still shockingly soft (and intact). Clearly Zatik is doing some heavy lifting, and we are grateful for this LOL. I'll be repurchasing this for a long time to come. The inclusion of brightening turmeric —one of my fave and IMO, most underrated ingredients — is an awesome touch, too!
Promising review: "Absolute favorite soap. I have had sensitive and dry skin for about the last 10 years and have tried about 30 or 40 different soaps. The first time I tried the Zatik olive oil soap I could feel a difference in how my skin felt. It didn’t feel as dry and also felt softer. The soap does tend to get soft when it’s wet so I keep it on a soap dish so it stays as dry as possible. Also appreciate that it’s a handmade soap and feel it’s worth every penny since it works so well for my skin. Love it!" —Good Thoughts
Zatik is an Armenian, family-owned small business based in California that makes all-natural body, skin, and haircare products. Everything is handmade and organic! "Zatik" means "ladybug" in Armenian, a nod to the regenerative power of the botanical ingredients that are the basis for their products.
Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in three formulas).
8. Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss for a perfect glossed winter lip that'll give your lips tint and shine without stickiness — while simultaneously nourishing with mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Promising review: "I keep going back to buy more colors. This is THEE 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 $7.98+ (available in 19 shades).
9. Cult-favorite Coty Airspun loose face powder to set your makeup so it stays matte all day, no matter how oily your skin, while adding a ~brightened and softened~ look to your skin. Reviewers think this is the GOAT.
Reviewers of all skin colors recommend the shade Translucent.
Promising reviews: "It's perfect!!! It comes with so much product, and the puff it comes with is pretty handy. The application is smooth. My makeup came out flawless. I set my makeup with this and worked out right after. THERE WAS NO SEPARATION, NO CREASING. This powder blessed me. GOD BLESS." —andrea
"This is hands down the one and only, the alpha and the omega, the best of the best, the creme de la crop of all the face powders in the world. It is the most lightweight, the most truly translucently colorless, the best coverage, the most amazing powder that can make anything and anyone look good. Put it over your entire foundation and contouring routine or over a clear face, over your blush or bronzer or eyeshadow if it's too bright, over your lips to set your lipstick, over anything, anywhere, anytime. This powder is the B O M B!" —Imaginelife04
Get it from Amazon for $4.92+ (available in three shades and packs of two).
10. An organic lip scrub made with gently exfoliating cane sugar crystals and vitamin A-rich mango seed butter to keep lips nourished and plump in the cold. It comes in an eco-friendly paperboard tube, too!
Promising review: "Love, love, love, love this stuff. I’ve been looking for sugar scrubs for my lips for a while now, and I’m so thrilled with these! Used them this morning, and I loved the experience. And I can’t even say enough about the eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials." —Kat C.
Better Living and Home is a woman-owned small business based in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Get it from Better Living and Home on Etsy for $4 (available in 10 scents or unscented).
11. A creamy Kulfi kajal eyeliner enriched with aloe vera that'll bring some long-lasting, non-smudging drama to your winter makeup, 'cause winter is a great time to experiment with moody looks.
Promising review: "New favorite eyeliner by a landslide. The staying power is incredible. No smudging or raccoon eyes and no need to reapply - even 8 hours later. 100% a new staple item in my makeup bag." —MarieNov
Kulfi Beauty is a South Asian woman-owned small business created to celebrate culture and beauty, and to empower others to rediscover the joy in makeup as a means of self-expression. "Kulfi" is a colorful South Asian ice cream!
Get it from Sephora or Kulfi Beauty for $20 (available in seven shades).
12. Or, a waterproof eyeliner stamp so you can rock an expert wing on the first try and free yourself from the agony of redoing your winged liner over and over until both sides match.
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 reviews: "I've tried the taping method, tried normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! So, when I saw this, I thought, meh, why not give it a shot. ... It's not like my hopes were high since nothing else has been efficient or worked as it should.
Well, this gem arrived, and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out...but to my surprise, I put the left cat-eye on first, and it was perfect aside from needing to connect it to my current liner. I thought this was a fluke and did the right eye...again, it came out clean and perfect!" —LadyMeow
Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in three sizes, packs of two, and a combo pack).
13. A mega colorful eyeshadow palette with 15 shades for playing with some bold hues since everything outside looks dreary. You can use it on your lids, as a cut-crease, and even as some extra bold eyeliner.
Promising reviews: "This is my first review to write EVER. But I write because of my love for makeup. And my fellow makeup peeps...This eyeshadow is IT! Looking forward to trying their other pallettes!" —Crystal C.
"A colorful winner. One of the most blendable, colorful and long-lasting eyeshadow palettes I've ever worked with. The texture, creamy and non-powdery in the pan translates into a superiorly pigmented product on the lid, with little fall-out. What I loved the most, though, was how well ALL the colors complemented one another. Even though I was given this product to try, I have to honestly say I would buy this palette on my own!!"
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
14. Or a glittery eyeshadow palette for a dose of sparkles that's perfect for snowy evenings when you want to take your look up a notch. ✨
Promising review: "Money well spent. This little pallet packed a big punch on my eyes. I have received so many compliments." —Janet C.
"Love this stuff. I apply in the morning and it lasts all day. It doesn't crease up or look dry, and I don't end up with glitter in my eyes like with some other glittery eye shadows I've tried. This eye shadow is really a bang for your buck. I've tried them all, including high end, and this is one of my favorites." —keitha graham
Get it from Amazon for $13.89+ (available in nine color combinations).
15. Flexible curling wands so you can try out curling your hair without the heat damage that comes with traditional curling irons. Wrap strands around each foam curler while your hair is damp, let them sit overnight, and ~behold~ easy, bouncy curls in the morning.
The wands vary in size so you can pick the size you prefer. Reviewers recommend putting a leave-in conditioner in your damp hair when you use these for optimum curling.
Promising reviews: "My hair doesn’t curl. I have used all different curling irons and flat irons at the highest heat, but it doesn’t stay. I put these in with a little water and slept in them. It took a little bit to get used to lying on them, but I slept fine. I used the biggest rollers, so it came out wavy, but I loved it. It stayed all day, and I got so many compliments. I’m so excited to experiment with them." —Amazon Customer
"Stop searching for the best value for flexi rods cause I did that already, and this is it lol. These are shorter than what I expected, but I’m now noticing the 'for short/fine hair' description. But I’m still able to wrap the full 24-in. length around the rods. Comes with plenty of sizes which I love. You don’t need anything but damp hair and a leave-in to your preference." —Mo
Get a pack of 47 from Amazon for $13.99.
16. And an eye 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 I do.
Promising review: "How did I not know this existed before?? This stuff is truly a miracle for people like me with smaller, deep-set eyelids. No more am I constantly rubbing above my eyes. I couldn’t believe the first day I wore it that after work at 5 p.m., my eye makeup looked exactly the same as it did at 6 a.m. I use just the slightest amount, and it withstands long, hot Florida days. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and wish I had known of it sooner!" —TP
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
17. A cruelty-free deep conditioning hair mask so you can give your hair some much-needed TLC since winter temps can dry out strands and cause breakage. It's formulated with hair-loving botanical ingredients like aloe vera and castor oil to deliver ~extreme hydration~ plus repair split ends, reduce frizz, and add gloss and shine.
Reviewers recommend this for 2b-4c curls.
Promising review: "I'm a natural hair girl! I often struggle with finding a product that helps me manage and keep my hair safe for the next styling. Although I wear protective styles, the in-between time really counts, so this mask is a lifesaver. I love to see the hydration of my natural curls, and I feel this product gives them the love they truly deserve! This product has helped me redefine my hair experience. Love it!" —Ashley Jennings
Girl + Hair is a Black woman-owned small business.
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
18. Cult-fave Weleda Skin Food cream to intensely nourish dry skin with chamomile, pansy, and rosemary so you'll get a much-needed moisture boost to help protect from The Cold TM. It can also be used as a makeup primer!
Promising review: "I've tried all kinds of moisturizers for my face, and with sensitive skin, I was almost always disappointed in some way by the products I've purchased. I have spent a small fortune on skin products over the years, and then, I found this! The answer to my prayers. It's a miracle worker. My face is never dry, never irritated, I've had no reactions whatsoever, and it has kept me perfectly moisturized and soothed for many weeks now. The scent is light and pleasant, and it doesn't linger on for hours. This is a perfect moisturizer for use alone or under makeup. I would recommend it for anyone tired of being let down by pricey moisturizers that irritate or underperform. And at this price, with a little going a long way, it's an awesome value." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and travel packs of 10).
19. 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)!
Psssst! The Peakaboo Neutral shade is a dupe for 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 $4.39+ (available in 11 shades).
20. 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'll each be their own experience.
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.
21. A popular TruSkin vitamin C serum because if you haven't incorporated vitamin C into your morning routine yet, you should now — it'll prevent dullness and help your skin look brighter in winter.
Promising review: "It’s winter and my skin has been super dry, my serums and facials oils weren’t helping. Flaking around my nose area and neck felt a little like sandpaper. First time trying this product and it exceeded my expectations!! I use it in the am before my moisturizer with SPF. It’s made a huge difference for the 2-3 weeks I’ve been using it. My skin is glowing again, plump and hydrated. Friends have made comments about how great my skin is looking. I don’t write too many reviews on here but had to share my results with you. Huge fan now, will order again and tell my friends about it." —Traci M
Get it from Amazon for $21.97 (also available as a set of two).
22. A unique 2-oz. turmeric hair detox mask to rid your strands of buildup and flakiness so they'll be ~primed~ to receive maximum nourishment from your conditioners and other treatments.
This is packed with antioxidants like turmeric, charcoal, and green tea to hydrate while cleansing. 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.
23. An alcohol-free micellar water that's one reviewer's "favorite obsession." It's packed with ~rose water~ to gently cleanse your face, remove your makeup (with no rinsing required!), and hydrate your skin — easy peasy.
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. —Haley
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.
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.