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 gentle yet hardworking CeraVe eye cream formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, and nourishing ceramides to calm puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles. This is basically the gold standard of under-eye creams for less than $13.
Promising review: "Noticeable overnight! This product exceeded my expectations with just one use — very fair sensitive skin, over 50 and wanted something affordable but healthy for my eye area starting to build puffiness and darkness. Just put the recommended dose on at nighttime and by morning I could see a noticeable reduction in puffiness. I am already adding this to my automatic subscription — great value and result!" —Roxy - Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.30.
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 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 $8.
3. 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 reviews: "This product is great. It definitely speeds the healing process and minimizes the appearance of active pimples, but I am finding it is doing a good job of addressing older scars as well. I have been using this product in conjunction with CeraVe foaming acne wash, and my hormonal cystic acne is almost cleared up (after only a week), and the scars from previous breakouts are less visible. After batting hormonal cystic acne for years, this seems to be the winning combination." —Joyce Y.
"Whoever made this needs a raise. I wish I can 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 $12.99+ (available in two sizes).
4. A popular TruSkin vitamin C serum if you haven't incorporated vitamin C into your morning routine yet — it'll prevent dullness, make your skin look brighter, and help repair previous sun damage.
Promising review: "It’s winter and my skin has been super dry, and 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+ (available in two sizes).
5. An eyelash curler with over 9,000 5-star ratings — it's designed to gently curl your lashes without pinching skin. (Literally: The company reports it ran hundreds of experiments before deciding on this curler model because it fits most human eyes without pinching.)
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 downwards, 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+ (available in two colors).
If you are an eyelash curler ~devotee,~ check out this highly rated mini travel curler, too.
6. A pack of multipurpose 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.
Promising review: "I used to pay a professional to dermaplane my face once a month to remove the peach fuzz, which makes the makeup application more cumbersome. I searched for years for a home product to use to save money and time. This is the closest I have been able to get to professional dermaplaning in the convenience of my home, on my time/schedule, and at a fraction of the price. Love it!" —SEM1969
Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.94 (also available as a pack of nine).
7. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which delivers truly dramatic length without clumping or flaking. It's cruelty-free, has over *200,000* 5-star ratings, and is UNDER $5. What else could a mascara-lover want?? Speaking as one myself: not much.
Promising review: "I rarely ever do reviews BUT I had to share how amazing this mascara is. I'd been using the same mascara for a million years but decided to switch it up after reading the reviews on this. I'm always HIGHLY skeptical of stuff (even with good reviews). But I am here to say BUY IT. It's amazing. And for $4.99!! Long story short, I'm convinced there's magic in this little container and I'm now a lifer." —Allegra
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
8. Or a tube of Maybelline Colossal mascara if ~major volume~ is your preferred look. This little bottle of magic lifts your lashes to create the appearance of falsies, and the formula is packed with collagen to plump without clumping. *swoons*
For more on how much I LOVE this mascara, check out my Maybelline Colossal mascara review.
Promising reviews: "This has been my favorite since it came out, like, 10 years ago. I've tried every other mascara, and I always come back to this one. It lasts long, has good color, and doesn't flake/clump. I prefer volume over length, and this delivers. It's the best mascara. It's easy to layer, too." —LH
"Nothing works quite as well! I've tried more expensive mascaras, and when it comes to single coats, they can do pretty well. However, this mascara's strength is in how buildable it is — a couple of coats can take me from zero to 'are you wearing false lashes?'" —S. Mcwalters
Get it from Amazon for $7.85.
9. ~Uber-satisfying~ and mega-affordable hydrocolloid pimple patches for sucking gunk out of acne that has come to a head and (crucially) for protecting deep, under-the-skin pimples from wandering or picking fingers, which can inadvertently inflame blemishes more by adding dirt and bacteria to irritated skin. As a member of the cystic acne ~club~ myself, if I had to choose only one skincare product to use for the rest of my life, it'd be these.
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 pus 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 $13.50.
10. A prescription-strength (!) Differin retinoid gel (with over 52,000 5-star ratings) to promote cell turnover, reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and help clear breakouts — basically a godsend for acne-prone skin and anyone who simply wants a skincare ~upgrade~. BTW, retinoids are kinda the gold standard of skincare, so this is a no-brainer to stock up on.
This product does increase sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to wear sunscreen!
Promising review: "Has completely transformed my skin. I used to get hormonal acne every single month, I still get it now but far less often and severely. Differin has really made a big difference on my quality of life. I have sensitive skin, so I only use it a couple of times a week and always over a light layer of lotion. When I first started using it, my acne did get worse for about a month and then magically one day my skin looked amazing. It's worth a try for sure!" —Britt
Get it from Amazon for $13.47+ (available as a single-dose pump or a tube, and four sizes for a 30-, 60-, 90-, or 180-day supply).
11. A bestselling hair treatment mask that boasts *23,000 5-star ratings* 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!
Reviewers with all hair types recommend this treatment mask.
Promising reviews: "Hair has never been this soft and smooth before. Another gem off TikTok. This stuff is way better than Olaplex for real. Especially for the price. I have used it only a couple of times and my hair is already super soft and doesn’t get as tangled. My hair was super thin and dry from color and heat damage. It feels amazing now." —Tiffany
"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 and 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. My hair is sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. It now looks and feels like 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." —Eline
Get it from Amazon for $7.44.
12. 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, normal liquid liner, plastic winged stamping devices, stencils, all of it! So, when I saw this, I thought, meh, why not give it a shot. Well, this gem arrived, and I immediately had to try it out, all while laughing at how terrible this would probably turn out...but to my surprise, 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! I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN ABLE TO DO A CAT-EYE IN UNDER 10 MINUTES...LET ALONE THE TWO MINUTES THIS TOOK TO DO! There were no sloppy streaks that I had to touch up. Just a clean crisp line. I can now do a cat eye EVERY day and look/feel like a badass and everyone thinks I spend hours doing my make-up in the morning." —LadyMeow
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
13. 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!" —TR
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
14. Flexible curling wands so you can curl 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: "Perfect for my 4b coily hair. They're awesome, I've slept with them in for two days and they're beyond comfortable." —Tatianna
"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-inch 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 $11.99.
15. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid because GOSH, azelaic acid yet may just change your life. This affordable formulation sports 10% azelaic acid, the maximum over-the-counter strength available, giving you the full benefit of the anti-bacterial, antioxidant-full ingredient without breaking the bank. Calming skin sensitivity, smoothing textured skin, preventing free radical damage, and gently exfoliating, azelaic acid makes this acne-prone bb's heart beat faster — I think it's heaven-sent.
PS: Azelaic acid isn't an AHA or BHA, so it's gentle enough to be used together with retinoids, BHAs, and AHAs.
Promising review: "I almost never write reviews but love this product so much that I wanted to echo all of the other positive reviews. I have suffered from hormonal acne and large clogged pores my entire adult life and after a couple of weeks of use I've notice a HUGE difference. My pores are smaller, acne scars have faded, and no hormonal acne in sight. It is a small container but only a pea-size is needed to cover my entire face so it's also incredibly inexpensive!" —Marduten
Get it from Sephora or Ulta for $11.10+ (available in two sizes).
16. Soft makeup blending sponges if you've heard how sponges apply makeup flawlessly but haven't tried them out yet. Reviewers say these are just as good as Beauty Blenders, and at $1.65 per sponge compared to the $20 Beauty Blender, you'll love your new application trick for its efficacy *and* its price.
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.
17. 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 pout really *pop.*
Psssst! The Peakaboo Neutral shade is a cheaper substitute 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 $3.99+ (available in 11 shades).
18. A bestselling, oil-absorbing facial roller made of real volcanic stone (!!!) that mattifies your face without disturbing your makeup.
The facial roller is also small enough to fit comfortably in your makeup bag.
Promising review: "I am in love with this! I’ve told so many people about it! I live in Louisiana which is hot and very humid. Therefore, I would get shiny often so I’d touch up with powder and by the end of the day my makeup looked cakey. So this roller is miraculous! It just glides on your face and instantly, shine is gone and better yet it doesn’t take your makeup off!" —Angie Naquin
Get it from Amazon for $13.52.
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.
19. A hair-finishing stick with a unique mascara-like brush applicator to effortlessly smooth out flyaways, cowlicks, and frizz.
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: "I have super-fine hair with lots of breakage. No matter how I put my hair up I have bad flyaways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hairspray." —Jill Stilfield
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a pack of two).
20. 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 $5.90+ (available in six sizes and a pack of three).
21. A vegan and cruelty-free makeup setting spray for extending makeup wear to 16 hours. One Amazon reviewer describes getting dumped right before a party, sobbing "A LOT" and then looking in the mirror to find their makeup "perfectly flawless."
While we hate to see unkindly timed breakups (right before a party?? BOO!!), THAT'S HOW GOOD THIS SETTING SPRAY IS.
Promising review: "I have been purchasing the Nyx Matte Finishing Spray for years but would rotate between this and other high-end sprays. I always end up coming right back to Nyx because the finish is incomparable. No matter which foundation I use, my makeup is long-wearing, stays matte and there's no cakey, oily or melted/separated look even after hours of wear. I also have some visible pores on my cheeks and this spray does NOT highlight them or make them stand out more like other sprays do. It's the perfect combination for my makeup needs. Also, so happy that Amazon sells this in jumbo size so this bottle will last me a really long time!" —Krystle M.
Get it from Amazon for $9.12+ (available in matte, dewy, and plump finishes, in regular and jumbo sizes, and in various packs).
22. A stainless-steel and alloy false eyelash applicator to help you apply, adjust, or take off false eyelashes. False eyelashes are DECEPTIVELY hard to put on — IYKYK — so this is *sure* to be a welcome addition to your collection.
It can also hold your eyelashes while you apply glue!
Promising review: "I most recently stopped getting eyelash extensions and switched to falsies and am new to the game. I was using tweezers initially but they didn’t help. This is a must!! It makes putting on my lashes a breeze!" —Jess
Get it from Amazon for $4.98 (available in six colors).
23. A unique 2-oz. turmeric hair detox mask for ridding 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.
24. A bottle of Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue spray to protect and repair your skin barrier using simple yet powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory ingredients. TBH this staple toner completely transformed my sensitive skin, so you can pry it from my cold dead hands.
Spritz on your skin morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC.
I finally bought a bottle of this, and I'm so glad I did. It soothes my parched skin, and I can tell it's calming irritation, too — I recently noticed an incoming perioral dermatitis breakout (an acne-rosacea hybrid that's notoriously difficult to treat), and after a few days of using this, the bumps and redness on my face were completely gone. It saved me from needing to scramble for an expensive treatment, which is kind of unbelievable. It also makes my skin feel more hydrated and more balanced. This thing is understated but mighty, and has a permanent place in my skincare collection.
Promising review: "Best beauty product EVER (not kidding). A friend recommended this because I was complaining about mask acne. And she was right, this bottle of magic is a game changer. I've graduated from the mini size to the regular size...because this stuff is literally the only thing that keeps my face from breaking out these days! LOVE LOVE LOVE!" —Amy B.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Get it from Sephora or direct from Tower 28 for $12+ (available in mini or full size).
25. An innovative AHA/BHA rose water toner that combines the brightening, nourishing properties of rose water and decongesting, resurfacing effects of alpha and beta hydroxy acids for skin that's balanced and guh-lowing.
Promising review: "WOW! I've been battling with my skin for years (like, 15+ years) and I'm pretty sure this toner just gave me the best skin I've ever had. I could cry tears of joy. My skin is GLOWING. It feels so incredibly soft too. The smell of the product is wonderful and I love that it was made with melanated skin in mind. I'm really looking forward to trying the rest of the line!" —Liv
Buttah Skin is a Black-owned business whose products address the needs of melanated skin and provide an enriched, effective beauty routine.
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or Buttah Skin for $19+.
26. A Crave Naturals detangling brush for gently detangling your hair while minimizing breakage and the dreaded puling and tearing that often accompanies brushing hair. It's so gentle that reviewers love it for use on their kids!
The brush works on wet and dry hair, and on thick and thin hair types.
Promising reviews: "I'm a single dad of a 6-year-old girl and combing her hair is the hardest part of taking care of her. She gets really bad knots in her hair. This brush is the only thing that has ever worked. Thank you so much. She even likes to comb her own hair now." —Eric Phan
"The best brush for 4c natural hair. Easy detangling with wet or dry hair. No pain at all. This brush just slides through without pulling out your hair. A must buy!!!!" —Jackie Evans
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five colors).
27. A reviewer-obsessed foundation brush with 200,000 dense, soft bristles (!!!) that apply makeup without streaking and without absorbing (read: wasting) any product. YES PLEASE.
This brush is best used wet for applying makeup and can be used on powder or liquid formulas.
Promising review: "I was looking for a makeup brush and came across this little gem. I was hesitant for a couple of reasons. First off, the price! I thought surely nothing of quality could come at this price. Also, I wasn't familiar with this brand or type of brush. After reading some reviews and researching a bit more I figured why not. After all, its cheap enough. I was beyond surprised when it arrived. First of all it came in this little container that can be great for travel or just storage in general! Loved that! Then felt the bristles and used it for the first time. Wow! Just wow! It worked amazing. I use it for blending foundation and it works 💯 better than expected. I can't believe how impressed I am with this product. It feels wonderful on my face and is completely easy to do a quick wipe off. Its definitely worth the low price. Give it a try!" —Jennifer Reinhart
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 10 colors).
28. A rejuvenating bakuchiol retinol-alternative night serum that'll give you the brightening, acne-fighting benefits of retinol without the slew of potential side effects like sun sensitivity, peeling, or dry eyes. This restorative treatment also ~expertly~ blends together antioxidants and healing oils like carrot seed, grape seed, and sunflower seed. This is my #1 beauty wish list item RN!
Promising reviews: "This serum is the love of my life. I run home just to do my night routine." —M
"Obsessed with this serum. I'm almost done with my first bottle, and I am hooked. I have drier sensitive skin so wanted something that was gentle but effective. This serum really does work and does exactly what it says it will. A permanent part of my skincare routine now! Highly recommend." —Abbie
Undefined is a Black-owned beauty company that strives to "undefine" and democratize beauty with plant-based ingredients and affordable products.
29. Live Tinted Huestick Corrector, which expertly uses orange pigments to cover up the blue and purple found in dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Simply swipe on the product underneath your concealer and watch previously difficult to conceal spots disappear. PS: You can also use it as a blush, demi-matte lip, or cream eyeshadow!
Get a closer look at the "Rise" shade on TikTok. You can also see a demo from the brand's founder Deepica with the "Origin" shade in this Instagram post (swipe right to see it)!
Promising reviews: "I'll admit, I was totally skeptical of these Huesticks. I am 34-years-old, of Sri Lankan descent (medium to deep tan skin) and I've NEVER been good at makeup. I was excited to try these Huesticks, made by and vouched for by a fellow South Asian, but was worried it would look like I was ACTUALLY wearing makeup. I was pleasantly surprised after using Rise under my eyes and around my mouth, blending with a BeautyBlender and then using my same amount of cc cream and powder foundation. You really still can't tell I'm wearing makeup. I even asked my BF if he could see the orange 'glow' under my eyes before I put on the cc cream and he couldn't see it! It really was color correcting!" —Reviewer
"I love this pencil. I'm fair and cool-toned and got the peachy pink color. I've previously used other rose pink under eye correctors and brighteners that are pretty good, but the peachy tone and the texture of the pencil are the best I've found. I just pat some concealer over top and it covers my dark circles beautifully. Will repurchase for sure!" —NickiName
Live Tinted is a South Asian-owned, multicultural small beauty brand founded by Deepica Mutyala, who went viral for her red lipstick hack for under-eye circles in 2015. The Huestick was the first product the company launched.
Get it from Ulta for $24 (available in five shades).
30. A brightening SPF 30 moisturizer containing vitamin C to diminish sun damage and hyperpigmentation, plus nourishing shea butter and glycerin to hydrate thirsty skin. Meticulously formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, it also promises to leave no white cast.
Promising reviews: "My skin has been super dry, especially as we move into cooler months. Within a week of using this product I'm noticing my skin feels more conditioned and a noticeable dewiness has returned. I did not notice any scent/perfume, which was a positive for me." —Mallory Strange
"I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Bolden is a Black woman-owned small biz that makes sulfate- and paraben-free skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
31. Topicals Brightening and Clearing Serum that combines gold standard hyperpigmentation-fighter kojic acid, anti-inflammatory centella asiatica leaf extract, and acne-healing, texture-smoothing azelaic acid for a serum that is, simply, out of this world. Reviewers also note that it lightens discoloration without actually lightening skin tone, a crucial feature that sadly can be difficult to come by.
Note: It's recommended not to use retinol or BHA/AHA when applying this serum.
Promising review: "I first bought because one of my friends had recommended it to me. It’s honestly changed my face, I’m so grateful. I was more focused on getting rid of my active acne but it simultaneously has been getting rid of the dark marks too. It’s very worth the price and I pair it with sunscreen every day. If you’re losing hope try this. At first I had a little purge period but it lasted around two weeks and ever since then I only get a few pimples around my period time but they’re barely noticeable anyway. I swear by this now and recommend it to everyone who asks me what I use. I also love it because it doesn’t make me lighter which was the problem with many things I used in the past, my skin tone stayed consistent whilst the marks are getting lighter. This product honestly gave me back my confidence because I didn’t think my skin would be clear ever again." —Maame B.
Topicals is a Black woman-owned beauty brand that consults with dermatologists and chemists to provide high-quality skincare with clinically proven results. They also donate a portion of profits to mental health advocacy orgs!
Get it from Sephora or Topicals for $38 (also available in a mini size).
32. A vegan Maybelline Dark Circles treatment concealer for when you were up all night watching The Last of Us but need to look convincingly awake at work. It's medium coverage and wears for up to 12 hours (while simultaneously moisturizing your skin)!
It has an antimicrobial cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Suazo writes: "I still don’t know how a $7 tube of concealer (I use the Neutralizer shade) beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cakey feeling. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in 18 shades).
33. The iconic Mario Badescu Drying Lotion to shrink even angry, throbbing pimples faster than you previously thought possible. Just use a cotton swab to pick up some of the pink solution and dab over any blemishes for several hours or overnight — and let this sulfur, zinc, calamine, and salicylic-acid potion do what it does best.
It's important not to shake or mix the solution!
Promising review: "Honestly, I assume that this dainty bottle is powered by some sort of magic, because this stuff is truly ah-mazing! Not long ago, I had a deep pimple that was building to a slow crescendo of awful (important to note, I usually have clear skin), and my mother-in-law recommended this stuff to me. She promised that it would drastically reduce the pimple, if not zap it altogether, overnight. I was weary, but I also had a business trip coming up and I was worried that the tender mound was going to blossom into a third eyeball by the time I stepped off the plane for client meetings. I dabbed a tiny amount of this stuff on the zit after my nightly facial routine (it kind of looks like calamine lotion) and went to bed not expecting much. No joke, this miracle elixir managed to shrink the nasty little sucker so much, that the tenderness had gone away!" —Caerley Hill
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in a glass or plastic bottle, and as packs with drying patches).
34. An ultra-fine Habit skin mister with SPF 40 to easily protect skin from sun damage, UV light, and sunburns without disturbing your makeup — or requiring you to use your potentially dirty hands to reapply sun care (my dirty hands are the main reason I have trouble reapplying sunscreen during the day)! BTW, it also contains rose, lavender, and rosemary oils to tone and brighten skin and reduce inflammation. I mean!!!
Promising reviews: "The best SPF on the market. Great coverage and makes the skin look super dewy and moisturized. I carry it in my purse with me everywhere, which makes it super easy to reapply, and the spray function is amazing to prevent makeup smudging. 10/10 would recommend. Literally buying it as a gift for every single person this Christmas season." —Alexandra Eck E.
"Amazing. This is an amazing sunscreen mist I have been using it for a while and I love it. You can use this daily in your morning routine; this is going to protect your skin from sun damage, sunburn, and UV light. Your skin is going to look healthy for sure." —Aisha K.
Habit is a woman of color–owned small business that's dedicated to standing up against the stigma of aging in the beauty industry and focusing on keeping skin healthy instead. (Truly awesome!)
Get this mister from Sephora for $30.
35. A shockingly easy-to-use and TBH magical L'Oreal spray that covers roots in literally seconds. Plus, this video of Eva Longoria showing how to use it is truly one for the books.
That said, gray hair is gorgeous, so let those silvery strands shine! At the end of the day, it's whatever makes YOU feel best.
Promising review: "This product is terrific for hiding the pesky gray hairs that start to emerge 1–2 weeks after coloring my hair. I have dark hair, and a lot of gray around my forehead and temple areas, so any gray hairs are beyond obvious. Once they start to peek out, I use this product and I can last another couple of weeks before coloring." —Carissa K
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in eight shades).
36. A bestselling yet affordable cool mist humidifier with over 55,000 5-star ratings to add moisture to dry air, which helps hydrate and support parched, itchy skin. Your thirsty epidermis will thank you!
Reviewers especially recommend using this if you're prone to eczema or other skin conditions.
Promising review: "I’m used to having extremely dry skin in the colder months so I try to have a humidifier on when I get out of the shower, or just have a very dry day. This humidifier is amazing! I feel so much more comfortable in my space with the air not sucking the moisture out of my skin! You notice the moisture right away upon turning it on! It’s easy to use, you can’t even hear it on, and easy to clean and refill! Thank you for giving me a less crusty winter season!" —Taylor B.
Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in 2.2L or 6L versions).
37. Epielle Hydrating Foot Masks full of shea butter and jojoba oil to rejuvenate and soften your cracked feet.
These are vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Worth the money. During the winter my feet are dry and cracked. These are amazing. Have only used one pair so far, but the difference is drastic. Will definitely be making these part of my normal self-care." —Amazon Customer
Get a 6-pack from Amazon for $13.
38. A salon-worthy stainless-steel skin spatula to help majorly de-gunk pores using high-frequency vibrations. It'll also help optimize your skincare since your newly clear pores will be able to absorb your products better!
See it in action on TikTok here.
I finally caved and bought this, 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 four colors).
39. A 50-pack of compressed facial sponges for deep pore cleansing, makeup removal, and gentle exfoliation. 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 once I started using them I broke 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 review: "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).
40. A glycolic acid peel with retinol, green tea and cucumber to help improve texture, brighten, and remove dull, dead skin so your skin will ~be radiant~ and your other skincare products can penetrate more deeply. PSA, though: Glycolic acid and retinol can make your skin more sensitive, including to the sun – so make sure you start slowly and are consistently wearing sunscreen!!
To use, cleanse skin and apply peel for no more than two to five minutes, no more than once or twice a week depending on skin sensitivity.
Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely incredible. In January of 2017 I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted and you'll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken June 2017.) I've used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office." —Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
41. 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 $23.
42. A creamy Kulfi kajal eyeliner enriched with aloe vera that'll bring some long-lasting, nonsmudging ~drama~ to your makeup, whether you use it for a striking cat-eye or a defined tight-lined look.
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).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.