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 trio of serums letting you incorporate three powerhouse ingredients — retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid — into your routine without breaking the bank. Together, they'll bring a noticeable difference to your skin, including a brighter tone, reduction of fine lines, and a smoother, plumper feel.
Be sure to follow the brand's instructions on how to use these together!
Promising review: "I'm in my mid-30s and realized it was time to step up my skincare game. I always looked younger than my age, but recently that's worn off a bit and makeup remover wipes and argan oil at night weren't cutting it. I happened across this trio and, for the price, thought I'd give it a try. My skin feels AMAZING!!! This trio is worth every penny. I don't even feel like I have to wear makeup all the time anymore and when I do, it goes on so much smoother. This is definitely going to be part of my routine for years to come!" —Caitlin
Get the pack of three from Amazon for $29.99.
2. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which you've probably seen many times on drugstore shelves, but really is worth every ounce of hype. Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it's suuuuper gentle and doesn't strip your skin of its natural moisture while cleansing.
Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a dermatologist friend with beautiful skin. She uses CeraVe cleanser once in the morning, once at night, with the regular CeraVe lotion, and I was so jealous of her skin and tired of buying expensive junk that promises the moon, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm very glad I did! Full disclosure: I'm in my 30s with combination skin, blotchiness issues, occasional spots of acne, and deal with psoriasis on my face. This cleanser/lotion combo works beautifully. My skin is cleansed and refreshed, looks great, and never feels dry. It feels great to wash my face, too, not like I'm doing a chemical peel or scrubbing a layer of skin off. This is the One." —E. Giffen
Get it from Amazon for $13.49.
3. And CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, aka THE holy grail for people with dry, sensitive skin. Its essential ceramides bring relief to dry, flaky, itchy skin by hydrating and restoring the skin's protective barrier — keeping the moisture in and pollutants out.
Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours.
Promising review: "I have extremely dry skin that's also acne-prone and sensitive. That's a tough combination to treat because most products that heavily moisturizer also cause acne. This lotion is by far the best I've used! I can slather it on as much as I want without any irritation or acne and it soaks right in and soothes my dry skin. I'm a lifetime customer for sure." —Laura K.
Get it from Amazon for $16.91.
4. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match.
Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
Get it from Amazon for $13.55.
5. And SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream for applying after any serums — this non-comedogenic moisturizer contains 97.5% snail mucin filtrate as well as vitamin E, organic aloe, and shea butter. Softer, smoother, brighter skin is in your future...and you didn't even have to splurge on Sunday Riley or Drunk Elephant.
SeoulCeuticals is a small business!
Promising reviews: "Perfect gel texture moisturizer for my combination skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a nice finish (not sticky or greasy). It layers really well under sunscreen and makeup too! It really reminds me of the Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer but one-fourth the price! Will buy again!!" —AG
"Smells just like the Sunday Riley moisturizer! Super moisturizing and smells amazing!" —Emma Nava
Get it from Amazon for $20.
6. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant with salicylic acid and smoothing green tea extract so you can say goodbye to blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness. It exfoliates dead skill cells on your face to leave it ultra-smooth, and it's gentle enough for daily use!
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: "GAME-CHANGER! I thought I had tried EVERYTHING on the market for congested skin (I don’t get breakouts anymore, but very clogged pores along T-zone) and enlarged pores. I’ve only been using it for a week and just at night and the difference in blackheads along my nose and enlarged/congested pores in almost unbelievable! This just might be my very favorite Amazon purchases EVER!" —AJDEX
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
7. Peach Slices acne spot dots for a *super* budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option. Keep them around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that nasty gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. It'll also keep you from picking at the area!
Peach Slices is part of Peach & Lily, a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson
"So I have been usually these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88.
8. Black Girl Sunscreen offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 — it's designed by folks with melanated skin to NOT leave that horrible white cast, aka it actually rubs in quickly and easily. If anything deserves a permanent spot in your skincare bag, it's this lil' 3-ounce (travel-friendly!) bottle.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." —Target Customer
Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99.
9. Or a clear SPF 35 Glossier sunscreen with the lightweight consistency of a water-gel serum — they call it "Invisible Shield" for a reason! This isn't the gloopy sunscreen you hated growing up, so you don't have to dread adding it to your routine. In fact, you'll be kissing the bottle after it saves you from a painful sunburn or two.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I've bought this SPF 35 sunscreen over and over again because I've had far too many painful hair part sunburns (it's so easy to forget that strap of skin!). This blends in super easily but is also great for your face! BTW, it's cruelty-free and vegan!"
Promising review: "We use it every morning. We ran out before we could reorder and I think that's because it's hard to tell how much is in the bottle. That is the only downside. I am a dark skin Black woman and this is the only sunblock I will recommend. No film or greasy feeling. It doesn't affect my makeup and bc its so awesome it really encourages us to use it every day." —Lysapop
Get it from Glossier for $25.
10. And a set of sunscreen reminder stickers to be that *very responsible* friend reminding you to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours or so when you're at the beach, on a hike, attending a music festival, etc. — you'll know exactly when it's time, because this little dot will turn purple as it detects UV rays. Each sticker lasts up to 12 hours!
Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action.
Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque
Get a 16-count pack from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in larger packs).
11. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which is basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.
Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too). And multiple people compare it to SkinCeuticals' vitamin C serum — which, if you're unaware, retails for a whopping $182, folks.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
12. An ultra-light milky toning lotion to balance your skin's pH level, exfoliate, fight inflammation, and moisturize, leaving your face balanced and radiant. It actually strengthens and restores lipids in your skin for softness that lasts.
Because of the super-hydrating ingredients in this, you might feel like you don't even need a moisturizer after — but if you have super-dry skin, particularly during the winter months, you can follow with a gentle moisturizer.
Good Light is a Brooklyn, New York-based small biz that creates vegan, cruelty-free beauty products designed for people of any gender.
Promising review: "This is honestly one of the best products I’ve used in forever. I look forward to using it every night, and then use the back of my washed clean hands to softly bounce it against my plump, dewy, hydrated cheek to feel how silky and supple it is. Words can’t really explain the feel of this, it just needs to be experienced. It’s very light and envelops your face in only what I can describe as a dewy gossamer veil of supreme hydration. Hyping this forever and all the evers. This brand and mission rules and I’m so glad they exist. Fan for life 💖" —Angela S.
Get it from Good Light for $22.
13. Some 24k gold collagen under-eye gels perfect for busy parents, stressed-out students, and anyone else who's just plain EXHAUSTED. This'll give your tired under-eyes some much-needed pampering and help reduce dark circles and puffiness, and you'll feel totally refreshed afterward!
I have these myself and personally love them! If I've had a particularly exhausting few days, I love to pop on these bad boys and let my undereyes drink in the hydration. The cooling sensation feels incredible, and I look and feel so much more refreshed after (and less like a zombie). And you get 20 pairs in one pack, which feels like a great deal!
Promising review: "This is really an amazing product, for such a good price too. These feel so refreshing under my eyes. It’s really relaxing having them on and just letting them do their magic! I don’t have so much of the puffy eyes but I have been noticing slight dark circles lately. Just after using this one time, I can really see a difference under my eyes and these left my under eyes so soft!" —Kayleena
Get 20 pairs from Amazon for $14.95 (also available in three other sets).
14. Plus, a polar bear-shaped hydrating eye balm to bring the cooling relief your dark, puffy undereyes are craving (because none of us are getting enough sleep, let's be real). This K-beauty essential contains Icelandic glacial water that nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier as well as minimizes the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet.
Promising review: "This hydrating eye stick does wonders for my puffy eyes in the morning. It smells amazing and it glides on so smooth my husband even started to use it. We’re in our mid-30s now and need all the help we can get and I would absolutely recommend this product. I have purchased it a number of times now." —Alexis Rheanna
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
15. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, worthy of being your holy grail face (and hair!) mask. This cult-favorite mask is made of 100% natural calcium bentonite (a type of volcanic ash) clay, which draws impurities out of skin and buildup out of hair.
It's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!
Promising review: "I bought this as a last hope for cystic acne. I bought raw apple cider vinegar to mix with the clay powder because I heard that worked best for people experiencing skin problems. This mask had been such a life saver. I'm not sure words can describe how impressed I am with this healing clay mask. Since my skin has been through hell and I've literally tried everything, it's pretty resilient, so I've been using this mask every night for the last four days. It's not nearly as drying as I thought it would be so that hasn't been an issue. But the mask has dried up everything and I have no new breakouts. I was so happy that I cried. If I could give this product a million stars, I would!" —Afton StAmour
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
16. Cult-favorite Bio-Oil that's ultra-effective at fading scars and stretch marks, reducing redness, and evening out skin tone. It's packed with vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and other natural oils for anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing benefits, and it smells like an expensive spa treatment!
It's famous for the fact that you can use it anywhere on your body, making it a true holy grail beauty product.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this on the reg: "FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night."
Promising review: "Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I use the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night." —Yasmin Rodriguez
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).
17. Sdara's Derma Roller designed with teensy-tiny needles that are painless. Its superpower = helping serums and other skincare products penetrate your skin deeper for *maximum* effectiveness. With weekly use, it can also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and large pores — and at the fraction of the price of a professional micro-needling appointment.
The reviewer's pics above show results after just one night, with smoother texture and a more even skin tone! I also recommend checking out this reviewer's pics, who saw a 30-year forehead scar fade after using this tool.
Make sure you learn how to derma-roll properly before going at it!
Promising review: "My derma roller arrived very quickly and was packaged to perfection. I've only used it less than a week and can already see a difference in my skin. I primarily purchased this to help my hyperpigmentation serums sink into my skin deeper, which it's totally doing! My dark spots have already started to lighten with only three uses (I use the roller every other day). I was worried about the pain this would cause, but it's really not that bad — kind of just feels like a sunburn for a couple of minutes afterwards, but my serums help to soothe it quickly. If you're on the fence about purchasing this...just do it! You won't regret it." —lmarvin
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
18. A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle.
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "I developed hormone-induced perioral dermatitis on my face for the second time in my 30s. It does not go away or improve w/o intervention. Unlike the first time, I didn’t want to use a topical steroid because I’m currently breastfeeding a newborn, so I decided to give this a try. It improved my symptoms after a couple of weeks of daily once or twice use and by the fourth week the dermatitis was completely cleared! Holy grail skincare product." —Lydia
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four).
19. An Urban Skin Rx 3-in-1 cleansing bar to improve your overall skin tone and texture, since it's a cleanser, exfoliator, and brightening mask all in one! You just moisten the included sponge, run it across the cleansing bar to create a creamy lather, and massage it across your face — then either rinse or leave it on a bit longer to use as a mask!
20. Blume's Meltdown acne oil, aka a skincare holy grail for its gentle, effective acne-fighting formula. It not only works to reduce acne but also helps fade acne scars, calm redness, *and* basically tells future breakouts, "Nope, not allowed here." 🙅♀️ Use it for spot treatments *or* mix it with your moisturizer for all-over coverage!
This one's a little pricier, but reviewers say a little goes a long way!
Blume is a POC-owned small biz cofounded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that destigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.
Check out a TikTok of the Meltdown Acne Oil in action.
Promising review: "I have had adult acne for 15 years. Painful cystic acne. Major redness and melasma. I’ve been embarrassed of my skin for as long as I can remember, spending a small fortune on various serums, creams, spot treatments, washes. Nothing worked. I would spend so much of my day applying layers of foundation and concealer because I was mortified of my skin. I’m turning 38 and was just too dang old to be dealing with this nonsense. I found Blume Meltdown Oil on a FB ad. My pores that were so big and prominent and shrinking daily. Pesky blackheads are virtually gone, the redness on my face is calmed drastically, and my huge, painful, cystic acne on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck are G-O-N-E. Even the wrinkles on the sides of my eyes (crows feet) are practically gone, and I used to have serious, deep grooves in my forehead and now they are subtle lines. It’s wild." —J&V
Get it from Amazon for $27.95.
21. A Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It'll buff away dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it'll help your moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness.
Note: It shouldn't be used on your face, but your arms, legs, and the rest of your body are fair game!
My former colleague Jasmin Sandal vouches for this mitt: "I can attest, this thing is like witchcraft in a mitt. I use this weekly to rid my early-30s skin from dullness and dryness. And I'm not joking, my arms, legs, tummy, bum, literally everywhere this thing graces becomes 10x smoother. It's now part of my routine before I shave — and if you think a razor can give you slick skin...paired with THIS, oh boy, you haven't seen (or felt) anything yet.
"Is it gross to see a week's worth of skin trickle off your body and into the tub with you? Yes. But is it oh-so-satisfying to get a closer shave? You betcha. Oh, and for me, I feel like this has stopped ingrowns in their tracks, too, because it lifts layers of skin before they harden and become more of an ish'. Basically, if you're looking to up your shower time routine, give this a go. Being gentle for the first couple of uses is key, and then once your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the pressure you apply. I can't wait for you to see how you and your skin like it!"
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available as a pair).
22. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, the makeup remover to end all makeup removers. With a simple list of 10 (!) ingredients, this stuff gets your face SO clean with just a pea-sized amount that transforms into a silky oil in your fingers. It also helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, refines texture, and brightens the skin.
Promising review: "Yes, I bought this because of TikTok. I was not expecting to like it, I figured it was like all the other cleansing balms I've tried...oh boy was I WRONG! This cleanser is so perfect. I don't need a second cleanser, I don't need to remove it with a cloth. It works so well on its own. Like it blew me away, it is perfect for my skin type. I have dehydrated, acne prone, premature aging 33-year-old skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, but I always follow up with my moisturizer." —Cami
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
23. Or a pack of disposable face towels that are 100% biobased (unlike your regular disposable makeup wipes) and don't harbor bacteria — because how often are you washing your towels? These are fragrance- and chemical-free (gentle on even sensitive skin) and can help with stubborn acne that just won't go away.
These are 100% USDA-certified biobased, meaning they're made entirely from plant-based materials and better for the environment than your regular disposable wipes.
Clean Skin Club is a small business that launched in 2019 to create innovative natural skincare products.
Promising reviews: "Starting in my 30s, I had developed some acne, and not just around that time of month. I read your bath towels can develop bacteria every few days if they're not washed, and so putting that on your face can cause acne. That's why I bought these towels! I use them after my skincare routine on my face, and then again, to clean up our sink (yay for double use)! They have cleaned up my skin significantly, and I highly recommend these!" —Jaclyn O
"I’ve dealt with mild acne and terrible scarring since I was in 8th grade. I’m 30 now. I haven’t had one pimple since I’ve switched to using these. I use the same towel for about 3-4 days, which is 6-8 uses, so it’s not even necessary to use a new one every day / every use. They’re really wonderful." —Dami
Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in other packs).
24. A Revlon volcanic face roller capable of keeping excess oil at bay throughout the day, absorbing shine in seconds without messing up your makeup or requiring you to pack on more powder. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this clever roller might just be your new holy grail.
The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.
Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." —Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
25. An oil-free, noncomedogenic Neutrogena water gel moisturizer that's basically a ~tall drink of water~ for your face. It uses hyaluronic acid to quench your skin and lock in that moisture so your face stays soft and supple all day. Reviewers say it's similar to Clinique Moisture Surge without the hefty price tag.
Keep in mind there is fragrance in this formula, so if that's something that has irritated your skin in the past, you may want to try the fragrance-free Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel-cream.
Pro tip if you have extra dry skin: Apply this formula to damp skin, let it dry, and then use your daily moisturizer to really lock in the effects.
Promising review: "I've tried all the luxury brands there are, but Hydro Boost beats them all. There is no sense in spending your hard earned money on more expensive moisturizers when this one right here is BETTER and more affordable. It lasts forever, the scent is incredible but not too strong, and you can actually SEE and FEEL a difference in your skin every single day. Can't live without this stuff." —Caitlyn Minda
Get it from Amazon for $17.40.
To learn more, check out BuzzFeed's Neutrogena Hydro Boost review.
26. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin. Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects.
Here are some other skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone, BTW.
This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion.
Promising review: "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
Get it from Sephora for $9.50.
27. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that's here to save the day and rid your feet of those old, thick calluses that have been there for YEARS. It's a simple process of applying, waiting, and rinsing it off — then marveling at how your once-hardened feet could ever look and feel this baby soft.
Just presoak feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review: "This is a miracle worker. It is powerful, so be sure to follow the directions as you only apply to areas needing treatment, not over the entire foot surface or bottom of it. Usually, I use cuticle softener to soak feet in and remove calluses, however now I'll use this first, then follow up with a cuticle softener soak. Takes all the scrubbing out of the pedicure and only need now to freshen surface skin." —Rebecca E
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
28. And an oddly satisfying foot file to gently remove dead skin buildup and calluses on the heels of your feet and leave them so smooth, you won't be able to stop touching them. You can use it on dry or wet skin!
Promising review: "I was BLOWN AWAY by this product! I have dealt with calloused, cracked heels for as long as I can remember. Some things have worked better than others in the past, but I’ve been in a rut of bad feet for the past several months. The foot rasp/file/scraper that I had was not even coming close to doing the job, and it is a similar style to this one, so I wasn’t getting my hopes up for this one. Based on the reviews and before/after pics, I had to give it a shot though! I gave it a go before getting in the shower and was just so impressed with how easy to use it was and how incredibly it worked. It took less than 15 minutes between both feet and VERY LITTLE pressure/effort was required. This product gave me better results than most professional pedicures I’ve had!" —Halk
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
29. Eve Hansen's hyaluronic acid serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $180 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial."
Promising reviews: "This is not a review that states, 'I got results overnight.' My review is from using hyaluronic acid serum every day, twice a day, for the past 3 years. My aesthetician recommended it, because I have large pores and some sun spots, which have gotten less over time. It may be just genetics, but at 39 I don’t have any wrinkles yet [see picture, above]. There is a lot of research that states hyaluronic acid, when used consistently, can have great results." —soniafwny
"So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" —nana bendick
Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes).
30. A double-sided silicone lip brush if you're constantly applying lip balm but your lips still don't look or feel soft — chances are, they just need some exfoliation so your moisturizing product can be fully effective and your lipstick can look its best.
I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel.
Promising review: "I love this product. I’ve been using lip scrubs for ages, but this exfoliator takes it to the next level. It really helps in removing dry lip skin for smooth lipstick application. To clean, I just wash it with antibacterial hand soap and store in a dry place. My new go-to beauty product!" —Cristina
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.
31. And a trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks in case you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning.
For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal!
Promising review: "[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." —Riya
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six combos).
32. The Ordinary's 100% plant-derived squalane oil, an excellent budget-friendly alternative to pricier face oils, deeply hydrating your skin without making you greasy. It's even light enough to layer with other products, and it can also help with evening out skin tone and soothing redness.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman says, "An oil is always the last step in my skincare routine, and The Ordinary's squalane oil is a personal fave. I use products with retinol weekly, so this oil plays a big role in keeping my skin hydrated and happy (retinol can often cause irritation and dry skin). I squeeze two to three drops into my palm — that's all you need! — warm it in my hands, and press it on my face, making sure every inch is covered. It definitely feels like I have an oil on my face but it's not suffocating or super greasy. Before I started using this, I would notice flaky, dry patches develop throughout the day. My skin was also a bit sensitive during cleansing. But since I've started using this consistently, my skin is much plumper, much glowier, and much more hydrated."
Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this oil. I have combination skin and it does not make me skin greasy or overproduce sebum. This oil is so lightweight that you can add serums and creams on top without making your skin feel packed. It hasn't made my skin break out at all and lasts for a long time. I purchased my second bottle; this is an essential in my skincare routine." —ashleymendoza
Get it from Sephora for $10.
33. And finally, a pack of 23 Facetory sheet masks packed with all sorts of skin-friendly ingredients, from soothing rice bran extracts and brightening lemon to detoxifying charcoal and plumping collagen. A nice deal at just over $1 per mask, this set gives you so many ~options~ to choose from when your skin needs a pick-me-up, and the positively adorable packaging is just the cherry on top. ✨
Facetory is a Korean brand that launched in 2016, and all of their products are made in Korea. The masks are also cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and synthetic colors.
This sheet mask collection is one of my favorite purchases recently, and I already feel confident in saying I'll be going back for more (I've used several of the masks, which is why less than 23 are pictured above 😅). Each one has a few key benefits, which are detailed on the back along with the main ingredients (plus a super cute illustration with directions on how to use, in case you've never used sheet masks before). I leave each mask on for ~15 minutes, then pat the remaining product into my skin until it absorbs completely, and follow with a moisturizing cream to lock it all in. Doing this once or twice a week has made my nighttime skincare routine feel so much more luxurious, and at just over $1 per mask, I think it's a sweet deal for something that's not only great for my skin but a mood-booster as well!
Get the variety pack from Amazon for $26.90 (also available in other packs).
Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.