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. Skin1004's Zombie Pack, a box of eight masks that work in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. Each mask tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth.
Promising review: "I have never written a review before but I am compelled to do so now. Let’s start with what my 41-year-old face looked like. I had bumps, tiny bumps all over my skin, especially my forehead. My skin NEVER felt smooth even with the prescriptions I was give to help with these tiny bumps. It was actually causing my cheeks to have what appeared to be thickening skin. Wrinkles, some that were quite deep. My pores were huge and getting bigger day by day it seemed like. I know that it says to use this product every three days. I chose to go with every single day for the first box of eight. The results were so amazing I decided on everyday for the second box. Even more amazing results. EVERY SINGLE ISSUE LISTED ABOVE NO LONGER EXISTS!!!! I moisturize deeply after rinsing and my face looks absolutely amazing. My face did not even look like this at 30. I am hooked and I will be buying no less than three packs every single payday so I can stock up on this stuff in case they ever decide to quit selling it. If I had 10 stars available to rate I would use them and more!" —Amazon Customer
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $24.79.
2. Tatcha Silken Pore-Perfecting sunscreen with SPF 35, because if there's *any* beauty product worth splurging on, it's sunscreen. And when your sunscreen works THIS well and has so many other skincare benefits, it's hard to look at drugstore brands the same. This has *zero* greasy residue, no white cast, doesn't clog pores, and — in the words of one reviewer — leaves your skin like rose petals.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I am very afraid of the sun and very careful when I go out in it. I don't just burn — I rash-burn, and it is deeply unpleasant. But I *also* have super-sensitive, acne-prone skin, and finding a non-pore clogging formula that also protects is super hard. So when I was working on a roundup of the best products for adult acne, I happened upon this Tatcha sunscreen. They're known for great skincare, a seriously cult-fave primer, and with all the glowing reviews I knew I NEEDED to try this sunscreen. All the benefits of SPF plus a whole slew of other skincare benefits? Sign me up.
"It's formulated with silk extract, Japanese wild rose, and other skin-friendly ingredients that magically transform into a super-soft, smooth, matte canvas you can feel confident in. And boy, is it great as a base for makeup. And it REALLY protects your skin from the sun. I went to the beach, bringing a giant sunhat, renting a large umbrella, and never venturing into the sun. BUT, ladies and gentleman, I made one fatal mistake: I TOOK THE FERRY THERE! I couldn't wear my hat (it would blow all the way off my head), so I stood in the sun — with *extra* sun reflecting from the water onto my skin — for 45 minutes. My non-Tatcha body sunscreen FAILED, resulting in the boiled-lobster arm you see above. But my face?? Not one little hint of burnage. My skin stayed smooth and protected all day. And I know, I know, $70 is a lot! I really do — but this is truly, far and away the best facial sunscreen I have ever worn. And the bottle definitely goes a long way. I've been using mine for a few months, and I have a lot of sunscreen left to go."
Get it from Amazon for $70.
3. JVN Air Dry Cream to eliminate the arduous step of blow drying your hair — you can just apply this to wet hair, and it'll leave you with minimal frizz and enhance your natural waves or curls if you have them.
It's designed for all hair types and reviewers across the board mostly report a good experience with it, from users with fine, thin hair to coarse, curly strands. That said, JVN says it's especially good for people with frizzy, wavy, curly, or coily hair.
As someone who's never had the patience to blow dry their hair, I picked this air dry cream up after seeing its heat-free results in this TikTok and reading all the positive reviews (plus, ya know, I feel like I'd trust Jonathan Van Ness with my hair). For context, I have extremely thin, fine hair that is mostly pretty straight. This air-dry cream has a really nice, silky consistency and smells like the salon (IDK how else to describe it, but it's a pleasant smell), and it doesn't make my hair feel greasy or crunchy after I've worked this through it. It definitely helps cut down on frizz and makes my hair feel really silky and healthy, even into the next day. If you don't have any natural wave to your hair, this isn't going to create that (at least not in my experience), so it makes sense that it's recommended for the hair types mentioned above. But even if you have straight, fine hair, if you don't already have a good leave-in conditioner, I'd still recommend this cream for its smoothing, hydrating benefits. A little goes a long way, and the bottle has a lot of product in it!
Promising review: "Smells amazing. This stuff is a nice-one step process for when you are feeling lazy or don’t wanna blow dry. Keeps my waves and tames the frizz." —mmkile
Get it from Sephora or direct from JVN for $26 (also available in a mini size for $12).
4. Oil-free Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer beloved for its soft, sheer coverage that evens out your skin tone without feeling like you have a greasy layer just sitting on top of it — your skin still feels like *your* skin. This is my personal *fave* tinted moisturizer!
It has a blurred matte finish thanks to oil-absorbing powders that keep your face shine-free, while licorice root extract soothes irritation and vitamin E protects against sun damage. It also has SPF 20 for extra sun protection (on top of your everyday sunscreen). Reviewers of all skin types call it a staple!
This has been my personal holy grail tinted moisturizer for months now! (That's me applying and wearing it above, on its own, with no filter.) I've never been the type to buy expensive name brands like Laura Mercier, and finding tinted products that actually match your tone is SUCH a struggle, but I took a gamble (after seeing a rec from one of my colleagues, included below) and have found my match made in heaven with this moisturizer. It blurs my freckles a bit without covering them completely, and it still looks like "my skin," just with a more even skin tone that looks soft and healthy. Now, like many tinted moisturizers, this is very light, sheer coverage and you'll probably have to pair with concealer if you have blemishes or spots you want to cover. I love this for no-foundation days when you just want a light base to wear on its own or with a bit of blush and mascara. Also, I'm using a damp sponge to apply it above, but you could def just use your fingers!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jasmin Sandal also recommends this! "I can attest that this foundation-alt doesn't draw attention to areas of dryness — it actually does a great job of nourishing your skin as well as providing coverage to naturally mask blemishes. I especially love it because I can even out my skin tone in a pinch with just *one* product instead of having to throw a bajillion things on my face to achieve a healthy-looking glow."
Get it from Sephora for $53 (available in 20 shades and also in a mini size for $29).
5. And hydrating Lancôme Teint Idole Care & Glow foundation, which I fell in love with immediately upon first wear. This glowy serum foundation provides buildable medium coverage and has an 82% hyaluronic acid formula to hydrate and plump the skin — a dream for those of us with face dryness.
This is the best foundation I have ever owned, folks. I literally get excited every time I get the chance to put it on. I saw it recommended in a TikTok (which I can't find now, sry!) and even though it costs more than I've ever spent on foundation, I was pulled in by the idea of a hyaluronic acid formula that's hydrating and glowy with decent coverage — and it's proven to be just that. The skin tone match is PERFECTION (Sephora nailed it with the "Find Your Shade" tool) and it blends like a dream, working as the perfect base for blush, highlighter, and more. It's lightweight and buildable, and my dry, sensitive skin has had no issues with it. As a bonus, it has SPF 27 for added protection! The bottle is also lasting me a loooong time, so it's been worth every single penny in my experience. When I want more coverage for a bolder makeup look, whether for events or going out, this is my go-to!
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $57 (available in 30 shades).
6. Dentist-recommended Crest whitening strips that work over time to remove YEARS of stains and visibly whiten your teeth when you use them for just 30 minutes a day!
The pack comes with twenty 30-minute treatments, and two hour-long treatments. The strips are also enamel-safe!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "Folks, these are not the gloppy whitening strips of your childhood that slid all around your mouth and had you spitting out globs of product every few minutes so you wouldn't swallow it. I know this because I grew up using those exact strips to treat my hereditarily, naturally-kinda-yellow teeth. I eventually swore off whitening strips because they were so awful and uncomfortable. Ten years later, I decided to give at-home whitening another try since I now drink, like, a million cups of coffee a day, which obviously did nothing to help my yellow teeth lol. Long story short, I was FLOORED when I tried these strips. They may or may not be the best beauty development of the 21st century. These things stay put with literally zero gloppy residue, no spitting or readjusting required. They work so well, I'm almost resentful ~kids these days~ won't experience how absurd at-home whiteners used to be lol. Anyway, they're so comfortable that the 30 minutes or an hour you have them on zips by, so that by the time you're through, your teeth look whiter with virtually zero effort on your part. Can I nominate this for some sort of award??
"BTW: If your teeth feel sensitive while you're using the strips (mine did), just take a break for a few days before starting them again."
Get a 22-count pack from Amazon for $45.99.
7. A Solawave red light therapy wand in case giving yourself a professional-level facial at home sounds appealing to you (🙋♀️). This cute tool looks simple, but it's packing some highly effective technologies inside: red light therapy to help reduce dark spots and fine lines, microcurrents that stimulate and lift the skin, facial massage to reduce puffiness, and therapeutic warmth to promote product absorption. TL;DR: It's a skincare superhero, folks.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis vouches for it! "This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind blowing. The tone of my face is much more even and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it's like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one...with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!) and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night) and it's super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!"
Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.
Get it from Amazon for $92.94+ (available in five colors) or straight from Solawave for $149 (available in three colors).
8. Youthforia's unbelievably lightweight BYO Blush Oil, which reacts to your skin's natural pH level to create the *perfect* shade of flush for your skin tone so you never have to think about what shade to wear. This vegan, color-changing oil is made with 20 different plant-based ingredients that are so skin-friendly, you could even sleep in this!
Youthforia is an Asian woman-owned small business established in 2020 that specializes in environmentally friendly, cruelty-free makeup made with at least 90% renewable ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the BYO Blush in action!
I recently picked up a tube of BYO Blush Oil for myself because the concept sounded so cool — a blush oil? That creates your perfect shade?? It works exactly as advertised: I just make a couple of tiny swipes on each cheek and a lil' on my nose, and almost immediately the pink shade starts to appear. It blends REALLY easily and feels so lightweight. I love wearing it on no-makeup days when I want to add a bit of color to my cheeks just to feel ~alive~ but it looks great on top of makeup too. I love it so much, I even bought it for my sister-in-law for Christmas!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is also a fan: "I tried this out myself and I have to say, it is WILD watching it adjust to your skin's pH in real time. It was a very bright pink at first but super easy to spread — a bit like Glossier's Cloud Paint, except personalized. It's very long-lasting, too — I applied in the morning and could still see a rosy glow by the end of the day."
Get it from Amazon or directly from Youthforia for $36.
9. And Glossier Cloud Paint, a long-standing cult-favorite in the beauty community. Tons of self-proclaimed lazy makeup wearers swear by it, mainly because it goes on *so* easily using your fingers and blends to give you the softest, most natural-looking flush. You can even pick it up in a slightly darker shade and use it as contour too!
Check out how easily it's applied in this TikTok. Psst — you can also check out our Glossier Cloud Paint review for more on why it's "a lazy girl's dream."
Promising reviews: "If you are fair like I am, Cloud Paint in Dusk is like Contouring for Dummies. I just swipe some into the hollows of my cheeks and pat until it's blended, and voila! A contoured face for the girl who has never contoured in her life and certainly doesn't have the patience to do so. The final touch is Puff on the tops of the apples of my cheeks and I've managed to finger paint my face into looking well-rested and sculpted." —Faith
"Listen, I am a LAZY makeup wearer, L-A-Z-Y. I have mountains of blushes and I never wear any of them, I really wanted something that was quick (brush free). I bought this in Beam and I love it; it is bright, happy and a bit peach-orange. I think it is great for summer, and it is so easy to apply. I definitely want at least one more (or every) shade. If you are trying to work something simple into your routine, pick this up — it is not heavy or over the top and it literally lasts on my face from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m." —Mc K.
Get it from Glossier for $20 (available in eight shades).
10. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray ensuring your flawless makeup ~lewk~ stays looking flawless through rain, sweat, and nights out. It'll keep you fresh, smudge-free, *and* transfer-resistant so you don't end up with half of your foundation rubbed off inside a mask.
I recently put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking multiple trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray that I already know I'll be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin and it caused me no issues.
BuzzFeed chief of staff (and former Shopping editor!) Marquaysa Battle also swears by this stuff: "I use this spray and will swear by it for the rest of my days. I definitely have oilier skin in the summer months and over the years, I've tried a number of drugstore setting sprays that did absolutely nothing. This spray is worth the extra coins. I even wore it to Puerto Rico. Through the blazing sun and lots of ocean splashes, my makeup did NOT budge."
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $36 (also available in a travel size for $16).
11. Belif's The True Cream Aqua Bomb that may come in a small package, but expect big results if your skin is in desperate need of hydration. This oil-free gel cream leaves your skin feeling ~quenched~ and supple with a refreshing cooling sensation — and none of the heaviness or oiliness you sometimes get from creams.
It utilizes ingredients like ceramide 3 and glycerin to improve the skin's moisture levels + help it *retain* moisture, which most of us desperately need through the winter months.
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel says, "Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon!"
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product!! The texture is amazing and light. I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin and this works wonders. It comes in a small bottle, but there is a whole lot of product. A little bit goes a long way as well. Will definitely continue to buy this product." —gabbw13
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $38+ (available in three sizes, including a mini size for $22).
12. Olaplex's No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector, which has been described as "a miracle in a bottle" for anyone whose hair is dry, brittle, and damaged (whether it's from bleach, box dyes, or hot tools). This concentrated treatment restores *and* strengthens your hair, reducing breakage while protecting the strands against future damage. Silky, shiny hair, here we come.
Reviewers with thick and wavy hair (2c) and coily hair (4c) love this Olaplex treatment. And reviewers with straight hair (1a–1c) say it's great for getting softer, shinier hair!
BTW, if you've heard chatter online about Olaplex causing hair loss, here's why experts we talked to said that's probably not the case and what you should know before buying.
Promising reviews: "OBSESSED!! I recently got a haircut and the lady used a flat iron. I personally don't like using heat on my hair to prevent damage. Me being paranoid, I had to use this to protect my hair afterwards. When I tell you my hair was SILKY SOFT and SUPER SHINY I mean it. It looked and felt so healthy after the first time." —Skinjunkie2
"This product is amazing!! I’ve been using it a couple of times and I’m already obsessed, I use it with No. 0 and it makes my hair super silky and soft which is a surprise because my hair is bleached and always been frizzy! Will definitely order again!" —Maryam91R
Get it from Amazon (where it has over 90,000 5-star ratings!) or Sephora for $30 (also available in a value size at Sephora for $60).
13. Pat McGrath's Legendary Wear matte lipstick that dries softly without cracking or looking desert-level dry like some mattes do. Plus, it's transfer-resistant, so you can wear it out confidently without it rubbing off on a mask or wine glass. (And for my fellow Swifties, it also happens to be the exact lipstick Taylor is wearing in the "Bejeweled" music video. 👀)
Psst — The shade pictured above (that Taylor wore) is Elson 4!
Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Christine Forbes says, "This lipstick is so bold, it reminded me how fabulous my lips are. The formula isn't drying, but it's definitely matte. I'll definitely be wearing this often, even if it is under my mask.
Promising review: "I've been lusting after Pat McGrath's makeup and when my trusted red finally hit pan, I knew it was time. Y'ALL. Throw away all of your red lippies, this is the one. It slides on thick and matte and dries quickly, though there is a light smudge (NOT transfer!) that can happen if you're not careful. I ended up falling asleep after applying and the lipstick mostly held true, with a few light red smears around my face (I am a very active sleeper). When I take off my makeup, I don't get that dreaded red residue that looks like I've chugged Hi-C fruit punch to the face. I'm in love, I'm in love, I am IN LOVE!" —IzzyIzbourne
Get it from Sephora for $34 (available in six shades).
14. Or the velvety Fenty Icon liquid lipstick, because in Rihanna we trust, *obviously* — and "The MVP" is her signature red! It's everything you've dreamed of in a perfect lipstick: luxuriously matte with a creamy whipped texture that doesn't dry you out and enhance every little line in your lips. Reviewers say it's even withstood eating and drinking (truly sorcery).
Promising reviews: "Perfect lipstick. I love the velvet-ness of this lipstick, it keeps my lips moisturized and doesn’t stain anything when I’m eating or drinking. This is a must have, I’ll buy more." —Mia M.
"I love this matte liquid lipstick! It’s not drying on my lips at all and it’s comfortable to wear. It’s so lightweight that I can’t even feel it on my lips but it packs a powerful pigmented color." —Steffi O.
Get it from Fenty Beauty or Sephora for $29 (available in five shades).
15. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil that'll be your face's BFF while you get your beauty sleep, working all night long to reduce the appearance of redness and fine lines as well as plump skin, leaving it soft as a baby's bottom come morning.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman says, "I can 100% swear by this bad boy. I like to apply one drop on each cheek and my forehead, massage it into the skin, and then go to bed. (It is blue and could potentially stain your white pillowcase if you're a side or stomach sleeper, so just a heads up!) The next morning my skin is literally glowing and so soft that I can't stop touching it. Some people complain about the smell, which is a bit herbal (blame the blue tansy), but it's mild enough that it doesn't bother me and I can't smell it once I've applied it."
Promising review: "I have battled acne and oily skin for 15+ years. I was always so worried about having any lotion or oil on my skin due to the skin issues, but then my skin would get so dry in the winter. I got a sample size from Sephora and it has been so 'skin-changing' for me! It doesn't bother my skin or make more acne. In the winter, I would wake up with dry red skin on my forehead and cheeks. I don't anymore because of this product. I also believe it has helped with the appearance of scars and marks from the years of acne. It is expensive, but I am a firm believer in this product." —adobr345
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $55+ (available in two sizes).
16. And another nighttime holy grail: IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep night cream, which is fittingly named because you can count on waking up with visibly softer, hydrated-looking skin in the morning. Over time, it can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and firm your skin. And no need to worry about your pillowcases, as this is designed to *not* transfer onto your pillow as you sleep!
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Daniel Boan says, "If my apartment was on fire and I could only grab a few items, this might be one of them. I've been telling literally anybody who will listen about this magical night cream — it's that good. It has just enough salicylic and lactic acid to exfoliate, but is soft and hydrating enough that it never irritates my ridiculously sensitive skin. Plus, it has a bouncy texture that feels super luxurious and the lavender scent is perfect for right before bed. If you've been wanting to experiment with chemical exfoliants but are nervous they'll be too harsh for your skin — this is the perfect way to start."
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $64+ (available in three sizes, including a mini size for $24).
17. Or Peach & Lily Overnight Star night cream that feels like a luxurious spa treatment in a bottle and boasts visible results in just one (1) night! It deeply hydrates and restores your skin with antioxidant-rich ingredients like acai berry and black ginseng extracts. In the morning, your skin is left feeling soft, bright, and supple — talk about waking up on the right side of the bed.
Peach & Lily is a Korean-woman-owned small business that creates K-beauty-inspired skincare free of harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol, parabens, or sulfates.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Nusrat Sultana says, "I love using it every night in lieu of my regular moisturizer because I just love how my skin drinks it in and the way I wake up with smooth, bright skin the next morning."
Promising review: "Its name speaks for itself. After using this mask for almost two weeks, I have not woken up with a pimple, which was kind of shocking to me because I break out very easily due to my combination skin type. This moisturizer literally protects me from getting pimples. My skin also feels very bouncy and moisturized the next morning when I wake up. Consistency is thick and feels a bit oily when applying at night but it sinks into skin and your skin is the smoothest next morning. Would 100% recommend to anyone regardless of their skin type cause I feel like it would work for anyone because of its wonderful ingredient list and formulation." —Mariam
Get it from Ulta or direct from Peach & Lily for $45.
18. Plus! Laneige's popular Lip Sleeping Mask to nourish your lips overnight, because they deserve a little TLC too! Its secret: moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C- and antioxidant-rich Berry Mix Complex.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Christine Forbes says, "This product introduced me to the world of non-drugstore lip balms. I low-key used it for the smell alone. Plus it left my lips incredibly supple. You can't go wrong with this; it makes an excellent gift."
Promising review: "When I first heard about this lip mask, I thought it was just glorified Vaseline. No, it is wonderful and keeps my lips smooth and crust free. Just put on a generous amount before bed, and when you wake up your lips feel so soft. Sometimes I use a smaller amount before I put on my lipstick. There is a subtle watermelon sent, not over powering, and this I get a lot of use out of this. Definitely worth the price and I will be getting this again." —Shannon Hendrix
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in five flavors and a limited-edition set).
19. A NanoSteamer three-in-one facial steamer that'll help unclog and open up your pores, PLUS it can help with sinus congestion and make you feel way more relaxed. No self-care day or skincare ritual is complete without it, TBH.
The NanoSteamer comes with a five-piece blemish and blackhead extractor kit in addition to the facial steamer to help you really get all the dirt that's stuck in your pores. Oh — and the facial steamer doubles as a humidifier and a towel warmer, too!
Promising review: "It takes only seconds to produce steam and I can do it wherever I choose (not just the kitchen table like with the pot of boiling water). My favorite things to do after steaming are mud masks or sheet masks. They work 10 times better after steaming than alone...Aside from skincare, it is great for head colds and stuffy noses. I keep a second one reserved as the family 'de-stuffer.'" —Laura
Get it from Amazon for $39.95.
20. A simple but *highly* effective Stila color-correcting palette in case you're interested in covering dark circles, redness, or sallowness in your skin tone. This handy lil' palette might become a new staple, with five sheer (but buildable) color-correcting creams and two translucent finishing powders designed to address all sorts of skin tone imperfections.
The palette includes these five creams: peach to neutralize blue/purple under-eye circles on fair/medium skin; pink to brighten the eye area and mask fatigue; green to neutralize red from rosacea, acne, sunburn, and more; yellow to neutralize purple/brown from hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and orange to neutralize purple/blue under-eye circles on darker skin.
It also includes these two powders: yellow to neutralize purple/brown and help set any of the above color-correcting creams, or to use all over to even out skin tone; and lavender to neutralize yellow, set the pink cream, or use all over to brighten sallow/yellow skin.
Promising review: "Though a little pricey, I think this will be a new staple for me. I don't often wear makeup and I don't even wear a full face anymore, mostly concealer, mascara, and bronzer/blush. I have deep and dark genetic under eyes that get very red and dry during allergy season. This palette is pretty tacky so you can build it up even on top of thick moisturizer, and it doesn't look too cakey when covered with concealer. I have very sensitive skin and have not had any reactions to this. Just get it! You'll use it." —Jessica Medrzycki
Get it from Amazon for $45.
21. A Dermablend loose setting powder to ensure that whatever makeup you *do* apply stays put and doesn't melt off your face by noon, because there's nothing worse than having to touch up your makeup constantly when you have approximately 132,786 other things to do. You can even use it on its own to reduce shine if you have oily skin!
Promising review: "I used Elf setting powder for the longest time because I didn’t want to commit to a higher-priced product. My makeup started creasing around my nose, I think due to becoming oily in my T-zone. Bought the travel size of this to try out and it was amazing the difference! I assumed it was creasing because of my concealer, but this setting powder really helped. I also noticed that I did not have to touch up oily/ shiny areas throughout the day like I did my old powder. This powder can be slightly drying in other areas (I have combination skin), but I combated that by moisturizing more on my cheeks. Definitely worth the cost!!" —Emily L
Get the original translucent shade from Amazon for $32 (also available in a travel size for $12, and in three other shades).
22. Moon Juice Plump Jelly serum if you're constantly looking ways to feed your parched skin the deep moisture it constantly craves. This hyaluronic acid serum also contains reishi and silver ear mushroom, ingredients whose mega powers ~combine~ to lock in moisture, protect against stressors, and leave skin buttery smooth, soft, and plump with a healthy glow.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "If my nearly empty second bottle doesn't say it enough, this Plump Jelly is liquid gold! My skin always feels soooo soft after applying it and with continuous use, is definitely more ~plump~ and bouncier, too. As someone with combination skin, this serum has helped control both my oily zones and my dry areas — keeping my entire face juicy and hydrated. 💦 This is my go-to — one pump every day, twice a day — after cleansing my face and it's really helped my skin for the better! Trust me, this is splurge-worthy for sure."
Promising review: "Love this serum, not only for helping to hydrate my skin but also helps to calm and remove the eczema around my eyes. I used this all over my face between my first serum and moisturizer. One pump goes a long way." —smilestraightup
Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or straight from Moon Juice for $58.
23. Gisou honey-infused hair oil to deliver the TLC your dry, frizzy, lifeless strands absolutely deserve. It has coconut and almond oils to condition, strengthen, and smooth hair while taming frizz and adding shine — and then there's honey, a natural humectant that'll help retain all that moisture to make your hair feel healthier with every use.
This hair oil works moisturizing wonders for nearly every hair type (from thick and curly to thin and damaged). Check out the reviews below!
Promising reviews: "Worth the splurge! I have been using Moroccan Oil for many years, but decided to give this a try since I have heard such great things, and let me tell you — this lives up to the hype! Not only does this oil make your hair soft, smooth, and smell amazing but the packaging is on point. Like any oil, a little goes a long way so this bottle will last for a while. Highly recommend trying this out!" —Kelseylynne1
"Perfect for curls! I was a bit skeptical about this hair oil because I have never found an oil that works for my fine 3A curls, but this is the best hair oil on the market! It hydrates the hair and leaves it shiny but not weighed down nor greasy. Plus the smell is to die for. I wish I had tried this oil sooner!" —Louiebylizzie
"Thumbs up for fine thin hair. I have fine, thin hair and I really like this oil. I don’t use much, one drop is plenty for me... This is the first and only oil I’ve used that gives my hair beautiful SHINE without weighing it down, just soft bouncy shiny healthy hair...I’ve tried tons of hair oils over the years and this one is my favorite." —Lernzy
"Not so oily which helps a lot especially with my 4c hair. Smells really good …and improves shine for long hours." —oasare
Get it from Sephora for $46+ (available in three sizes, including a mini size for $25).
24. Laura Gellar Spackle primer in a glowy shade that'll provide the most beautiful base for your makeup — or skip the foundation entirely and wear this lightweight, non-greasy formula on its own for a subtle but literal glow-up.
Promising reviews: "I don't spend much on makeup. I refuse to buy name-brand cosmetics because I haven't noticed a difference between low- and high-end products. I read that this primer covers textured face and works on dry skin. I have SUPER dry skin and haven't found a primer that smoothed out my large textured pore ridden cheeks and chin. THIS DID IT!!! I had to write a review. I am truly impressed with this product and highly recommend. Worth the money." —Maria
"Love the glow! It is all I use on my face in the summer when I don’t want to wear makeup in the heat! Moisturizing but not greasy and gives a nice shimmery, youthful look to my skin. (I turned 40 recently; major bonus to have shimmer that doesn’t accentuate wrinkles!) Tube has lasted me months and I use at least two-three pumps every single day!" —Andrea
Get it from Amazon for $20.90+ (available in five styles and a jumbo size).
25. Too Faced Born This Way concealer, a lightweight, full-coverage formula that conceals, contours, highlights, *and* retouches all at the same time. It'll significantly cut down on the time spent getting your base ready — because you could skip foundation and just use this, if you wanted.
Check it out in this TikTok where the creator demonstrates a five-minute makeup routine using it.
Promising review: "I am lazy when it comes to makeup. I don't wear a lot of makeup and hate foundation. I like products that require little effort. Not only does this concealer do an amazing job of coverage under my eyes and on my red cheeks, but also a little goes a long way. For someone like me who doesn't wear a lot of makeup, a small amount provides an impressive amount of coverage." —snw17
Get it from Sephora or Ulta for $34 (available in 30 shades, and in a mini size for $16).
26. Or a lightweight Pür four-in-one mineral makeup that'll be your foundation, concealer, and finishing powder, with SPF 15 to boot. With all these steps covered with just one product, achieving that full-coverage look when you're honestly ~tired~ becomes way more achievable.
Its mineral formula is designed to not settle into fine lines and wrinkles — and reviewers over 50 back that up!
Just a reminder: The ADA recommends choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, so this wouldn't be sufficient *on its own* for daily coverage! (And check out more sunscreen myths and facts, according to derms we talked to!)
Promising review: "I rarely like a makeup product so much that I leave a review for it, especially when it comes to foundation-type products. I've tried so many, especially these mineral powder types. This is the first one I've found that blends easily, looks natural, and doesn't set into wrinkles or make skin look dry. Covers redness well, blurs on my freckles :) I am on the go in very hot environment in my job all day as facility manager of the eighth largest building in the world. This stuff can keep up with me! Only negative is that I seem to go through it pretty quickly, and wish it was a little less expensive. Some personal details that may help: I have dryish, fair skin, 50 years young :-) and to live in very humid climate." —Onceupon
Get it from Amazon for $29.50 (available in 25 shades).
27. INH Hair's curled Molly Pony for achieving the tall, Ariana Grande-esque ponytail of your dreams. It clips right into your ponytail to instantly add length, volume, *and* effortless curls that look like you spent hours styling. Psst — if you prefer a straight pony, the Miya Pony is the noncurly version!
The ponytails are made out of vegan synthetic fiber from Japan. Molly is 22 inches long and Miya is 26 inches. Make sure to read their tips on detangling and care in the Care section!
INH Hair is a woman-owned small biz based in Los Angeles. They aim to get you the best quality and trendiest styles and boost your confidence.
Promising review (for Molly): "Love it. I wore this out and felt like a complete baddie. The hairs are so soft and pleasing to touch. The color is absolutely beautiful too." —Natasha I.
Get them from INH Hair for $50.15: Molly here and Miya here (originally $59; both available in a variety of colors).
28. Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly, because it makes the impossible *possible* for those of us who can't stand a sticky gloss but want our lips to look shiny and ~juicy~ at the same time. This bb uses apricot kernel, raspberry seed, and rosehip oils to soothe, protect, and nurture your lips — without your hair getting stuck to them approximately every five seconds.
See it used in a makeup look with other Tower 28 products on TikTok, plus an unboxing and application of the lip jelly in the sheer pink shade XOXO.
Tower 28 is a Asian woman-owned small clean beauty brand that makes skincare, plus makeup that acts like skincare. Their products are nontoxic, non-irritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so sensitive skin can breathe a little easier.
Promising review: "Okay I’m SO OBSESSED with this gloss. I’ve been having chapped lips from the winter weather and this gloss is ultra moisturizing, feels weightless on my lips, and is so glowy. Cashew is such a pretty color." —Dani1113
Get it from Sephora or direct from Tower 28, both for $16 (available in 13 shades and finishes).
29. Glossier Lash Slick — it might trick people into thinking you're wearing falsies, and that's A-OK. It's water-resistant — enough to resist smudging and flaking, but still easy to remove at the end of the day without harsh rubbing. It's buildable (without clumping) so you can achieve the exact level of ~drama~ you're going for with your makeup look.
See it used in one TikToker's 3-step makeup routine (along with two other Glossier cult faves, Boy Brow and Cloud Paint).
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor AnaMaria Glavan says, "If you’ve ever wanted lash extensions but didn’t want the hassle associated with them, you will fall unconditionally and irrevocably in love with the Glossier Lash Slick. (That’s a Twilight reference, don’t h8.) I admit that I didn’t think I would like it — I’m not an eyeliner gal (I lack the patience required) and rely heavily on blush and mascara to make me look half awake, so I usually prefer formulas that add a crap ton of drama. But this! This is so surprisingly good! It doesn’t flake, doesn’t clump, lengthens a ton, and looks *extremely* natural. It’s also incredibly easy to remove! My regular face wash is able to take off every last speck, no intense rubbing required. It’s also very buildable, so I can add on multiple swipes to give my look some extra oomph if I wanted to… and it still doesn’t look clumpy or smudge. This is my holy grail eye product."
Get it from Glossier for $18 (available in black or brown).
30. A Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, aka what you find in the dictionary underneath the word "splurge-worthy." It comes with everything you need (including six magnetic attachments and accessories) to dry hair *super* fast without causing heat damage.
Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Christine Forbes says, "As a person with Afro-textured hair, heat is sometimes needed to prep my hair for braided styles. So I needed a blow-dryer that could stretch my hair without compromising the integrity of my texture. I heard great things about this dryer, but the price is steep. Why should I spend almost $400 on a blow-dryer that may not work for my coily, type 4 hair?
"I asked master stylist Jon Reyman the same thing. For context, Reyman is probably the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to hair. He loves this blow-dryer because the heat sensor monitors 40 times per second to make sure the temperature never exceeds what is safe for your hair. Generally, I can smell my hair burning to a crisp when it's being blow-dried well. Shockingly, this blow-dryer gave me better results — without frying my hair. What's even more impressive is that the motor spins at 110,000 revolutions per minute. That's over five times faster than the standard blow-dryer. As a curly girl, I really love pairing the wide-tooth comb attachment with this blow-dryer. It distributes heat evenly through every strand. Did I mention Dyson's blow-dryer and flat iron have kept my hair straight for a week without compromising its elasticity or plasticity? The Supersonic is definitely a splurge item, but the science behind the hype is solid."
Promising review: "If you have natural 4C hair and are debating whether to get this or the Airwrap: Get this, skip the Airwrap. This also has a great diffuser for wash-and-go. The comb attachment is the truth." —Newbae
Get it from Sephora for $429.
31. A potent glycolic acid peel designed to soften skin, improve texture, even out skin tone, improve hydration, and reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and start slowly to avoid irritation, as the retinol in this product can make your skin more sensitive.
Promising reviews: "Perfect remedy for an ultra dry-rough complexion. My face went from sandpaper rough to baby-bottom soft after just one application! And mine is a 70-year old face!!!!!" —gmb
"Made my skin baby soft! This peel is amazing!! I had a random break out of closed comedones/ acne and felt like it lasted forever. I went as far as going on Retin-A, and boy did that break me out! Once all the pimples surfaced, I was left with horrible scars all over my cheeks, so I purchased this peel in hopes that they would disappear. I'm already on my sixth use, and my skin is beautiful! I still have scarring but the color is light pink instead of harsh red. My skin is so smooth and bright, and almost all one color finally!" —Jasmin Taheri
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
32. Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment to tackle redness head-on, going on as a green cream that blends to match your skin tone, neutralizing redness in minutes. One BuzzFeed editor says she uses it daily as a moisturizer under foundation; others even use it as a CC cream. Thankfully, it has SPF 30 as well!
Note: Some reviewers mention this doesn't seem to blend as well on darker skin. Another color-corrector to try for darker complexions: Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra-Wear Camouflage Color Corrector in Orange/Red.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I use this every single day and to demonstrate just how well it works, I put it on half of my face in the pic [above]. Seriously, the color-canceling prowess is impressive. Also it took me nearly a year to go through the full-size jar. So if the price has you feeling iffy, you can try out the mini size. Seriously, I'm forever indebted to this stuff."
Promising review: "I have rosacea on both my cheeks and a bit on chin and also have a couple of acne spots on my chin as well and I’ve tried so many foundations to cover up my cheeks and no matter how full coverage my cheeks will still show through. So I decided to try this and I love it!!!! I use this after primer and moisturizer and then use a foundation (because I fake tan and my face is paler than my body) and my skin looks amazing!!! I’m so impressed! I love makeup but I could never really use a lot of face products because I was embarrassed. Definitely recommend if you have rosacea and want to wear full coverage foundation or even as a BB cream." —elyse1518
Get it from Sephora for $52 (also available in a mini size for $21).
33. Hyper Skin's brightening vitamin C serum designed for folks with hyperpigmentation, targeting dark spots with a powerful mix of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and kojic acid to even out your skin tone, trap moisture, and leave you looking bright and dewy.
Its anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and salicylic acid can also help if you experience breakouts! And FYI, Hyper Skin is a Black woman-owned small business.
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel says, "This is a new product for me, and I'm already hooked! I love a good vitamin C serum and this is one of the best I've tried. It doesn't have the off-putting smell that some serums have and it doesn't feel tacky when it dries. It layers flawlessly under any moisturizer I've used and I can already tell it's working on getting my complexion nice and smooth after I took a long break from using any skincare at all."
Promising review: "I have had hormonal acne and scarring my entire adult life and have had enough. After a dermatologist helped stop my breakouts that had 'permanently' taken over my cheeks, jawline and under neck, I noticed there was So Much Scarring and hyperpigmentation leftover from years of skin abuse and neglect. So I did my homework, found Hyper Skin, waited for a restock, then BOOM. In the first 30 days, my 'stubborn' dark patches were, just, gone. And after using it for two months, it's brought a dewiness to my complexion, continued to lighten scars, and I honestly have never had better skin in my entire adult life. To be clear (pun intended): This serum did better work than a $400 chemical peel I had tried previously. Worth The Wait." —Kathryn C.
Get it from Sephora or direct from Hyper Skin for $58 (also available in a mini size for $36).
34. A rechargeable Finishing Touch electric razor made to give you such a smooth and flawless shave, you won't be able to stop running your hands up and down your legs. Compared to regular razors, there's no risk of accidental nicks or irritation, and it even has a built-in light so you never miss a spot.
It features 18K gold plated heads to contour every curve on your leg. Reviewers with disabilities or injuries also say it makes it way easier to get the job done!
BTW, this is solely for use on legs, do NOT use under your arms!
Promising review: "LOVE IT! This is now my favorite hair remover. It's so easy and comfortable to use, leaving my legs soft and smooth from top to bottom. There was no discomfort or irritation at all. Smoothly gliding around/over ankles, back of the knees, and blind curves. I have found using this is actually a relaxing experience." —Jez
Get it from Amazon for $49.88.
Psst — BuzzFeed Shopping editor Samantha Wieder is also a huge fan of the Finishing Touch eyebrow hair remover, and they make a tool for general facial hair removal too!
35. 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: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE. I have every skin issue you can think of. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. It has seriously changed my life!" —hc
Get it from Amazon for $34 (also available in a travel size for $13 and in a set with both sizes).
36. 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!
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.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I have had hormonal, cystic acne since adolescence and still deal with painful hormonal acne, plus skin that's somehow dry *and* oily. On top of that, my skin has somehow become more sensitive with every passing year so I'm very careful about what I put on my face. I was initially skeptical that an oil of all things would help my skin, but I LOVE this thing. It is somehow so lightweight while feeling truly nourishing. My breakouts have cleared up since starting this product, and my skin is less oily and more even, like the oil has been balanced out. I've been looking everywhere for a skincare product with black cumin seed oil (a v underrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil that helps fade pigmentation and is gentle enough to calm even eczema), so I was delighted that it was a main ingredient in this. I am so glad I gave this a shot and will definitely be buying another when I run out. Also, can I just say the product's push-down (instead of squeezing) dropper packaging is ingenious?!"
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or direct from Blume for $28 (also available in a larger size for $48 at Blume).
37. Sheer acne healing dots that'll be worth every penny and more when that pesky, uninvited zit pops up the day of an important occasion. Because they're sheer, you can put makeup on top and they'll be basically undetectable — and underneath, they'll keep the blemish clean *and* actively help to heal it using salicylic acid. Honestly, where were these when I was in junior high??
38. Rare Beauty's viral, bestselling liquid blush, which makes giving yourself a natural, dewy flush the easiest thing ever: Just add a dot or two on each side of your cheeks, then blend. Nicki was right when she said, "Gotta keep an eye out for Selener" — because this blush is taking the makeup world by storm.
This Latine-owned business (from founder Selena Gomez) was launched in 2020 with the goal of helping people celebrate their individuality and their own beauty, nixing the world's impossible beauty standards in the process. And BTW, all Rare Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free!
Check out just how effective it is on TikTok, where one creator shows a demo how far just one (!) dot of this on your cheek goes.
Promising review: "I hope this never gets discontinued because it will take me forever to go through the bottle, but I love it. The color LOVE is so perfect, and I imagine will be great on so many skin tones. So pigmented. Honestly really fun to use. It seems overwhelming and like a lot of pigment, but it blends so well. TikTok make me buy it, and I definitely don’t regret it and will probably end up buying other colors." —AlexaX
Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in 11 shades and matte or radiant finishes).
39. A Foreo Luna Mini 2 that'll remove makeup, deeply cleanse, and massage your face all at the same time, leaving your skin soft and smooth (ready for all those serums and moisturizers) afterward. It's basically an at-home facial, and just think about how much *those* cost.
Promising review: "This product is well worth the money!! It has offered me the deepest facial cleansing I have ever experienced. My face is always much smoother and tighter after using it. I have been using it in the morning once a day for the past month and my pores are smaller than ever before. Additionally, it has reduced the redness of my skin tremendously. Anytime I have a breakout, after about two washes with this cleanser the blemishes are completely gone. However, I must note that since using it I no longer have serious breakouts!! I am so glad I found this product. I recommend it to all my friends and family trying to improve their skincare routines." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $83+ (available in five colors).
Read our full Foreo Luna Mini 2 review for more deets!
40. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this eye cream. I was looking for an eye cream and saw the video on TikTok and decided to give it a try. I have been using for a couple months and already can see a difference. A little goes a long way. I put a small amount on my finger and tap around my entire eye and then any extra I put on the back of my hand to help smooth my skin there. Definitely worth the money!" —SLRottweiler
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (also available in two smaller sizes for $14.99+).
41. Nuud Anti-Odorant capable of preventing funky armpit smells despite being 100% natural — no aluminum, fragrances, alcohol, chemicals, or any of those other toxic ingredients usually found in deodorants and antiperspirants. It sounds too good to be true, but the results say otherwise!
For some background, Nuud is a small business based in the Netherlands committed to creating fresh armpits worldwide! Their anti-odorant is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably made.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Taylor Steele says, "I've been using Nuud for a few months now, and it's truly unbelievable. I didn't think this could really solve my smelly pit problem. But, honey, it did. And no matter how many times I read about how it works, it feels like magic. Because in one month alone, I probably only had to apply it five times. I don't know how I was using aluminum-filled, funky-making deodorant all this time instead of Nuud. The only bit I kinda understand is that it works by neutralizing bacteria instead of masking it (which is what regular deodorants do), so there's just no odor at all. Even post-workout, there's not even a whiff of stink. I can't recommend this enough! And no, I will never ever go back to any other deodorant. Did I mention that it's vegan, comes in a bioplastic container, and is shipped in a biodegradable box? Yeah, Nuud gets it."
Promising review: "I have been using Nuud for over a year now, and WOW. I am a convert for life. The fact that I can apply deodorant a few times a week is a game-changer. I typically only need to apply every three days or so, but if I have a big event or reason to be cautious, I can always apply that morning and know I am good! I love that it does not have any pesky fragrances (I am super sensitive to fake fragrance), and I applaud Nuud's eco-conscious packaging (including shipping materials). Not to mention the amount of deodorant sticks I am NOT using by only needing a tiny lil' sugarcane tube every month or two. I am a true believer!" —Nolan Rains
Get the starter pack from Nuud for $15.95.
42. The Ilia Multi-Stick, a multi-use makeup product TikTokers and celebs alike swear by — not only for its versatility but also for how natural and buildable it is. Swipe this on your cheeks and lips, then blend with your fingers and watch your skin come to ✨ life ✨. On days when you can't be bothered, this might just be all you need.
It's made with vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably sourced ingredients including nourishing shea butter, softening avocado oil, and protective yet breathable orange peel wax.
Promising review: "I have been lazy with my makeup routine as of lately, so having a multi-stick and not having to whip out a brush and brush has been so helpful. I like how I can just swipe this on my cheeks and rub in with my fingertips. It gives a beautiful flush to the cheek area. This product has no smell that I can tell, which I am happy for. I love that this product is clean and I can feel good about using it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful and well-made product that is not only good for the world, but good for the face." —Brittany0890
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $36 (available in 10 shades).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.