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 tub of brightening, firming, and rejuvenating eye cream so you at least look like you got some sleep (even if you were up until 2 a.m. scrolling through Instagram).
Promising review: "This eye cream is the real deal. I’m in my early thirties, but I smile and laugh a lot and it was starting to show on my face. I had read reviews of people just using this as an all over face cream and that is what I did. I’ve had fantastic results — lines around my eyes have diminished hugely, even my husband noticed. I had been using Philosophy’s Miracle in a Jar but haven’t even been tempted to go back since this wonderful potion in a pump bottle came into my life." —Nicole D.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
2. A box of pore-tightening, skin-lifting face masks that'll truly terrify you, first because you'll look like a zombie once you've applied it, and second because it's so darn effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Promising review: "I wasn't a fan of this mask when I first tried it (I found it a little irritating and it didn't seem to make much of a difference). Then I used it multiple times a week, and I noticed a huge difference. My friends and family noticed it, too. My skin has a more even tone, the wrinkles around my eyes aren't as noticeable, and it really eliminated clogged pores and breakouts. I've never tried Hanacure, but I think this mask is great." —SpruceMoose
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $18.
3. A bottle of rosehip oil if your skin has lost its glow. Its antioxidants and fatty acids may help brighten dark spots and restore your skin's plumpness. Use it on your face, nails, and body for scrumdiddlyumptious results.
Promising review: "This oil is amazing!! It has evened out my skin tone, balanced my oily and dry patches, and cleared up blemishes all in only two weeks of use. This is the best my skin has ever looked. Everyone needs to use this oil!!! This has made such a difference with my skin that friends and coworkers are even noticing. I lather it on generously every night, and again in the morning. The oil does have an orange color but once it is absorbed into the skin you can't notice. My only complaint is that it has left a little orange stain behind on my pillow cases. But if that is what it takes for me to have beautiful skin, I can deal with it!" —Alyssa
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
4. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub because consistently exfoliating is just good skincare 101. A combo of sea kelp, lemon peel, French green clay, and Madonna lily can slough away the dry, flaky dead skin cells and de-gunk your pores to help reduce breakouts.
Promising review: "I am always very skeptical of product claims, but this scrub makes a noticeable and wonderful difference — my boyfriend even commented 'Gee, you look good!' It smells fresh and lovely, feels good going on, and somehow feels healthier. And it makes my skin look its best and reduced rosacea more than medicines did! Maybe there are better products out there but for me this is a keeper." —Dr. Suzo
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
5. Differin, a once daily topical retinoid for acne that hasn't responded to any other treatments. It contains adapalene, a retinoid that unclogs pores and speeds cell turnover so acne doesn't even have a chance to form.
I use Differin and it's great but I must warn you: it is strong. Unfortunately, I wrecked my skin the first few weeks after buying it because I applied it way too often and paired it with chemical exfoliators and a really drying face wash. Once I cut back my application to one to two times per week and switched to gentler cleansers, my skin flourished. The annoying bumps on my forehead (the ones that aren't acne but are literally just tiny little bumps) disappeared over time, my temples stopped breaking out, and my acne scars lightened. If you're dipping your toes in the Differin pool, it's not a bad idea to check with your dermatologist before starting!
Promising review: "I've used this product about two months now and not only does my skin rarely have breakouts, but also other people are telling me how smooth and good my skin looks. I've always had moderate adult acne and I cannot recommend this product enough. It's not a quick-acting gel; it takes weeks to see results but it's worth it!" —Leann M Smith
Get it from Amazon for $13.47.
6. A vegan exfoliating body scrub to slough away the rough bumps on the back of your arms and legs (keratosis pilaris is its name but you may have heard it called "strawberry skin" or "chicken skin") with a combination of powerful alpha-hydroxy acids.
Promising review: "I started using this product and my sister told me that she saw the difference it made on my arms from the keratosis pilaris! I see myself everyday and doubted that it had made a difference but when someone points it out, it makes it clear and feels for comforting knowing you didn’t waste money LOL!" —denise.m.l
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).
7. A versatile pore cleaning clay mask so you can spoil your skin. This effective face mask empties your pores, brightens dark spots, and excels as a hair mask (esp. if you have natural hair) and foot soak. Reviewers recommend mixing it with ACV (if you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip this step).
Promising review: "This product is awesome!! Makes my skin look glowy and healthy. I have combo skin. This has helped my skin look more alive and helped my breakouts. My husband even noticed a difference." —Magali Pita
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Check out our Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay deep dive for more satisfying before and afters.
8. A cruelty free vitamin C serum that'll give your skin a much-needed pick-me-up. Just listen to the 56,000+ people who gave it a 5-star review: this stuff brightens, softens, and dramatically fades hyperpigmentation.
Promising review: "This is the first serum I've ever used, and I have noticed a significant change in my skin. I suffer from breakouts usually every day or so, and since using this serum every night my breakouts have pretty much gone away completely, and my scars are fading! I thought at first I was just tricking myself into believing it worked just because I wanted to see results but other people noticed as well and pointed it out to me! I will definitely be purchasing again!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $28.79.
9. A powerful snail repair cream if you're looking for a do-it-all miracle in a bottle. This product will help brighten dull skin, fade discoloration, add plumpness. Snail mucin extract is a popular ingredient in K-beauty products and is rich in hyaluronic acid (hydrates) and glycolic acid (stimulates collagen production).
Promising review: "If I could take a bath in this I would. At 7 days, I noticed my skin was plump. At 14 days, I noticed my skin was fresh and makeup went on better. At 21 days, I started to receive compliments from others. My boyfriend said my skin was so smooth. That was enough for me to say I love this product. Thank you for this great product." —Aimee Weldon
Get it from Amazon for $20.
10. A yummy body scrub because all the lingering dead skin cells are preventing your body from properly absorbing your moisturizer. Not only will this Dead Sea salt scrub help unclog pores and prevent ingrown hairs, but it'll also leave your skin feeling buttery smooth and smelling mouthwateringly delicious.
Promising review: "The texture of this scrub is fabulous; its grainy salt and minerals are perfect for lightly scrubbing away dead dull skin to reveal the new polished skin while the lightweight subtle scented oils in the scrub nourish and soften!! I love using this scrub from neck all the way to my toes! It is the perfect body scrub for the warmer months ahead, it keeps my skin looking fantastic and gives it great moisture without having to slather on heavy lotions that make me sweat in the summer heat! Even my husband noticed a difference in the feel of my skin 😉 he loved how soft and smooth I felt!! Plus the scent is very light and yummy!" —Ardena
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 10 scents).
11. A pack of 24-karat gold collagen eye masks for fooling everyone into thinking you got eight restful hours of sleep — These gold eye masks are rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid that bring back much-needed moisture and elasticity.
Promising review: "This is the first time I have tried anything like this. I just had cataract surgery that eliminated my need for glasses (which I have worn for 60 years). As one might guess, the absence of glasses uncovered dark circles and bags under my eyes, which are now very pronounced. I purchased this product and used it a few times (so far) and my housemates tell me they can see a marked improvement, as do I! I would certainly buy these again." —Cathi
Get 20 pairs from Amazon for $13.47.
12. An exfoliating water gel to loosen the dead skin on your face, because finding a chemical exfoliant that works can be tricky. Good thing we've done the hard work for you! Seriously, you'll be able to see little "beads" of dirt, debris, and dead skin go down the drain.
Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I have been using it for two weeks now and can see and feel the difference! The first time I used it my skin felt baby soft, even my husband noticed. It also helps get rid of blackheads. It really has cleared up my face in a short amount of time. After using this I like to moisturize with some coconut oil to get extra soft skin.The bottle is also a good size so I feel I will get a lot of use out of it. Last I will add my skin is overly sensitive and this product does not irritate it." —Bianca
Get it from Amazon for $39.
13. A soothing multipurpose oil blend so you can lock in moisture instead of using approximately 50 million products that say they hydrate your skin...and then don't. Its gentle formula won't irritate rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, but it will help you say goodbye to dry skin and frizzy hair.
Promising review: "This oil is amazing. I've been using it daily on my hair, face, nails, pretty much everywhere. I love the blend, the aroma, and the way it makes my skin feel. I've told everyone about it! My friends have noticed my face is really healthy and plump. I used to have redness and blotchy cheeks and it has gone away. I also use rose water on my face as a toner after I clean my face with oregano bar soap and the apply this oil on my face. That's my daily routine day and night and it's doing wonders for me! I could go on and on but I think you get the point! It's great so make sure to get a bottle or two!" —Vanessa
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
14. A Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant that'll resurface the skin, brighten hyperpigmentation and acne scars, clear pores, and improve skin texture. If you're just dipping your toes in the chemical exfoliant pool (first of all, welcome!!), start by applying this every other day or a few times a week to build up a tolerance and not irritate your skin.
Promising review: "Love this product. Have already purchased it twice. I could actually see improvement in the size of my pores, redness around my nose and dullness. Mind you, I do follow a very strict skincare routine, but I think that I will stick to this product for a while. I use a cleaner, toner, then this Paula product, followed by my nighttime serum and my vitamin A (retinol) cream for face and the neck, and décolletage cream as well. My husband has noticed the improvement as well. If you are hesitant, you can always try buying the traveling size bottle as well. That's what I did and then I got hooked. Get it! It won't disappoint!" —Felicitas Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
15. A luxurious oil-based cleansing balm if you're looking for a new makeup remover that actually loosens waterproof mascara or are just starting your double cleaning routine. A major benefit of oil-based cleansers is that they attract the oils and debris already on your skin but are uber gentle and won't leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. (And because it needs to be said — you absolutely can use an oil-based cleanser if you have oily skin.)
I started double cleansing during quarantine because maskne and just generally being stressed — gestures at the world — was wreaking havoc on my skin. It was actually a former coworker, Nusrat (that's her above!), who convinced me to try the Banila Co's fan-favorite cleansing balm (check out her Banila Co Clean It Zero balm review for her full thoughts). Frustrated that my skin was breaking out, I blasted it with drying acne-fighting cleansers and harsh acid exfoliators. While my breakouts were marginally better, my skin became dry and ultra sensitive. So! I hit pause on my skincare routine (because obviously it wasn't working) and switched to gentle cleansers — including this one. It's the first step in my skincare routine and it feels super luxurious at the end of the day. I don't typically wear makeup because I work from home, but it's an excellent makeup remover when I *do* wear foundation or BB creams. It even lifts my waterproof mascara, which I pack on because I have stick straight Asian lashes. I've seen the frequency of my breakouts decrease (even though I wear my mask more now, thanks a lot Delta variant) and I wouldn't consider my skin sensitive anymore. This product is truly a winner in my book!
Promising review: "This product really is the best cleanser. Everyone noticed how cleared is my skin." —Maribel Chama
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in five formulas).
16. An alcohol-free Thayers toning mist you'll look forward to using because it's so freaking quick. It's anti-inflammatory, meaning you may be able to kiss your redness goodbye. Plus, it's an astringent meaning it helps tighten your pores and dries up excess oils.
Promising review: "LOVE this product! It actually does even out my skin tone. After it using it for a few weeks, so many people told me my skin looked better. I was skeptical, but it works wonderfully." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.95.
17. A CeraVe hydrating cleanser for folks with dry skin who don't want to faff around with a million different products.
Promising review: "I have really dry skin and usually face washes dry out my skin to the point where it gets a bit flakey. I haven't been using this cleanser for that long, but my boyfriend has noticed my face getting clearer of acne. I would recommend this product." —brianna
Get it from Amazon for $14.57.
18. A powerful benzoyl peroxide body wash to tackle buttne, backne, and cystic breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that targets the bacteria on your skin that causes acne and also helps clear out your pores.
Promising review: "In college I was having a hard time finding a product to calm my skin down. I didn't have serious acne, but definitely struggled with texture and random breakouts on my chin and cheeks. I gave this a try and I really did notice a difference. I like that it it a benzoyl peroxide wash yet feels calming on the skin. I also have very sensitive skin and I didn’t react to this wash at all. After a few uses I noticed a change in texture and a glow. Friends were even telling me my skin looks smooth and glowy and I have been referring them to this!" —Anita U
Get it from Amazon for $21.98+ (available in two strengths).
19. A refreshing Mario Badescu rosewater facial spray so you can refresh yourself anytime, anywhere — whether that's after a grueling workout or three hours on the couch.
Read my colleague's Mario Badescu facial spray review to learn more about why she loves it so much!
Promising review: "I've only been using this product for three days and it is absolutely amazing! My husband even noticed a change and he never notices anything LOL... Will be buying next set soon." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in two sizes and in multipacks).
20. A Neutrogena gel cream made with hyaluronic acid that'll turn your cells into moisture-attracting sponges that slurp up hydration.
21. And a hyaluronic acid serum if you want to double up on intensely hydrating skincare. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws in moisture from its surroundings. The result = plumper, softer, smoother, more hydrated skin.
Promising review: "For reference, I don't buy a lot of expensive and fancy products for my skin. I have a very simple skin routine: wash and use Amlactin as a face cream morning and night. I don't want to do anything more. However, I get a facial every couple months and asked my aesthetician, 'If I were to add one step to my routine, what would it be?' She said hyaluronic serum so I started looking for a reasonably priced, well-rated serum. This is the only one I tried and I really like it. Nothing does more for my skin than a good night's sleep but I'd say this is second in line. My aesthetician noticed a difference and asked what I was doing. I would say a bottle lasts me three months using it twice a day. I wash, put the serum on, go about my routine for a minute or two and top with Amlactin cream. Done!" —LAH
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes).
22. A cruelty-free lip balm with SPF 25 because whoever you're locking lips with will definitely notice a difference.
23. A plumping, glow-enhancing, pH-balancing K-beauty essence for rehydrating your face, and prepping your skin so it's ready to drink up all the benefits of your moisturizer.
24. An overnight mask to inject your skin with ~super collagen water~ (so fancy!) and baobab water as you sleep. The results = soothed and moisturized skin. You may even skip a full beat the next morning!
25. A multi-use skincare oil so you can say bye bye to uneven skin, stretch marks, and acne scars. It helps your body retain moisture (see ya later, dry skin!) and absorbs into the skin fast so you won't feel greasy.
Psst! Bio-Oil contains retinol, which accelerates skin turnover but can make you more sensitive to the sun — so don't forget your sunscreen!
My colleague Ciera can vouch for this stuff:
"I've been using this on a scar on my chest for the past few weeks (trying to make it less noticeable before my wedding in September!), and it's slowly but surely fading away. I apply it at night, but reviewers recommend apply it in the morning as well for best effectiveness, so I'll start doing that too. It smells really nice and it doesn't feel as oily on your skin as you might think."
Promising review: "I used different products for red stretch marks all over my legs, especially on the back of my knees, and none of them gave me the results that this one did. This oil is really lightweight and doesn't weigh you down, plus it smells really good too. My marks were gone really quickly, probably after using about a bottle and a half of this. It won't disappear overnight; you do need to keep using it for about 1–2 months but it WILL go away. My family and friends even asked me how my marks went away because they were REALLY red and noticeable as I have pale skin. Love this stuff!" —CherryPearl3
Get it from Amazon for $8.92.
Everyone else noticing when you change up your skincare routine:
