8 Game-Changing Beauty Products You Need To Try ASAP

Tried, tested, and loved by BuzzFeed writers and editors!

This post features a mix of items that we purchased with our own money and those that were provided to us at no cost for the sake of review. (But! We’re under no obligation to write a review of those things, let alone a positive review.)

1. Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil E-Stick soothes and hydrates any super dry, cracked areas, whether it's your lips or around-the-nose area — so you have one less thing to worry about during the harsh cold weather seasons.

Arielle Benedek

"Moisture-rich is the key here, as it is the only chapstick I’ve found that does not make you dependent on it and truly moisturizes the areas where you apply it (including around the nose during cold season!). This Vitamin E oil stick was recommended to me years ago by my best friend’s Israeli mother and I never looked back. You can also buy it at your local health foods stores." —Arielle Benedek

Get it from Amazon for $6.25 (Reviva Labs does not test on animals and "has been committed to using cruelty-free ingredients and methods since the very beginning").

2. Conscious Coconut Coconut Oil is a ~cool~ coconut oil, not a regular one, you got that? It sinks immediately into your skin and doesn't leave any uncomfortable residue, looks very cool design-wise, aaaaand helps feed hungry people via Feeding America.

Whitney Jefferson

"Are you a coconut oil person? If yes, know that this is the creme de la creme of coconut oils. If not, what year are you living in? Coconut oil can be used for a variety of DIY beauty products, but can also be a great moisturizer as well. I happen to use it for everything, but primarily use my Conscious Coconut Oil for both of those reasons. However, there are so many other things to do with it as well.

So what makes this oil so good? It's so smoooooth. It speeds into the skin really quickly and isn't clumpy, like some brands are. It does solidify a bit in colder weather, which is just something to think about when we're talking about coconut oil! Speaking of different kinds of oils, something that sets this brand apart is the company itself. They work directly with farmers and suppliers and support fair trade. For every product you buy, a child is given a meal through Feeding America's food banks. Lastly (and most superficial), I just really love the packaging. It's easy to take with you and is a rich blue color that I love. The cap is made from wood, which I also just happen to love. So much to love with this product!" —Whitney Jefferson

Get it from Amazon or Anthropologie for $17 or Jet for $15.95.

3. Sally Hansen Dry & Go Drops work their magic by making your janky, at-home manis last way longer than they would by themselves, or even with top coat alone — so no matter how clumsy, impatient, and hands-on you are in your day-to-day life, your nails will still be looking fresh.

Sarah Han, AnaMaria Glavan

"Let me preface this review by saying nail polish just doesn't last on me. Within a day, my nail color is already chipping because, IDK, I use my hands a lot and they get screwed up really quickly — just one hair wash with my usual nail-on-scalp massaging and womp, womp, sections of my nail color peel off. With that, I'll say that the nails in the picture on the right are five days old — which is to say THAT'S IMPRESSIVE AS HECK. How, you might wonder? Because I used a lil' trick called Sally Hansen Dry & Go Drops. Usually on top of my regular top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast, FYI), because I need the extra reassurance.

These drops dry wayyy faster than any top coat I've ever used, which is why I became mesmerized with them every time I treated myself to a ~real~ manicure and saw the manicurists pull these out and dabble them on my nails, before sending me off shortly afterwards. What? I didn't have to wait there for another half hour to wait for them to dry? Even though it has "dry" in its name, it feels so dang hydrating once applied — which makes sense because it has Vitamin E and jojoba oil built into the formulas, so your cuticles are also getting a treat when the drops inevitably spill over to the area around your nails. And to the glossy finish it gives my mediocre-painted nails, I give a chef's kiss. This is a must-have for anyone who — no matter how much they may actually enjoy painting their nails — is impatient AF when it comes to the drying process. Use this and get on with your dang life!!" —Sarah Han

Get it from Amazon for $4.49 or Ulta for $6.49.

4. Botanics Hydration Burst Micellar Cleanser takes off every last bit of your (extremely long-wearing) makeup, plus all the other impurities that might be lurking within — and did we mention it's gentle enough for dehydrated and sensitive skin? Repeat after me: no 👏 astringent 👏 products 👏 ever 👏.

Heather Braga

"I am OBSESSED with this micellar water from Botanics. I have really sensitive skin and I'm always cautious when trying a new product for my face, but this 3-in-1 product has been life-changing for me. It is made with clary sage and is specifically created for dehydrated and sensitive skin.

I only need to use a few dabs of it on a cotton pad to remove ALL of my makeup. It even takes off Kylie Lip Kits, which if you have any you'll know how hard it is to get off. (I've also used and loved the hibiscus-scented cleansing solution for all skin types.) I'll be buying another bottle this weekend and forever after that." —Heather Braga

Get it from Target for $8.99 (Botanics does not test on animals, nor do they commission anyone to do so on their behalf — and they're not sold in China).

And check out our picks for best makeup removers on BuzzFeed Reviews!

5. House 99 Truly Brighter Eye Balm uses a revitalizing combo of quinoa and spirulina extracts, caffeine, and mica to smooth out your eye area and diminish the appearance of dark circles and creases — so whether you're suffering from minimal sleep or constantly jetsetting like David Beckham himself, you'll still look awake and refreshed.

Frank Tiu

"I honestly did not get the point of eye balm until I came across David Beckham's House 99 Eye Balm. This is definitely a winter essential that I did not think I needed until I tried it. I always thought eye balms were overrated because they come in such small tubes for the same price of a tub of moisturizer — and the last thing I needed was to complicate my brisk morning routine, especially when there isn't even enough time to grab coffee. After years of applying straight-up lotion as my face moisturizer and until recently, actually using face moisturizer, I am happy to say, I am a changed man and eye balms are here to stay.

I was very tired of slathering thick and oily lotion onto my face. It always felt so heavy, greasy, and oily, even though it provided long-lasting coverage for the winter. My eye area always felt irritated, but I figured it had to be that way because skin is skin, right? Actually, no. I knew I needed a change. And then it clicked. House 99's eye balm is very creamy and soft, which is the perfect texture to apply and lightly spread onto my sensitive skin around the eyes. It makes me feel refreshed and rejuvenated without feeling irritated, even when I do not get my full dose of sleep. To all the people out there, especially the guys, it is time that we cut out with the crap with all-in-one shampoos for showering and all-in-one lotion for moisturizer. Give eye balm a try, because I think you might just like it." —Frank Tiu

Get it from Ulta for $26.

6. Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Toning Agent rebalances your skin after a deep cleansing or masking sesh, especially if your skin is already prone to dryness and redness — plus, the scent (which comes from a lovely blend of rose, organic German chamomile, eucalyptus, and more plant/flower essences) is so deeply relaxing, you'll be pulling this bb out at all hours of the day to give yourself a moment of zen!

Mallory Mower

"I have been using this toner since high school. Literally. There have been times in my life where this has been the only product I would put on my skin, and I’m still feeling fine. Although I rarely experience breakouts, my skin is often dry and red. Most cleansers leave my skin feeling irritated, but I love the feeling of super-clean skin. I’ve paired this with every facial system I’ve ever had and have always found it to clear up my redness quickly and leave my skin feeling cool, calm, and soft. I even use this during the day, with my makeup on, in the summer when it’s super hot and my face needs to feel refreshed.

The aroma is pleasant without being overpowering — I often spray it and breathe in deeply when I need a simple and quick way to relax. This is natural, cruelty-free, and incredibly satisfying to use. I would drink this stuff if it said I could. I highly recommend it." —Mallory Mower

Get it from Aveda for $23+ (available in two sizes; cruelty-free, PETA certified).

And check out our picks for best facial toner on BuzzFeed Reviews!

7. Girl Undiscovered Stumbled Across Paradise Face Mask pretty much does it all, from preventing and healing breakouts to brightening, softening, and maintaining moisture — plus, it smells like honey, so you won't mind keeping it on your face for half an hour.

Jemima Skelley

"I'm a huge sucker for any kind of face mask — I feel like I've tried them all. While I normally go for a sheet or mud mask, I am OBSESSED with this honey Girl Undiscovered one. All of the ingredients are natural (though I don't quite know what some of them are...bark powder???). It smells seriously amazing, so much that my cat kept wanting to lick it. You leave it to ~soak in~ for 15 minutes, rub in a little water to exfoliate, and leave for another 15 before washing off. It makes my skin look AMAZING. Like, the second I wash it off I can tell that my skin is super clean and a little more glowy.

Then the next morning my skin is always clear and moist-looking. It's truly a magic mask. It costs a little more than I'd normally go for but TBH, it's worth it." —Jemima Skelley

Get it from Free People or Revolve for $45 (Girl Undiscovered does not test on animals, nor do they commission anyone to do so on their behalf).

(Editor's note: I think they recently changed their container design, in case you're wondering about the discrepancy.)

8. Acwell x Soko Glam Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist delivers much-needed hydration and skin-loving ingredients — FYI, licorice root extract is amazing — back into your skin during the day when you don't have the luxury of slathering on a thick cream.

Sarah Han

"I love a damn mist. And while I, like everyone and their mom, loves the Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray (which I reviewed last year), now that it's winter time and my skin is even more temperamental and dry, I needed a mist with a little more oomph — meaning, skincare benefits. Enter the Acwell x Soko Glam Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist, which was a collaboration born out of the popularity of Acwell's existing and Best of K-Beauty award winner, Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner. To no one's surprise, I friggin' love that toner. It's gentle but actually makes my skin just a tad brighter after use — and DEFINITELY more hydrated and balanced after my cleanser.

Anyways, back to the essence mist. The fact that it's essence in mist form means it's two skincare products in one — it both immediately hydrates your face *and* locks in moisture long term! 💦(If you're curious, you can read more about why I love essence). My skin is prone to redness, so I need products that are formulated with minimal irritants, and that's the case with this mist, which contains bamboo water, algae extract, licorice root extract (which I already know my skin loooves), soothing centella asiatica leaf water and absolutely no alcohol, parabens, or artificial fragrance.

It also dispenses at the perfect consistency — it's not too fine that you literally can't feel the product transferring onto your skin (a pet peeve of mine!!), but it's not too heavy/concentrated that it feels like a fireman's hose going full blast. My skin drinks it up instantly — it's potent, so all you need is a few spritzes, which is why this bottle is going to last me a while, as long as I practice self-restraint and not go too crazy just because it's so much fun to use! Plus, when I'm grinding away at my desk all day and I can feel my skin getting duller by the moment, the saccharomyces ferment filtrate in the mist is my savior for adding a little bit of brightness and life back into my face!" —Sarah Han

Get it from Soko Glam for $24.

As I always say, spritz your way to skincare bliss!

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If you want more beauty reviews, check out our previous roundups!

And for more specific recommendations, check out these posts:

29 Products That'll Help You Give Yourself A Perfect Manicure

23 Makeup Removers Our Readers Actually Swear By

23 Ridiculously Simple Ways To Look And Feel More Awake

24 Moisturizing Products For Every Inch Of Your Body

24 Of The Best Face Masks You Can Get On Amazon

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