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30 Beauty Products That May Not Be Glitz And Glam, But Are Realllllly Good At Their Jobs
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More This dandruff shampoo and neck cream don’t need glitter to impress you. I'm a resident writer on the Buzzfeed Shopping team, where my love for shopping (and doomscrolling on TikTok) helps me curate lists of the most trending lifestyle, home, beauty, and fashion products. This comes with a kit containing 10 toenail braces and tools for application. Each brace lasts 3–6 weeks. Promising review: "I used to be in sports all through middle and high school, and it really messed up my left foot overall, especially my big toe. I was always embarrassed by my big toe during the summer that I’d put a bandage over it to make it seem like it was injured. Finding someone to fix your toe is expensive, and I don’t have that kind of money at the moment. Started doing research on ways to do so, and this one was the best way. It does take some practice, but once attached, it should not move. Your toes will hurt for a day. Like a dense pain. Not sharp. I saw a difference in about two weeks. I’m a month in on the most severe toe, and no more ingrown toenail!" —Sandra L. Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "Absolute sorcery. I have sagging skin at the jawline from weight loss. This stuff has absolutely helped! I’m really impressed. Has smoothed out the crepe paper look. Try it!" —S. Livingston "This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using it daily (morning and evening) for over two months and still have product left. I’ve even tried it on my face, and it gives me a bit of a 'facelift.' I’m officially a Bond girl. A bit sticky to the touch after a few hours of wear, but that doesn’t bother me. Will order again." —AP Wang Promising review: "This moisturizer is one of the nicest feeling moisturizers ever. The appearance of the vitamin C capsules inside the gel goop on TikTok enticed me to purchase it for myself. This moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and comes with a scooper, making it very easy to apply. You get a decent-sized jar of moisturizer for the price, and the moisturizer is pretty thick. Although it is sticky, I would say it absorbs into your skin pretty quickly. It may leave a slight sticky residue behind, but I think overall it is amazing. After using this in the a.m. before sunscreen, I noticed my skin really glow and feel smooth! I had gifted a jar to my 60-year-old mother and she had told me how her skin felt like a baby’s bum the next morning!" —tracey + kiwi Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (also available in two other styles). It works for all curl types from 2a–4c. Promising reviews: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel-dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." —Marissa "My baby has curly hair, and since the texture is a lot different than mine, I have been trying out different products for her hair. I saw this one on TikTok and decided to give it a try. It is slowly becoming one of my go-to products for her! It does not leave the hair crunchy at all, and it moisturizes her curls nicely. Also smells good!" —Heather Get it from Amazon for $4.22 (also available in a two-pack). Promising reviews: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. It's gentle on the skin. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." —KimT "Wow, does this work amazingly! I discovered this from a TikTok video, and I am so pleased with how this works. It is literally like magic; my feet have never been this soft." —Brian The brand recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 may benefit the skin from the National Library of Medicine (but note that the study was funded by the company that makes this product). Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game-changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea’s body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn’t a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." —Morgan Promising review: "This is my second purchase of this eye gel and I really love using this product. I am an older lady and struggle with dark circles around my eyes, and a few wrinkles, but since using this eye gel, my dark circles are not as prominent and my skin is a bit smoother. What I also like about this product is that it only takes just a tiny bit to do a fabulous job. I also wear contacts and it does not irritate my eyes at all. My eye make-up goes on smoother, it makes the skin around my eyes feel 'tighter' and my skin smoother. Overall, I truly like this product and will continue to purchase and use my eye gel. It is definitely a part of my daily routine. Thank you for such a great product!" —lisa coker Promising reviews: "I have only used the two original pens that I purchased and can already see an improvement. I am older than 60 and drink coffee daily and red wine weekly." —vicki houska "I have extremely sensitive teeth from over-whitening in high school but this product has been such a lifesaver! I am a daily black coffee and red wine [drinker] so my teeth have taken a toll as far as staining goes. Seriously, I was very hesitant on getting this because of how sensitive my teeth are but I wish I got it sooner! This is such a great product!" —Mimi Doherty Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.95 (also available individually and in a four-pack). Hanalei is a small business that specializes in lip and body care products. Promising review: "It keeps your lips kissable and soft!!!! I love love love this product. I’ve been using it for the past few years and it’s by far one of the BEST lip moisturizing products I’ve ever used!!!! If you want soft, nourishing lip treatment, well, this is the product for you!!! Hey, hurry up before I order them all! 🥰" —P. Washington Get it from Amazon for $16.79 (available in clear and four colors). Note: Powdered sunscreens are best used for touching up, not as a replacement for traditional sunscreen (read more from the Cleveland Clinic). If you're looking for a good sunscreen to add to your routine, check out our roundup of the best tinted sunscreens. Promising reviews: "Wish I had found this sooner! Works great, and so far, the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle "I was using Supergoop SPF powder, but was put off by the high price along with the small quantity, so I decided to try this Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen powder. I really like it!! I like that it gives me a tiny bit of color, and I also like the beachy way it smells, plus it is more affordable than Supergoop. I couldn't swear by how much sun protection it provides, but I trust that it helps. Glad I found it, and I hope to keep reordering it in the future. P.S. At first, I didn't know how the applicator worked. I finally read the instructions that were on the box. Now that I know how to apply it, I like it even better. :-)" —Bonnie A. My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!" Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S. Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two sizes and as a two-pack). Check out a TikTok of the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder in action. Promising review: "I loved this setting powder, it blurred my pores and blended my makeup so well that even my husband noticed. Wow! I will be buying more before people find it and sell it all out, hehehe." —Charlotte Laim BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton "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 a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $11.99 (available in fives and in multipacks). Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T. "Seriously amazing for the price. This product makes it look like I don't have a toddler who kept me up all night. Will definitely buy again." —Bethany Richardson Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for years now. My first trip to Costa Rica I had it and trust me when I tell you it’s saved my life. I live in Florida now and I never go anywhere without it. After any time in the sun you can use this and you can believe that your skin will be nourished and moisturized it will not hurt and your skin will not peel if used properly. I said your skin will not peel. I love this product for it." —Kenneth Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! Promising review: "Super nourishing. I have extremely sensitive skin and this helps with protection from everyday friction and irritation from elements like wind burns. Will be repurchasing." —Tricia D. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and two scents). Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." —Julie F. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five styles). Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few weeks now, and I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my skin texture and pores, especially around my nose and T-zone. I apply it regularly twice a day. The pads feel refreshing and gently exfoliate without being too harsh on my skin. My face feels smoother and less oily after using them consistently. I also like that they are easy to use and fit well into my skincare routine. I would recommend starting slowly if you have sensitive skin because the acids can feel strong at first. Overall, I think they are worth trying if you struggle with clogged pores or uneven texture." —Kejdi Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90 (available in four other styles). Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, for physical exfoliation like this, you should use gentle circles and moisturize afterwards. Read more about safe exfoliation at AAD. Promising review: "Not to be gross but when I lightly use this on my dry skin I can see the dry skin cells flying off! Great for cellular turnover. I use on dry skin before showering and finish after shower with good moisturizing oil. Makes my legs feel soft and smooth. Don’t run too hard! Gentle strokes." —Juliet "Color me converted. It's so disgusting that you want to look away, but morbid curiosity keeps making you turn back. That's really a 'you' creature in the bottom of the tub. You really sloughed off a second skin like a Lizard Person and have now emerged a new person. One that will no longer trust brand-name products because they are a lie. Seriously. Buy this. You don't even know you need it, but you do. You really, really do." —Mandi Konesni Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in seven colors/styles). Check out a TikTok of the taming wand in action. For thicker or curlier hair types, you might want a stronger gel formulation, like Mielle's rosemary mint strengthening edge gel. Of course, you never have to lay your edges! Check out "Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna" for more. Promising review: "I’ve tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I’ve tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" —Completely happy customer! Plus, if you want to switch it up, it comes in fun colors AND a glitter formula(!!!) Promising review: "This mascara is the bomb! Every single time!! Works great! Makes lashes look long and beautiful in this black color. I just love this mascara! If you don't have many lashes, this works superbly in making people think you do! And works well for those with lots of lashes. They all stand out. Look a lot like fake lashes, or you can go light. AND THE BEST PART. The price is pretty awesome for such a great product! Highly recommend." —Mary Get it from Amazon for $10.82 (available in 11 colors). Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products like makeup and excess sebum that gets trapped in your pores. You then go in with a water-based cleanser to help get all the extra gross stuff off your face, like sweat and dirt. Promising review: "This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin; however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom, and my scarring doesn't look as deep! The cleanser has a light, clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua Heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" —Myshel Cagle Promising review: "I had a hideous wart on one of my left toes that just wouldn't go away. I tried cutting it off and applying a peeling solution to it, but it came back with a vengeance. It was a cause of irritation and embarrassment that I couldn't even wear slides or flip-flops over the summer. Until I found this product. Without even a month of using these medicated pads, the wart is gone! I have no complaints about the adhesion because it was completely intact after 48 hours of putting it on, despite getting it wet a lot (I shower twice a day). Within a week of using these, the tough top of the wart started to peel off with the medicated pad. I decided to continue using the medicated pad to ensure the roots of the wart go away as well. Now, there are NO traces of the wart at all! I am super happy about this product and recommend it to whoever needs to get rid of an embarrassing wart." —Elaine Corpin This is not an instant solution and takes daily application to see a difference. Depending on your nails, it can take days, weeks, or months for satisfying results — the photos above are a year apart. Promising review: "I have used Kerasal for three days, and fungal [damage] is 95% gone! A very easy-to-use dispenser that eliminates mess during application. You can apply yourself effortlessly. Gonna tell other family members with toenail problems about this! I would give it 10 stars if there were room!!!" —Dennis Downing This product does not promise to work overnight. Apply this daily 2–3 times a day as long as needed. Be sure to be patient as the healing process takes time! Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day, nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it and in less than two weeks my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn’t seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week but then the second week, it started totally disappearing so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" —Jordan C. Get it from Amazon for $12.85 (also available in multipacks). Read more about seborrheic dermatitis and ketoconazole at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely amazing. I was one step away from going to the dermatologist. I had severe dandruff that was so bad I could shake my head and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all of my flakes. My scalp also stopped burning from dryness. My hair has never been healthier." —Moo Moo Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" —Ken Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. It also is designed to be worn while you sleep! It's transfer-resistant so you don't have to worry about waking up to a slimey pillow. Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" —Nala Get a set of four from Amazon for $19 (available in a 16-pack and three other formulas). 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. Promising review: "So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nice without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." —jessica alexandra Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in six shades) It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them. Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too right? This makes my hair soooo soft and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good and it smells fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil and I will never use anything else but this." —Brianna Get it from Amazon for $18.77+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and five other formulas). * We’ve Got The Best Of Both Worlds – 27 Beauty Products That Combine Skincare *And* Makeup * Lightweight Beauty Products You’ll Want In Your Summer Routine ASAP * Beauty Products That Not Only Deliver Results, But That Reviewers Say Smell Amazing * You’re An Overachiever, Your Beauty Products Should Be Too — Here Are 27 Products That Excel At Their Jobs * I Don’t Usually Believe In Magic, But These 36 Beauty Products Have Me Suspicious Plus, primers & setting sprays, and finds from Tarte. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.