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36 Beauty Products So Good At Their Jobs That Even Beauty Cynics Will Be Impressed
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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 You think you’re working hard, but you’ve got nothing on this holy grail that manages to be a sunscreen, primer, and foundation alternative all at once. As a Senior Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed, I specialize in a broad range of topics, including beauty, cleaning, fashion, personal care, home, fitness, and my beloved “TikTok made me buy it.” My work has been featured across lifestyle and writing publications during my ten years in the digital media space, including Bustle, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, and The Washington Post. Promising review: "I was not expecting this brush to be so amazing. I usually use a Wet Brush, and NO MORE of that. This one doesn't pull when the Wet Brush did. Feels amazing on my scalp. Just a very refreshing brush to find. I would definitely recommend this to everybody that has a hard time brushing their hair (even kids), very soft, and the price is excellent as well. Love love love this brush. Would definitely buy again and again." —Katy Shoemaker Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four colors). Promising review: "This is such a great idea to have for hair during the summer or even living in a warmer climate. I put it in mine and my three girls' hair today before the pool, and hair felt great after washing. Highly recommend." —Alyssa Speaker Promising review: "Very nice on the lips, as expected. I got the nude honey shade. I love it, it feels good on my lips and is the perfect amount of shine." —Roshaunda Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in Black Honey and Pink Honey). Promising review: "This seemed a little pricey at first, but after a few weeks, my skin is remarkably smoother. The texture is finer, fine lines have disappeared, and the texture is smooth. It absorbs into the skin well, so ideal for both at night and under makeup. There is no fragrance, which is a plus for me. It’s an excellent value for the money, and it’s a great product." —Emily Promising review: "This product is AMAZING! I am an RN, and I am on my feet for 13+ hours during my shifts. Over the past four years, my feet (and pinkie toes) have taken a beating. Cracked, peeling, dry, hard...I was embarrassed to wear flip-flops, not only for my fifth toe, but because my heels were flaky, peeling, and horrid. I had tried pedicure tools to no avail. THIS. This product healed my feet. I have only used one application so far, but my feet are like 90% better. I am wearing flip-flops! And my pinkie toes are almost healed! It's incredible! I am so very happy with my results, and I highly recommend this product." —Rachel L Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.95. Promising review: "I've been using Dove Clinical Protection for years, and this is still the only deodorant/antiperspirant that consistently works for me. I'm a pretty sweaty person, and after trying a lot of options, this is the one I always come back to. The texture is creamy and smooth, and it goes on easily without feeling sticky or irritating. I've never had any skin issues with it, even with daily use. The scent is clean and fresh, and it's my favorite out of all the Dove Clinical scents." —Dustin Fulford Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans that even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. I bought this and love it! I usually use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night, and I definitely see a difference in that area in particular. Promising review: "This was another one of my TikTok purchases! I was skeptical, but my kids hate flossing their teeth, so I thought this might help in between making them floss. They work amazingly! My kids said they could see and feel a difference on the first use and I agree! They are definitely worth a try! I would suggest not pushing too hard, those tiny bristles really get in there, and if you push too hard, you might be sore like I was. It felt like after going to a dental cleaning." —Amy N. Promising review: "My favorite dry shampoo! It smells great and truly is sweat-activated. I wear it during some heavy workouts, and I can smell it, and it helps keep my hair from being greasy if I have plans after." —Marianna Stutts Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I’ve been using the Kill Lash Superproof mascara from Clio for a few months now, and it’s honestly the best mascara I’ve tried. For context, I have straight lashes and deep-set, hooded eyes, so most mascaras either won’t hold a curl or end up smudging under my eyes after a few hours. Even tubing mascaras, which I’ve had some success with, don’t really keep my lashes lifted and tend to come off too easily. This one is completely different. It actually holds the curl I put in at the start of the day and keeps it there. I’ve worn it for 12+ hours, and my lashes still looked lifted, which is something I’m just not used to. Normally, my lashes drop within 30 minutes, no matter what I do." —Cirecy Psst — BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly says this is so smudgeproof that it's a little hard to get off, so you might want to invest in the Kill Lash Mascara Remover, too! You can check out Vaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options! Promising review: "Omg! It’s better than I thought. I am a Black woman that suffers from dry skin in the winter season, but this oil is amazing, smooth, light, and smells good. This oil is great for helping skin glow with a light glimmer of glitter. I would say this is a must-buy for women of color. Yeah thank me later sis." —Amazon Customer 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! Check out a TikTok of the collagen sunscreen in action. Promising review: "I am a skincare snob. I spend way too much money on products. But over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to find a new moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t bankrupt me. I need something that can help my dry skin, protect from the sun, and not irritate my sensitive skin. I was skeptical about this product, never having heard of the brand, but I gave it a try. I am SO thrilled with the results. This moisturizer is BETTER than the $55 alternative I have been using. It moisturizes like a dream. It doesn’t pill. And my sensitive skin loves it. I am THRILLED with my purchase and will definitely be back for more!" —R. Berry Promising review: "I was recommended this by a friend because her skin always looked so glowy. After trying it myself, I completely understand the hype. It gives my skin a beautiful, radiant finish without feeling greasy or heavy. I wear it daily, even on days when I skip makeup, because it makes my skin look fresh while providing SPF protection. It blends easily, feels comfortable all day, and leaves a natural glow. Definitely a product I’ll keep repurchasing. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" —Martinez(8a) Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in four shades), Promising review: "If you are looking for a truly budget-friendly and exceptionally versatile line of facial and body care, this is it. I have used this on my arms and legs for two weeks, and I see a real game changer. Are my arms and legs devoid of all crepe-iness? NO! Don't let any brand tell you that they can make any natural aging bodily changes disappear. However, this cream, when used consistently, will provide a temporary plumpness to those crinkled areas. I am 65, I am happy and grateful to have reached my mature age; nevertheless, I want and will give my skin all the effective products to keep it as supple as possible." —marihad t arrus Psst — if you're looking for one designed for neck tightening, Gold Bond's Age Renew Neck & Chest Firming Cream is another fan favorite! Promising review: "These gel eye patches have quickly become a staple in my routine, and for good reason — they deliver fantastic results. I've struggled with the appearance of dark circles and general puffiness, especially on days when I don't get enough sleep. After just a few uses of these patches, I've noticed a significant improvement. My under-eye area looks brighter, more hydrated, and much less tired. They're so easy to use and feel incredibly refreshing, especially if I pop them in the fridge for a few minutes before applying. Five stars without a doubt — they've truly made a visible difference for me!" —Shana Daniels Gardner Promising review: “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!” —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (available in 16 styles). Promising review: "Great lip tint that's buildable. It dries soft to the touch with no transfer. Lasts hours! Can be drying on the lips, so I put a lip oil on top of this lip tint — the tint doesn't budge or smear away. I'm buying more of these!" —Abelle Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in six shades). The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. 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. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Megababe is a small business that specializes in body care. Promising review: "Megababe Thigh Rescue has been a total game changer for me. It goes on clear and never feels greasy or sticky. If anything, it is moisturizing. The chafe protection lasts up to 12 hours, which is a huge win. I use it on my thighs, my waistband, and anywhere my skin tends to rub together. The quality is great, and it smells wonderful without being overwhelming. As a bigger girl, this is essential for me, especially in the summer. It works perfectly with dresses, shorter shorts, and anything that might cause rubbing. This is 100 percent a necessity in my routine." —Stephanie Psst — BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has tried the newer Megababe anti-chafing gel, and is already a fan! Promising review: "I was very skeptical about this product. I thought it was another celeb 'paid and promoted' kind of thing. I use it as a mask only on and around the T-zone. It greatly reduced whiteheads and blackheads! It’s a miracle! Usually, I could feel the white head bumps. It now looks so smooth and clean! I've used it four times so far. Don’t leave it longer than recommended if you are using it as a mask. I felt my skin getting dried out." —solemia2 Promising review: "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 Promising review: "Love these! Very comfortable to wear all day long. They don't keep their head away from the headrest when driving, which is incredibly important. I even wore one underneath a hat to a dress-up function and was still comfortable. The clip spring is strong and holds even my very long, thin, fine, and straight hair — no pulling, a few hairs, and very little slipping down even after hours of wear. They don't hang up in your hair like some metal ones do. These are the best hair holders I've ever bought, bar none." —Paint Mare Get a set of six from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 14 color sets). 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 Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront! Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I’m super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.12+ (available in two sizes). 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: "I’ve tried expensive ones from Sephora, but this one outperforms them all. The precision actually mimics real hair. This is officially my new holy grail. Maybelline never fails. Best drugstore brand, period." —CaliConsumer Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five shades). Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Promising review: "My hair was starting to thin rapidly in my mid-20s. Thankfully, I caught it early. I started using this shampoo regularly, and haven’t done any other treatments. The thinning immediately slowed and eventually stopped. It’s six years later, and I still have a great, full head of hair. Judging by my family history, I should be totally bald by now, and this product is the only thing I've used. I credit this stuff with saving my hair! What a miracle!" —Amazon Customer Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots! Check out a TikTok of the Baked Luminous Blush in action! Promising review: "Baked formulas are my absolute favorites when it comes to blushes and bronzers. These CoverGirl ones are magnificent. I knew I would like these just by looking at them, but they are even better than expected. I have seen many videos online comparing this formula to Hourglass. These CoverGirl ones have great quality, and they are worth every penny. The blushes are very pigmented but at the same time easy to build and blend. They are luminous but not shimmery or sparkly, and they don't enhance texture or pores. I got them in the shades Rose Latte and Strawberry Drizzle, and I will probably get the other two as well. The bronzer is also great. The shade I bought, Honey Bun, has a rosy undertone that goes very well with my skin tone. Like the blushes, it is very easy to blend and build." —Yise Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in eight blush and bronzer shades). Promising review: "They work great, look cute, and make me feel pretty. I’ve been buying these for over a year now, and I’m always happy to recommend the brand whenever people ask about the little stars on my face. I like the different colors. I get to match them to my outfits. Other brands usually charge an absurd amount for a few puny stickers that barely do anything, but these patches actually pull gunk out and leave the blemish looking much better afterward. It’s kinda gross, but super satisfying. Totally worth the money, and it’s more than earned my praise." —Fredric M. Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 11 styles). This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy-looking after just one use. Plus, you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add that I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Promising review: "I’ve used this setting spray a few times now and I absolutely love it. It really helps my makeup stay in place all day without needing touch-ups, even in heat or humidity. The mist is super fine and dries quickly without feeling sticky or heavy on the skin. It sets everything beautifully without ruining your makeup or leaving any residue. I also love that it doesn’t have a strong scent. If you want your makeup to last and still feel comfortable, this is a great choice. Definitely a new favorite in my routine!" —YSantiago Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" —Mona L Cureton If the name rings a bell, it's likely because you've used or heard of this brand's beloved under-eye masks!! You can check out Grace & Stella's Amazon page to find those and more high-quality, affordable versions of beauty products. Promising review: "This is a must! Feels like a cloud and way better than a hand towel to dry your face, the perfect self-care product." —Jennifer Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $8.96. Promising review: "I've been using the Vitamin C Face Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m absolutely in love with it! My skin feels so much smoother and brighter, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the dark spots I’ve been struggling with. The serum absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and it has a lovely, light scent. My complexion is looking more even, and I can see a visible improvement in my skin tone. I also appreciate how gentle it is on my skin, with no irritation at all. This serum has quickly become a must-have in my skincare routine! Highly recommend for anyone looking to tackle dark spots and brighten their skin." —Patricia D. Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in four styles). Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products. Promising review: "I like a one-and-done nail product that will protect my fragile nails, but also stay put. I don’t baby my nails at all, so I like something that doesn’t show wear quickly. I’m not sure what’s in this one specifically, but it stays on so well. It’s also a nice micro shimmer/glitter. I’ve used a few other polishes from this brand, and while they are all nice, this is my favorite so far." —H. Peeples This comes in matte, shimmery, *and* metallic options so you can get the precise vibe you're looking for, and a blending sponge on the end to get the pigment just right. Promising review: "I really wanted to find an eyeshadow that was easy to put on, lasted, and did not crease. Well, I found it. Lasts all day and love the color, so I bought a second color as well." —Bridget Gwaltney Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 53 shades), Check out a TikTok of the Olay Super Serum Body Wash in action. Promising review: "I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game-changer. My skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" —Darina "I have been using Dove moisture body wash for a long time, but it just wasn’t getting the job done. After trying this, I will never go back to anything else. Worth the price, and I can clearly see and feel a difference." —JW Get it from Amazon for $13.90+ (available in three styles for Normal, Extra Dry, and Rough & Bumpy skin). * If Your Beauty Drawer Is Full Of Regret Purchases, It’s Time To Try These 32 Cult Favorites * Beauty Products That May Not Be Glitz And Glam, But Are Realllllly Good At Their Jobs * I Need You To Know That These 36 TikTok Beauty Products Have *Actually* Earned Their Fame * Beauty Products With “Pick Your Jaw Off The Floor” Review Pics * Game-Changing K-Beauty Products You’ll Be Buying Again And Again Plus, primers & setting sprays, and finds from Soko Glam and 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. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.