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39 Perfect Skincare Products For A Low-Maintenance Routine
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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 Fresh, glowing skin can be yours without a zillion steps. I'm a Shopping editor (and mom to two toddlers) who covers a variety of topics, including helpful parenting/kids products, exciting gadgets, cozy products (think: home goods and fashions that'll make you want to snuggle), and any magical Disney item that crosses my path. You might have let influencers convince you a 10-step skincare routine is a must, but lemme let you in on a little secret.... that's not true! You just need a few solid products to get your skin in tip-top shape! From a K-beauty smoothing bar (it'll double as your daily SPF) and Sol de Janeiro's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (it smells UNREAL) to Eos' 24H Moisture Super Balm (it tastes like marshmallow fluff!) and a squid-shaped blackhead scrub stick, you'll be on your way to a perfect skincare ritual in no time. Promising review: "I bought this after seeing an ad on TikTok. I'm skeptical, but I’m a sucker for this kinda stuff, but it is genuinely amazing. I tested it on all the different areas of my body. It didn’t do a thing to my well-exfoliated palm, but my face, legs, LIPS… baby soft with big balls of dead skin coming off. Like one of those Korean exfoliating gloves, but you don’t have to scrub like you do with those. You just gently rub it in, and your dead skin peels away. I even had a weird callous on my arm that kept regrowing, and it smoothed it down so cleanly. This stuff is truly magic. Just WOW." —Nellie Apply your skincare, let it mostly dry, and then place the mask on top. Make sure you wash it as soon as you take it off to protect the stickiness. Promising review: "Wow, wow, wow this is incredible!!!! I was skeptical of these kinds of reusable sticky pads, but jeeeeeez it works SO well. I have stubborn forehead lines that retinol just isn't helping as well/quickly as I'd like. I've been using retinol for years, and while it's helped a lot, I'm still self-conscious. I put this pad on right after I finish my skincare. I leave the pad on as long as possible, and when I peel it off in the a.m. I QUITE LITERALLY have zero visible lines. I wouldn't believe it myself if I weren't using this product. And the lines don't come back right away either. After using this for a couple of weeks consistently and sleeping with it on, I've noticed a HUGE difference. The stickiness lasts a long time. And for how cheap it is, I don't mind buying a new one every month, give or take. PLEASE TRY THIS! YOU WONT REGRET IT! This is exactly the product I've been needing without knowing I needed it." —cait v. 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: "Wish I would have 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 have fine hair so anytime I’m in the sun I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen make my hair super oily and gross and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james Promising review: "So this product is completely worth the money. The quality is amazing. I didn’t notice any smell after a few seconds of using it. My skin was smooth and bright but not sticky. It works like magic. I have sensitive skin, so I can’t use this product too close to my nose, but in the rest, it's amazing!" —Isabela L Get it from Amazon for $18.90 (also available in five other formulas). Promising review: "These are a must-have for the morning. I’ve tried a million different brands and these are the best. They are thicker than most and best if you pop them in the freezer for a couple of minutes before applying. They definitely help with swelling and bags." —TR Get a pack of six from Amazon for $8.46 (also available in packs of 24 and 48, and in "firming" and "revitalizing" formulas). Promising review: "I love this lotion. It makes my dry legs glow. Absorbs well and has a very light fresh scent that fades quickly. Not greasy, but effective on winter skin. Will buy again. Inexpensive given the size of the bottle." —Db01 Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack and six other styles). 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 Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above! Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face, and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye, and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed the irritation and the stye, which went away. This simple, inexpensive spray takes care of any blemish or acne. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, the same ingredient in the Biotech spray, for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466 Promising review: "This product is the real deal. The first time I used it, I noticed a definite softening of the lines on my neck. I have been using it for about a week and it has made a noticeable difference. No, the wrinkles are not completely gone but there is a real difference. I will also point out that I am almost 70, so I wasn't expecting a miracle, but this product has come pretty darn close. I recommend it." —rose b. Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising reviews: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, I love all the Good Molecules products." —Hayden Smith "This right here is the real deal! You can see immediate results! It firms and moisturizes my eyelids! A must-have!" —Nancy A. Borkowski Promising review: "I have a newborn, so I don’t sleep enough or drink enough water. I was really starting to notice the effects under my eyes. I had dark bags and just looked tired. I put this eye cream on at night with my normal lotion and noticed a big difference in the darkness under my eyes the next morning. Now, after I have applied it for a few days, p.m. and a.m., my dark circles and bags are almost gone. I may not feel rested, but at least I’ll look it!" —Jamie Moore Promising review: "This is hands down one of our favorite body moisturizers! The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Lotion is lightweight, non-greasy, and instantly leaves our skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. I love it and so does my son! It absorbs quickly, has a clean, fresh scent, and keeps our skin hydrated all day long. It’s rare to find a product that works for both of us, but this one nails it. We keep it stocked at all times. Once you try it, there’s no going back!" —Kelly Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman, and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina Get it from Amazon for $13.88 (also available in a two-pack). 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 Promising reviews: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." —Ben Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. 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 BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I've used this stuff before and can confirm that 1) the scent is indeed intoxicating and 2) everything from this brand has scents that really STICK to you. I'm currently using the Beija Flor body wash and I can smell it on my skin hours later — which is pretty rare for a body wash." Promising review: "I am 60 and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation." —Amazon Customer I've been using this for the last year and, oh my GOSH, it is everything to me. The smell is *chef's kiss* perfection. I've been applying it after my nightly showers, and it makes me feel like I've got my life together (or at least a somewhat consistent skincare routine). It soaks into my skin instantly and doesn't feel greasy in the slightest. The bottle is BIG and has a pump, so it's very easy to grab more when my hands are already lotioned up. Be careful, this is going to be your new fave. Promising review: "The scent of the Badalada lotion is warm and completely amazing, like a tropical night out in a bottle! The packaging is gorgeous and luxe, and it leaves my skin super smooth and glowing. I love wearing it for date nights or anytime I want to feel radiant." —racheeeo Promising review: "I got this in hopes of lightening my dark inner thighs. It’s been a month of using the bar every time I shower and I see drastic results already. I was a bit suspicious if this would actually work, but if you are on the fence please take this as a sign to get it and try it out. I’m so excited to see how I look in a few months from now because this thing works and it works fast!" —puppbear Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99. Promising review: "It’s been able to successfully thoroughly remove my makeup (sometimes I wear waterproof mascara), and I just use a second cleanser (not oil-based) to wash off the oil and double cleanse. The main thing I found is that it liquified the sebum on my face the first time I used it, and my skin has never felt so smooth. I’ve been dealing with a lot more texture lately from overproduction of sebum and lack of consistent hygiene and exfoliation, and this made it so much easier to take care of it!" —Lily Get it from Amazon for $17 (also available in a mild version). Read more about tea tree oil and how it can help with acne from Mayo Clinic Promising review: "I have been struggling with tinea versicolor for over a year now and have not found anything to soothe the itching/pain that comes with it other than this. I have only been using the body wash for about a week and it’s made an enormous difference! I have tried prescription creams, medicated lotions, etc. but I have never had results like this! Such good stuff. 10/10 recommend" —Blackburn's When I first got this bottle (more like a jug), I wondered, "How will I ever finish this body wash?" because it is SO big. However, once I started using it, I found myself instead thinking, "I hope this never runs out!" It has a light, wonderful gardenia scent to it that isn't overpowering in the slightest and leaves a refreshing smell in my shower and on my skin. I apply it directly to my back scrub brush and use it to revive my skin after a day of likely sweating/chasing after my kids. I'm such a fan, I've started recommending it to all of my friends. And! You really can't beat the price! Promising review: "Smells so good and is gentle on the skin. Pairs nicely with floral perfume or body mists." —Po-tae-tō Promising review: "Just as good or maybe even better than my Laneige and Summer Friday lippies! Doesn't have an overpowering vanilla scent — smells like a cupcake with marshmallow frosting! The applicator is a 10/10 and the product goes on like butter." —Lindsay A. Promising review: "I have been using this daily for about eight months now. I am 60 years old. It reduced the puffiness and bags under my eyes. I am Sicilian and had dark circles. It has brightened up my eye area. I am very surprised as I have paid much more for eye creams that have done so much less. I recently had precancerous cells removed at the bridge of my nose. After healing, I was left with a dark scar. The dermatologist told me that it would heal over time. Since I began to apply this eye cream, the mark has almost disappeared entirely. I shop constantly from Amazon. This is the first time that I have taken the time to write a review. That's how impressed I am with this product. If you decide to purchase this, you won't be sorry." —Lynda M. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes). BuzzFeed editor Amanda Davis is a fan. "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate. For more deets, check out my full Mighty Patch review!" Hero Cosmetics is an Asian-woman-founded brand and the home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, and it has since evolved to include products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more! Promising review: "Using this product has been a game-changer. It’s as if the adhesion of it literally pulls all of the bad stuff from the spot, and you’ll know when it’s time to remove it when it turns up white on your sticker — so easy to remove, and my spot has drastically improved. I’m on my fourth box, or maybe fifth? They’re my go-to at the slightest spot, I get to try to nip it in the bud. Might I add that my hormonal cystic acne spots have been majorly suppressed by these — as soon as I feel one coming on, I take a hot washcloth to the area and put a sticker on overnight for a couple of nights and the deep underneath feeling of that spot is gone. I love these so much, and you will too." —Deborah Hart Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $12.99. Promising review: "I use these nose patches on my nose, forehead, and chin because I have very oily skin, and WHEW do they draw out the gross gunk in my pores. My skin feels AMAZING after I use them!!" —Lillie Blanton Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $9.98. Promising review: "One of the best lip balms I’ve ever used. I love to sleep with it and wake up with my lips completely renewed. Highly recommended." —Cintia Gomes Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.36. Promising review: "I was worried after some people said the scent was a bit strong, but as someone who is usually sensitive to smells, I'm extremely happy with this. Not only does it feel amazing and super creamy, it smells SOOOO good. I love that it feels like expensive body butter and the smell literally lasts all day. 100% recommend." —Carley Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes, five other scents, and multi-packs). Psst: There are a handful of Eos products featuring the vanilla cashmere scent! If you're as obsessed as we are, you might want to check out the body wash, whipped oil body butter, body oil, and the shave oil. Promising review: "I’m really impressed with this product. It’s very easy to apply, the same way you would any lotion. It absorbs quickly into the skin. There is a very light, pleasant, fragrance. I had no issues with application or streaks. The tanning lotion gives a nice bronze appearance to the skin which is what I was looking for. The sunless tanner allows you to continue to build the color until you reach your desired look." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.47 (available in Fair to Medium, Medium to Deep, and several sizes) See it in action on BuzzFeed Shopping's TikTok! Promising review: "Here’s the thing. A scrub is never going to solve your blackhead issues in the long term. But there is truly no other product like this. It’s an amazing quick fix to unclog your pores and make them less noticeable, and once you’ve done that, slap on some retinol/salicylic acid with a moisturizer. Adorable packaging, unique product, and effective!" —Molly Promising review: "If you're trying to find something for body exfoliation...this is it. Just this glove, water, and some time. I soaked in the bathtub for about 10 minutes, then got to exfoliating." —Kari Shawhan Dermasuri is a small business that specializes in skincare and personal care products. Check out a TikTok of the back scrubber in action. Promising review: "I used this back scrubber the day after it arrived, and I love it. Finally, I have an easy-to-use and more effective way to scrub my back. I saw the dead skin fall to the shower floor. Wow! And it easily rinsed cleaned, too." —Naomi M. Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. It just feels so good on the skin, and getting to do a one-step skincare process on my ~I’m gonna be late~ mornings is FABULOUS. The first day I wore this, I had many compliments on my skin, which is not the norm for me. I’m an occasional, noticeable breakout babe. Even though I still had some discoloration from my latest breakout, everyone told me how great my skin looked. Pleasant, yes. Insulting to my previous million-step skincare, probably, but I guess I’m leaning away from that now 😅 Feels and looks great under makeup, too!" —Diamond Promising review: "Really makes a difference. First overnight treatment I've used where my lips genuinely feel hydrated and plumper in the morning. I'm pleasantly surprised — I bought this on a whim after a rec from The Strategist and almost canceled the order. Now I use it every night!" —Hilary Get it from Amazon $22 (available in four flavors). I've been using this face wash from Rhode (ya' know, Hailey Bieber's brand?) for years now, and it leaves my skin feeling soft, renewed, and fresh. It's my absolute favorite and I always make sure to keep it stocked! Promising review: "Amazing! I tried the sample, and that was so good, so I ordered it for some gifts for friends!" —Mia Promising review: "Um...WOW! I have used so many products to help with my dry, red, and inflamed skin. During the winter, it is so hard to keep my skin moisturized throughout the day. Within two days, I saw such a huge difference. So calming and gives you a nice, moisturized glow. I feel so much better knowing my skin is healing. I will use this in my routine for the rest of my life!" —Christina A. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord was super impressed by this product. She said: "FWIW re: scars, though, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago, and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night." Promising review: "I had to have a freckle excised to check for cancer. The wound was very deep and left a scar (the one in the center). The other two scars are actually from the bandages I used to cover the wound. The scar made me self-conscious, and I found this online with great reviews. I will say that if I had used it every single day, I think the scar would be completely gone. However, even with using it maybe three or four times a week, the results are amazing! I am very happy with this product. The scent is lovely and light, and I love the consistency. Highly recommend!!" —Alexis Melendez Promising review: "This cream has been a lifesaver this winter. A little goes a long way and it has completely changed my dry skin. I use it every morning and it keeps my skin hydrated all day. It is lightweight and super creamy without being heavy and greasy. I can't say enough about how effective this cream is at a great price point." —Diane Delbrook 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 $17.69. (available in clear and four colors). * If You Have Sensitive Skin, These 27 Gentle, Unscented Products Might Become Your New Holy Grails * Acne Solutions So Good At Their Jobs They Deserve To Be “Employee Of The Year” * Skincare Products That Truly Do Something, So Be Sure To Take That "Before" Photo * Stubborn Acne, Excess Oil, Redness: 31 Products To Help Banish Skin-Related Troubles * Even People Who Describe Themselves As “Picky” Love These 27 Skincare Products, So Chances Are You Will Too 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. Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.