26 Beauty Products That Work So Well, You’ll Wonder Why More People Aren’t Talking About Them
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You and your new one-minute hair mask are about to be like this 🤞.
Posted 23 hours ago
by Melanie Aman BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff
As a deputy editorial director on the BuzzFeed Shopping team with almost a decade in the lifestyle and service journalism sphere, I use my shopping editor eye to find and vet products across a variety of categories, including lifestyle, home, beauty, fashion, pets, cleaning, travel, aging, and more.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I've been bleaching my dark-brown Asian hair blonde for almost 10 years (so I use the Intensive Repair formula — but the other formulas have fans with all hair types, including Type 3 and 4), and while I'm fortunate that my hair is pretty strong, it definitely needs some moisture and softness added back after a root touch-up. I'm very loyal to my current routine, so I was skeptical that this product would work as well, given the price — less than $10! — and the fact that you only need to leave it in your hair for a minute. Well, I could not have been more wrong! I truly see and feel the difference when I use this mask: My hair is softer, it's easier to blow-dry and style it, it's smoother (frizz is a big concern for me, especially when it's humid), and it just *looks* healthy. The delicious scent is an added bonus! I test a lot of products, so it's not often that I love something enough to buy it when I run out. This, though? This I will definitely be buying when the tub is empty!
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three other formulas).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love BOJ skincare — the only skincare I've stuck with. It's affordable, and the main thing is, it works! My skin is bright, tone is even, and I hardly have breakouts, pores are not an issue, and oil is balanced. I hardly wear foundation anymore, just some gloss, sunscreen, and mascara. I love this cleanser; it cleans so well after the oil cleanser and feels so good on the skin. Price can't be beat, and you only need a small amount; the lather is luxurious. My favorite, and I've tried them all!" —Lolita_Love
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Each mini jar contains 38 lotion bursts, and is a great size for stashing in your purse for moisture on the go. Just be mindful about keeping it somewhere warm, as the lotion bursts may melt and clump together.
Promising review: "OK, but I love these? They smell so good, and they're so convenient. I was worried they'd be like gummy or leave a weird skin or something, but that's not a problem at all! The whole cute little lotion pop rubs into the skin. I've found they're the perfect size to get my hands and up to my elbows when I'm hecka scaly, and all the way up to the shoulders when I'm less dry. And there's no residue! No greasy feeling! Just soft and hydrated and awesome. If they come out with more scents besides this and lavender, I'm buying them for sure. And less chance of spilling in a bag and ruining things!!" —AllyBelle
Get it from Amazon for $7.47 (available in two scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This stuff is strong and can cause a tingle when you apply it. Be sure to conduct a patch test before applying it to your face, and start slow and low. Mild 50 and 100 are better for beginners and sensitive skin, while 300 and 700 may need to be worked up to over time.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this skincare product! It works so well, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it. My skin looks healthier, feels smoother, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!" —E
"You can feel this working immediately. It’s probably the best spicule cream I have used so far. I have large pores, and nothing I have used has helped make them smaller. This actually makes a slight difference. It’s not massive, but enough that I notice it. There’s no scent, which [I like]; I prefer my skincare products not to smell too much at all. They need to work, not smell pretty. Definitely happy with this random purchase. I notice my skin is more hydrated as well. Usually, in the morning, I wake up, and my skin is a little dry. This has changed that." —Maria Page
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four strengths).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I thought to myself, 'How different can these be from the little lip balms E.l.f. already sells?' What a difference these are. I have a few of the smaller fruity lip balms. I love them, but they’re not incredibly moisturizing. Just something nice smelling and pretty. These, however, are something else. They’re moisturizing, smell so amazing, taste good (please, don’t eat your lip balm), and make my lips look gorgeous. I got the Strawberry Shortcake and Yummy Gummy shades, and I couldn’t be happier about them. The scents are spot on, and the pigment is just right. They’re not opaque by any means, but they provide such a nice wash of color. Very easy to wear. I’m definitely getting more shades. 10/10 highly recommend!" —Bunny
Get it from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in 14 shades).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
As someone who is trying to break the vicious cycle of damaging gel manis, I'm a bit desperate for polishes that will last a while on my nails (one of the reasons I loved getting gel manis) *and* won't exacerbate the already sad state of my weak, peeling nails. This magical polish fits the bill exactly — it lasts about a week (which is a long time for a non-gel polish), looks really lovely and natural (it definitely hides the ridging I have), and it doesn't seem to dry out my nails or make them more brittle.
Promising review: "This is very high quality. I put this on my nails five days ago, and there is still no chipping. It feels nourishing on my nails and doesn’t have that nail polish smell. Plus, the nude color is beautiful (soft and natural). It looks like my nails were professionally done, and it did smooth out the ridges after application. Definitely recommend and worth the price." —AJ
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in four colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "Let me tell y’all how good this stuff works. I put on fake tanner this morning. I let it sit for a minute and then dusted on the powder with a kabuki brush. (You don’t need a special brush. Go buy a $5 E.l.f. brush from Walmart.) I was immediately impressed because that sticky feeling was gone. I rubbed my leg, and it was completely dry. It smelled amazing, and it has a beautiful glow to it. So I'm like OK, let's really put it to the test… I'm going to wear white socks all day at the zoo. We walked around the zoo for four hours, and then ran some errands. I took off my white socks after wearing them for 11 hours, sweating, walking…ZERO TRANSFER. I'm SHOCKED. So IDK how I made it 15 years of using self-tanner and getting spray tans and never knew about finishing powder, but, wow. I can never go without it now. Also, if you’re debating which size to buy, the normal container size is enough. A little goes a long way." —Crystal
Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four scents).
Promising review: "This cream went above and beyond what I expected. I just moved to a new area and found out that the water here is super harsh on my hair and skin. The bottoms of my feet were horribly cracked and dry. I was putting normal lotion on daily in hopes of helping it, but nothing really changed. I finally broke down and bought this, put it on one night, and the next day felt so much better already. You could still see cracking, but it was reduced drastically. I put it on again a day later, and now you genuinely couldn't tell I was ever having issues; my feet are smooth and healthy looking/feeling! It only took two applications for it to almost completely erase any issues. I'm so thankful that I ended up getting this; it worked fast and efficiently." —Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $5.39.
Promising review: "Very refreshing and easy to use. The cooling metal roller helps reduce puffiness, and the formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy. Great for morning use or before makeup." —Raquel Acosta
Get it from Amazon for $22.
Promising review: "What I love about these is they are not dripping wet and stay in place while still delivering hydration. I love wearing them on my way to work for a little morning pampering. I’m hoping that these eye patches remain on the market (because they are limited edition) because they have made me a customer for life!" —Tracy A. Martinez
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $9.58.
This is designed for use with cream and liquid makeup.
Promising review: "This is actually a really unique product you can use for either concealer application and blending or like a cream lippie. It’s really good for concealer, especially if you layer different products like color correctors underneath your concealer, because it doesn’t absorb anything like a brush or sponge would. DON'T DAB IT THOUGH; ONLY GLIDE IT OVER YOUR SKIN A FEW TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!" —Molly
Get it from Amazon for $4.31.
Eadem
Eadem is a woman-of-color-founded skincare brand launched by Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover. The pair met at Google and bonded over their shared identity of children of immigrants; Marie's parents are from the Ivory Coast, and Alice's parents are from Taiwan. They even received funding and mentorship through a Glossier grant to take their skincare line — which celebrates melanated skin — to the next level.
Promising review: "The formula is smooth and lightweight, blending seamlessly into the skin without leaving any residue. I used it on areas with hyperpigmentation like my cheeks and chin, since I prefer to treat dark spots in a targeted way." —skynimbus1
Get it from Eadem for $38.
Sephora
The scent notes are banana leaf, chamomile, and white musk.
Promising review: "I tried the Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar, and it exceeded my expectations. The exfoliation is effective but gentle, no irritation at all. My skin feels noticeably smoother and softer after just a few uses, especially on rough areas like arms and legs. I also appreciate the clean ingredients and subtle scent. It feels like a spa-quality product but easy to use at home." —MihaelaBalan1
Get a two-pack from Sephora for $30.
Naturium
Promising review: "I love this. The sugar gently buffs away dead skin while the oils leave my skin soft and hydrated. It makes my skin smooth and glowing, and the scent is subtle and pleasant. It’s gentle enough for everyday use but still noticeable, definitely a must-have in my everything shower routine." —AnaBanana
Get it from Naturium for $20.
Amazon
I can't remember the last time I felt so strongly about a lip product. Truly! This stuff is downright *magical* — it glides on so smoothly, it's not even a little bit sticky, and the parched little sponges on my face that I call my lips drink this stuff up. I've never really been a fan of lip oils because, in my experience, "oil" really means "gloss," and "gloss" means "so sticky I have to pry my lips apart," which is not a sensory experience that I enjoy. But not this lip oil! It's so soft and light on my lips but still has decent staying power; it's def not an all-day product, but I applied it in the morning before work, and it lasted through my cup of coffee. I have it in the shade "Indulge" and was a little scared by the color of the product in the tube, but it's actually a light wash of color and pretty accurate to what you see in the before and after above. If you, like me, don't like to wear anything other than "my lips but better" shades because the maintenance is too annoying, then you'll love this product!
Get it from Amazon for $23 (available in seven shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Pigmented, easy to blend, smooth, long-lasting, and so much more. Maybelline Cloudtopia blushes are top of the line. The formula is exquisite. These moussy blushes feel and look a lot like the very popular Korean brands' pudding pots. A little dot goes a long way. The shade range is excellent. I bought Coral Illusion, Pink Daydream, and Divine Crimson. I like how blendable they are and how you can build the pigment. They have a soft matte finish that is very blurring for both lips and cheeks. It is a very practical product, excellent for traveling, and it doesn't occupy much space in your makeup bag. I am in love with these, and I highly recommend them." —Yise
Get it from Amazon for $7.98 (available in 12 shades).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
To really lock in the hydration, the brand recommends wearing gloves to sleep after applying the cream.
Promising review: "The other reviews are quite right — this is goooood stuff. It really only takes a tiny amount to do all my nails, and it smells really nice, kind of coconutty. I love this because it is effective, which is rare in the nail-care product space. It may seem a bit expensive, but it is worth it because you won't need much." —fiveminutesmoreo
Get it from Amazon for $25.
My skin is a lovely shade of flushed pretty much all the time, which, before discovering this product, I tried to hide with foundation. Apart from the rosiness (and not in an angelic, cherubic way) on my cheeks, my skin is generally pretty clear (thanks, Accutane), so I don't love wearing foundation on my skin because it usually feels heavy or greasy. When I stumbled upon this product at a French pharmacy and it was almost half the price as it was in the US, I thought, Why the heck not? Fortunately and unfortunately, I absolutely love this stuff. It balances out the redness on my cheeks and the hyperpigmentation on my temples from old breakouts perfectly, and I feel comfortable wearing it alone without foundation. Also, fortunately, a little goes a long way so I still have a decent amount left in the tube, because, unfortunately, I will be buying this at whatever price they're charging when my current tube runs out.
Promising review: "I had high hopes for this based on other reviews, and OMG, this product blew my expectations out of the water! I have a hard time finding foundations that match my skin shade, and doubly so since my cheeks have a perpetual flush to them. This CC cream just cancels out all the redness and transforms to match my shade almost perfectly. I literally stood in front of the mirror in disbelief as I applied it the first time. My skin looked so good, and I didn’t even need a true foundation! The CC cream is silky smooth and lightweight with the added bonus of SPF. I used a light application all over my face and built up coverage in areas that needed some extra correction. With a light dusting of powder, this CC cream lasted all day. It did not budge. And it looked amazing in photos, too! Best of all, it did not irritate my sensitive skin at all and was easy to wash off at the end of the day. Definitely a holy grail product!" —Celeste
Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes).
Ulta
Get it from Ulta for $42.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I received a trial-sized version of this in a beauty box, and it won me over immediately. I have hair that ranges from medium curls to loose waves, and I have been using mousse or gel in it my whole life. I decided to give this a try since it smelled AMAZING. That was about six months ago, and I never went back! As soon as I got about halfway down in my smaller bottle, I ordered this one. It goes on easily and rinses off of my hands without soap. I run it through the ends first to make sure they get the most coated, and then I work my way up, rubbing and scrunching as I go. I mostly let my hair air dry and then hit the roots a bit with my hairdryer. Perfect nearly every time! And if it isn't perfect, it's because I didn't use enough, so I simply spray on a little leave-in conditioner and apply a bit more of the Curls product until it's right. I couldn't do that with mousse! And I love that my hair is always soft now and not crunchy. It makes it much easier to reshape on the second day. This is my new styling product from now on!" —CLB
Get it from Amazon for $7.49.
Promising review: "A little bit goes a very, very, very long way, not even a third of a dime sign size drop can wash your entire face and declitage... I have sensitive skin, and I am truly thrilled that this and its other brand products have made my face and neck area hydrated as well as smooth with no residue, and my pores are back to normal." —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $12.90.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "✨ Heaven in a Jar! ✨ This smells amazing — warm, nutty, creamy, and just the right touch of sweet vanilla. It’s like summer and dessert had a baby and gave it shimmer. The texture is rich but not heavy, and it melts right into the skin without feeling greasy. Somehow, it manages to be warm and juicy, light and luxurious, all at once. I don’t know how they nailed it so perfectly, but this is a dream. And the shimmer? Chef’s kiss. I’m obsessed!" —Rachelle
Get it from Amazon for $48.
Promising review: "This cleansing milk works well as a first or morning cleanse. It is not runny and makes the skin feel soft and hydrated without feeling oily or leaving an oily residue. The cleanser also has not caused acne or irritation on my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin." —Gin
Get it from Amazon for $18.90.
Sephora
Promising review: "I had no idea what to expect, but this is a wonderful addition to my skincare routine. It’s not sticky, and there is no odd smell to it. It also makes your skin super soft!!" —kukels
Get it from Sephora for $36.
Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed, No Makeup Makeup
Note: This product has a "Frequently Returned Item" banner on the Amazon listing, as some reviewers find it too heavy. However, other reviewers say using a light hand is best to avoid any caking and creasing. Here's why BuzzFeed editor Amanda Davis loves it:
"I first tried this foundation a couple of weeks ago, and it really lives up to the name. When I apply it, my face doesn't look cakey or overdone at all — my skin just looks a little clearer, smoother, and much more even, but I still have a natural-looking finish overall, which I love. This foundation is also super smooth and creamy, without making my skin feel oily (which I have encountered many times). The compact comes with a mirror and a soft little applicator, too. I usually just dab a bit on before any meetings or quick errands, and I'm set. Plus, it gets major bonus points for having helpful skincare ingredients (jojoba oil and vitamin E) blended into the formula. All in all, it's definitely worth a try — especially if you love the 'no makeup' makeup look!"
Get it from Amazon for $55 (available in 13 shades).
Promising review: "The patches were very easy to put on, and they stayed on nicely as I went about my day at the office. I was able to do everything I needed to, and they didn't fall off. Also, the different-sized patches are genius, and I found perfect matches for each of my fingers. I saw a bit of improvement in dryness after just one use, and I feel like there will be dramatic improvement after repeated use. Excited to keep using them!" —Jeremy M.
Get 45 patches from Amazon for $17.99.
* Newsflash: K-Beauty Isn’t *Just* Skincare — Here Are 25 Excellent Korean Makeup And Hair Products
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* Makeup Products That Literally Leave You Glowing, According To Reviewers
* To Say Reviewers Are Obsessed With These 34 Beauty Products Would Be An Understatement
Plus, easy-to-use makeup items and finds from Amazon and Sephora.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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.
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