27 Beauty Products I’m So Glad These Reviewers Didn’t Gatekeep From Us

27 Beauty Products I’m So Glad These Reviewers Didn’t Gatekeep From Us

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2026-10-31 05:00

BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More

27 Beauty Products I’m So Glad These Reviewers Didn’t Gatekeep From Us

Upgrade your beauty routine with minimal effort.

Posted on Oct 30, 2026 UTC

Facebook

Pinterest

by Lesley Chen BuzzFeed Contributor

1. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask with shea butter, vitamin C, and antioxidants to help keep your lips smooth and hydrated. Best of all, you can leave it on while you sleep and wake up with soft, kissable lips!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising reviews: "Just ordered my second jar — my first lasted an entire year with twice-daily applications. While the price might seem steep for a lip moisturizer, it truly lasts and is worth every penny. Laneige feels incredible on the lips — the hydration is amazing! I use it nightly and most mornings before heading out. I've used lip balm for nearly 30 years, and Laneige has drastically reduced my need for constant reapplication. Living in the Midwest, winters can be harsh, and lips can get brutally dry. I had zero issues last winter, and with colder weather approaching, I'm glad to have a fresh jar on hand. 10/10 recommend!" —Kerry M.

Get it from Amazon for $19.20+ (available in nine flavors and bundles).

2. A whitening toothpasteto give you those pearly whites despite your love of coffee and red wine. It not only helps remove stains but also creates a protective barrier to help protect your teeth from future stains. And it's safe enough to use every day.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is my second time purchasing this toothpaste. I originally bought it based on a recommendation for my friend. The taste is minty fresh, but the whitening is phenomenal. I noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth immediately. I highly recommend this toothpaste." —CherylD

"I have never had a toothpaste make my teeth slay this hard. They’re SO white. I was upset because I had been through so many teeth whitening treatments, and yet my teeth were still yellow and felt stained. It’s been a few days, and my teeth already look at least seven shades lighter. There are so many toothpastes that say 'whitening' and don’t do the job, but this one ACTUALLY whitens, which feels like a rare find. It’s also minty, and my mouth feels super fresh every time I use it. If you’re tired of having yellow teeth, this toothpaste is going to do its job and blow you away!! Never going back to any other toothpaste, I am too in love with these results." —Alexis Myer

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in larger packs).

3. Olaplex No.7 Bonding oil so you can always look like you just walked out of a hair salon. It's lightweight, adds heat protection, reduces frizz, and boosts shine. No more bad hair days!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil has been a game-changer for my hair. This is my second time purchasing it, and I’m just as impressed as the first. I have very fine, thin, and oily hair that’s also color-treated, which makes it hard to find products that nourish without weighing it down. This oil is noticeably lighter and less greasy than others I’ve tried, and even a small amount delivers great results. I use it mainly on the ends, and they’ve visibly recovered — softer, smoother, and healthier. I recommend starting with a tiny amount and adjusting based on your hair’s needs. For those with oily and fine hair that’s also damaged, finding the right product is always a challenge, but this one truly delivers. The bottle is small, and the price might seem high at first glance, but it’s absolutely worth trying. It’s lasted a long time for me, and I’ve seen great results. I’ve received several compliments since using it, and I’ll definitely keep buying it" —MilaCG

"I have fine hair that’s prone to breakage and gets dry easily. This is the best oil I’ve ever used and is well worth the price. I’ve used argan oil, jaboboa etc. This oil is lightweight and not greasy. It makes my hair feel healthy and gets soaked up instantly leaving a long lasting shine. My hair feels very soft afterwards, especially pairing with a boar bristle brush. It also smells GREAT! This will be a forever oil for me and my hair routine. If you have fine hair, I definitely recommend." —Rowen 

Get it from Amazon for $32 (also available in a larger size and part of a set).

4. An under-eye brightener to help hide the fact that you've been sacrificing your beauty sleep to marathon-watch reality TV at night. It's blendable, color-correcting, and contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter to help moisturize your under-eye area.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This stuff is amazing! I’ve repurchased three times and will continue to do so, because as a 30-year-old teacher and momma of littles, I can definitely see the tiredness in my eyes. I have darkness and circles all around my eyes, and you can just see how this stuff works and brings me back to life!! Sometimes I just use this with some loose translucent setting powder on top for no makeup days, and other times I put it under my usual makeup. Looks great either way I apply. So easy to use and I love it!" —Julie

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in five shades). 

5. A waterproof eyeliner so when you finally perfect that sharp winged eyeliner, you can shed a tear and not even smudge it. It has a precise tip, so you can create a minimalist or bold eye depending on your mood.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Best eyeliner known to man. Precision is great, after awhile the tip frays but its usually at the end of the liner's life. Color is black and beautiful. Waterproof and hard to remove. Applys amazing. Ive gone swimming in this. Causes zero eye irritation but your eyes need to be dry for this product to word." —Ibiihara

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two-pack).

6. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm that works even on waterproof makeup and sunscreen. It's both gentle and hydrating, and as you massage it into your face, the balm turns into a smooth oil to melt everything away.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "On my second jar, and will be needing a third soon. I love this stuff. Feels very good on my face — takes up all my makeup right away and washes away completely with warm water and a good, soft face cloth. I like E.l.f. products a lot because they’re very good quality and very low cost. You can’t go wrong with this very gentle way to clean your skin." —That's Amore

"E.l.f. has really stepped up their game lately! I was using Farmacy Makeup Meltaway, and I loved it, but it was very expensive. I decided to try the E.l.f brand because of the price, and it's the exact same thing! For $11, you can't go wrong with this product. I wear waterproof mascara, and this makes removing it super easy! My face feels super clean and hydrated after using this product. The product lasts for a good amount of time, too." —Haley McCaulley

Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in three sizes and in packs of two). 

7. Maybelline New York's Sky High mascara to give your eyelashes a boost without breaking the bank. The flexible brush helps you target every single lash to make your eyes truly pop. If you want to mix up your style, it also comes in different colors like purple and green.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is hands-down great mascara! It noticeably lengthens lashes and separates them well! I'm on my second tube!" —Chali Rife

"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 $8.74+ (available in 10 colors and as a pack of two). 

8. A self-setting concealer that will help smooth out any imperfections and has a blurred finish to give you that photo-ready look. Plus, it has ingredients like sea fennel extract and caffeine to actually help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is probably the best under eye concealer I have ever used. And I have tried hundreds. From cheep drug store brands to high end cosmetic lines. It goes on smoothly, blends well, does NOT settle in any creases, and lucky me I picked the right shade first time. I will definitely buy this again and may try other products in this line. Happy about it!! 🤗" —MulderIt'sMe

Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in 30 shades).

9. Medicube's Jelly Cream formulated with collagen, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant-derived squalane to help lock in moisture, even out skin tone, and give you the glassy skin look of a beauty influencer.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This is suitable for all skin types! 

Promising reviews:  "This is my second jar of this face moisturizer. It is SO moisturizing and gives your skin that amazing glass look and helps with fine lines. I’ll be keeping it in my rotation." —Megan Greene

"You get a full-sized product for a good price! The smell is very soft and goes on so smoothly. The container itself is of great quality. My skin is shiny and clear! Not a greasy type of shiny either! I am so pleased with my purchase. I had oily skin with dry patches, and it has frustrated me to no end! Now my skin is hydrated, and this has been a great addition to my skincare routine. The cream is more like a smooth gel. Not sticky at all. You’ll be grateful you got it!" —heather sheridan

Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in two versions and as a pack of two).

10. A vitamin C serum to brighten, nourish, and calm your skin. If you've been battling dark spots, this might just be the solution for you. It uses a different type of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) that's supposed to be more stable and gentler on the skin.

www.amazon.com

It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination!

It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer. (Ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!) Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use.

Promising reviews: "This feels great on my skin, I put it on after I use my red light therapy, perfect treatment to recover my skin after the dryness of the red light. This is my second bottle and I will be back again! No pain or burning noted at all." —Lisa R

"Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).

11. Maybelline "Fit Me" matte foundation because the last thing you need is for your makeup to make you more shiny. It's oil free and lightweight, so your skin won't feel like it's suffocating, and it comes in a ton of different shades, so you can pick one for every season's complexion.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "On my second bottle. 😊 The shades come in such a great assortment that I’ve been able to perfectly match my skin. This makeup is on the sheer side but is buildable. The texture and feel of the liquid is lovely!" —Perky

"I love this stuff! I've purchased more expensive foundations, but this is the best. No shine, looks beautiful on my skin. I typically use a lightweight primer underneath, but even without the primer, this foundation glides on beautifully. It doesn't feel heavy, it looks like my natural skin and it lasts all day. Perfect!" —MP Gallagher

Get it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in two sizes and 43 shades).

12. A non-aerosol dry shampoo that can help keep your hair and scalp fresh for up to three days. It uses microbeads to soak up oil, odors, and sweat, so your hair won't look greasy on the days you decide to sleep in instead of washing it.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I put off buying this dry shampoo for so long. In the process, I probably purchased 10 other dry shampoos that either claimed to do what this one did, or that I just hoped would. After spending 8x what I would have if I had bought this in the first place, I finally caved and purchased it at what I felt was a high price point. (Especially for a travel-size!) Once I sprayed this into my hair (roots only and seriously only 1–2 sprays in your greasiest areas), I immediately regretted it because I knew I would never be going back to any other dry shampoo ever. I get why the high price point. It takes away any smell; it smells great. It gives your hair texture and volume. It seriously absorbs all grease. I used to have to wash my hair every other day, no exceptions. I can go 3–4 days now!!! You barely need any, and it works so unbelievably well! I also love that it’s non-aerosol, so it doesn’t get everywhere. This stuff lasts. I just ordered my second bottle. I’ll be a customer as long as they keep selling it. I hope they never stop!" —Gabrielle

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes). 

13. Some bright nail polish because sometimes all it takes is your nails done to make you feel like you have it together. This polish is quick-drying, chip-resistant, and it comes in so many shades that you can get one for every day of the weekend, holiday, mood, outfit, etc.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is worth it! These have to be the absolute prettiest colors, and they actually match what you think you are buying. This is the second bottle I have purchased, and both are great. I have had this color on for 5 days now with no chipping. I'm not a nail tech or anything, but this is a win in my book! I highly recommend trying a color that strikes your fancy." —A.Jones

"I get so many compliments on this shade! [Editor's note: High Dive, pictured left.] Ilnp is easily on par with luxury brands at double the price and Ilnp has any color imaginable!! I used a bonding base coat, two coats of this color, and a shiny topcoat. If I were easier with my hands, I would definitely get 10+ days without a chip! Also, the brush is one of the best I have used and the formula is quite forgiving if you need to pull the brush a couple of times over when too much paint has been applied. Dries quickly for a nonquick-drying formula, even with the base, two coats, and the topcoat! I love Ilnp's sparkle formulas and this is my first creme from them and I'm a fan for life!!" —LD

Get it from Amazon for$10+ (available in tons of shades and packs of three and four).

14. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream that contains guarana extract and cupuacu butter to tighten and hydrate any and all dry skin. Not only will your skin feel soft, but it will also smell delicious, like pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla.

www.amazon.com

Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite, if that’s something you’re looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising reviews: "I love everything about this stuff. It’s my second time making the purchase. I’ve been complimented on how good my legs looked after only using it for a few weeks. But more than the way it helps firm, it’s honestly the most moisturizing thing I’ve used. It smells amazing, and even though it’s a little pricey, it’s 100% worth it. Plus, the smell lasts all day. My clothes even smell good after taking them off. Fantastic brand, amazing quality!" —Amber

"Absolute Holy Grail! ​I am absolutely blown away! From the very first application, I noticed a massive difference. The hydration is unmatched, leaving my skin incredibly soft, smooth, and visibly firmer. ​What really sets this apart, though, is the scent — it is an absolute dream that lasts all day long and gets me endless compliments. It absorbs super quickly without leaving any greasy residue, which is a huge plus. It has truly worked wonders for my skin’s texture and radiance. It is worth every single penny, and I will definitely be restocking! Highly recommend!" —Wendis

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in three sizes).

15. Urban Decay's Naked 2 eye palette if you love a neutral look. With different cool-toned shades and taupe undertones, you can blend them for a natural look or use them as a base for other colors. And it's in a travel-friendly size, so you can bring it with you wherever you go.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Urban decay naked palettes have been my go to for a decade. These go on well, are not insanely pigmented so they are buildable, and the shades of nude are absolutely perfect for the no makeup makeup look. Yes it’s super expensive but I’ve tried all the dupes and drugstore brands and none come close to the true urban decay blend-ability and pigment as well as the TRUE matte color. The size is perfect for when you don’t want to be hauling the regular palette around with you. Doesn’t bother my eyes unless it goes literally IN your eyes (obviously) and it’s a powdery finish that sets well WITH setting spray applied over it (have never tried solo without a setting spray). I will buy again until someone makes a better or comparable product." —Katianne

Get it from Amazon for $28.

16. A Charlotte Tilbury setting powder for anyone who hates doing touchups throughout the day. You can just set it and forget it — this powder can help keep makeup in place for up to 12 hours, and it has ingredients like rose wax and almond oil to hydrate your skin.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder! It gives my skin a smooth, soft-focus look without looking cakey or heavy. It helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines while keeping my makeup looking fresh and polished throughout the day. The finish is beautiful and natural, and it’s perfect for touch-ups when I need a little extra coverage or shine control. Definitely worth the splurge!" —Ms. Torres

Get it from Amazon for $50 (available in four shades). 

17. A bronzer balm to give you that sun-kissed look, even in the depths of winter. It's less messy than a powder, and it's buildable, so you're in full control of how bronzed you want to be.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This bronzer completely lived up to the hype for me!! The shade looks very natural and blends effortlessly. It's almost impossible to overdo, which makes it perfect even if you're not a makeup expert. It gives my skin a healthy, sun-kissed look without looking orange or muddy.

I've used it with different foundations and several liquid blushes, and it layers beautifully without lifting the makeup underneath. Another thing I love is how skin-like it looks. It never feels heavy or obvious—it just melts into the skin.The packaging is beautiful, and although it's not the cheapest bronzer, a little product goes a long way, so I can tell it's going to last a very long time." —Daniela

Get it from Amazon for $34 (available in six shades).

18. A L'Oreal Paris setting spray with a microfine mist that will help keep your eye, lip, and face makeup looking flawless and waterproof for up to 36 hours! Go ahead and sweat and cry — your makeup is here to stay through it all.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is basically hair spray for your face. I've already ordered a second bottle. Tested today, full face of makeup in the sun and humidity from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it was a DREAM. My face never got shiny or greasy once. My makeup held the entire day!! It's my favorite product now!!" —mhutz

Get it from Amazon for $10.98+ (available in two sizes).

19. Some overnight hydrogel masks to help tighten the appearance of pores and smooth out fine lines while you sleep. The mask is opaque when you put it on and becomes transparent as the ingredients absorb into your skin. You'll wake up feeling and looking refreshed.

www.amazon.com

Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. 

Promising review: "I do one of these face masks every week and replaced my expensive facials! Takes several hours to turn transparent but once removed my face feels so soft and moisturized. I do cut some little slits to make it fit better around the nose and eyes, but otherwise a great size." —Holly Ann Wilson

Get a set of four from Amazon for $19 (also available in a pack of 16 and in four scents)

20. An Embryolisse daily face cream that's a multitasking baddie. You can use it as a moisturizer, primer, cleanser, face mask, after-sun care, or aftershave in the morning or evening. You've just saved yourself money and time.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was very skeptical to buy this due to the price but my skin felt so hydrated and so soft for the whole day. Does not feel sticky like other creams but soft on your skin. Get rid of all your other creams (except your SPF cream, of course), because this one wins the spot as the most hydrating. I usually put this cream on at night since I have oily combination skin and just SPF during the day." —Zola

Get it from Amazon for $19.90+ (available in two sizes).

21. Beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water if you're looking for something that helps tone and hydrate. Use it after you wash your face and just wait for your friends to ask you how you got your skin to go from drab to fab.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Excuse me, what is this sorcery?! I’ve used it twice (a.m. and p.m.) and it has literally already transformed my combination skin! It’s never been so soft and glowy. I will be looking into more of their ginseng line. BUY IT!!!!!!" —samantha

Get it from Amazon for $17.07 (also available as a two-pack).

22. A versatile multi-stick you can use on your eyes, cheeks, and lips, making your makeup bag sooooo much lighter. You can apply it with just your fingers, and it'll give you just a touch of shimmer that's great for day or night.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This little multi stick has become one of those products I reach for almost every day. While it’s designed for your eyes, lips, and cheeks, my favorite way to use it is as a lipstick. It glides on smoothly, feels lightweight, and gives my lips a pretty, natural-looking color that doesn’t feel drying.

It also makes a really nice cream blush. It blends easily with my fingertips and gives my cheeks a soft, healthy flush without looking heavy or cakey.

The compact size is another big plus. I keep one in my makeup bag at home and another in my purse so I can easily freshen up throughout the day. It’s convenient to have one product that can do the job of several." —Alee

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in seven shades)

23. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer if you're sick of heavy, greasy sunscreens. This moisturizer also works as a primer and sunscreen (it comes in SPF 30 or 50) and is invisible, fast-absorbing, and oil-free for weightless sun protection.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve tried many facial sunscreens over the years, but most felt greasy and often caused breakouts. My dermatologist recommended Biore UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer SPF 50, and it has been a game changer. The formula is incredibly lightweight and goes on more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily, and has never caused blemishes. It also layers beautifully under makeup without pilling or affecting the finish. Most importantly, it has provided excellent sun protection while keeping my skin comfortable all day. If you’re looking for a high-SPF facial sunscreen that feels weightless and works well under makeup, I highly recommend giving this one a try." —Janny

Get the SPF 50 version from Amazon for $14.97 (also available in an SPF 30 version and in a pack of three).

24. A scalp renewal brush because you do plenty of exfoliation on your face but probably haven't thought about doing it on your scalp. Use this brush on wet or dry hair to give your scalp a little exfoliation and help get rid of all the buildup that's been accumulating for ages. After all, strong hair starts with a clean scalp!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

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 who 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 $8.49.

25. Ogx Locking and Coconut Curls Air-Dry Cream to let your curls show off their natural bounce without weighing them down with product. This has coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize and keep frizz to a minimum.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve had wavy hair my whole life, but this took it to the next level! It brought out actual curls! It made my hair so soft, shiny, bouncy, and moisturized. My hair is usually full of snarls and knots by the end of the day, but my brush went through my hair like butter this evening, and that’s never happened before! It’s like magic. And the price is amazing! I love it!!" —Vanessa

Get it from Amazon for $7.38 (also available as a two-pack).

26. A scalp massager to treat your head at the end of a long day. It'll help scrub away any oil or flakes, work your shampoo into your scalp, and bonus, it just feels good.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I saw this little thing all over TikTok and everyone swore by it. To be honest, they’re right and I now swear by it. It’s perfectly soft and sturdy to massage the scalp. Works shampoo into roots, helps with dry skin and such. I absolutely love it and I use it every time I wash my hair. I most definitely would recommend to anyone. Don’t hesitate." —Z

Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in three colors).

27. A tinted lip balm because with colder temps, your lips need some extra TLC. This will give your lips a pop of glossy color while also hydrating and smoothing them.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have tried most of the peptide lip balms at different price points and this one is worth the money. It is thick and cushiony which is my preference with this type of product, yet not sticky or stringy. The shade range is good, packaging is beautiful, stays on for a few hours but after it wears off you can still feel the hydration. One area where it beats other similar products is that it has an AHA in the formula for exfoliating." —TucsonShopper

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in seven shades).

Still searching for the perfect addition to your beauty routine? Try these:

* Amazing Newer Beauty Products To Stock Up On Now Before Everyone Else Catches On

* K-Beauty Products That Will Make Anyone In Their Thirties Go “Yes Please”

* Multi-Tasking Beauty Products To Help You Save Space In Your Carry-On

* Beauty Products So Good, They’ll Make You A Repeat Customer For Life

* Inexpensive Beauty Products That Are Better Than The Expensive Versions

Plus, the beauty products we gave 2026 Buzzy Awards to and finds from Amazon, Dermstore, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, and Walmart.

Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?

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. 

……

Read full article on BuzzFeed-Shopping

Other