29 High-Maintenance Products That'll Let You Stay Low Maintenance
Note: It doesn't come with a mitt for application, so grab one if you need it! And for contouring your face, use a beauty sponge for more precise application and blend, blend, BLEND so it looks natural. You can find a ton of tutorials for this on TikTok, including this one.
It's also vegan, cruelty free, made from recycled materials, and *doesn't* leave any gross fake tan smells!
Promising review: “Being glow-in-the-dark pale, most self-tanning products tend to look orange on me. This product actually achieves a brown bronze tone without the orange hue after a few applications. Two to three applications tend to produce a good color that lasts about 8–10 days on my skin before it starts to get patchy and wear off. Exfoliating prior to application and moisturizing can help with results and longevity." —K
"I'm Black, and I use this to contour so I don't have to apply makeup to my face every day. This darkens the areas around my jawline, cheekbones, and nose in just a few hours and lasts about four days before I need to reapply. There's no orange tint, and that's a plus." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.09+ (available in five tan levels, from lightest to darkest).
It's recommended to exfoliate your lips beforehand so you have a smooth base for the stain!
Wonderskin is a small business that specializes in makeup and skincare products.
Promising review: "Can I just say WOW!!!!! I wear makeup on occasion, but when I tried this lipstick, I wanna wear it every day. I was skeptical after reading a few reviews, but decided to try for myself. This color is the DARLING!! I followed the instructions, and look how perfect this lippie is!! I love it!! I applied it at 2:30 a.m. and wore it without touch-up WITH A MASK ON, and at 2:30 p.m., it was still on!!" —Tona McCoy
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 30 shades).
A small cover is included to help with precise brow shaping, if you plan to use it for that as well. It's suggested that you soften your face with lotion or shaving cream before using the dermaplaning tool!
Promising reviews: "Perfect for getting little hairs and dead skin. So easy to use and saves time from plucking and shaving." —alynae
"Least expensive way to get microblading/dermaplaning done! If you hold your skin taut and glide the razor over your skin, it DOES take off the top dead layer of skin and also all the baby hairs, so it definitely does what it claims to. Baby hairs do not grow back rough or stubbly, and that was my original worry. Dermaplaning like this at least once every few weeks helps your skin feel and look more radiant and helps makeup go on smoother for sure. I love it. Dermatologists charge $100–$250 for what these little tools can do for you at home." —Muffy
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.94.
The kit comes with up to 30 applications! They do recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before use to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.
If you don't already have an angled eyebrow brush for applying this, you can get a cheap dual-sided one here.
Promising review: "This is the best eyebrow tint I’ve come across in my 33 years of life. There’s a learning curve to it, but once you get it, it’s fantastic! It lasts for a couple of weeks to a month, and there are so many uses in one package. I would say the first time to keep it on for 20–30 minutes and then every time after do less. Since it’s henna, it stays in the hair forever, so it’ll just keep getting darker and darker until new eyebrow hairs grow in. PSA: The first time I did it, I thought it was turning my hair green, but I trusted the process, and no green! Definitely worth the purchase!" —Nikki
Get it from Amazon for $13 (available in six shades: black, burgundy, dark brown, golden brown, medium brown, and light brown).
Amazon
Former BuzzFeeder Haley Zovickian swears by these (and recommends investing in a decent pair of tweezers in general): "When you gotta shape your brows, remove your unibrow hair, get rid of a mustache, etc. etc., you need good tools. If you can afford it, spend a few extra bucks to get a pair that'll hold up longer than a week. I'm a Tweezerman tweezers stan personally."
Promising review: "I bought another supposedly 'upgraded' name-brand tweezer from the drugstore that cost $18 retail but was absolute garbage; it would take 3–4 attempts to pull out a single hair, which was extremely frustrating. THIS tweezer is a GAME CHANGER of tweezers compared to all the other ones I've used! Never buying any other brand again, this is the one! It pulls out the tiniest fine hair on a single attempt and is very pleasant to hold and manipulate. It actually makes tweezing hair less painful because it does such a good job. Great price point for a tweezer and comes with a little protective cap to go over the blades, which is a nice touch." —Gummy-Worm
Get them from Amazon for $17.92 (also available in 12 Disney princess designs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Shoutout to this TikTok creator who gives a great, in-depth tutorial on how to map your eyebrows using this string! You'll definitely want to watch a how-to before you get started and, of course, read the brand's instructions.
BTW, the pigment is hypoallergenic!
Promising review: "Brow artist here :) I've been searching for a really pigmented mapping string for AGES. This one is perfect. It is evenly pigmented, it's easily used and stored, and the container isn't messy. It shows up easily on all skin tones, has staying power throughout the service, but easily wipes away with cleanser or micellar water. 10/10" —@thefluffnyc | danielle | unsolicited advice
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
This stuff is used in a lot of high-end salons, too, so this tin truly pays for itself in "trips not taken to get professional waxed." You'll need a heater to warm up the wax — lots of reviewers mention using this one!
Promising reviews: "I don't like shaving my unibrow because I'm lazy and don't want to shave every other day. I used to tweeze all my unibrow hairs one by one; now I use this, which makes life so much easier. What used to take 15 minutes every week now takes one minute. I still tweeze the edges for accuracy, but this helps take out the entire center of the unibrow in one go, which is 90% of the work." —Ammar
"Holy crap. Please listen to this review. This is the best and easiest-to-use wax I have ever tried. It dries super quickly, and when it dries it creates a vacuum seal around the hair. It does not stick to skin in the slightest and cuts the pain down by 75%. I would pay $150 dollars for this stuff because it is so good." —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My hair was always straight until recently, so I’m still pretty new to figuring out my curly/wavy hair. My hair is fine and probably about a 2b, which is curlier when shorter. I had been sleeping on a regular cotton pillowcase and waking up to frizz and limpness, so I knew I needed to change things up. This is my first bonnet, and it works great! I’ve tried using it both in a loose pineapple using the included scrunchie, and on its own, and it definitely keeps my curls/waves more defined and less frizzy for longer and helps my hair to keep its definition. In its curly state, my hair is right at/just past my shoulders, and I was worried about there being too much space in the bonnet to keep my hair looking good, but it does the job! I also can’t stand being too warm at night, and I find this doesn’t bother me." —DC
Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in 15 colors and a version with a tie band).
Check out why these are a fave in this TikTok.
Promising review: "Y’all, I have been a loyal Lilac St. customer since they started, and I will never leave them. These are the absolute best quality. I get so many compliments. They are the most natural and most comfortable to wear. I use several times by using makeup remover and water to remove any glue. Seriously will never stray." —Katiew
Get the starter kit from Amazon for $38 (includes two sets of Original lashes, lash glue, and an applicator).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This kit includes lash glue, lash perm, lash fixation, lash nutrition, lash cleanser, five silicone pads, three lash cleaning brushes, 10 lash micropores, 10 brushes, and five gel under-eye pads.
Note: If you have sensitive skin, especially around your eyes, some reviewers noted this can cause irritation.
Promising review: "Okay I'm not gonna lie, I was worried that this stuff would either not work at all or make all my lashes fall out. Thankfully, it was neither and the results are UNREAL. I HIGHLY suggest watching some YouTube videos of other people using their perm kits before attempting to use yours. I have big fingers and small eyes so it was difficult for me to get the lift pads in the right positions but once that was over, the rest was a breeze. Unlike some of the other kits I've seen on here, this one has basically everything you need. The only other things I needed were a mirror, some tissue, and a little bit ofplastic wrap to cover my lashes while waiting for the lotions to work their magic. I'm totally impressed and will definitely be buying this again! —Ryan
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The set includes seven colors and seven roller sizes, ranging from 0.31-inch to 0.78-inch widths. All are 7 inches long. The reviewer on the right (above) recommended using different sizes for a full look!
Reviewers with everything from stick-straight to type 4c curls swear by these! Use with wet hair and a blow-dryer for instant results.
Promising review: "OMG I'm in love. I have used every type of hair curling device there is, from heat curling to old-school rollers. THIS is the easiest, most comfortable, most effective thing I’ve ever used. It couldn’t be easier to twist your hair around these rods, bend them in place, and come out of it with gorgeous curls. I don’t sleep on them. I put them in just slightly damp hair or use a bit of mousse. I keep them in for maybe an hour or less. I get the most beautiful curls. They relax a bit but last a couple of days. Throw out that damaging curling iron. Get these!" —Amazon Customer
Get a 47-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
I use the Kitsch heatless curling rod myself and it has completely revolutionized the way I do my hair — and I'm not being dramatic. There's a bit of a learning curve (I recommend looking up some YouTube videos or TikToks), but with some practice, it's a fast and easy process to get your hair wrapped up in this rod. It takes me no more than a few minutes now!
Personally, I don't like to sleep in mine (though lots of people do), but I'll shower in the morning, throw my hair up in a satin towel for about 30–45 minutes to absorb the excess moisture, then leave my hair wrapped in this roller for at least four hours while I work from home or do chores. The resulting curls are STUNNING and can last me for several days, though of course they slowly loosen into waves with time. I do use avery light finishing spray and some Verb Ghost oil on the ends to add some glossy shine and calm any minor frizz — but since I started using satin hair products like this curling rod, there's much less frizz in general. For context, I have fine, straight hair, but reviewers of other hair types swear by this too — like the reviewer below!
Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this thing. I am Black with 4B hair. Once I straighten my hair, I put this on nightly, and the curls come out just how I like them. I wear this to the gym and it stays put. I wear it to the grocery store and get compliments because it looks like a style with a headband. The key to this is the wire that runs in the middle: It allows the curls to really set. Make sure to use a clip to hold it at the top before you begin to twist your hair. Once you master the twist, the rest is cake!" —Karnesha
Get a set from Amazon for $12.67 (available in 12 colors). You'll get two free satin scrunchies too!
It comes in coconut coffee or coconut vanilla (shown above), and other delicious flavors too!
Bare Botanics is the small biz behind this amazing scrub, which is handcrafted in Madison, Wisconsin!
Promising review: "I love anything coffee-related and have tried a few different body scrubs, but this one is by far the best! My skin feels silky smooth, like satin, which is amazing because my skin is normally very dry. The silky satin feeling lasts for days. I have been using this scrub for about two weeks, and I’m obsessed — the first week I used it twice, but realized I didn’t need to use it more than once a week. You can smell the coconut and coffee, but it’s not strong or overwhelming. If you are looking for a body scrub that has a pleasant scent and will leave your skin feeling silky smooth for days, then I highly recommend!" —Stephanie Wortham
Get it from Amazon for $27.95 (available in seven scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's also great for prepping your skin to use self-tanner and also for removing the tanner when you're ready!
Note: It shouldn't be used on your face, but your arms, legs, and the rest of your body are fair game!
Promising review: "I used these on my skin seven days ago, but didn’t have my phone for photo evidence of how incredible they work. Look at the pictures from today. This is not me being dirty… this is how much dead skin can come off head to toe weekly. Personally, I will only use these once a week because they remove dead skin so effectively. Here’s how they work for me: I shower in hot water and clean my skin. Then, I turn off the water and get to work on my damp skin. It takes about 15 minutes head to toe (not the face or delicate parts of the neck). I do NOT soak the gloves in water. They are a tad uncomfortable if you have very sensitive skin. Just keep rubbing back and forth, and the skin starts collecting and rolling off. I used to think that soaking in a tub would release my dead skin. No. That’s why my thighs always had those little red bumps unless I shaved. My butt cheeks are softer than ever, and I don’t have little red bumps on my arms. These are worth every penny." —Felicia Weston
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in three colors and also as a pair).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am a very happy customer. After trying so many different brands (including the cheapest ones from other sites), no other press-ons have lasted over two weeks! I love how they conform to my nails and make it look natural. You can tell in my pictures that there’s growth just as I would have from getting my nails done at the salon. I’ll definitely order these again and I highly recommend them to anyone. They’re super easy to put on. I also type all day for my job, and they’ve held up. I’m impressed!!" —steph
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The kit comes with 32 bottles of gel nail polish, a base coat, a regular top coat, a glitter top coat, a matte top coat, the UV lamp, and a ton of other nail accessories like nail removable wipes and clips, a nail file, a nail buff sponge, and more.
Promising review: "I have been thoroughly impressed at my ability to do this on my own without assistance and the tiniest ounce of research! The nails last on average of 10–14 days. By 14 days, I usually still have no chipping/peeling, but I remove them since the nail grows out a bit too long and needs reshaping. These help my nails grow long fast since they are harder to chip! The colors in this pack are very vibrant. The bottles are a little smaller than expected, but there are so many that I'm not complaining lol. I love this!" —Lillian Cook
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in 12 different sets).
Pretty Fab Nails / Etsy
This darling small biz is based in Florida and sells a variety of nail wrap designs, stickers, and nail tools and accessories. Check out their store page to see the full offering of cute designs!
Promising review: "I wanted to wait to review these nail wraps as they just kept going! I bought these thinking I would be happy if they lasted the weekend... I finally removed them last night after 26 days! I followed the application instructions (swipe nail with nail polish remover beforehand), and finished with a top coat, making sure to cap the tip of the nail too. When wearing these nails, I bathed, I swam, and they still lasted! One set will be enough for two applications for short nails. I would definitely purchase these again!" —Charlotte
Get a set from Pretty Fab Nails on Etsy for $8.99, including thepastel floral and midnight marble designs shown above.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow, what a find! If you’re always bummed with the look of your light color nail polish after a few days, this will not disappoint. This product gives full coverage over stained or discolored nails. Other whites, nudes, or light pink polish always end up looking messy when I do my nails at home. This stuff is magic! It can be used either sheer or with a few coats, and it corrects the dreaded 'smoker’s nails.' It lasts better than the professional manicures I have had. Is it pricey? I say no, based on either wasting your money on subpar polish or paying for a manicure at a salon. I finally have the perfect product. My nails look goooood." —Nadnor
Need more details? Check out our full Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer review!
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in five shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers say they use this as a step in their double cleansing routine, which is a method of cleansing your face twice — first with an oil-based cleanser, and then again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the gross stuff out of your pores. So yes, you might feel a little ~high maintenance~ using it, but you'll reap the benefits in the long term.
Promising review: "This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin. However, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom, and my scarring doesn’t look as deep! The cleanser has a light, clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" —Myshel Cagle
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed
BTW, Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.
BuzzFeed Shopping editorAmanda Davis vouches for it! "This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind-blowing. The tone of my face is much more even and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it's like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one...with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!) and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night) and it's super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!"
Get it from Amazon for $169 (available in three colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Make sure you learn how to derma-roll properly before going at it!
Promising review: "I just got this a few days ago, and already notice a significant difference after only one use. My face feels so smooth, clean and soft, the blemishes I had healed quickly, my face has more firmness and elasticity, and see the light lines by my forehead dissipating. I use a vitamin C serum afterward. I can't wait to continue to see the results over time!! Oh, and BTW, I have very sensitive skin so I was nervous to try this, but the microneedling caused no problems at all. Slight pinching during use, which is very tolerable; in fact, it feels kinda good — invigorating. And there will be redness for about 30 minutes to one hour afterward, so best to do before bedtime." —T
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors).
This lamellar water treatment is another reason I've been able to upgrade my hair game over the past couple years. My hair is thin, fine, color-treated, and prone to frizz, but ever since I started using this every time I wash my hair (about twice a week), my hair has literally never looked and felt better. It makes my hair look and feel silky soft, and once it dries, there's way less frizz.
Promising reviews: "Wow! I have waist-length 3c curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer, and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky
"I'm a professional hairstylist, and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —anonymous87
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.
Promising reviews: "Wow! It's like Olaplex had a baby and this was it — but better. I decided to try this, I mean it's pretty cheap, so why not? And it blew my hair out of the water! My hair hasn't been this soft and shiny in years." —Barph
"I really was skeptical, but this stuff is AMAZING 🤩 I've had such issues over the past year with my hair. I've had breakage and split ends, just a mess. One use and I instantly saw and felt the difference. I use it as recommended in the description and here I am 3 days out from using it and my hair still looks great." —Melinda
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
For most of my adult life, I've had NO idea what to do with my hair, but this is one of those tools that's basically like, "It's OK...I gotchu." Now when I blow-dry my hair, I can style it at the same time, and it's as easy as just curling my hair around this brush as I go. I seriously never thought I'd be able to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home, but even with my non-existent skills, I can get pretty dang close with this hot-air brush.
Blow-drying your hair might not feel like a "high-maintenance" thing to everybody, but trust me, for some folks who are used to just letting their hair air-dry after washing (like me), it does. But when I spend that little extra effort to use this brush after washing, I legit get to enjoy bouncier, more ~voluminous~ hair with WAY less frizz than I'm used to for the next several days. Of course, I also pair this with the lamellar treatment above for best results!
It has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them.
Promising review: "I am beyond low maintenance when it comes to grooming. I’ve had frizz from regrowth. I was considering bangs, and I knew I’d need to up my styling skills. After researching, I decided to give this tool a shot. It’s amazing!!! I’ve always owned a blow dryer, but never had much luck. The first time I used this, it was great! A little care, and the blowout lasted with nice waves from sleeping in a bun for several days until I washed it again! The regrowth frizz is tamed!" —SD
Get it from Amazon for $48.99 (available in a few different models and different colors).
Promising reviews: "I’m using this now for my daughter, and it’s incredible! Her twists last more than a week and her hair is so healthy and shiny. Great product! I’m only using this now as a styling gel." —Ashlea P.
"Holy grail curl definer. I have been using it to define my curls for about 5 years. I spent so much money on other definers before I found this gel. It is VERY moisturizing and does not give you that dry, hard curl that feels like it will break off if touched wrong. It dries clear, does not leave any residue, and curls will last until your next wash — which is usually about 4–7 days for me. You can use a little or a lot, depending on how defined you want your curls to be. I use about a handful, but that's my preference. I simply slather it on, root to ends, and then whip my head back and forth a few times, and I'm done with my hair!! I am definitely a lifetime customer!!" —Starr
Get it from Amazon for $6.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I don’t know what kind of sorcery is inside these little golden jelly patches, but after 20 minutes, my under-eyes went from 'haven’t slept in three days' to 'rested billionaire wife who doesn’t know what stress is.' I put these on while sipping my coffee, and suddenly, I felt like I should be wearing a silk robe and having an assistant schedule my nonexistent meetings. The cooling sensation? Pure heaven. The results? Immediate. It’s like these patches took one look at my dark circles and said, 'We got this, babe.' My usual under-eye bags — courtesy of insomnia, caffeine addiction, and bad decisions — were visibly less puffy. Did I still have problems after using these? Yes. But did I look like I had problems? No. And that’s what matters. 10/10. Will be buying these in bulk and considering making them my entire personality." —Rebekeekee
Get 48 pairs from Amazon for $32.95 (available in 6-, 12-, 24-, and 72-packs, and in four styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The pack comes with twenty 30-minute treatments, and two hour-long treatments. The strips are also enamel-safe!
Haley says, "Folks, these are not the gloppy whitening strips of your childhood that slid all around your mouth and had you spitting out globs of product every few minutes so you wouldn't swallow it. I was FLOORED when I tried these strips. They may or may not be the best beauty development of the 21st century. These things stay put with literally zero gloppy residue, no spitting or readjusting required. They work so well, I'm almost resentful ~kids these days~ won't experience how absurd at-home whiteners used to be lol. Anyway, they're so comfortable that the 30 minutes or an hour you have them on zips by, so that by the time you're through, your teeth look whiter with virtually zero effort on your part. Can I nominate this for some sort of award?? BTW: If your teeth feel sensitive while you're using the strips (mine did), just take a break for a few days before starting them again."
Promising review: "I’ve had yellow teeth my entire life even with daily flossing, brushing, and mouthwash. I started having to do the initial whitening every other day because I started getting extreme sensitivity after about day 10 but the results are so worth it. Now I just do one strip every month to maintain the whiteness and it’s literally night and day. The sensitivity doesn’t last more than a day or two. These completely changed my confidence in my teeth and it’s probably the best $45 I’ve ever spent." —Joy
Get a 22-count pack (with 44 strips total) from Amazon for $44.95.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The kit includes 20 treatments of 35% carbamide peroxide gel, an LED light, a storage case, and a charging cable.
Promising review: "Wow — it really works after only one use. Highly recommended. I used to drink a lot of cola, which significantly stained my teeth. I was even embarrassed about them when going to the dentist. This kit is a game-changer. No pain or sores caused by gel. My teeth were much whiter even after only one use!!" —Brenda S.
Get it from Amazon for $48.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The razor has two edges, a fine tooth one for thin hair textures, and a wider one for thicker hair textures. (FWIW, people also use this on their pets as a quick grooming solution!)
Promising review: "I LOVE this thing! It is easy to give a little trim or a drastic cut, both of which I have done since getting the tinkle cutter. I was very nervous to try it fearing that I might mess up my hair so I just did a little bit first, but it was easy and only takes off small amounts of hair at a time. Seven months post-pixie haircut, and I have only been to the salon once to have a re-shaping done of my hair. I will say that when the cutter feels like it's 'pulling' your hair, it's time to get new razors. I still prefer my pixie cut to be pretty short, and assuming I would have to go to the salon once a month for upkeep, I have saved $210 since having my hair cut. TOTALLY WORTH IT!" —brandi in louisiana
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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