35 Beauty Products That Work So Well, I’m Convinced “Magic” Is In The Ingredients List
Note: This is available in 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% formulas. The brand recommends not moving up to the 50% level until you've tried and tolerated either the 10% or 30% formulas.
Promising reviews: "Perfect remedy for an ultra dry-rough complexion. My face went from sandpaper rough to baby-bottom soft after just one application! And mine is a 70-year-old face!!!!!" —gmb
"Made my skin baby soft! This peel is amazing!! I had a random break out of closed comedones/ acne and felt like it lasted forever. I went as far as going on Retin-A, and boy, did that break me out! Once all the pimples surfaced, I was left with horrible scars all over my cheeks, so I purchased this peel in hopes that they would disappear. I'm already on my sixth use, and my skin is beautiful! I still have scarring, but the color is light pink instead of harsh red. My skin is so smooth and bright, and almost all one color finally!" —Jasmin Taheri
Perfect Image is a small business specializing in gentle skincare products.
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three strengths).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine." —JAcosta
Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack).
Note: According to the brand, this is best for straight, wavy, curly, fine, and medium hair. Those with coarse or coily hair may prefer the brand's leave-in conditioner for extra moisture.
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I have long, thick hair, which is a lot of work to blow dry! This product allows me to wash and go. It helps fight the frizzies from the humidity and adds a nice beach wave. It does not weigh your hair down, and it does not feel sticky at all. You can go several days without rewashing! I highly recommend this product! My stylist even bought it for her daughter, and they love it. And she is in a high-end salon with high-end products. Definitely a game changer, and you can’t beat the price!!!!" —Diane
Odele is a woman-owned and operated small business specializing in hair care.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
Note: Reviewers say this works best on exfoliated and moisturized lips (maybe do a lip mask the night before!), as the stain can settle into dry patches. Some reviewers also say it's not the best option for extending the lip line.
Promising review: "I ordered the xoxo and liked it so much I bought the next darker shade. I have never worn lipstick, but I am in my early sixties now, and my lips seem paler than they used to be. I wanted a very natural look, and this provided just the right amount of color. I put lip oil over it to give my lips shine and moisture, and the natural-looking color lasts at least half a day. I've tried tinted lip gloss, but it never lasts more than an hour." —casual shopper
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 30 shades).
Read more about snail secretion filtrate (aka snail mucin!) from Mayo Clinic.
Promising review: "I'm 55 years old and my skin is a bit sensitive. I don't have a lot of wrinkles, but I'm definitely noticing a few more laugh lines and forehead crinkles than I had a few years ago! I've tried several moisturizers and have not been terribly impressed with any of them until now. This stuff really is great — incredibly hydrating without feeling greasy and it absorbs quickly. It feels great on my skin. In just a few short weeks, I definitely notice an improvement in my skin tone and fewer lines and wrinkles! Plus, the customer service is great. I had questions when I first received the product and got a follow-up response immediately. I will definitely be ordering this product again. I use it in the evening and morning; no need for two different moisturizers. Very pleased!" —sbakey
Get it from Amazon for $20.
Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." —reviewer22
"Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I’m guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I’m nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." —Andi
Get it from Amazon for $6.27.
Promising reviews: "Anyone with dark under eye problems like myself needs to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better in my opinion!! It’s very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone, but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well, and it's very creamy and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It’s extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I’m a sucker for saving money, and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" —Caitlin Newcomb
"Bought this after seeing an influencer use it on TikTok. This works really well. I can instantly see a difference when I use it under my eyes. For the price, this is a win-win. I had never heard of this brand, but I will be using their products more often." —Kerry C
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This stuff is magic! I purchased this product on a recommendation from a BuzzFeed list, and was not disappointed! I have not been sleeping well due to stress, and the first day I used it, my coworkers commented how well-rested I looked! I told them about it and all of them ordered one for themselves. Very impressed!" —Saminyah Marcelin
Get it from Amazon for $9.86 (available in three styles and in larger multipacks).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
There's also a shampoo and conditioner in the Grow Long line that have rave reviews!
Promising reviews: "My hair's been very dry to the point it would get so staticky where I was getting shocked 24/7. Because it’s so dry, it would get tangled so easily, it was actually miserable. I was trying to find a good leave-in conditioner bc I’ve never purchased one before and came across this! So worth it my hair has been SO MUCH softer and rarely tangled. " —Jonathan
"So I used this for the first time last night, and my hair still feels soft today, which is not normal for me. I'm African American with 4C hair which I normally would have to moisturize twice a day, but just once with this Marc Anthony seems to be enough. I used it on dry hair, by the way. I'll use when i wash my hair to see the difference. Ok, so two weeks later, I'm definitely seeing less breakage. Hard to tell growth when you have kinky hair, but my hair smells so amazing, and it's not [as] fragile as before." —Ankia
Get it from Amazon for $7.67 (also available in a two-pack).
www.amazon.com, www.tiktok.com
If you're new to cleansing balms, just remember to use this on dry skin, then emulsify with water and rinse off. You can then follow it up with a more traditional facial cleanser as part of a double-cleansing routine.
Promising review: "Cleansing the face is extremely important. This product does a beautiful job. Leaves my skin fresh, soft, and very clean, and even takes off eye makeup very well. No makeup remover needed. I am on my third jar. Love it, well made; I highly recommend this product both personally and professionally. Much better than many high-priced products!" —Eve
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "What I love most is how smooth my skin feels after each use. The exfoliating properties of this cleanser are noticeable, but it’s not harsh at all — just the right amount of exfoliation for daily use. I’ve also noticed a reduction in the rough patches on my face, making my skin look and feel more even and soft. I highly recommend this cleanser for anyone looking to improve their skin texture, reduce breakouts, or just maintain a healthy complexion. It's a game-changer in my skincare routine!" —Sashii
Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in two sizes).
Just apply it until you see a thin, white layer, and then let it sit for 20–30 seconds before putting on mascara.
Promising review: "Saw this primer recommended on TikTok and they were right. Let it dry before mascara application, and it does wonders. Adds volume! Stays all day." —JC
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a three-pack).
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan:
"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black."
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits, including brightening and temporarily reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that's something you're looking to do! You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.
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
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes and a refill tub).
Promising review: "I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion... After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational... It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers." —TickTokAlice
Get it from Amazon for$19.99 (also available in a pack of two).
Promising reviews: "This stuff really works. My hair is pretty thin, and most products that advertise as volumizing don't do much for me. I have 3A curls, and all I had to do was scrunch this into wet hair and go to sleep. I woke up hair that looks about 50% more volumized. Will definitely be purchasing again" —Rebecca
"If you are looking for extra volume, look no further. You apply a bit of this product on different sections of damp hair and it will do the trick. You then blow dry your hair and your hair will have such volume! I love it!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes and a gift set).
Note: The reviewer pictured above is using the shade "Oh My Nude!"
Check out aTikTok of the plumping lip fillerin action.
Promising review: "I got this as an add-on last minute because of the price. It's small, but wow, it's impactful. A little goes a long way, and you can feel it working instantly. There is a tingle, not quite a burn. I'd def use a bit at a time when starting, but it works great right away." —Bt2turntup
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four formulas).
Promising review: "I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow, without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin." —Jessica Giles
Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in five shades and various packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "This is a [swap] for the Tower 28 spray that's 28 bucks for 4 ounces. I use this after cleansing my face before toners or serums. It's healed my acne. Also great for eczema. I have recommended this to so many people. Thanks Briotech for saving me money! Lifelong customer here." —Chey
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four).
Amazon, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
Check out how one user transforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok! And check out our Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for more deetz!
Promising reviews: "My hair when wet tangles so easily. I couldn’t tell you how many knots I’ve tried to rage comb out, nor could I tell you how many different brands I’ve tried. I have fine, dense hair and this product doesn’t weigh it down at all. This stuff works like magic and as a bonus, it’s so affordable! I just got my new shipment today and rushed to write this as the difference between combing my wet hair yesterday and today is profound." —Mary S.
Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
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
Get a set of four from Amazon for $19.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I love this product! I have 4c hair and I use this when my hair is straight. Even semi straight is fine so you don’t put to much heat on your hair. As some said before it 'can' be time consuming but that’s only if your not taking advantage of the entire space they give you to use! I made that mistake, only using small sections, in the beginning and even though I loved the results it was too time consuming. After using it about 4 times I’ve mastered cutting the time down a lot. Just do big sections and separate with your fingers!" —Burke
"OK so I found out about this life changing device on TikTok. I've always wanted these kind of beach wave curls but no matter what I did or what I tried, my hair would never look how I wanted. Well, let me tell you, this thang does exactly what it should. It is seriously the best hair tool ever, so if you're looking for the absolute perfect beach waves, then do yourself a favor and just get it." —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $22.78+ (available in two colors).
Promising review: "I have oily skin and honestly have never used toner until now. About a month ago I started to break out so I decided to use it after washing my face. The results have been kind of amazing." —Jasmine
Bolden is a Black-owned, woman-owned small business.
Get it from Amazon for $22.49.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I saw this on YouTube and immediately wanted to try it. I have curly hair which I love but sometimes I just want to put it in a ponytail and go on with my day. This is a time saver for all those little hairs that tend to stick up or don't want to stay in place. I’m not a fan of hairspray, and this even smells nice. I believe it’s a light coconut smell. Overall satisfied, and you don’t need to use much. I took it with me on vacation, and it saved me time in the evening from having to deal with bad hair days." —Blanca Perez
Get it from Amazon for $7.48 (also available in multipacks).
The yellow shade works to brighten dullness in fair to medium skin tones, the peach shade masks dark spots in fair to medium skin tones, the orange shade masks dark spots in deep skin tons, green neutralizes redness for all skin tones, and blue can be mixed with foundation to offset overly warm tones. See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "So I was in a car wreck on the third of June 2024, and in the first picture [above], you can see a lot of the markings that are on my face. I just got this concealer in the mail today, and not a moment too soon, because I have an important Zoom meeting. You want to talk about coverage!!!! Now, purple is a really hard color to cover, but this product did it, and I took a picture [above] just to show how well! I am super impressed. Plus, the price point is amazing, and it's just as effective as any high-end product. It went on silky smooth! Thank you, E.l.f. cosmetics, you saved me!" —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five shades).
Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows and throughout the day I would sweat through it and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great and I’m glad I did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder and this does NOT affect the look of the powder nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in five shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This serum is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "Best vitamin C serum I've used. Including the dermatologist office and department store brands. Takes very little product to cover face, neck, chest. After the second bottle, twice daily use, my jawline tightened, and smile lines plumped. My skin feels and looks softer. Foundation smoother. Their customer service is top-notch. I've never had a single problem. Good product. The price is incredible! I hope everyone else has the same experience. (And...I have age 50+ skin complete with effects of sunbathing before we knew it was deadly)." —Love My Lab
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." —Amazon Customer
"LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." —Catie B.
Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This eyeliner is worth the buy, do it now!!! It is very easy to apply, and once it is on, it stays in place unless you wipe it off. I love, love, love this eyeliner. —Catrinna F.
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers with hair textures from type 1a (stick straight) to type 4c (coily) have left 5-star ratings for this bottle of magic. Those with straighter hair say it helps smooth flyaways and add volume, while those with coily hair say it enhances their natural curls and adds shine.
Promising review: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair ... I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing, and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen." —Theressa Hailey
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane for a boost of hydration!
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" —mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" —Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $9.22+ (available in 12 shades).
Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action.
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever." —Diane J. Huff
"This shampoo is like NOTHING I've ever tried in the past. The way my 4c hair comes out after using this is INCREDIBLE. Soft, easy to comb, and super manageable. I've been using it for two years!" —Jae
Maple Holisticsis a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients.
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in three scents and three sizes).
Reviewers with straighter hair types say the foam helps add voluminous waves to their hair, while those with thicker, wavier hair types say this helps add a bit more definition and shine.
Promising review: "Love this stuff when I let my hair air dry! Keeps it from going frizzy. I use a lot of John Frieda products!" —JoAnn
Get it from Amazon for $9.28.
Promising review: "I usually suffer from chapped lips in the winter, to begin with, but now having braces makes it 100x worse. I have tried all kinds of different lip balms and moisturizers, and nothing was helping. I have used this product once (and followed up with their lip treatment), and the dryness and peeling are gone. I wish I had tried this a lot sooner. It would have saved me from weeks of dryness and soreness!"—Kathleen M.
Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii.
Get it from Amazon for $16.85.
The mask is designed to work for both low-porosity and high-porosity hair types, so it's a great choice for anyone experiencing breakage and dryness. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "My scalp felt invigorated after applying. I left the masque on overnight, and when I rinsed the next morning, my scalp felt refreshed and clean. I actually think this product also aided in elongating my curls. Hair looks hydrated as well! I plan to use it every two weeks." —Dawn M.
Tgin (aka Thank God It's Natural) is a Black woman-owned business in Chicago.
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
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Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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