35 Game-Changing Beauty Products That Didn’t Have To Go As Hard As They Do, And Yet
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I loved this setting powder, it blurred my pores and blended my makeup so well that even my husband noticed. Wow! I will be buying more before people find it and sell it all out, hehehe." —Charlotte Laim
Get it from Amazon for $25.
Amazon
I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about "expensive" beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? Ilove watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick.
Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks, because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart.
Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in pink honey!).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "These things work! I’ve been dealing with bad breakouts recently and could not figure out what was causing them. I was recommended to try these, and let me tell you, the stuff that came out of my pores is unreal. I’ve tried charcoal face masks, and nothing has worked as well as these. My face is finally clearing up." —Hannah Braswell
Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $17.89.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T.
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is by far the best eye cream I have ever used!!! Within a week of using Lilyana eye cream morning and night, I’ve noticed a big difference with my fine lines and crow's feet. I just turned 44 in November and my skin looks like I’m in my early 30s. Worth every penny!!!!! I’ve purchased this cream twice and will definitely continue to buy. You will not regret the purchase." —melissa
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT.
Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." —Smickens
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 12 shades).
www.instagram.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game-changer. My skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" —Darina
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face, and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but also the stye, which went away. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. TheSOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466
Get it from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.
I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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).
Promising review: "This eyelash curler is by far the best eyelash curler I’ve ever used. It doesn’t pinch or pull out lashes. The curler makes a nice lift and curl that looks natural." —C
Get it from Amazon for $5.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products.
Promising review: "This nail veil is so pretty and perfect for a simple, bare nail look! It applies very smoothly, and one to two coats work well. With a top coat, it lasts almost perfectly for about five days, but chips are not very noticeable, so you can easily wear it for longer! I also feel confident in this brand's use of healthier, higher-quality ingredients, which makes it well worth the extra cost. My nails aren't left damaged by this product, and it has become my go-to when I don't have the time for a full-color look but still want my nails to look polished and pretty!" —Sofia K
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in nine shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." —Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six styles).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Kuumba Made is a small business that specializes in roll-on scents.
Check out a TikTok of the vanilla bean roll-on in action.
Promising review (for Vanilla Bean): "Buy it now. I love the smell of this, it’s a true vanilla scent, super strong, and I got soooo many compliments. I had no leaks. Feels great on the skin. Not super floral, a perfect vanilla. Totally worth the money." —Kc
Promising review (for Golden Sky): "The scent is absolutely divine — sweet, warm, and rich without being overly overpowering. It’s the perfect vanilla fragrance that feels both cozy and elegant. I love how natural and smooth it smells, with no artificial or overly sugary notes." —Tamara Jones
Get it from Amazon: Vanilla Bean for $9.97 and Golden Sky for $10.99.
Promising review: "I have combination skin and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha but then I saw this. With the price I thought if it doesn’t work, it isn’t a huge deal. I’m never going back, this is like the exact same thing and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker BUT THAT'S GOOD because it’s BARELY thicker AND that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven’t tried it, I soooo highly recommend." —Lingaling
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Maple Holisticsis a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action.
Promising review: "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
Get it from Amazon for $13.95.
Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots!
Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief.
Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." —Angela Leonard
Get it from Amazon for$11.93.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products.
Head's up that you should start very gently, and that you really only need to use it two to four times a month to get good results without over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier.
Promising review: "Not to be gross but when I lightly use this on my dry skin I can see the dry skin cells flying off! Great for cellular turnover. I use on dry skin before showering and finish after shower with good moisturizing oil. Makes my legs feel soft and smooth. Don’t run too hard! Gentle strokes." —Juliet
"Color me converted. It's so disgusting that you want to look away, but morbid curiosity keeps making you turn back. That's really a 'you' creature in the bottom of the tub. You really sloughed off a second skin like a Lizard Person and have now emerged a new person. One that will no longer trust brand name products because they are a lie. Seriously. Buy this. You don't even know you need it, but you do. You really, really do." —Mandi Konesni
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of two).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’m terrible about putting on lotion even though my skin is dry. I just hate it. But I love this stuff. It makes my skin feel great. Has a light pleasant scent. Spray it on and rub it in. So easy! I just apply when going to bed or at least when I don’t have to put anything other than lounge clothes on right away. My skin looks and feels so much better it makes me want to keep using it." —Slade
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
Promising review: "I love the consistency of this gel! Super easy to apply and not sticky at all. Love how clean it makes my brows. 10/10 recommend to my brow girlies." —Rojina
"I used this over the Wonderbrow Stainand the combo was perfect! The clear gel kept my hairs in place all day but it wasn’t clumpy and didn’t leave any residue. The brush is great with the longer bristles and shorter ones." —Bianca
Get it from Amazon for $18.
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 (also available in a set of 16).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see of it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff 🩷" —Losa
"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action.
Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I’ve tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" —Katie_0_Baker
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available brown, dark brown, blonde, and in multipacks and bundles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’m obsessed with lip products. I have tried everything you can imagine, inexpensive and expensive. This is my favorite lip product I’ve purchased. This gloss is incredible, perfectly moisturizing, and the color is so perfect, a very light natural glowy pink. I just came on Amazon to order a couple more to have one in the car, my purse, nightstand." —Tara Bills
Get it from Amazon for$7.99 (available in three flavors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This toner is hyped for a reason — it's the best. It works extremely well for sensitive skin, and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized. The redness on my face have completely vanished after using this toner." —Aurelia
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I saw these on TikTok and bought them. I will be buying more. They are great for my face. Really soft and VERY durable and strong, even when wet. You can wash your face [with it] or just dry your face, either way, it’s the best option." —Sahara
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.05.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers also use this as an easy detangler both for themselves and for their kiddos!
Promising review: "Perfect hair day every day! This spray is both beautiful and fragrant! It leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed, while the scent is absolutely delightful. A must-have for anyone looking to add shine and a lovely fragrance to their hair routine!" —charlotte
Get it from Amazon for $28.
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "I use SPF cream regularly, and I can say that it really does its job. The cream has a pleasant texture, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy shine or white residue, which is a big plus for me. It also provides reliable protection, even under direct sunlight. After several hours in the sun, there’s no redness or irritation, which speaks to the product's effectiveness. Moreover, the SPF cream can be a great base for makeup, as it doesn’t affect the texture of foundation." —Karina Kostiuk
Get it from Amazon for $20.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." —Elisabeth L.
"Really good product considering the price. I have tried expensive creams to diminish a dark spot in my face, and I haven't gotten the quick results I am getting with this soap. I highly recommend this product." —Amazon Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in larger multipacks and with or without a holder).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My skin feels like the bottom of a newborn. This is so great. The natural ingredients are the best and it leaves my skin with a natural glow and softness that I have never felt before. I have aging skin and it is just a great product. I use it on my face and my hair on wash days. I am going to order three more just so I don’t run out." —Divine
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in three- and six-packs).
Promising review: "After checking out all the reviews and seeing some of my fave YouTube and TikTok makeup gurus rave about these, I decided to try. I'm not an everyday eyelash wearer, just special occasions normally. These magnetic eyelashes are a game changer. I felt like they were easier to apply than regular glue and lashes. I've worn them way more often just because they are so much easier to apply over regular lashes. The weight is the same as normal false lashes. The liner/adhesive is easy to apply and it is the perfect consistency, gives you crisp lines without a lot of work for your liner look, and sticks really well. The price and the product cannot be beat!" —Morgan Bean
Get a set of five from Amazon for $18.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of tissues. But otherwise, it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray, and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in dewy and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size).
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
"Saw this used by a makeup artist on TikTok giving a tutorial for women over 40. Totally changed how my eyeshadow works. No clumping or crease lines!" —wo1995
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can grab apumice stoneorfoot fileon Amazon!
Promising review: "Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love." —Cheri whisker
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in an extra strength version).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psst — this "gentler" formula contains 4% Benzoyl peroxide, so reviewers with sensitive skin swear by this one versus the foaming 10% version, which admittedly does pack a bit more of a powerful punch.
Promising review: "This working like no other. Sometimes when products have no lather I can’t tell if it’s working tbh. This has no lather but works! Improves breakouts and textured skin. I saw results in four days." —Ellice D. Ellis
Get it from Amazon for $9.77 (available in different sizes).
Amazon
Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers.
Check out a TikTok of Touchlandin action.
Promising review: "Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it’s pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it’s extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I’m especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feeling tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what’s not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" —Briana R.
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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