36 Beauty Products With Before And Afters So Good, You’ll Be Like, “Me Next”
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).
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
LilyAna is a small business that specializes in beauty products.
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
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$10 (available in four flavors).
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!
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
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!).
Amazon
Moodmatcher is a small business that specializes in color-changing lipstick.
Promising review: "This color is beautiful, and shows up differently on everyone. This thing that I like most about this product, is that it stays on all day even through eating several meals. I have to use a microfiber cloth to remove it at night!" —Rasheda
Get it from Amazon for $6.59 (available in 10 shades).
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.
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
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 $12.74+ (available in 12 shades).
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 $12.59 (available brown, dark brown, blonde, and in multipacks and bundles).
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 $13.99+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines.
I bought this and love it! I usually use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night and definitely see a difference in that area in particular.
Promising review: "This was another one of my TikTok purchases! I was skeptical, but my kids hate flossing their teeth, so I thought this might help in between making them floss. They work amazing! My kids said they could see and feel a difference on the first use and I agree! They are definitely worth a try! I would suggest not pushing too hard, those tiny bristles really get in there and if you push too hard you might be sore like I was. It felt like after going to a dental cleaning." —Amy N.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" —Mona L Cureton
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.56+.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Dermora is a small business that specializes in eye masks and foot peels.
Promising review: "I have to say I was a skeptic on these but bought them anyway on a whim after seeing them on The Today Show. Much to my surprise I found they really did what they said they do. The puffiness under my eyes was substantially reduced and my skin felt much softer and moisturized. They're a great addition to your self-care." —janiem
Get 15 pairs from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in three other sets).
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 $14.65+.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Gloves in a Bottle is a small business that specializes in skincare products for working professionals.
Promising review: "I am a teacher and literally wash or sanitize my hands several times per hour! If I'm not washing my hands, I'm cleaning all the surfaces in my classroom with harsh cleaners. I thought I would try this lotion and I am thankful I took a chance! It is not only moisturizing, but it's not too scented or greasy. We are not allowed to wear perfume at school due to allergies, and this works perfectly. The best part is that after you do wash your hands, you can still feel the lotion! My cuticles are staying moisturized, too. I am going to get more for home and the car." —Chianti
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
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.
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).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El
Get it from Amazon for $18.90 (available in four other styles).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "The power of the hair identifier's spray is unmatchable. Once you spray in any direction that has hair, it automatically identifies the hair that needs to be removed. It is easily sprayed on and easily wiped off. No extra residue. Comes with four blades and I say these blades are soft gentle, and yet get the job done. Not sure why no one ever thought of coming up with a hair identifier spray. Great value and smells like baby powder. Great quality." —Karine
Get it from Amazon for $8.49.
Promising review: "I bought theBenefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what’s there not to like?" —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $7.40+ (available in two shades and combo packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
First Aid Beauty is a US-based small business that specializes in clean, fragrance-free, cruelty-free personal care products.
Promising review: "I saw a dermatologist recommend this on TikTok, and I figured I’d give it a try.I have had red bumps on the back of my arms for as long as I can remember and have tried multiple things, so I didn’t have very high expectations. After one use, I could already see a difference! It says to use it 1–2 times a week, but I use it usually every other day, and I use Cerave rough and bumpy lotion after, and now my red bumps are almost nonexistent. This product has truly been life-changing, and I would recommend it to anyone struggling with red bumps! 10/10!" —Sydney
Get it from Amazon for$12+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I heard all about these on TikTok so I decided to order. I switched my birth control and was having a ton of breakouts, these are amazing! They helped me stop picking at my face. My skin is so clear now. Will always have these in my house from now on!" —Kiara Galloway
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Joesoef Skin Careis a small business that specializes in anti-acne skincare products.
Promising review: "I recently saw a dermatologist talk about those clogged pores on and around your nose. If they are of uniform size, they aren't blackheads. She suggested using a sulfur soap to get rid of or minimize those stubborn clogged pores. This has a slight sulfur smell, it is not overwhelming, and it disappears when dried. It works! My pores are much smaller. After applying and drying, moisturize." —Sandy G
Get it from Amazon for $12.99(also available in multipacks).
This shampoo was designed to work for sensitive scalps, color-dyed, and chemically processed hair, as well as for all hair types and textures, with reviewers with 3b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them.
Promising review: "I saw this product from a TikTok video. I was hesitant. I have been dealing with dandruff for almost 10 years, fortunately not that heavy but enough where it was embarrassing. I tried everything. Leave in conditioner, tea tree oil, Head and Shoulders, etc. One brand did work for a couple of days but that's it. But this product has worked EFFECTIVELY. Dandruff free for two months so far. Can leave your hair feeling a little dry so just use conditioner and it will balance out. If other products aren't working for you with dandruff I can confidently recommend this one." —Martin C.
Get it from Amazon for $15.88+.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "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.
"Omg!! Dude, I've always had really bad dark spots and hyperpigmentation, especially during the summer months. I had a tiny rash I’d been trying to get rid of for some time on my thigh. I used this soap, I checked on it that same night. Tell me why the rash is damn near gone!! I live, breathe and swear by this soap!! It’s so good!!" —Erion
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Amazon
Live Tinted is a woman-owned business founded by entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala that specializes in clean, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products for al skin tones.
Promising review: "Almost the only makeup you'll need. I was on vacation in Vietnam and Cambodia for almost a month. Besides mascara, this is all l needed for lips, cheeks and eyelids. The product goes on smoothly, stays pretty well and is so easy to use and go. It is something I will continue to use daily. It makes a big difference, brightening your whole face. It helps make you look like you put forth an effort and care how you look. My favorite color is True." —jeanette p.
Get it from Amazon for$26 (available in five shades).
Basic Conceptsis a small business that specializes in personal care products, home goods, and office essentials.
Promising review: "My husband and I have been using this product for a couple months now and we both think it is worth the purchase. It is not a magic fixer for bad breath or lack of oral hygiene but paired with a good dental hygiene routine we have noticed a positive difference such as fresher breath for longer and fresher breath upon waking in the morning. It is easy to clean, and the shape prevents gagging. All in all the product is definitely worth it." —Brimichelle
Get it from Amazon for $8.76.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action.
Promising review: "Love this. It truly covers my pores and I noticed it covers some of my wrinkles. I apply it right before I apply my foundation. There is no drying time needed. And it makes my skin silky smooth. I'm buying it again as I write this review. Thanks for this product." —Greeneyez
Get it from Amazon for $8.31+.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy I use this and voila — looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that too! Please don't ever stop making this!" —scooptwins
Get it from Amazon for $12.25.
Promising review: "I struggled with acne for over 12 years. I tried medications, pretty much every skincare line out there, but thanks to a random girl on TikTok, I found this product and will never go back. This is the only serum that has helped clear my scars! I never write reviews, but because I noticed a difference within days of using, I had to write one. I’m only on month two and I have seen a noticeable difference. My skin looks clear/lighter/glowing/young for the first time since my preteen years. I use this vitamin C serum and a simple wash and moisturizer/sunscreen every day, and that’s it!" —Rebekah
Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "After many years of razor burn on my face/neck, I finally broke down and bought this per a friend's recommendation. I have sensitive skin and had given up hope that anything could help. This totally changed my outlook on shaving. My neck especially would be the worst. I dab it on immediately after I rinse and dry, post-shave. It does burn a bit but that goes away pretty quickly. Totally worth it to not have razor burn/bumps anymore. I only apply it once after shaving even though the directions recommend repeat applications the following day. Go ahead and purchase, you won't be disappointed!" —bill nye
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I am beside myself with this purchase!! I bought it hoping it would at least somewhat work, as so many don't. This is absolutely perfection! It works well, it's quiet, small, easy to take with you if you so desire, and most importantly...IT WORKS!!! I'm a soon-to-be-65-year-old woman who has hair where I never did before, most annoying. This gets rid of it. I used it again a couple of days later and what I am finding is that I need to use it less and less. Really cool!" —Sandy E'Bell
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in five colors).
Amazon
Dae is a small business that specializes in haircare and styling products.
(It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.)
Promising review: "I’ve tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I’ve tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" —Completely happy customer!
Get it from Amazon for $18.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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