Minimum Effort Needed: 27 Easy Tips To Help You Look More Polished

Minimum Effort Needed: 27 Easy Tips To Help You Look More Polished

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-08-12 05:02

1. Here's a foolproof mathematical equation: tank or tee + wide-leg trouser = a chic everyday uniform. These are available in a slew of neutral colors (think: black, white, navy, dark green). And not only do these look chic, but they're a far cry in comfort from the stiff denim you're typically reaching for.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "These have been my go-to pants since I received them! They look quite chic and tasteful. Love." —Vignesh n.

Get them from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes XS–XL, in long and short lengths, and in seven colors).

2. Reduce all-day frizz with a dime-sized amount of Mise En Scene PerfectSerum, which contains seven natural oils (argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia) that can be applied to damp hair pre- or post-blowout. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve had some expensive hair serums, inexpensive, plain oils etc. This oil saved my hair. I don’t even need it daily anymore, as it has made my hair so healthy and soft that it dries with no frizz anymore!!! I had very damaged platinum hair for years. I’ve decided to go natural after dyeing my hair for over 20 years. I will never purchase a different serum again, and I’ve even bought it for family." —Whitney L. Sterk

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

3. Vacuum up grease because tbqh, it's been 84 years since your last proper shampoo, I Dew Care dry shampoo. An effective trio of biotin, black ginseng, and root-boosting powder comes in genius packaging — a small container with an attached puff for application that's as easy as dab, dab, dab.

Amazon, amazon.com

Pro tip: Apply just a bit of product, brush it out, and repeat. Putting too much product at once may lead to a sheen of white residue.

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA, and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair, so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $18.

4. Condense your entire morning makeup routine with Maybelline Dream BB Cream, which hydrates, blurs pores, and evens out your overall complexion in a pinch (no more "did I blend evenly?" panic required). It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 30, i.e., you can rush out of the house knowing your complexion is simultaneously looking fresh *and* being protected.

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This lightweight product is great for normal and dry complexions, but may not be the perfect fit for oily skin.

Promising review: "So happy I finally found something that covers my rosy cheeks, blemishes, and large pores. I have combination skin: an oily T-zone but overall dry skin, and it works for my skin. The best part is that it has SPF 30 in it. My dermatologist does not stop stressing the importance of daily use of SPF on the face, so now I'm happy I can still cover up my pimples and protect my skin from harsh UV rays from the sun. It doesn't feel heavy on my face and doesn't make it look like I caked on a pound of foundation. I have used it for about three weeks already and have not noticed an increase in pimples or skin irritation." —Davis

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

5. Add Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 to your morning routine for an immediately brightened complexion. It contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide for a glow and light coverage. Lit-from-within radiance *and* sun protection in one swipe? Perfection.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this stuff! It was recommended to me in a Facebook group when I asked for a one-and-done face cream for someone who doesn't really wear makeup. I wanted dewy, I wanted some light refraction, I wanted sun protection, and I didn't want heavy color. This is all those things. It works really well in the Florida sun. I'm covered in freckles, and it doesn't dull or smudge them, it just brightens everything. I don't wear face makeup, other than the occasional swipe of bronzer, and this works great with that. Love it love it love it." —KristenB

Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in three sizes and four shades).

6. No time? No problem. Opt for this matching linen set, which looks like it was plucked from the set of a film where the main character has a terrible boss but a fabulous job in publishing. Please tell me that you know what I mean.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this more than I anticipated. I'm very picky and usually only shop for clothing at Nordstrom, Neiman, or other boutique brands, and for the price, this is 100% worth it. It's lined, and the quality is great. Will be buying again." —Valerie R.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 17 colors).

7. Achieve the perfect wing in *seconds* with this dual-sided eyeliner stamp. All you'll have to do is apply the stamp to your lashline, press down onto your skin, and a pristine cat eye will be yours in mere seconds.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Okay, so I am as shaky as shakey gets when it comes to putting eyeliner on...but this is a miracle sent from above! It honestly is the most amazing eye makeup product I own at the moment. It is as easy as it sounds. Literally. I like that it is double-ended and you have two pens: one for the left eye and one for the right. The opposite end on both is just every day liquid liner pen, but it goes on soooo much smoother than any other liquid liner I've tried or owned." —Heather Olson

Get it from Amazon for $15.97 (available in two colors).

8. Pair a plain tank with lightweight linen pants that won't have you stewing in your own sweat. These are available in neutral hues, so they're easy to pair with any top in your wardrobe. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love the fabric, it’s very lightweight. Exactly what I was looking for. Fits great, a little bit long on me, but I am very short. Great for Florida summers." —Veronica G. 

Get it from Amazon for $18.71+ (available in women's sizes XS–6X and 11 colors). 

9. Romanticize errands by way of swapping leggings for this tiered maxi skirt. Repeat after me: tank, sandals, this skirt.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I live in these skirts!! This is the third one I've bought, each one a different color, and I can be sure that I will be buying more. I literally live in these skirts nearly every day. They are so easy to dress up, wear casually, or dress them up for cosplay!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 17 colors).

10. Get glossy, frizz-free curls on second-day (or third or fourth or tenth) hair with Cake Beauty The Curl Friend Defining Cream. A blend of shea butter and lightweight natural oils provides a ton of moisture but thankfully none of the weigh-down.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the most reasonably priced curly hair product I've found. I originally got a little tube from my Ipsy order, and I liked it so much, I came to Amazon to order a full-sized bottle. It doesn't make my hair crunchy or greasy, even if I accidentally put too much on. My curls look natural and bouncy after using my diffuser, and even when I let my hair air dry, this gives my curls a little extra form and structure to look like I actually did something to my hair." —sbgoodgirl

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

11. Trade your pajamas for an equally comfy (and errand-appropriate) lounge set. This one is made with a cozy waffle-knit material, ironic considering you'll adore this two-piece just as much as the doughy, syrup-drenched breakfast dessert.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This is such a comfortable and good-looking set. It looks much more put together than Pajamas, yet it's great to wear at home or even run errands in. It's a nice color and looks great with the buttons on the front." —Mom to two girls

Get it from Amazon for $49.98 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 16 colors).

12. And opt for nonconstrictive support with a Hanes wire-free bra — it's designed with a second skin feel that's so comfortable, it *will* be worn all the time. Willingly. Like, you will actually want to wear this.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I haven’t worn another bra since I got this and I’m gonna buy, like, five more. I am a 34F/G and I’ve never found any bralette that fits me (always either too big in the band or too small in the cup). I got a medium and I’m SHOCKED to report that not only do my girls actually fit inside (the fabric has a lot of stretch), but it actually holds them up pretty well." —Lily Housh

Get it from Amazon for $15.54+ (available in women's sizes S–3XL and four colors).

13. Upgrade your WFH wardrobe with an elevated cropped tank, one that has been blessed by a stylish fairy godmother. Why? This takes your basic cami and goes *poof.*

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Don’t hesitate, just buy it. I bought it in one color and as soon as I tried it on I purchased three more. The material is like butter. It doesn’t have a built-in bra, but it’s lined. You could put on a bra with this if you’d like but there’s no need. It’s cropped but still long enough that it doesn’t roll up weirdly at the bottom. Can dress this up or down! I’ll probably end up buying every color by the end of the year, it’s just that incredible." —Danijtate

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 30 colors).

14. Rely on this gel lint roller so that you don't show up to that business meeting with a black blazer covered in pet fur. Bonus points: this one is portable so you can carry it in your purse. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I travel frequently for work and keep this in my suitcase. Works great, I no longer carry a lint roller." —Liza Przekop

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four colors). 

15. Sleep with this curling rod headband and wake up to flawless beach waves — no hot tools or arm strength required. Simply wrap damp locks around the roller, fasten with the provided clip, and snooze the night away.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is so amazing, I bought one for all the people in my family! You clip the soft roll onto the top of your head and then continue to wrap strands of damp wet hair in a spiral formation, wrapping away from your face. Secure the bottoms with soft scrunchies and you'll have gorgeous curls for days, LITERALLY. Takes a whopping five minutes if you have thick hair like me. Sleep with it overnight (not uncomfortable at all) and your curls will actually last for days. So simple, so awesome, so much time saved. Can't recommend enough!" —Kaitlin

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors).

16. Quickly touch up your brows with a Schick dermaplaning razor, a tool sent from heaven for people who are done with the pains of plucking and the expense of waxing. This quickly rids stray brow hairs and unwanted peach fuzz (while ridding your complexion of dead skin to reveal a smoother and brighter complexion), that way you know you're beginning the day with perfectly-groomed facial caterpillars that only took three seconds to tame.

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And don't panic! This tool is super gentle, so you don't have to worry about accidental nicks and scrapes.

Promising review: "This is a 100% painless and incredibly easy alternative to waxing or plucking. A few quick swipes gets rid of peach fuzz and I never have to worry about breaking out because of it. Also, it doesn't make hair grow back coarser or darker." —Ellen R.

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.99.

17. Obtain the ballerina bun of your dreams by way of these Goody spin hair pins — just one pin can do the work of up to *20* hair pins. How does it work, you ask? Just secure your hair into a ponytail, pull it into a super tight bun, spin the pins into place, and BAM! You've got yourself the perfect updo.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spend way too much time on getting my hair into a bun. I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke so I did it again, and then again. I just ordered two more packs because I know if I lose one of these, I'd have to tear the house down looking for it. I have hair to my mid back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in bun in under 30 seconds, trust me...anyone can." —Tina

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $8.95.

18. Running errands? Or I guess, well, actually running? May we present the tennis dress, a put-together upgrade to the leggings you usually wear. This was described by one reviewer as being "perfect for a hot day" which is music to the ears of anyone who is perpetually sweaty.

amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s been feeling like 100 degrees this summer, and when I have to run errands, I don’t want to be dripping sweat in a bra, shirt, AND shorts. I love this because everything is built-in, the bra, shorts, and the dress are so cute! Keeps me cool and I feel confident in it! Perfect for a hot day." —Jess

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors).

19. Bliss = being able to remove the plastered pet fur on your black leggings within seconds. Pick up every speck of gunk that's attached itself to your clothing via this lint remover, a beast at making plain black tees look crisp and straight out of the dryer.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Where has this been all my cat-loving life? Sticky rollers work fine for clothes, but this is the only product that has ever COMPLETELY removed all the cat hair from my bed. I have a long-haired 20-lb tabby, and if you run your hands up his back a few times and fling the hair everywhere, it looks like it's snowing–he never stops shedding, no matter what I do. After using this, I can put on a black dress and roll around on my bed and not get a single hair on me. It's absolutely amazing. Everyone is getting one for Christmas, even if they don't have a pet. I don't care, it's THAT good." —DH

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors).

20. Nip brassiness in the bud when you can't make it to the salon via Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo. The violet pigment in this formula works to wash away unwanted yellow in your 'do, meaning you can extend the time between salon visits— and SAVE A TON OF MONEY.

amazon.com

Use this only once a week (for about three minutes at a time) to prevent your hair from turning a slightly lavender shade.

Promising review: "I don’t usually write reviews but I RAVE about this shampoo to every blonde I meet! No other purple shampoo could EVER compare to Fanola! I prefer an 'icy blonde' look and I couldn’t be happier with the results I get every time I use this. If you have blonde hair, BUY this NOW! You won’t regret it! I recently added some highlights and bleached my roots, and after only two weeks of getting it done, it turned so yellow and I hated it. This was the difference after ONE wash! No bleach, no toner, just Fanola! Worth EVERY penny!!" —Camryn G.

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

21. I think I speak for all of us when I say blessed be the TikTok. Try out these simple hacks to instantly upgrade your 'fit. Example one: Tuck an oversized sweatshirt into a sports bra for a chic cropped silhouette.

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To learn more, check out "I Tested 10 TikTok Fashion Hacks".

22. Or! Try this simple method for effortlessly cropping the oversized promotional tops and random graphic tees you bought at PacSun 10 years ago but have yet to part with. All you'll need is a rubber band and a dream.

Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF

BuzzFeed

To learn more, check out "I Tested 10 TikTok Fashion Hacks".

23. Turn any bra into a no-show racerback with the help of these handy dandy adjustable clip holders. Long gone will be the days of —> put on shirt —> bra shows —> take off shirt to change bra —> put shirt back on again. Not to be dramatic, but these clips will change your life when you're in a rush (which is always), not to mention these will make any ensemble will look 10x more crisp without colorful straps peeking through.

Amazon

Promising review: "My bra straps spend more time off my shoulders than on — but NOT ANYMORE. I was hoping something like this existed and when I found it, I was so happy. They're as glorious as I expected them to be. These are life-changing." —Amanda

Get a set of three from Amazon for $6.97 (available in seven colors).

24. Tame baby hairs in a jiffy with this plant-based gel cream, which ought to help those pesky flyaways that no amount of brushing can get rid of. The best part? This formula is non-greasy, completely transparent, the mascara wand makes it super easy to apply, and will make your 'do look more polished with basically no effort required.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I have super fine hair with lots of breakage and no matter how I put my hair up, I have bad fly aways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hair spray." —Jill Stilfield

Get it from Amazon for $5.59.

25. Or! Try an An edge control gel to help lay your edges and slick back baby hairs with just a few flicks of product. Major bonus points: It won't flake or leave behind any residue, which is *heart eyes* the definition of perfection in our book.

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BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out, "Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."

Promising review: "Hands-down! The best edge control I have ever used and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and nongreasy! And this one is not even the strongest in the line. Love this product!" —Seabea2013

Get it from Amazon for $6.11+ (available in five sizes).

26. Quickly cover up grays (if you want to!) with L'Oreal Paris Root Cover Up Concealer Spray. Consider this the concealer of your haircare routine, using a lightweight formula to hide silver strands with no smudging or sticky residue.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! Like magic. I thought I’d give it a try as I usually use a powder with a brush to cover up my grays in between coloring, but this stuff... omg! Sprays right on and looks so dang natural. This takes care of covering up grays in between coloring in a cinch." —PinkTears

Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in 11 colors).

27. Replace leggings with linen pants, a happy medium for looking like you tried without compromising comfort. (Side note: If you're traveling this summer, these are perfect "touring around a new city" pant.)

amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these for a summer trip to Europe and want to wear them every single day. They’re very lightweight, comfortable and were great for travel days on trains." —Alyssa

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 15 colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. 

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