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The Before And After Photos For These 27 Skincare Products Prove How Well They Work

The proof is in the pudding. And by “pudding,” I mean after photos.

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 UTC

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by Isabella Sarlija BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, focusing on beauty, fashion, home decor, and pets (especially cats!), and whose work has been featured in publications like Marie Claire, Coveteur, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, Bustle, & more.

1. A Biodance overnight collagen mask so you wake up looking like you've had an overnight facial. This mask is great for keeping your skincare routine on your skin (and not your pillowcase), plus it's infused with ingredients (hi, collagen) to help create a more glowy, plumped complexion.

www.amazon.com

This is one of our 2026 Buzzy Award winners! Check out the full list to shop all 100 picks, hand-selected by the BuzzFeed Shopping team.

Promising review: "Oh…my god….🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight, woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? Put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like I had fillers. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks. <3" —Kichi

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a 16-count and in two other styles).

2. A Dr. Melaxin white rice peeling ampoule that's all over TikTok for creating a spa-like glow almost immediately! This contains AHAs and BHAs to slough off dead skin cells, and literally makes dead skin pill up into little balls, revealing a dewy complexion underneath. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this after seeing an ad on TikTok. I'm skeptical, but I’m a sucker for this kinda stuff, and it is genuinely amazing. I tested it on all the different areas of my body. It didn’t do a thing to my well-exfoliated palm, but my face, legs, LIPS… baby soft with big balls of dead skin coming off. Like one of those Korean exfoliating gloves, but you don’t have to scrub as you do with those. You just gently rub it in, and your dead skin peels away. I even had a weird callous on my arm that keeps regrowing [and] it smoothed it down so cleanly. This stuff is truly magic. Just WOW." —Nellie

Get it from Amazon for $12.75 (also available in four other formulations).

3. A set of Medicube toner pads packed full of white willow bark, citric acid, and botanical extracts, so you can exfoliate your skin and hydrate it in one simple step. These cloth pads also provide a bit of physical exfoliation to help create a smooth texture.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

This is one of our 2026 Buzzy Award winners! Check out the full list to shop all 100 picks, hand-selected by the BuzzFeed Shopping team.

Promising review: "In just a month, my skin was glowing, soft, and blackheads went way down! My skin soaks up all the hydration from this product and works well with other products I use! The design is nice and comes with a tweezers-like tool to remove the pads without contamination. I use it every night before my serum and moisturizer! Helped enhance the effectiveness of my other products! I have sensitive acne-prone combination skin :)." —Jasmine almaguer

Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (also available in four other formulations).

4. A Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that'll moisturize and help depuff your under eye with just a few taps a day. Caffeine and peptides help smooth the skin, while hyaluronic acid floods it with moisture for a fresh look.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, love all the Good Molecules products." —Hayden Smith 

"Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes, and now fine lines and crow 's-feet. While this doesn’t completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn’t feel cakey, or like there’s a ton of product on." —K. Grant 

Get it from Amazon for $4.13.

5. A The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, because exfoliating is an important step in any skincare routine! This toner gently sloughs off dead skin cells, helping to minimize acne and dark spots, and brighten your complexion. Plus, exfoliating is a great way to help your other products soak in better!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My sisters were constantly raving about this toner, so I decided to try it. Since using it, I’ve realized why they love it so much! My skin went from bumpy and textured to smooth and glowy. My clogged pores have completely disappeared. I’ve already recommended this product to a bunch of my friends, and they love it too! I’ve been using this product for about two months, and it’s still doing wonders. Definitely worth buying!" —Noa May

Get it from Amazon for $9+ (available in two sizes).

6. Dieux's Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream with ceramides to plump all skin types — even sensitive skin! This cream is one of my go-tos for when my thirsty redness-prone skin is in desperate need of a moisture boost.

Sephora

Promising review: "Beautiful texture. Amazing to wear under makeup. I am very acne-prone, and after a week, I still haven’t had any signs that this will break me out. Takes care of all my dehydration and fine lines and leaves the most AMAZING glow." —mom3l

Get it from Sephora for $25+ (available in three sizes).

7. A bottle of snail mucin repairing serum since skin that's hydrated is happy —especially at night! Snail essence has long been a K-beauty secret for glowing, glass-like skin. Incorporate this into your routine after your toner and before your other serums to deliver a surge of jam-packed hydration.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

This is one of our 2026 Buzzy Award winners! Check out the full list to shop all 100 picks, hand-selected by the BuzzFeed Shopping team.

Promising review: "I was recommended this product by someone at a party who had beautiful skin. So, I went ahead and bought it to try it out. I really, really like it. I stopped using it when I ran out and didn't buy another bottle right away. My skin could tell the difference. This really helps keep your skin moisturized without it feeling greasy. It feels a little sticky going on, but it absorbs nicely into the skin, and that feeling doesn't last very long. When I took that short break from using this product, my skin didn't feel as moisturized, and I felt like it was missing that glow. There's no smell to it either, which is a big plus. It's lightweight and high quality, and I'm looking forward to seeing more results after this round of use. You don't need a whole lot of product either, just a couple of pumps is good for the whole face." —M&M

Get it from Amazon for $14.63+ (also available in a two-pack with a mini retinol cream sample).

8. A Buf-Puf gentle facial sponge that gently buffs your skin to a smoother, clearer complexion. Think of this like a loofah, but for your face — you can use it to add some physical exfoliation to any cleansing session.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Buf-Pufs are great! They remove dead skin and leave your face looking fresh. Nice thickness, great texture, not scratchy, and a good value for the money" —Goldie

Get it from Amazon for $10.58.

9. A retinol body lotion, because skincare doesn't stop at your neck! Just like a retinol serum for your face, this retinol body lotion helps by supporting collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, firmer-looking skin over time. 

www.amazon.com

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 neither too thin nor too 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 $16.99 (also available in two-pack).

10. A Shiseido Benefiance eye cream, because it's the creamy, dreamy, and superrrrr moisturizing answer to all my dry under-eye woes. This eye cream applies like butter to hydrate my skin while working fantastically under makeup. (No pilling here!)

Ulta

Promising review: "I am absolutely obsessed with this eye cream. It is so moisturizing and feels amazing. I cannot recommend this enough!" —Julia

Get it from Ulta for $67.

11. A Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum cream to help smooth the skin and provide a lustrous dew that makes it look as though you're glowing from within, from head to toe. Plus, it smells like a tropical vanilla getaway, and the scent lingers on the skin long after use!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This cream is amazing! I have extremely dry skin. After a shower, I oil my whole body, but even that wasn’t enough, and yes, I drink plenty of water with sea salt. I added this cream after my oils, and omg, my skin is like a baby's. I was getting a weird texture on my neck like chicken skin, and now it’s gone because of this cream. I know, TMI. My skin all over is so, so soft, it’s like a miracle. I even started putting it on my face. It is pricey, but with these results, I’d get a part-time job if I had to. I’m good with fragrances, so that doesn’t bother me. I tried the Palmer equivalent, and although it’s good, it’s not as magical as this one. I’m now a forever customer." —Nina S

Get it from Amazon for $19.20+ (available in three sizes, refill pods, and two-packs).

12. An super fast foot-peeling spray if you want the look of smooth heels but don't want to wait the week or so it takes for peeling to happen. Just spray this onto clean, dry feet, rub the dead skin off with an exfoliating mitt, and then clean your feet with soap and water. It's a great way to keep feet soft in between pedicures.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a literal savior for rough, dry feet and cracked heels. Unlike sheet masks that take days to start peeling, this formula gives you baby-soft skin in just a few minutes. It has a refreshing, pleasant scent and effortlessly transforms coarse texture into smooth skin. Use it with an exfoliating mitt or foot file to boost the smoothing effect even further. If you want your feet sandal-ready without waiting, this spray is worth every single penny!" —Nikki Wilson

Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

13. A TruSkin Naturals vitamin C serum, because vitamin C is one of those powerhouse, I-can-do-it-all ingredients. It's great for helping create a brighter, more even-looking skin tone, PLUS it provides antioxidant protection. This serum also includes vitamin E for added antioxidant support, as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe to help hydrate and soothe the skin.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "In just a few weeks, I noticed a real difference in my face. The laugh lines around my eyes are still there, but not as noticeable, and the smoothness of my skin, especially on my forehead and cheeks, is remarkable." —Lela

"What really stands out is the radiant glow this serum imparts. My skin looks brighter, fresher, and noticeably more even-toned. Any signs of dullness or fatigue are replaced by a luminous, healthy-looking complexion. Even stubborn dark spots have started to fade, a testament to the potency of this wonderful product. Despite the high concentration of vitamin C, the formula is remarkably gentle. I've experienced no irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin types like mine. Hyaluronic acid, another key component, ensures my skin stays hydrated and smooth, enhancing the overall results of the serum." —Reinaldo O.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).

14. A Mixsoon Bean Essence so you can hydrate and exfoliate your skin all in one go! This contains pomegranate-derived AHA to help smooth out the skin, and fermented soybean to help moisturize.

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 it, and I was left with a moisturized glow. I then had my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well for 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 $9.90+ (available in three sizes).

15. A professional-grade callus remover that I personally rely on for baby smooth heels and soles. All you have to do is soak your feet in water for about 10 minutes, apply this callus remover to rough areas, and then slough them off with a foot file. As someone who walks a LOT and wears all sorts of shoes while doing it (sneakers, heels, cowboy boots, ballet flats), this is one of the only things that keeps my feet from hard, cracked calluses.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have the driest heels, and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this, my heels had some pretty deep cracks, and now they're almost baby soft again. BUT please follow the directions...left it on my super-dry, thick-callused heels for only three minutes, and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those tubs at the nail salon anymore." —Kiki

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two scents and a pack of two).

16. A skin-refining serum takes you one step closer to achieving your glass skin goals. Ingredients like peach extract and hyaluronic acid help to plump and hydrate, while niacinamide helps to brighten the complexion, and a peptide complex helps to firm up your skin. Basically, it gives you many of the benefits of a 10-step routine without all the... errr... steps.

Ulta

Promising review: "I have never left a review in my life. However, I originally bought this in August 2024. I use it every single day, and I am still shocked when I do my skincare in the morning and night, and it's still not out yet. I have several backups for when I'm finally out because I never want to go out now that I've had it. A little goes a long way here. One pump and your whole face, neck, and chest are good to go. Gives you the most beautiful glow and is even more amazing when you pair it with other Peach & Lily products, like the Glass Skin Face Polisher in particular and the Wild Dew Treatment Essence. It's also amazing to pair with their other serums." —Never ending glass skin

Get it from Ulta for $19+ (available in three sizes).

17. A powerful Paula's Choice 2% BHA salicylic acid exfoliant to help you work on your pore game! This is a great exfoliant for all skin types, but it's especially useful for helping to dissolve blackheads and reduce the appearance of oiliness. Since it's a BHA, it also helps smooth out and balance the look of uneven tones and texture.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on Reddit and thought I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results the next day. I honestly love how well this product worked for me." —Nicole

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in three sizes).

18. A box of Mighty Patch pimple patches — they create a physical barrier between your acne and the outside world... which includes your eager-to-pop fingers! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love these pimple patches! They are a game changer when it comes to treating breakouts. The patches stick well to my skin and are virtually invisible, so I can wear them during the day without feeling self-conscious. They work quickly to reduce the size and redness of pimples, often overnight, and help prevent me from picking at my skin. The patches are gentle, don’t irritate my skin, and are super easy to remove. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my skin since I started using them, and they’ve become a staple in my skincare routine. If you’re dealing with breakouts, I highly recommend these pimple patches — they’re effective, discreet, and really help speed up the healing process!" —Ellie Stuart

Get it from Amazon for $10.30.

19. The Ordinary's Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% plumping serum, because it means business when it comes to creating a visibly plumper effect wherever you place it! The star ingredient here is palmitoyl Isoleucine 1%, a lipoamino acid that helps support the skin for a smoother, more voluminous look.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Seeing is believing. I took a chance because it was made by The Ordinary, and I’m telling you this stuff works like a miracle. I put all of my skincare on, and then I put this on in areas where I have lines or sunken in areas, and I can tell a huge difference." —Christina Knapp

Get it from Amazon for $21.40.

20. A DearKlairs Blue Calming Cream if you want to reduce the look of redness without relying too heavily on a full-coverage foundation. This K-beauty fave contains guaiazulene to soothe skin irritation, plus ceramides to help restore the structure of damaged skin barriers.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Literally cried as I watched the redness decrease. I have had redness on my face my whole life and have been so self-conscious. It has changed my life, and will be forever part of my skincare routine!" —Paige

Get it from Amazon for $10.20+ (available in three sizes). 

21. Merit's Great Skin Instant Glow Serum chock-full of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help brighten and hydrate the skin in a few swipes. It's the perfect prep product for your five-minute makeup routine or for a model-off-duty look when worn on its own.

Sephora

Promising review: "I have combination skin that’s become drier due to hormonal changes. I use this daily with the moisturizer and have loved the difference it's made in my skin. It’s glowy and hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy. Recommend!" —HappySchnauzer

Get it from Sephora for $19+ (available in two sizes).

22. A peptide boosting cream, because it's a K-beauty staple for helping create the look of firmer, smoother skin wherever it's placed. Reviewers especially love this cream for their neck or any crepey skin they've got going on! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "OK, I’ve only been using this for three days, but it’s a keeper. I’ll be 61 in a few weeks, and this is so good. My skin looks calm, extremely smooth, and hydrated. Like, NOTICEABLY! My skin looks and feels so bouncy." —Staarbuck65

Get it from Amazon for $15.68+ (also available in a two-pack).

23. A pack of pore patches to help you get rid of gunk that's hiding out in pores. This is also great for protecting breakouts from picking, helping them to heal up quicker.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These nose patches work wonders overnight. I noticed a difference after just one use — my pores looked smaller and clearer, and my skin felt smoother. What I love most is that they’re pain-free to remove and don’t leave any sticky residue. A great find for anyone with oily or congested skin. I’m adding these to my regular skincare routine!" —Brittany Freeman

Get it from Amazon for $9.88.

24. A Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream so that you can get the help you need to soothe and hydrate your skin with one easy product. PDRN is a powerhouse ingredient for helping calm irritation, redness, and sensitivities; niacinamide helps to brighten the complexion; and ceramides and hyaluronic acid work together to lock hydration in.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review (for photos above): "These photos were taken just FOUR days apart after using this product two times a day. I heard about this product on TikTok, and am SO happy I gave it a try. I am now on my second tube. It is soothing and lightweight, and I will continue to purchase this product again and again!" —Jenna Shaner

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes).

25. A set of collagen-infused forehead patches, because, for some reason unbeknownst to me, the best skincare always seems to look just a *liiiiittle* ridiculous. But there's no shame in this product right here — it's packed with hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin E, and aloe, and people love using it to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I use these a few nights a week, and I really do love them. They are easy to put on and stay put all night. In the morning, my forehead is glowing and smooth. Will order again for sure." —mlzg

"So, I was really debating whether or not I should get my Botox done to get an early start, but then I came across this product from TikTok and honestly saved me a lot of money! It actually works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. I was very surprised how well it worked!" —Hannah

Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $16.14+ (also available in other varieties).

26. A box of hydrating face masks so you can trick people into thinking that you have your aesthetician on speed dial — but, actually, you just have these centella asiatica-enriched masks that help calm redness while boosting water levels in the skin.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I had my eye on these for A WHILE. It seems like a possible alternative to the viral Hanacure masks. It’s a two-step wash-off mask. The smell was a bit reminiscent of household cleaner. Which I did not love. But it caused no skin irritation on my sensitive skin. As it dries, it shrinks a lot. But it was no more uncomfortable than a standard clay mask. It washed off easily with water. My skin had a lovely glow and brightness after. It did a great job of sort of reviving it. My skin was a bit red and blotchy from the tightness of the mask as it dried, but this cleared up completely within 10 minutes." —rookery

"I was absolutely amazed after using this mask! It made my skin so soft! My pores looked like they were barely there; this mask tightened my skin and left it baby-smooth! This was only after one use! My makeup went on beautifully and lasted longer. After several uses, I can say the tightening effect has really left my skin firmer. The mask made my skin feel slightly itchy as it tightened. However, it did subside, and it didn’t irritate my face. I am loving how soft my skin is. And yes, it is still making my pores look nonexistent! Love it, would highly recommend. 💕💕" —Sarah

Get it from Amazon for $11.86 for eight masks.

27. A SeoulCeuticals Day Glow serum that seriously earns the word "glow" in its name! This contains vitamin C, a game-changing ingredient that adds a dewy glow to the skin *and* helps protect it from environmental stressors.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this on impulse because the serum I had been using previously was out of stock, and I am so glad I did. It moisturized and brightened my skin within the first use!!! I am 52 years old, and within a few days of using this, my skin looked so vibrant and glowing!!! I highly recommend everyone try it! You will see the difference in the appearance and texture of your skin. I absolutely love this product." —DooBee Doobee's 🐝

Get it from Amazon for $18.39+ (available in two sizes and another formula).

Still searching for the perfect addition to your skincare routine? Try these:

* Beauty Products To Try If Dewy, Glowy Skin Is Your Ultimate Skincare Goal

* Skincare Products Reviewers Say Leave Their Face Feeling “So Soft”

* Sunscreens Reviewers Say Wear Really Well Under Makeup

* Skincare Products Reviewers Say Work "Super Fast"

* Skincare Products You’ll Want To Add To Your Routine ASAP Once You See Their Before And After Pictures

Plus, finds from Amazon or Walmart.

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The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.