1. An under-eye brightener that's gone super viral super quick and FOR GOOD REASON! This awesome stuff contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and brighten the area under your eyes. Your new holy grail for concealing dark circles hath arrived! 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 two shades). 2. Bio-Oil , a cult-favorite skincare oil to help reduce the appearance of scars left behind by acne, pregnancy, injuries, or surgeries thanks to a powerful (but gentle) combo of vitamin A, vitamin E, sunflower, lavender, and chamomile oils.
Reviewers say it sinks into the skin easily and never ever leaves a greasy residue. Promising review: "What kind of sorcery is this? I used this for the first time last night on some recent acne scars, and I'm in utter shock. They look like they've been healing for weeks.
This stuff must be made of pixie dust or something. It's way too good to be true. From now on, I will be putting this all over my skin before bed every night! I don't even care if it means washing my sheets more often — SO WORTH IT!" — Julia Richardson Get it from Amazon for $11.
12 . 3. A TikTok-loved lotion made with guarana and cupuacu butter to bring smoothness and hydration to your skin.
Best of all, it has a delish pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla scent and is gonna have everyone you talk to commenting on how darn good you smell. 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 reviews: "This stuff is magic.
I’ve tried a lot of products, and this one works the best out of everything I’ve tried. I love the scent. Sol de Janeiro makes a body spray of it, and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it.
" — Stephanie Hooper "Where has this been all my life? I have been using this for maybe three days now, and putting it on in the morning and evening are the best parts of my day. The description of the scent as 'pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla' does not even begin to describe the incredibly decadent smell of this cream on my skin. My skin feels like velvet, and I saw improvements in the texture after the first application.
I will use it for the rest of my life. Do not ever discontinue this! I did not expect to be so amazed by this cream, but it is life-changing. Buy it! You won't regret it.
" — Michelle Brown Get a 2.5-ounce jar from Amazon for $22 (also available in an 8-ounce size for $48). And if (when) you do fall in love with the scent, they make tons of other products , including a fragrance ! 4.
A long-lasting liquid eyeliner for those in need of a waterproof option to get them through a day filled with sweat, allergy-affected tear ducts, and just being a really emotional person, damnit! Promising review: "Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. .
.. Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners (Stila, Urban Decay, YOU NAME IT).
I will never switch to anything else." — Jacky Get it from Amazon for $3.50+ (available in 14 shades).
5. A cleansing oil designed to clean makeup residue, potentially clear up blackheads and sebum, and help minimize the appearance of pores and acne. Its hypoallergenic and gentle formula plays well with sensitive and acne-prone skin, and many reviewers actually use it as a step in their double cleansing routine.
Double cleansing = using an oil-based cleanser (like this one) and then a water-based cleanser afterward! If you're looking for a water-based cleanser to go with this one, reviewers love this pore-deep cleansing foam from the same brand for their double-cleansing routine! Promising review: "I don’t usually leave reviews, but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER!!!!! It worked flawlessly after the first try, and I could actually see the results immediately!! My gosh, it’s lightweight and smells relaxing. Massage it to your skin for 5–10 minutes, and you can see the magic. I will definitely add this to my skincare routine.
JUST GET IT!!!!!" — Vince Get it from Amazon for $17.69 . 6.
A skin-renewing night cream containing three essential ceramides in a fragrance-free, non-irritating formula designed to bring your skin a delicious dose of hydration and softness, all while you SLEEP! Out: expensive (for literally no reason) night creams. In: THIS STUFF!!! It has new packaging, just FYI, if it looks different when you order it. Promising reviews: "CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is my skincare savior! I use it every night and wake up to a dewy, plump complexion that's like magic.
It's my secret weapon for fighting fine lines and wrinkles and keeping my skin hydrated and barrier-strong. As someone with sensitive skin, this dreamy overnight moisturizer is an absolute game changer!" — Brooke "I’ve been using the same cream for over seven years. Every other cream would break me out, not moisturize my skin enough, or just make me too oily.
I got this because I’ve been breaking out and I’ve been trying to find something to calm my skin down. The first night I used this, my skin improved!! Redness/bumps reduced, my skin was soft. I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, and this did not irritate my face at all.
I wake up, and my skin is soooo soft. My skin texture has drastically changed in just a week. My makeup applies so smoothly, and my pores even look better.
My new go-to!" — Melody Get it from Amazon for $13.90 . 7.
A brow glue soooo good, we should probably warn you one of the side effects will be bringing back the phrase "eyebrows on fleek" unapologetically. And you know what? We support it. Promising reviews: "I have thick eyebrows to the point where I have to trim them every few weeks.
They don’t stay in place and blow around in the wind. This is literally magic. It works so perfectly.
I recommend this so much!" — Douglas Meade "Magic in a bottle. Man, I hope NYX never discontinues this product because it is LIFE. CHANGING.
My makeup routine is not the same without it. It lasts forever and does the job perfectly." — Daniella C Get it from Amazon for $6.
75+ (available in clear plus four tinted shades). 8. A wash-off face mask to wake up your face in about 15 minutes — which is ironic, because you'll look zombie-like while you use it.
Get ready to take lots of before-during-after selfies! Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask and at about $2.
50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this.
Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. T his Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results, in my opinion. And it's super funny.
A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." — Dana Dane Get them from Amazon for $23.
81 . 9. A paraben-free self-tanner because summer is upon us and if you're anything like me, your skin is either a nice shade of pale or lobster red at all times between June and August.
Treat yourself to a sun-kissed glow (with results in just under an hour) and without the ~smell~ that other self-tanners have. Promising review: “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this.
This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc.
, but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!” — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in twelve shades and also available in bundles).
10. A heatless curling rod so you can achieve easy, breezy curls all without having to turn on hot styling tools. This set comes with a curling rod, a claw hair clip, two duckbill hair clips, and two hair scrunchies.
It works best when rolled with damp hair and boasts being compatible with all hair types. Promising review: "Before purchasing, I’d seen a lot of reviews and tutorials on TikTok showing the results. My hair is thick, coarse, and naturally wavy, so I figured this might be a good alternative to rollers that are time-consuming to put in, difficult to sleep in, and ultimately not worth it.
And MAN, was I right to be hopeful. Wrap pieces of damp hair around it before bed; the tighter the wrap, the tighter the curl. Easy to sleep in since there’s nothing on the back of your head, and my curls are BOUNCY the next morning .
My only complaint is that it doesn’t help give any top volume, but nothing some teasing can’t fix. 10/10. I’ll never go back to a curling iron .
" — Mariah Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors). 11.
A mascara to give you lashes so dramatic, no one will believe you when you tell them you bought it for less than $5 on Amazon. No need to spend hours wrestling with falsies to get the long lashes of your dreams. Reviewers also rave that this lasts all day .
Thank goodness! You have better things to do than reapply throughout the day. Promising reviews: "Literally thee best mascara I've used in my life!! I don't know what wizardry the wand has, but I swear it gives me lashes that aren't even there. Please don't ever stop manufacturing this product!! Amazing!!" — jamie "Essence's Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is my new secret weapon for lashes that rival a fairy tale! With just a few swipes, it transforms my lashes into majestic wonders, so full and luscious they could have their own kingdom.
No need for a fairy godmother when you have this magic wand — it gives my lashes the royal treatment without the need for false lashes. Truly a mascara fit for a lash royalty!" — Jennifer Binneboese Get it from Amazon for $4.99 .
BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review ! 12. A rosemary mint scalp and hair-strengthening oil formulated with a combination of over 30 essential oils and nutrients to help nourish your locks, potentially increase circulation, and help relieve an itchy scalp. Plus, it's great for all hair types and boasts working particularly well on types 3a–4c hair.
According to the Cleveland Clinic , some researchers have found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine! And read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Every year, without fail, I experience a flaky, dry scalp at the end of winter/early spring. I've tried so many things throughout the years, but after putting this hair oil in a post, I convinced myself that I should try it.
I was hesitant because my hair does have a tendency to get a bit oily (oily hair and a dry scalp, can I pick a struggle?!), but I figured I'd take the plunge. I am so glad I did. I've had this hair oil for three weeks, and NO FLAKY SCALP!!! No itchiness! Here's what I will say, tho: I have to be careful about when I choose to use this.
I'm usually the kind of person who if I'm going out for the day with friends, shower and wash my hair beforehand so my hair is clean and damp before styling. When I used the oil then, it did make my hair look greasy after styling. Now, what I do is wash my hair the night before, apply the oil, and let my hair air dry.
The next morning, it's ready to style and doesn't look greasy! Not sure why this works better, but it just does! Promising review: "I hardly write reviews, but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow, just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fallout. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And I’ve been using it only once a week. Just a few drops and massaging in.
OMG, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this...
hats off!!" — Dee Get it from Amazon for $9.50 . 13.
An eye primer because you didn't spend time perfecting your smoky shadow look just for it to *poof* disappear come lunch time. Promising review: "I’ve struggled for years with very hooded lids and oily at that. Needless to say, my mascara always smudges, and by the time I look in the mirror at the end of a work day, I’m embarrassed at how I’ve been talking to people.
NOT WITH THIS! This is the end-all-be-all of eye primers for me. It works amazingly and has a great price point! Hey, I even did yard work in 86-degree weather for three hours, sweating profusely, and my eye makeup didn’t budge!!!!!! What?!?! Wizardry!! " — Jim Get it from Amazon for $13.99 .
14. A callus-removal gel so you can experience the baby-soft feet you not only want but truly deserve. Soak your feet for two to three minutes in hot water, dry them, and apply a generous layer of the gel to your calloused feet.
Then let it sit for three minutes, wipe it off, use a foot scrubber of your choice, and bam — dead skin, be gone. If you're looking for recs for a good foot file, we adore this one that you can get from Amazon for $9.99 ! Promising review: "Best product I've ever got from Amazon.
This thing is really what everyone said it is: MAGIC. I cannot believe that after one use, the results of my calluses just years and years of pain shaved down without any surgical treatment! WOW! I seriously have no words. If I could give this product 1 million stars, I would.
If you’re someone who’s had horrible callused feet for years, PLEASE BUY THIS!" — jess Get it from Amazon for $18.49 (also available in a two-pack). 15.
A Briotech spray reviewers say is a GREAT alternative to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray — both are formulated with hypochlorous acid. It'll help calm inflammation and redness. Just give your skin a little spritz and bask in the relief! BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising review: " What is this sorcery? Okay, so I’m not gonna lie. I thought all of the before and after pics were fake, but I was desperate, so I bought this stuff anyway. I had been dealing with an irritation bump for almost three months that I couldn’t get rid of, so I did some research and tried a variety of home remedies, none of which worked.
Then I stumbled upon the Briotech spray and saw the before and after pictures and wanted soooo badly to believe them. I also didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I wrote them off as fake. I bought this stuff anyway (again, I was desperate), and I’m SO glad I did.
I bought it on September 5, and my bump (which was huge and awful) was completely gone on September 25. I’m still in shock that it worked, but I’m so happy it did. Buy this! Stick with it, and I promise you won’t regret it!" — iamericadelaney Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.
99 (available in four sizes and packs of two and four). 16. A styling mousse whose lightweight formula of rose water and acai berries helps to give your curls some definition without leaving them feeling flaky or crunchy.
Thank God It's Natural is a Black woman-owned small biz based in Chicago that specializes in hair products. Promising review: "I originally purchased this product to do a rod set, but the way my laziness is set up, my go-to is a puff cause I haven’t gone anywhere. When I tell you this product moisturized my hair and activated my 4c curls.
I will never use gel again, and no residue either. I’m hella sold and will buy more." — Alyssa Brown Get it from Amazon for $12.
34 (clip the 5% off coupon on the product page to get this price). 17. A hydrating eye cream for helping minimize the appearance of eye bags, dark circles, and wrinkles/crow's-feet.
Plus, it's free of sulfates, artificial fragrances, and colors and has a nice rosemary scent. Promising review: "I am so in love with this eye cream! Seriously, this stuff is amazing!!! I have used it for five days and already the difference is noticeable. I got two hours of sleep last night, and still, I look well-rested.
That is nothing short of magic...
like created by woodland fairies. The puffiness is gone the discoloration is almost completely gone. I’m OK with my laugh lines; I’ve earned every one of them, and I’ve grown kind of attached to them.
I love who I am, but I hate always looking like I still need sleep. This cream is worth the money, and I will be putting this in an automatic reorder as soon as I figure out how long it will take to go through a bottle. You use so little that I’m having trouble predicting how long it will take me to go through a bottle.
Buy it and love it, or don’t and miss out...
it’s your call. " — Cassandra Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
18. A Nars creamy concealer whose buildable formula provides long-lasting coverage (up to 16 hours, that is) and contains magnolia bark and grape seed extracts to assist in relieving redness and covering up acne. HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian is a fan of this concealer and says this: "I have used this concealer for YEARS and truly do not have enough good things to say about it.
I have dark under-eye circles and hormonal, often cystic acne that I like to conceal with makeup, but at the same time, I don't like the feeling of heavy products on my face, which is often what's recommended for skin like mine. This concealer covers up my blemishes no matter how angry they may be and brightens my skin while still feeling lightweight and like my skin can breathe. Plus, it lasts all day! I can't recommend this product enough, and I'll be using it for as many years as Nars makes it!" Promising review: "This is my holy grail.
This is the only concealer I have ever used for two years! It blends seamlessly into the skin and works if you have no blemishes or if you do have acne . I can’t recommend it enough." — sesh2death Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in 30 shades and 2 sizes) or Amazon for $19.
20+ (available in 25 shades and 2 sizes). 19. A lip repair balm from O'Keeffe's (yep, the same brand that makes the beloved Working Hands cream ) — this awesome stuff contains deep conditioning oils to relieve dry, cracked lips overnight.
Waking up with a smooth kisser? You're one "add to cart" away. Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips.
I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily.
My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic, and I won't go anywhere without it now. " — Anna C.
Adams Get it from Amazon for $7.51 . 20.
A fan-favorite E.l.f.
Cosmetics primer to help reduce the appearance of pores AND assist in seamless makeup application. It's a win-win. Promising review: "This is magic cream.
My face looks so fresh all day. It blurs the lines and age spots just enough, so I don't look like my foundation is caked on. I usually have to powder or blot my face during the day, and I haven't had to ever since I started using this a month ago.
My face stays flawless all day. If only they could make eye makeup that holds up that well." — Should I buy this Get it from Amazon for $9.
85 . 21. A L'Oreal glow-enhancing lotion that'll give the expensive bronzing drops you've been eyeing a run for their money.
This glycerin-infused illuminator can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or foundation and worn as a makeup base OR as a highlight or bronzer. Glowy skin, here you come. Reviewers say it's similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops! Promising reviews: "Magic! I am blown away by how good this product is.
I really didn’t expect much from it, to be honest. It covers like a BB cream and has a pretty dewy finish. I originally got it to put under makeup as a moisturizer/glowy finish, but I just wear it alone mostly because it looks so nice.
For reference, I wore Dr Jarts BB cream before, so not a heavy foundation. I find it similar to that coverage but a fraction of the cost." — Britt "I’ve been using this product for seven months, and I ’ve been complimented almost weekly about how I get my skin to look so dewy and glowy.
I use this all over with a good coverage foundation, and I’ve never felt/looked so sunkissed. Such an amazing product for a killer price!" — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in five shades).
22. A lightweight CeraVe retinol serum made with encapsulated retinol — that's when traditional retinol is shelled and, therefore, is absorbed at a slower rate over time, which may prevent the irritation or redness of non-encapsulated retinol. Plus, you still get to reap similar benefits like brighter skin and a reduction of post-acne marks! And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.
* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. It's recommended to use this at night and follow up with sunscreen in the morning! Promising review: "This product is magic in a bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skincare routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! I’ve only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser , moisturizer , and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Don’t think twice about this product, just buy it!!!" — mallory brook bravo Get it from Amazon for $11.
20 . 23. A 2-in-1 eyeliner that also happens to be false eyelash glue because your time is precious, so saving yourself the step of having to apply eyelash glue OVER your eyeliner without smudging it in the process will really pay off in the long run.
If you're looking for falsies people *love* (you've probably seen them on TikTok), try the Ardell wispies — you can get them from Amazon for $9.44 . Some people cut them apart for that ~individual~ look.
Some reviewers mention removing the liner is a little difficult, but many reviewers agree using micellar water or a cleansing balm works! Promising review: "What sorcery is this?! After years of trying to put on falsies, I gave up and opted for waterproof mascaras and eyelash growth serums. Of course, the mascaras and serums only did so much. Then the stars aligned, and I came across this eyeliner glue magic from the heavens! IT WORKS, FRIENDS! I apply two coats, and BAM! These babies stay on all day.
I've worn lashes from Eyelure, KISS, and House of Lashes — all of them stayed put for over 12 hours, and they looked flawless. I even drove down the highway with the windows open, and they didn't budge! I use a makeup remover balm from Good Molecules to remove my eye makeup, and it gently removes the lash glue, leaving the lashes ready for another day. I'm about to stock up on these before prices go up!! Both the black and clear work great.
" — KareBear Get the liner from Amazon for $8.35 . 24.
A silky sun milk formulated with SPF 50+ that boasts quick drying time and no white cast. It holds up to water and sweat (helloooo summer staples) and is even great for wearing underneath your makeup! In the photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after application, and how the product looks under makeup. Promising review: "Can I give it 10 stars? This sunblock is amazing! I put this on right before my makeup and don’t have to reapply even when I’m outside all day.
I personally like the matte version but have tried the others, and they all provide the same great protection." — T Suzuki Get it from Amazon for $17 . 25.
A tea tree oil and body wash that can help mitigate a plethora of common skin troubles like athlete's foot, acne, ringworm, and dry skin — just to name a few. Side effects include wondering where the heck this little miracle worker has been your whole life?! Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic . Promising reviews: "I usually use Dr.
Bronner's , but I wanted to give this a try after seeing it on TikTok. I actually like this better and feel really clean after using it . Love the fresh smell.
" — KJeanine ATL "This is my favorite body wash ever! I was dealing with some serious postpartum BO, and this saved me! Results from the first use !" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five scents and a two-pack). 26.
An E.l.f.
liquid blush — whether you've been on the liquid blush train for some time now or you're looking to get aboard, this inexpensive (less than $10!!!) option is the perfect pick. It boasts gorgeous pigmentation and blends so smoothly. Promising review: "Imagine sweeping on a blush that feels like a little whisper of color, just enough to give your cheeks that perfect, healthy glow.
That's what you get with the E.l.f.
blush. The formula is silky smooth, blends like a dream, and sits on your skin so naturally it's like a second skin. Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or amping it up for a night out, this blush has got your back.
It's like a little magic in a compact, and it won't break the bank either. Plus, it's kind to our furry friends! Honestly, it's a total game-changer in your makeup routine! 🌟" — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in nine shades). 27.
A set of false lash segments that provide a subtle/natural but gorgeous level of extension to your lashes. It comes with a mascara-like glue, and attaching the segments is easy peasy. PLUS! You can re-wear them for up to 10 days! Lilac St.
is a woman- and AAPI-owned small biz! Promising review: "At-home lash magic! I’ve been wearing this brand for a year now, and I don’t know what I did before. They are perfection. I use their extra-strength lash glue, and I can easily get 10–14 days out of a set.
I also use sizes 10mm–16mm for a beautiful natural look, and I get so many compliments. OFTEN, people think I get professional lash extensions!!! If they ever went out of business, I’d be so lost without them!! Just do it already. Treat yourself.
P.S. Give yourself time to adjust to this method before deciding if you like it.
Watch some videos to figure out how to put them on. It’s worth it, I promise." — Stephanie R.
Get the original lashes from Amazon for $12.30+ (available in lengths from 10mm to 16mm), and get the lash glue for $16 (available in black and clear). You can also get a starter kit (including 10mm and 12mm lashes, glue, and applicator) for $38 .
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity..
