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The Before And Afters For These 32 Products Are So Remarkable, They'd Get An A+ On Their Report Card

The Before And Afters For These 32 Products Are So Remarkable, They'd Get An A+ On Their Report Card

Buzz Feed05-04-2025
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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They probably skipped a grade they're so good...
1. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that has helped reviewers with the fullness of their hair with consistent use. It's infused with rosemary and zinc to help nourish your mane from root to tip, and it leaves your hair smelling ah-mazing!
www.amazon.com
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
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 I used 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. I still use it twice a week and love it! I don't love the way it smells, but others love it when they smell my hair." — Diane J. Huff
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
2. A best-selling ChomChom roller designed to pick up pet hair in a quick roll and swipe. It'll magically pick up every last strand of hair on your couch, favorite blanket, and outfit of the day without any sticky sheets (lint rollers could never). And when you're done, just empty it right into the trash and it's ready to be used again!
All of the shed hair gets stored in the middle of the brush, so just open the chamber and trash your fur baby's hair in the garbage!
Promising review:"The best day of my life was the day I adopted my cat. The second best day of my life was when I discovered this product. I never write reviews, but for the first time in my life, I felt compelled to write one to share how fantastic this product is. It's the age-old story: girl adopts cat, cat sheds, everything girl owns is now covered cat hair, girl tries everything but is unsuccessful, blah blah blah. But this pet hair remover/lint roller contains some type of wizardry that has seriously changed the game. *Chef's kiss* to the creators of this product." — SB
Get it from Amazon for $19.59+ (available in three colors).
3. A maximum strength wart-removing gel designed to dry out and remove these growths thanks to its salicylic acid-based formula. It even comes with waterproof patches so you can conceal your wart and prevent it from spreading.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I had five awfully painful plantar warts on my foot for about four months. They were all about a 1/4 inch apart on the ball of my foot, and I had a massive one under my second toe. It was becoming hard to walk with how painful they were. This was a Hail Mary, and it worked phenomenally. The gel coats well right where you apply it. It doesn't have an awful stench. I applied it every three to four days for a couple of weeks. I noticed the pain was less and less until I didn't notice any. Last night, I was actually able to pull and peel the remains of the dead warts out!! Kinda gross but kind of cool. Seriously, this product works. If you have annoying warts...this is the answer!!!" — CJ805
Get a kit with the gel and 12 patches from Amazon for $12.89.
4. Vacuum storage bags so you can majorly increase the storage space in your travel bag or closet — by 80% to be ~exact~. If your coats, sweaters, or endless clothing options need to somehow magically fit, these will help you!
www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jasmin Sandal is a fan: " I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."
Promising review: "We needed to travel for a long trip to Japan, which included two days of skiing, and make all our clothes and gear fit in carry-on luggage. These bags were incredible. They worked well without any issues, and they were able to compress ski pants, gloves, and warm sweaters down to a nearly flat surface. Everyone in our family used at least two in their carry-on bag, and that was what allowed us to pack everything we needed. Each bag worked well repeatedly, as we opened and shut them during the trip. Highly recommend when traveling and space is an issue." — whitnch
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).
5. A jar of the beloved Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that delivers IMPRESSIVE results for people wanting to smooth and tighten skin — and that's all thanks to its caffeine-rich guarana extract formula. The notes of salted caramel, vanilla, and pistachio will have you in self-care heaven with how good it smells, too.
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 review: "I am 60, and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes and a refill tub).
6. A tub of The Pink Stuff so you can make the messiest of messes clean again. Its fast-acting formula can turn almost any stain into a thing of the past (even if it's been around for eons). It works to remove crayon, grime, permanent marker, or rust from your walls, jewelry, silverware, wood, and more — it's truly so versatile!
www.amazon.com
This is a mildly abrasive cleaning paste, so use with care and go slowly when testing on new surfaces. Simply apply it to the surface with a damp sponge or cloth, give it a few scrubs, and then rinse away with hot water.
Promising review:"I used this product for my stove because if there's one thing I dislike, it's cleaning. I have used multiple degreaser sprays, and they all are so toxic and don't work for me. But this product, oh my goodness, is legit a miracle. It doesn't have any smell. I put the paste on a cloth, clean the area, then wipe it off with a damp cloth, and voilà — magic!" — May
Get it from Amazon for $5.97+ (also available in a bundle with a scrubber sponge).
7. A tennis shoe cleaner concentrate reviewers say works fast to make your sneakers spotless and squeaky clean. This works on leather, suede, canvas, and MORE, so you can restore the endless collection of comfy shoes you can't part ways with.
It's super easy to use — just dip the (included) brush in water, apply the cleaning solution to the shoe, then brush and wipe away!
Promising review:"I have had my Nike Roshe runs for about a year now, and I don't go easy on them. I play sports and run in the dirt with them all the time, but I also like to wear them for fashion purposes. Pink Miracle helped restore my daily shoes to look like I just bought them — now I can wear them for even longer. Very pleased with Pink Miracle, I will buy it again when I run out of my bottle." — Romario
Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sizes).
8. A long-lasting pomade hair wax stick with a mess-free applicator so you can easily slick back stray hairs or smooth edges — without having sticky hands! One reviewer even says it's "better than gel." 👀
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I saw this on YouTube and immediately wanted to try it. I have curly hair, which I love, but sometimes I just want to put it in a ponytail and go on with my day. This is a time saver for all those little hairs that tend to stick up or don't want to stay in place. I'm not a fan of hairspray, and this even smells nice. I believe it's a light coconut smell. Overall satisfied, and you don't need to use much. I took it with me on vacation, and it saved me time in the evening from having to deal with bad hair days." — Blanca Perez
Promising review: "I have 4A-4B curls. When my hair is straight, there are a few spots that are a little frizzier than others, which, to me, isn't a big deal. Some flyaways, however, were the biggest reason why I got this. It lays the baby hairs and is a little bit of a heavier product. I will say, you just have to be careful if you're not used to using heavy product. The first time I used it, I just put a little in my hands and then put it where it was needed." — Jay
Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (also available in multipacks).
9. A mold and mildew stain remover to whiten the dirty caulk and grout in your sink, shower, and tile floors that's... well... seen better days. All you do is apply it, wait 6–8 hours, and (with *no* scrubbing required) you'll see a VERY visible difference. One reviewer who got it after reading one of our articles said, "It's unbelievable!"
Promising review:"Didn't think it would work, but it DID with no scrubbing!! My husband didn't think our grout was originally white, but I knew better. I put this on before bed on a section of grout in the shower, and woke up to gorgeous and bright white, no scrubbing at all the next morning. Just rinse it off. Absolutely buying another bottle. It wasn't quite enough for my entire shower, but to be fair, we have a lot of small tiles. I think two bottles will get the whole shower floor. Bravo on a great product." — thekuan
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
10. Skin1004's zombie face masks with albumin (egg white extract) to lift and aloe vera extract that'll deliver deep hydration to your skin. Once the mask dries, it'll look rough and cracked (hence the "zombie" in the name), but once you wash it off 10 minutes later, your skin will look glowy and feel tighter.
Promising review:"Smells great! This face mask does exactly what it says. My skin is nice and lifted, hydrated, noticeable reduction in fine lines, improved texture, reduced pore size, and eliminated some newly developed rough patches forming around the hairline. Couldn't be more satisfied with this product! I have pretty good skin for 37, but this mask has really helped take my skin to the next level." — Samantha
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $17.95 (also available as a two-pack).
11. A Colorx toilet wand with disposable cleaning heads that only need water to start cleaning and transform your loo from yucky to sparkly — one reviewer said it took as little as "25 seconds." It's much more sanitary than your standard toilet brush thanks to its disposable cleaning heads, meaning you'll have a perfectly clean brush every time you attach a new scrubbing pad.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"So, we have a toilet that belongs to the cats. We don't use it, we don't look at it, we like to pretend it does not exist. Even with semiregular flushing, cat waste is pretty nasty stuff and builds up quickly in the bowl. One of these wands cleaned it up in a single session! Before-and-after pic attached (above)." — Whitney
Get it from Amazon for $11.98.
12. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel to " melt off" tough, dead calluses to reveal softer, more supple skin, especially if you were a little extra hard on your feet or wore overly tight shoes. Reviewers say they prefer the results from this *over* treatments they get at salons!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Just presoak feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Want to know more? Check out our full Lee Beauty Callus Remover write-up!
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.... I 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 $8.49 (available in three styles and as a two-pack).
13. And a foot file if there's some lingering dead skin on your feet — and you want it gone ASAP. Just rub this back and forth and watch that dead skin fall right off.
Promising review:"I've used pumice stones, sonic pedicure machines, you name it…I still had thick and hard soles along with dry and scaly heels. I've used this foot file for just two days, and I'm speechless. I finally found something to rid my embarrassing feet. It's the smoothest I've seen my feet and heels in decades! Wow!" — FrankSFO
Get it from Amazon for $6.33 (available in two sizes and various packs).
14. A root touchup powder for grown-out roots, grey hairs, or any spots you want to appear fuller — just tap the spongey end on your head to apply wherever you want! It's the perfect temporary fix in between salon appointments because OF COURSE your favorite hair stylist is booked out for the foreseeable future...
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Gray hair is still fierce (just look at Jane Fonda) so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
Promising review: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." — Amazon Customer
Promising review: "LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." — Catie B.
Get it from Amazon for $14.36+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
15. A slicker brush to clean, dentangle, and fluff up blankets and carpets that look a little... gnarly. It's designed to make sheepskin, wool, cashmere, merino, and faux fur look brand new again.
Promising review:"Where have these been all my life? We purchased a couple of beautiful charcoal-gray (dyed) sheepskin rugs for both sides of our bed. It used to feel really nice to get out of bed and set your feet on them. But after many years and a couple of dogs, my reaction to putting my feet down is, 'Ew. What the heck did I just step on?' Because of the dye, we can't just wash them or get them too wet. And I'm kind of lazy and forgetful. (Meaning, I've been thinking of taking them to a dry cleaner for years — but how much will that cost?) After our puppy had an accident (the worst kind of accident) on one, I knew I had to do something. These rugs weren't cheap, so tossing them wasn't an option. I cleaned up the 'accident' as best I could, but that left the spot feeling kind of dry and crunchy. So, after reading and googling, I decided to try one of these wire wool brushes. HALLELUJAH! It took some muscle to thoroughly brush each rug, but wow, not only did it re-fluff and revive the wool, but it also pulled up a lot of loose dirt and anything that was stuck to the fibers. I really wish I had gotten this brush sooner!" — Renee
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
16. A hydrating Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence — its star ingredient, snail mucin, might sound like it belongs in a witch's cauldron, but it actually can help hydrate skin, heal acne, and smooth the appearance of fine lines on all skin types. People with sensitive skin loved that the formula was gentle on their skin *and* several reviewers noted they got "fast results."
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
New to essences? Try applying this after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Applying it to clean skin and under your moisturizer will help lock in all that snail mucin goodness!
Promising review:"This was recommended to me by my daughter and at first I was a little skeptical, especially when she said it has snail mucin. Ewww!! But I tried it and to my surprise it left my skin so soft and supple. I'm in my fifties and I normally do not use over-the-counter products, but because of my daughter's experience, I decided why not. She typically doesn't wear much makeup and uses this as her moisturizer. Her skin looks hydrated with a nice glow. I recommend this if you're looking to try something new. Warning: When you first apply it, it'll have a tacky sensation, but once it absorbs the results are amazing!" — Michael Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $18.13.
17. A veggie chopper, slicer, and spiralizer for a quick slice and (of course) chop during your time-consuming meal prep. No need to tremble in fear when your recipe calls for a diced onion because *this* can do it in seconds (without you crying). And the built-in storage container will hold everything until it's time to add your veggies to a dish.
It comes with a small-dice blade, large-dice blade, spiral blade, and ribbon blade that are interchangeable and gives you the option to chop, slice, and julienne vegetables. Plus, you get a lid with a built-in chop and a storage container to hold the veggies.
Promising review:"I have a lot of kitchen gadgets. A lot. When I say this one is life-altering, I'm not kidding. I have used it for all veggies, garlic cloves, cheese, and even pats of butter for my buttermilk biscuits. I put cherry tomatoes in there for a chopped Italian salad and was rendered speechless by the ease. I can chop an entire onion in under 30 seconds. Bottom line: buy it. Worth every penny." — Kevin
Get it from Amazon for $24.87+ (available in four colors and also five other styles).
18. A retinol body lotion to help skin appear tighter and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage. And reviewers say that using it consistently helped the appearance of the textured skin on their upper arms and legs.
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 not too thin or 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 $19.99 (also available in two-pack).
19. A Kitsch satin heatless curling set so you can wake up to gorgeous curls without the damage that can come from using hot styling tools. Plus, doing your hair won't take as long — which is a must when you wake up and don't feel like getting out of bed.
Reviewers with thin, thick, straight, wavy, curly, and coily (1A—4C) hair types say they *love* this.
Promising review: "I suck at curling my hair. I'm curl-challenged. I wave my hair often, but sometimes you just want to have that beautiful curled look. Like you really have your life together, you know. This picture is after a spritz and two hour wait. I'm impatient, but the results have me strut 👏🏻 ting 👏🏻 you feel me! I highly recommend. It's not complicated at all; I did zigzag my part in the back because I heard that helps, and I confer. The back is seamless! I've tried the robe tie way but there's not the same amount of volume I'm getting from this set. BUY THIS PRODUCT!" — Amazon Customer
Promising review: " I really loved them. I have curly 4C hair and straighten it, but I wanted a curly look without more heat damage. They turned out adorable; however, don't expect it to last longer than a few hours (for curly girls), but 10/10 would recommend." — L
Get it from Amazon for $12.67+ (available in 12 colors).
20. A wine-stain-removing spray because we've all been there — one sip of Pinot turns into a little too much fun, and next thing you know, red wine is everywhere. No worries! This stain remover has your back. Just spray it on, blot, rinse, and watch the stain disappear. Now, you can keep the good vibes going without stressing over spills.
Promising review:"Wow. I can't believe this actually works. This is one of those cases where I wish I had taken a before and after. I found a luxury high-end sportcoat at a thrift store with a sizable wine stain on the front for dirt cheap and thought it would be worth it to take a risk and try to clean it up. I pre-moistened the stain with water, then sprayed a good amount of this product in. Used towels to dry up/blot the area as much I could, hung the sportcoat out to air dry, and crossed my fingers. A few days later, magic. The stain was completely gone. Speechless." — Rob
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five varieties).
21. A hydrating lip-plumping gloss set with a ginger plumper to give the appearance of fuller lips during the day and a mint moisturizing mask for nighttime use. Reviewers say the plumper " delivers on its promise" and gives a spicy-tingling sensation but isn't overwhelming.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I discovered this product from TikTok and I had to give it a try. I tried the day lip plumper and within a few seconds, there was a subtle tingling/burning that lasted for a few minutes but as it occurred, the plumping started to happen! It made a noticeable difference and made my lips look like I had filler! I'm obsessed!! — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
22. A polar bear-shaped hydrating balm that can help dark circles *and* eye puffiness all in one swipe. This balm infused with Icelandic glacial water and niacinamide is the perfect way to look and feel a little more refreshed — even if you got, like, zero sleep!
And bonus: It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review:" This stuff is magic! I purchased this product on a recommendation from a BuzzFeed list, and was not disappointed! I have not been sleeping well due to stress, and the first day I used it, my coworkers commented how well-rested I looked! I told them about it and all of them ordered one for themselves. Very impressed!" — Saminyah Marcelin
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three styles and in larger multipacks).
23. Plus, Catrice's "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, a color corrector that neutralizes the bluish eye bags that scream, "I only slept for four hours last night — reviewers say a little goes a long way! It's packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to help your skin look nourished and radiant.
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say they like this *more* than Smashbox's Becca under eye cream because it's thinner, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is better at brightening.
Promising review: "Anyone with dark under-eye problems like myself needs to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better, in my opinion!! It's very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone, but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well; it's very creamy and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It's extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I'm a sucker for saving money, and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" — Caitlin Newcomb
Promising review: "Bought this after seeing an influencer use it on TikTok. This works really well. I can instantly see a difference when I use it under my eyes. For the price, this is a win-win. I had never heard of this brand, but I will be using their products more often." — Kerry C
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
24. A boot and shoe stretch spray if your new kicks are too tight and possibly causing those dreaded blisters. Spray this potion over the tight parts of your shoes, put on thick socks, slip on your shoes, and walk until dry — your feet will feel *so* much more comfortable!
Promising review: "I'm speechless. So, I got a pair of Doc Martens for my birthday 2 weeks ago, STIFF LIKE A 2X4. I tried them on; they killed my heel and were suffocating my feet. Anyway, I did some research and came across this product. I read a review of someone using them for work boots, so I said hell why not? Got the product today, CHILD LET ME TELL YOU! My boots got looser in less than an hour! Hands down best product I've ever used to stretch any boots!" — Veronica
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
25. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil body wash to help calm and soothe skin irritations like athlete's foot, ringworm, or good ole dry skin. The blend of jojoba, coconut, and olive oil helps moisturize, refresh, and deodorize your entire body.
www.amazon.com
Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"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. Love the fresh smell. Also helped an eczema breakout." — KJeanine ATL
Get it from Amazon for $12.83.
26. Oh Yuck jetted tub cleaner because what's worse than turning on your relaxing jets and quickly finding black specks all over your suds? If you want to avoid that (and enjoy your bath time), this works in just 15 minutes to keep your "me time" on track!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Prepare yourself emotionally before using this product. I'm speechless. I'm just going to post a picture and go throw up..." — TK72812
Promising review: "This stuff is magic! We've lived in our home for four years now and had never used our jetted tub. One day last week I decided I needed a nice long soak, filled up the tub only to discover the water was rusty and yellow (SICK). I looked up online what the best way to clean a jetted bathtub was, and Oh Yuk came up over and over. Now I know why, this stuff is a miracle worker! We ran it through our tub several times until it was clear. We were so impressed, I purchased another bottle as a housewarming gift for my sister-in-law who is moving into her new house next week. You will not be disappointed, and I'd be shocked if the first words out of your mouth when you use this stuff weren't 'OH YUK'!" — Kimmy D
Get it from Amazon for $18.73+ (available in three sizes).
27. A Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap that helped one reviewer make their dark spot of 20 years *poof* into existence. It's formulated with powerhouse ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and turmeric to help hyperpigmentation disappear. And if you're worried it'll leave your skin feeling dry or stripped, it *also* has shea butter, olive oil, and hyaluronic acid to help combat that.
Promising review:"I got this in hopes of lightening my dark inner thighs. It's been a month of using the bar every time I shower, and I see drastic results already. I was a bit suspicious if this would actually work, but if you are on the fence please take this as a sign to get it and try it out. I'm so excited to see how I look in a few months from now because this thing works, and it works fast!" — puppbear
Promising review: "I started using this product one month ago. I use it all over my body [and] it lightened my underarms just in time for spring. I wish I knew about this sooner." — Michaella Leyein
Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in multipacks).
28. A minty teeth-whitening pen to painlessly lighten your teeth *and* save some bucks since it's cheaper than a professional treatment (and just less of a hassle). This handy pen can lighten years' worth of coffee, tea, and wine stains in just a few uses!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I was looking for a new whitening product since I've used others in the past that didn't work that well. I am so happy that I found this one! It really works and in a short amount of time as well. Even just using it a week, I notice a pretty big difference. My teeth had staining from age and coffee, and I needed something immediately but didn't want to spend a lot of money. The applicator is ver,y very easy to use as well. All you do is paint it on and let it do its magic! Definitely buy this you'll love it!" — Courtney Mazzola
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99+ (also available as a four-pack).
29. Essence's Lash Princess mascara that'll instantly lengthen and volumize your lashes with its cone-shaped fiber brush (without annoying clumps or globs), so you'll feel like a falsies expert without overworking yourself. It's also super affordable and sweat-proof — so this may be your new go-to!
Promising review: "After seeing this posted everywhere, I finally decided to try it. WOW! I will never use another mascara again. This mascara goes on beautifully. The thickness and darkness of the mascara truly do make it look like you are wearing false lashes. I also love how easily it comes off in the shower with my face wash. It does not leave a smudge. This mascara lasts all day and does not smudge under the eye at all. I have bought this mascara for every girlfriend I have because it left me speechless. Definitely one of my favorite makeup products to date!" — MJK
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
30. A car vacuum cleaner because we like to think our ride will *stay* clean post-deep cleaning, but accidents happen! Reviewers with kids and dogs say this sucks up crumbs and hair with no issue at all. It plugs right into your 12V outlet and one reviewer said the super long cord was able to reach the back of their Ford Expedition!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Kit includes: three attachments (flathead, extendable, and brush), carry bag, filter brush, and spare HEPA filter.
Promising review: "Speechless. For months, I have been procrastinating on buying this vacuum for my car. Now that I have it in my possession, it works perfectly and does the job. It's light to handle and just a push of a button. Also comes with an extra filter." — Abby
Get it from Amazon for $24.79+ (available in two colors and with or without a cord).
31. A Denman Hair Brush with a genius design that gives you ultimate curl definition. The evenly spaced bristles detangle and shape your curls at the same time, making styling so much faster. Reviewers call it a must-have for anyone with curly hair!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I'm honestly speechless. I didn't even know my curls could look like this. The only difference in my routine was this brush. Worth every penny!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in three styles and seven colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity
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43 Products That'll Practically Pay You Back With How Often You Use Them

A stainless-steel KitchenAid cold brew maker with a sleek drip system for turning ground coffee into a cafe-worthy cup. Because iced coffee is a year-round beverage that deserves a kitchen tool worthy of its excellence. A handy portable car vacuum that'll help you clean your car without the extra effort of bringing your vacuum outside. (Because honestly, when do we ever actually do that?) A mini Therabody for a deep-muscle treatment that is said to increase blood flow and support the body's recovery process. If your favorite flavor of serotonin is a massage, this is for you! What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking, a stress-free book filled with surprisingly impressive meals. The recipes are created to be easily adjusted if you don't have all the ingredients or tools, which'll make embracing your own homemade food far less intimidating. Get ready to keep this on the counter because you'll be using it every dang day! An electric candle warming lamp that'll do far more than its fair share. Light this little device up with an unlit candle underneath and it'll evenly melt the wax (it has both a dimmer and timer), helping your candles last longer even if they've started tunneling. A Philips compact pasta maker — get this, and you can make homemade spaghetti, penne, and fettuccini with a touch of panache. Go classic, or shake things up by using different flours and adding in an assortment of produce and herbs. No matter what you add, this clever tool can make each plate look pristine. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller that'll pick up fur and lock it inside the roller so that cleanup is a breeze and it doesn't lose its effectiveness with heavy use. We love our pets but woof, shedding is their greatest skill. A water bottle *bag* you can hook comfortably snug around your beloved tumbler so you can carry it like a crossbody bag. This has room for your phone, lip balm, cards, and even includes a clip to hang your keys from. You know you'll always have your water bottle by your side and thanks to this, you'll *also* remember all your other essentials too. And a shiny new 100% leakproof 30-ounce stainless-steel BrüMate Era tumbler to go with it! This dang pretty tumbler is about to become your new constant companion. It has a tapered design (meaning it fits in any standard cup holder) and has a straw that's *also* made with stainless steel. Sleek. A splurge-worthy 12-piece Caraway cookware set — nonstick cookware with minimalist silhouettes that'll complement any kitchen. These work with induction, gas, and electric stove tops, they're all oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, are made with a nontoxic coating, and feature non-stick ceramic with an aluminum core and stainless steel handles. Whew! Sorry for all that; I really got Caraway'd away! A modern knife block you can get in a breezy coastal green and treat your countertops to a surprisingly practical centerpiece. The five stainless steel knives are nestled in an ash wood block, helping them stay sharp and easily accessible. Whether you're looking for your first set of knives or are a cooking pro in need of an upgrade, these can make all the difference in your kitchen. A stuffed waffle maker — this applause-worthy appliance is designed with a deep, bowl-like griddle which allows you to cook the batter with fillings (we're talking chocolate, fruit, cheese, works). Upgrade your morning routine from frozen waffles to a homemade meal that'll look straight off a "best of" brunch menu. A pair of Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones for parents out there who may be in need of a reliable noise-cancelling option that'll block out the sounds of your colicky kid when you are getting way overstimulated. With a padded over-ear fit, 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, and phenomenal audio, they will help keep you calm even when your A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner — this spiffy (and portable!) system uses warm water and a special formula to save the day when slips turn into spills, which turn into stains. A Le Creuset enameled cast-iron braiser because being able to invest in a multi-use kitchen tool is oh-so-satisfying. Placing this on your dining room table is sure to make all your meals look warm and inviting. BTW, the sand-colored interior promotes caramelization, prevents sticking, and resists stains. So your food is going to taste as good as it looks. Lucky. A pair of YogaToes gemstone stretchers made with hypoallergenic medical-grade gel, for folks who have hammer toe, bunions, plantar fasciitis, etc. Try tossing these in the freezer and treating your feet to a soothing, cooling treatment at the end of the day. Ahhh, I can feel the relief just thinking about that. A TBH *too* nice Tineco 2-in-1 cordless vacuum and mop created to both vacuum and mop at the same time. Unlike our old dummy mops, this robot has a separate tank that stores the dirty water, and it retains 90% of the stuff, so your floors will be clean and dry in just minutes. A high pressure rainfall showerhead with a stainless-steel finish that's sleek and a rainwater feature that's gonna be ooh-so-soothing. A set of breathable seamless thongs specifically loved by several reviewers who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs. Folks say these are comfortable all day *and* claim they're comparable to (and even better than!) brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. I'm sold. Like, literally. Buying now. A cervical neck "pillow" may help provide ergonomic support, align your spine, and give you a much-needed vertebrae massage simply by lying down. A versatile veggie chopper that'll help you prep (and cleanup!) with speed that feels downright magical. The interchangeable blades just pop out, then just throw them right into the dishwasher! A wooden bread box so stunning you may feel like the owner of a boulangerie every time you reach for a slice of bread. And it's not just serving up good looks! The plexiglass windows will help you know what bread you have at the ready. I've wasted more than one loaf of bread by hiding it in a concealed bread box and forgetting about it. be buying this. An Our Place Dream Cooker that's not just a pretty face. This *treasure* can slow cook, sear, saute, and pressure cook. Having one multi-use appliance can help keep your kitchen from feeling cluttered, encouraging you to cook more often because it's actually a NICE place to be. Dream Cooker? You're dreamy. The Peloton Bike+ for folks who love an active leaving their house. This upgraded model has a 23.8-inch anti-reflective rotating screen so you can easily switch from cycling to a strength workout or yoga flow — or wherever your workout attention span takes you. A set of foldable dining chairs so you can host folks in your dollhouse-sized kitchen in fold-out chairs that are as good-lookin' as the rest of your furniture. Go ahead, be the host who manages to keep things cozy even when it gets crowded. A matching set of oil and vinegar dispensers with metal pour spouts sure to add an upscale touch to your space. There's something extra satisfying about removing busy packaging labels from your line of sight — and these are gonna do just that! A Graco 4Ever car seat that'll grow with your kid for a full *10 years* thanks to its 4-in-1 design that'll transition from a rear-facing infant seat all the way to a backless booster for kids from 40–120 pounds. Might as well give it a name because this'll be a part of the family for at least a decade! A terracotta garlic roaster for adding an elegant extra element to meals that would otherwise simply be, you know, delicious. Yawn. Make them extravagant with some rich, roasted garlic. I mean, even a slice of sourdough could look restaurant-worthy with this slathered on top. Aaand oops, I'm drooling. A 10-cup Brita water pitcher so you can drink tap water that tastes like cool, pure perfection. A cool mist humidifier to keep static (that loooves getting dust to cling to surfaces) out of your room. Plus, having moisture in the air is great for plants *and* your respiratory system. Win, win, WIN! A set of lovely silicone baby bottles from Boon Nursh for parents who, like me, want *useful* baby products that are also easy on the eyes. A wooden bread bow knife with a serrated blade that won't drag or pull, because baking bread is hard and you did *not* make it from scratch just to ruin the slices with a bad knife. A sleep-training alarm clock that'll trick your kids into thinking rule-following is positively perky! This'll display darling tiny robot facial expressions and glowing colors to let your kids know when it's time to sleep and when it's okay to get up the parents. A Waterpik because despite your good influence, your family still treats dentel floss with disdain. This Waterpik is fun *and* functional. Get ready to hear your spouse brag all about their *great* gums after you get this. An herb keeper that'll help your herbs stay fresh for *ages* — saving you from garnishing your meals with limp, soggy greens. A mug warmer because you prefer the apartment feel arctic, so long as you can keep your insides warm with a toasty cuppa. A perfect egg timer that's basically a hard-boiled egg X-ray. Thanks, science. To use, just place the timer in cool water alongside the eggs you're cooking. As they cook, the timer's color will brighten in the center, growing in size as it gets hotter. The markings on the side show what stage all your eggs are in, so just pull them out and get them in an ice bath when you see that they're ready! So. Cool. A pair of reusable paper towels to save yourself trips to the grocery store when you run out of standard paper towels. Use these instead and save time *while* making Mother Nature smile down upon you. A smart bird feeder with a camera that'll be beloved by folks who (like me) would love to join a birdwatching group if it didn't mean leaving the comfort of their armchair. This spiffy system uses solar power and it's made with recycled materials. The app works with your phone, allowing you to control the mic and camera angle wherever you are. It also has night vision! I want this so bad I'm gonna throw a fit. HERE IS MY FIT!!! A heated massage mat featuring 10 motors and two heating pads to provide gentle, soothing relief and five modes with three vibration intensities to give your aching back customized care. A clip-on polarized sun visor that's gonna be loved by folks who are always squinting into the sun on their work commute. Clip the extender onto your existing sun visor and you're gonna get polarized glare reduction all the live-long day. A foldable bathtub tray that can collapse, easily tucking into that tiny below-sink bathroom storage, and expand, fitting across any size bathtub, helping keep everything you might need nearby during a (1, 2, 3 hour?) bath. And finally, an interactive routine board from Charmspring — this unreasonably cute calendar is a great visual for your home, keeping your kids' schedule within eyesight so they don't get overwhelmed by surprise events and expectations.

This Former Mrs. America Went Viral Sharing What It Means To Be Intersex
This Former Mrs. America Went Viral Sharing What It Means To Be Intersex

Buzz Feed

time13 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

This Former Mrs. America Went Viral Sharing What It Means To Be Intersex

Up to 1.7% of the population is born into an intersex body — meaning, they are born with sex characteristics that don't fit neatly into typical definitions of male or female bodies. Despite this, intersex people are often left out of conversations, or worse, forced into surgeries performed without medical necessity or consent, often as children, to mold their bodies into binary ideas of sex and gender. Such was the case for Jackie Blankenship, a 40-year-old radio personality from Michigan — and former Mrs. America — who spent much of her life feeling like she had to keep a part of herself hidden. Jackie's parents learned she had complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), a condition where the body can't respond to androgens, or male sex hormones, when she was 4 years old. At 15, she had her testes surgically removed. At 18, she learned she didn't have a fully formed vagina and would need to undergo dilation therapy if she ever wanted to be sexually active. Still, Jackie says she didn't fully understand what was happening to her body until well into adulthood. "It has been a long road to say the least," she told BuzzFeed. "Intersex people often don't even know they are intersex until puberty, some even later. I was diagnosed at 4 years old but really only had a vague understanding of what this meant about me and my body until I was in my mid-20s." Today, Jackie uses TikTok to share her story and raise awareness about intersex, hoping to help others better understand what it means to be intersex and why representation matters. In one viral video that's now been viewed over 9 million times, Jackie shared one fact about her intersex body for every mile she ran, sparking a powerful and educational conversation around an identity that's far too misunderstood. "I hated this part of me for a long time, that hatred turned more into fear as I got older. I was afraid of people finding out or not thinking I was a girl or woman," she told BuzzFeed. But turning 40 in May marked a shift, she said. "I felt like I had kept so much of myself a secret. I carried a LOT of senseless shame and secrecy regarding this and so decided talking about it to my circle wasn't enough, I needed to start talking about it out loud and tell my story." Here's everything she shared: "Mile one, 9:08. Fact number one: I have complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, which is an intersex condition. I have XY chromosomes. We typically see XY in males, but when you have CAIS, you have XY chromosomes, too." "Mile two, 8:52. Fact number two: People with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome have external female genitalia. We have full breast development, and on the outside, we look completely female, even though — going back to fact one — we have XY chromosomes." "Mile three, 8:45. I'm not trying to pick it up; I probably should slow down. Fact number three: While I do have external female genitalia and breast development, I do not have a vagina. Yeah, so see, we have a urethra; we have the whole outer exterior, but our vaginal opening leads to what they call a blind pouch, meaning it goes nowhere. I don't have a cervix or anything inside, so dilation therapy is required if you wanna create that kind of vagina." "Mile four, 8:39 — I have no business going this fast. Fact four: I was born with testicles, yes. Now, here's the thing. Like a male, my testes produce testosterone. But my body can't process testosterone cause I have complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, so that testosterone was converted into estrogen, and that's what made me develop female. Now, due to the lack of testosterone, the testes were never gonna drop. They wouldn't be like a sack; they would just remain in my abdomen." "Mile five, 8:26, and I'm not trying to go faster every mile. I just apparently am. Fact five: I don't have a period. I've never had a period. I was born without ovaries, or uterus, or cervix, or fallopian tubes, or any of that, so I don't have periods. So frankly, I know nothing about them and I don't understand them." "Mile six, 8:09. I swear I'm probably gonna crash and burn these last few miles. Anyway, next fact: I don't create any body odor, and I don't grow any body hair because my body can't respond to testosterone. So, I don't get BO. I don't have pubes, and I don't have underarm hair. I've never shaved my underarms a day in my life." "[Mile] seven, 7:56. I'm crazy today. Okay, another fact about me: I'm completely infertile. All people with CAIS are infertile. We don't have ovaries and our testes do not produce anything that could create life, so we can't have biological children." "Mile eight, 8:28. Slowing down a little bit. So, our next fact: Women with CAIS are typically pretty tall. So, I'm only 5'6", which isn't super tall, but my mom's only 4'10"; my sister's only 5'2", so I'm tall considering the family." "Mile nine, 8:05, and I'm spent. And my last fact: Intersex people like me are operated on every day, especially children, babies, and teens, minors, and they don't really need it most of the time. A lot of times, because people don't understand a body that doesn't fit the mould, they're trying to change it and fix it. But what if we're not broken?" The response to her video was overwhelmingly supportive. Thousands of commenters thanked Jackie for opening up. One person wrote, "I just looked up the statistics -- 1.7% of humans are born intersex. That's a lot of humans. and yet, this is rarely talked about! Thank you for making this video and educating is Tiktokers!" Another said, "I have red hair and blue eyes. The fact that there are 10x as many intersex people in the world as people like me has always been one of the reasons why I stand up for intersex and trans rights. No one has ever looked at me and told me I'm not real. Much love to you." And yes — plenty of people were a little jealous of Jackie's side effects. "NO body odor, NO body hair, NO period???" one person said, echoing dozens of similar comments. Of course, normalizing intersex is what we should all be doing, but for Jackie, being intersex has not felt like a "superpower" as she never got a choice to live in any other body. "Do the side effects of this condition sound like nothing but good? Yeah, of course," she said in another video. "... But, like honestly, I would take being a, you know, a fertile woman with body odor and hair that I had to shave, and a period over the fact of having to do dilation therapy just to be intimate with my husband." Jackie's story is just one of many. Intersex bodies are far more common than people realize, with over 30 known variations. "The common misconception is that 'intersex' is visible," Jackie told BuzzFeed. "People think if you have an intersex variation, you'll be able to see it, but in many cases, being intersex is something that may affect your internal reproductive system, your hormones, or your chromosomes, all things you can't see with the naked eye." And despite being a naturally occurring variation, in many cases, doctors perform surgeries on intersex babies or children, like the removal of Jackie's testes at age 15, to make their bodies conform to binary ideas of "female" or "male." Intersex babies are also legally assigned a sex at birth, even if their bodies don't fully align with those categories. For Jackie, she said one of the hardest parts of being intersex is navigating the medical system. In some of her videos, she shares experiences of going to the doctor and being asked the same questions repeatedly, like when her last period was, and having to explain her condition over and over to her providers. "I wish doctors had more information about intersex conditions. Often, most medical providers have never met a person with my variation and have little to no answers about my body," she told BuzzFeed. "I am normally stuck providing information to them instead of them answering questions for me. It starts at the beginning, though — recognizing intersex people in health class and basic education, so as we get older, it's not such a foreign concept." Jackie's story is a reminder that bodies don't always fit neatly into boxes, and that's not something to fix. It's something to understand. "I've stopped caring what others may think or what political agenda they want to tie to my biology. I'm not as rare as people may think," Jackie said. "And if me talking about it can help another intersex teen or young adult, then it's all worth it." You can keep up with Jackie on TikTok, where she shares videos to help people better understand intersex conditions. She also hosts a podcast called The Unedited Body on Apple and Spotify, where she dives deeper into what it has meant to be intersex.

8 Best Pore Strips for a Congestion-Free T-Zone
8 Best Pore Strips for a Congestion-Free T-Zone

Vogue

time15 hours ago

  • Vogue

8 Best Pore Strips for a Congestion-Free T-Zone

When it comes to quick fixes for clogged pores, the best pore strips have long held a beloved spot in skin-care routines worldwide. There's something undeniably satisfying about peeling away a strip and seeing the visible evidence of impurities (think: blackheads and sebaceous filaments) lifted from your skin. Beyond their instant gratification, pore strips provide an effective way to deep-clean areas prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead. They act like a magnet, drawing out excess oil and debris that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. In the age of TikTok skin-care experts, pore strips have gotten a bad rep—but you don't have to toss away the category as a whole. 'Using pore strips occasionally isn't harmful, but frequent use can sometimes irritate the skin,' says board certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. Plus, the pore strips of 2025 are a far cry from their Y2K predecessors, which tore off skin with a vengeance—evolution in the category has led to gentler hydrocolloid and biocellulose patches that equally, if not more effective. Meanwhile, K-beauty alternatives offer sebum-melting oils and treatments that ditch adhesive patches altogether. Dr. Spearman adds, 'While traditional strips provide quick results, K-beauty techniques offer a gentler, long-term way to care for your pores. It really comes down to what works best for your skin.' Vogue's Favorite Sheet Masks In This Story While pore strips aren't a comprehensive solution for long-term skin health, their benefits as a targeted, affordable, and satisfying cleansing method remaining clear in between proper facial appointments—particularly when combined with consistent skin-care routines. Scroll to discover our favorite blackhead-beating nose and T-zone strips to unclog pores and leave skin feeling fresh. Best Hydrocolloid: Mighty Patch Nose Strips Mighty Patch Nose Strips $17 AMAZON

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