37 Beauty Products That Have No Right To Work As Well As They Do

Buzz Feed

13-02-2025

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.
I wouldn't be surprised if these products have fairy dust in them because the results are just magical.
1. Saem hydrating eye stick helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, lines, and puffiness with Iceland mineral water, xylitol, moss and seaweed extract, and niacinamide. For a top-notch experience, use after refrigeration to better help reduce puffiness.
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable.
Promising review:"I have always had bags and dark circles under my eyes and have tried sooooo many things. I was skeptical that this would work, but oh. my. goodness. This little stick is amazing. The puffiness was gone. Dark circles, still there some but definitely not as bad. It also smells really nice and absorbs instantly. Plus, the container is cute. I highly recommend to anyone else who has tried all the things and been disappointed." — HeartsUnfold
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a two other version).
2. Elizavecca Cer-100 collagen-coating hair treatment treats dry and damaged hair. You can apply it on any type of hair — after shampooing, massage it in, and rinse after 5–20 minutes to see some luxurious locks.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Bek O'Connell has this hair treatment and adores it! Read more details in her full Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review (it's #1).
Promising review:"I was suffering from bad flyaway hair and broken ends... nothing helped until this! Once use and my hair looked 100% better, healthier, and shiny! I can't believe for the price. Only problem is I wish I knew about this sooner!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.27.
3. Painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pens can help remove years of staining and only take 30 seconds to apply! Your teeth will be so white that you'll never want to stop smiling. C'mon, show off those all-natural veneers.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have bought so many products to whiten my teeth and none of them worked as well nor were as reasonably priced as this pen. Two days into using this pen twice a day I could see a significant difference. This took out stains from coffee, tea, wine, and even removed the discoloration from previously smoking. I wish I found this product sooner! One thing I noticed was that this doesn't cause any teeth sensitivity. I am super impressed and will continue to use this for years to come." — Alicia
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.95.
4. Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap helps restore moisture, reduce scars and hyperpigmentation, and give your skin that glow it deserves. Its hyaluronic acid, shea butter, olive oil, retinol, and turmeric formula can be applied anywhere on your body — including your bikini area!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"My wife and I recently started using this kojic acid soap, and it has truly worked wonders for our skin. The results have been impressive. Not only has it helped fade dark spots and blemishes, but it has also given our skin a brighter and more even complexion. I've noticed a significant improvement in the texture of my skin as well, and it feels smoother and softer. This soap lathers well and has a pleasant scent for us, making it a joy to use daily. We're delighted with the results and highly recommend this for anyone looking to achieve more radiant skin." — BATHUSI LOBAKA
Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99.
5. Essence Lash Princess Mascara enhances your beautiful lashes with its cone-shaped fiber brush — so you don't need extensions or falsies. The best part, the formula is clump-free! Reviewers say it has the same (if not better) results as name-brand mascaras for less than $5 AND it has over 246,000 5-star ratings!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have found my holy grail mascara! Most days, I dont wear any makeup, except for mascara — this is perfect for that or a more dramatic look. This mascara provides length and volume with a good wand to separate lashes. It dries to a soft, feathery texture. This stuff stays put! It has stood the test of rubbing, itchy/watering eyes from allergy symptoms, crying, running through rain, sleeping in make up — all without smudging, flaking or clumping. This version doesn't claim to be waterproof, though water and my regular cleanser are not enough, I have to use eye makeup remover to clean it off thoroughly." — Lindsey M.
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
6. And! L'Oréal Voluminous Primer Mascara also helps give your lashes that extra boost without spending big bucks on extensions or falsies. After you apply this, put on your favorite mascara and it'll give you the volume and length you so desire.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " Why haven't I found this stuff sooner?!? My lashes are thin, sparse, uneven, and falling out. Big hot mess. I'm a mom so I don't have time to do false eyelashes. But this stuff makes my lashes look longer, darker and fuller. And after I take off my makeup, my lashed still look long, feel soft and are noticeable. I don't know how I lived without this stuff." — A Rose
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.96.
7. Cosrx snail mucin essence soothes dehydrated skin and reduces dullness. It's a cult-favorite for a reason — It's perfect for ALL skin types, even if you have oily skin!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 50s and I normally do not use OTC 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 will have a tacky sensation but once it absorbs the results are amazing!" — Michael Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
8. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub exfoliates dry and rough bumps. This scrub can also help decongest pores and remove dead skin. It's vegan and cruelty-free and safe for all types of skin!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I am sorry that I did not discover this years ago! I have ordered two of them by mistake and it's one of my best mistakes. I have the ingrown hair issue on my legs for years now which causes the 'strawberry legs' issue as well. I've been using once in a week for a month now and my legs have never seen a smoother day before! It is incredible. I apply it on my legs and scrub it with my bare hands a little bit, then I continue doing it with the scrubbing side of my sponge for a couple of minutes. I'm scared to stop using it. I don't want to go back to my old legs!" — Eylote
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in four sizes).
9. Tonymoly's octopus-shaped scrub stick removes whiteheads and blackheads *and* exfoliates your skin. You can just rinse it off with warm water when you're done so you don't have to constantly buy one-time-use pore strips.
Promising review: "I am always using super drying products on my face to target this annoying adult acne I now have, but that causes flaky skin. I have sensitive skin so there are only so many affordable store-bought scrubs I can use, and so far the ones I've tried don't do enough or anything at all. The FIRST TIME I used this I literally watched my pores get cleaned out and my skin wasn't irritated at all by the ingredients. The scent is very pleasant and not too strong at all I think. It seems like it will also last awhile because I really used the heck out of it the first day because it was working so well and my pores are deeply clogged. When I was done my face looked SO much better and was super smooth I was really amazed that this tiny little Tako could do that. I love this thing!" — Diane Delfino
Get it from Amazon for $9.10.
10. Bio-Oil uses natural oils (vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and sunflower) to reduce the appearance of battle scars over time on all skin tones and textures. It's like a magician performing a long-term disappearing act!
Promising reviews:"I just bought this and oh my goodness the difference in my cystic acne scars is amazing. The damage is already starting to disappear and this product just got a return customer. It's been hard for me to figure out what to do with my skin since I had my daughter and started getting really bad acne. I wish I had found this sooner!" — Malia
Get it from Amazon for $11.12
11. Seraphic Skincare microdermabrasion mitt exfoliates all your dead, dry skin with its viscose fiber material, leaving you smooth like butter. Just put the mitt on your hand while in the shower or bath, and scrub away!
Watch someone use it to remove their self-tanner buildup on TikTok!
Promising review:"I have always used body scrubs, so many different kinds and brands. When using this mitt I didn't see much dead skin but I wasn't expecting to since I consistently use body scrub. After using this mitt my skin has never felt softer or smoother. I wish I found this sooner, I would have saved a lot of money not buying buying scrubs. This is a wonderful price for a wonderful product. If it is in your cart buy it now!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a pair).
12. Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream helps smooth and tighten skin with its caffeine and guaraná extract formula. Reviewers rave about how it helps reduce their appearance of stretch marks (if that's something you're looking to address — but remember you look fab 🎶 just the way you are 🎶)! Plus, it has a pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla scent...oops, that just made my mouth water.
Caffeine is an antioxidant that can brighten skin complexion and temporarily reduce stretch marks and cellulite appearance, if that's something you want to do. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic!
Promising review:"Y'all. This stuff smells like heaven. Somehow this scent is appropriate for summer and winter at the same time. It absorbs quickly with no sticky feelings afterward. The one thing that might deter some people from buying it is that there is a shimmer to it. Once I've used it on my hands, I notice that in sunlight, my skin has a bit of a glimmer. I personally love this and can't wait to use this lotion during the summer. I think it's 100% worth the high price tag. When I can summon up the will to spend the money, I'll be buying the body wash, spray, and full-sized lotion as well, as the current, the mini lotion stays in my purse." — Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes and refill pack).
13. Elizavecca Milky Piggy carbonated bubble clay mask exfoliates your skin and removes blackheads for the ultimate spa experience. After applying it, wait five minutes for bubbles to form, remove the foam, and let the charcoal sit for a little before washing it off — fun and purifying!
Promising review:"I have very few skincare items I buy more than once. I LOVE this mask. It bubbles up upon application and the tiny bubbles bursting itch and tickle, but stick out the 10 minutes. The first time I used it, after washing it off you could literally see the junk and oil sitting on top of my skin as it had been pushed to the surface. The next morning my skin glowed. Def will be buying more." — Alice D.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
14. The Revlon Volcanic Face Roller soaks up any excess oil throughout the day, leaving your skin feeling fresh. The best part(s)? It can be used over a full face of makeup and is reusable, so you don't have to keep buying blotting papers!
Promising review:"I have super oily skin and am always looking for something to help control it during the day. The linen squares are good but you have to keep them around (aka keep replacing them) and they end up in the landfill. This little contraption really works and I just rinse it at the end of the day and start over again the next. I keep one in my desk and bought a second for my purse. This is magic for my shiny skin, especially on camera in my hours of Zoom everyday." — Jennifer Helseth
Get it from Amazon for $9.10.
15. LilyAna Naturals eye cream uses all-natural and vegan ingredients to help reduce dark circles. Reviewers have claimed that this eye cream has made their bags and fine lines ~vanish~.
Promising review:"I've been using this for a couple of months now and I really like it! Previously I've used Clinique or Origins...this works just as well or better. I wish I had found this sooner as it is a lot less expensive than other alternatives. I've seen other reviewers say they keep it in the fridge and while I don't find that necessary, I may have to try because it sounds very refreshing!" — Cat SV
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
16. And Maybelline dark circle treatment concealer provides medium coverage and lasts for up to 12 hours (and keeps your skin moisturized!). It's perfect for when you "accidentally" stayed up until 6 a.m. watching Succession but you can't have your boss knowing.
www.amazon.com
It has a cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Promising review: "I love this makeup! I only wish I'd found it sooner. I use it as a concealer for dark circles. It is very easy to apply and blend and while it provides good coverage it doesn't feel or look heavy. I've added it to my daily routine following moisturizer even on 'low makeup' days where I'm really only slapping on mascara and lip gloss." — cav6
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in a variety of shades).
17. Schick facial and eyebrow razors shape eyebrows and remove fine hairs from your face — without the pain (threading or waxing, no thank you)! They come with a precision covers so you can get your arches looking juuust right.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Wish I had discovered this product sooner! I'm not sure how long this product has been around, but I wish that I would have stumbled upon it sooner! It easily gets of rid peach fuzz, stray hairs, and the fine, little, blonde eyebrow hairs on my brow bone that are difficult to see. It shaves the hairs down very close to the skin, and it appears to make the hair grow back more slowly — maybe? This little miracle trimmer/razor also provides pretty spectacular exfoliation in the process! I have tried many methods of facial hair removal, and each method had at least 2–3 negative things about it. Just remember to clean the blade thoroughly after each use! The blade cover (I don't mean the blade cap) comes off so that you can actually take the blade off to clean it properly. Please spend the few bucks on this — it's not even a risk! It WILL work for you!!!!" — Vacationland girl
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.94.
18. Hard As Hoof nail-strengthening cream helps renew your fingernails after years of nail biting or peeling off acrylics. If your nails are prone to cracking or peeling, this calcium, vitamin, and hydrogenated jojoba oil formula will help keep them hydrated and strong.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is amazing! I went from super brittle nails that I could never grow out. I had acrylic nails for two years and I wanted a break; they were so thin and damaged from the acrylics. Now only after a few weeks my nails are completely healed and grown and will not break! I wish I found this sooner, I wouldn't have wasted my time and money on nail maintenance! Try it!" — Chelsea Lauren Hill
Get it from Amazon for $8.68.
19. Differin Retinoid gel has the strength of a prescription med but is OTC. It'll infiltrate your pores and work from the inside to help prevent new acne from forming. Just apply a thin layer on needed areas once a day and let it do its magic. This gel has over 55,000 5-star ratings, and rightfully so.
Promising reviews:" Has completely transformed my skin. I used to get hormonal acne every single month, I still get it now but far less often and severely. Differin has really made a big difference on my quality of life. I have sensitive skin, so I only use it a couple of times a week and always over a light layer of lotion. When I first started using it, my acne did get worse for about a month, and then magically one day, my skin looked amazing. It's worth a try for sure!" — Britt
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
20. Mighty Patches tackle those pesky pimples (white)head-on. The hydrocolloid absorbs the gunk inside, which helps speed up the healing process. If you need a pimple gone ASAP and you just can't help but pick at it, these bad boys work overnight *and* protect the zit from your wandering fingers!
www.amazon.com
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of the popular Mighty Patch and more. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, and it's since evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, and nose strips!
Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my work day looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." — Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99.
21. Base Labs keloid remover reduces and helps heal those pesky lil' (or in some cases, big) bumps that decided to grow in with your new piercing.
www.amazon.com
Note: This product is not an overnight miracle. Apply this two to three times a day, be patient, and you'll start to see the results.
Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day, nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it and in less than two weeks my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn't seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week but then the second week, it started totally disappearing so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" — Jordan Caprigno
Get it from Amazon for $12.85+ (also available in multipacks).
22. Rikans foot file scrubs away all the rock-hard calluses your feet have worked up. It's basically like a cheese grater for your dead skin.
Promising reviews:"Okay, so I'm still in shock how well this worked and gave me soft beautiful heels again! I've had dry, cracked 'teeth' on my heels since eight years ago from being a server at two restaurants…and I'm like WHY DIDN'T I discover this sooner?! It had gotten so bad that I was embarrassed to wear sandals in public because they just looked so gross. Then one day I realized that I should probably try SOMETHING because they were getting so bad that the 'teeth' would scratch my leg at night when my foot swiped my leg and it hurt haha so I saw this Rikans file for $10 and after some research decided to give it a shot. I honestly think thought it would take at least 10 sessions before I'd see any improvement but NO! This tool just grated my teeth away in ONE session." — benjamin kim
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
23. And Lee Beauty callus remover gel softens hard skin so you can easily exfoliate! Why spend big bucks getting a pedicure when you can DIY at home? Just soak your feet in hot water, apply this gel wherever needed, rinse it off after 5–10 minutes, and use a pumice or rasp to scrub away. 🧽
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This has been a lifesaver. I bought this and a pedicure kit. Had I known how good this would work I would have just purchased this. I had no idea this existed. I have been living in pain for years due to a callus on my foot that comes and goes after a lit of work. This stuff melts the skin away. I am amazed and wish I found it sooner." — Samantha Sims
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
24. AND! Dermora foot mask peels off dead skin buildup on the soles of your feet and helps repair cracked heels. Just leave the masks on for about an hour and within 6–11 days, your ~dogs~ will start to shed. It'll basically turn you into a snake, but in the best way possible. Kinda gross but also really satisfying, right?
Promising review: "My feet were definitely in need of some attention. I didn't have high expectations, but was super impressed by the results. It was a weird process as my skin began to peel off over a two week span of time. It was definitely hard to keep from using lotion as it worked it's magic because my feet were itchy, but it was worth the discomfort in the end. My feet are baby soft! I will not hesitate to purchase this again when my feet need some love." — Kimi
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five scents).
25. Tower 28 LipSoftie hydrates your pout while adding a subtle hint of color, too — basically a lip gloss and balm in one!
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Okay, so that's me up there, hello 👋, and I am absolutely obsessed with the LipSoftie. I have the Ube Vanilla and Dulce De Leche shades, and let me just say, they do my lips *justice*. I've been looking for a product that would moisturize my lips and give it some ~color~ because they are always chapped, and regular lip balm is so blah. Lo and behold, this miracle in a tube. Not only does it keep my lips from ever drying out, but it also gives such shimmery glow and a subtle hint of color, which is PERF for me. I love this product, and if you're also a victim of dry and cracked lips, this may just be your savior.
Promising review: "I love this lippy. It is extremely cute and hydrating. I love that the color tint I received is similar to my lips so it just gives me a slight pop and shine. I definitely would love to grab this in the future in more intense shades different from my lips. The kind of product you shop for over and over!" — Flor
Get it from Tower 28 for $16 (available in eight shades).
26. SoCozy curl spray leave-in conditioner detangles and revives curly hair. It's made for children but loved by *all* ages. Formulated with olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin B5, this spray will help maintain bouncy curls and prevent frizz!
www.amazon.com
It's designed to work on all hair types, and reviewers with 2a–4c curls love it!
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE this product. My daughter has extremely curly hair and was always a nightmare trying to wash and brush/ comb her hair. I bought this product along with 10 other products and this stuff is honestly the best stuff I have found. Spray it on, let it sit in for a couple of minutes, comb/brush and you have NO more tangles. I wish I found this stuff so much sooner. When I don't put her hair up in a point tail or braids, it definitely defies her curls and leaves her hair super soft and not frizzy." — Marilyn
"This product is lightweight and doesn't weigh your hair down. I am Black with 4c hair, and it works great!" — takila addison
Get it from Amazon for $8.59.
27. L'Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water transforms your hair from dry and frizzy to soft and silky in as little as, yup you guessed it, eight seconds! All you have to do is apply it in the shower after you shampoo, rinse it out after massaging it in, and let the lamellar formula do its job.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This works for all types of hair, even if it's dyed! It's recommended to use two to three times a week. For fine to medium textured hair, apply one dose; for thick to curly textured hair, apply 2–3, and apply one more dose for long hair.
Promising review:"Used this for the first time and I love it! Made my dry hair shiny and healthy looking! I wish I would have discovered this product sooner!" — Riley
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
28. A tinted sculpted lip oil that looks like a lipstick but feels like the most glorious, creamy coat when applied. Each shade is super blendable, and the beeswax, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil formula is simply the cherry on top.
Ogee
BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Courtney Cummings has nothing but good things to say about this lip oil: "I am a lip product lover — there's an entire makeup bag in my cupboard dedicated solely to all the lip products I've accumulated over the years. Hear me when I tell you, I have not stopped reaching for these lip oils since I received them. They are soooo juicy and soft, it's like rubbing a cloud on your lips, and they don't leave an overly glossy, sticky sheen! Just pure, gorgeous color that you can build if you want! Bonus points that the brand is organic and really, truly feels like luxury when you use their products. I am such a fan, and I've gotten so many compliments on my lip color from friends! I'm telling everyone I know about them!"
Promising review:"I love the lip oil sticks. The colors are fantastic and add super moisturizing…can't be beat!" — Melissa P.
Get it from Ogee for $28 (available in 10 shades).
29. Tower 28 SOS Spray rejuvenates and refreshes your face throughout the day (with or without makeup) whenever your skin starts to feel a little irritated and starts screaming SOS. The hypochlorous acid, a natural ingredient your skin produces, acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial to soothe your beautiful skin.
Tower 28
Promising review: "What is this magic in a bottle??? LIFESAVER!!! I wish I found this product sooner, it really made a difference with pimples, redness and pores!! Will repurchase forever." — mariavel
Get it from Tower 28, Sephora, or Amazon for $12+ (available in up to four sizes).
30. The Maxsoft scalp massager exfoliates and massages your scalp in the shower for a DIY spa experience. Reviewers mention that is has helped them with psoriasis, dandruff, and scalp tenderness!
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has to say about it: "I recently started using one of these and WOWZA, it really helps you get extra mileage out of your shampoo. I have a whole lot of hair on my head so sometimes it's a struggle to feel like I've soaped up my whole scalp thoroughly, but this was a very effective way to spread out the suds and really get them to the roots. I was worried it might tangle in my hair, but it was totally fine on that front, too. I've noticed that my hair has been a little less greasy at the roots since I started using it a few weeks ago. And I'm echoing a ton of reviewers here when I say it just feels reeeeeally, really nice."
Promising review:"I've suffered from dry skin and a dry scalp ever since I turned 30. The only thing that helps me is exfoliating. I was initially concerned that the product would be too rough and damage my sensitive scalp or too soft and ineffective. However, this brush is perfect for me. It does not tangle my long hair, it is easy to use and just firm enough to get the job done. My scalp no longer itches and the icky buildup is gone. I can't believe something so affordable has made such a difference in the health of my scalp. I've used expensive shampoos and conditioners to no end with barely a difference. I wish I discovered this product much sooner!" — AH
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in three colors).
31. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray keeps your makeup in place for up to 16 hours! So even if you find yourself sobbing after a Titatic watch party, you makeup isn't going anywhere boo!
Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says:"I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking several trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray that I knew after one use I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin, and it caused me no issues.)
Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that time span: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, a number of meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying a few times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non -waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter (for the most part) were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray."
Promising review: "I wish I had found this sooner! My makeup did not budge while wearing this!" — Ll1116
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
32. The Flick Stick, a waterproof eyeliner stamp, creates a perfect wing — because if you're like me and have to redo it a bajillion times, this is SO worth it. With this stamp you won't waste any eyeliner; all it takes is one stamp and DONE!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
Promising reviews:"So easy to use!! Wish I had known about this product so much sooner!! Easily did my winged liner in only a couple of minutes and didn't have to worry about any touchups!!" — Andrea H
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
33. CeraVe hydrating cleanser purifies skin of all types from excess oils gently *without* stripping your skin of natural moisture. It's formulated with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help your skin stay hydrated!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Watch someone test it out on TikTok!
Promising reviews:"Doesn't dry my skin out at all! I can totally feel a difference in how my skin feels when I use this compared to other washes. I have super sensitive eczema ridden skin, and my eczema is especially flared up around my eyes and this doesn't burn them or irritate them at all! I also struggle with acne and this has helped me with that as well! I wish I would've found this sooner!!" — Bridget Z.
Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in three sizes).
34. Youthforia Blush reacts to the pH of your skin to create the a beautiful color specific to you! It's a vegan and cruelty-free blush that's safe to sleep in so if you *accidentally* pass out in it after a long night, that's totally okay!
Ulta
Youthforia is a woman-owned small biz that aims to make makeup that's so good for your skin you can sleep in it. The founder, Fiona Co Chan, even tested the blush by sleeping in it for two months!
Promising review:"New holy grail. I have seen this product a ton of times on TikTok but have held off on buying it because I found it to be a little pricey. I am soooo glad I ended up buying it because it does exactly what it claims to and is incredibly long-lasting! Feels like skincare going on but holds up like great high end-blush!" — Jordan
Get it from Ulta or Amazon for $36.
35. Fanola Purple Shampoo turns your hair from brassy to snazzy by neutralizing yellow tones. Just leave it on in the shower for one to five minutes to remove any undesired hues in your silky blonde hair.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is the queen of purple shampoos. I am only upset that I did not discover this sooner. I cannot speak to the moisturizing nature, the scent, or anything else like that because I shampoo my hair with Innersense and then layer my purple shampoo on top of that and lather really well, but I can tell you there there is literally no orange in my hair at all. It is very difficult to get the orange tones out. But between my hairstylist and this amazing purple shampoo I have achieved a beautiful, no orange-toned, wheat-looking blonde color. It is literally my dream hair color. I'm thinking of taking this shampoo to my next color appointment so my stylist can see it—and to make sure she doesn't use anything else on me." — dani
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).
36. TruSkin Vitamin C serum helps to even skin tone and reduce dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Just dab some on after cleansing your face and top it with your favorite moisturizer. Over 90,000 reviewers gave it a 5-star rating for its truly magical results.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I like this better than Drunk Elephant and Murad vitamin C serums! I like the way it feels better on my skin and it works just as well if not BETTER than high end brands. I have very oily skin and this doesn't break me out or make me more oily! It soaks in really well and doesn't leave me greasy. It's very light. It works wonders for freckles and sun damage. It makes you skin look brighter and more even. This is holy grail. I was so skeptical but now I see what all the great reviews are all about. I feel silly for paying so much more for expensive brands now. I have also used other skin lighting products that made my face burn and this one is good for sensitive skin! I wish I would've found this sooner. I use it once a day before bedtime under my Body Merry night cream. I could also use it during the day under makeup but it's not necessary for me." — Lee
Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).
37. Blume Meltdown Acne Oil nourishes skin instead of drying it out. Use it before moisturizing or mix it in for a full-face coverage. Its rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula helps to fight current pimples, reduce acne scars, and even prevent future breakouts.
Blume
Blume is a WOC-founded small business run by two sisters making period and skincare products for teens and adults alike.
Promising review:"Best oil for adult acne! My favorite acne treatment by far!! Everything else dried me out or would make my acne worse. Because my acne is hormonal, not teen acne, I reacted to all of the drying products that are so popular. This oil is super hydrating, doesn't cause breakouts and actually helps heal my skin and improves clarity. I add a pump of it to my DIY clay face masks once a week too, and it works great in that combo. It also smells amaaaazing. Couldn't believe my eyes!" — Sophia G.
Get it from Blume for $47 (1 oz. bottle; originally $52) or Amazon for $28 (0.5 oz. bottle).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.