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Just because you’ve been using the same things for years doesn’t mean they’re the best ones out there...

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process).

The color-adaptive formula is designed so that one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action. 

Promising review: "As a 32-year-old millennial mom, I want coverage without creasing and easy application. This is now part of my everyday essentials. Upon opening the package, I immediately applied it with my fingertip and was shocked by how well it blended into my skin! The coverage was perfect for an everyday, minimal look. I went to the gym and then kept the product on for about six hours. I’m in awe of the quality based on the price point!" —itsivana93

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 

After shampooing, apply to damp hair, leave for three to five minutes, then rinse!

Promising review: "I really enjoyed using this hair mask. It's easy to use, and the product smells amazing. After just one use, my hair felt softer, smoother, and much less frizzy. It added a nice shine without feeling heavy or greasy. I also noticed my split ends looked more hydrated and healthier. If your hair is dry, damaged, or in need of a deep conditioning boost, this mask is a great choice. I’ll definitely keep using it." —Adriana l

For best results, apply to damp hair and then blow dry. Many reviewers say a little goes a long way!

Promising review: "I have gray hair that’s dyed, dry, and thin like frizzy wire. I’ve used every luxury product out there and do annual keratin treatments because of these issues. I ran out of my usual and came across this serum while searching on Amazon. I took a chance and LET ME TELL YOU... BUY IT! It doesn’t straighten my hair — waves are still there, but it totally gets rid of the frizz without making my hair look or feel greasy. It actually feels healthier with the serum. I can actually let my hair air dry, and I don’t look like a 🧙 witch!! This is now my go-to. I give it 10 stars!! I’ve spent so much money on expensive products and am so happy to have found an affordable one that actually WORKS better than luxury brands." —Miz_Tza

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in eight other formulas and sizes).

Promising review: "I really wanted to find an eyeshadow that was easy to put on, lasted, and did not crease. Well, I found it. Lasts all day and love the color, so I bought a second color as well." —Bridget Gwaltney

Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 36 shades). 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "TBH, at the start of the pandemic, I started using this myself (although this is former BuzzFeeder Kayla Suazo's lovely human face above), and I am mad that I wasted time with other concealers for so long. I am a deeply impatient person who likes to look good and does not like to put in effort in any way, shape, or form, and Maybelline created this so that people like me could gracelessly slap it on in the morning and be like 'OKAY, REFLECTION, YOU GOT THIS' before being on their merry way. It never cakes, I look way more awake than I have any right to, and I never struggle to blend it the way I do with other concealers. 11/10 subscribe."

Promising review: "Throughout high school, I never knew how to do makeup. But then I heard this product was the absolute best on TikTok. And trust me, they were not lying. It has really good coverage and hides my 'raccoon eyes.' And the best part is that a little bit goes a long way. So if you’re starting out or want to try something new, I definitely recommend you try this out." —Liela Lee

Check out BuzzFeed's full Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets.

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in a variety of shades).

*All Cosrx products are dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby has this and says, "All right friends, I am here to confirm that the hype surrounding this stuff is SO real. I've had acne since I was literally 8 years old (don't ask, my cousin was a face painter and practiced on me, so I broke out BAD), and I'm JUST now starting to get it together. My skin this past year has completely changed. I have gotten super serious about my skincare routine, and I am now ✨ pimple-free. ✨ Now, I am grateful that my skin has cleared up, but it was still kinda dull, uneven, ya know, the little nitpicky stuff. That is, until I cracked and bought this little miracle worker. My skin is now ra-di-anttttt! It's never looked better. My only regret is not taking before and after pics, but glass skin, I know her. I haven't gone out in public without makeup since I was like 12 because I was so insecure about my skin. Now, chiiiilld, I go out all the time free of makeup. I also bought this for my cousin for Christmas, she's obsessed, a friend slept over and I let them use this, they're now obsessed, I guarantee you'll fall in love after your first use."

Promising review: "I’ve been using this COSRX Snail Mucin serum for a little while now, and honestly, I can see why so many people love it. My skin feels more hydrated and smoother, and it looks more nourished overall. I especially noticed a nice glow after applying it, and it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my face. A little product goes a long way, and it absorbs really well into the skin. I also love that it works great under makeup and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Definitely became part of my daily skincare routine. Highly recommend if you want soft, glowing skin! ✨" —Dleon Services

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in a multi-pack).

Jerome Alexander is a business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has this and says, "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit pricey compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT."

Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." —Smickens

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 12 shades).

Promising reviews: "I've wanted to try this lip stain ever since I saw it on TikTok last year. It didn't disappoint either. The lip stain is thick, but goes on smoothly and leaves such a beautiful color. It will stain wherever it touches; keep that in mind when using it. I left mine on for a little longer than suggested, and it lasted into the next day. 10/10 highly recommend!" —murphlovesit

"Love this lip liner stain! I have gotten so many compliments since adding this product to my makeup routine. It is so long-lasting, and I am obsessed with this product!! It’s very easy to use, and even if you make a mistake, you can just take a Q-tip with some water and start over. It took me about 5–10 minutes for the lip stain to dry, and it lasted ’til the next day. Will be getting this lip stain in more colors!" —Eliza

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six shades).

Retinol is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while lifting and firming your skin by boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It can also help even out your skin tone and fade dark spots. 

Promising review: "I did a lot of research on retinol anti-wrinkle face creams before purchasing this product. It consistently got high ratings and at a price I could afford. I was not going to pay $100+ for comparable products. Much to my surprise, I saw visible results after only one week of use. Wow. Highly recommend." —Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $21.97 (also available in a daily moisturizer and as a rich cream).

Danessa Myricks Beauty is a Black woman–owned biz dedicated to creating "a world of beauty for people from all races, ages, and genders." FYI, this product is cruelty-free!

Promising reviews: "So impressed with both of these shades! The texture is glossy, and the colors are gorgeous. Milky Way is very sparkly, and the Pink Ice is like a glossy pink. I’m obsessed with both of them. Super easy to apply as well." —MegSuee

"This is my first time trying this product, and I absolutely love it. It is transfer-proof, and the color is very vibrant. I used it as a lipstick, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. I have combination skin, and I have to say I’m pleased with the wearability of this product. Upon applying it, it feels like a cream, but once it dries, it becomes weightless and matte. I really loved this product because I could barely tell I was wearing anything on my face. Usually, I have a hard time finding products that are genuinely transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and weightless. I am so happy I stumbled upon this product. I also have to say that it’s pretty easy to take off as well, depending on what products you use. I used the Garnier waterproof micellar water, and with a few swipes, there was very little smudging, and the product came right off." —whailey

Get it from Sephora for $15.40+ (originally $22; available in 47 shades and three finishes).

Promising review: "I used to use the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and did like it, but I like this Oil Control shampoo even more. It leaves my hair feeling much cleaner, but not dry or stripped. It seems to perform better in the very hard water of the city I live in than the Gentle Hydrating shampoo does, too. I've been using it daily, and even though it has a clarifying aspect to it, it doesn't dry or strip my hair as most clarifying shampoos would. I highly recommend this!" —Alicia

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby has this and says, "I love love love this stufffff, omg. My skin is oily oily (gotta say it twice for emphasis), and I have spent my entire teen/adult life looking for products that'll make me matte and KEEP me matte. I've tried so many setting powders and literally none can compete with this one. This powder is a seriously bad B. I mean, pores? Nonexistent. Oily, shiny face? Not up in here. I'm gagged every time. Just call me a walking IG filter, 'kay, it's that good. Patrick, I could kiss you for this freakin' powder. *OH!* and BTW I am a brown-skinned woman and the translucent shade works perfectly for me. No cakey, weird, suuuper light powder, no flashback, nothing. Looks just like my skin!!"

One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup expert Patrick Starr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all, as it should be. 

Promising reviews: "Love this product. Application is easy, this is a must-have in my makeup routine." —cats783

"Literally, what's in this powder? Beauty spells? I have normal to dry skin, but tend to grease up pretty easily when I use dewy foundations. I used this for the first time today and fell absolutely in love! I usually don’t care too much for high-end powders or powders at all, but this one, for me, is top tier. It didn’t necessarily dry out my skin, but it stopped it from becoming greasy, and it kept my makeup looking the same as when I applied it for hours. I definitely will be repurchasing, I’ve never been more in love with a setting powder!" —Kamoni

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

To learn more about adequate sun protection, take a look at the AAD’s Guidelines / Sunscreen FAQ’s and BuzzFeed’s post on Sunscreen Myths.

Make sure to shake before using and apply to areas that will be exposed to UV rays.

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Gabriela Manjarrez says: "That's me in the pic shown above! Although I was in the chilly Swiss Alps, that sun was *strong*. And when I tell y'all, I am picky with sunscreen... I am PICKY. No matter what, it has to be lightweight, non-greasy (my oily skin doesn't need any help looking shiny lol), virtually invisible on my skin, and work well as a base layer for other products like tinted serums and foundation. I found my perfect match in this sunscreen. It protects my skin while still letting it breathe and allowing its natural glow to peek through. It also dries down to a *true* silk-matte finish and mixes super well with your daily moisturizer!"

Promising review: "I’ve been using this sunscreen for a long time, and I always end up coming back to it. The texture is very lightweight and fluid, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling heavy or greasy. It blends easily, leaves no white cast at all (which is extremely important to me), and works perfectly under makeup. I have sensitive, dry skin, and this sunscreen has never irritated me or caused breakouts. What I really appreciate is how comfortable it feels throughout the day. It doesn’t pill, doesn’t sting my eyes, and it gives a natural finish that looks good whether I’m wearing makeup or not. It’s one of those products you can apply in the morning and forget about because it just does its job quietly and well." —Marcela

Get it from Amazon for $5.69 (also available in a two-pack and in stick form).

Promising review: "Really loving this dry shampoo! I have thin hair, and it gives it some volume. On day four of no wash, and it still looks fresh! It does have a faint smell. Will definitely be purchasing more." —Stacy

Get it from Amazon for $32 (also available in a mini travel size).

Promising review: "Third time I have re-bought this. Great for a subtle brow. Easy to apply. Doesn't clump. Enhances natural shape and color." —Helen

Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $22 (available in seven shades).

Live Tinted is a South Asian woman-owned small biz that specializes in clean, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products for all skin tones. 

Promising reviews: "This works really well. It's quick and easy to apply. I dab and blend the concealer right over it. It takes just a few minutes, and you get great coverage." —Mary M.

"I can't believe I've lived without this product for so long! This is SOOOO much better than the concealers I've used in the past because it really covers up my dark circles. This product is a staple in my makeup routine! Can't live without this!" —Undisclosed

Get it from Amazon for $26 (available in six shades) or from Ulta for $28 (available in five shades).

It comes in coconut coffee or coconut vanilla (shown above), and other delicious scents too!

Bare Botanics is the small biz behind this amazing scrub, which is handcrafted in Madison, Wisconsin!

Promising review: "I love anything coffee-related and have tried a few different body scrubs, but this one is by far the best! My skin feels silky smooth, like satin, which is amazing because it's normally very dry. The silky satin feeling lasts for days. I have been using this scrub for about two weeks, and I’m obsessed — the first week I used it twice, but realized I didn’t need to use it more than once a week. You can smell the coconut and coffee, but it’s not strong or overwhelming. If you are looking for a body scrub that has a pleasant scent and will leave your skin feeling silky smooth for days, then I highly recommend!" —Stephanie Wortham

Get it from Amazon for $28.95 (available in nine scents). 

Check out a TikTok of the Buf-Puf in action. 

Promising review: "I used this product years ago and had the most amazing skin, but I assumed it was mostly genetics. Now that my skin is showing signs of aging, I decided to give it another try — and I’m so glad I did. My skin is transforming daily. They say your skin can rebuild itself, and it really does — especially when you remove the buildup of dead skin cells. I’ve been using it morning and night, and I genuinely look younger. My skin feels polished, my pores are noticeably smaller, and I need much less makeup. Such a fantastic product — highly recommend!" —Sweet Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $4.66 (also available in multi-packs).

Promising review: "Simply the best healing, refreshing cream anywhere. This cream is simply magic. I have some rosacea, and since I have been using it, I seldom have any breakouts on my face. I had mild psoriasis on my elbows, and it is all but gone. One day, I got a sunburn and put this on, and the stinging went away immediately, and it never peeled. I have tried many top-of-the-line products before this. This is simply fabulous. A friend told me that he had been recommended this by his dermatologist, and it was wonderful. I believed him! Glad I got it." —Carole Ciraulo

Get it from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in three sizes).

Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic and learn about how it can help with athlete's foot at Mayo Clinic.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this eucalyptus soap! It has so many benefits, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing and skin-friendly option.

✔ Blocks bad odors – Keeps me feeling fresh all day, even after workouts.✔ Helps with skin issues – Great for acne, athlete’s foot, candida, and ringworm. It also soothes irritations.✔ Leaves skin super soft – Doesn’t dry out my skin like other soaps.✔ Relaxing scent – The eucalyptus fragrance is refreshing and calming, perfect for a spa-like shower.✔ Affordable but high quality – Works better than expensive soaps, and the price is great!

This soap is solid and long-lasting. It doesn’t get mushy or dissolve too quickly in the shower, and it doesn’t leave a messy residue. I 100% recommend this soap for anyone who wants clean, soft, and strong skin!" —Victoria Matías

Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in four scents and a two-pack).

Promising reviews: "Pleasantly surprised by how great a job these did. I thought it was way less painful than a wax from a salon. I wish it came with more of the smaller strips, but I will definitely order again!" —Anni

"I can’t believe these work this well. No comparison to other DIY waxes I’ve tried. My legs and bikini results are as good as at the salon. These strips didn’t leave sticky spots. The wax amount and size make the strips very manageable. They work, there is NO mess, and there were enough strips in one box to finish the job. I followed the directions and am so pleased." —Jodi B.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in body and bikini wax kit).

Promising reviews: "I love this product. I wish I had known about this a long time ago. My dark spots are fading everywhere, and it is absolutely the most affordable product. I'll always continue to use it. Thank you." —Melanie Norman

"If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." —Elisabeth L.

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.98 (also available in different quantities and bundle options). 

Promising review: "So initially I didn't like the gel at all! However, after taking my time, this gel turns out to be an all-year star! Great for the humidity of Hawaii, the heat of the Dominican Republic, and the harsh winter of New York. Definitely staying in my holy grail!" —KJC

Get it from Ulta for $12+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "This is cheap, easy to apply, travels well, and I'm noticing a measurable difference in my dark undereye circles. I also happen to like the smell." —Emma S.

"I HAD to write a review. I use this in the morning and at night, after my whole-face routine and after applying moisturizer. I don't have dark bags; however, my under-eyes do get a bit puffy, and I've noticed fine lines. DUDE, those fine lines are fading. Last night I went to a party and woke up looking like the crypt keeper, and this stuff normalized my creepy zombie eyes in about 20 minutes. It's $9. Do yourself a favor and buy it." —Jasmine Deatherage

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in two other formulas and multi-packs).

Shine in a silicone-free product?! Dreams really do come true.

Promising review: "I don’t always write reviews, but I had to write a review about this. My girlfriend told me about it. I have hair that gets frizzy when it’s humid out. This stuff makes my hair shiny, smooth, silky, and helps with frizz. It’s amazing!!! You will notice a difference with just one use!!" —Carrie G.

Promising review: "Where was this years ago? Works great for sebaceous filaments on the nose, clears them up well. It's a powder, but as soon as you rub it onto your finger or skin, it turns creamy. A little goes a long way." —Anon

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (also available in a two-pack).

The Lip Bar is a Black-owned, woman-owned small business, and all of its products are vegan and cruelty-free (no unnecessary chemicals!!).

Promising review: "I truly enjoy this tinted moisturizer; it has outdone my Bare Minerals tinted moisturizer, so much so that I returned Bare Minerals. I like Almond for fall/winter and Mahogany Mami for spring/summer, since my skin color changes with sun exposure. It offers great coverage and gives a great finish for an effortless look. I prefer my makeup routine to be minimal, quick, and easy. I love that this brand is vegan, and I will definitely explore other products from this brand." —Chocolate_babe

Get it from Lip Bar for $17 (available in 12 shades) or Target for $16.99 (available in eight shades).

Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product while searching 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 nourished and didn't get chapped. This stuff is magic, and I won't go anywhere without it now." —Anna C. Adams

Promising review: "I was looking for an alternative for the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum (a 1-ounce bottle costs $185), and this one did not disappoint. My only complaint is the scent, but it isn’t super strong." —Pablo & Brittney Cruz

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).

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* TikTok-Famous Beauty Products It’s Officially Time For You To Try

* I Bet You’ll Award These 38 Beauty Products Holy-Grail Status After The First Use

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

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