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37 Beauty Products So Effective, They’re Basically Casting Spells On Reviewers
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. “Look, I don’t know what kind of magical potion is in this little bottle, but my skin is glowing,” said one reviewer after being gagged by this retinoid gel. I'm a BuzzFeed Shopping writer who covers everything from home and organization to travel and gifting, and I'm passionate about staying on top of the latest beauty trends (especially K-beauty) as well as tracking down affordable products for a luxe lifestyle. Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30! Promising review: "I have rosacea, and it’s often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked by how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I’m so happy I found this!" —S. K. Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. My hair is softer and doesn’t seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair, and then after it’s dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I’ll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value too; I’ve been using it pretty consistently since purchasing and I’ve barely made a dent in it. Love it!" —Noley Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and five other formulas). Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation. Pro-tip: Some reviewers may say the foundation can get cakey, but the key is to use a light hand when tapping the cushion. It may *appear* like there isn't any product on it, but there is. Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product, and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer, so if you're older, that's something to keep in mind. Overall, beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go-to foundation from now on." —AJ Bond Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 40 shades, a mini size, and three other finishes: matte, semi-matte, and dewy). Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (I have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90. It comes in two formulas: one that's best for curly and thick hair types and another for thin and fine hair. Promising review: "This hair mascara is very easy to use and gives a strong hold. It keeps baby hairs and flyaways down without making my hair stiff or sticky. I like that it dries fast and doesn’t leave white flakes. The brush is perfect for detailed areas, and the size is convenient to carry in a bag. I’m very happy with this product." —Sunny Jang Get it from Amazon for $14.76 (available in two formulas). 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 it has to 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 $18.99 (also available in a stick form). It's also vegan, cruelty free, made from recycled materials, and *doesn't* leave any gross fake tan smells! Promising review: “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!” —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven styles). Several reviewers say they just throw theirs right in the washing machine to clean it! They also make a smaller one designed for the bikini area and a long, narrow back scrubber for hard-to-reach areas. Promising review: "MAGIC. HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS MIT! This cleared up 80% of the 'chicken skin' I have INSTANTLY after one use. Also it took off way more dead skin than any scrub I’ve ever used. I never write reviews so I had to when I got this and loved it." —Cheyanne Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six styles). Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using it daily (morning and evening) for over two months and still have product left. I’ve even tried it on my face and it gives me a bit of a 'facelift.' I’m officially a Bond girl. A bit sticky to the touch after a few hours of wear, but that doesn’t bother me. Will order again." —AP Wang Get it from Amazon for $11.89 (also available in a three-pack). Seriously, people are *obsessed* with how this stuff smells. Its warm gourmand fragrance has notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla — yum! Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that’s something you’re looking for in a product. 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 three sizes and refills). It also helps tighten eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! 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 Promising review: "Out of the hundreds of products I've bought, I've written maybe five reviews. Most of those were bad reviews. 😅 THIS review is like the 10 gold stars of reviews. I LOVE THIS EYE CREAM! I have a pretty nasty bag under only one of my eyes. Within four days, that bag is GONE! I don't know how, but it is. The area around my eyes is softer than it's ever been. Even makeup looks amazing now. It no longer settles in those pesky fine lines. I wish I could find a cream that made my entire face this soft. I microneedle, I've done TCA peels, I'm obsessed with Korean skincare, but NOTHING has ever given me such results as this eye cream. The area around my eyes feels like silk. BUY THIS EYE CREAM! You won't be disappointed." —Emily Hunter Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me. Eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month, I finally gave in, and boy, it was amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer, and it doesn't leave a disgusting, greasy feel like Vaseline. Take it from a once-nonbeliever: You have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising review: "What is this sorcery? Okay, so I’m not gonna lie. I thought all of the before and after pics were fake, but I was desperate so I bought this stuff anyway. I had been dealing with an irritation bump for almost three months that I couldn’t get rid of, so I did some research and tried a variety of home remedies, none of which worked. Then I stumbled upon the Briotech spray and saw the before and after pictures and wanted soooo badly to believe them. I also didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I wrote them off as fake. I bought this stuff anyway (again, I was desperate) and I’m SO glad I did. I bought it on Sept. 5 and my bump (which was huge and awful) was completely gone on Sept. 25. I’m still in shock that it worked, but i’m so happy it did. Buy this! Stick with it and I promise you won’t regret it!" —iamericadelaney Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four). As far as skincare goes, this is stuff is basically pure gold in bar soap form. ✨ You can use it on your face, neck, and all over your body as needed. Promising review: "So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I’m usually a 'full face of makeup at all times' kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even." —Adrienne Jerkins Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.74. Promising review: "I am so glad I gave this product a try, as it works amazingly well on my fine, oily hair. I have used almost every dry shampoo product on the market, and this is by far the best one yet. My hair looks beautiful, and I can now go nearly a week without washing (while still having absolutely gorgeous hair)! I used to have to wash my hair every other day when I was using my former favorite dry shampoo (and it made my scalp itch on day two). This product is definitely worth a try; it may soon be your favorite!" —Melanie Havert Get it from Amazon for $13.59 (also available in a scented version and refills). Promising review: "I was looking for a new whitening product since I’ve use 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 very 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 Promising review: "Imagine sweeping on a blush that feels like a little whisper of color, just enough to give your cheeks that perfect, healthy glow. That's what you get with the E.l.f. blush. The formula is silky smooth, blends like a dream, and it sits on your skin so naturally, it's like a second skin. Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or amping it up for a night out, this blush has got your back. It's like a little magic in a compact, and it won't break the bank either. Plus, it's kind to our furry friends! Honestly, it's a total game-changer in your makeup routine! 🌟" —Jessica Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "I don't think I have EVER left an Amazon review in all the years I've been a member. I have always had rough heels since I was a kid. Grew up in south Florida and was always outside barefoot. I get pedicures regularly and I have NEVER had my feet left as soft as this! I soaked my feet it warm water for 10 minutes, (didn't dry them) put this on for about 5 minutes, then used the foot cheese grater on it and OMG! I couldn't believe it! Smooth as a baby's butt! I put Aquaphor and socks on afterwards. So amazing that I ordered my daughter one. This is better than what they use in salons. You won't regret buying this." –Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three scents and as a two-pack). Note: Glycolic acid can be a bit irritating to your skin (especially since this peel also contains retinol), so start slowly and follow the instructions carefully. Perfect Image is an independent beauty brand that launched in 2007 as a way to get professional-strength chemical peels in the hands of consumers at an affordable price. Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely incredible. I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted [above] and you'll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken five months later). I've used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office." —Meredith Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in four strength levels). Note: It's highly recommended to try the 10% or 30% strength before using the higher strengths. Promising reviews: "Look I don’t know what kind of magical potion is in this little bottle but I’ve used it approximately four times in the past week and my skin is GLOWING. My pores are suddenly nonexistent and my blackheads have shrunk. This stuff is amazing. Also it’s really moisturizing and not as irritating as other retinoids I have used in the past. The bottle is smaller than I was expecting but it is worth every penny. Great stuff. 11/10." —Demi "This stuff actually works. I work in a spa and I’ve tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acn- prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me and dang if she wasn’t right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks and I’m still amazed." —Rin Wisell Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in three sizes). This cream helps define your natural texture and works best on those with wavy, curly, or coily hair!! Promising review: "I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product once so far, and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel-drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant so I was skeptical but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" —mich0610 Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won't go anywhere without it now." —Anna C. Adams Promising review: "OMG!!! Most amazing hair treatment I’ve ever used in my entire life. Most hair masks weigh my hair down, but since this is water, it makes it SO soft and bouncy. I’m obsessed and will keep buying. Holy grail." —fariba BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I've worn these lashes, and tbh I'm never going back to strip lashes again! These look much more natural, are easy to apply, and don't budge until removed!" Promising review: "At-home lash magic! I’ve been wearing this brand for a year now, I don’t know what I did before. They are perfection, I use their extra strength lash glue and I can easily get 10–14 days out of a set. I also use sizes 10mm-16mm for a beautiful natural look and I get so many compliments. OFTEN people think I get professional lash extensions!!! If they ever went out of business I’d be so lost without them!! Just do it already treat yourself. PS — Give yourself so time to adjust to this method before deciding if you like it. Watch some videos to figure out how to put them on. It’s worth it I promise." —Stephanie R. Get the original lashes from Amazon for $12.95 (available in lengths from 10mm–16mm). You can also get a starter kit (including 10mm and 12mm lashes, glue, and applicator) for $38. BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores. Promising review: "I don’t usually leave reviews but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER !!!!! Worked flawlessly after first try and i can actually see the results immediately!! My gosh it’s light weight, smells relaxing. Massage it to your skin 5–10 minutes and you can see the magic. Will definitely add this into my skincare routine. JUST GET IT !!!!!" —Vince Get it from Amazon for $17.69 (also available in a mild version for sensitive skin). This mask claims to: reduce fine lines and wrinkles, visibly lift skin, clear small breakouts and acne, tighten enlarged pores, hydrate your skin, improve skin texture by gently removing dead cells, balance the epidermis pH level, and brighten your complexion with a "just-came-out-the-spa" glow The kit includes eight Zombie Pack sets (powder and activator), plus one applicator brush! Promising review: "When you put it on, the smell hits you hard. As it is on your face the smell is not too bad and the mask tingles as it dries. Wash it off and reveal clean, smooth skin. Plus fun to take pictures looking like a cracked mess." —raine Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $13.96. Promising review: "I had peeling, weak nails for years. Tried everything. I bought this in February. This size bottle lasted a bit more than a month with me religiously applying it two to three times a day. I was really seeing great improvement, so I bought another bottle in late March. By May, all the peeling had grown out and my nails were getting stronger every day. I then bought the big 4-ounce refill bottle because I never want to run out of it again! Cannot recommend this stuff enough!" —Diana Get it from Amazon for $10.80+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "My nails were in bad shape before I started using this product. I had one nail that would constantly split on the side, but not anymore. I saw the difference right away after using this product. The smell is great, good moisturizer for your cuticles, and wonderful ingredients. I definitely recommend it, and I will be purchasing another really soon." —Tasha Stewart Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four scents). Promising review: "This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on Reddit and thought I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results in on night. I honestly love how well this product worked for me." —Nicole Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes). This product does not promise to work overnight, so be patient! The healing process takes time! 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 $10.99 (also available in multipacks). P.S This brush is a bona fide miracle worker across the board, making peace with thick, coily locks and weaving through the finest strands with equal ease. Promising review: ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS OOOOMMMMGGG!!! I was skeptical at first, but given the reviews I figured I’d give it a try. I’m African American and have curly, kinky, coils... in between the realm of type 3/4 idk to be honest. All I know, is that when I went to detangle my fro after a long day, this brush easily slid through. I had to double take! I didn’t have to pretangle with a wide tooth comb I just dove right in. My hair is THICK! After each stroke I kept looking at the brush like, 'What type of sorcery is this!?' And to top it off ZERO BREAKAGE!!! Buy this brush!!!!!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine colors). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis is a fan: "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate." For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review. Promising review: "Using this product has been a game changer. It’s as if the adhesion of it literally pulls all of the bad stuff from the spot and you’ll know when it’s time to remove when it turns up white on your sticker — so easy to remove and my spot has went drastically down. I’m on my fourth box, or maybe fifth? They’re my go-to at the slightest spot I get to try to nip it in the bud. Might I add that my hormonal cystic acne spots have been majorly suppressed by these — as soon as I feel one coming on, I take a hot washcloth to the area and put a sticker on overnight for a couple of nights and the deep underneath feeling of that spot is gone. I love these so much, and you will too." —DebH Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99. Promising review: "It had to be said. These things are disgusting, that's why you should buy them. Squeeze part of your nose skin. Do a bunch of little pustules come out? Yeah, if you put one of these puppies on at night, you wake up, and that is all trapped inside that weird film. I dunno how it works. It's probably sorcery." —Jack Sawyer Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $9.88. Promising review: "I would use hairspray to hold my eyebrows and throughout the day I would sweat through it and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great and I’m gladI did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder and this does NOT affect the look of the powder nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in four shades). According to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine! And read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair. This oil is designed for all hair types — reviewers with straight hair, along with 2a–4c hair have mentioned it works for them! Promising reviews: "Legit magic in a bottle. Wish I could order this stuff by the gallon. Took a chance on this because I was desperate, having already spent so much money on luxury and drugstore products with little results. I use this as a pre-treatment on scalp and ends before I wash hair. Scalp has improved dramatically. I feel like there’s not as much breakage/fallout, and my ends are fuller. (This is after like six months, but my scalp was better immediately.)" —Claire Blanchard "I hardly write reviews...but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fall. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And I’ve been using it only once a week.. just a few drops and massaging in. Omg, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this...hats off!!" —Dee Promising review: "My son has eczema and sensitive skin. We had tried a lot of different moisturizer and didn't work out for him. Then our doctor suggested us to try Vanicream, it works like magic! You can actually feel the moisture for the skin, like an extra protection on his skin. And my son's eczema gets better too! We have been using this moisturizer ever since." —Kylie * Beauty Products That Reviewers Say They’ll Be Using “Forever” * K-Beauty Products With Jaw-Dropping Result Photos * If You Think You're Terrible At Makeup, These 24 Products May Change Your Mind * Beauty Products Under $20 That Are So Good, Reviewers Say They Use Them Every Day * K-Beauty Products So Magical, They Should Have Pixie Dust Included In The Ingredients List * Beauty Products So Effective You’ll Want To Shout Out Your Window About Them To Passersby Plus, eye makeup, new releases, mini-sized items, reader favorites, and finds from Walmart. 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. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.