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33 Skincare Products That Work So Well, You’ll Become Obsessed With Your Reflection
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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. I hope everyone in your life is ready for how insufferable you’re gonna be about how good your skin looks. As a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team, I can't believe that I get to search the internet to help you find the best, most unique, life-changing products for my job. Promising review: "I absolutely love these pore pads! They are super easy to use and feel very gentle on my skin. After just a few uses, I noticed my pores looked smaller and my skin felt smoother and cleaner. They also help remove leftover dirt and oil after cleansing, which makes my face feel extra fresh. The pads are well-soaked but not dripping, and they don’t irritate my skin at all. I also like that they leave my skin feeling hydrated instead of dry or tight. For the price, you get a great value, and the container lasts a long time. I’ve added these into my daily skincare routine and will definitely be repurchasing. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve pore appearance and keep their skin feeling clean and refreshed." —Allyson Covington Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (available in six formulas and two sizes). Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! OMG, I just treated myself to this because Costco was having a great deal and I'M HOOKED. I had been wearing Black Girl Sunscreen for years, but didn't like how oily my skin would get by the afternoon. I was also v interested in trying out a stick sunscreen. I first started with this Neutrogena one, and y'all — it had me breaking out horribly. So, when I saw the deal on this and all the glowing reviews, I decided to go for it, and it's hands down the best sunscreen I've ever used. The curved design is everything! It doesn't seem like that valuable of a feature, but the Neutrogena one was just a straight stick, and it would get so annoying to apply when I'd tried to work around my nose creases or anywhere that's curved on your face. And the formula — BAY-BEEEE, ugh, it's actually matte, and I've noticed over the time I've been using it, my face is way less oily by the afternoon. I'm so happy I tried this out! Promising reviews: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen, and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman, and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin, and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina "One of the best facial sunscreens I've ever used. The design is amazing and contours your face perfectly. It works well on its own or layered under makeup. No issues with clogging my pores or breakouts. I wore it on a trip to Mexico, and it did its job flawlessly. I will repurchase again and again." —Tlong Get it from Amazon for $14 (also available in a glowing version and two-packs). You can check out Vaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options! Promising review: "I love this stuff. It’s super moisturizing and smells so good. The scent is vanilla cocoa and mixes well with other vanilla scents. It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling, and I love that it leaves skin glowy and shimmery. BUY!" —Amazon Customer Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "I’ve used a wide range of hyaluronic acid serums over the years — everything from budget-friendly options to dermatologist-grade formulas — and this one truly holds its own. The texture is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and layers well under moisturizer and makeup. Since adding this into my routine, my skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated. It gives that plump, refreshed look without feeling sticky or heavy. Over time, I’ve seen a real difference in overall smoothness and moisture balance. If you’re looking for an effective hyaluronic acid serum that performs well without the luxury price tag, this one absolutely checks out." —Jenn Get the 1-ounce bottle from Amazon for $5.97 (available in two sizes and up to a pack of three). Promising review: "Welp, this stuff is amazing. I tend to avoid anything trendy or anything that 'goes viral' due to my stubborn nature, but when searching Amazon for a red-reducing toner, this one just kept showing up, so I swallowed my pride. Social media did not betray us on this one, friends. I saw immediate results. My skin looked much calmer right after the first use, and it feels so smooth. The price is amazing, the bottle is fun, it has no scent (not necessarily a positive for me, but I know it's important to others), it feels good to put on, and looks good on the skin. I have a feeling that I will be repurchasing this toner, highly recommend." —Kimberly B Promising review: Glass skin is the new trend, and I’m about it. My friend actually went to Korea and gifted me this; it’s a popular brand in Korea. I loved it so much I bought it for a friend. It really gives you that glassy skin without looking greasy. I’m almost out of my bottle and will get this again, it’s great under makeup and when you want to go out or just everyday use. I pour it directly into my hand and pat it into my skin. I get compliments on my skin on Zoom calls when I wear just this under my sunscreen." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $20 (also available in a light version and in a smaller bottle). Promising review: "I bought this product after seeing it on TikTok, and I can say that it lives up to the hype. I have used it overnight and before my makeup, and it works great either way. It makes my lips feel so soft and hydrated." —annadova Get it from Amazon (available in 11 scents and two sets) or Sephora (available in 12 scents) for $24. Read more about how dry brushing exfoliates and helps promote circulation at Cleveland Clinic. And read more about lymphatic drainage at the Cleveland Clinic, too. To use, use gentle, stroking motions in an upward direction following lymphatic pathways. Promising review: "I have been astounded by how nicely this has helped with drainage. My entire adult life, I have woken with a puffy face and a thick feeling in my throat that lasts for hours as I sip a hot beverage and clear my throat like I'm starting a cold engine.... Since starting to use this brush, I sip water while I brush and by the time I'm done, so is that thick pleghmy feeling! My skin is visibly lifted, and the bristles are so soft it almost feels like a massage. The handle is sturdy, and I'm very pleased with the quality considering the reasonable price. I tried it on my husband so he could feel the softness, and you could definitely see the difference from one cheek to the other!!! 😆" —Heather O'Sullivan Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available as a two-pack). Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered, but then I got an email saying it was in stock, and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." —Kelsey B. This set includes one bottle of Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil, one bottle of the Seeds of Youth Serum, one bottle of Activated Botanical Primer, one container of Brightening Botanical Eye Balm, and one container of the Indigo Dream Renewal Cream. Ogee is a small biz that creates certified organic skincare and beauty products. Promising reviews: "I have used Clinique since I was 15 years old and would not change…until now. I was skeptical at first, but there were a few things about this product that just made me want to try it. I am so proud that I did it is amazing and makes my face feel so smooth and soft. I use it in the morning and at night. I simply cannot say enough about this product. I love everything about it." —Carrie L.N. "This is what I have been looking for for over 30 years!! I’ve tried THEM ALL & NONE OF THEM have done what Ogee has done for my skin!! I’m never looking back again bc I finally have found the holy grail!!" —Debra S. Get it from Ogee for $398 (originally $541; And check out their Amazon storefront for more options). Promising review: "I am a lotion user every single day. I use face moisturizers that I love. I am over the moon how good this is. I mainly use it on my neck, hands and forearms. The difference is amazing. My skin actually feels so good. I wish I could but larger containers of it." —Kimberly P. Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" —Nala Get a set of four from Amazon for $15.20 (also available in a 16-pack and in three other variations). The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of the four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, I love all the Good Molecules products." —Hayden Smith Get it from Amazon for $5.95 (also available in a pack of two or three). Promising review: "This was my first Tree Hut purchase and shortly after buying it, I fell in love. It leaves my skin feeling SO soft. It does not take long to work. I really love the Vanilla scent. I bought a Watermelon scent as a gift and the receiver loved it. TOTALLY RECOMMEND." —EmmaK Get it from Amazon for $8.94 (also available in 20 other scents). Promising review: "I’m terrible about putting on lotion even though my skin is dry. I just hate it. But I love this stuff. It makes my skin feel great. Has a light, pleasant scent. Spray it on and rub it in. So easy! I just apply when going to bed or at least when I don’t have to put anything other than lounge clothes on right away. My skin looks and feels so much better, it makes me want to keep using it." —Slade My colleague Negesti Kaudo uses this: "I got a facial a couple of years ago and I could tell something was different about my extractions, so I asked the aesthetician to write down the name of the product. I went home and immediately bought this! I LOVE IT. I love it more than any other skincare tool that I own. This thing gets gunk out like nothing I've ever tried before, and the first time I used it, I was absolutely disgusted. But I kept on using it. I don't have much acne, but I do have oily combination skin and visibly clogged pores, so this has been a lifesaver when I don't have time to visit an aesthetician. You have to use it while your face is still wet, so after washing your face or even using toner, and you just start scraping. Make sure you have a paper towel near (and maybe a camera) because you will be amazed and disgusted all at once, but you will literally never stop using. I use mine every other day to once a week if I'm having skincare issues, but it also does a great job with monthly use (it's just much grosser)! I follow mine up with Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 3 and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel!" Promising review: "Don't doubt it, a staple in skincare. I got this little device from a TikTok and decided to give it a try. I never knew I needed it until the first time I tried it. The vibrations magically bring up all the stubborn blackheads you can’t reach with just your fingers, especially if you have acrylics like me." —Paige Chaney Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three colors and in a waterproof version). Wow y'all — if you love you some mint, I mean, truly cannot get enough of it, then you will be over the moon about this lip balm. The scent is definitely bold, and you get a fun lil' refreshing tingle on your lips right when you put it on, too. It's also very hydrating. I love that I feel like it's actually moisturizing the skin on my lips instead of sitting on top of it. I also agree with the reviewer below that it might be more than something like the EOS version, but a little really goes a long way with this. So, I think their pricing, taking that into consideration, is really great. I can't wait to try more flavors as I've always loved a natural, but scent-forward lip balm! Promising review: "I LOVE THIS LIP BALM! I normally use the EOS brand sweet mint lip balm, and I love it too, but this Poppy & Pout brand feels smoother and more silky going on and once applied. My lips rub together so easily, and the balm actually lasts and stays on for a while, even while drinking from a cup or straw (normally, the balm will rub off when your lips rub against the cup or straw after a few times). It is a little more expensive than EOS, but this Poppy & Pout stick is actually very thick. It's double the thickness of one of the EOS sticks, so in my opinion, you're getting about the same amount for the same price. And my lips feel so much more moisturized after using JUST ONE TIME! I will order again!" —Leisa Blizzard Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in nine other flavors). Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after-feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in five other styles). To use, mix the included powder and liquid together with a brush. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and leave until it begins to dry. Wash after 10 or 15 minutes, and enjoy your freshly hydrated face! Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask, and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical, too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. This Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." —Dana Dane Get one box (that contains eight sheets) from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in a two box set). Reviewers also say it's a great, affordable alternative to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. Check out a TikTok of the Briotech spray in action. Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466 Get the 2-ounce bottle from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four sizes and in multipacks). 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 And did I mention that you can also use it on dry and irritated scalps OR on your underarms to help reduce odor?! Check out a TikTok of a dermatologist explaining the different ways this can be used! Promising review: "My sisters were constantly raving about this toner, so I decided to try it. Since using it, I’ve realized why they love it so much! My skin went from bumpy and textured to smooth and glowy. My clogged pores have completely disappeared. I’ve already recommended this product to a bunch of my friends, and they love it too! I’ve been using this product for about two months, and it’s still doing wonders. Definitely worth buying!" —Noa May Get the 3.4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $6.93 (also available in full-size and as a two-pack). Promising review: "I love this oil so much! The smell is divine, and it leaves your skin feeling nourished, hydrated, and moisturized without feeling greasy or oily. It dries up very quickly and nicely. My skin feels smooth and smells amazing all day." —Yaneisa 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 Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.98+ (also available in packs of three, four and five, as well as with accessories like a bag or a soap holder). 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 reviews: "This product is incredible. After one use, I noticed a difference. I am so impressed with it. I don’t know what kind of sorcery this is, but I am happy it exists. If you’ve been buying products to get rid of blackheads and nothing is working, this will make you very happy." —A "I can't live without this cleansing oil; it's magic in a bottle. This is the only thing that's been able to clear the sebaceous filaments on my nose after consistent daily use!! It also helps the milia/filaments under my eyes! LOVE ITTTTT WHO LET ME LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT DOUBLE CLEANSING AT NIGHT" —Sarah Coleman Promising review: "This moisturizer is one of the nicest feeling moisturizers ever. The appearance of the vitamin C capsules inside the gel goop on TikTok enticed me to purchase them for myself. This moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and comes with a scooper, making it very easy to apply. You get a decent-sized jar of moisturizer for the price, and the moisturizer is pretty thick. Although it is sticky, I would say it absorbs into your skin pretty quickly. It may leave a slight sticky residue behind, but I think overall it is amazing for all skin types. After using this in the a.m. before sunscreen, I noticed my skin really glowed and felt smooth! I had gifted a jar to my 60-year-old mother, and she had told me how her skin felt like a baby’s bum the next morning!" —tracey + kiwi Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (available in four other moisturizers). Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive, but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa "I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production, and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "I love this lotion! It has a light scent which I like...not a floral scent. I've been using it for almost 3 months now... mainly on my arms and hands because I am starting to get some crepiness, and it has smoothed it out significantly, and leaves my skin looking and feeling softer. The bottle is a generous size... it has lasted a long time. Will definitely be purchasing again." —Lena Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in a fragrance-free version, a pack of two or three, and in six other versions; also available in 12 combo packs). Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like mine." —LuckLocust Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in a set of two). Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products. Head's up that you should start very gently, and that you really only need to use it two to four times a month to get good results without over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier. Promising review: "Not to be gross, but when I lightly use this on my dry skin, I can see the dry skin cells flying off! Great for cellular turnover. I use it on dry skin before showering and finish after shower with good moisturizing oil. Makes my legs feel soft and smooth. Don’t run too hard! Gentle strokes." —Juliet "Color me converted. It's so disgusting that you want to look away, but morbid curiosity keeps making you turn back. That's really a 'you' creature at the bottom of the tub. You really sloughed off a second skin like a Lizard Person and have now emerged as a new person. One that will no longer trust brand-name products because they are a lie. Seriously. Buy this. You don't even know you need it, but you do. You really, really do." —Mandi Konesni Promising review: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." —Ben Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two other styles and in multi packs). Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous, lightweight finish with a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." —Julie F. Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in six shades). * Korean Skincare Products That'll Make You Wonder Why You Waited So Long To Try Them * Take Comfort In Knowing That None Of These 31 Skincare Treats Are Over $10 * Shopping For Skincare Can Feel Intimidating — Here Are 23 Products To Get You Started * Skincare Products That Are About To Become Your BFFs Plus, gentle cleansers, moisturizers for sensitive skin, and finds from Amazon and 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 updated for length and/or clarity.
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