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Skincare does NOT have to be complicated.

I am a contributor who has been writing for the BuzzFeed Shopping team since 2020; as a film nerd and long-term pop culture enthusiast, I bring an engaging, conversational voice to my work and love discovering and testing new products to share with readers.

Promising review: "I have a very sensitive face, and this stuff works great. I'm pushing into my fourth decade, and this has been part of my skincare routine for the last few years." —Maggie

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in five sizes and a two-pack).

Promising review: "This tinted sunscreen is the BEST!! It smells good, it goes on so smooth, and it has totally converted me from being a makeup daily person to just putting this on and going. I feel confident in my coverage to go out without all the foundation and concealer. It’s wonderful. Buy it!" —Sarha

Promising reviews: "I have used this serum for years. It is light but makes my skin feel amazing! I put it on at night, after using toner." —Beading Buddhist

"First-time buyer, and won't be my last. The seller went above and beyond, even including some samples and cute goodies. The product is as described and of excellent quality, and I'm looking forward to trying it. 😊" —Julia V.

Get it from Shine Skincare Co on Etsy for $29+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I adore this little guy! I use it whenever I am overheated or have puffy eyes from crying, and it helps immensely! The cool metal feels fantastic against my skin when it's hot, and it helps soothe under my eyes after a nice cry. It's super simple and easy to use! My mother borrowed mine so much that she eventually got her own. It is very refreshing, and I definitely recommend it just for a soothing coolness you can apply any time. :)" —Katie

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 (available in three formulas).

Promising review: "It left my skin very soft and clean but didn’t dry it out. My skin is very sensitive and fair, so the mildness was wonderful!! I also appreciate that it has a very neutral scent, but it was refreshing. Excellent quality." —Ramona

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

Check out a dermatologist TikToker raving about this product!

Promising review: "This stuff should be called a miracle in a bottle. When I use it on my (pretty dry) skin, it transforms it from congested, irritated, and bright red to calm, clear, and glowing overnight." —Audrey Brock

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

Promising review: "I’ve been looking for a good alternative to the Paula’s Choice red toner for sensitive skin because even though I love it, it is pricey! I can’t justify using that daily anymore. I’ve tried numerous other toners, and nothing has come close until now! This feels like it helps remove any last traces of makeup/soap, just like the PC toner, and is just as lightweight, hydrating, and not greasy too. It’s gentle for sensitive skin (perfect for after dermaplaning) and just helps skin look soothed and plumped. Obviously, there are differences between the two; this is slightly thicker but feels equally lightweight once it’s on the skin, and, fortunately, I need less of this to get the same coverage and hydration as before! For the record, I’m 41, and while I don’t think I truly have mature skin, I’m thankful that this performed well for my age range since this brand seems to target the late teens to 20’s age range. I highly recommend this! I think even if someone has oily skin (I have dry to normal), it would still work well because the hydration is light and not greasy at all!" —Alena Cooper

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 36-count pack from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in 72- and 75-counts).

Promising review: "This serum is a miracle worker. I use nothing else but this serum after I wash my face. I used to have incredibly dry, flaky, and bumpy skin. This serum has smoothed my skin out so much. I just love Cosrx products. You only need one pump of this serum; it covers your whole face perfectly without being too much or too little. If you have dull or dry skin, give this a go!" —Lep

Read more about gua sha and facial massage at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I had been eyeing this product on the company website for weeks, then one morning, I checked Ulta's new arrivals and saw it! My husband bought it for me for V-day, and I've been using it morning and night since. Can't speak to the long-term effects, BUT I've really enjoyed having this in my routine. The warmth and vibration feature is so relaxing; it's a nice, quick form of self-care added to my daily routine." —H

Promising review: "The absolute best! I was a huge fan of Elta MD UV Clear (tinted and original formulas). This has about as much tint as the Elta tinted. It’s perfectly light, hydrating, nongreasy, and skin-beautifying. No white cast, it feels like a moisturizer, plays nicely with other products, and the light scent is dreamy. It’s clean and protects at the beach. 10/10." —Mama to Max

Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "I have struggled with acne consistently since I began hitting puberty in elementary school. Nothing helped, and this was my last-ditch effort before I got on Accutane. Within DAYS, it started working miracles. Now I can finally feel comfortable without makeup; I haven’t felt this way since childhood. Within a month, my skin was pretty much clear. I still have minor hormonal breakouts around my period, but it is nothing in comparison to how it was. It does bleach fabric, so be careful, and you have to pair it with a daily moisturizer because it will dry out your skin. These are very small prices to pay for a product that finally works. Try it before you get on any medications!!" —Destiny

Get it from Amazon for $7.46+ (available in two sizes and two-packs).

Promising review: "Amazing eye cream. This is gentle on my eye area, very effective, and moisturizes well, but it still has a thin, light texture to it that doesn't leave a sticky feel. It's priced REALLY well! There's no scent to it; I come back to this one time and time again. Highly recommend!" —kitykat007

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I've purchased this time and time again. I was raised by an esthetician, so my standards for skincare are high. Pleasantly surprised by the quality of this moisturizer. I use it every night to avoid my naturally dry skin type." —Danasopinion

Promising review: "The product smoothing the affected areas of my skin was almost immediately noticeable. First week noticeable. HIGHLY refreshing, as I haven't felt my arms feel smooth since I was a kid. The appearance of my skin became better shortly after the texture became better. I'd say week two, when my skin became noticeably less bumpy. SIGNIFICANTLY less red, which was also very refreshing. My skin is also less sensitive now, a brush of my arm on a wall and it'd become red. That doesn't happen anymore. I highly recommend. I also recommend not using super chemically scented lotions after application. I'd recommend something lighter." —ER

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes).

Promising review: "I have had acne for a long time and have tried everything from Accutane to Proactiv to Rodan + Fields. I got this after running out of another pricier aloe cream. This works wonders! It keeps my face and skin clear and acne-free. My skin is naturally really dry, and I use this 2x a day after washing my face. It goes on under my makeup and works as a nice moisturizer/primer for my foundation, too. A little bit goes a long way. One 300 mL lasted me 11 months." —Amber A.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and multipacks).

Promising review: "I love this Abib Airy Sunstick! It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a white cast, and feels super light on the skin. The stick format makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It doesn’t mess up my makeup and gives great sun protection. My skin feels soft and not greasy at all. Definitely one of the best sunscreen sticks I’ve tried!" —Katherine Lora

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in two formulas and two-packs).

Promising review: "I really like this toner and how comforting it feels on my skin. It has quickly become one of my favorite steps in my routine. The texture is unique — lightweight like a toner but with the richness of a moisturizer, so it sinks in quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. It leaves my skin feeling instantly cushioned, soft, and plump, which is perfect when skin feels tight or dehydrated. It layers well with serums and creams without pilling, making it easy to incorporate into both morning and night routines. This toner is a great choice when skin needs both moisture and comfort in one step. It is simple to use and delivers the kind of hydration that keeps skin looking dewy." —KS

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in five sizes).

Promising review: "I use this every single day — morning, night, and even throughout the day when my skin needs a refresh. It’s not just water in a can, as some people assume; the minerals in it instantly calm, hydrate, and soothe my skin. It absorbs beautifully without leaving any residue or tightness. My skin feels softer, less red, and looks more balanced overall.

I love spraying it right before applying moisturizer or serums because it helps everything absorb better. It’s perfect after exfoliating, shaving, or anytime my skin feels irritated or dry. The mist is super fine and gentle — it feels spa-like every time I use it.

It’s also great for travel, workouts, or even hot days when your skin just needs to cool down. I’ve noticed my makeup sits better when I spritz this on before and after application.

This spray is such a staple for sensitive or acne-prone skin — truly one of those products you don’t realize you need until you have it." —Ashley Marie

Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in three sizes and twp-packs).

Promising review: "WOW! My upper lip was disgustingly chapped. I put lip balm on it, and my lip soaked it up immediately. I tried this stuff and was shocked at how well it did. It literally rubbed all of the dead skin off my lip, and my lip feels amazing. I know it sounds too good to be true, but this is for real! I’ll be interested to see if my lip starts scabbing over tomorrow. As for now, though, it feels great and looks great." —Gregory Scott

Promising review: "Like magic in a bottle! I had developed dark spots on my elbows recently. I carefully rubbed a tiny amount onto each of my elbows before I went to bed. There is no strong smell, and it didn’t burn or feel any different from when I used moisturizers. When I got up this morning, I was amazed. Most of the fat coloring was GONE! Overnight! This morning I put some on the sun spots on my face. Looking forward to having clearer skin! Korean serum FTW!!" —san

Promising review: "This is my second tube, and there are very few things I buy repeatedly. I thought it was going to be weird sleeping with this on because I'm a side sleeper, but it's really not. Dries quickly, and nothing gets on the pillow. There is a bit of a learning curve with how much to put on, just make sure you put it on thick enough so it's easier to peel off. The only downside is that it can flake into your baby hairs if you put it too close to your hairline. The best part about this product is that you see results IMMEDIATELY. There is no using it for four weeks to see a difference. If I had a bad week of staying consistent with my skincare routine, I do this for one night and wake up with soft, beautiful skin." —Katie

Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in three other formulas).

Promising review: "I am a golfer and a runner, and most of the time I spend outside, I have socks and shoes on. As a result, my feet are very, very white. I needed to attend a wedding and wanted to wear sandals, and this product was recommended to me. I followed the instructions and used it several days in a row to build more of a tan, and it worked beautifully. I was not orange, and the color was not streaky. Instead, it was a natural tan that blended with my skin and my legs. Most surprisingly, I have always hated the smell of Jergens lotion. I was going to suffer through it just to use this product because I needed it. I was delighted to find that this lotion smells very nice. I have not done further research to find out if Jergens changed their scent on everything, but this was not the scent I remembered from my youth." —Carla A.

Get it from Amazon for $10.47 (available in two shades and multipacks).

Promising review: "It's become a staple in my skincare routine! This serum delivers intense hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and leaves my face feeling instantly soft and plump. After using it consistently, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in skin smoothness and overall moisture levels — dry patches are gone, and my skin looks more radiant. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup without pilling. I also appreciate that it’s non-comedogenic and gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. Overall, a highly effective, affordable serum that really does what it claims. Highly recommend!" —CC

Get it from Amazon for $14.38 (also available in a two-pack).

Promising reviews: "Looove this product. I usually hate putting on lotion or any moisturizer. This product is super lightweight and non-greasy; I don’t even feel it after it’s on. And truly fragrance free, which I love." —Victoria Crowe

"My skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more hydrated after using it consistently. I love that it has ceramides because it helps support and strengthen the skin barrier — especially when my skin feels dry." —Erica

Promising reviews: "Didn’t know what glass skin looked like on myself until I started using this — truly the best my skin has ever looked and felt." —Brooke Duncan

"I have mature combo skin and have been using this for a few months, and it is lovely. It's not sticky or oily; it's slightly thicker than water. It absorbs quickly and really leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soothed. It has no fragrance, layers well under other serums and moisturizers, and it doesn't cause pilling. The pump functions well." —Margaret

Promising reviews: "Seriously, a summer must-have. Glazed skin, very glowy, and feels moisturizing on the skin. It is lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy at all!" —The last airbender

"OMG! This Vaseline is fantastic! I have had problems with dry skin all my life. I have been using all kinds of expensive creams, but when I slathered this on my arms, I was thrilled! It glows under the sun and looks fantastic with indoor lights! It makes my skin so soft and beautiful with the glitter!" —Chicago Mermaid

* If Your Skin Feels Like A Biscuit With No Butter, Try These 27 Hydrating Products

* If You’re Looking For Super-Effective Skincare Products Without Spending The Big Bucks, This Post Is For You

* If You’re Prone To Razor Burn, Reviewers Swear By These 13 Products

* Under-$20 Skincare Products Reviewers Say Work As Well As Expensive Ones

Plus, sunscreens and finds from Sephora 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 for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.