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Self-Described “Picky” Reviewers Swear By These 27 Beauty Products
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More If the pickiest reviewers love these products, we’re sure you’ll love them too. I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2017, with a focus on beauty, travel, and practical products, and in addition to writing, am in the process of getting my master’s in speech-language pathology. Promising review: "I'm very picky with my skincare, and this has been the best addition ever! I used this and after one day my skin was glowing.😍 It’s lightweight, doesn’t break me out (I have acne-prone skin and it’s sensitive), gets all my makeup off, and emulsifies really nicely! I use my gel cleanser after this, and my skin is so hydrated and doesn’t leave an oily film on my face. Love, love, love this!!!!" —savnormanmua Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. Promising review: "This is as close to magic as I’ve ever seen. The brush and the product together provide a flawless look that isn’t like a powder, yet it’s not sticky either. Great value, I’ll definitely buy more. The size is good, and it's not greasy. It's the most effective foundation I’ve ever used, and I’m really picky!" —MAllenB Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "I love this toner! I've gotten more into Korean skincare, and since this brand is easy to get, I thought I would try this toner. My skincare is pretty minimalist, so I'm picky with my products. I really enjoy how liquidy it is and yet so moisturizing. It also helps with my sensitive skin. I have combination skin, with an oily T-zone. It absorbs quickly, and I love the ingredients because they help with moisture levels, breakouts, and anti-aging. I sometimes even spray it throughout the day. Highly recommend!" —Jari Promising review: "I love this cleanser! I have very sensitive combination skin and this makes my skin feel so good! With only two days of twice-daily use, I noticed softer, smoother skin and a remarkably quick reduction in redness and the prominence of the acne I had developed near my chin as a result of mask-wearing. I am very picky about my skincare products, and I love this one. This is way better than the expensive cleansers I have tried before." —Skye Mills Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in two sizes and packs of two). Apply this directly to wet hair, avoiding the roots, massage it in for eight seconds, then rinse. Promising reviews: "I am FLOORED by this product!!! I typically only buy salon haircare products because I’m extremely picky. I have really fine, dry, damaged blonde hair that gets weighed down so easily, so lots of 'restorative' products just make my roots oily. I used one dose of this for the first time and am amazed. I didn’t need any product to comb through or blow-dry my hair after the shower. It was incredibly soft and manageable. So excited to add this to my haircare routine, and the price doesn’t hurt! Do note, though, that if you use the recommended one dose two or three times a week, you’ll need a new bottle after two weeks." —Savannah Degrave Promising review: "I'm extremely picky about my lip products. They get dry and raw and crack easily. I like the balmy buttery texture of this. It never gets sticky and doesn't dry me out. Highly suggest." —Christina Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in 10 shades and combo packs). Promising review: "I don’t write reviews very often, but I had to share my thoughts on this one. I am so picky when it comes to foundation, but this one has surpassed all my expectations. It doesn’t feel cakey at all, but still gives great coverage. It is so light on the skin that I barely even realize it is there. My glasses don’t rub it off my nose, which is a GAME CHANGER. It also matches my skin tone in a way other foundations just haven’t been able to. I am never going back now." —Anna Burton Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match). Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. Promising review: "I am very picky about the products I put on my face. I took a leap of faith on these, and they were amazing! My skin was soft and moisturized, and glowing. I could tell the difference the following day. I plan to use one of these once a week. I do not think I could sleep in one, but I put the mask on and do household chores or wear it during a work-from-home day, where I won’t have to be on camera." —Kelsey Prezioso Promising review: "The formula is something like I’ve never tried. Velvety soft, and the color is THERE for a day at least. The trick is not to put too much on. Start with a little and blend it out to a thin layer. I start in the center and work my way out instead of my usual lining, like with liquid lipsticks! I’m extremely picky with lip products and give this a 10/10!" —Whitney V Get it from Amazon for $4.95+ (available in 35 shades). Promising review: "I am super picky about hair products, and I have to say that I absolutely love this one! I put it on after shampooing, and even if I'm feeling lazy about styling my hair, I know that it will look shiny and soft! Just bought my second bottle! Highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer Read our Elizavecca CER-100 collagen coating treatment review for more deets! The color-adaptive formula is designed so that one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Love this product! And I am picky. I have tried every concealer, and this is the only one that works for me. Blends easily. I add a setting powder to give it a little staying power, since cosmetics in general disappear on me. It works perfectly; my circles look covered until I wash my face. This is a phenomenal product." —Kindle Customer Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Promising review: "I am pretty picky about my mascara. I have used Lancôme for years, but I always try new ones as they come along, only to go back when they don’t live up to the hype. Well, this mascara may be a game changer. Today was the third day I wore it, and I’m still loving it!! And the price is AMAZING!!! Long lashes. They separate easily and don’t cake. No smearing or smudging under the eyes. I just remove it with my regular makeup cloth. So far, I’m obsessed. Just ordered another tube. Buy it!!!! You won’t regret it!" —Susan R. Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four colors and a three-pack). BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review. Promising review: "Wow. I'm stunned. I'm picky with moisturizers because I have oily skin that also really loves to be well-hydrated, so gel moisturizers leave me too dry and thick moisturizers too oily. I don't know what kind of magic this is made of, but I literally feel like I'm drenching my parched, thirsty skin with the fountain of youth with this stuff. You don't need a ton; it lasts all day, soaks into the skin beautifully, smells amazing, and leaves my skin feeling immediately supple and plump. My skin feels hydrated and balanced. I will be using this moisturizer for the rest of my life, thank you." —Mcab Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I've been using the reusable wash cloths for my evening skincare. I had assumed these towels would be harsh to use on my sensitive skin. I noticed my reusable cloths needed to be replaced, and so I bought the travel pack of Skin Club Towels. I couldn't believe how soft and absorbent they were. They didn't irritate my skin at all, and because they are disposable, I know they are clean and safe to use. As a rosacea girly, I'm picky about what I use on my face. Now that I've found these, I'm never going back!" —Paula Johnson Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in four sizes). Maple Holistics is a small personal care brand founded by lifelong pals Ben and Motti after they searched for solutions to Ben's hair loss and scalp irritation. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I’ve been using this wonderful product for quite some time and I am very satisfied, that’s why I am a repeat customer. I love the results of my hair not falling, feeling thicker, and more voluminous. I am picky when it comes to shampoos, and this shampoo is my choice. I highly recommend this product, I am sure you will love it!" —Edges Z Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and two scents). Promising review: "This spray is everything!!! Like, oh my gosh, I notice the difference if I forget to spray this on. I will say I walked through the humid city of New Orleans in the middle of July, and my makeup stayed on from the time I got to work and was mostly still there by the time I got home nine hours later. Also, my makeup, like seriously, stayed on while running the shower water over my face for three minutes (no soap or towel). If I go to class and have to walk five minutes each way to my car in the hot sun and then stay at school for seven hours, I barely have to touch up my makeup when I get home. And by touch-up, I mean just reapply my lip gloss, eyeliner, blush, and mascara. But the foundation stayyssssss. I can't rave enough about this, and I'm very picky about my makeup." —missyj95 Reviewers say it's similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops! Promising reviews: "I am so picky when it comes to any type of 'face' makeup. I worry about too much texture, fine lines, and cakiness. This product is so lightweight, sheer, and offers a lovely coverage. I don’t even use foundation anymore." —Michele Mitchell Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in five shades and two sizes). Promising review: "First off, I want to say that I have really sensitive skin and am really picky about my skincare. I bought the eye cream version of this product initially and fell in love with the fact that it didn't make my eyes water or burn, so I decided to try the serum. This stuff feels amazing! I've noticed that my combination skin is way more even. I love that it doesn't burn or irritate me at all. "I was not expecting the benefit I just discovered. I am incredibly pale and apparently applied my face sunscreen a bit spotty before going to the beach, and got a pretty nasty sunburn. I didn't have aloe, so I figured I would put this on just to soothe it a bit. Not only did it give me instant relief, literally within a half an hour, my sunburn was SIGNIFICANTLY less red! Like from lobster red to a little bit sun-kissed. I am shook!" —Jess Lovoir Beauty is a small biz based in New Zealand that sells this genius winged eyeliner stamp known as The Flick Stick. Promising reviews: "I am very picky about eyeliner and have to say this is the best eyeliner I have ever purchased. I bought it thinking I would use the stamp and then use my own liner for the rest. It wasn't even necessary; both the stamp and liner are great. My eyelids are a bit oily, so I was worried about transfer, but I have experienced none so far. I guess we'll see once summer comes, but I feel like it would be fine even then. So happy with this very cheap, but priceless purchase!" —Nicoleee Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and a combo three-pack). Promising review: "Quick delivery, quality packaging, and most of all fantastic. No gimmicks here, and I’m as picky as they come, but this looked too good to not try. Does exactly what it’s supposed to! My lips still look great after five hours! Can’t wait to try it longer! Follow directions, and you will see the color is amazing! I’m buying more now to have for summer!" —cowboys fan Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in 19 shades and in kits with a spray). Promising review: "I really like this! I'm super picky with the types of soaps and products I use on my face, mainly because my skin is so sensitive and I can break out easily if my skin rejects the product. This soap hasn't made me break out AT ALL. My skin is softer, glowy, and it makes me feel so clean!" —Awesome! Promising review: "I’m super picky when it comes to self tanners. They always seem to either leave me orange or very streaky! But this stuff is AMAZING. Great color and no streaks! Highly recommend this product!" —courtney Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in 10 shades). Promising review: "I am extremely picky when it comes to makeup, and I am impressed. It blew me away, honestly. I will buy again... and again. The color is perfect as a brightening concealer under the eyes. There is no yellow tinge, and it blends out perfectly into my slightly more tan skin. Get it, you won't regret it." —DC19516 Check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets. Get it from Amazon for $8.25+ (available in various shades). It goes without saying that you 100% do not need to lay your edges if you don't want to! Promising review: "I have been searching for hair gel for a loooong time. This wax stick not only works, but it's so convenient. It can be a little difficult to push the bottom, but that's not an issue. It's mess-free and keeps hair in place nearly all day. I have used it mainly on a little girl that I babysit, and it makes it so much easier. 10000% recommend buying this. I am VERY picky with the things I buy, so believe me when I tell you this wax stick is a MUST for pesky fly-away hairs. It's easy to apply, doesn't have a smell, and has clean ingredients." —ccarter This brush is designed to work on all hair types, but reviewers with 2c through 4c hair say it has worked especially well for them. It also works on wet *and* dry hair, so you don't have to time out your brushing. Promising review: "I love these brushes. I have very long hair and am very picky about brushes. I used to only use the Goody brushes with bunches of bristles. I did not have a high opinion of brushes with plastic bristles. But after giving this style a try, I am a total convert. They work like magic for detangling, and they work as a wet/dry brush in the shower for distributing conditioner throughout your hair (and detangling before you even get out of the shower). This one is extra great because it comes in my favorite color." —Emily Hughes Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in dozens of colors). Promising review: "I’m extremely picky with how I curl my hair. I’ve hated curling irons and have wasted so much money buying them. I’ve always turned to curling wands as they are easier and you get better curls, but this spin and curl is a life-changer! Extremely easy to use and takes half the time! Definitely worth the money!" —Michigan mama Get it from Amazon for $63.38+ (available in three colors). The set includes five big kabuki-style makeup brushes and nine precise eye makeup brushes. Promising review: "These brushes are very high quality for the price. I bought them, uncertain of the quality. I’m very picky about my makeup brushes and products, but I would recommend these brushes to anyone. They are very soft and dense. This is my new favorite makeup brush set." —Alexis Get the 14-piece set from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors). * TikTok-Famous Beauty Products Reviewers Say They’ll Buy Again * Beauty Items With Such Jaw-Dropping Results, You’ll Be Fully Convinced A Witch Invented Them * Makeup Products Reviewers Actually Go Back To Time And Time Again * Beauty Products That'll Make You Think, "Why Didn't I Start Buying This Years Ago?" * Beauty Products That Can Outlast Whatever Sweat Your Body Throws At Them Plus, lip stains and finds from Sephora, Tarte, 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.
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