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I Don’t Usually Believe In Magic, But These 36 Beauty Products Have Me Suspicious
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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 You’re telling me a volcanic face roller exists? What’s next? Mermaids? I'm a resident writer on the Buzzfeed Shopping team, where my love for shopping (and doomscrolling on TikTok) helps me curate lists of the most trending lifestyle, home, beauty, and fashion products. My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!" Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S. Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two sizes and as a two-pack). Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING! I love the larger roller ball, the cooling effect, and the instant depuffing of my eyes. Will definitely keep on hand!" —TRISTA T. Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in a steel or rose quartz rollerball). This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for years now. My first trip to Costa Rica I had it and trust me when I tell you it’s saved my life. I live in Florida now and I never go anywhere without it. After any time in the sun you can use this and you can believe that your skin will be nourished and moisturized it will not hurt and your skin will not peel if used properly. I said your skin will not peel. I love this product for it." —Kenneth It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them. Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too right? This makes my hair soooo soft and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good and it smells fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil and I will never use anything else but this." —Brianna Get it from Amazon for $18.77+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and five other formulas). 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! Promising review: "Super nourishing. I have extremely sensitive skin and this helps with protection from everyday friction and irritation from elements like wind burns. Will be repurchasing." —Tricia D. Wonderskin is a small business that specializes in makeup and skincare products. Promising reviews: "I am typically a skeptic about 'magical' beauty products. This, however, lives up to the advertising. I painted on the thick, purple liquid and waited a whole 10 seconds before spraying on the activator and peeling it off to reveal exactly what was promised. Beautiful bright pink lips, no smudging. It does not even feel like I am wearing lipstick. It smells nice, and when I lick my lips, it does not taste bad. I love lipstick, but it is off within 10 minutes, smudged onto my teeth or my coffee cup. This. changes. everything." —Jennifer Trasport Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 32 shades). Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action. 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. "Seriously amazing for the price. This product makes it look like I don't have a toddler who kept me up all night. Will definitely buy again." —Bethany Richardson Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Promising review: "So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nice without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." —jessica alexandra Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in six shades) 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. Promising reviews: "I have only used the two original pens that I purchased and can already see an improvement. I am older than 60 and drink coffee daily and red wine weekly." —vicki houska "I have extremely sensitive teeth from over-whitening in high school but this product has been such a lifesaver! I am a daily black coffee and red wine [drinker] so my teeth have taken a toll as far as staining goes. Seriously, I was very hesitant on getting this because of how sensitive my teeth are but I wish I got it sooner! This is such a great product!" —Mimi Doherty Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.95 (also available individually and in a four-pack). Promising review: "This mascara is the bomb! Every single time!! Works great! Makes lashes look long and beautiful in this black color. I just love this mascara! If you don't have many lashes, this works superbly in making people think you do! And works well for those with lots of lashes. They all stand out. Look a lot like fake lashes, or you can go light. AND THE BEST PART. The price is pretty awesome for such a great product! Highly recommend." —Mary Get it from Amazon for $10.82 (available in 11 colors). Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "Absolute sorcery. I have sagging skin at the jawline from weight loss. This stuff has absolutely helped! I’m really impressed. Has smoothed out the crepe paper look. Try it!" —S. Livingston "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 Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products like makeup and excess sebum that gets trapped in your pores. You then go in with a water-based cleanser to help get all the extra gross stuff off your face, like sweat and dirt. Promising review: "This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin; however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom, and my scarring doesn't look as deep! The cleanser has a light, clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua Heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" —Myshel Cagle Promising review: "E.l.f. has really stepped up their game lately! I was using Farmacy Makeup Meltaway, and I loved it, but it was very expensive. I decided to try the E.l.f brand because of the price, and it's the exact same thing! For $11, you can't go wrong with this product. I wear waterproof mascara, and this makes removing it super easy! My face feels super clean and hydrated after using this product. The product lasts for a good amount of time, too." —Haley McCaulley Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in four sizes and a two-pack). Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. It also is designed to be worn while you sleep! It's transfer-resistant so you don't have to worry about waking up to a slimey pillow. 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 $19 (available in a 16-pack and three other formulas). Promising reviews: "Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love." —Cheri whisker "I saw this product on TikTok. My feet were sort of rough, and I used it as directed, and after four applications, my feet were baby smooth. Now I didn’t soak my feet properly the first three times, but the fourth time I did, and it made a big difference." —Coresa Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in an extra-strength formula). Check out our Instagram post to see just how grippy it really is. Yup, that's me in the video and photo above! This is my HOLY GRAIL primer! I use it every time I have a big event or just need my makeup to last more than an hour. As an acne-prone girly, I've tried so many primers to find one that doesn't irritate my skin and actually leaves it looking relatively smooth. This one has yet to let me down! Make sure to wait 30 seconds before applying your foundation to ensure it has fully set, since it does go on a little tacky. Also, ALWAYS PAT IN for best results. I have made the mistake of rubbing it in like other primers, and it doesn't leave the same smooth finish, or it will clump up a little. The cooling gel is also so nice because it makes your skin feel hydrated and helps your makeup not flake off. It is water-based, so I recommend checking your foundation ingredients to ensure it is compatible. The rule of thumb is: Water-based primer goes with water-based foundation, and silicone-based primer goes with silicone-based foundation. Promising reviews: "I got hooked on a little sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but when I went to buy it...$36 for a relatively small bottle! I wanted to find a good alternative, so I bought this. It is PERFECT! Nearly identical formula. I have sensitive skin and this did not break me out. It really does help keep makeup on all day and makes your skin look smooth. I highly recommend this." —Allison Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "Best serum I ever bought. I use this product every day in the morning and before I go to sleep. The hydration is great and my skin's tone after I spray it on is so glimmered. It also has a soft scent. It’s definitely worth spending your money on this serum." —me Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." —Amazon Customer "LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." —Catie B. Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors). Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" —Ken BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "I treated myself to a few things from ColourPop's Valentine's Day collection, including this blush, and it did not disappoint!! I snagged shade Cuter Than Cupid, a gorgeous cherry magenta shade, and it's the perfect buildable blush (for context, I'm pretty pale with cool undertones). The packaging is also adorable; I love the smooth matte finish of the heart-shaped compact. (Psst — I also got and LOVE the eyeshadow palette from this same collection!)" Get it from ColourPop for $12 (available in two shades). Promising review: "I bought this after seeing an ad on TikTok. I'm skeptical, but I’m a sucker for this kinda stuff, but it is genuinely amazing. I tested it on all the different areas of my body. It didn’t do a thing to my well-exfoliated palm, but my face, legs, LIPS… baby soft with big balls of dead skin coming off. Like one of those Korean exfoliating gloves, but you don’t have to scrub like you do with those. You just gently rub it in, and your dead skin peels away. I even had a weird callous on my arm that keeps regrowing [and] it smoothed it down so cleanly. This stuff is truly magic. Just WOW." —Nellie Get it from Amazon for $18.80 (available in three styles). Check out a TikTok of the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder in action. Promising review: "I loved this setting powder, it blurred my pores and blended my makeup so well that even my husband noticed. Wow! I will be buying more before people find it and sell it all out, hehehe." —Charlotte Laim The number of capsules vs the amount of gel you use — you mix it together on your hand first — depends on your skin type. 1:2 for oily skin, 1:1 for normal and combination skin, and 2:1 for dry skin. Promising review: "Love how this makes my skin feel. I have been using it for three weeks and can tell a difference in my face. But the real surprise came from the difference I saw on the top of my hands. I usually take the product and mix it on the top of my hand, then apply it to my face. Well, my 60-year-old hands are plumper and look more refreshed. So if it’s doing that to my hand, then it’s great for my face." —Dally Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (available in four other styles). It works for all curl types from 2a–4c. Promising reviews: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel-dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." —Marissa "My baby has curly hair, and since the texture is a lot different than mine, I have been trying out different products for her hair. I saw this one on TikTok and decided to give it a try. It is slowly becoming one of my go-to products for her! It does not leave the hair crunchy at all, and it moisturizes her curls nicely. Also smells good!" —Heather Get it from Amazon for $4.22 (also available in a two-pack). See a TikTok review of the shaver here! For best results, the brand recommends stretching your skin with one hand, laying the blade flat, and then shaving against the grain. Promising review: "I tell everyone about this! No nicks, cuts, or razor bumps! The battery life is surprisingly long, too! I use this ALL over my body. Trust me when I tell you it saves you time and pain compared to a normal razor!! Seriously, never going back to a plastic one after this!" —Holly Promising review: "I have really sensitive skin. Most toners or exfoliating pads will leave my skin dry and irritated. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, these medicube pads are magical, and I saw results within the first 24 hours! I decided to try these to combat sebaceous filaments as mine were worsening. The pads have minimized the look of the filaments/pores and leaves my whole face looking fresh and polished. I feel like these are the beauty secret weapon that no one told me about." —M. Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90 (available in four other styles). Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I'd been going back and forth whether I should buy it for between waxes, as my skin is sensitive and I'm prone to ingrown hairs and overall skin irritation. I have to say I wish I'd purchased it sooner. I use it daily and I've noticed a big difference! I've found that exfoliating is key before applying it for best results. I still get irritation from time to time, but I've been using this solution daily for the past three weeks and have noticed really positive changes in my skin where it usually gets irritated! Due to the roller ball, it doesn't release too much product on application so a little can go a long way! My first body care product from Peach and Lily and I will definitely be reordering once this bottle runs out!" —Claire H. Here's what Buzzfeed Shopping writer Gabriela Manjarrez has to say: "I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after see how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly; it's like your skin is saying, "Gimme gimme gimme!!" Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs Get it from Amazon for $17.89 (also available in a two-pack). 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 of 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 styles). Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. And read more about how rosemary oil could be helpful for encouraging hair growth at Cleveland Clinic. Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Promising review: "My hair was starting to thin rapidly in my mid-20s. Thankfully, I caught it early. I started using this shampoo regularly, and haven’t done any other treatments. The thinning immediately slowed and eventually stopped. It’s six years later, and I still have a great, full head of hair. Judging by my family history, I should be totally bald by now, and this product is the only thing I've used. I credit this stuff with saving my hair! What a miracle!" —Amazon Customer Promising review: "The patches work great, I could see difference just after few uses. They stick really good and stay on all night. They feel cool and soothing and I love how easy they are to use. Highly recommend!" —M. Brinson Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two other styles). Watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks! Promising review: "This lipstick is a game changer. It goes on and stays on well. It is pretty sheer, but buildable. I have trouble with most red lipsticks turning pink after a bit. So, I will put this over my other colors, and it absolutely makes a difference. It's a great staple to keep in your cosmetic bag. It is something I will definitely buy again. You should absolutely try it!" —Amy H. Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in pink honey!). This comes with a kit containing 10 toenail braces and tools for application. Each brace lasts 3–6 weeks. Promising review: "I used to be in sports all through middle and high school, and it really messed up my left foot overall, especially my big toe. I was always embarrassed by my big toe during the summer that I’d put a bandage over it to make it seem like it was injured. Finding someone to fix your toe is expensive, and I don’t have that kind of money at the moment. Started doing research on ways to do so, and this one was the best way. It does take some practice, but once attached, it should not move. Your toes will hurt for a day. Like a dense pain. Not sharp. I saw a difference in about two weeks. I’m a month in on the most severe toe, and no more ingrown toenail!" —Sandra L. Bounce Curl is a small business that specializes in curl brushes. Check out a TikTok of the Edgelift Curl Brush in action. Reviewers say this works best for 2a–3c curl types. Promising review: "Best brush hands down, I am a mixed girl with thick curly hair, and when I run this brush through my hair wet, it does magic. My curls after using this in the shower to detangle are amazing, then I use my choice of product to style it row by row, and it gives me bouncy curls that help cover more scalp but separate effectively. It's extremely sturdy. I break brushes all the time, and this one lasts!!!" —Janay K Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in three colors). Hey, you don't ever have to smooth flyaways or lay your edges, but if you want to, this works! Promising reviews: "This stuff is remarkable! Soft, not gooey, easy to apply with sufficient hold, retains ability to hold down the fuzzies until washed out at next wash day. It has no smell that I could detect, and if I run my hand over the places I’ve smoothed down, it doesn’t feel oily or sticky like gels or hairspray. This is much easier to work with than many styling pastes, waxes, or creams that come in a round flat jar, because the application stick means it doesn’t build up under your fingernails while trying to tame the flyaways... I have 2B-3B waves and curls..." —mamafirebird "I have 4A-4B curls. When my hair is straight, there are a few spots that are a little frizzier than others, which, to me, isn't a big deal. Some flyaways, however, were the biggest reason why I got this. It lays the baby hairs and is a little bit of a heavier product. I will say you just have to be careful if you're not used to using heavy products. The first time I used it, I just put a little in my hands and then put it where it was needed." —Jay Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks). * Reviewers Call These 32 Beauty Products A “Miracle” And You’re About To Become Their Newest Believer * "I've Gone Through Four Bottles Now": 30 K-Beauty Products That'll Make You Wonder Why You Waited So Long To Try Them * 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 Plus, lip stains 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.
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