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You’re An Overachiever, Your Beauty Items Should Be Too: Here Are 27 That Excel At Their Jobs
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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 Beauty, skin, and hair products that never call out sick or take vacation days. I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels. Promising reviews: "This is by far the best setting spray I have ever used! I only spray it once in the morning after I put my makeup on and it lasts all day. I'm a mom of two who have special needs, and let me tell you, I put that spray to the test. Water doesn't make it come off, hands touching your face your makeup won't come off. It's just simply amazing. This is my third time buying this product. I won't go with anything else. In my opinion, it worked better than waterproof/smudge-proof makeup. It's not greasy; it pairs beautifully with a light shine for a natural look. I also have extremely sensitive skin, and it did not affect me in any way. I wear full coverage foundation, and after spraying this setting spray, I feel like I'm not wearing anything. Very lightweight. Yes, it is a higher price point, but I think it's worth paying the little extra." —Stacy M. "This is my holy grail setting spray. If I want to lock my makeup down like super glue, this is my go-to. If it’s going to rain or I will be sweating, I know this will hold. This is definitely worth the money!!" —Laura Brant Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes and two-packs). Promising reviews: "I love the color, goes on smooth, not sticky, dries fast, no need to blot. The color lasted all day through eating and a rain storm! It didn’t flake or fade. Shipping was fast! This is a must-try!" —patti "Wore this for a Jazz Age party, using it as both a lip color and rouge. I set it with a generic setting spray, but even on its own, it lasted through 90-degree heat, two bouts of rain, drinking and eating, and more than eight hours of wear. I had to scrub pretty hard to get it off, actually. Worth the buy." —ALHarvey Get it from Amazon for $6.48+ (available in 43 shades). Promising reviews: "I absolutely love L’Oréal Lumi Glotion! It gives my skin the most beautiful, fresh glow without looking greasy or glittery. The formula is lightweight and blends effortlessly, making my skin look fresh, radiant, and naturally luminous. I love that it can be worn alone for a 'no-makeup' glow, mixed with foundation for an extra boost of radiance, or applied as a subtle highlight on high points of the face. It hydrates well, feels comfortable all day, and instantly makes my complexion look more awake and smooth. For the price, the quality is incredible — this has become a staple in my makeup routine, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing!" —Nathaniel "I refuse to stop using this stuff at this point. Most days, I use it instead of foundation because it makes my skin look glowy, healthier, and more awake without feeling heavy. It gives that 'your skin but having a much better week' look instead of thick makeup energy. I just throw this on with a little concealer and mascara and feel way more put together. One of my forever repurchase products for sure." —rbp47 Get it from Amazon for $14.51+ (available in four shades, two sizes, and two packs). Promising reviews: "I'm honestly impressed with this blow dryer brush. It works amazingly well and leaves my hair looking smooth and styled without needing a flat iron afterward. Super easy and comfortable to use, even if you've never used one before. It leaves almost no frizz, doesn't pull or tangle the hair, and feels very gentle while drying and styling. My hair looks soft, shiny, and salon-finished every time. Definitely one of my favorite purchases." —Naidy Sanchez "I have to say WOW! I don’t know why I haven’t tried this product before, but it’s definitely a life changer! My old blow-dryer died, and it normally took me about an hour and a half to straighten my thick, super-dry hair! I promise you it only took me 20 minutes/10 minutes per side to dry and straighten my hair. It is bulky, but it does the job, and I loved the results! For my type of hair, this is a 10 out of 10! For all heat products, use a good hair heat protectant!" —Carlos Get it from Amazon for $42.90+ (available in two colors and three styles). Promising review: "This blush has a smooth, buttery texture that blends effortlessly into the skin. The shade 'Back and Butta' gives a natural-looking flush with great color payoff and buildable pigment. It wears well throughout the day (up to 12 hours) without looking patchy and is resistant to fading and transfer. The lightweight, vegan formula feels comfortable on the skin, making it perfect for everyday use. One of the best drugstore blushes I’ve tried, excellent quality for the price. Highly recommend!" —Prima Aubrey Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "If you are looking for a product that truly does it all, this is it. The It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination has become a permanent staple in my makeup routine for one simple reason: it makes my skin look absolutely flawless. Unlike traditional full-coverage foundations that can look flat or 'cakey,' this CC cream uses light-filtering pigments to blur imperfections. It hides redness, pigmentation, and pores effortlessly while leaving a beautiful, radiant glow that makes my skin look healthy and hydrated. Pro Tip: Since this version is quite hydrating, if you have oily skin, try setting your T-zone with a light translucent powder to keep the glow exactly where you want it." —Carolyn Veccia Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "To start off, I’ve been dealing with acne for seven years! I’ve been to a dermatologist, but nothing ever really worked for me. But this spray has helped my skin SOOOO much. I don’t feel insecure about my back acne anymore; it’s smoothed out my skin on my chest and arms. I also do a light spray over my face, and I look amazing!" —Mya Get it from Amazon for $14.87+ (available in one or two packs). Promising reviews: "I have NEVER seen such a remarkably noticeable difference with any hair product I’ve ever used, and I mean that quite literally. I had been using Olaplex No 5 leave-in and then a heat protectant/smoothing spray. This one product replaces them both, and my hair was MUCH softer and smoother. There was also far less hair on my brush after blow-drying and styling, which is a huge deal for someone like me, dealing with menopausal hair loss. Yeah, it’s a little more $ than your drugstore brands, but $16 for a 10-ounce bottle, especially given how well it works, is a steal in my book!" —Shannon "Let's talk about a hair product that actually works: the It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In. Honestly, this stuff is a game changer. It promises ten benefits in one easy spray — think detangling, fighting frizz, and major shine — and it totally delivers. The best part? It’s super lightweight. You spray it on after your shower, and boom, your hair is instantly softer and way easier to manage, with zero greasy feeling. It uses cool ingredients like silk amino acids to basically baby your hair, protecting it from blow dryers and everyday life. If you have tangled, dry hair that’s a pain to style, this is your new best friend. It just makes everything smoother, softer, and genuinely healthier. It’s a little bottle of magic you’ll be obsessed with. Trust me, it’s worth grabbing if you want great hair without the fuss." —Tsveta Ivanova Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in six sizes). Promising reviews: "I’ve got oily eyelids. I’m Asian, things smudge, smear, and transfer because of the shape of my eyes. I have tried dozens upon dozens of liquid liners. I’ve worn liquid liner almost every day for the past two decades and I’ve tried every famous and non-famous niche brand you can think of. I’m currently testing it in tropical southeast Asian jungle humidity. That means it’s 90 degrees out and averaging 80%+ humidity. To make things worse, I am sweatinnnnng. I am running all day. I took TWO showers. RESULTS? This magical eyeliner did not budge! I looked fantastic, AFTER my TWO showers and 12 hours of humidity. I did my eyeliner in the morning and it sat unmoved in the most difficult of makeup environments the entire day. I did not use setting spray, I did not set it with eyeshadow, I even tight-lined with it — UN. MOVED." —Ohpham "Been using this eyeliner for about a month (maybe longer) and holy moly. It's amazing. Pigmented and long lasting. Super lightweight. I'm a waitress so I work and sweat a lot, it stays on all day. I’ve cried in it and had full-on panic attacks with it on and it still looks amazing! 10/10 recommend." —Cadence Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in two shades). Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The anti-frizz spray lasts all day and I live in Florida. I have bought this product twice already and will continue as this is the first one I have used that actually works. It leaves your hair soft and smooth and there is no greasy buildup." —Stefany J. Desper Promising reviews: "This is the best eye makeup primer I've ever used. I've struggled for years to find a primer that doesn't crease and keeps my makeup on my eyelid, and my eye shadow color vibrant. This primer kept my eye makeup intact for HOURS. Last week, I used it before going out. My friends had planned a surprise party for me, and this primer kept my makeup on through the happy surprise tears! I love it and will be ordering again." —Abby123 "Definitely the best primer I have ever used. Will definitely buy again. I was crease free the whole day till I took off my makeup at the end of the day. I have ordered very expensive primers before and the did not work this is the ONLY one that actually worked for me." —Angie R. Just a heads up: this facial cleanser doesn't foam! Just apply to skin, massage, and rinse — no bubbles necessary. Promising reviews: "So gentle! Love this cleanser! I use it on my face and body, it works great! It doesn’t strip my skin barrier and I feel like my skin has gotten so much healthier since I started using this! I believe I first purchased it in February of this year, and I am about to receive my third bottle. Highly recommend!" —Ana "Been using this for years, and I mean years (thirty-ish). My teenage daughter at the time was using it and after trying hers I found it worked so well I never stopped using it. I'm now in my 70s and honestly feel it keeps my face clean, soft and moisturized." —Cali Promising review: "I am absolutely obsessed with this multi-use stick! It has quickly become my go-to for achieving a fresh, glowy look in under five minutes. I love that I can use one product for my eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s a total game changer for my morning routine and keeps my makeup bag from getting cluttered. The cream-to-powder formula is incredibly creamy and lightweight. It glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly with just my fingertips, melting right into the skin for a natural finish. This has quickly become a top item on my favorite things list!" —Audrey "I absolutely love this! It melts into my skin. I put it directly on my face and use my ring finger to dab it in. It melts in and stays put. It does not slide around or melt off in the South Carolina heat! The shade is perfect!" —joli tumbleston Get it from Amazon for $5 (available in seven shades). Promising reviews: "I’ve tried name-brand and drugstore mascara, and this is hands down the best I’ve ever tried. Doesn’t flake off, curls lashes well with the type of brush provided, the color is amazing, no weird smells, lasts so long, and can withstand swimming, crying, sweating, etc. I’ve even showered with it on, and it’s still there when I am done, no need to even reapply." —amanda w. "I love this mascara. The wand applicator is super easy to use and keeps my lashes separate and nonclumpy. The formula makes it stay on even through crying over a breakup. Mascara: 10/10. Ex-boyfriend: 0/10." —Sarah Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (available in two shades). Promising review: "Wow! That’s how I’ll start this review off. These (I bought two, then immediately purchased two more shades) shadows are so easy to apply. The color is deep and shimmery, easy to work with and blend. Once applied, it stays put, too, no creeping away from the eye area. I even rubbed my eye at one point — it didn’t transfer to my hand. And when I checked my look in a mirror, expecting to see my shadow blurred or removed, it wasn’t. All looked as if I had just applied it. Please also note that it is super easy to remove when you’re ready to go to bed — a little makeup remover, and you’re all done. I love this product — lasts for hours — and all the color choices too! The price is great too." —LLA "I am impressed with the Julep Eyeshadow Cream to Powder Waterproof Shadow sticks. I have tried other brands and they do not glide on as smoothly or have the rich color of the Julep brand. As a mature woman, I appreciate that the product does not settle in wrinkles but glides over making a smooth-looking lid. I also find them so easy to travel with and they don't take up much space in my makeup bag, no brush or applicator needed! There are so many great colors to choose from and they are easy to remove at the end of the day with a makeup cleansing wipe." —MD Ochoa Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 37 shades). Promising review: "I already knew I loved this makeup before I bought it. However, I did not realize how much I love the makeup. I have been up since 3:45 a.m. I put my makeup on roughly about 4:15 to leave and go to a football state championship in not amazing weather conditions. There was jumping, there was shouting, there was humidity times a thousand, there was drizzling rain, and there was sweat. This makeup outlasted hugging football players, coaches, and fans. It outlasted crying and spending time with the cheerleaders I coach. It outlasted falling asleep on the bus ride home. This makeup and coverage are still good enough to go out to dinner in. There will never be another for me!!" —Suzie Owens Get it from Amazon for $29.40+ (available in 28 shades). Promising review: "I'm absolutely blown away by its performance! This concealer has quickly become a holy grail product in my makeup routine for several reasons. First and foremost, the coverage of this concealer is truly remarkable. It offers full coverage without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin, effortlessly camouflaging dark circles, blemishes, and imperfections with just a small amount of product. The waterproof and matte formula is another standout feature of this concealer. Once applied, it sets to a matte finish that stays put through heat, humidity, and even sweat, making it perfect for long days or special occasions when I need my makeup to stay flawless from morning ’til night. Plus, the waterproof formula means that I never have to worry about my concealer smudging or fading throughout the day. Overall, I can't recommend the L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer highly enough!" —Daisy Mae "I use this to cover up a tattoo I deeply regret in a highly visible area. I apply this, let it dry for one minute, blend it slightly with a Beauty Blender, add pressed powder on top, setting spray, and voila! The tattoo is gone. It is just so thick and high coverage, buildable, blends easily, and leaves a beautiful finish. Great price, too." —a1404743 Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in 20 shades). Promising reviews: "This is the best makeup setting spray out there. I’ve tried so many and will never stray from this. There is no oiliness; it sets my makeup, and even if I cry, my mascara or eyeliner doesn't move. You don’t need a lot, so for the price, the coverage is great, and it doesn’t streak your makeup. It’s a fine mist that helps your makeup stay in place all day. Great value for what you pay, you don’t need to blend it, just spray and go! My skin is oily, and I have always had mascara under my eyes during the day. I was always running to the bathroom to check. With the CT setting spray, it doesn’t go into your lines and stays put the whole day! My all-time favorite setting spray." —Samantha Osterud "As a licensed cosmetologist, I don’t hand out 5-star reviews lightly — but this setting spray absolutely earned it. I recently purchased this specifically to lock in makeup for a film shoot where I needed to completely cover a dark forearm tattoo. The makeup application involved several layers of color correction, coverage products, powder, and setting techniques, and I was concerned about transfer, fading, or breakdown during a long day outdoors in the sun. This spray exceeded every expectation. After applying my makeup and finishing with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, the tattoo coverage stayed intact throughout the entire shoot. I experienced virtually no transfer onto clothing, and the makeup maintained its appearance despite hours outside in the heat and sunlight. The finish looked natural — not heavy, sticky, or overly matte — and it helped everything meld together beautifully." —trish Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in three sizes). Promising reviews: "First and foremost, I got compliments from my husband, sons, and the lady at the checkout counter, my first time using it. I did the wash, towel dry, product application, and then proceeded to get busy as hell and forgot to rinse for about an hour. Oops! Rinsed, towel dried, blow dried, and my HAIR WAS GORGEOUS. I am 40, and the health of my hair is not what it was at 20. It is dry, tangly, and difficult at best to make look really good. This product brought my hair back to the softness and shininess of my 20s. Downside, it doesn't look as good after the next wash and regular condition, so to expect those results again, you are going to have to apply again. Upside, it is inexpensive for the amount of joy it brings me. I am currently purchasing my second tube, so I don't run out without a backup. My butt-length highlighted hair, and I are in heaven. Thank you, Elizavecca!" —Elizabeth E. "My hair was Fried with a capital F after the many bleach treatments I've subjected it to. I was debating whether or not to throw in the towel and shave it. I decided to use this as a hair mask as a last-ditch effort, and it turned my hair to pure silk. I've been using it as a conditioner about once every couple of weeks, and my hair has never been healthier, and my curls have never popped more. Truly a miracle substance." —Levi Promising reviews: "I don’t normally do reviews, but I need to with this. For some reason, my dandruff was getting worse. I saw this stuff and put it on my scalp at night. Washed my hair in the morning, and the difference was wild. The amount of dandruff I had dropped dramatically. So I will definitely keep using this stuff." –Amazon Customer "This is a miracle. My hair was thinning, and my hairline was starting to recede. I read the reviews and thought I’d give it a try. Immediately, I noticed my hair was less brittle, and after about four weeks, I noticed my hair was growing in. My hairline is filling in again. I am so thankful. I use it at night. It’s too oily for me during the day." —robert valeriote Just tap the powder onto your hair and run it through your roots with your hands. Once distributed through the hair, it'll absorb grease. Promising review: "I was skeptical of the plain, original formula because I have dark brown (almost black) hair. And it is nearly impossible to find dry shampoo that doesn't leave a white cast. But this stuff???!!! It's AMAZING. It has ZERO scent. It blends PERFECTLY. Application is EASY AND FUN! I am genuinely in awe. I apply this powder to my trouble areas before bed, and when I wake up, my day-two hair looks exactly the same as my day-one hair. No grease, no white cast. This powder does dry out my scalp just a tad, but not enough to knock off a star. I am a customer for life." —Tiffany S. "This is the best powder I have found, and better than the available drugstore sprays. I have light brown/dark blond ash tone hair (color 6A and 7A), and there is no visible white cast unless I use too much powder. It does a great job at reducing the oily/greasy look. For my fine, slick hair, it is an advantage that it adds more volume and texture, although it does seem to tangle more easily. I figure this is part of having texture. It certainly makes it easier to put it up and tease the crown, and it stays better when I use the powder. The scent is not noticeable after the first five minutes and is NOT a fake-smell scent." —Opinions4U Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two scents, one and three packs, and refill packs). Promising review: "It really does work for everything! I absolutely love this stuff. I spray it every evening after washing my face, and it helps keep my rosacea in check. It is friendly for sensitive skin and improves a variety of issues, including eczema, rashes, acne, and minor scratches. I always keep some at hand since it works for a lot of stuff, and I often get small cuts, scrapes, and nicks from my job. Love that it is unscented and just the pure formulation." —Carolina del Sol Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and one and three packs). Promising reviews: "I don’t say this lightly — I’m very particular about skincare, and I buy this cream over and over. This is one of the few products that actually lives up to the 'multifunction' claim. It works beautifully as a moisturizer, but where it really shines for me is as a makeup base. It gives that smooth, hydrated look without feeling heavy or greasy. Rich but not thick, and it sinks in quickly. Leaves the skin soft with a subtle glow — no pilling, no weird residue under makeup. Keeps my skin hydrated all day. Makeup sits better and looks more natural. Works well even when my skin is being picky or dry. It has a light, clean scent (not overpowering, but worth noting if you’re sensitive)If you’re very oily, you might prefer using a smaller amount. This is one of those rare products that stays in rotation no matter what else I try. If you want something simple, effective, and consistently good — this is it." —JChil2026 "The product, tested and recommended by Wirecutter, was exactly as they described. Being a user of many products over the years, this Embryolisse Lait-Crème was especially great as a makeup primer and face moisturizer. It beats many more expensive products." —Lizzie Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "This K-Beauty powder is amazing! It instantly controls shine without leaving my skin looking flat or dry. The ultra-fine texture feels super lightweight and smooth, and the blue hyaluronic acid keeps my skin comfortable while still giving that soft, semi-matte finish. I love how it blurs pores and sets makeup perfectly, lasting all day without caking. The velvet puff makes it easy to apply on the go, too. A must-have for anyone who wants shine control but still wants a natural glow." —Thought You Oughta Know "This stuff is fantastic! Kept my makeup looking fresh all day through the humid Florida summer. Love how it takes the shine out of my face and lightly blurs my pores. Forever part of my daily routine." —Sparky Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in refills and with a keychain). Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this lip balm! The color is so pretty and natural, it gives just the right amount of tint without being too much. It’s perfect for everyday wear. The formula is super smooth and hydrating, and it feels really comfortable on the lips. Not sticky at all, just soft and lightweight. Definitely one of those easy go-to products you can throw on anytime and still feel put together!" —Amazon Customer "Wear it every day, sheer and beautiful color. Goes over regular lipstick to add shine, too!" —Pam E. Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in three shades). Promising reviews: "I actually really liked this product. I usually don’t like plumping lip products as it hurts my lips, but this one was so mild, I don’t mind it at all! I also really liked the scent; it smells amazing, and I don’t usually like mint. As for hydration, I personally found it very hydrating and very cushiony. I tend to have peeling/chapped lips, and when I put this on, it kept my lips hydrated." —Sephora Customer "I am a very avid lip balm fan, and when I tell you, this is the BEST balm I’ve ever used, I mean it! This is thick and richly nourishing. The consistency is like the Ole Henrikson without any stickiness. It is so mildly tingly but in a cooling way. The scent is so nice and sweet, like a candy cane, without being too strong. I put this on at night and feel it on my lips the next morning! This has replaced all my lip masks. I actually do see fullness after using this for a couple of weeks, too." —Sadiebug1 Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in two styles). Promising review: "I purchased this product when my stylist recommended it after I put merlot highlights in my hair. Clenditioner works really well, better than I expected. I wear plastic gloves when I apply it, as your hands will get stained. WEAR PLASTIC GLOVES. My hair looks like day one of getting it done, and it's been 4+ weeks. Highly recommended 5**** My hair is really hydrated as well. I have dry frizzy curly hair, and I'm 40 years old." —laura "I’ll be honest: When I read the reviews, I was nervous. Only because there were no reviews for my hair type. I’m 3c, so for those that are natural and understand, my hair is very kinky curly. As a Black woman, it’s important that I find products that work for my texture. I grabbed this to touch up my color and make it more vibrant, so I don’t have to always dye it. It worked amazingly. A great refresher for gingers wanting to boost their color, and no big commitment. It’s definitely a buildable color. I see working on this maybe every few weeks for a touch-up. Love it!" —The Alexis Henry Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 20 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 have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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