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Consider this your emergency contact list for when your skin starts acting a fool.

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.

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 $7.18 (also available as a two-pack). 

Psst — a lot of reviewers mentioned this also helped prevent peeling and itching!

Promising review: "I bought this product to take on our vacation. I am so glad I did. I got burnt on my lower legs and tops of my feet. I thought I had put enough sunscreen on. I didn't. That night, I woke with my legs and feet both burning and itching. The instant I put this on, I had relief. OMG, I cannot say enough about this stuff. Buy it. Keep it on hand. Great product. Thank you, Burt's Bees!" —D.S. 

Feel free to also use them on areas like your shoulders or upper back!

Promising review: "Over the last few weeks of using this product I can definitely see the glowing and lightening up of my face. I have received comments of my face looks brighter, an that my skin seems more even toned. I also haven’t noticed much of my light spots either. Highly recommend using this product. There is no scent, which is helpful because my face is sensitive." —Jaden Davis

Get it from Amazon for $18.90 (also available in six other formulas, including their beloved zero pore pads).

Promising review: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. The dead skin comes off effortlessly. There's no waiting time, and it's gentle on the skin. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." —KimT

Get it from Amazon for $5.48 (also available in a pack of two).

YAAAALLLL! This cream literally changed my life as a lifetime member of the Thick Thigh Posse! It leaves such a silky matte finish between your thighs that feels so divine when wearing shorts or dresses. Trust that I have tried many, many products to beat chafing, and this is by far one of my top faves.

Promising review: "This is the holy grail of no chafing!!! I live by this in the summer, or anytime I have to wear swimsuits, shorts, dresses, or skirts. Goes on easily and does not feel greasy or gross on your thighs. It's unscented, so no strange smells. It also lasts for a long time — lasted all day for a Disney Trip. Best working stuff I have found, works much better than products that are in a deodorant stick style. I will never be without this chafing cream, even my husband has used this!" —aberfitchgr534

Get it from Amazon for $7.47 (also available in a pack of four or 24).

Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. 

Promising reviews: "I am a lotion user every single day. I use face moisturizers that I love. I am over the moon by 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 buy larger containers of it." —Kimberly P. 

"This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using 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 'face lift.' 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

Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a pack of three).

Eight Saints is a small business that specializes in skincare products. 

Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of all things Eight Saints. I have sensitive skin, and this is the first skincare line that I have seen results in my skin texture and fine lines while not triggering my eczema. When I saw they added this neck cream to their product line, I knew I had to try it. At 39 years old, I've noticed some loss in firmness of my skin on my neck, and when I wake up in the morning, I have wrinkles on my decolletage from side sleeping. I started using this about a week ago, and I've already noticed improvements in the fine lines on my neck, plus when I wake up in the morning, no more wrinkles on my chest! It's so smooth, thick, and creamy, but rubs into your skin with ease, and it's so hydrating. Top quality product again from Eight Saints!" —Ms Leach 

Promising review: "I have combination skin, and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha, but then I saw this. With the price, I thought if it doesn’t work, it isn’t a huge deal. I’m never going back, this is like the exact same thing, and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker, BUT THAT'S GOOD because it’s BARELY thicker, and that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven’t tried it, I soooo highly recommend." —Zkvy7

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and in packs of two). 

Poppy & Pout is a small biz that creates 100% natural beauty products.

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 the 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 (also available in 10 other flavors).

Promising review: "This little device has completely upgraded my skincare routine. It’s easy to use, feels very gentle on my skin, and helps my products absorb so much better. I love the different modes and how I can customize them depending on whether I want a soothing, relaxing treatment or something more lifting and firming. The design is sleek, lightweight, and comfortable to hold, and the battery life has been great so far. I’ve noticed that my skin looks smoother and more 'glowy' when I use it consistently. If you’re serious about skincare and want a tool that actually feels high-quality and effective, this is a fantastic buy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" —Ana Julia

Get it from Amazon for $194.99+ (available in pink or black).

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 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 

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).

Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. 

Promising review: "I am so impressed with the quality and longevity of this essence! I’ve been using it every single day, twice a day, for over a month now, and the bottle is still practically full. I use about 6 drops per application (12 drops a day), and it barely looks like I’ve touched it! It is completely unscented — which was a surprise since the Innisfree Cherry Blossom line smells so divine — but the performance makes up for it. It is hands-down the best product I’ve found for keeping my skin hydrated and glowing. If you want a high-quality product that actually lasts, this is it!" —Carolina Londoño Mesa

Megababe is a woman-owned small business!

Promising review: “Works amazing. Doesn’t really have an odor and helps keep me dry and from getting rashes under and around my boobs from my bras and bathing suits. This is my second time purchasing this product an it will not be my last. I love that I’ve found this company that has such great practical solutions to many of my feminine issues." —JMJA Family

Get it from from Amazon for $15.97 (also available in a two-pack).

If you are new to the world of Burke Williams, they are basically the pioneers of the day spa experience we've come to know and love today, and they launched a skincare line so peeps can recreate their beloved spa experience at home. I got to try this mask, and it is SO perfect for folks that want a hydrating, but less heavy mask for the summer. It has an almost aloe-vera-like consistency, but it's suuuuper lightweight and just melts into your skin. It is very reminiscent to me of Laniege's Water Bank Gel Moisturizer, but in a mask form. And it feels so cooling when applying, too!

The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of 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." —Placeholder

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in five shades). 

And if you want to make your own pore pads with this, here are some cotton rounds, too!

Promising review: "I have oily skin, and this toner has become a staple in my routine. I primarily use it as a second-step cleanser after washing my face, and occasionally as a quick mask by applying it with cotton pads for a few minutes. It effectively removes any leftover impurities and excess oil without over-drying. The 16-ounce bottle is huge and very affordable — excellent value for money. I appreciate that it contains 100% natural witch hazel, but please note it also includes 14% Natural Grain Alcohol. You can definitely smell the alcohol when applying, but it doesn’t feel harsh on my skin. After use, my face feels fresh, clean, and never sticky or tight. It truly helps refine pores and control shine throughout the day. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a straightforward, effective, and budget-friendly toner!" —Jeannie

Get it from Amazon for $5.84 (also available in a two-pack).

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 

I actually got this to compare with the sample of Laneige's lip sleeping mask that I got as my Sephora birthday gift, and I think this is an amazing, inexpensive alternative. I did like the Laneige mask better, but in this economy, I'm not always going to be able to shell out the money for it. So, I think E.l.f.'s version is an excellent backup, especially considering the price.

Promising review: "Hydrates even the driest lips in a 0% humidity New Mexico December. Works fast, smells good, and costs less than a lot of other products. This is my go-to for cracked, dry lips." —Molly Goehring

Get it from Amazon for $7 (also available in a two-pack).

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 as 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 kept regrowing, and it smoothed it down so cleanly. This stuff is truly magic. Just WOW." —Nellie

Get it from Amazon for $20.97 (also available in five other formulas). 

Freaks of Nature is a small biz, founded by 11x world surfing champion Kelly Slater, that creates high-performance skincare products for peeps who love to be active or outdoors.

Promising review: "This entire line is amazing. My skin looks and feels great. My dermatologist is amazed by the results. I usually buy directly, but I did a last-minute gift order. The people I gifted it to are now hooked. It’s so great to get off the grime after a day in the hot Florida sun." —Nikki D'

Promising review: "I use this product daily because my feet sweat a lot. It's completely transparent when applied, as long as you shake it before use. Otherwise, it creates a whitish film. It controls perspiration and doesn't dry out the feet. It lasts all day. It doesn't stain socks or shoes. It acts as a deodorant, and a bottle for daily use can last up to two months if used sparingly. It's totally worth it, and its transparent appearance even allows you to wear it in open-toed shoes. It also eliminates bad odors." —Mey

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $22.99.

The formula is aluminum-free, so it won't stop sweating, but the tapioca powder can help absorb it.

Happy Nuts is a small business specializing in grooming products.

Promising review: "This stuff is 5–10 times better than regular powder! It instantly soothes irritation, deodorizes after a shower, and quiets the chafe after long sessions on the treadmill. I can't recommend it enough! Stop buying/using Gold Bond and other similar powders, and start using this. I'll be buying two more tubes in the near future." —Devin G.

Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in four scents, including unscented, and packs of two and 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 $13+ (available in two sizes, a two-pack, and in a light version).

Promising review: "This body spray has helped clear up stubborn back and shoulder breakouts better than anything I’ve tried. The 360-degree spray makes it super easy to apply, even to hard-to-reach spots. It dries quickly, doesn’t stain clothes, and has a clean finish. After a couple of weeks of consistent use, I saw smoother skin and fewer breakouts. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky. Definitely recommend for anyone dealing with body acne." —Rosiemelisa

Get it from Amazon for $12.74 (also available as a two-pack). 

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 $17.40+ (available in three sizes). 

I own this and ***cannot stress enough*** how important it is to start with the ultra-sensitive disc first and then work your way up to the more coarse discs. It is truly imperative that you heed this advice in order for this tool to give you the best results, as well as for you not to end up with some nasty burn scars. I love this and have definitely seen improvement in my skin's texture with consistent use. But just for context, I still use the ultra-sensitive discs, and I've been using this for months. The more coarse discs are recommended for other parts of your body, like hands and feet, where your skin is a little tougher. And then your face will def feel a lil' raw after doing it, so I also pair it with a face mask afterward to calm everything down.

Promising review: "This is an awesome upgrade in my skincare routine. I recently started paying more attention to my skin and finding ways to care for it. I decided to give this a try, and I am so glad that I did! I have very large pores, and that [has] been my main issue to overcome. Even within the first use with the softest head, I could already tell a visible difference. I can’t wait to see how much better my pores look [in] 12 weeks! I love that the system comes with very thorough instructions, and there is a video you can watch with all the info that you need. I would recommend doing this at night and hydrating well in case you experience any mild redness. I can tell that with consistent use, this is going to make a huge difference to my skin! I am so glad that the system comes with different Brush strengths for different types of skin. If you are looking to step up your skin care game, this is a very worthy investment, and I highly recommend it!" —Sab Ral

Get it from Amazon for $159+ (available in seven colors).

This highly concentrated formula contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, which helps repair damage while moisturizing your skin.

Promising review: "Skincare game changer. I started using this two years ago, and this product has transformed my skin completely! I have dull, dry skin, and this helps hydrate and makes my complexion look healthy and hydrated. I use this under my moisturizer day and night." —Nhi Luu

Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (also available as a two-pack).  

Promising reviews: "It's inexpensive, and it smoothed my bottom. Good purchase for the price!" —Carey S. 

"Who would've thought? My new obsession: BUTT MASKS. Best used right before a beach/bikini day. Leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Helps lessen visibility of cellulite." —Kellie Daniel

Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in three other formulas).

Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars, I would. The consistency is perfection. It's thick, silky but not greasy, and the scent is dreamy. I think my skin cried when I put it on. I have only used it three times, but I have already ordered another jar so I don't run out!" —The Flying White Boxers 

Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (also available in three other scents).

Promising review: "If you told me a face cleanser could feel like dessert, I wouldn’t have believed you — until I tried this. This stuff is pure skincare magic. Smooth, gentle, and shockingly effective, it’s been a game changer in my daily routine. It comes out like a silky mochi cream — super smooth and soft, and it literally melts in your hand like butter. This cleanser doesn’t just sit on your skin — it penetrates deep into your pores, pulling out dirt, oil, and whatever chaos the day left behind. And the best part? It rinses off effortlessly with water, leaving your skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and not tight or stripped. I’ve been using it consistently and — no joke — I haven’t had a single breakout in a year. No more random zits. No more dull, tired skin. Just clear, smooth, and balanced. Total holy grail status." —Dusty Degolyer

Get it from Amazon for $19 (also available in five other varieties and a smaller size). 

Promising review: "I've been using the Vitamin C Face Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m absolutely in love with it! My skin feels so much smoother and brighter, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the dark spots I’ve been struggling with. The serum absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and it has a lovely, light scent. My complexion is looking more even, and I can see a visible improvement in my skin tone. I also appreciate how gentle it is on my skin, with no irritation at all. This serum has quickly become a must-have in my skincare routine! Highly recommend for anyone looking to tackle dark spots and brighten their skin." —Patricia D. 

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in three other formulas).  

Promising review: "I purchased this at the end of February. I noticed a brightening of skin within days. I leave it on for a minute or two in the shower and then rinse off. I’m so pleased with dark spots disappearing or noticeable lightening. I feel refreshed! After a month, I’m still using it. The smell is meh, but doesn’t linger after rinsing. Lathers and foams up perfectly. I do keep it in a plastic soap dish, as it does leave a yellow stain on the tub or sink. But does wash off easily. I see a noticeable difference on the top of my hands. I’m 71, so this is a breakthrough for me!" —kitkat

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in 13 other formulas).

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor 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 $17.99+ (available in three colors and in a waterproof version).

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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.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.