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When I was a young warthog, you had to blindly buy beauty products and pray to the shopping gods that they would work. Nowadays, you can simply scroll through thousands of reviews from people who have actually used them, and some of those selfless reviewers even provide before-and-after photos. Sorting through all those reviews can be a daunting task, so I compiled some of the best results photos I could find — including surprisingly affordable tubing mascara, an instant hair filler to cover bald spots, and a cuticle cream that's basically a mani in a jar.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these self-tanning drops! They make it so easy to create the perfect customized tan — I just mix a few drops into my daily moisturizer, and my skin develops a natural, even glow that looks sun-kissed, never orange. The formula feels lightweight and hydrating, and I love that it’s made with clean, organic ingredients like aloe vera and coconut water. There’s no harsh smell, no streaks, and no irritation — just smooth, radiant skin that looks healthy and golden." —Luisa U.

Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in three shades).

It's designed to last for up to six weeks.

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 

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 $23 (available in five formulas). 

Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.

Promising reviews: "I love Love LOVE this foundation! I’m throwing out every other foundation I own! I have pink undertones from redness, and I’ve always struggled to find a foundation that matched me well that didn’t leave a yellow-looking finish. This was it!!!! I was really skeptical at first, but figured, hey, why not try it! It gives such a natural look. It’s not cakey and doesn’t separate on my skin like other foundations I’ve used. I tried it with and without primer, and it looked awesome either way! I used it with their setting spray and color me impressed! This is now my forever foundation!" —Sharon

"Flight attendant here. Travel-friendly. I'm a fair neutral skin tone, and it's not too pink, not too warm. It's the perfect neutral color. Looks like skin! I just ordered the pink version, which is supposed to be more matte, just to try a different consistency because this does so well on my skin. If you are using a drugstore foundation, trash it and order this. Those warm tones after time that happen with affordable foundations DOES NOT HAPPEN with this formula. Will continue to order forever. Goes on in a thin layer. 10/10!" —Sav

Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in two sizes, 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).

Caffeine can temporarily smooth and brighten skin, if that's something you're looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "Believe the hype! Yes, it does work! I have been using this for two months. I use it on my neck and face twice a day. One jar has lasted me two months; I am almost due to buy another. A little bit goes a long way. VERY moisturizing! I just lost a lot of weight and was insecure about my neck. This product made a HUGE difference in just two months. Thanks to TikTok for introducing me to this line. I will never be without it!!! I would love a massive bottle to use all over my body. LOL!!" —Amanda G.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (also available in a two-pack),

Promising review: "So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I’m usually a 'full face of makeup at all times' kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even." —Adrienne Jerkins

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in various pack sizes and bundles).

Promising review: "My skin became super dry, red, and irritated from overusing a SA (salicylic acid) cleanser. After reaching out for help on a skincare thread, someone told me my skin barrier was likely damaged and recommended this product. I noticed an immediate, soothing difference, and after two months of consistent, daily use, my skin is almost back to what it was. I’ve always dealt with redness and I'm still implementing new products to try to help my skin even further and fix its sensitivity, but I know 100% that this lotion has helped. These and before and after pictures (above), and my empty af bottle because I finished the small one in a little under a month and repurchased the biggest size possible. I wish it were cheaper, but nothing else has helped my skin like this! And a little goes a long way. Thank you." —Berb

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "This stuff works fast. Softens tough calluses quickly and makes them easy to remove without a ton of effort. You can actually see the difference after one use. Doesn’t take much product to get results, so the bottle lasts. Just follow the directions and don’t overdo it. Leaves feet feeling smooth and clean. Solid addition to any foot care routine." —Bust-a-knot charters

Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (also available with a foot file).

This works best in thinning areas on the crown and part line, and if you're in between two shades, the brand recommends going with the darker option. To use, just sprinkle over the desired area and pat it in — you can also hit it with some hairspray for an extra secure hold. It'll wash out with your next shampoo. 

I personally am OBSESSED with this stuff for covering the bald spot my thirties have so graciously gifted me. It is so simple to sprinkle into any thinning areas (yes, even by yourself! Though I typically hold up a hand mirror behind my head while looking in another mirror to get a better idea of where to aim the container). I've never had any issues with it fading or sweating off, though I do typically do a super light spritz of hairspray just in case.

Promising reviews: "I was cautious about trying, as my hair is beginning to gray as well as thin. But it makes a remarkable difference and blends well with the darker roots." —Cecelia

"I have AA 4c hair that I recently cut super short. When it was long, my thin spots around the hairline were concealed. So, with my hair short, they were apparent and made me self-conscious. I purchased Boldify with just a little skepticism. I am so glad I purchased it. The application is easy and does not stain clothing. Be careful not to scratch your head throughout the day because you will see the dark coloring under your fingernails. It is a large bottle for the price. I will continue to buy and recommend." —Jza Jza

Geti it from Amazon for $14.80+ (available in four sizes and a two-pack, and in 14 colors).

Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!

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: "My natural nails are horrible! They are and thin and brittle, and have a tendency to split, peel and break. Consequently, I wore acrylic nails for several years until I got tired of leaving so much money at the nail salon. When I soaked off the acrylics, my nails were, of course, worse than ever, and nothing I tried seemed to restore them to even their original condition until I found Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream. I rub this into my cuticles and nail beds several time a day and after two months my nails are hard and much thicker with no breaking or splitting. For the first time since I took off the acrylics, my nails are growing past my finger tips. This cream is a keeper, just ordered my second jar and I'll never again be without it." —M. Hill

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in unscented, cherry almond, and shea butter formulas).

Promising reviews: "This stuff really works. My hair is pretty thin, and most products that advertise as volumizing don't do much for me. I have 3A curls, and all I had to do was scrunch this into wet hair and go to sleep. I woke up hair that looks about 50% more volumized. Will definitely be purchasing again" —Rebecca

"If you are looking for extra volume, look no further. You apply a bit of this product on different sections of damp hair and it will do the trick. You then blow dry your hair and your hair will have such volume! I love it!" —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "I am absolutely shocked at the effectiveness of this product, it's like they bottled some kind of magic in that tube!

You only need the tiniest amount, so I expect this tube is going to last quite a while. I love the texture, too; it's a very light cream, not at all like the oily serums a lot of frizz control products are. I also love that you apply it to dry hair; you can see exactly where the product is needed and just apply a tiny amount in your hands, rub them together, lightly run them over the frizzy areas, and watch the transformation. It makes my hair so smooth and silky feeling, too." —Carrie T.

Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "These are my all-time favorite eye patches. They are the only patches that I can walk around my house while I’m wearing them, and they don’t budge. The jelly essence feels so awesome on my eyes, and I even use it on my smile lines and upward on the sides of my cheeks. They are well worth the money, and I will always use these. The fact that they are clear and you can’t see them is the icing on the cake. No one can even tell I’m wearing them, and the glow afterward is unreal. It lightens up my under-eye circles, and has significantly helped my fine lines and wrinkles." —Megan F.

Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $19.80.

It's especially recommended for rough/uneven spots on elbows, knees, and the underarm area, as retinol can help bring new skin to the surface.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for a month and I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin! I have highly sensitive skin that does not tolerate products with fragrance. And my skin loves it! The trick is to start slow with the product. And follow the instructions on the inside of the box. You don’t need product all over your face like the influencers show. You need very small amounts! Also, I follow it up with moisturizer and only use it at night. I’m only using it two to three days a week and then cycling with vitamin C products on the days I don’t use it. It’s helped with the fine lines on my forehead, acne on my cheeks, chin, jaw, and nose, and hyperpigmentation, and overall the dullness and texture of my skin." —Kiki M. 

Promising review: "I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion... After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational... It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers." —TickTokAlice

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack).

Let it sit for 30 minutes or up to two hours if your hair is feeling especially damaged.

Promising review: "I just can't believe the difference in my hair!!! I'm in my 60s, and my hair was dry and dull because of my medications. I just hated my hair. I bought this not expecting too much, but was I wrong!!!! I left it on for 30 minutes because I wanted the best result possible. Wow!! My hair feels wonderful, it's fuller and thicker looking, body galore, and I just can't quit looking at my hair. I will NEVER quit using this!!!" —lucymae

Promising review: "Honestly just tried this due to high demand and to find a cheaper niacinamide serum. I have been using Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops, but they haven't worked as effectively as this. I was incredibly surprised by how this serum calms my skin, and my dark spots have been lightening and are almost gone. I also haven't broken out. I use this twice a day, and it works well under makeup. It'll give you glowy skin if you're one of those who loves a dewy look. I am currently using this together with Anua cleansing foam and it's incredible! Definitely subscribing to this as my regular serum!" —Reynalyn Canillo

Promising review: "Love this hair trimmer. It’s compact, great design, easy to use, rechargeable, and has a pretty color. It works great for me. I love that I can just throw it in my handbag or luggage without taking up a lot of space." —Connie M.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors).

The kit comes with the warmer, silicone pot insert, wooden application sticks, face and eyebrow wax, chest and back wax, arms and legs wax, and bikini and Brazilian wax.

Promising review: "I have been looking for a wax warmer for a while. After years of warming up wax in a microwave, I decided to buy an affordable wax warmer, and this was exactly what I wanted. I have tried both of the wax samples that come with the purchase and the wax worked great for facial hair and body hair. I do it every two weeks, and it is easy and quick. I only have to use wax a couple of times on my upper lip and eyebrow for all the hair to be removed. I can adjust the temperature as I please, and it only takes about 10 minutes to reach the desired temperature." —Cami A.

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three colors and also with six packs of wax beads).

It comes with a spatula for removing the cream! Just be sure to test a small area of your skin and make sure there are no adverse reactions for 24 hours. 

Promising review: "I have been looking for a good hair removal for my sensitive skin and this one is perfect. It has a great odor and leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky. It does not burn my skin at all, even when I leave it on for 15 minutes or more. This is definitely my new hair removal cream. I will recommend this one to everyone." —Crystal

Get it from Amazon for $9.47 (also available in a two-pack).

This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 

Promising review: "I found this off of a Buzzfeed article about more affordable beauty product [alternatives]. As many people know, sometimes cheaper [alternatives] work wonderfully, and sometimes they fail miserably. This is one that is remarkable! I only wish they had it in a bigger size! I’ve used Olaplex before in one of their three-step systems and this works just as well (if not better) and is a fraction of the price. It’s100% worth the hype." —C Parke

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!

Promising reviews: "First of all, I have never used the Hanacure mask, so this is not a comparison. What I can tell you is that I absolutely love this mask! I’m a 54-year-old Black female who works as a waitress, so my skin is very stressed, to say the least. Since incorporating this into my routine every other day or so with a sheet mask following it, the change has been remarkable! My skin is tighter and firmer and more refreshed! No redness or itching, just a nice tightening effect and a reduction in the appearance of my pores and relaxation of my '11s'. Don’t hesitate, especially at this price! I’m stocking up!" —j9miami

Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $13.97.

Promising reviews: "In just a few weeks, I noticed a real difference in my face. The laugh lines around my eyes are still there, but not as noticeable, and the smoothness of my skin, especially on my forehead and cheeks, is remarkable." —Lela

"What really stands out is the radiant glow this serum imparts. My skin looks brighter, fresher, and noticeably more even-toned. Any signs of dullness or fatigue are replaced by a luminous, healthy-looking complexion. Even stubborn dark spots have started to fade, a testament to the potency of this wonderful product. Despite the high concentration of vitamin C, the formula is remarkably gentle. I've experienced no irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin types like mine. Hyaluronic acid, another key component, ensures my skin stays hydrated and smooth, enhancing the overall results of the serum." —Reinaldo O.

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes).

It's way less wasteful and easier to carry around than a pack of oil blotting sheets — just pop out the stone roller to give a quick wash before reusing!

Promising review: "Wow! I saw this on TikTok and decided to try. This works so effectively. The effect is immediate and visibly remarkable. Super impressive product that removes oil and shine on the face 't-zone' so effortlessly. The volcanic ball feels so cooling and satisfying on the face. Instructions on how to clean the ball are provided. Love it!!!" —Wwk3521

I personally use this one and love it. The actual pencil itself has never broken while I'm using it (I've had many a brow pencil from other drugstore brands snap in half before I even use it two times), and the spoolie at the end is softer and smaller than similar pencils, allowing for more precise application and less irritation.

Promising review: "Truly remarkable. Goes on very easy, looks like powder-ish when fully dry. The tip and angular style of the pencil allows for efficient application. Highly recommend." —JMV

Get it from Amazon for $8.28+ (available in four shades and packs of two and three).

Note: Reviewers say this works best on exfoliated and moisturized lips (maybe do a lip mask the night before!), as the stain can settle into dry patches. Some reviewers also say it's not the best option for extending the lip line.

Promising review: "I ordered the xoxo and liked it so much I bought the next darker shade. I have never worn lipstick, but I am in my early sixties now, and my lips seem paler than they used to be. I wanted a very natural look, and this provided just the right amount of color. I put lip oil over it to give my lips shine and moisture, and the natural-looking color lasts at least half a day. I've tried tinted lip gloss, but it never lasts more than an hour." —casual shopper

Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in 17 shades).

Promising review: "After 30 or so years of looking for a product to give me that wet and curly look while holding moisture, I have found it. Smells wonderful and is easy to apply. I can use it on wet hair or if I need to revitalize my curls the next day. I use a lot of this brand's products and will continue to do so!" —Ambeezy Conyeezy

Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC 

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in the pink honey and nude honey versions).

Promising reviews: "Anyone with dark under eye problems like myself needs to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better in my opinion!! It’s very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone, but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well, and it's very creamy and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It’s extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I’m a sucker for saving money, and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" —Caitlin Newcomb

"Bought this after seeing an influencer use it on TikTok. This works really well. I can instantly see a difference when I use it under my eyes. For the price, this is a win-win. I had never heard of this brand, but I will be using their products more often." —Kerry C

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

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. It has light to medium coverage. It lasts all day. The oils in my skin usually breakdown foundation but this one stays in place and after a little blotting looks good as new... I just recently purchased the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in 6 and like it, but I actually prefer the Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator better. You can buy six of these for the same price as the Fenty. I’m so happy I tried this." —Nancy

Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two).

Check out a TikTok of the serum in action. 

Promising review: "Literally, the best hair product you can possibly get that is affordable and doesn’t leave your hair greasy — it makes it shiny and super soft. After I get out of the shower when my hair is still damp I put some on my ends and work the rest up into the top of my head. Sometimes I blow my hair dry after I get out of the shower and put it on and then after I blow dry I put it on some more, and it looks absolutely beautiful — no greasy hair here. My hair type is fine and gets oily really fast and yet somehow this product tames it a bit and keeps it looking healthy for days! Will purchase again and again!!!" —Tara Klein

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).

Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer! 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan: 

"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black." 

Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in three shades). 

Of course, putting chemicals near your eyes always requires extra caution, so please read all instructions carefully! And check out a video of it in action on TikTok.

Promising review: "I decided to try a lash lift kit to do it at home, since I wanted to save the cost of doing it in a salon. And the truth is that it was an excellent decision! The kit works 100 percent, achieving spectacular results. I loved the ease of use and how I could get raised and defined eyelashes without leaving home. I would definitely recommend it to those looking for an economical and effective alternative to enhance their look." —Roxana 

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three styles of sets). 

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 were 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 $14.90+ (available in three sizes).

* *Psst* — These 37 Beauty Products Are All The Rage Right Now, In Case You Weren’t Aware

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* Sensitive Skin–Friendly Beauty Products You’ll Be So Glad You Own

* Korean Beauty Products You Probably Haven’t Heard Of Yet But Should Totally Try This Spring

* Problem-Solving Beauty Products For Those Issues You Didn’t Even Know Had Legit Solutions

* Beauty Products That'll Help With Upkeep Without Costing A Fortune

* Beauty Products That Work So Well, Reviewers Called Them “Wizardry,” “Sorcery” Or Just Plain “Magic”

Plus, cosmetic bags, concealers, waterproof mascaras, and finds from Amazon, Sephora, Soko Glam, Ulta, 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.

Daniel Boan is a Shopping Editor who uses his passion for hitting "add to cart" (and his 8+ years in media) to curate the best products on the web — he's particularly passionate about finding the best beauty products, which probably stems from his days of working at Lush Cosmetics, where he learned about effective skincare ingredients while getting covered in bath bomb dust every day.

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