43 Game

Jul 15, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Once you try these MVPs for yourself, there's no going back.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky

"This product is [just like] Redken's Lamellar Water at less than half the price. I finished the Redken product and went right to the L'Oreal product and there is no difference. Great for repairing bleach/color treated hair. Instantly makes my fine hair soft and smooth and much easier to comb through after showering. I use in between shampoo and conditioner and love it. It's a hair game changer." —anonymous87

Get it from Amazon for $9.87.

Promising review: "Omg GAME-CHANGER. I am astonished. I have actual control over my calluses. My feet are embarrassing unless I literally go every two weeks for pedicures. I slack off? It’s terrible. It was an ongoing joke between me and my ex husband. After using this ONE TIME I could cry with excitement. In a few strokes, it shaved off all the hard, thick, ridiculous callused mess that are my feet. I had to actually be careful to not be so aggressive like I am used to. I had literally resorted to taking a box cutter to shave off calluses. Hoping I didn’t slip. If you know what I’m talking about? Get it. Skip the files (electrics too) and the exfoliating BS. Skip the single blade shaver. Go. Get this." —A. Donato

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

Promising review: "The product is a game changer for me. I would have dry creases under my eyes no matter how much primer or expensive foundation I used. I use this in the a.m. and p.m. and it has made a 100% difference. I was at the doctor’s waiting room and was chatting with a woman and I mentioned I was going to be 53 in two weeks. She was shocked and said she thought I was 35, saying I had barely had any wrinkles. It made my day!" —Angela Kilburn

Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in two sizes).

Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too).

Promising review: "This is a game-changer. I'm an esthetician so I have access to a lot of products, some of them are very expensive. This is an extraordinary product, having five of the most coveted ingredients for most skin types. I haven't even used the whole bottle yet and I can a difference in my skin. It's smooth, has already lightened the three hyperpigmented areas, and has kept my skin moist even in the cold climate of Colorado. The price is very affordable for what's in it. I cleanse with a gentle cleanser, mist my face with pure rose water, apply a small amount, and put my moisturizer over it. It really changes the skin for the best." —Helen Griffis

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.

Promising review: "This little miracle worker is a game-changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning the oil has disappeared and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" —Jason Zapata

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising reviews: "I have long, 4a textured hair that I blow out straight in the winter. I use this oil as a finisher after blowing and/or flat ironing AND I use this on the ends of my hair every single day. This has been a game-changer for me. No split ends means I've had tremendous hair retention this year and this oil probably deserves 75% of the credit. Nice smell. Good moisture. Great protection. Also it doesn't lay on top of hair, it melts into hair, which is why most could use it daily. Will be buying this product forever!" —Lisa Lang Blakeney

"This stuff is amazing. I have fine hair, but a lot of it. This doesn't weigh it down at all. One pump is all it takes for my shoulder-length hair. It's a miracle and a total game-changer for me. Worth EVERY PENNY." —K. Garvey

Get it from Amazon for $20.

Promising review: "Game-changer. I have tried so many concealers and they all end up caking up and settling in the lines under my eyes 😭😭😭. I recently decided I would try this because of all the makeup tutorials I watch and OMG!!!!! I use this under my eyes to cover up my dark circles. The coverage is fantastic, it goes on so smooth and I really like the applicator! This is such an amazing makeup product; it's hard to believe it's so inexpensive. This concealer delivers exactly what all the professional makeup artists claim it delivers." —RobinX

Check out our Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets.

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 15 shades).

Promising review: "GAME CHANGER. I'm in my 50s and have long, permed and colored hair. I work in healthcare and wear my hair up 85% of the time. I have these unruly short hairs across my hairline. I've tried everything — literally. From less blow dryer to conditioner, edge wax, gel, and hairspray. Hairspray and wax work, but it leaves buildup and it flakes. This product is truly amazing. Holds short hairs in place and makes my hair feel smooth and silky. I really didn't have much hope but thought it was worth a try, wasn't expensive and could be returned. I was truly amazed with the first sweep of the brush and the next morning hair was still in place and still felt silky smooth. I wish I would have known this existed years ago, I already bought another tube and have it on Subscribe & Save so I never run out." —C. Pierce

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone is the worst for pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game-changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay, and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day, but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia

Get it from Amazon for $8.98.

BTW, this is cruelty-free!

Promising review: "I bought this in desperation after having elbow surgery, which left me unable to wash my own hair. I have tried countless dry shampoo sprays and have been disappointed every time. But this? Absolutely 100% game changer. It kept my hair feeling clean and oil free for several days at a time. It's easy to use, absorbs in quickly, no white residue on my dark hair, and you don't need much. I will never buy another brand again. This is my holy grail of dry shampoo." —Bad Girl

Get it from Amazon for $16.

It has a blurred matte finish thanks to oil-absorbing powders that keep your face shine-free, while licorice root extract soothes irritation and vitamin E protects against sun damage. It also has SPF 20 for extra sun protection (on top of your everyday sunscreen). Reviewers of all skin types call it a staple!

This has been my personal holy grail tinted moisturizer for months now! (That's me wearing it above, on its own, with no filter.) I've never been the type to buy expensive name brands like Laura Mercier, and finding tinted products that actually match your tone is SUCH a struggle, but I took a gamble and have found my match made in heaven with this moisturizer. It blurs my freckles a bit without covering them completely, and it still looks like "my skin," just with a more even skin tone that looks soft and healthy. Now, like many tinted moisturizers, this is very light, sheer coverage and you'll probably have to pair with concealer if you have blemishes or spots you want to cover. I love this for no-foundation days when you just want a light base to wear on its own or with a bit of blush and mascara. Also, I'm using a damp sponge to apply it above, but you could def just use your fingers!

Promising review: "Game changer. Omg. This product legit changed the makeup game for me. I was ready to give up on face makeup forever before I found this. It matches my skin tone perfectly, sinks into my skin well, and is undetectable even after hours of use!" —Nats20

Get it from Sephora for $53 (available in 20 shades and also in a mini size for $29).

It features 18-karat gold-plated heads to contour every curve on your leg. Reviewers with disabilities or injuries also say it makes it way easier to get the job done!

BTW, this is solely for use on legs; do NOT use under your arms!

Promising review: "I'm nearly eight months pregnant, and it's gotten harder for me to shave my legs and not miss any spots in the shower, but this has completely been a game-changer for me! So easy to use and gentle on skin, it's a quick and easy solution for painless hair removal with no risk of nicks or cuts. In addition to using it for touch-ups or missed spots, I've used it to fully shave my legs from hips to ankles when I decided at the last minute to wear shorts, and it worked great! I just had to empty the container after each leg. Highly recommend." —Elsa

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Psst — BuzzFeed Shopping editor Samantha Wieder is also a huge fan of the Finishing Touch eyebrow hair remover, and they make a tool for general facial hair removal too!

Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "This shampoo was a game-changer. I’m a breast cancer survivor and this shampoo helped my hair grow back healthy and thick and so much faster than I expected! This is a miracle shampoo. Thank you!!" —rissa714

Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

Promising review: "Game-changer. I don't know what kind of sorcery this is but it has literally changed my skin!! First time I used it, my skin felt tighter and more balanced. A week later twice a day, my skin is so much brighter. Better texture and even coloring. Pores seem tighter. Not a single pimple since. It looks so healthy. Whatever magic this is, it works better than any expensive designer skin lab crap that I've tried." —Np

Get it from Amazon for $13.71.

Promising review: "Game-changer. Wow! I did not know my hair was this curly. I never thought a brush could define my curls like this. I now use this every time I wash and prep my hair. It’s really changed the way I style my hair now. The bristles are easy to remove and apply. It’s easy to clean. It’s lightweight." —Marissa

Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in four styles and multiple colors).

2023: The year we stop spending over $10 on mascara.

Promising review: "I've been wearing makeup for 35 years, so I have worn my share of different mascaras. Dollar store, drugstore, high-end, you name it, it's been on my face. This little unassuming sucker is a GAME. CHANGER. She is now my holy grail. I scrape the whole brush, sometimes even lightly blot it, because I don't like a lot of product right out of the gate. A little wiggle and a swish, and I legit have eyelashes that look like they've been glued on. They're feathery and defined and full, super dark, no flakes, no smudges, no traveling under your eyes. I add one more light coat to the tips of my lashes and voila, I'm a doe-eyed princess. The trick is to CURL YOUR LASHES first. That goes for any mascara, because it makes a massive difference. Blast your curler with your blow-dryer for a second if you're feeling super fancy. Don't sleep on this, queens! For the results I get with this mascara, I would happily pay triple the price, but the gag is, you don't have to! Scrape your change together and buy this!" —ByeFelicia

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

It also comes with a cap to cover the comb end for travel and storage.

Promising review: "Game-changer! I'm not sure how long this type of product has been out, but I'm so glad I finally found it. I've been using a pin to separate my thick eyelashes after applying mascara. It terrifies onlookers, but I had no other way of doing it until I found this eyelash comb. It's absolutely made a difference." —Bronwyn E.

Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in five colors).

I use brushes like these and swear by them! My lips are chronically dry and chapped, and using an exfoliating brush before I put on lip balm or lipstick makes all the difference in how they look and feel.

Promising review: "Game changer. Way better than my previous method of fingers then a washcloth. This scrubs away all the dry lippy skin, especially in the winter months, so that your balm can really penetrate and make your lips super moisturized and soft." —Travis Reese

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors). And you might want to consider pairing it with this effective little lip scrub, if you're in the market.

A few reviewers compare the rosy nude shade to Charlotte Tilbury's popular Pillow Talk lipstick; other similar products mentioned include YSL Velvet Cream and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint.

Promising reviews: "Peripera is amazing. I’m not even a huge makeup enthusiast but this one is a game-changer. Easy to apply. Fantastic pigment. A silky smooth feel. If you want it to stay glossy just add a clear gloss after. I’ve loved every color including this one. BUY IT!" —Jess

"This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 28 shades and a three-pack).

Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.

Promising review: "I have VERY thick hair and it easily gets dried out. I don't use a lot of product (if any) but I do need to condition my hair almost every time I wash it. I saw this product discussed on social media and I admit: I was very skeptical. I've heard about a lot of 'miracle products' that did nothing for me. I decided to give it a try, why not, it's cheap. And holy wow! Where has this been my entire life?? My hair was instantly softer and shinier. I only left it on for maybe 7 minutes tops the first time and I still noticed a total difference. I cannot recommend this product enough! It really is a game-changer." —Nurse SportsFan

Check out our full Elizavecca Hair Protein Treatment review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $7.19.

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel looooves this stuff: "Not my skin above, but I 100% vouch for this liquid exfoliant's amazingness. It's helped to even out my skin tone and control the hormonal acne around my mouth. It's the only thing I feel like has actually helped start to slow down those breakouts, and for that, I'm forever thankful. I apply a thin layer in the morning and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing."

Promising review: "GAME-CHANGER! I thought I had tried EVERYTHING on the market for congested skin (I don’t get breakouts anymore, but very clogged pores along T-zone) and enlarged pores. I’ve only been using it for a week and just at night and the difference in blackheads along my nose and enlarged/congested pores in almost unbelievable! This just might be my very favorite Amazon purchases EVER!" —AJDEX

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).

It's both cruelty-free and vegan.

Promising review: "Save yourself the time and just buy the big bottle. This product is a game changer. It’s reduced the KP bumps on my arms significantly, by like 60%! Also has almost completely cleared up the rough skin and acne on the backs of my thighs. It’s made my skin so smooth! I can not remember a time when my arms were this smooth. It’s been like 20 years. I feel so much more confident and comfortable. I LOVE this product." —Whitney Schaeffer

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

This is the best foundation I have ever owned, folks. I literally get excited every time I get the chance to put it on. I saw it recommended in a TikTok (which I can't find now, sry!) and even though it costs more than I've ever spent on foundation, I was pulled in by the idea of a hyaluronic acid formula that's hydrating and glowy with decent coverage — and it's proven to be just that. The skin tone match is PERFECTION (Sephora nailed it with the "Find Your Shade" tool, which you can click on underneath the shade options) and it blends like a dream, working as the perfect base for blush, highlighter, and more. It's lightweight and buildable, and my dry, sensitive skin has had no issues with it. As a bonus, it has SPF 27 for added protection! The bottle is also lasting me a loooong time, so it's been worth every single penny in my experience. When I want more coverage for a bolder makeup look, whether for events or going out, this is my go-to!

Promising review: "Game-changer. I have combination skin and this foundation balances my skin perfectly. It’s buildable without making the oily parts of my face greasy. It doesn’t catch on my dry patches either like other foundations do. I can wear it all day without my face feeling like a mask or that my makeup is sliding off." —HajaB

Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $57 (available in 30 shades).

Blume is a POC-owned small biz cofounded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that destigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I have had hormonal, cystic acne since adolescence and still deal with painful hormonal acne, plus skin that's somehow dry *and* oily. I was initially skeptical that an oil of all things would help my skin, but I LOVE this thing. It is somehow so lightweight while feeling truly nourishing. My breakouts have cleared up since starting this product, and my skin is less oily and more even, like the oil has been balanced out. I've been looking everywhere for a skincare product with black cumin seed oil (a v underrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil that helps fade pigmentation and is gentle enough to calm even eczema), so I was delighted that it was a main ingredient in this."

Promising review: "I love Blume so much that I’m actually stressed about it ever being discontinued or sold out. It has been a game-changer for my skin. I’ve had pretty bad hormonal acne for the past two years and it was seriously deflating. While many products made a slight difference, none of them changed my skin. I tried Blume on a lark and was amazed when I noticed a difference next day. Now my skin is mostly clear with occasional hormonal break outs, but even those are easier to cover and go away faster. I attribute my clear skin entirely to Blume." —Karmen

Get it from Amazon for $27.95.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate." For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review!

Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!

Promising review: "Using this product has been a game-changer. It’s as if the adhesion of it literally pulls all of the bad stuff from the spot and you’ll know when it’s time to remove when it turns up white on your sticker — so easy to remove and my spot has went drastically down. I’m on my fourth box, or maybe fifth? They’re my go-to at the slightest spot I get to try to nip it in the bud. Might I add that my hormonal cystic acne spots have been majorly suppressed by these — as soon as I feel one coming on, I take a hot washcloth to the area and put a sticker on overnight for a couple of nights and the deep underneath feeling of that spot is gone. I love these so much, and you will too." —Deborah Hart

Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $11.97.

Promising review: "I started using this product 10 days ago and it is a miracle liquid. I pick my nails, especially my thumb cuticle, to the point where I am so embarrassed by the way they look. I would cover with nail polish but then begin picking again, making it that much worse. My thumb was demolished. I made a point to stop picking — and then I found this cuticle oil. I apply it multiple times throughout the day and my nails are strong and look amazing. My thumb still has work to do but I can stand to look at it and the nail is strong, growing and looking the most normal it’s looked in years. All my other nails look super healthy and are so strong! I work in sales and to not be ashamed of my nails in front of clients is a game-changer. This liquid is light, smells like a hint of almond (delicious) and absorbs quickly. Most importantly, this stuff works!!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes).

It's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation when used as a face mask. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar for the best results!

Promising reviews: "I don't normally leave reviews but this product is a game-changer! I have only used it one time and noticed results right away! This mask gets deep under your pores and removes all the dirt and bacteria. Combine with apple cider vinegar for the best results!" —Joidon Jennings

"Curly hair game-changer! I have extremely spirally curly hair. I am used to having lots of it fall out while I'm washing my hair. I've used this the last two weeks before washing my hair and only lost a couple of strands — total game-changer! Also is a great deep cleaner for my pores, especially on my nose." —marathongirl1968

Get a 2-pound jar from Amazon for $22.95.

Promising review: "Game changer. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I used to use the small bottles of eye makeup remover. This is a game changer. Not only can I remove my eye makeup, but all of my makeup in one sitting. Does not dry out my skin, leaves it refreshed. There is no oily residue that I have found with some of the other makeup removers. I will be buying this again!" —K&J's Mom

Get it from Amazon for $3.78+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them.

Promising review: "Game changer! I always dreaded the blow-drying process, holding a heavy dryer in one hand and a styling brush in the other and spending waaaaay too long on the process with shoulder-length hair. This has changed the game for me and I couldn't be happier — only one hand needed and the drying/styling is all done so quickly despite having a very thick head of hair. It's cut my time in half. Highly recommend this!" —maidindetroit

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "This has been a game changer for my daughter's long, thick, heavy hair. So much less time to dry and it leaves it silky smooth. Also, has been a game-changer with blow-drying my curly hair straight in the morning so I don't have to freeze with wet hair and can wear a hat without hat head! Quick run over with the straighter to smooth and it lasts all day. Our hair has never looked healthier. Great value since the smaller bottle lasted the two of us sharing it for 6 months." —JM

"If you have gray hair you know that blow-drying your hair can often times turn your hair yellow and dull. I have long straight gray/white hair and never blow-dry my hair without this. It has been a real game changer for me. Now I can dry my hair with confidence and know that I will never have to worry about the dreaded yellow hair again." —bellicent

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).

Note: Some reviewers mention this doesn't seem to blend as well on darker skin. Another color-corrector to try for darker complexions: L.A. Girl's Pro Conceal HD Concealer.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I use this every single day and to demonstrate just how well it works, I put it on half of my face in the pic [above]. Seriously, the color-canceling prowess is impressive. Also it took me nearly a year to go through the full-size jar. So if the price has you feeling iffy, you can try out the mini size. Seriously, I'm forever indebted to this stuff."

Promising review: "This product is a game changer for anyone with red rosacea-prone skin. I have used everything from drugstore to expensive products from my dermatologist, plus many IPL treatments to reduce the redness. Nothing worked until I found this. A small amount goes a long way so I use a sunscreen underneath. I found patting it on my skin worked and the redness is gone instantly and stays that way all day." —DGladMarten

Get it from Sephora for $52 (also available in a mini size for $21).

Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper. Game-changer." —Chloe

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.

Promising review: "Game-changer!! As a makeup beginner, this has completely saved me!!! The stamp works great, and I’ve even gotten more confident not using the stamp thanks to my practice WITH the stamp. After having it for 5–6 months, I think the stamp has become more dried out, but it’s 100% still worth it. Eyeliner is so difficult; I’m glad I got this." —C

Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in three styles and a combo pack).

Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours. I recommend getting the style with a pump on top so you don't have to dip your fingers into the tub!

Promising review: "I’m 64, with some psoriasis especially in winter months. Every body part, including my face, is perpetually dry. I’ve used SO many moisturizers and oils, most all have left my skin feeling greasy but not less dry. I’ve been using this for only a few days and it’s a total game-changer. Nothing is greasy, everything is hydrated. I can use this on my face AND on my elbows and hands. Give it a few minutes to sink in and it vanishes. One stop shopping. Love it! 5 stars!" —Kim

Get the bundle with a pump from Amazon for $18.99 (also available separately and in a smaller size).

See it used in a makeup look with other Tower 28 products on TikTok, plus an unboxing and application of the lip jelly in the sheer pink shade XOXO.

Tower 28 is a Asian woman-owned small clean beauty brand that makes skincare, plus makeup that acts like skincare. Their products are nontoxic, nonirritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so sensitive skin can breathe a little easier.

Promising review: "I am usually not a lip gloss girl. Those were always beautiful-looking, yet kind of thick and sticky, and as someone with sensory problems I would find myself wiping it off within 10 minutes. HOVEVER, this lip gloss was SUCH a game changer!! It feels not like a thick sticky gloss, but actually like a hydrated oil/balm treatment. Doesn't leave my lips sticky and dry; it leaves them feeling hydrated, pretty, and glossy. I would 1000000% recommend this!" —samantha444

Get it from Sephora or direct from Tower 28, both for $16 (available in 13 shades and finishes).

Promising review: "Game-changer! Please believe me when I tell you that I have SUFFERED from small pimples on my rear ALL OF MY LIFE!! After using this cream for only about a week, my hiney was smooth and clear, and I couldn’t have been happier about it. I began applying it 2–3 times daily but after around week two, I no longer needed to use it every day because there were no breakouts. So then I began applying it only when I would see the possible beginnings of a breakout and it would clear up in about a day. If you are reading my review because you can’t decide if it’s worth the price or not, don’t deliberate any longer and just do it!! Then you can say 'cheers to clear rears!'" —Danette Lopes

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

This scrub is one of my go-to exfoliators — I use it in the shower a few times a week, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn't been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin, something I was definitely worried about considering I use a retinol cream once or twice a week (though I do avoid doing them on the same day). Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer. This is one product that's going to be in my beauty arsenal for as long as they keep making it!

Promising review: "Game-changer. I was noticing my skin was really dull, but oily. I was breaking out ever since my wedding and saw this item in one of those BuzzFeed articles. I was a hesitant to try but this scrub had so many positive reviews and was quite affordable so I tried it. I use the scrub every 3 days. The scrub seems really gritty when you first squeeze it out, and Is an ugly dark green color. The scrub is surprisingly gentle. I never felt like I was damaging my skin and after the scrub my skin is softer and looks healthier. I feel like I’ve got my youthful glow back and I don’t break out anymore, probably because my skin is cleaner." —frances r flores

Get it from Amazon for $9.08.

Promising review: "I am VERY picky when it comes to my makeup sponges. For years I would only use a Beauty Blender because, to be honest, nothing else compared or gave the same foundation finish. These are truly a game-changer! They are not 100% identical to the name-brand blender in texture, HOWEVER they DO give the same flawless foundation finish. I would even go as far as to say they soak up less foundation which means you aren't wasting as much product. And can we talk about this price point?!?! Save your hard earned money and PURCHASE THESE! You won't be disappointed." —Lindseyy

Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colored sets).

I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking multiple trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray, which I knew after one use I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin and it caused me no issues.)

Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, multiple meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying multiple times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray.

Promising review: "I used this as my setting spray for my wedding makeup and it was such a game-changer!! My makeup lasted throughout the entire warm summer ceremony day, through jumping in a lake, and through the dance party. Cannot recommend this enough!! Worth every penny and more honestly." —Eliza Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "If you are an oily person like me this is for you!! I put this on, then wait maybe two minutes, then I put my foundation on and the rest of my makeup. I have worn makeup with this all day and night — no oils come through, no makeup smudge, nothing. This is a game-changer if you like the matte look!!! This has lasted me over a year." —Shaina

Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

Promising review: "Game-changer. I have had cystic acne due to PCOS since 2007. I have spent hundreds of dollars on products, I have taken prescription medication and creams or washes from my dermatologist and I have received injections of corticosteroids to reduce the appearance. None of that worked. I found TreeActiv on Amazon. This is a game changer. My skin feels so fresh. I can see how clean it makes my skin. And my acne is gone by 70% less than three weeks of using." —heather stein

Get it from Amazon for $19.95.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis vouches for it! "This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind-blowing. The tone of my face is much more even and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it's like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one...with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!) and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night) and it's super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!"

Promising review: "It took some getting used to — the device doesn't have an on/off switch and is activated by touching the device to your skin with ample (oil-free) serum, so it can be a little finicky if you don't have the right amount or type of serum. But, once you get it all figured out, it's a total game-changer! I am so in love — I use it every night as I'm sitting in bed winding down from the day (read: mindlessly scrolling Instagram). Not only does it feel like a spa experience, but it really works on wrinkles! Hallelujah!" —Rose Gold

Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in four colors) or straight from Solawave for $89 (originally $149; available in two colors).

Promising reviews: "I’ve never been able to master the bronzer look without it looking completely unnatural and unblended, but this was a game-changer. It was really easy to apply and looked great." —Amanda

"This bronzer doesn't disappoint. It's a beautiful warm color with a bit of shimmer in it. It gives me a sun-kissed glow with no orange tones at all. The texture is velvety smooth and feels really nice on my skin. I also have acne-prone skin but it doesn't make me break out. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya

Get it from Amazon for $11.80+ (available in seven shades).

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