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30 Cheap Skincare Products That Actually Work

30 Cheap Skincare Products That Actually Work

Buzz Feed2 days ago
Nivea's Skin Toning & Firming Gel Cream — it's enriched with Q10, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. PSA: This *will not* work miracles overnight, but reviewers who used it consistently noticed improvements in the firmness of their thighs, biceps, stomachs, and necks!
Abib's Airy Sunstick is just the ticket if you HATE how greasy sunscreen feels on your fingers, so a stick version is the ideal solution. The oil-control formula offers a semi-matte finish with no white cast, so you don't have to rub it in and defeat the purpose of its design. 🙌🏻
K-Beauty brand The Saem's Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick improves under-eye elasticity and keeps bags at bay, so no one will be the wiser if you nostalgia-binged The Angry Beavers (in 337 parts on TikTok, naturally) into the wee hours of the morning. Plus, it comes in a cutesy polar bear container!
Valitic's Kojic Acid Dark Spot-Removing Soap is safe to use on your face, hands, neck, bikini area, inner thighs, and underarms. The vitamin C + E, retinol, collagen, and turmeric formula not only goes after uneven skin tones but cleanses and hydrates while it's at it.
Eos's limited edition Marshmallow "Super Balm" Lip Treatment might just have you licking your lips the same way your dog does when you give peanut butter. Reviewers say it smells and tastes that good!!
Avarelle's Original or Extra-Large Hydrocolloid Patches suck all the gunk out of your whiteheads while you sleep. If you have a habit of picking and popping surprise blemishes, keep some of these on hand.
Or some LivaClean Superstar Pimple Patches if you love the look of Starface patches, but can't stomach throwing even more money at your acne. Paying for clear skin is just the worst, isn't it??
Bio-Oil — it's sure to come in clutch for anyone who spent their teen years picking and prodding at pimples. If you were left with acne scars and skin damage as a result, it'll swoop in and encourage new collagen production and help with elasticity.
Cremo's White Jasmine Amber Body Wash features a Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired scent, so you can still take a moment to treat yourself, even if you don't have time for an everything shower. Reviewers say the white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber scent lasts on their skin all day and even delightfully lingers in their bathroom.
Or PanOxyl's Acne Foaming Wash, which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide — the most you can get in an OTC product — to unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria on contact. If bacne is your arch nemesis and regular shmegular body washes just aren't getting the job done, this formula is a lifesaver.
Lee Beauty Professional's Liquid Callus Remover eliminates the hard skin on your hooves (ahem, :::clears throat::: feet) if you're too terrified to face the glorified cheese grater at your local salon.
Cocokind's Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick is a versatile lil' product you can use on your lips, under eyes, and dry spots. The hydrating formula is packed with coconut oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E, which are gentle on your skin barrier, as well as caffeine-rich matcha, which can help relieve puffiness.
Cuccio's Naturale Revitalizing Oil hydrates dry skin and strengthens nails so you can work on growing them out after too many back-to-back gel manis or your bad habit of biting them.
Cosmedica's Hyaluronic Acid Serum visibly plumps, hydrates, and smoothes skin at SUCH a deliciously affordable price, you won't cry when it's time to repurchase it. FYI: For the best results, make sure you're applying it to damp skin!
Differin's Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment promises prescription-strength results without the whole having to pay to go get a prescription from your dermatologist part. How does it work? Well, since you asked, it targets clogged pores and inflammation in order to normalize skin cell turnover.
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops can be mixed into foundation or worn on its own for a noticeably dewy and plumper complexion. FWIW: The lightweight hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serum also gets regular comparisons to Glow Recipe's $35 Watermelon Dew Drops.
Gold Bond's Age Renew Neck & Chest Firming Cream might be for you if you just realized that your 10-step skincare regimen has one glaring oversight: something for your décolletage! The formula includes salicylic acid, glycerin, aloe, and hyaluronic acid, the combination of which gently exfoliates dead skin and then improves the appearance of your skin's texture and elasticity with a boost of hydration.
Good Molecules' Wake Up Eye Gel targets dark circles with the aid of antioxidant-rich yerba mate, caffeine, peptides, and three forms of hyaluronic acid. Pat in a pea-sized amount and voila!
Acure's Brightening Facial Scrub uses sea kelp and French green clay to cleanse, soften, and even out skin tone. Plus, you get to look like Shrek for a little bit, and that's always fun.
Tree Hut's scrubs decimate dead skin with an exfoliating but gentle mix of sugar, shea butter, and natural oils. Slather it all over your body and you'll feel slick as a dolphin after.
Bawdy's Slap It Butt Mask is a great option if you love yourself a sheet mask, but it's your other cheeks that've been enjoying all the pampering. The treatment uses plant-based collagen and caffeine to refine skin texture and give your tush a lil' boost when left on for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub gets rid of pesky "chicken skin" (AKA those tiny bumps clinically known as keratosis pilaris) with glycolic and lactic acids, as well as pumice buffing beads. After a good scrub down, the results will make you feel like you got a legitimate chemical peel!
Care:Nel's Lip Sleeping Mask trio costs just $10 (!!), so if you've been hesitant to drop $$$ on a singular Laneige lip mask, they're worth a shot. Reviewers agree that these work just as well!
The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser gently cleanses, brightens, and moisturizes your complexion without stripping your skin barrier. That said, the ceramide-infused formula is still strong enough to effectively remove waterproof makeup and sunscreen so your skin can enjoy a well-deserved breather.
Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water works as a cleanser and makeup remover. Use it in the a.m. and p.m. to hit refresh on your face before applying your regular moisturizer and serum.
CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to rid your pores of makeup, dirt, and excess oil while also locking in moisture. It's certainly no secret, but if you've been looking for a sign that it's time to finally try it, consider this it. ⬇
Le Gushe's 24K Gold Eye Patches stimulate collagen production, reduce dark circles and puffiness, and restore elasticity. They're less than $1 per set, but they're also gold, so they feel extra luxe.
Peach Slices Citrus Honey Aqua Glow delivers an instant wave of hydration with a silky formula that goes on more like a serum. The fragrance-free product also calms, brightens, and evens out skin tone with the aid of annatto seeds, grapefruit, and honey.
Jack Black's Intense Therapy Lip Balm protects your pout with vitamin E, natural emollients, and SPF 25 because yes, you can sunburn your kisser and no, I don't recommend it.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution addresses a slew of skincare concerns from acne and uneven texture to fine lines and wrinkles. Once you slather it on, you'll probably wanna take a selfie or two 'cause you'll be looking like Kim Kardashian post-vampire facial.
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Former K-9 Maple is busy as a bee sniffing out threats to Michigan State University colonies
Former K-9 Maple is busy as a bee sniffing out threats to Michigan State University colonies

San Francisco Chronicle​

time31 minutes ago

  • San Francisco Chronicle​

Former K-9 Maple is busy as a bee sniffing out threats to Michigan State University colonies

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Researchers at a Michigan State University facility dedicated to protecting honey bees are enlisting a four-legged ally to sniff out danger to the prized pollinators. The Pollinator Performance Center's wide range of projects includes developing a training program for dogs to use their sensitive noses to uncover a bacterial disease called American foulbrood that threatens honey bee larvae. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years because of disease, insecticides, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. A considerable portion of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by bees. Maple, who once served as a human remains detection dog for the St. Joseph County sheriff's office, has created quite the buzz. The panting 9-year-old English springer spaniel stood patiently on a recent weekday as Sue Stejskal, her longtime owner, trainer and handler, slowly placed the retired K-9 in a yellow protective suit. The garment includes a veil for her head and four booties worn on her paws in case Maple steps on a bee. 'Much like with humans, we recognize that if a dog is going to be in an active bee yard, they need to wear the same personal protective equipment as people do,' said Stejskal, a Michigan State graduate who has been training dogs over a quarter-century for law enforcement and other uses. 'You can't buy them on Amazon for dogs. So, there's been some altering and testing.' Maple suffered an injury while on a case in Ontario, forcing her to retire as a detection K-9 in 2024. But fate intervened. Meghan Milbrath, an MSU professor whose lab studies risk factors that affect honey bees' health, was working to establish diagnostic and screening tools for honey bee diseases. A veterinarian who participated in a training about honey bees put Milbrath in touch with Stejskal. They met, and the dog detection plan was born. Stejskal then set about teaching an old dog a new trick. New to Maple, anyway. Maryland's agriculture department has also used canine detection methods in beehives. Michigan State's objective is to train many more dogs to join the ranks. Milbrath said she is documenting Maple's training and plans to write a book with Stejskal to educate other teams about their strategy. Maple, clad in her yellow suit, raced between hive boxes during a recent demonstration. When she found the scent clue left for her, Maple stopped at the box and coolly looked up at Stejskal. 'It's a cool project,' Stejskal said. 'But I was over-the-moon excited, because my dog would still have joy in her life and would still be able to work.'

What Expired Makeup Is Really Doing to Your Eyes and Skin
What Expired Makeup Is Really Doing to Your Eyes and Skin

CNET

timea day ago

  • CNET

What Expired Makeup Is Really Doing to Your Eyes and Skin

At least once a year, I sift through my bathroom drawers and cabinets, sorting through the clutter of half-used beauty and hair products. Without fail, I uncover long-forgotten items -- Urban Decay palettes, lipsticks in every imaginable shade and more. That's when the inevitable question hits me: "Is this expired?" A simple cleanout turns into a deep dive on the shelf life of makeup. Yes, makeup does expire. Most products expire much faster than I expected, making me realize I'd been using them well past their prime. I'm not alone, though. According to one study, nearly 98% of participants said that they've worn makeup past its expiration date. It's hard to throw away your favorite lipstick or an eyeshadow palette that still looks like it's in great shape, especially considering how expensive some brands are. However, using products past their expiration date comes with health risks, including increased chances of eye and skin irritation, bacterial growth and possible infection. It's important to practice good makeup hygiene to avoid complications or reactions. Here's a breakdown of when different cosmetic products expire and what can happen if you continue using them past that date. Read More: 10 Easy Ways You Can Boost Your Eye Health Every Day When does makeup expire? There's a common misconception that makeup is safe to use past its expiration date, but that isn't always the case. The potential of breakouts, skin reactions and infection is too high to ignore, so it's important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been open to avoid health hazards. Powder products and water-based products have different shelf lives. Powders, like blush or bronzer, are safe to use for up to two years if properly stored and free of any moisture. Water-based makeup products, like liquid foundation, are very susceptible to bacterial growth, giving them a shorter shelf life of up to one year. In general, makeup products last about one year from the date of manufacture before expiring, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, there are variations. Below is a breakdown of how long makeup lasts and when to toss it. Eye makeup CNET Here's the typical shelf life for eye makeup and products: Mascara: Three months Liquid eyeliner: One to three months Pencil eyeliner: One to three months Powder eyeshadow: Two years Cream eyeshadow: One year Skin makeup Here's the usual lifespan for skin cosmetics: Liquid foundation: Six months to one year Powder and stick concealer: Two years Liquid concealer: One year Face powder: Two years Powder blush: Two Years Cream blush: One year Moisturizer: Six months to one year Sunscreen: Six months to one year Primer: One to two years Other makeup and cosmetic products With so many products applied to or near your skin, it's crucial to know when they should be thrown out. 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If there's a 24, the makeup is good for up to two years after opening. If you don't see a PAO symbol, you can use the above recommendations to determine how long you can use the product before it expires. The PAO symbol will tell you how long you can safely use a product after opening. Macy Meyer/CNET Risks of using expired makeup Using expired makeup can result in various health issues and adverse reactions, including: Skin irritation: Expired makeup may contain rancid ingredients that can trigger skin redness or irritation. Breakouts: Bacteria that contaminate makeup, especially water-based products, can swiftly multiply, contributing to skin breakouts and acne. Skin infections: Over time, makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, potentially leading to infections. Eye infections: Bacteria from expired makeup or unclean eye makeup brushes can get in the eyes, causing infections. Contact dermatitis: Changes in the chemical composition of expired makeup can result in contact dermatitis, producing red, itchy, scaly or swollen patches on the skin. Chemical burns: In extremely rare cases, expired makeup may cause chemical burns. Expired makeup can cause skin irritation and acne. Boy_Anupong/Getty Images How to practice good makeup hygiene With good hygiene and habits, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of being exposed to bacteria, infection or adverse skin and eye reactions. Here are some additional tips to keep your eyes and skin healthy when applying makeup and cosmetic products. Always throw out old makeup. Clean your makeup brushes every three to seven days. Clean your Beautyblender or makeup sponges at least once a week and replace them every three months. Wash your hands before applying makeup to minimize exposure to bacteria. Properly store your makeup. Cosmetics break down faster when exposed to heat and moisture, so it's best to store products in a cool, dark and dry location. If a product irritates your eyes or skin, stop using it immediately. Don't use non-eye makeup around your eyes. You might have seen people using lip liner as eyeliner, but this could introduce bacteria from your mouth to your eyes, so it's best to avoid this practice. Remove makeup and wash your face thoroughly before bed. Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores, cause breakouts and worsen any existing skin conditions. If you don't cleanse your eyes and eyelids, you could even end up with eyelid dermatitis or a sty, according to Everyday Health. For more, explore these 10 sunscreen myths to stop believing and whether tretinoin or retinol is best for your skin.

38 Top Tier Products That Basically Have No Competition
38 Top Tier Products That Basically Have No Competition

Buzz Feed

timea day ago

  • Buzz Feed

38 Top Tier Products That Basically Have No Competition

A set of electrolyte-rich Liquid I.V. hydration packets to help you get hydrated faster than just water alone. This yummy Firecracker Popsicle flavor will keep you coming back for more, which will make your body happy. A pet hair remover so you'll be able to reclaim your couch from the mob of fur that's been calling it home in a few quick swipes. And because it doesn't use disposable adhesive strips, you can use this thing over and over and over and over and... Some deep-reaching, ergonomic "flossing toothbrushes" with dual-layered flossing bristles that are designed to get deep into the grooves of your teeth and gums. Though this shouldn't replace flossing, these toothbrushes can help rid your teeth of plaque and food residue. Plus, they're designed with those who have sensitive gums in mind. A bottle of Wet & Forget shower cleaner because no one wants to scrub their bathtub clean. With this bleach-free formula, all you have to do is just spray it on, wait 8–12 hours, then rinse it off. Super easy! A vegan under-eye brightener to help balance out bluish tones and dark circles. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and hydrate skin. You'll look like you've had days of if the truth is you haven't slept in days. (Gosh darn, those true crime documentaries!) A pack of Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets so you don't risk limescale and mineral buildup affecting your dishwasher's performance. If a dishwasher can't properly wash essentially just a wet cabinet. An anti-bacterial butt acne-clearing lotion that contains tea tree oil to help prevent breakouts. It's especially helpful if the summer heat gives you swamp butt. Now, you may truly have a bottom as smooth as, well, a baby's bottom. A set of colored fine tip pens perfect for journaling or creating color-coded notes. Whether you're calendaring or drawing, these pens will make sure each line you scrawl is bold and smooth. A long-lasting mascara formulated to give you bold and intense lashes even *you* will think are falsies. Salon quality at a fraction of the cost? Yes, please! A box of maximum-strength one-step wart-removing pads with extra cushioning so there's no discomfort while they work their magic. Some Glisten garbage disposal cleaner that'll foam up and scrub your disposal, leaving a fresh scent behind instead of icky drain pipe odors. A pack of K-Cup cleaners if you haven't cleaned your machine in a while, and your coffee hasn't been tasting quite like coffee lately. Pop one of these nontoxic cups into your Keurig to give it the deep clean it's been needing. A pack of four cactus-shaped dryer balls to make sure your clothes and bedsheets dry evenly and completely. Plus, they're reusable and just so darn cute! A vegan and cruelty-free skin-tightening Sol de Janeiro body cream made with coconut and açai oil. Its caffeine-rich formula stimulates circulation for smoother-looking skin. A Scrubbing Bubbles cleaning stamp because rings have been forming around the inside of your toilet. This will keep your toilet bowl fresh and clean with every flush. Just plop some gel inside the bowl and let it work so you don't have to. A two-pack of reusable mop pads so you don't have to waste money on single-use Swiffer pads for your deep cleans. Made using extra-thick microfibers, these mop pads are super absorbent! Three pairs of self-heating Dr. Scholl's foot masks formulated with shea butter to help moisturize, and essential oils to help soothe and calm. Just wear these masks for 30 minutes to get some much-deserved relief and relaxation. A pore-control Anua heartleaf extract cleansing oil for gently and effectively ridding your face of dirt, makeup, and blackheads. This hypoallergenic K-beauty formula has soothing ingredients that won't cause clogged pores. Shower curtain rings that has separate hangers for your curtain and liner that will make taking them down and switching them out so much faster and easier. A pack of teeth-whitening pens so you can get shiny white teeth for far less money than you might've thought. This pen's soft-bristle brush is perfect for anyone with sensitive teeth. It even makes application as easy as saying CHEESE! The Pink Stuff cleaning paste because no sticky saucepans, streaky stainless steel, or gunked-up glass shall prosper against you or this versatile and easy-to-use cleaner. This paste has got you covered, from your caked-on stove top to your dirty rain boots. It can even remove those colorful drawings your kids left on your white walls! A coconut oil-rich OGX leave-in cream you can let air dry for perfectly smooth, defined, and hydrated curls! Plus, it's paraben-free. A reparative K-beauty snail mucin essence with a hydrating and hypoallergenic formula that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Several reviewers wrote that this gave them that "glass skin" look! A delightfully scented foaming mousse containing coconut and shea oils to hydrate hair, define curls, and combat frizz. It's also a great mousse to use atop natural protective styles like knotless braids. Some reviewers even use this on curly/wavy wigs! A pair of stemless silicone wineglasses so you can cheers with all your might, knowing you won't break your cup. These darling glasses are perfect for traveling with; the beach just got a little boozier (and a tad more sustainable)! A portable Bissell multipurpose carpet cleaner for taking care of those spots and stains on your carpets, car's upholstery, couches, and more. It's got powerful spray and suction, so those stubborn pet messes will be gone in mere moments. Deep clean made easy! A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that'll remove years' worth of calluses quick and easy. Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let it do its magic, and rinse! A lightweight E.l.f. putty primer infused with squalane to help minimize the appearance of pores and moisturize your skin. This vegan formula will grip your makeup so it doesn't slip and slide all day long. A mattifying dry shampoo powder whose benzene-free formula is designed to absorb excess sweat, oil, and dirt without leaving behind a white cast. If constantly washing your oily hair has left it feeling dry, refresh your hair with this volumizing powder! A pack of five high-waisted panties for full coverage that won't result in panty lines. These sweat-wicking undies have a double-layer crotch for added protection, which might just interest you if you are pregnant or postpartum. But even if you're not, you'll love how stretchy and supportive these are! A yerba mate eye gel designed to rejuvenate tired, puffy eyes. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine, this vegan and fragrance-free gel may help reduce swelling and the appearance of fine lines. A lightweight Eos body lotion that offers 24-hour moisture! Its non-greasy formula contains seven nourishing oils and butter, including shea butter, so you'll wanna pet your soft self all day long. And it's vegan, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free. A clinical-strength Secret deodorant because it provides 72 hours of sweat and odor protection. Stress, heat, and activity are no match for this antiperspirant. A revitalizing hair protein treatment for conditioning and repairing dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. This collagen-rich formula is designed to work on all hair types. TBH I'm already obsessed with your hair evolution! A pack of Bottle Bright cleaning tablets to take care of the tough stains and persistent odors living in your water bottles, coffee pots, and mugs. The best part is there's no scrubbing involved. So you get super clean gear with minimal effort! A pair of eyeshadow color removal sponges that clean your makeup brushes without water so you can go from applying a neon pink eyeshadow to a bright white eyeshadow without breaking out the makeup brush shampoo OR having to dirty another brush. A super-luxe and adjustable memory foam pillow so you can finally get your beauty sleep and actually feel well-rested when you wake up. This comfy pillow contours to provide neck support. A lightweight Stanley water bottle with an angled spout for easy sipping. It has a wide top opening, so you can easily throw a few ice cubes in there. And its double-wall insulation will help keep your drinks cold for 8 hours and iced for up to 40 hours! I think I just introduced you to your new best friend. You're welcome.

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