25 Beauty Products With Before-And-After Pictures That'll Make You An Instant Believer

Buzz Feed

28-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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"I believe." — that one kid in The Polar Express talking about Santa. And now, you, talking about these game-changing beauty products.
1. An eye primer because the key to a perfect smokey eye is being prepared! This primer will make application a breeze *and* the color last longer. You spent literal hours blending out those black and brown shades, so it's only right that they stay put for the entire day.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I feel so stupid...I'm 65-years-old and have always been annoyed by the fact that by mid-afternoon, my upper lids would be oily, shiny, and sporting a stripe from my eyeliner. I didn't think there was a cure. Then stumbled upon the idea of using a primer/foundation designed for the eyelids. What? How BRILLIANT!! Who would have thought? I dipped my toe into the water and purchased one tube of the Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer. I don't use eye shadow on my lids, but I do use it as a liner on my lower lashes. (I add water to compressed eye shadow and put it on my skin with a sponge-end pencil thing). This stuff ROCKS!! At the end of a hot Texas day, my lids are still as fresh and dry as they were at 6 a.m. And it only takes a pinhead-sized drop to cover one entire lid from lashes to eyebrow, with enough left to cover the lower lid area as well. It's creamy but dries very quickly. Awesome! The only thing that keeps this product from being 100% perfect is that it has a chemical smell when you first put it on...BUT...after a few minutes, the smell is gone, and my eye makeup looks impeccable for 12+ hours. Obviously, I highly recommend this product. They've found a lifetime customer with me." — ShortieTX
Get it from Amazon for $14.65.
2. A cruelty-free vitamin C serum to brighten dull skin, add moisture, and fade any hyperpigmentation. Check out the 96,000+ 5-star reviews that swear by this stuff!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Works as advertised. I find it makes the dark marks disappear much quicker after a breakout. I bought this for mild under-eye wrinkles and have definitely seen the difference. Been using it for two months or so, and now it's part of my holy grail products. I also noticed that I have had less breakouts since I started using this product." — M. Russell
Get it from Amazon for $21.97 (also available in a two-pack).
3. A nail concealer for hiding any stains and cracks and to give your nails a little spurce in between manicure appointments.
Promising review: "Saw this on BuzzFeed and gave it try — happy I did! This is a great neutral for any length nails. It's opaque enough that two coats look great, no brush strokes but not dead white. It covers ridges very well and my nails seemed to grow better when I kept the covered in this. It's worth the $$." — Diablita
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in five shades).
4. A pack of cold sore healing patches that will not only help hide the sore but also help speed up the healing process. Plus, it'll provide a protective barrier against bacteria and scabbing that can make it worse.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"No other products would work for me when I get nasty cold sores, but this has been the only thing to noticeably help, and the patch itself, if you catch the cold sore before scabbing period, literally cant even tell its there. I would give it 10 stars if I could!" — Cheyenne
Get a pack of 15 from Amazon for $13.98 (also available in a pack of 30).
5. A calming cream to lessen any irritation and redness that you can't seem to shift no matter what you do. It's great for rosacea, and one reviewer (see below) calls it "witchcraft" because it works so well.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Read more about choosing skincare products if you have rosacea at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Promising review:"Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I've had little success with anything topical that will provide relief to my irritated skin. My sister recommended it to me when I was looking for a moisturizer after a severe sunburn that left my nose blistered and raw. I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon my face is almost completely healed. The cream prevented peeling, and helped clear up my rosacea skin irritation! I'm completely amazed! I've applied less than a dime size over my face four times! My skin has truly never felt better! It's got to be witchcraft because not even the different RXs I've tried over the years have produced these results. *I will note there was a very mild sting that lasted a couple of seconds when initially applying but that was likely due to the raw skin. It was completely bearable." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).
6. A hair removal device for zapping away underarm, leg, face, and bikini line hair for good. This handy machine has five strength levels, and you'll save $$$ on professional hair removal.
www.amazon.com
It's safe to use on your bikini line, upper lip, chin, face, armpits, back, chest, stomach, arms, and legs. Do not use it on your eyebrows or on tanned or tattooed skin. It's not suitable for *all* hair colors and skin types, so make sure you check the chart before buying.
Promising reviews: "7 out of 5 stars. After two months of using it as directed, I am impressed with the results. My face has post-menopausal coarse hair growth. In the pas,t I have spent thousands of dollars to have the hair on my legs and bikini area professionally removed. Rather than risking the possible COVID-19 exposure due to repeated office visits at a professional salon, I chose to purchase this device to remove my facial hair. Even the medium and fine black facial hairs have disappeared." — Prague
Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in three styles).
7. A tube of Stila mascara to give you long, luscious lashes that won't clump or feel crunchy. Just one coat will make a huge difference!
Here's what BuzzFeed contributor Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I don't think I ever knew the true meaning of wide-awake eyes until I armed myself with this mascara from Stila. Let's just start with the look and feel of it: It comes in a weighty gold tube — so you already know you're about to experience something special — and the applicator is curved in the center with just the right amount of product on it. Clearly from my experience, you can tell the obvious difference between the with and without — and, TBH, the 'without' has been my general M.O. during these recent times. But that has all changed thanks to this lash extension in a tube! Not only do my eyelashes appear thicker, but the length is just truly phenomenal. I feel like a brand-new, less-tired-looking woman any time I apply a lick of this!"
Get it from Amazon for $26.
8. A bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo so you can finally rid your scalp of the flakes that have made a home there. It's made with 1% ketoconazole, a powerful anti-fungal ingredient that will leave your hair and scalp feeling super clean.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"MIRACLE PRODUCT! If you have a flaky scalp from dandruff, BUY THIS. I was about to go to the dermatologist if this stuff didn't work. Thank goodness I saved myself hundreds of dollars by giving this product a shot. I used it four or five times (over a month), and it cleared my scalp almost completely. One more use, and my scalp will be 120% healed! This stuff blew my mind. Totally worth it." — chris
Get it from Amazon for $15.88.
9. A coil-sculpting custard that will give your thirsty hair some serious moisture while defining and sculpting your gorgeous curls.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Someone had asked about doing natural twists with this product…I use just enough product in each section by itself. Then I spray my oil on it after I'm done. No flaking. I love it!! When I tell you about my low porosity 4C hair, I just love this product... I give this product 10 ⭐️" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.31.
10. A CeraVe salicylic acid body wash to help reduce those tiny red bumps from keratosis pilaris. It gently smoothes and exfoliates skin without any harsh ingredients.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I never do reviews...but this product WORKS! I have KP on my legs and it got rid of it 10,000%. It must be used consistently and you have to also exfoliate with an actual natural loofa or something similar, but YOU WILL SEE RESULTS. Great product for a great price! Would give 100 stars if I could!" — layla mahmoud
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
11. A beloved tightening cream that's a fan favorite for a👏reason👏. It'll firm up skin, give a boost of hydration, and leave you smelling DELICIOUS.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am 60 and notice that no matter how much diet and exercise I do, I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, non-sticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in three sizes).
12. An extreme hold eyebrow gel because you've been looking for the solution for tamed, long-lasting brows, and here it is. It's perfect for achieving a fluffy, laminated look without the crunchy, flaky finish that some brow gels tend to have.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day, I would sweat through it, and it wouldn't last. I tried this because the price was great and I'm glad i did. This product is awesome. I've had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn't dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder, nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." — Shelby
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in nine shades).
13. A game-changing snail mucin essence that'll help to lock in moisture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and clear up acne and blemishes. A tip from someone who uses this daily (it's me, hi): apply the mucin to slightly damp skin and apply in a patting motion.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff is incredible. I have suffered from minor acne for almost two years, and I finally realized the products I was using were far too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin. After using gentle products and eventually moving on to K beauty, I found this to lighten all the scarring from the years of picking at my breakouts. My scarring is still a bit noticeable, but it has gotten tremendously better thanks to this product and this product alone." — Marc
Get it from Amazon for $18.49 (also available in a two-pack).
14. A dry shampoo powder if you need to give your three-day hair a refresh without committing to a hair wash. ~Not like other girls,~ this dry shampoo comes in powder form rather than an aerosol, so it's travel and purse-friendly.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've always needed dry shampoo for my top roots, which get oily far before the rest of my hair. THIS is by FAR the best I've ever used. The applicator is genius — it goes on so easily. And I've NEVER had a dry shampoo last like this for DAYS! It's easy to work in with my fingers and it is a wonderful volumizer. The size is great for travel. I hope they never change the formula — it is just wonderful — even the very light, delicate fragrance is perfect. I give it 100 STARS for its safety, convenience, design AND for all the time it saves me." — Lexi Jean
Get it from Amazon for $13.50 (available in eight shades).
15. A multiuse skincare oil that reviewers say helps to clear up stretch marks and acne scars while also evening out skin tone and texture with its moisture-boosting properties. It melts into the skin super fast and you won't be left with any greasy residue, either.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psst! Bio-Oil contains retinol, which accelerates skin turnover but can make you more sensitive to the sun — so don't forget your sunscreen!
Promising review:"I was skeptical of how amazing the reviews are, but this stuff is pure gold. I use it on stretch marks on my legs, and in just a week, they went from bright, angry red to purple. I use it twice a day, if I remember, and it's amazing. I also rub it on my face after I wash my face. It has made the acne on my cheeks go WAY down and is removing the scars. I have amazing skin now. I use this stuff EVERY day, and I've barely even put a dent in it. This size is amazing, and for the price — holy cow. I seriously never leave reviews, but seriously, this stuff is pure magic. I tried vitamin C serum, rosehip, witch hazel, etc., and this is the only thing that has worked for me. Good luck!!" — Jessamyne Campbell
Get it from Amazon for $10.26.
16. A fungal nail renewal pen to revive peeling, brittle nails and help reduce discoloration and fungal damage.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have used Kerasal for three days, and fungal [damage] is 95% gone! Very easy-to-use dispenser that eliminates mess during application. You can apply yourself effortlessly. Gonna tell other family members with toe-nail problems about this! I would give it 10 stars if there were room!!!" — Dennis Downing
Get it from Amazon for $16.97.
17. A facial hair trimmer, because waxing may be effective but it's so darn painful and why would you put yourself through that? This trimmer is a pain-free and fast solution that's just as (if not more) effective.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love love love this facial hair remover. I use it probably every two weeks (that is usually when my peach fuzz starts to return fully and is noticeable). Super easy to use and clean! Clean out the fuzz after every use for the best result. It's oddly satisfying to see how much fuzz it removes, too. Highly recommend. I really like using this versus the scrapers!" — Regan Paynter
Get it from Amazon for $15.49+ (available in four colors).
18. A deep cleaning skin spatula for scrapping away gunk from your pores and removing blackheads thanks to its high-frequency vibrations. It'll also help your skincare and makeup apply better because you won't be putting it on top of blocked pores.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I never write reviews but I could not pass this one up. I have been fighting with my skin for years! After my last pregnancy, I started developing cystic acne; my skin was congested with oil, whiteheads, blackheads, you name it. After all those years of desperately doing my own extractions, trying every mask, cleanser, and device, my skin was left scarred and discolored. I hated the texture of my skin. I impulsively bought this and tried it the day it was delivered. I was amazed at how well it extracted all the gunk I could and couldn't see lurking under my skin. I use it every night to cleanse, then apply my serum and moisturizer. I took the first set of photos on 5/27 and still didn't love how my skin looked under makeup. I could tell it was doing something, though, so I stuck with it. Three days later, I woke up in shock! Took the second set of photos wearing the same makeup (but needed much less). I am finally happy with the way my skin looks, and I posted a selfie without a filter for the first time since I can remember! Just try it! (All photos were taken in natural light. Must've gotten some cloud cover in the last one. No filters on ANY of them! I'm still in shock!)" — Marlena H.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three colors).
19. A box of pore-tightening, skin-lifting face masks that low-key look terrifying (they're called zombie masks for a reason!) but are super effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving your skin a gorgeous glow.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have never written a review before, but I am compelled to do so now. Let's start with what my 41-year-old face looked like. I had bumps, tiny bumps all over my skin, especially my forehead. My skin NEVER felt smooth, even with the prescriptions I was given to help with these tiny bumps. Rosacea = bad, bad, bad. So bad that it was actually causing my cheeks to have what appeared to be thickening skin. Wrinkles, some that were quite deep. My pores were friggin huge and getting bigger day by day, it seemed like. I know that it says to use this product every three days. I chose to go with every single day for the first box of eight. The results were so amazing I decided on everyday for the second box. Even more amazing results. EVERY SINGLE ISSUE LISTED ABOVE NO LONGER EXISTS!!!! I moisturize deeply after rinsing, and my face looks absolutely amazing. My face did not even look like this at 30. I am hooked, and I will be buying no less than three packs every single payday so I can stock up on this stuff in case they ever decide to quit selling it. If I had 10 stars available to rate, I would use them and more!" — Amazon Customer
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $17.69.
20. A pack of facial razors for reducing peach fuzz and trimming your eyebrows. The precision cover will prevent any mishaps, and you'll be left with groomed brows and a smooth face.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love 💕 these little razors for all that peach 🍑 fuzz. My face looks so smooth now!!! They're really easy to use. I had no idea there was such a product! My esthetician used something similar on my face, and I thought 💭 I can do that!! So glad I found it!" — Patti16
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a pack of nine).
21. A teeth-whitening pen to whiten your teeth four to eight shades without having to commit to the time it takes to stick those strips on there and feel them sliding around or leaving a weird aftertaste in your mouth. You'll get 20 uses out of the pen, and it's a much cheaper option than professional whitening.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I was hesitant to try a new teeth-whitening product after using harsh whitening strips that caused pain and lingering sensitivity. But, as a coffee and red wine drinker, I wanted to find a solution. This teeth-whitening pen is terrific. Easy to use, works well, and does not have the downside of either the strips or the $450 option at the dentist. I also really love this product since whitening my front teeth is the objective. It is a great value as I anticipate the two pens that are included will last one year. I will definitely buy this again and am very happy to recommend it." — Rebecca Shehee
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in packs of one and four).
22. A healing lip balm so you can keep your pout looking perfect all year long. This hypoallergenic blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and 1% hydrocortisone will soothe and add moisture in an instant.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "There isn't a scent or flavor. My lips went from dry, flaking, and cracked to soft in a matter of two days. 10 stars wouldn't be enough of a rating for this fantastic product. I've tried them all, but this is the only one that works." — Linda lulu
Get it from Amazon for $8.25+ (available in multipacks).
23. A Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant that is the ultimate all-in-one skincare product to solve a multitude of problems. It'll reduce scarring, clear pores, improve skin texture, and more. If you have sensitive skin or are using a chemical exfoliant for the first time, it's recommended that you start by applying this every other day or a few times a week to prevent any irritation.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love this product. Have already purchased it twice. I could actually see improvement in the size of my pores, redness around my nose, and dullness. Mind you, I do follow a very strict skincare routine, but I think that I will stick to this product for a while. I use a cleaner toner, then this Paula product, followed by my nighttime serum and my vitamin A (retinol) cream for the face and the neck, and décolletage cream as well. My husband has noticed the improvement as well. If you are hesitant, you can always try buying the traveling-size bottle as well. That's what I did, and then I got hooked. Get it! It won't disappoint!" — Felicitas Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes).
24. A kaolin clay mask made with vitamin C and turmeric to help prevent and diminish hyper-pigmentation, minimize pores, and leave you with a smooth, blemish-free complexion.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "After only two uses, I've already noticed a lightening of the dark spots on my face. It works so well that I may use it on other parts of my body to lighten the sun spots/damage. I've tried a lot of products that didn't work — this was a pleasant surprise." — Honest opinion
Get it from Amazon for $12.74.
25. A Maybelline concealer for effectively masking those dark circles that never seem to leave your under eyes because, oops, you're staying up too late on a Sunday night marathon-watching Gilmore Girls for the 45th time.
www.amazon.com
Check out BuzzFeed staffer Maitland Quitmeyer 's Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review.
Promising review:"I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, I will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney
Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 43 shades).