
36 Products You Don't Need, But Your Life Easier
A hairbrush cleaning tool with a pointy end to easily rake hair out of your beloved brush in one go, plus bristles to get rid of all the build-up left behind. Now you just have to deal with that giant hairball when it tries to reincarnate as a Furby.
A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't accidentally turn your unsuspecting car interiors into "Beach, Part Two."
Sally Hansen's iconic Insta-Dri nail polish perfect for anyone who wants quick touch-ups on their fingers and toes but has ZERO time to spare. If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting, fast-drying polish to save not just time, but big bucks at the salon, I cannot recommend these enough!
A standing weeder because YOU KNEEL FOR NO REBEL PLANT LIFE!! Now you can yank those invaders out of the ground and away from your beloved plants without making your spinal cord rue the day your backyard was born.
A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck.
A coconut-scented, ridiculously cooling after-sun body lotion to rehydrate and replenish your skin after long days in the sun or soaking up the drying chlorine of the pool. The whipped texture and delightful scent will have you feeling like a whole dessert 😋.
A big ol' collapsible wash bin with a *drain plug* installed at the bottom that is like having a sink inside your skin — perfect for anyone who wants to keep dirty dishes separate from the sink bottom, and absolutely beloved by parents who have a bunch of bottles to sanitize at once.
Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, aka your scalp's BFF this summer — reviewers don't just swear by this for face coverage and a protective setting powder, but for protecting their hairline without their hair getting goopy from sunscreen scalp sprays or regular sunscreen lotion. Bonus — this is a heck of a lot cheaper than its competitors, like the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block!
A reviewer-beloved four-piece airtight food saver set designed to adapt to the shape of halved fruits so you can snack or cook at your leisure without worrying about food waste. Truly, what wouldn't we do to keep a perfectly ripe avocado half safe??
A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner you can quite literally "set and forget" to maintain its cleanliness over time — once you apply it after a shower, you just have to wait eight to 12 hours and it'll quietly tackle the soap scum, grime, oils, mold, and mildew stains without any elbow grease from you.
A set of legging organizing hangers for anyone who owns approximately [number redacted] pairs that are currently tangled in a dresser drawer like a giant athleisure nest. This will not only free up space, but give you easy access so you're not rooting through them for the One Pair That Makes Your Butt Look Good.
A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go.
An adjustable cervical cooling pillow designed to make your neck as comfy and pain-free as possible, using its unique contoured design to cradle your head and support your neck's natural curve. Honestly, the cooling fabric is just a bonus for this little overachiever.
A handy dandy condiment fork with a holder you can wrap right around a jar of olives or pickles so it'll always be at your disposal when you suddenly *need* a pickle but don't want to put your hands in the jar. This is also great for late-night snacking shenanigans, since you won't wake up half the house looking for a clean fork.
A pack of dual-sided SneakErasers designed so that one side of them cleans scuffs, dirt stains, and grimes, and the other side whitens them, restoring your sneakers and their soles to their former glory. Take THAT, passage of time.
A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Quiet 2," aka the "earplugs for people who hate earplugs." These lightweight plugs are meticulously designed to muffle distracting, irritating, or overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you, so you'll still be able to hear your alarm clock or any concerning noises. (Parents especially love these for muffling noise without blocking out their kids!)
A mini colander with folding handles that is basically a mandatory purchase for fruit and veggie lovers — reviewers love how easy it is to plop produce into this lil' guy and rinse it off in the sink with no muss, no fuss of drying everything out after!
The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it "gold in a jar" and "witchcraft."
A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes.
A chic under-the-cabinet banana hanger so easy to install that you'll wonder why you didn't free up all your counter space *YEARS* ago. Also digging the whole "bananas as decor" vibe here.
A four-pack of silicone straw soda can lids that are like, "Oh, you're obsessed with Diet Coke? Let me find you a reason to be even MORE obsessed." Reviewers love these not just for the ~thrill~ of a straw, but because the covers make the cans a whole lot more spill-proof, prevent your drink from going flat, and protect your can from bugs and debris during outdoor hangs.
A truly talented cooling towel you can use to prevent yourself from overheating — all you have to do is wet this to make it deliciously chilly for your neck or head. Once it warms up, you can wet it again to instantly get back the chill!
A tried-and-true Stasher bag, aka a staple in any snack-happy human's arsenal — these leakproof, durable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable zippered bags are not only perfect for any kind of snack, but play nice with the dishwasher, fridge, freezer, AND the microwave. Major convenience flex.
An Airplane Pocket tray cover that slides seamlessly over an airplane tray to create an instant, deeply convenient hub — this comes with a number of pockets so you can keep track of all your devices, snacks, and other odds and ends without rooting around for them in the gross back pocket or your carry-on the whole flight. Bonus: This bb is an excellent way to prevent touching a germ-y tray, and it's fully machine washable.
"The Clean Ball," which is a nifty little gizmo you can stick in your purse or bag to pick up all the crumbs and debris that settle down there — now it'll be clean as a whistle whenever you go rooting through it, and you won't have to get all the "ick!!" on your belongings.
A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop to give your poor spoons and your biceps a BREAK!! You deserve the sweet bliss of ice cream without feeling like you just did a whole CrossFit workout to get it.
Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container.
A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies — this gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess.
Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) with results so quick and delicious that reviewers love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it "Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo.
An over-the-door stuffed animal organizer so the next time you're all, "CLEAN YOUR ROOM I AM BEGGING YOU," the kiddos can have a blast racing to get all their beloved plushies off the floor and in their little pocket homes.
A rectangular Lazy Susan to turn you into a legitimate fridge wizard by holding *way* more than the traditional round version. This features 360-degree rotation, so when you install it in the fridge, you can easily access condiments and foods at the "back" by spinning them closer to yourself. No more accidentally dumping pickle jars on your unsuspecting feet!!
A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer.
An investment-worthy high-voltage outdoor bug zapper to stop uninvited guests from joining you during dinner on the patio — this gizmo instantly stops mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and moths in their tracks.
A microwave cooling caddy that doesn't get hot so you can pop your grub out of the microwave without waiting for it to cool down or grabbing oven mitts. Especially important when several humans need the microwave and you can't be lingering there waiting for your soup bowl to be grab-able.
A set of leg- and foot-compression air massagers reviewers *swear* by for relief from pain, swelling, and edema symptoms. Your calves, toes, ankles, and heels are all going to be so happy that the rest of your human body will be jealous of them.
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Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
42 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
Buttery soft high-waisted leggings giving Lululemon and other pricey brands a run for their money, according to some reviewers. They're squat-proof, stretchy, and actually stay up without rolling down! A Renpho percussion massager here to save the day because that $300 TheraGun just isn't in the budget rn. It has five different head attachments for targeting different muscle groups, plus five speeds to customize the intensity. Your sore muscles, tense neck, and deep knots are ready for some much-needed relief. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you're still trying to find a daily sunscreen you don't hate. This clear gel sunscreen offers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll immediately forget you're wearing it — no white cast here, folks. It doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too! If you love Supergoop but the price is becoming hard to I suggest trying this, because it's *very* similar. Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats ready to cushion and support your feet while looking impeccably asking for way less money out of your wallet than Rothy's or Vivaia would. The stretchy knit upper is so comfy and trendy-looking (meet your new office staple!), and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets reviewers said they're reaching for over their Cozy Earth and Egyptian cotton sheets that cost $$$. They're made of silky soft, moisture-wicking microfiber that doesn't fade, pill, or stain, and feel like pure luxury — you may just shed a tear of happiness the first night you snuggle up in them. A ribbed workout jumpsuit considered a great Skims alternative, with reviewers claiming it looks and feels just as high quality. It's compressive but breathable, with four-way stretch so you can pull off all your squats with ease (plus it's thick enough that it won't show your undies). And a long-sleeve bodysuit that's also *dying* to make your acquaintance if you find yourself on the Skims website frequently, scrolling wistfully before remembering your credit card has LIMITS. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra ~elegance~ to your 'fit even if you're just slipping on your faded Levi's. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights, because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A professional MUA–approved black makeup sponge — reviewers sing its praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beautyblender and Real Techniques. When it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish. *Plus* the black color of this one makes it easier to see the product on your sponge for applying it — and it won't be all stained after cleaning! And some makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because chances are, your sponges and brushes are overdue for a good cleaning. Made with gentle, plant-based ingredients, this cleanser will remove all the built-up makeup, oil, and impurities from your tools — and watching all the gunk be washed down the sink is *so* satisfying. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven that'll save you nearly $300 if you're not loyal to Le Creuset and just want a durable pot for all your stewing, boiling, roasting, and frying needs. It's oven safe up to 500 degrees F, and the lid is designed for water vapor to condense and drip back onto your food evenly, which ensures your pot roast will come out juicy and delicious instead of dry. E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush, which is extremelyyy similar to Rare Beauty's wonderful Soft Pinch if you're on a tighter budget. Reviewers love its *gorgeous* pigmentation that lasts all day. A bottle of Nyx setting spray so your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting. Reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays. And a 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels, a true hack for budget-savvy makeup wearers, since they can gently remove makeup using only water and be reused over and over! Perfect for travel and everyday use, they'll cost you just over $1 per cloth, which amounts to nearly 20 times cheaper than the infamous Makeup Eraser. An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum concocted with hyaluronic acid (which locks in moisture), organic aloe vera, and vitamin E. It not only brightens and smoothens the skin; it also fades blemishes. Many reviewers say it's a worthy swap for SkinCeuticals' pricey CE Ferulic serum. A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle. A pack of duster sponges to help you stay on top of all the dust that seems to magically reappear in your home every few days. Their curved ridges are designed to trap dust and pet hair (and actually pick it up, not just move it around). These are reusable and just need to be soaked and softened before use to unlock their full cleaning power! Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more. *Or* the lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara that uses ~tubing technology~ to wrap around your lashes and visibly extend them well beyond their natural length, with a tapered brush that helps separate each one. And thanks to jojoba seed oil in the formula, your lashes are also getting a lovely conditioning treatment at the same time! A set of satin pillowcases to make your bed feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Plus, satin pillowcases stay refreshingly cool and are good for both your hair and skin: They help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair and absorb less moisture from your skin overnight, keeping it more hydrated. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub that leaves your skin positively glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but this popular vegan formula also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores. It works so well, reviewers ditched pricier options from brands like Clinique, The Body Shop, and Rodan + Fields. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light to incorporate super customizable lighting that doubles as unique wall decor. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who? E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups. Blink, and you might mistake it for Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other pricier options. An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! Dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap suddenly less appealing. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-favorite you can wield as part of your multistep daily routine *or* for quick touch-ups (without cakiness!) on days when you're not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it — and neither are the name-brand concealers, at this price. Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which works in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. The mask itself tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth. A fanny pack perfect for keeping your essentials *literally* close to your chest during travel or everyday life. The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Psst — people say it's very similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers remarkably similar to Lulu's Align joggers, reviewers have noticed. With four-way stretch and a stretchy elastic waistband, these will keep you in peak comfort while lounging, running errands, or exercising. They also provide a little extra warmth on slightly chilly days when you need a full layer covering your legs. And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra drawing comparisons to a tank from the same collection, so you could achieve the whole Lulu Align ~look~ for a lot, lot less. CeraVe's Retinol Serum in case you've been wanting to add a retinoid to your routine but have been scared off by potential flaking and redness — or the price tag of other brands, like Murad's $92 retinol serum. This uses encapsulated retinol designed to help prevent irritation while still resurfacing the skin to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, pores, and more. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion if you're going for a dewy, no-makeup makeup look — this works beautifully as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a little glow on top of your makeup! And at under $15, it's a reviewer-fave swap for pricier options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, which might be cheap (less than $2 each!) but bear results that feel ~expensive~ — reviewers are comparing to sooo many pricier brands like Tarte, Stila, and Kylie! This set is honestly a must-have if you love red and pink lip shades, since it contains six long-lasting staples that'll have you look fierce all day long. Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, worth the try if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy! Some cleaning tablets that'll rid your retainers and night guards of the gunk that builds up on them over time, but lean in close and I'll tell you a secret: You can also use them to deep clean your water bottles and coffee tumblers instead of the popular, pricey Bottle Bright tablets. These'll run you just 15 cents a tablet! An ultra-light milky toning lotion to balance your skin's pH level, exfoliate, fight inflammation, and moisturize, leaving your face balanced and radiant. It actually strengthens and restores lipids in your skin for softness that lasts. It's similar to Laneige's Cream Skin Toner, but cheaper — and from a small biz! A highly rated pair of hoop earrings if you have designer jewelry taste but not a designer jewelry budget. Reviewers compare these to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears!


CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
We tested 12 tinted sunscreens. These 2 provided the most natural, skin-enhancing finish
The best tinted sunscreens we tested Best tinted sunscreen: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 Best mineral tinted sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 A great tinted sunscreen does double duty as a skin care essential and a seamless base for your complexion. These SPFs can go beyond your average face sunscreens and toe the line between makeup and sun protection. But finding a tinted sunscreen that feels nice to apply, works for different skin tones and provides adequate coverage is tricky. That's why we found four CNN Underscored editors who were up to the task of testing 12 popular formulas to find the best tinted sunscreens for your routine. And while sunscreen is certainly top of mind during summer, I'll never miss an opportunity to remind you that it's a year-round essential, and these picks will benefit you throughout all seasons. A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 We loved the natural finish and seamless application of this broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen. It's a hybrid formula that uses both mineral and chemical sunscreen filters. Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 This Korean sunscreen has a serum-like texture that is light and offers just enough coverage for an enhanced complexion. While we wish it came in more shades, the current offerings are flexible enough to work with a variety of tones. Supergoop! is one of our go-to sunscreen brands, and this tinted SPF didn't disappoint. Digital content strategist Madison Yerke tested the Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint and confirmed that it's a great finishing touch to her skin care routine. 'This formula is lightweight and seamlessly blended into my skin,' Yerke said. It stands apart from the other products we tested because it's a hybrid formula, using both chemical (homosalate and octisalate) and mineral (zinc oxide) filters to create a lighter, smoother texture. It also contains ectoin, a hydrating and soothing ingredient, as well as hyaluronic acid-infused clay to help with oil control. Another highlight was the shade range that includes different undertones and 14 total options. Yerke felt like the 30W Medium Golden shade was spot-on for her skin, making it foolproof to blend and apply. With light coverage, it enhanced and evened her skin while adding a glowy finish. Yerke thought the $44 price point seemed high for the 1.18-ounce bottle, but its skin care-packed formula and gorgeous finish made it worth the value. Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skin care brand that went viral for its sunscreen. This year, it launched the Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, its first 100% mineral-tinted SPF. For those prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma, a mineral-based sunscreen may be even more favorable, as some studies have shown that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide filters are better at blocking visible light, which worsens those conditions. Mineral sunscreen is generally the safest choice for sensitive skin types too. Made with zinc oxide, the Beauty of Joseon skin tint has a silky, fluid formula that gives sheer coverage. I prefer a natural finish when wearing foundation or tinted moisturizers, and I found this formula to give just that. It's in the sweet spot just between makeup and sunscreen. Because it's so light, it layers well both on top of my vitamin C serum and daytime moisturizer and underneath my other makeup, like blush and bronzer. The Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen comes in 12 shades, which is a good start, but the range could be broader. As I got a bit of a tan during testing, I found myself between LN110 and LP110, so I'd mix the two shades. Since the product is only $20 — less than half the price of Supergoop! and some others we tested — I can justify buying two shades to find or create the best fit. The assortment of products we tested includes dermatologist-recommended formulas, internet-loved skin tints and drugstore standbys. We had four CNN Underscored staffers try at least two formulas each, evaluating each product after multiple uses over two weeks. Our testers have a range of skin types and differing familiarity with tinted sunscreens. Here are the criteria we took note of. Formula: Did the formula feel light or heavy on the skin? Was it comfortable? Did it layer well with other products? Coverage: Some tinted sunscreens have a touch of pigment just to combat any white cast, while others provide coverage similar to foundation or tinted moisturizer. Which category did yours fall into? Did it have enough coverage to replace your foundation? Finish: Did it leave your skin looking matte, dewy, oily or something else? Re-application: Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, but this isn't always possible over makeup. If you did reapply your formula, was this process easy? How did it look after? Value: Do you think it's worth the price? Would you buy it again? Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 This viral sunscreen is lightweight and comes in two flexible shades: the original DreamBeam for lighter tones and DreamBeam Sunlit for darker shades. Besides protecting from the sun, it has peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the our review Kosas' DreamBeam earned top scores from senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, but testing writer Michelle Rae Uy reviewed it for another story and found it to be incompatible with her sensitive skin. The zinc oxide-based SPF has a watery consistency that Kraus said 'was super easy to blend, lightweight and it made me look like I just got back from the beach and like I didn't snooze my alarm three times.' Kraus tested it after getting a tan on a trip to Miami, Florida, and opted for the Sunlit shade, which was nearly an identical match to her current skin tone. 'I normally finish off my tinted SPF with bronzer and blush (and sometimes highlighter) but felt this formula covered all my steps in one swoop, so all I needed was mascara and I was ready for the day!' she said. Kraus loved the glowy, bronzy finish of the tinted SPF, which lasted all day. Because it replaced multiple steps in her makeup routine, she felt the $40 price tag was worth it. Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 This unique formula has color-changing pigments that create a medium-coverage tint. Since I first tested the SPF last year, Colorescience has added two additional shades. Read our review Colorescience's Face Shield Flex sunscreen is truly unlike other tinted SPFs. The serum-like formula comes out of the bottle white, and as you blend it in with your fingers, the iron oxide pigments change colors to create a flexible tinted shade with no white cast in sight. When I originally reviewed Face Shield Flex, I tested the Medium shade, which was the second lightest shade at the time. It wasn't a perfect match for my skin and erred more olive-toned after the formula was blended and oxidized. This time around, I tested the new Light shade, which is between the lightest Fair shade and Medium, and found it to be a much better match. It isn't the lightest or most comfortable formula I've tried, especially if you're applying the recommended nickel-sized amount to get enough SPF coverage, so it lost some points there. The tinted sunscreen provides foundation-like coverage, however, so it's a great option if you're looking for a buildable base for your makeup. Because it doubles as a foundation, it'll save you a step in your routine. This, along with the innovative formula, also justifies the higher price point. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 La Roche-Posay's dermatologist-approved formula is another 100% mineral tinted SPF that recently got a shade expansion. The original Tinted shade provided enough pigment to cancel out white cast for lighter skin, and now Medium, Medium-Deep and Deep shades offer a better match for deeper tones. I tested this formula in Tinted and also enlisted my partner to try the Medium shade. As someone with medium to deep skin, my partner prefers tinted formulas if he's using a mineral SPF, since white cast easily shows on him. He liked that the La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen didn't look or feel like wearing makeup. The fluid formula is oil-free, safe for sensitive skin and infused with additional antioxidant protection. We both found our respective shades to be sheer, although the shade match could've been a bit better for me. With my summer tan, I'm somewhere in between Tinted and Medium, and I would sometimes mix the two. I also thought it felt a bit heavy after layering on the appropriate amount (two finger-lengths' worth) for adequate SPF coverage. Similar to the other formulas I tested, I always needed to wash my hands after applying the tinted sunscreen because a decent amount of pigment stayed on my fingers. While similar in consistency to the winning Beauty of Joseon formula, the limited shades and higher price point kept this SPF in the middle of the pack. e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 This e.l.f. Skin drugstore product was one of the most affordable sunscreens we tested. It's more of a primer than a tinted moisturizer, and we liked the glowy finish and how easy it was to layer with makeup. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine loved the radiant finish of this chemical SPF but noted that the three shades it comes in are just a choice between cool, warm or tan, rather than a correcting color to hide blemishes, redness or dark circles. This makes sense for the product, since it's described as a primer; you can easily layer a concealer, tinted moisturizer or foundation over it. 'I did like layering this under my concealer for a lighter coverage look that gave my skin a dewy, hydrated look,' McAlpine said. 'This is something I think I'll wear ahead of beach or pool days with friends, when I don't mind wearing minimal makeup but want just a touch of glow.' She thought it was easy to reapply on those minimal product days, but it would be too messy to reapply on days when she wore more makeup on top. In addition to its radiance, McAlpine appreciated that the formula included hyaluronic acid and squalane, which helped keep her skin stay moisturized throughout the day. Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 This tinted sunscreen easily doubles as a buildable foundation, and it's available in 17 shades. It's recommended by makeup artists and is a true makeup-skin care hybrid. Tower 28's SunnyDays was the most makeup-like tinted SPF we tested, making it a great option for those looking for a multipurpose product. Best of all, the mineral formula is safe for sensitive skin and even has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. I found it easiest to apply it with my fingers, although I've seen people online use a BeautyBlender or makeup brush too. At first, it has a shiny finish, but it dries down within a minute and leaves behind even coverage and a natural look, taking the place of foundation. One downside was that it oxidized after a couple of hours and appeared a bit darker than the shade I initially applied. Since it's summertime, I can get away with a more bronzed look, but I may try to opt for a slightly lighter shade than my natural skin tone next time. Given that it looks and feels more like makeup than sunscreen, I'd still recommend layering it over your daily moisturizer and even a regular face sunscreen for good measure. Oftentimes, with tinted sunscreens, you need to apply more than the standard recommended amount for adequate sun protection. As a reminder, two finger lengths or about a nickel-sized amount is the minimum dermatologists recommend. But a product as pigmented as SunnyDays can feel heavy-handed, so I prefer to layer it over another mineral SPF for the best look and for confidence in my sun protection. Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Isdin's mineral sunscreens come highly recommended by dermatologists. While we liked the water-like texture and light consistency of the Eryfotona Ageless Tinted SPF, it only comes in one shade and had a strong fragrance. As someone with fair skin, McAlpine liked that this sunscreen offered SPF 50 and that the formula was super light and provided a satin finish. However, she wouldn't consider the tint universal, as it only looked good if she applied self-tanner to the rest of her body. That said, the advanced formula is loaded with anti-aging skin benefits — peptides, antioxidants and sun-damage-repairing DNA Repairsomes — that make it a good option for mature skin looking for a sheer tint. CeraVe Sheer Tint Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 The under-$20 price point makes this CeraVe tint a worthy option, but it probably won't replace any of your makeup. Available in three flexible shades, this drugstore mineral SPF is safe for acne-prone skin, as it's free from fragrance and noncomedogenic. It also contains skin barrier-supporting ceramides, soothing niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Kraus, who tested the Medium shade, found the formula to be generally pleasant. She said it 'took a little more elbow grease' to blend in compared to Kosas' DreamBeam and looked oily at first but became more matte throughout the day. 'If you want a tinted SPF that replaces your normal foundation or has heavier coverage, this is probably not for you,' Kraus added. Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40 This K-beauty tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and comes in six shades that are meant to adapt to a range of skin tones. While we liked the tint, we found it looked too cakey and dull. Back when beauty balm (aka BB cream) became mainstream in the US in the 2010s, Dr. Jart+'s tinted moisturizer quickly gained popularity. It's a light-coverage product that delivers skin care benefits with niacinamide and glycerin, but we thought it fell short overall. Yerke tested it in Medium-Tan, and although it was a good shade match, she said she wouldn't replace her concealer or foundation with the BB cream. She thought it felt 'stiff to rub in,' cakey to reapply and found the matte finish to look straight-up dull. According to the brand's website and Sephora, it contains mineral and chemical sunscreen filters, but we found it odd that no active ingredients are listed on the product pages. The SPF filters are present on the packaging itself, but for those shopping online, it's nearly impossible to discern, which can pose issues if you have sensitivity to UV filters. Lightsaver Tinted Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33 This tinted mineral sunscreen has been in my rotation for a couple of years, and Kraus, who tested it for this story, also liked its creamy whipped texture. However, the singular shade probably won't work for deep skin tones. Lightsaver is a dermatologist-founded brand, so this sunscreen is made to address various skin concerns and sensitivities. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and contains ingredients to help repair damage from the sun and blue light. Kraus said it didn't feel like she was wearing anything after she blended it in, but it also didn't look like she was wearing a tinted SPF either. 'The only downside is that it doesn't offer multiple shades, so it's not really meant to replace foundation or other face makeup like Kosas did for me,' Kraus said. She also noticed a 'smidge of a white cast' on top of her summer tan, which was easy for her to camouflage with bronzer and blush but wouldn't be as compatible with darker skin. Tula Skincare Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 Another option for those looking for a foundation replacement, Tula's skin tint provides glowy coverage with a hydrating formula. It comes in 30 shades — the most inclusive range of any of the products we tested — although many are currently sold out. McAlpine described this tinted SPF as having 'solid coverage' that helped hide her rosacea. 'The formula was thicker than I anticipated, but it still blended out easily while feeling lightweight on my skin,' she said. She liked its radiant finish that fell between looking oily and matte. Like the Tower 28 SunnyDays tube, you only get 1 ounce of product, though, which McAlpine felt made the $42 price too steep for that amount. She would be more inclined to repurchase if it were $10 cheaper (which SunnyDays is, by the way). The following FAQs have been answered by double board-certified dermatologists Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Madalyn Nguyen. Do dermatologists recommend tinted sunscreen? Do dermatologists recommend tinted sunscreen? Yes, both dermatologists I consulted for this story, and many others I've reached out to for our other sunscreen coverage, said they recommend tinted sunscreen. 'Tinted sunscreen is as effective as regular sunscreen,' said Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. The tinted component of the formula may provide protective benefits that are particularly beneficial for people with darker skin tones. 'Tinted sunscreens are tinted because they include iron oxide pigments, which also protect skin from visible light,' he added. According to Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, this means they 'may be even more effective in preventing hyperpigmentation in skin of color' as visible light has been studied as a contributor to melasma and hyperpigmentation. Is it OK to use tinted sunscreen every day? Is it OK to use tinted sunscreen every day? Yes. Camp and Nguyen both approve of using tinted sunscreen as your daily SPF. They also noted it may even be preferred for the added benefits of offsetting the white cast of mineral sunscreens, evening out skin tone or concealing skin imperfections. Is tinted sunscreen the same as BB Cream? Is tinted sunscreen the same as BB Cream? BB creams are multitasking makeup products that act as a moisturizer, primer, foundation and, sometimes, sunscreen all in one. But BB cream doesn't always contain SPF, however, so it is not the same as tinted sunscreen. To help us decide which tinted sunscreen was best, we organized a testing panel consisting of four Underscored staffers with different skin types and tones. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, who has normal to dry skin, prefers using tinted sunscreens over foundation and concealer. She looks for light coverage tinted sunscreens that add a glowy look, especially for summer. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine deals with a little redness with her dry to normal skin. She likes products that give a 'my skin but better' effect and is used to layering a tinted SPF over a regular sunscreen. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw has combination skin that gets oily by midday. She prefers light- to medium-coverage tinted sunscreens that feel weightless and provide a glowy, not greasy, finish. Digital content strategist Madison Yerke is new to tinted sunscreens. She typically opts for a minimalist makeup look and would like a priming formula that provides a natural glow. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on tinted sunscreen. Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas CNN Underscored has a skilled team of writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, four Underscored staff members, including beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw, personally tested each of the tinted sunscreens featured to find the very best options.


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02-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
Simplify Your Routine With These 38 Skincare Finds
Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush finally solves your dilemma over whether to spray/rub sunscreen onto your exposed scalp. Simply brush this translucent powder along your exposed part/hairline (after applying it all over your face, of course) to add some much-needed protection from the sun. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads — "buh-bye" to your single-use cotton rounds and the oversized bottle of micellar water that's taking up too much space in your vanity drawer. You can replace both items with these; one side is designed to exfoliate with Lactic and Salicylic acid, while the other is smooth and filled with soothing botanical extracts like lavender and white birch. Grace and Stella under-eye masks are infused with retinol — helllooooo, elasticity and skin cell production! For an extra refreshing treat pop 'em into the freezer before applying them to your soon-to-be rejuvenated face. A Medix retinol body lotion with such incredible before and after review photos you might just spit out your water in shock while scrolling through them. It's filled with ferulic acid, which aids in skin cell turnover — which is what you need when you want to tighten up things! E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops — aka your future most talked about skincare item after seeing how incredible it leaves your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. A Briotech spray helps calm down any pesky skin irritations (looking at you, rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, etc). Its magical ingredient is hypochlorous, which helps diminish inflammation while simultaneously strengthening your skin barrier. It might just remind ya of the fan favorite (but pricier) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream because chances are you've been neglecting these specific skin areas for years — well, now it's their time to shine! This cream is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and has been crafted to improve skin's elasticity and texture. TL;DR: you're welcome for introducing you to this magical stuff. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel you're absolutely adding to your skincare routine after you take a quick read of what incredible ingredients lie within — we're talkin' a beautiful marriage of caffeine and hyaluronic acid that'll wake your eyes up faster than chugging a cold brew. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream — your soon-to-become most cherished beauty product — it helps whether your under-eye bags are courtesy of your nocturnal infant or you drank a cup of coffee too late in the day when you couldn't stop yawning during your afternoon meeting. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Moisturizing Gel Cream is made with a super light, non-greasy formula will feel like a refreshing drink of water for your skin. Just imagine how incredible it'll feel to apply after your post-beach shower... soooo good. An Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar featuring a curved design to actually make you look forward to applying your daily SPF — it perfectly molds to your cheekbones as you swipe it across 'em *and* has a semi-matte formula so you aren't left with an unwanted greasy shine. Olay Super Serum Body Wash is made with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides, and delivers 24 hours (!!!) of hydration — aka everything you'd want in a revitalizing skin smoothie. Aaaaand, every shower you take will feel like a luxurious spa moment! Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick reduces the under-eye circles and puffiness you're prone to having if "Tired" is your middle name, but you're simply not catching enough Zzzs these days. A big shout out to the glacial waters it's formulated with, amiright? A Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask reviewers adore because it helps them achieve that iconic *glass skin* look while also hydrating their parched skin. Apply it before you hit the hay to reap the benefits (firmer skin, more elasticity, minimized pores) while you dream. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream featuring scent notes of vanilla, pistachio, and salted caramel you'll enjoy applying to your skin just as much as you'd like it as an ice cream sundae. It's also filled with vitamin E, caffeine, coconut oil, and guarana extract to help smooth, firm, and hydrate your skin. Or a biiiiiig 400mL bottle of Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Lotion filled with hyaluronic acid, Brazilian sugarcane, Brazil nut oil (which is rich in vitamin E and Omegas 3 and 6), and the cult-favorite Cheirosa 62 scent. It delivers 24-hour hydration, absorbs immediately, and makes you (and your skin) feel like summer has truly arrived. Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and Castile olive oil to help remove darkened areas of your skin while hydrating it at the same time. Hope you're prepared for everyone to start saying, "Wow, you're glowing! What's your secret?" anytime you leave the house. A next-level Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil purges your face of blackheads and any other gross residue your makeup may have left behind. You won't believe the debris that'll pop out of your skin after using this magical product. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Body Wash jam packed with mint, aloe, and tea tree soap to help moisturize skin and soothe common skin irritations (not to mention it also smells DELIGHTFUL thanks to the addition of jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil). A 30.4 fl oz bottle of Monday Cleanse Body Wash filled with grapefruit extract, coconut and avocado oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid that helps both moisturize and clean your skin. You'll be pleased it comes in such a large pump bottle after experiencing how incredible it smells and makes your skin feel. A limited edition Eos 24H Moisture Super Balm in a delectable marshmallow fluff flavor to hold you over until you can actually sit 'round a campfire and make s'mores with your pals. Oh, and it keeps lips feeling hydrated all day and night! LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream — designed to decrease puffiness and dark circles, so if you've been up far too late crying watching Steel Magnolias for the umpteenth time this cream will be there for you come morning. It's formulated with all-natural, vegan ingredients including aloe leaf juice, rosehip seed oil, hibiscus extract, and rosemary leaf extract that beautifully brighten and hydrate your skin (and can you imagine how incredible it must smell?!). Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers save you when a big ol' pimple pops up the night before the date you've been excited about all week (and you SHOULD be — it's with that cute guy from the coffee shop you've been daydreaming about asking out for months!). Peach Slices hydrocolloid nose patches — pop one on before bed as a first line of defense against excess oil, irritating pimples, and enlarged pores. Just wait until morning when you see how much gunk is stuck to the patch — ew, but also, yay! Nyx Pore Filler Targeted Stick, because enough is enough when it comes to your pores ruining the smooth look you've been trying to achieve. It's sensitive skin–approved and helps to reduce unwanted shininess. It also features a precise applicator you'll wish *all* of your skincare products boasted. A duo of Aquaphor Lip Repair tubes because I'm sure I'm not the only one suffering from extremely chapped lips. It's fragrance-and-paraben-free and filled with soothing shea butter and chamomile essence to help heal your lips in time for your next date night. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion shockingly costs less than a Grande iced latte at Starbucks (wowza!). Reviewers rave about how it's not greasy at all, sinks right in, leaves skin feeling (and smelling) amazing *and* will likely remind you of the ever-popular Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel la la! Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion you're probably adding to your cart right now while staring enviously at Karen from the finance department and her fabulous, fresh-from-a-beach-vacay tan. A blackhead scrub stick exfoliates clogged pores and removes excess sebum while being a bit reminiscent of the adorable lil' character from Finding Nemo who said, "You made me iiiiink!" Exfoliating skincare mitts designed to lift away dead skin (and remove a spray tan that's seen better days) — an excellent way for you to kickstart a spa-like experience at home or, you know, give you an excuse to send some gross before and after pics to your pals. Plus, a deep exfoliating shower back scrubber — no more awkward stretching to try and scrub your back in the shower! It's super soothing and gently scrubs away dead skin. Belif Aqua Bomb SPF 45 sunscreen, a K-beauty must-have to protect your precious face from the sun's harsh rays while helping it stay delightfully hydrated. Mr. Golden Sun can SIT DOWN this year — he's got nothing on your skincare game. Lawless's "Forget The Filler" comes in a variety of delectable flavors (birthday cake!!!). It hydrates lips overnight (similar to Laneige's repairing sleep mask) and will make your pout fuller. It's made of shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and a stimulating peptide complex that work so magically together you won't ever want to run out. Rhode Pineapple Refresh Daily Cleanser featuring a refreshing green tea extract and pineapple enzyme (soft, clean, skin coming right up!). Your face is going to feel like a fresh summer morning even when the weather outdoors says otherwise. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence that might actually be the nectar of the skincare gods — it soothes damaged skin, repairs dark spots, absorbs quickly, and leaves your face feeling delightfully moisturized. Bio-Oil, which reviewers swear helps to diminish scars and stretch marks so well it should probably be called "bye-bye oil." It *also* does a fabulous job moisturizing sensitive skin. It's filled with rosemary, lavender, chamomile, vitamin A, vitamin E, and PurCellin oil to help keep your skin feeling (and looking!) great. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream revives the dry skin of everyone in your household. It's safe for babies, children, and adults, so it helps reduce the number of products on your bathroom vanity! It's non-greasy and formulated with shea butter and niacinamide to restore the skin's protective barrier. A Hanalei overnight lip treatment formulated with vitamin-packed kukui nut oil, antioxidant-filled agave, and soothing grapeseed oil that'll take your lips on a *~Hawaiian rollercoaster ride~* to the perfect pout. Must be the reason Nani's lips from Lilo & Stitch look so good!