27 Beauty Items Reviewers Say Are Essential To Their Routine

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24-04-2025

1. A pore-control Anua heartleaf extract cleansing oil for gently and effectively ridding your face of dirt, makeup, sebum, and blackheads. This hypoallergenic K-beauty formula has soothing ingredients that won't cause clogged pores. You can even add it to your double cleansing routine!
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Promising reviews: " An essential in my skincare routine." — Gianna
"This is a game-changer for my skincare routine! It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping my skin. The oil has a gentle formula that's perfect for sensitive skin, and I love how it cleanses deep into my pores, leaving my face feeling fresh and hydrated. The heartleaf extract helps to calm my skin, and it's been great for controlling blackheads. It doesn't leave an oily residue, and my skin feels smooth and clean after each use. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an effective, gentle cleanser!" — Manju Shree Kumaravel
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
2. 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.
www.amazon.com
Good Molecules is a small business using ingredients that are not only backed by science but are also safe for you and the planet.
Promising review:"This has become a morning essential for me! I love how it instantly brightens and de-puffs my tired eyes. The formula feels lightweight and refreshing, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. I've noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of dark circles and puffiness since I started using it regularly. It's also incredibly affordable, which makes it a fantastic value." — Kleo
Get it from Good Molecules on Amazon for $5.98.
3. And a vegan under-eye brightening concealer — this can 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 sleep...even if the truth is you haven't slept in days.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This medium-coverage concealer can be applied with your fingers or a brush.
Promising reviews:"Don't waste your time on anything else. It's friggin' phenomenal, and it applies easy and stays on well. I have a very low-maintenance makeup routine, but this is an essential part of it now." — Danielle
"I believe I was born with dark circles under my eyes, and I have spent the last 50+ years looking for something that will cover my dark circles. I've spent a lot more money on products that do a lot less. And I was very hesitant to buy something so inexpensive, as I thought it would not work. I was surprised to find my circles a lot lighter, and my eyes are looking much more alert and younger. I'm very pleased with this product!" — Lafinrsm
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in three tones).
4. A hydrating collagen mask you wear overnight so its collagen-rich formula can work its magic. And by "magic," I mean that it can help minimize the look of pores, improve elasticity, hydrate skin, and strengthen the skin's barrier. This hypoallergenic mask also contains helpful probiotics!
Promising reviews:"These masks have become a must-have in my skincare routine, especially when my skin needs that extra bit of TLC. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an easy way to pamper their skin!" — A
"These are the best face masks I've ever tried. The material is very durable, and it stayed on all night — even as a side sleeper! Just make sure to put it on 30 minutes to an hour before lying down for bed, and it will be stuck on really well. I woke up to literal glass skin, and the hydration lasted all day. First time I forwent putting on moisturizer in the morning in my entire adult life!!" — Fair Reviewer
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $19 (available in a 16-pack and two other styles).
5. A nutrient-rich Mise En Scene hair serum formulated with seven hydrating and reparative oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. Got split ends? Tangles? Dry and unhealthy hair? Need help protecting your locks from heat damage? Then this serum needs to be added to your haircare regimen STAT!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I am beyond impressed with this hair serum! After just a few uses, my hair feels softer, shinier, and so much more manageable. It's lightweight and doesn't leave any greasy residue, which is a huge plus for me since I have fine hair. I noticed a reduction in frizz and split ends almost immediately, and it even seems like my hair is growing healthier and stronger. The scent is subtle and pleasant, too. This serum has quickly become a must-have in my hair care routine. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a true hair transformation!" — Jasmeen
Get it from Amazon for $12.55+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
6. A gentle and nourishing Eos shaving oil for a silky smooth shave that'll have you petting your skin. It's formulated with argan and cocoa butters to hydrate and soothe your skin — a huge plus if shaving often irritates your skin. If you're a fan of Eos' shea butter body lotion, you'll love this oil, too!
Promising review: "I am absolutely loving this serum! It creates the smoothest shave I've ever had, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. The serum glides on easily, providing a close shave without any irritation or nicks. My razor moves effortlessly, and I'm impressed by how nourished my skin feels afterward. The light, refreshing scent is an added bonus! It's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their shaving routine and enjoy a comfortable, irritation-free experience. Highly recommend!" — Shay
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three scents).
7. And look what the cat dragged in! This lightweight Eos body lotion offers 24-hour moisture! Its non-greasy formula contains seven nourishing oils and butter, including shea butter, so you'll be enviably soft. And it's vegan, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free.
Promising review: "The texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, and it absorbs into the skin beautifully, without feeling greasy or heavy. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long, which is exactly what I look for in a body lotion. I have sensitive skin, and this lotion has never caused any irritation or breakouts, which is a huge win for me. This is a total game-changer. It delivers on moisture, scent, and skin softness, making it a must-have in my daily skincare routine. I'll definitely be repurchasing!" — Saurabh Pathak
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in three scents).
8. A hydrating Mixsoon hyaluronic acid serum that exfoliates and strengthens. This K-beauty holy grail will help smooth and clear skin and give it a luscious, glass skin-like glow! Its vitamin- and antioxidant-rich formula is designed to be safe on sensitive skin; I mean — hello — it's vegan and fragrance-free.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This product is gold and worth your money, especially if snail mucin doesn't work for you like it did not work for me. This is a much better alternative. Would definitely recommend to anyone! It's an essential in my skincare routine now." — Su Kyi
"I like this because it absorbs into your skin pretty decently, definitely hydrating your skin. My face looks 10 times better than it did before I started using it. I've been using it for the last two months, and it's worth it and worth the money. Will buy again." — love frrr
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes).
9. A bottle of dandruff shampoo made with ketoconazole to help relieve and control flaking, scaling, and itching caused by dandruff. Clean and clear scalps for all!
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Read more about ketoconazole shampoo at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"Let me start by saying that I've struggled with a dry scalp for what feels like an eternity. I've tried countless products, from popular ones like Head and Shoulders to Selsun Blue, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. I was on the verge of giving up when I stumbled upon this dandruff shampoo. To put it simply, this product has been a game-changer for me. After just two uses, I noticed a remarkable difference — my dry scalp was completely gone, and there were no more pesky flakes in sight. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders (literally!). It has become an essential part of my hair care routine, and I can confidently say that I'll never use another shampoo again." — AJ
Get it from Amazon for $15.88.
10. An extreme hold tinted eyebrow gel because it'll not only help you create the perfect brow shape, but also help you keep that shape for up to 16 hours. This flake-resistant brow mascara offers a natural look you'll be glad you can get every single day.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This puts brow soap to shame. It's a no-hassle brow glue to keep your brows fluffy and on point the whole day. I use this first and then fill in my brows, and I love it! It's an essential part of my bag, and I use it every day. Whether I'm wearing makeup or not, I gotta have my Nyx brow glue!" — Curl
"This is a great product if you want that hold! It really does keep the brows exactly as you want them. I used to use the one from Anastasia, but it's nothing special and far too expensive. This is my new go-to!" — Mel
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in five shades).
11. A L'Oreal natural glow enhancer infused with glycerin and shea butter for an illuminating tint and a sun-kissed glow that lasts all day long. Go get your shine on!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I definitely like it a lot. It makes my skin seem nice and glowy. It could also be used as a liquid highlighter because it can be very shiny if you use a lot. It has become an essential part of my daily skincare routine." — Dostalek Olga
"This is the product to buy instead of the more expensive brand (the well-known one with the tipsy animal name lol). The color is beautiful. It's just as good as the $$$ brand." — ANDREA BALKIEWICZ
Get it from Amazon for $13.72+ (available in five shades).
12. An inexpensive in-shower K-beauty hair protein treatment that'll condition and repair dry, damaged, and over-processed hair in just 5–20 minutes. TBH, I'm already obsessed with your hair evolution!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:" This stuff seems too good to be true because of the price, but it seriously works. I have long wavy hair that's prone to frizz, and this made it suuuuuper soft. I prefer it as a wash-day essential when I plan to blow-dry my hair straight." — Lily L
"As someone who frequently colors and bleaches my hair, I've tried various repair treatments, including Olaplex, K18, and Boldplex. While all of them have improved my hair's quality, this protein treatment stands out as my favorite. The results are impressive—my hair feels repaired, with improved texture and shine, especially after chemical treatments. If you're looking for an affordable alternative for high-end brands like Olaplex or K18, this is definitely worth trying." — One Woman Says
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
13. A bottle of Olay body wash formulated to offer you 24 hours of hydration so you can bid adieu to dry, cracked skin! And since it contains shea butter, collagen peptide, niacinamide, and vitamin E, it'll also smooth and brighten your skin. Your old body wash could never.
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Promising review:"My skin is super dry and flaky — lotions don't do much, so I've had to use oils in the shower just to lock in some moisture. Even then, it's still dry, just a little less so. I randomly came across this in an article and figured, why not? Day one, my skin felt better, but I still needed to use a moisturizer after, so I wasn't sure if it was worth the price. But by day four? Total convert. My skin is silky and actually moisturized — no extra oils needed! This is officially a staple in my shower now. If you've got stubborn dry skin, you need to try this." — Placeholder
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three formulas).
14. A long-lasting Essence mascara for bold and intense lashes even *you* will think are falsies. Salon quality at a fraction of the cost? Yes, please!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am absolutely in love! This mascara delivers everything it promises — amazing volume, length, and definition — all without clumping or flaking. It doesn't weigh my lashes down or feel heavy, even after multiple coats. This is a must-have in my beauty routine. It offers stunning volume and length at an unbeatable price, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality mascara that delivers dramatic results." — Becky
Check out BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd 's Essence Lash Princess mascara review.
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black and brown).
15. A 2-in-1 Skala conditioning treatment that doubles as a leave-in conditioner. If your curls have lacked a little pep in their step, this will give them their bounce and shine back! This strengthening formula can also help with detangling, making your hair more manageable.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This treatment is for all curl types!
Promising review: "I have long, 3A/3B-ish curls, and ever since I started using Skala products, I can't stop. This hair product is all my hair needs now, and I've been getting compliments on my curls lately." — Maria Alonso
"Winter is here, and my hair desperately needed new products. I saw this on TikTok and decided to try it, and it did not disappoint. No frizz, soft curls, and no shrinkage. It has great slip and not a strong smell at all; very pleasant. The size of the product is huge, and it will last me a while. Definitely a staple for me. Highly recommend!" — MamaAKC
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
16. A tinted L'Oréal anti-redness cream you can use as a base for your makeup, because nothing is worse than applying a fresh beat and seeing red skin peek through. This fast-acting moisturizer is also quite hydrating. No need to spend over twice as much on its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " From someone who suffers with red undertones and rosacea, this is the best corrector EVER. It is lightweight, not chalky, and I can wear this alone without any other products, and the redness is GONE! This has become a staple in my skincare routine, and I will never buy another product again." — Katie
"I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas: cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green but has a gorgeous, lightweight finish of a tint that, indeed, covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.08.
17. A winged eyeliner stamp if you don't wanna have to trial and error your way to the perfect cat-eye. This smudge-proof and waterproof formula will keep you looking fierce all day long.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have been trying my whole adult life (and part of my teen years) to get a perfect winged liner look. Unfortunately, it's just not something I've gotten a handle on. It was passable, but I never had a perfect liner look. Until now! There's a little bit of a learning curve; you have to find the correct placement of your wing. But after that, you just line your eye as thick as you want, and maybe darken the wing if necessary. The color is a very nice, glossy black; it stays in place without running, but isn't difficult to remove. I love it, and it will definitely be a permanent addition to my makeup routine!" — Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes).
18. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream designed to help improve the texture, elasticity, and appearance of your skin. Plus, it's got hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. If you've never thought to add your neck and chest to your skincare routine, now might be the time to start.
Promising review:"I'm thrilled with the results. My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It's not only soothing, but it also feels like it's really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It's become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta
Get it from Amazon for $10.32.
19. A mattifying dry shampoo powder whose benzene-free formula is designed to absorb excess sweat, oil, and dirt without leaving behind a white cast. Refresh your hair with this volumizing powder!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have dry ends but an oily scalp, and I have gotten really tired of having to suffer my hair being an oily mess only two days after washing. I saw this featured in a BuzzFeed list of all places, and finally decided to try it out. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner!! Super easy to part the hair and apply with the puff. This is my first use, and my 2-day hair now looks like it did just after washing! And I may have used too much, but even so, there really is NO white cast in my dark brown hair, not even at my natural center part or at my temples, both of which needed this. I couldn't detect a scent, either. I couldn't be happier and will be repurchasing for sure! This is now a holy grail in my haircare routine and will go with me EVERYWHERE." — Jessica K.
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in six shades).
20. A highly pigmented E.l.f. Cosmetics camo liquid blush for a soft and dewy flush you'll want the world to see. This buildable and blendable formula is super easy to apply and super lightweight!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " The moment I started using this blush, I knew it would be a staple in my makeup routine. One of the things I love the most about this blush is how little product you actually need. A tiny drop goes a long way! This also means the bottle will last a long time, making it such a great value for the price. As for the wear, it's incredibly long-lasting. Even after a full day, whether I'm out running errands or working, this blush holds up beautifully. This is a huge plus because I don't have time for touch-ups throughout the day. Another big win is how well it blends into the skin. The texture is silky smooth and blends like a dream, leaving no harsh lines or streaks. It melts into the skin, creating a soft, natural flush that doesn't feel heavy or cakey. If you're looking for a high-quality blush that doesn't break the bank and delivers gorgeous results, this is the one! Absolutely worth every penny, and I can't recommend it enough!" — Aurora
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 12 shades).
21. Some 6–8 hour hydrocolloid nose patches designed to target popped pimples. Plus, it'll be weirdly satisfying to peel this off and see all the gunk it's grabbed.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I've struggled with blackheads on my nose for years!!! One week of using these and my pores are clear and shrinking!! A must-have." — Amanda
"My nose looks clearer and feels smoother. They're gentle on my skin and don't leave any redness. I love that they're vegan and cruelty-free, too. Definitely keeping these in my skincare routine." — Daniel
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
22. A nongreasy hair wax stick that'll slick back any flyaways or help style your edges. And its vegan and cruelty-free formula contains castor oil, which hydrates and smooths.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It goes without saying that you 100% do not need to lay your edges if you don't want to!
Promising review:"Amazing! It works wonders for taming flyaways and smoothing my hair without weighing it down. It's easy to apply and gives my hair a neat, polished look. Plus, it's nourishing, so it doesn't dry out my hair. Perfect for creating sleek styles, like buns or ponytails. Definitely a staple in my hair care routine!" — Julia
Get it from Amazon for $6.83 (also available in multipacks).
23. A buildable, hyaluronic acid-infused Jerome Alexander spray foundation because it'll make your skin look like it's been flawlessly airbrushed! This long-lasting and sweat-proof formula not only offers even, nonstreaky coverage, but it also nourishes and hydrates skin! Haters will say it's Photoshop.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord is quite the fan: " HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit pricy compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT."
Promising review: "I have tried every foundation out there, and this one is by far my favorite! It is so light, but it gives you such great coverage. It gives you a dewy look if that's what you like, but with some finishing powder, it gives a nice matte look. This foundation is a staple in my makeup routine." — Kimberly Vendola
Get it from Jerome Alexander on Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades).
24. A delightfully scented foaming mousse formulated with 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Listen to me when I tell you!! I've been using this for years, and it NEVER disappoints! My hair absolutely LOVES this product. I mainly use it to define my curls during wash and gos, but it's super versatile — I use it for various styles, and it always delivers. I always keep backups. It never flakes, feels lightweight, and even works as a great replacement for edge control when I want that soft, fluffy edge look. Truly a staple in my routine. I hope they never change the formula or the price — this is my holy grail! 100/100!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $3.98.
25. An oil-based Byoma toner whose hydrating and milky formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It contains ceramides and skin-identical lipids (lipids are naturally found in the skin and work as emollients) to help hydrate skin and repair the skin's barrier. If you've got redness and dry skin, this soothing toner should be in your skincare routine.
Amazon
Promising review: "Instantly, I fell in love. It goes on smoothly, lightly, and my skin just drinks up the moisture. This has become a staple in my skincare routine that I never skip. In fact, I always look forward to this step as it feels so good on my skin." — Corrina
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
26. A lightweight, squalane-infused E.l.f. putty primer to 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Best primer ever! So blurring and smoothing! I cannot do my makeup routine without this product. Highly recommend!" — Kara S
"OK, so first, nothing will make you 'pore-less' per se, but this stuff is amazing. It will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone is the worst for pores, and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend it. Especially to those not too familiar with makeup, this is a game-changer. Honestly, it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay, and it lasts all day. I am oily, so I usually blot some powder on later in the day, but if you have dry skin, this could be the ultimate game-changer!" — Olivia
Get it from Amazon for $10.
27. A vegan and cruelty-free First Aid Beauty bump eraser scrub with 10% AHA to help you deal with any "chicken skin" flareups. This will exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling smooth and moisturized!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is the best product I've found for KP. There is a noticeable difference after one use. It's a little pricy for the size, but it's worth it if you've struggled with finding a product that works for as long as I have. This is definitely a staple in my routine." — A.C.H.