Take A Lesson From These 29 Reviewers Who Wish They'd Tried These 29 Personal Care Products Sooner

Buzz Feed

14-02-2025

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.
Turning skeptics into lifelong customers one fulfilled promise at a time.
1. A coconut-scented nail strengthening cream if you hate deciding between eye-popping manicure prices or sporting short, brittle nails that are constantly chipping. Fortunately, there's a third option! This non-greasy formula is packed with calcium, moisturizing oils, and vitamins to strengthen nails and condition cuticles.
Promising review:"This is amazing! I had super brittle nails that I could never grow out. I had acrylic nails for two years, and I wanted a break. They were so thin and damaged from the acrylics. Now, only after a few weeks, my nails are completely healed and grown and will not break! I wish I found this sooner; I wouldn't have wasted my time and money on nail maintenance! Try it!" — Chelsea Lauren Hill
Get it from Amazon for $8.88.
2. A hydrating Yerba Mate Wake Up eye gel so you can present to the world as fully alive instead of clinging to wakefulness and an iced latte. All you need is a pea-size amount of product to treat sensitive under-eye skin to a heaping dose of antioxidants and caffeine that can help reduce puffiness.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising reviews:" I wish I had known about this sooner! I had minimal hopes for this to clear up my purple under-eye discoloration...but after the very first application, I noticed a HUGE improvement! I use it once a day and have had such a great experience with it. I look refreshed and no longer have insecurities behind my dark under-eyes. I've bought another for my sister and my husband. :) They're now fans of it, too!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
3. And for tackling unwanted discoloration, try a cruelty-free under-eye brightener to effortlessly conceal dark circles on those days you don't want to just look awake, but downright energized. The color-adapting formula is creamy and lightweight, so you don't have to worry about unwanted creasing and cakiness, either.
www.amazon.com
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "I've used concealers and spent a lot of money on expensive ones. This one is the best I've used and doesn't cost much. I use it around my eyes, and it goes on smoothly, It looks so natural, and I only wish I'd found it sooner! Absolutely love it!!!" — Nite
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
4. A bottle of Lottabody's super fluffy mousse for a lightweight, set-and-forget option that'll help your air-dried curls look less frizzy and more defined.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I wish I had discovered this sooner; it's been a game changer for my curly hair." — Rebecca Schaub
"I have permed hair with 3b curls, and this is the best mousse I have found! It does not leave my hair sticky or stiff, it's very moisturizing, and the foam has a great consistency. The scent is light and pleasant, and this is my new go-to for both freshly washed hair and the day after re-boost. So glad I found this!" — Tonii
Get it from Amazon for $3.98 (also available in a pack of two).
5. A gentle pore-clearing cleansing oil that's so effective at removing makeup and other residue that reviewers say you can actually see bits of gunk leaving your pores. WILD. It's suitable for all skin types and is formulated with heartleaf extract to help you get that *glowy* glass skin look.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This product is GREAT!! I have struggled with blackheads since middle school — I'm now 44. I wasn't sure about washing my face with oil, but WOW!!! A fter just a few uses, my blackheads are almost nonexistent!!! Thank you soooo much for this product. I wish I had found it sooner!!! I wish I had taken a picture before to show my results, but honestly, nothing has ever worked, so I didn't have high hopes. But I'm telling you, this works!!!" — Mandrs
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
6. Lumify eye drops because reviewers swear this OTC formula reduces redness in just one minute while fending it off for the next eight hours. Sure, you'd likely pay more for such quick results, but we're more than happy not to!
www.amazon.com
Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief.
Check out a TikTok of the eye drops in action.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
7. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara if you're tired of getting excited about mascaras that never live up to their promises. This one is different — or at least according to the 260,000+ 5-star ratings.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "Did not disappoint! I was shocked that this affordable mascara looks this good. Sorry I didn't buy it sooner. I've used L'Oréal Voluminous mascara in the past and tried some pricey brands, but this will be my go-to mascara now!" — Melinda Weiss
For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and in a three-pack).
8. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel so you can quickly remove years' (I repeat, YEARS') worth of hard calluses without endless scraping and scrubbing. I'd start picking out a new pair of sandals STAT!
www.amazon.com
Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review:"This stuff really works, and it's better than salon services you pay. 💰 I will no longer be going in to get pedicures and wasting my money. Take my word and purchase this set because you will love this as much as I do. Can't believe I didn't get this sooner!!" — Madiha
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three scents and a multi-pack).
9. A nongreasy hair wax stick to tame flyaways and smooth edges without weighing down your entire look with globs of gel. Feel free to apply the stick directly to your hair for mess-free application and all-day staying power.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!
Promising review:"My hair is so frizzy during these humid summers, but this stick makes my ponytails look so slick and polished. I love it! Doesn't look greasy at all and no residue. I wish I'd known about this sooner." — JC
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
10. A moisturizing saline gel for putting an end to the frequent nosebleeds and restoring some desperately needed moisture to your dry, irritated nasal biome. If you use a CPAP machine or get dried out on long-haul flights, I'd add this to cart STAT.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I wish I'd known about this product sooner! I read about it online when trying to figure out what to do about my dry nose. I use a CPAP, and it irritates my nose inside and out. Using a cotton swab two times a day, I moisturize my nose inside and out, and it helps tremendously. I won't go without; it makes the CPAP tolerable." — Jason Breaux
Get it from Amazon for $3.62.
11. A fragrance-free texturizing powder that'll add some heatless *oomph* to fine hair that usually likes to do one thing and one thing only: lie flat. Simply massage this translucent powder into your roots to enjoy hours of texture and va-va-volume.
Promising review:"I have very long, fine, thin hair, and usually it takes 3–4 products (root lifter, hair thickener, hairspray, etc.), a blowout, and 40 minutes to achieve workable, voluminous hair...but THIS PRODUCT! In just a few seconds, it makes a huge difference. I wish I found it sooner. Some people have commented that it's sticky or makes their hair feel weird, but it's a product — it's not going to feel like your natural hair! My friend with thick hair won't use it because it's 'too much,' but that's exactly what I need for my hair because the average stuff doesn't work. If you have fine, thin hair — you need this powder!!" — Jessie Q.
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
12. An easy to apply fungal nail renewal formula because you've got a toenail (or two, or three) that's thick, discolored, or brittle. Apply this fast-acting formula and you could start seeing visual improvements in as little as two days.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is very effective for toenail fungus. It may be a slow process, but worth the time involved. I used it for a few months, three times a day. It also works for pitted fingernails. I just wish I had tried it sooner instead of wasting my time on other options that got great reviews from other users but instead worsened my fingernail problems. This is the best nail product on the market!" — Giselle
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
13. An exfoliating mitt if you love the delightful feeling of disgust that comes with seeing dead skin slough away right before your eyes and knowing that your skin is going to feel SO SMOOTH after.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have always used body scrubs, so many different kinds and brands. When using this mitt, I didn't see much dead skin, but I wasn't expecting to since I consistently use body scrub. After using this mitt, my skin has never felt softer or smoother. I wish I found this sooner. I would have saved a lot of money not buying buying scrubs. This is a wonderful price for a wonderful product. If it is in your cart buy it now!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two-pack).
14. An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask so it looks like your hair hasn't undergone years of abuse at the hands of bleach and blow-dryers without the pricey salon trip.
Bek O'Connell / BuzzFeed
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."
Promising review:"Amazing product! My hair is now straighter, stronger, shinier, and looks absolutely beautiful. Plus, it even seems longer. I've been using it for a month now, washing my hair 3–4 times a week because I train almost every day. I only wish I had discovered this product sooner. Now, thanks to this treatment, I can style my hair in just 15 minutes with a regular dryer. Highly recommend!" — Melissa
Get it from Amazon for $7.80.
15. A convenient set of dual-textured toner pads made with lactic and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate skin and refine the appearance of those T-zone pores you swear can be seen from a mile away.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review:"I've used high-end chemical exfoliation brands from Sephora, etc., and this is it! I just wish I had found this sooner. My skin is baby-soft after using this. 10/10!" — SeokYoung O.
Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $17.90 (available in four other styles).
16. A vegan exfoliating body scrub for anyone who struggles with persistent KP. This buffs away bumps by combining the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into one gentle, at-home treatment.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" This scrub is great…wish I found it sooner. I have keratosis on my arms, chest, and thighs and have tried other products with little success, so I thought I'd try this. Wow, noticed a difference after one use. Just used it for the second time, and what a difference. A little pricey, but well worth it!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes).
17. A clear nail biting polish with a bitter taste that'll help you finally break the habit and grow the enviable long nails you've always wanted.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My daughter has been sucking her thumb for years to the point it changed the shape of her teeth. This product really works. Within two days, she wasn't sucking her thumb anymore. I wished I would have bought it way sooner." — Jaremy James
Get it from Amazon for $12.35.
18. A hypoallergenic neck and chest Gold Bond cream so your skincare routine can now include a moisturizer that's designed to help firm up skin, visibly improving texture and elasticity.
Promising review:" Wish I had purchased this sooner. This lotion feels great on my skin, and I am starting to see an improvement on my neck. I will continue to purchase this item." — Patty
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
19. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen you can get quick results. And the best part? No lingering sensitivity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have extremely sensitive teeth from over-whitening in high school, but this product has been such a lifesaver! I am a daily black coffee and red wine kind of gal so my teeth have taken a toll as far as staining goes. Seriously, I was very hesitant about getting this because of how sensitive my teeth are, but I wish I got it sooner! This is such a great product!" — Mimi Doherty
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
20. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors if that middle school eyebrow mishap has made face shaving and brow shaping feel like a daunting task. These teeny-tiny blades safely remove peach fuzz, exfoliate skin, and include a precision cover for worry-free eyebrow maintenance.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I wish I would have started using these sooner. Easy to use and makes your face feel so soft. I read the directions and used on dry, clean skin and was baby soft after. Would recommend for sure." — Karrie Werner
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.94.
21. A box of Mighty Patch pimple patches containing hydrocolloid so you can stop that zit dead in its tracks with gunk-absorbing powers that speed up the pimple healing process. The sticker format can also help prevent you from habitual picking or popping.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I will never stop buying this product. I use them religiously, and I won't ever stop. Any time I start to get a simple I slap one of these on and within a day it's almost, if not all the way, gone. I wish I would have found them sooner. They don't irritate your skin and you can hardly notice when you're wearing them. This is a holy grail product and a must buy." — Kelsey
And check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis 's full Mighty Patch review for more info!
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of 72).
22. A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder packed in a travel-friendly compact to prolong wash day and revive greasy locks so you can basically roll right out of bed and into the office and STILL have coworkers complimenting your fabulous hair.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is a really great dry shampoo. I wish that I had found it sooner. The application is very easy with the sponge. Very convenient to travel with. A little goes a long way. This will be my go-to from now on. Wish it came with more product." — Lisa M.
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in six colors).
23. A hydrating snail mucin repairing essence for soothing *all* skin types (reviewers love how gentle it is) with the potential to help heal acne scars, fade dark spots, and smooth fine lines...all for less than an Uber Eats delivery!!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I saw this a couple of times on TikTok and decided, for the price, it was definitely worth a try. Oh my gosh, do I wish I had tried it sooner! I'm in my late 30s, so I have a few lines and some texture. This has helped moisturize and even out my skin so much, and my face feels heavenly! My skin is pretty sensitive and I absolutely cannot stand when something smells bad, I haven't had any problems with this product at all. Just a warning to people that are allergic to shellfish, be careful with this product because you could have a reaction." — Mandy Bompiani
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
24. A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars that are packed with all the skin-loving good stuff (vitamin C, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and MORE) to help even out skin and diminish dark spots wherever they pop up.
Promising review:"My armpits have been discolored for years now, so I was skeptical about how well this soap would actually work, but it definitely does! I wish I would've gotten it sooner. 😭 Photos are exactly three weeks apart. I also use a hard exfoliating wash cloth along with the soap. I got the pack of two bars, and I'm still on the first one. so a little definitely goes a long way." — Nyla
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
25. A wildly popular Bio-Oil because real-life magic (aka science) has gifted us this powerful blend of moisturizing oils and vitamins to help fade the scars and stretch marks you thought were going to stick around for the foreseeable ever.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I was so skeptical about this oil, but I kept seeing it listed on so many product suggestion pages. I wish I had tried it so much sooner! This stuff is unbelievable. I have some thick raised scars from a surgical procedure. One week after I started using this oil once per day, the scars were completely smooth now. I'm baffled!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.12.
26. A Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion if you're still on the hunt for a moisturizer that's hydrating, lightweight, and soothing. Allow me to introduce you to this delicious-smelling formula at a price that's just *a chef's kiss.*
Listen to one user's glowing review on TikTok.
Promising review: "Smells like caramel in the dry down! Very lightweight and very moisturizing. I didn't believe the hype, but this one I am upset with myself that I didn't buy it sooner! Love, love, love. I want to buy more in case they ever run out, but I'm sure they are here to stay a long while, lol." — Terria
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in other scents).
27. A nose wax kit so you don't have to go through the slow and painful process of yanking hairs out one by one with tweezers. Does it look scary? A bit. But reviewers say it's painless and can literally help you breather a little easier.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The hairs in your nose play an important role in filtering out any harmful debris. But of course, it's your body, and if you want to wax your nose hairs, you're more than welcome to — just be careful, as plucking nose hairs can lead to infection and ingrown hairs.
With this kit, you'll have 100 grams of nose wax beads, 30 wax applicators, 10 mustache protectors, a measuring cup, and 15 paper cups at your disposal.
Promising review:"Was a little scared of doing this. Was surprised it was easy and hurt less than using tweezers. I always have used tweezers or electric nose trimmers and wish I had started using this product sooner. You get like a year's supply with this." — henry gonzalez
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
28. A box of waterproof medicated pads that apply like bandages to finally force out the wart living rent-free under your skin.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I wish I would have found these sooner. Melted off my plantar wart in four days. I've been pained by this thing for over a year, and this got rid of it quickly. I've been recommending it to all my friends!" — Domingo Douglas
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in two styles).
29. An easy-to-use denture cleaner tablet you simply plop in warm water with your dentures, mouth guard, retainer, or aligners for a stain-fighting, odor-busting clean that's worth smiling about.
www.amazon.com