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22-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
31 Beauty Products That, According To An Astounding Number Of 5-Star Reviewers, Actually Work
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. The rave reviews just keep pouring in for these A+++ makeup, hair, skincare, and nailcare finds. 1. A mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that's way more convenient than a painful trip to the dentist or an annoying attempt at the strips. Just brush your teeth with the bristled pen whenever you have a minute to work through stains and discoloration (without sensitivity, according to 800 5-star reviewers). Promising review:"This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" — Mona L Cureton Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95. 2. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, in case you've always wanted to not only drink the energizing tea, but also wear it. This cult-fave can help quickly minimize eye puffiness and swelling using its combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. Finally, your eyes can look and feel as refreshed as you do after a bottle of White Label. Good Molecules is a small business that sells fun beauty products. Promising review:"I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don't have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly, I love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 3. And reviewer-loved Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to expertly conceal and brighten dark circles under your eyes. The lightweight, color-adapting formula blends so seamlessly under makeup that your old concealer will throw itself out. Bonus: They just released two new shades, so people with darker complexions can finally try it! Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 4. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that 150+ reviewers say offers a Laneige -like experience for just a fraction of the price. The berry extract and vitamin C work to moisturize lips as you go to bed, proving that beauty sleep is a real thing. For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these has 5 grams, or 15 grams, for the entire set. So, even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal. Promising review:"[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya Get the set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four scents and variety packs). 5. Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil is a perfect first step in your double cleansing routine. It dissolves makeup, attacks blackheads, and works to remove excess sebum without stripping away natural oils or drying out your skin. Gross but intriguing: Reviewers say that they could actually see the gunk leaving their skin. The heartleaf extract soothes sensitive and acne-prone skin. The brand recommends you follow this up with a foaming cleanser! Promising review:"This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I'm so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for two to three minutes, I could visibly see my white and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin, however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom, and my scarring doesn't look as deep! The cleanser has a light,t clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua Heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" — Myshel Cagle Get it from Amazon for $17.69. 6. A set of itty-bitty dermaplaning razors that will make quick work of peach fuzz, stray hairs, and eyebrows in need of a touch-up. They're designed with micro-guards, which means you don't have to worry about nicking yourself, even if you don't have the steadiest hand. Over 170,000 happy customers love that you can extend the time between threading appointments — or skip them altogether. This tool also helps soften skin by gently exfoliating as you use it! Promising review:"These products have been a fantastic find for me. They're exceptionally gentle on sensitive skin, easy to handle, and they hardly leave any marks. Whenever I forget a touch-up on my eyebrows before heading to work, I always have them in my emergency bag, ready for a quick fix. They work effortlessly without needing additional oils or creams. It's truly the perfect solution for busy individuals on the go." — nikita khandheria Get a set of three from Amazon for $5.99. 7. A hair-lightening spray to brighten up hair by TWO shades or more! Spritz a little of this citrus and chamomile spray onto damp hair, then activate it with heat-styling tools. I recommend blow drying and hitting it with a curling iron or straightener for the best results. Over 7,000 5-star raters love it because it's less harsh than bleach and even works on dark hair. The reviewer shown above went through a lot of product to get this result — expect something more subtle if you're planning on using it casually. Promising review:"Let the result speak for itself! On the left (above) is my UNBLEACHED Asian black hair, and on the right is my hair two months later. I'm trying to go blonde, but salons estimated the total cost for three sessions of intense bleaching and coloring to be in the no, thank you. I took matters into my hands and so far am happy with spraying this every time after washing my hair. Also, make sure you tone your hair with purple shampoo if it gets brassy. LOVE. THE. PRODUCT!!!" — Linh Trinh An Get it from Amazon for $8.69. 8. A Revlon hot air brush over 400,000 5-star raters (!!!) love for its ability to create blowout-level looks right at home. Glossy, effortless waves are just a few brushes away! Promising reviews:"I am a licensed cosmetologist of 30+ years, and I couldn't be more pleased! Salon-perfect, shiny, bouncy blowouts! Dries and styles in one or two easy passes ( on damp hair) and provides maximum lift if I style it that way. Easily dries and styles large sections of hair, making this THE BEST hairstyling tool! Highly recommend! I use the low setting and cool blast. Surprised and very happy that I don't need med/high settings. The only caveat I have come across so far is that the temp/speed setting is in an awkward place to be able to change it while using it. Learning curve, I suppose. Otherwise, another GREAT styling tool from Revlon! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️" — ERJ "This review is for all the Black women looking for a good blow-dryer for their hair. I have 4c (mainly) natural hair and got tired of using the regular dryers because they made my arms tired. I have thick, long hair, so blow-drying takes forever for me. This blow dryer was wonderful. I didn't even have to detangle before using it, and it dried my hair very nicely. I love it so much. My only complaint is it is bigger than I expected it to be. A little bulky, but I will get used to it. Overall, I am loving this hair dryer so far and am glad I made the investment." — Johniece Elbert Get it from Amazon for $32.43+ (available in three styles and four colors). 9. A reviewer-loved scar gel made with panthenol to help encourage skin regeneration and allantoin to moisturize and help speed up the healing process. The formula even works on older scars, and customers have also used it to soothe burns, sunburns, and tattoos. Promising review:"This product is awesome!!! I have been using it for a couple of months for acne scars, and I have seen a huge reduction in scarring, depth of scars, and redness/color of scarring. My skin is smoother, the color is much more even, my skin never breaks out anymore, and the scars that I still have aren't really noticeable. I use it a.m. and p.m. I had given up that anything would help my acne scars. I have tried tons of products. This product is amazing!!!" — bkm61 Get it from Amazon for $14.50. 10. An Elizavecca collagen coating hair protein treatment that takes your dry, tired hair and turns it into the silky-soft locks you've always wanted. Just apply it to wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, rinse, and wonder why all hair treatments don't work this well. 38,000+ 5-star ratings mean a lot of people are wondering the same thing! Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed Promising review:"My hair used to be really soft, and then I discovered hot tools and hair dye. While my hair looks good, I really missed the soft texture. This works so well. There are no instructions on the box, but I washed my hair with my usual shampoo, towel-dried it, worked about two quarter-sized dollops through my hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinsed out. I went to bed with wet hair, which usually results in my hair being kind of tangled and rough-looking, but I woke up and my hair was as soft and silky as it was before I started coloring it. I'm totally in love with this product, I have long, fine hair, but this doesn't leave it greasy or weigh it down. I'll definitely buy again." — Ellie Get it from Amazon for $12.50. 11. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you normally forgo lip care because you're sick of hair getting stuck to your pout. The apple seed and raspberry extract-infused oil offers long-lasting hydration and a touch of color WITHOUT any annoying stickiness — over 300 5-star reviewers confirm! Amazon This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually, I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it were bigger; it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 14 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks). 12. Or Etude Dear Darling Water Tint, a smudge-proof lip tint and blush offering such a delicate pop of color, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with lipstick or powdered blush. Reviewers love that it's buildable and doesn't transfer. Promising review: "I bought the Benefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what's there not to like?" — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in three shades and multipacks). 13. A L'Oreal glow-enhancing lotion that'll have you feeling like the Baby Sun from Teletubbies. Over 4,700 happy reviewers recommend you mix this glycerin-infused illuminator with your favorite moisturizer or foundation, wear it as a makeup base, or use it as a highlighter for that coveted lit-from-within look. Promising review:"Love, love, love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. It can be worn alone to put some glowy life to the skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base wear you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It's not oily feeling at all and it doesn't dry out skin either. Just a total package. Can't beat the price either." — Figgy08 Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in five shades). 14. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E to completely obliterate every speck of makeup on your face. Seriously, you'll feel so fresh and baby-faced, you'll wonder if that eyeliner was really as smudge-proof as you previously thought. Amazon, Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Promising review:"I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! I found it on TikTok, and OMG!! It works so well. I don't have to sit there and rub the crap out of my eyelashes to get the waterproof mascara off. I will admit it doesn't take 100% of the makeup off, but about 95% of my makeup comes off. It is not water-resistant, as emulsifying it with water helps take the makeup off. I have not found a better makeup remover, and yes, that includes Micellar Water (which also works well but leaves my skin feeling oily). With this cleansing balm, my face feels hydrated and smooth. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!! 1000/10 would recommend!!!" — Deetje Frederick Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 15. A box of Grace & Stella under-eye masks formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to give your eye bags the shot of hydration they need to get up and GO. Reviewers said the refreshing patches helped them reduce puffiness, redness, and dark circles. Spa day, anyone? The blue patches are illuminating eye masks (for dull under eyes). The gold patches are energizing eye masks (for tired under eyes). The pink patches are moisturizing eye masks (for dry under-eyes). Promising review: "I have tried many eye masks through the years and was pleasantly surprised by this product. It's worth the hype. I'm a skincare lover and have spent tens of thousands on skin products, including LED red light masks, infrared saunas, and every new facial device that has come along, including high-end skincare and everything in between. I have eye bags and hollows, and these do a phenomenal job at plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Great quality and quantity for the price. I will be repurchasing." — Nvohpa88 Get six pairs from Amazon for $9.95+ (also available in packs of 24, 48, and 72 and in three styles). 16. Veet sensitive hair removal gel kindly providing a soothing, gentle alternative to razors or waxing. The aloe-infused formula works in under 10 minutes by dissolving hair on your legs, arms, back, and bikini area. It's designed to be more efficient and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs — imagine a world without those annoying bumps! 48,000+ 5-star raters are already experiencing it. It comes with a spatula for removing the cream. Just be sure to test a small area of your skin and make sure there are no adverse reactions for 24 hours. Avoid face, genitals, nipples, and other sensitive areas. Promising review:"I have been looking for a good hair removal for my sensitive skin and this one is perfect. It has a great odor and leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky. It does not burn my skin at all, even when I leave it on for 15 minutes or more. This is definitely my new hair removal cream. I will recommend this one to everyone." — Crystal Get it from Amazon for $9.47 (also available in a two-pack). 17. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a TikTok-hall-of-famer that almost 7,500 5-star reviews confirm is worth the hype. The biotin-infused serum can help strengthen hair and encourage new growth, leaving hair feeling healthier and fuller. Reviewers say it's helped with everything from receding hairlines to sparse eyebrows. You can read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic — plus, according to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil comparable to Rogaine in helping with hair growth. Promising reviews: "I hardly write reviews, but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow, just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fall. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And I've been using it only once a week, just a few drops and massaging in. Omg, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this, hats off!!" — Dee Get it from Amazon for $9.33. 18. An easy-to-apply, one-hour self-tanner that's cheaper yet more effective than most competitors. The vegan formula is easy to blend without streaks or uneven patches, which makes it a hit with beginners (36,000+ positive ratings and counting). While the tan may be instant, the fade is nice and gradual. Promising reviews: 'If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I've used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!' — Amazon Customer "I wish I had taken a photo of my results but I was so excited that I forgot. Anyone who says it doesn't work just isn't doing it right. Super even color. Not orange. I LOVE IT. 10/5 stars!" — Meg Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in 10 styles). 19. A TikTok-loved lip plumper set with day and night serums that work together to give your pout a boost. Use the minty one at night to hydrate and smooth, and then the tingly ginger one to give your lips a little more volume. Promising review: "I discovered this product from TikTok, and I had to give it a try. I tried the day lip plumper, and within a few seconds, there was a subtle tingling/burning that lasted for a few minutes, but as it occurred, the plumping started to happen! It made a noticeable difference and made my lips look like I had filler! I'm obsessed!!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 20. A Medix retinol body lotion because if retinol works so well for your face, it's gotta do wonders for the rest of your body too. With the help of ferulic acid, it encourages skin cell turnover to help tighten and firm skin. One 5-star reviewer (out of 4,700+) says they're obsessed with Medix's whole line of lotions. Promising review:"I love this lotion. It makes my dry legs glow. Absorbs well and has a very light fresh scent that fades quickly. Not greasy, but effective on winter skin. Will buy again. Inexpensive given the size of the bottle." — Db01 Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack and six other styles). 21. Or a lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. Over 1,400 reviewers are happy with their results! The brand recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 benefits the skin from the National Library of Medicine. Promising review: "I've been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game-changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin's texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea's body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn't a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." — Morgan Get it from Amazon for $13.98. 22. Cosrx's snail mucin repairing essence that harnesses the power of snail slime (it's formulated with 96.3% snail secretion filtrate — yum!) to deliver lightweight hydration for all skin types. Over 55,000 5-star raters love the glow they get from this. This highly concentrated formula contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, which helps repair damage while moisturizing your skin. Promising reviews: "Seen all the great reviews on this product. It's been all over TikTok and I had to get it before it's nowhere to be found lol! I've been using this along with their moisturizer, and OMG, holy glass skin!!!! This product is AMAZING and leaves my skin so soft and glowy!! It's a MUST-HAVE in your skincare regimen!!" — Elisa Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 23. A pomade hair wax stick for flattening those annoying flyaway hairs on the back of your neck or around your hairline. Just slide the formula over targeted areas to control cowlicks, baby hair, frizz, and other wayward strands. The wind has no chance against the 4,300+ 5-star reviewers who swear by this stuff. Promising reviews:"I saw this on YouTube and immediately wanted to try it. I have curly hair which I love but sometimes I just want to put it in a ponytail and go on with my day. This is a time saver for all those little hairs that tend to stick up or don't want to stay in place. I'm not a fan of hairspray, and this even smells nice. I believe it's a light coconut smell. Overall satisfied, and you don't need to use much. I took it with me on vacation, and it saved me time in the evening from having to deal with bad hair days." — Blanca Perez "I have 4A-4B curls. When my hair is straight, there are a few spots that are a little frizzier than others which to me, isn't a big deal. Some flyaways however were the biggest reason why I got this. It lays the baby hairs and is a little bit of a heavier product. I will say, you just have to be careful if you're not used to using heavy product. The first time I used it, I just put a little in my hands and then put it where it was needed." — Jay Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks). 24. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to pamper your décolletage with some special skincare attention. The glycerin and aloe hydrate, while the salicylic acid gently exfoliates, leaving firmer, softer skin. Promising review: "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 $11.97 (also available in a two-pack). 25. L'Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water bringing you silkier hair in just eight seconds. On top of a wave of hydration, it also adds shine and decreases frizz and static. Spring rain can try to frizz up hair all it wants, but over 35,000 happy customers will be prepared! Use this treatment two or three times a week — one dose for fine to medium textured hair, two to three doses for thick to curly textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair. Promising review:"Bought this not expecting that it would work. I've been using products in and on my hair for years, both expensive and inexpensive. This is the best I've used, bar none! It smooths and takes away the tightness of the curls. Will buy it again and again!" — Judith Cohen Get it from Amazon for $10.97. 26. A Revlon volcanic face roller way easier to use than those disposable blotting pads. You just roll the volcanic stone over any oily or greasy areas on your face and then pop it in your bag for later. It doesn't even mess with your makeup! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use. Promising review:" This little miracle worker is a game-changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning, the oil has disappeared, and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" — Jason Zapata Get it from Amazon for $8.18 (also available in rose quartz style). 27. Lottabody Wrap Me Curl Mousse, a whipped-cream-like delight that defines curls, moisturizes with shea and coconut oil, and tackles frizz. The foam makes it super easy to distribute throughout your hair, and the heavenly scent will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation. 44,000 customers have given this budget-friendly find a thumbs up! This works best for wavy and curly hair. Check out its result on TikTok. Promising reviews: "I have tried many different types of foam and mousse, but this is my holy grail. I plop my hair in a microfiber wrap for about 10 min, scrunch out any excess water, section my hair into two sections, and apply four pumps of this mousse to each section, scrunching each time. Once it's applied, I squeeze my hair once more with my microfiber and diffuse on low heat until it's 80% dry, and I'm left with lovely curls. I apply no other products, just my shampoo, conditioner, and this mousse. :)" — Ashes Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 28. Kojic acid dark spot remover soap that harnesses the power of iconic ingredients hyaluronic acid, retinol, shea butter, vitamin E, and Castile olive oil to hydrate and diminish the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and blemishes. Over 5,000 reviewers have used it on their face, hands, neck, bikini area, inner thighs, and underarms to achieve a glowier, more even complexion. Promising reviews:"I got this in hopes of lightening my dark inner thighs. It's been a month of using the bar every time I shower, and I see drastic results already. I was a bit suspicious if this would actually work, but if you are on the fence, please take this as a sign to get it and try it out. I'm so excited to see how I look in a few months from now because this thing works and it works fast!" — puppbear "I started using this product one month ago. I use it all over my body, and it lightened my underarms just in time for spring. I wish I knew about this sooner." — Michaella Leyein Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in larger multipacks). 29. Brazilian Bum Bum body cream loved by Zoomers (and 40,000+ 5-star raters) for its incredible smell and powerful hydration powers. The formula uses caffeine-packed guarana extract and coconut oil to firm and moisturize skin, leaving it glowing and smelling like a tropical getaway. Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits, including brightening and temporarily reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that's something you're looking to do. You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:"I bought this for the first time a few years ago to replace the body lotion I had previously used for years and years. While more expensive, I was willing to try Bum Bum cream based on the previous reviews. And it has not disappointed! Not too thick. Not sticky. And the smell is amazing. I get told many times a week how good I smell." — Libby Solomon Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes). 30. A wildly popular Wet n Wild lipstick that, against all odds, will only cost you a single dollar. You can't even find something that affordable in an actual dollar store anymore! Despite the unreal price, the results are very real: 42,000 happy customers love the long-lasting color, hydration from aloe, and extensive color selection. Promising review:"I bought a couple of these lipsticks some time ago, and I was expecting nothing from them, and they delivered a lot. These lipsticks are very pigmented and creamy. One application will last several hours. They are moisturizing, and they look great on your lips." — Yise Get it from Amazon for $1+ (available in 23 shades). 31. A Kerasal fungal nail renewal formula to revitalize your tootsies by thickening nails and reducing discoloration. Feel free to plan to wear open-toed shoes next week — reviewers started noticing a visible difference within days, and 48,000+ customers are happy with the results. To use, you just apply a thin layer twice a day (morning and night) to the affected area and under the edge of the nail for a week. After that, switch to applying once per day at night. Promising review: 'I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren't too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present, even below the quick. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application. ' — WIAPilot
Buzz Feed
30-01-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
Hit The Ground Running This Year With These 37 Efficiency-Boosting Products
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. Shopping · Speedrun through your yearly to-do list. 1. A mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that's way more convenient than a painful trip to the dentist or an annoying attempt at the strips. Just brush your teeth with the bristled pen whenever you have a minute to work through stains and discoloration (without sensitivity, according to reviewers). Promising review:"This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" — Mona L Cureton Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.26 (clip the 30% off coupon on the product page for this price). 2. A set of Stretchlace shoelaces because we're all very busy — possibly too busy to even waste a moment on untied sneakers. If you love the convenience of slip-ons, but not the look, these are the way. Stretchlace is a US-based small business that specializes in elastic shoelaces. Promising review:"I saw these on Shark Tank, so decided to try a pair. They are AMAZING! These are in shoes that I wear for workout classes that involve plenty of stepping and cardio... my shoes do not slip or feel loose at all, but stay as snug as if they had traditional shoelaces. No more loose shoestrings, no more tying, and untying. What a great invention! Hey you little kids with Velcro fasteners, move over! Grown-up laces are here!" — Leah Get them from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 15 colors and in round laces). 3. A hem gun for small alteration projects like cropping a shirt or temporarily bringing in a pair of jeans. It essentially injects tiny fasteners into your clothes for nearly invisible stitching that's easy to remove when needed. It's faster than hand-stitching and definitellllyyyy cheaper than a tailor. It comes with 2,000 fasteners in black and white. Promising review: "I can't believe something like this exists! The stitch gun is an absolute time-saver and has been incredibly handy, especially for someone like me who travels constantly. Whether it's for quick fixes or DIY projects, this tool makes stitching a breeze. I used to dread hand-sewing or lugging around a bulky sewing machine, but now, I can easily make repairs or create custom pieces in minutes with the stitch gun. It's super compact, efficient, and works like a charm every time. Highly recommend it if you're always on the move and need something quick and reliable!" — NYFashionista Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors). 4. A pack of Spin Pins you can use to keep your hair firmly in place, saving you from constantly readjusting or fighting flyaways. One of these coils is as strong as ~20 standard hairpins. Some reviewers note that these are a little too short for super-thick hair. Promising review:"I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spend way too much time on getting my hair into a bun. I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke so I did it again, and then again. I have hair to my mid back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in a bun in under 30 seconds, trust can." — Tina Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in a two pack). 5. A set of paint touch-up pens for when you start to notice scuffs on your walls but don't want to commit to a full paint job. Just suck up some paint with the syringe and you can forgo the whole roller brush entirely. Promising reviews: " This is perfect to have for any dings/chips in your paint. Easy to fill and use. Better to have this than opening a full can of paint. Highly recommend!!" — Jayme Frank "These amazing refillable pens made it so much easier to paint a mural in my kitchen. Yes, they will be great for touch-ups, their intended purpose, but they were also SO useful for outlining my shapes. I was able to work one-handed because the reservoir of paint is part of the brush and not something I have to tote with me in top-of-the-ladder awkward positions — leaving my other hand free to hold scratch my whatever I need it to do!" — Kris C Get them from Amazon for $14.99. 6. An automatic toilet cleaning system that shoots a bleach cleanser in your bowl with every flush, keeping things fresh between scrubbing sessions. I don't know why, but the toilet stamps kind of embarrass me — I don't want people to know I'm off-loading my toilet cleaning duties — so this is the perfect solution. 🤓 It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months! Promising review:"I used to use those deodorizer tablets for all my toilets in my home, and they worked. However, the chemicals from the tablets would harden the plastic/rubber flap valves in the toilet, and cause them to slowly leak overnight. My water bill would be high every month. Once I switched to the Fluidmaster 8300 dispenser, keeping my toilets clean and odorless become easy. Plus maintenance on my toilets decreased! The cartridges last three months, and replacing them requires no tools. Highly recommend." — Mikiloti Get it from Amazon for $10.49. 7. Modular sheet pan dividers for those with limited oven space looking to bake everything at once, even if they require different cooking times. Now you can just yank pans out as they're done — no more scorching your bell peppers as your Brussels sprouts take their sweet time. Amazon Prep'd, the small biz that created these handy dividers, was founded in 2015 by two industrial engineers who believed cooking should be simple, easy, and ultimately fun. Promising review:"These are great for so many reasons. We're in a mixed gluten household (one person has celiac and is diabetic, but we are not all doing a gluten-free diet). We can portion control for carb counting and separate out gluten-free vs. none on one pan. Plus, cleanup is just throwing in the dishwasher!" — J Fans Get a set of four from Amazon for $32.99. 8. A jewelry cleaning pen you can count on to add new shine to your gems, no costly trip to the jeweler required. As someone who refuses to take off rings before washing dishes, showering, etc., I need this! The pen is filled with a jewelry-cleaning formula that removes dirt and oil and reduces the appearance of scratches, allowing your gems to really shine. Just remove the cap, brush the solution on your jewelry, and wait for it to dry. Promising review:"I have a 2.5-carat wedding ring and have a hard time really finding anything that gets that 'first day' sparkle back. With the Dazzle Stick, it shines again. Thank you so much!" — Get it from Amazon for $9.28. 9. A beloved, Shark Tank -featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier made with special padding to help you comfortably lift up to 50 pounds worth of bags on each shoulder, so now you really can do it all in one trip. Amazon, Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories. Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." — Hung Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six colors). 10. A butter spreader that utilizes push-up pop technology to deliver an ideal breakfast experience. You can even microwave it so the butter gets extra gooey and spreadable. Picture this: toast, pancakes, and English muffins with a perfectly even layer of butter — no dry patches anywhere. Fun fact: West and East Coast butters are different shapes! If you're on the East Coast, your butter sticks are a little thinner, so use the included adapter. Avant Grub is a small business that sells kitchen products. Promising review: "One of the best products I've ever bought. You slipped the butter in, and as you need it, you push a little out. I like to butter my pans when I make pancakes and other breakfast things, and now I don't have to hold it stick of butter. I put it in this holder, and it works perfectly. I absolutely love it." — Lynn compton Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in a pair). 11. Or a butter container that helpfully slices two sticks as you insert them. Speaking as someone who is sick of seeing a half stick of ragged, loosely-wrapped butter in the fridge, this is a need — not a want! Promising review: "It works well for what it's intended. Butter slices easier when not as cold. It's easy to use and clean. The lid is not airtight." — Amie Beerbower Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes). 12. A dog paw-cleaning device to keep Spot's feet squeaky clean because you can't exactly put hand sanitizer on a dog. (Seriously, do not do that.) Fill the tube up with soapy water and let the soft bristles scrub away the day's walk. Promising review:"Best. Thing. Ever. This product works like a charm. It gets the sand from between their pads and is gentle enough that even my most stubborn pup tolerates it! I have a terrier/schnauzer who likes to dig, a mini golden doodle who is prissy about her paws, and a standard Labradoodle puppy who is still very fuzzy. We have a farm where it is extremely sandy and we stay in a travel trailer. The amount of sand they were tracking into the camper was ridiculous. It takes me three minutes to clean and dry off all of their paws. Seriously, the best purchase I have made!" — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 13. A jalapeno corer so you can get rid of unwanted seeds in a flash and minimize the risk of you slicing your hand open. Just stick it into your pepper, spin, and slide out the innards. This dishwasher-safe tool is the key to a jalapeno popper-filled future. Amazon Promising review:"Where has this thing been all my life?? Omg makes making poppers so fast! And they look great! Even works on the small sweet peppers too. Use this thing to seed your peppers. Then place your filling into a pastry bag. Or even a Ziploc baggie with the tip snipped off. Fill your peppers and it makes it go so fast! Love love it! I've ordered one for my FIL too as he loves making poppers too!!" — QueenRegina Get it from Amazon for $7.99. 14. An electric makeup brush cleaner that spins your brush and creates a mini vortex in your soapy water. The spinning helps clean and dry the bristles in record time. Promising review:"Holy cow, this thing is amazing!!! I'd been looking at brush cleaners for a while but thought they couldn't be everything they claimed. I was wrong! This brush cleaner cleans brushes instantly and then dries them, too. It took me less than 10 minutes to wash and dry all my brushes, whereas it used to take me 45 minutes to wash them by hand and then a full day to get them dry. This machine dries them so well that they can be used immediately, and it keeps the integrity of the brush. I give it at least 10/5 stars!!!" — Ziasophia Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 15. A dishwasher-safe batter scooper with a sliding plunger ensuring that the batter actually gets where it needs to go and every baked good is uniform. Goodbye, splatter! No one will miss you. Promising reviews: "Saw a video of this product on TikTok and knew I had to get it for our kitchen! Makes it a breeze to fill muffin liners!!" — Amazon Customer "I can't say enough good things about this little tool! It changed my cupcake game forever! No mess and uniform-sized cupcakes every time." — Jillip Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in pink and blue). 16. A bagless, touchless stationary vacuum for anyone who wants to feel like a member of the Jetsons. While it won't clean your whole home like Rosey, it'll act as a super effective replacement for a dust pan. Just sweep dirt over to the machine, and it'll suck it right up. EyeVac is a small business that specializes in vacuums for home and commercial use. Promising reviews:"I love the way it just sucks up the dog hair, crumbs, etc. The auto mode is great, but I had to place mine under a table because every time the dog walked by, it would go off and scare the heck out of her. I think it's a great product and value." — Deb "I bought this to keep next to my toddler's high chair because I was sick and tired of bending over to clean up all her large amounts of food and debris that she drops on the floor with every meal. This thing works so great! All I do is sweep it all in, and it sucks everything right up. It sucks up tiny little crumbs and really big chunks of wet food like macaroni alike. It has made my life so much easier, and my floor is so much cleaner. So easy to use!" — Patti McClowry Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in three colors). 17. A set of Sheet Keeper bands ready to keep your sheet sets together and properly labeled. GOODBYE, frantically searching for a matching pillowcase before your guests arrive in 30 minutes. Sheet Keeper is a woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles, and their adorable bedding bands will actually make staying organized fun! Promising review:"Great product. Came quickly,y and they work great! Such a great idea to keep sheets organized and together while being able to tell what size bedding it is. Will order again for sure!" — devonhansen1 Get a set of two from Sheet Keeper on Etsy for $10.99 (available in sizes twin—California king, as well as in duvet and comforter labels). 18. A rolling egg dispenser that'll save room in your fridge *and* alert you when it's time to re-up your supply. It's also just super entertaining to watch the eggs roll down the chute. YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions. Check out a TikTok of the egg storage roller in action. Promising review: " Here it is! The best egg container on Amazon! How can I say that? Easy! Engineering! The slight tilt angle on the bottom of the container that the egg drawer sits on forces eggs to lightly roll forward, keeping all your eggs in the front, and never in the back, where you don't need them. It's super easy to use, so easy to clean, comes apart and can hold a full can organizer on top without issue, so no issues with sturdiness. It can easily hold 14 large size eggs. Easily one of my favorite purchases." — Karingen Get it from Amazon for $16.65. 19. A rust-removing gel spray – you may be tempted to say "abracadabra" as you use it. It's that magical! The powerful gel clings to rust on contact, so you can watch stains start melting off your tiles immediately; no scrubbing needed. Use this for cleaning bathtubs, showers, toilets, colorfast fabrics, vertical surfaces, and hard-to-reach spots. It's nonabrasive and made with a nonhydrofluoric acid-based formula. Promising review:"Holy wizardry! Seriously, it was more work to clean the mirror over the vanity than to use this product. With almost no effort, this made my dark orange, iron-water shower stall white again. I definitely suggest wearing a mask or bandana and running the ventilation fan if spraying in an enclosed area. Great product!" — Jessica B Get it from Amazon for $11.42. 20. A grater with a built-in container so you don't have to worry about having to balance it over a plate or cleaning up stray shavings. It comes with three grating surfaces you can swap out to meet all your grating needs. Taco night, anyone? It also comes with a vegetable peeler. Promising review:"What an incredible The concept is simple, but this item puts it all together seamlessly — with bonus implements! Sturdy, compact, easy to use, clean, and store. What more could any cook want? The cutting area is safely designed with different shredding sizes possible. Bonus items are well constructed with blades and handles of noteworthy quality. Impressive package deal. Well priced. Very pleased!" — Krow Get it from Amazon for $12.71+ (also available with a garlic mincer). 21. A sweet little fish who swims around in your humidifier tank, inhibiting the growth of buildup for up to 30 days. Now you can go longer between washes and maybe avoid the dreaded brown sludge that appears in some humidifiers. Promising review:"Just drop this in your humidifier, and it keeps the water pretty darn mildew- and mold-free. Super easy to use, no smell, and safe. I have already repurchased and given a few to other people as well." — Kristine Get it from Amazon for $5.98 (also available in a two-pack). 22. An oil mister to make tossing things in oil a way less messy experience. Now you can just give your veggies a lil' spritz and not have to coat your hands in a thick layer of grease. Promising review: "This is a great item for lightly spraying salads, roasting vegetables, or adding some oil to a prepared plate of pasta. Avoids using more oil than necessary, so that's a savings right there. I also use it to put a light coating of oil on all my cast-iron cookware to prevent rust. Best of all, it looks great on the dinner table. Lots of uses, which really makes it an asset in the kitchen. It seems that it should last a while, so I think it is worth the few bucks spent." — Clancy Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in three styles and multipacks). 23. A closet organizer *and* shirt folder that will finally address your — quite frankly — alarming dresser. Instead of balled-up tees crammed into drawers, you can enjoy neatly folded T-shirts that are easy to flip through. ThreadStax, Promising review:"Love this. I bought the 20-pack. I love clothes, and I'm a neat freak without a lot of closet space. Now, I can store my shirts and camis on my closet shelves and can see and access each one individually. Wish they were more affordable, or I'd buy even more!" — Wendy I. Smith Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in two sizes and two pack sizes). 24. A three-blade blinds cleaner with five removable microfiber sleeves so you can clean twice as fast. Now you can stop dusting and go back to checking to see if your cousins are here yet. Amazon, It's curved to contour to and better clean traditional Venetian blinds, so these might not be a great fit for straight or oversized blinds. Get it from Amazon for $6.99. 25. A WD-40 pen that provides all the same benefits as the spray can (quieting squeaks, lubricating hinges, preventing rust, etc.) but now with an easy-to-maneuver, precise pen tip. You could just walk around your home, touching up every hinge you see! Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623 Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (also available with a trucker hat for some reason). 26. A pack of disposable shower hair catchers for people who often forget to clean the drain after a shower and too squeamish to maintain a device like the TubShroom. You can just close your eyes and throw these away when they're too hair-infested. Promising review:"For anyone with long hair, drainage clogging in the shower is a pain. So THANKS to whoever thought of such a simple but clever solution. They stick perfectly and the glue lasts like three weeks. It literally does not let a hair pass, and it's just so easy to place and remove. I wish I had known about this product before! A must-buy." — MER Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in a 50-pack and 100-pack). 27. A Mason jar cold brew coffee maker that lets you make your java at night (when you're actually awake) so all you have to do is stumble to the fridge in the morning. Just pour coffee grounds (or tea leaves!) into the pitcher and let them steep overnight, and you'll never have an excuse to splurge at the café ever again. Promising review: "This is the best way to have coffee without the acid and still have the caffeine. Easy to use and so much cheaper than buying cold brew coffee. I have bought several over the years for friends. I've owned mine now for four years and still love it." — Terry Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 28. A self-cleaning litter box you can even control from your smartphone — sitting on the couch has never been so productive. It scoops the unmentionables into a separate compartment that you can throw away at your leisure. The hands-free cleaning cycle runs 20 minutes after your cat leaves the litter box, moving their waste to a leak-proof, odor-controlled, and disposable tray underneath. Also grab a bag of scoop-free crystal litter and tray refills, too. Promising reviews:"This litter box is a must for any busy family that struggles to keep up with the daily maintenance of having a cat and a litter box! It works well, and my cat is so happy always having a clean litter box." — Kelsey Decker "I rarely write product reviews but this litter box actually made a huge difference for my house! I have had a cat for about 10 years who decides to do the number 2 about two feet outside the litter box. He has ALWAYS done this, no matter what type of litter or box. I even asked my vet about it, and his response was, "Some cats are just jerks"😂. Then I got this litter box. For the first time EVER, he does ALL of his business in the box! And there is no odor at all!! I love it so much I have two. Would highly recommend!!" — Emily Stokes Get it from Amazon for $199.95. 29. A game-changing veggie chopper that will make quick work of your prep. Just add your veggies, slam down the lid, enjoy freshly chopped produce, and then throw the device in the dishwasher when you're done. Now you'll be crying tears of joy instead of tears from onion cutting. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Promising review:"This is one of my absolute favorite kitchen tools! This is right up there with my stand mixer. I save hours a week using this for dinner prep. I HATE cutting up veggies for dinner, and this makes it fast and fun! I can't believe I didn't buy one years ago. This is worth every penny. Easy to use, and I can just throw it in my dishwasher for clean up. I'm obsessed. I will be buying these as gifts. This is an absolute must-have for everyone." — Reviewer Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four sizes, three colors, and in additional styles). 30. A pair of sweeper slippers so you can you clean! Now it doesn't matter if you mop yourself into a corner. 🙂↕️ These work best for people with smaller feet. Promising review:"I absolutely love these! I kind of bought them as a joke. I hate wearing socks, shoes, or slippers, but I also HATE dirty feet. These were the answer I was looking for! They are lightweight on my notice I'm wearing them, and by golly they pick up the dust and dirt that our dog leaves behind! They also wash very nicely. We always wish in Tide and these looked brand-new after being washed. I'm very pleased with my purchase!" — Tim S. Get five pairs from Amazon for $15.99. 31. A school-inspired 4-in-1 makeup pen with everything you need — eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, and eyebrow filler — so you can free up some space in your bag. Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Amazon Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products. Here's what former BuzzFeeder Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it's a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!" Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in three shades). 32. A nonscratch dish wand with a hollow handle you can fill with dish soap and vinegar so you can tackle your dishes or surfaces without wasting even a millisecond to re-soap your sponge. Let's get this DONE! Check out a TikTok of the Scotch-Brite Dishwand to see it in action. Promising review:"Found this 'must-do' hack. I fill the handle of this little gadget with Dawn and a little vinegar, keep it in the shower — then a couple of times a week, just scrub the shower walls while I'm in there waiting on the dang hair conditioner to do its work — killin' two birds, I'm tellin' ya!" — my4sons Get a wand and seven refills from Amazon for $15.49. 33. A box of Color Catcher sheets to prevent the dreaded "all my clothes are now pink from this one stray red sock" debacle. These handy sheets are designed to grab any dye that leaks or bleeds so you can keep enjoying your white tees even if you're not sorting clothes into lights and darks. Promising review:"These Color Catcher sheets really protect colors from bleeding. It makes all clothes/laundry brighter and looking like new — not that old washed color after just one wash without these sheets. I give this product 5+ stars. Highly recommend. A few pennies spent additionally on your laundry makes one look like wearing new clothes all the time." — Nikita Get 72 sheets from Amazon for $14.29 (also available in multipacks). 34. A beloved O-Cedar mop and bucket set that'll make mopping way faster and easier, thanks to the hands-free wringing system. The mop head's unique triangular shape allows it to get into corners, making it a favorite amongst neat freaks, professional cleaners, and people who normally hate mopping. All you have to do is press the pedal down with your foot, and it'll spin away excess water. Promising review: "This mop is fantastic!!! I clean for a living and use professional equipment provided to me. I use THIS mop at home, and I like it even better! Easy to use, great on my vinyl plank flooring, and works great getting into small areas, like around the toilet. I normally use a steam mop or a microfiber mop head on a push mop, and I think this mop does a much better job. Very happy with this definitely recommend!" — Kellj23 Get it from Amazon for $46.68+ (available in two styles and with cleaning solution). 35. Slow cooker liners so you don't have to yank the heavy pot out of the cooker to clean it. Bags! Gotta love 'em. Amazon Bonus! These are also great for cooking cheesecakes. Just wrap the pan in one before dipping it in the water bath to keep it nice and dry. Promising review:"This is a great deal on the multi-pack!!! Since trying these, I always use them when cooking in my Crockpot!! Cleanup is so, so easy. No mess, guaranteed!!!" — Sue Get six liners from Amazon for $3.99. 36. The Pink Stuff, an all-purpose paste that you can use to clean basically anything. Scrubbing will be a thing of the past. And the future? Sparkly clean items as far as the eye can see. Promising review:"Oh my gosh — this stuff is a life-changer! Used it to get my fiberglass shower totally clean. Nothing else would get it done, and this stuff brought my shower back to near new in one use. We've since cleaned a weird, chalky film off our garage door, removed wall markings, and cleaned my storm door. We'll never be without a jar (or three) of this stuff. Worth every penny." — Nancy F. Get it from Amazon for $5.49. 37. A magnetic meal planning pad with a detachable shopping list so you don't have to hem and haw about what to make for dinner. Amazon Promising review:"So cute, and helpful to keep on track with meal planning. I liked the first one I ordered so much that I just ordered a second one. I love that it has magnets on the back so that I can put it on my fridge, and the whole family can see what's for dinner each night. Perforated for easy list removal that doesn't affect the menu side." — Elizabeth Jeter Get it from Amazon for $9.95. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
