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- Health
- Buzz Feed
37 Beauty Products Under $25 That'll Cast Serious Spells
A hydrating lip-plumping gloss set to abracadabra some instant ~lusciousness~ onto your pout. Infused with vitamin E and collagen, this works to give you fuller, more moisturized lippies. Plus, reviewers are totally loving this affordable swap to all those costly name-brand plumpers! A gentle LilyAna Naturals retinol cream that this reviewer (an esthetician of over 13 years) has deemed "The BEST hidden gem!!" This magical cream supports natural collagen production, combats uneven skin tone, and smooths rough texture. How, may you ask? It comes jam-packed with all the goods, including botanical hyaluronic acid, shea butter, organic green tea, organic jojoba oil, and vitamins A and E. And retinol body lotion, because the superpowers of retinol are not just for your face! It's overflowing with powerful ingredients like vitamins A and E, ferulic acid, shea butter, and green tea to help diminish the look of deep wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, crepey skin, and even sun damage — all while giving your collagen production a *major* boost to help with firming. A moisturizing hair serum here to breathe some life back into your locks and rescue them from eternal dryness. This delightful blend is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. This reviewer says it gives you gloss without the grease, and that the scent alone makes them want to keep using it! Brazilian Bum Bum body cream if you want to be known for smelling like a walking Italian bakery, leaving the enchanting scent of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla everywhere you go. Enriched with caffeine, guarana extract, and coconut oil, this miraculous little jar of cream will help smooth, firm, and add a glow to your skin. But may I just highlight again its intoxicating scent? According to the reviewers, you might just get a little obsessed. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that only needs one "before and after" pic to prove that it works wonders on those rough, dry areas that can develop on your feet. Just apply the gel and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then follow up with a foot scrubber. This is the *perfect* addition to your next self-care day. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream because our décolletage is too often forgotten when it comes to skincare needs. This elixir is a pro at improving your skin's firmness, texture, *and* elasticity. Its salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells while its stress response proteins boost your skin's moisture retention to improve smoothness and suppleness. It also contains glycerin and aloe, adding some extra hydration. Iconic, truly. A revitalizing cuticle oil that'll have you blinking your eyes in disbelief because this level of witchcraft seems too good to be true. With a blend of safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, cottonseed oil, and vitamin E, this will help nourish and strengthen your nails, all while promoting growth. Or Onsen's nail and cuticle serum — a dreamy mix of rice bran oil, Japanese seaweed, and shea butter to condition your nails and add some shine. It's just what you need if your nails are in rehab after your last set of gel or acrylics. It's also super lightweight and delightfully *not* oily (BLESS). A piercing bump solution in case your new piercing came with an unexpected (and unwanted) bumpy little friend that won't go away. 🙃 This'll help heal and reduce it so that everyone can focus on your cute new bling instead. You'll be completely spellbound by the results. A paraben-free self-tanner, a soft mousse that glides over your skin smoothly, ensuring an even application without those pesky streaks. In just one hour, you'll be glowing like you just got back from an exotic, tropical getaway — and you didn't even have to step a foot Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap to make that hyperpigmentation *POOF* disappear! Its wonderful mix of shea butter, olive oil, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, and retinol will give hyper-pigmented areas an even glow by helping to reduce scars and restore moisture. You can use it on your face as well as your hands, neck, bikini area, inner thighs, and underarms! I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder — it'll bewitch your roots and trick people into thinking it most definitely has not been a week since you last washed your hair. This is infused with biotin, black ginseng, and root-boosting powder and comes with a conveniently attached puff so that you can dab, dab, dab away all that excess oil and grease to instantly add some volume back into your hair. A satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation that's got the whole TikTok beauty community in a chokehold. This all-star gem lets you enjoy 72-hour flawless coverage and offers effortless blending to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. Plus, it comes in 40 shades and is *packed* with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. Perfect for beauty enthusiasts who love effortless applications anytime, anywhere. A wart-removing gel because it'll give you such shocking results, you'll be convinced it was created in a witch's cauldron. It contains salicylic acid to help with that pesky wart that's been hanging around for an obscene amount of time *and* it comes with waterproof patches for an effective, no-mess solution that'll make your growth ✨vanish✨. And to think you'd accepted it as your new reality?! Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help balance out the bluish tones of under-eye shadows and dark circles. And bonus! It's infused with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish your skin and give you a radiant glow. Wear it by itself or under your concealer for a more full-coverage look! Plus, reviewers say it's a perfect alternative to Becca X Smashbox's similar formula. 👀 And a lil' hydrating eye stick with a cooling formula infused with niacinamide and Icelandic mineral water, moss, and seaweed extract that work like a charm to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. You no longer have to show up to the office looking like a Tim Burton character. Amazing. A fast-drying nail concealer made with a blend of biotin and keratin to give you the strong, healthy-looking nails of your dreams — gone are the days of broken nail tips and rough ridges! It also provides a lovely hint of pink color that works great as a top coat *or* on its own if you're just a minimalist looking for something that'll give your nails a soft, flawless finish. The only thing more satisfying than this will be all the $$$ you're saving on manicures. A TikTok viral overnight collagen mask, which has taken over my entire FYP for months — and now I see why! Give your skin a big ole' drink of water with this probiotic-packed mask, which starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask, and as the hours go by, it gradually turns clear, signaling that it's working its magic on your skin. It'll not only strengthen your skin's barrier and improve elasticity, but it'll also refine the appearance of large pores and help smooth out fine lines. Many reviewers also say it's surprisingly comfortable to sleep in! An OGX leave-in, curl-defining cream so you can properly flaunt the curls that we all envy. This miracle cream gives you ultra-soft curls and moisturizes them to boost their shine. Bouncy spirals of hair without the need to style with heat? Yes, please. Or a wildly popular curl-defining foaming mousse with results so enchanting, the only logical conclusion is that The Grimmerie must have been involved in its creation. This is enriched with coconut and shea oils to create soft wraps, tame frizz, and treat your hair to some intense hydration — leaving hair feeling ultra soft and nourished. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil because it uses the calming powers of heartleaf oil to soothe irritated skin and eliminate makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while preventing pore congestion — perfect to incorporate in a double cleansing routine! It's also hypoallergenic and works wonders for sensitive, acne-prone skin. A bottle of organic (and delightfully versatile!) cold-pressed castor oil with results so shocking, it must be a subject of discussion in a Dark Arts class. This powerful elixir is enriched with moisturizing fatty acids that promote hair growth, give you longer and thicker lashes and brows, *and* help reduce blemishes, scars, and fine lines. A true MVP. 😍 Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo that 36,000+ reviewers swear by, which is no surprise because this magical brew banishes product buildup on your scalp and is enriched with botanical extracts that work to help thicken and hydrate your hair. You'll soon be wanting to do a hair flip every chance you get. A magnetic cat-eye gel nail polish kit to make it look like your nails themselves are spellbound by the beauty of the northern lights. Not only will you be flooded by comments, but you'll also be able to brag about the fact that you did 'em yourself. That's right, and flip your hair over your shoulder while you're at it. Or a gel nail kit — aka an all-in-one glam gem. It includes basically everything you need to tap into your inner nail tech (just make sure to grab that UV LED lamp)! The kit comes with the base coat and two top coats (one for a matte finish and one for a glossy sheen) and 20 gorgeous colors to choose from. Just apply the base, then your color, cure it under the lamp (and apply more layers as needed!), then apply your top coat and cure once more. An internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller — now you see the you don't! This miraculous little roller works like magic to eliminate excess oil and mattify your skin as you roll it around your face. As someone with skin that's always making me look like a glazed donut, I appreciate this wonderful little tool. Bruise cream because just like Harry's wand chose him, the clumsy life chose you. Thanks to its arnica, horse chestnut, vitamin K, and witch hazel (*cue the evil cackle*), this works quickly to reduce the appearance of swelling and redness. Reviewers also enjoy using this to help remedy bruising caused by cosmetic injections like fillers and Botox! A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo — you already spent major money to acquire that beautiful blonde look, so why would you let unwanted yellow tones get in the way? This sorcery-level liquid will cancel out the brassiness and help you keep it looking as good as the hair inspo on your Pinterest board before your next touch-up appointment. A prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel, aka the strongest thing you can purchase without a prescription. This miraculous (yet affordable) gel helps reveal a new skin layer and dives deep into your pores to clear breakouts before they can out." Say sayonara to those painful zits. 👋 A viral dark spot correcting serum — a potion formulated with the powerful trio of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin to help banish dull skin and enlarged pores to another dimension. It's also infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin barrier. Many reviewers say it's become an *essential* part of their skincare routine! These glamorous reusable magnetic lashes that'll have everyone convinced Glinda the Good Witch herself cast a spell on your lashes to make them look long and oh-so-enviable. Say goodbye to struggling with glue and wasted lashes — each set of these sticks right to the included eyeliner, so you can finally toss that goopy glue out. A Briotech spray with magical powers that rival the pricier Tower 28 spray (*gasp*). Packed with the same key ingredient, hypochlorous acid, this skincare gem will quickly become one of your staples as it effectively works to soothe inflammation, calm angry red patches, and fortify your skin's barrier. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Body Wash if you've been holding out for a *true* miracle in a bottle. It's made with aloe, mint, and tea tree soap to help reduce rashes, acne, and dry or cracked skin — seriously, I wish I had the perseverance that these common skin irritations have. Plus, it's also got a delightful scent thanks to its coconut, olive, and jojoba oils! Skin1004's zombie face masks that'll have you looking like you just sang the healing incantation to the golden flower from Tangled. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow. Mighty Patches to evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloid to protect and heal the blemish more effectively — you officially have no excuses for popping those pimples anymore! No picking or pinching needed. Oh, and they have over 135,000 5-star reviews! A wow-worthy snail repair cream, which should basically be considered skin sorcery with the way it's surprised reviewers with its immediate results. It's enriched with organic green tea and vitamins that brighten dull skin and help fade discoloration. And, thanks to its high concentration of snail mucin extract, your complexion will look plumped and ✨glowy✨. You upgrading your beauty routine and still having money for that beloved, overpriced coffee that you just can't let go of: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Metro
27-05-2025
- Metro
I fell in love with Japan's fourth biggest city – and its lesser-known neighbour
'Don't worry about swimwear, you have to be naked for the Onsen hot spring'. And with that, my 'off the beaten track' tour around central Japan with a group of strangers began, a little more intimately than I had anticipated. All horrified, our tour guide explained that in Japan, body positivity is strongly encouraged, the aging body is celebrated, and we should all view ourselves as equal and beautiful. Who can argue with that? Off came the clothes. And so the tone was set for InsideJapan's curated tour that intentionally veers off the beaten track. Exploring one of the most beautiful countries in the world, from the pristine streets of overpopulated cities, to the shacks hidden amongst the mountains that make up 80% of Japan's landmass, we were met with modesty and humility that made you fall in love with the place and its people over and over again. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. We start in Nagoya, Japan's lesser-known fourth-largest city. Often overlooked by tourists, it is easy to reach from the UK with just a single connection in Helsinki, and a great base from which to explore. After a late night arrival and a comfortable night on the 32nd floor of Hotel Prince Sky Tower, we woke early to enjoy the sweeping views of the city and a hotel breakfast served by robots, before boarding the first of many trains to head thirty minutes North to Inuyama. Home to the oldest castle in Japan, a place where 3,000 castles once stood, most were dismantled in the 19th century when Samurai rule came to an end; nearly all the rest were destroyed during World War II. Now only 12 remain. Standing proud atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River, your reward for the steep climb to the summit is the spectacular view. Back to Nagoya and the chance to check out the Osu Shopping District, 1,700 metres of arcades hosting more than 1,200 businesses that sell almost anything you can imagine. My attention is grabbed by vintage kimonos and decadent street food, from miso-glazed pork sticks to matcha custard donuts. I stumble upon a shop bursting with beautiful ceramics, think Zara home for a fraction of the price. Japanese homewares are big business on Instagram, with videos of delicate plates and coffee cups racking up hundreds of thousands of views. Time once again to escape the big city, this time on a longer train to Hida Furukawa, two and a half hours of winding journey along the Nagara River. Endless shades of green roll by, mountainous peaks fading into mist as paddy fields glisten in the sun. I gaze out the window and adjust my seat for a better view (because of course, train seats swivel in Japan). This doesn't feel like getting from A to B, which is the kind of travel I'm used to in the UK. This feels like a highlight of the trip. Disembarking at Hida Furukawa feels like stepping back in time. A stark contrast to the bustling city we'd left behind, here there are canal-lined streets filled with koi carp, dappled in sunlight by thick rows of cherry trees. An occasional car hums along the almost deserted streets, but a horse and cart wouldn't look out of place. This is a place famed for its timber and talented carpenters, whose workshops line the alleyways. We pass an elderly candle maker who beams at us through his open shopfront; I imagine he's sat in that very spot for the past seventy years, perfecting his craft. Lunch at Fukuzenji Soba is handmade soba noodles with locally brewed beer. Steam rises from our soups into sunbeams floating through the open windows, and as I perch on my tiny wooden chair, I once again feel as though I've walked straight into the Samurai equivalent of the Wild West. Another day, another train ride, this time the one I've been waiting for. The bullet train, 80 miles in half an hour and barely enough time to eat my carefully selected Japanese train snacks, with ears freshly popped we arrive in Kyoto. Japan's third largest city, and arguably the most beautiful, my expectations are high. Whether it's culture and history or a late night fuelled by sake and Karaoke,Kyoto's got you covered. We kick things off with what our guide describes as 'a hidden gem'. Eikan-Do Temple, a gift from a court noble to a Buddhist priest built more than one thousand years ago. Most popular with visitors in autumn when the maple trees put on their finest display, our visit falls in early summer, in the midst of a tropical downpour. And still, we are all blown away. Nestled high, almost hidden among a thicket of trees, it feels like the kind of construction that inspired a Grand Designs house: indoor-outdoor living, endless curves and beautifully carved wood. If tranquillity was a place, we found it. Flying from London to Nagoya via Helsinki sounded intimidating at first. Connecting flights, fifteen hours in the air. I've done similar before and found myself exhausted with a suspected neck strain from resting my head on… absolutely nothing. Not this time. Finnair Business Class was an enjoyable experience from start to finish. A glass of Champagne in the lounge and a private pod to myself. A varied menu of delicious food to be paired with a curated selection of wines. The only 'problem' was that I was so comfortable, fed and watered, I couldn't stay awake long enough to make my way through more than one of the many films on offer. Flights with Finnair from London Heathrow to Nagoya with a connection in Helsinki start from £800 in economy, £1,561 in premium economy and £2,827 in business. Our base is The Thousand Kyoto, a minimalist hotel that prides itself on sustainability. Bee hives adorn the roof, and art installations the lobby. Almost too modern for me, it takes an embarrassingly long time to work out the blind is drawn via the in-room iPad. I wake on the final morning in true Japanese style, to a frantic phone alarm warning an earthquake is imminent. It tells me to stay calm. As I definitely do not stay calm and panic about what to do, the shaking starts. Luckily though, it doesn't last long, and to regain the zen that until that point had followed us everywhere, we head to the world-famous Bamboo Forest, truly a sight to behold. I've seen my fair share of nature's finest displays, trailing through forests and into the depths of far-flung jungles. But the feeling of meandering along a path of bamboo shoots up to 50 metres high, slowly swaying in the wind, will stay with me forever. More Trending Japan has always been on my bucket list, and it remains on my bucket list. I barely scratched the surface and yet every expectation I had was exceeded. A country full of beauty, history and humility. I fell deeply in love and plan to return again and again and again. Late March through May, for cherry blossom season (but expect huge crowds). June and July, for Tokyo's famous fireworks (during rainy season, it's also one of the cheapest periods to travel). September, for hiking through forests that burst into a kaleidoscope of colour in autumn. Ella Millward was a guest of InsideJapan. She stayed at Nagoya Prince Sky Tower, Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama and The Thousand Kyoto. This article was originally published February 2, 2025 . Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Chasing waterfalls and a Great Blue Hole, I fell hard for 'The Jewel' MORE: Forget the Med — I swapped the sun for a spectacular Scandinavian train ride MORE: A weekend in Brighton through the eyes of a child
Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
33 Products To Help Maintain Your Hair, Skin, And Nails
A hydrating Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence that will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively that it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 61,000 5-star ratings! An OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curl-Defining Cream so you can properly flaunt your curls for passersby to envy. This miracle cream gives you ultra-soft curls and moisturizes them to boost their shine. Bouncy spirals of hair without the need to style with heat? Yes, please. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow. A non-comedogenic CeraVe salicylic acid body wash so you can finally break up with those keratosis pilaris bumps. With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin. A Beauty of Joseon serum if you're a real glow getter. The niacinamide and propolis extract formula can help you maintain clearer skin, brighten dark spots, and give you a dewy glow, thanks to its honey-like texture. L'Oréal Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment, which works its magic in eight (!!!) seconds to give dull-looking hair a dose of shine and silkiness (without going to the salon). It'll probably make you want to do a dramatic hair flip every eight seconds, and we wouldn't mind it at all. A Korean exfoliating mitt you can use in the bath or shower to achieve that ~buttery soft~ skin. It helps you gently lather off dead skin, prevent ingrown hairs, and eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris. The best part? You can get specific about the exfoliation pressure, since it's on your own hand! A cuticle oil that uses jojoba oil and vitamin E to help strengthen your nails and soften your cuticles so you can skip out on the time (and $$$) it takes to go get a manicure. Perfect for when you're about to go to brunch and you notice your nails are looking a little too rough for those mimosa stories that will be posted later. Or Onsen's nail and cuticle serum — a dreamy mix of rice bran oil, Japanese seaweed, and shea butter to condition your nails and add some shine. It's just what you need if your nails are in rehab after your last set of gel or acrylics. It's also super lightweight and delightfully *not* oily (BLESS). A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo because you already spent major money to acquire that beautiful blonde look, so why would you let unwanted yellow tones get in the way? This'll cancel out the brassiness and help you keep it looking as good as the hair inspo on your Pinterest board before your next touch-up appointment. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that only needs one "before and after" pic to prove that it works wonders on those rough, dry areas that can develop on your feet. Just apply the gel and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then follow up with a foot scrubber. This is the *perfect* addition to your next self-care day. Or Demora's foot exfoliation mask — you apply the two bootie-shaped masks on your feet for an hour, wash your feet, and then, over the next five to seven days, enjoy the disgustingly satisfying experience of watching all of your dead skin fall away to reveal baby-soft feet (just in time for sandal season)! Reviewers swear by this for calluses and rough, cracked skin. A TikTok-famous VieBeauti eyelash growth serum to help with upkeep when you can't make it to the esthetician for extensions. Apply to your lashes daily to help them become longer and stronger within just a few weeks! You'll be resisting the urge to flutter your lashes like a cartoon character every time your S.O. walks by in no time. A stainless-steel blackhead spatula that'll really and truly give you that feeling of ~clean skin~. This uses high-frequency vibrations to gently remove gunk and impurities from pores — not only will you feel refreshed, but it'll create the perfect canvas for your expensive skincare products to *actually* absorb. Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap, which you can use on your face as well as your hands, neck, bikini area, inner thighs, and underarms. Its wonderful mix of shea butter, olive oil, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, and retinol will give hyper-pigmented areas an even glow by helping to reduce scars and restore moisture. A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum here to breathe some life back into your locks and rescue them from eternal dryness. This delightful blend is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. This reviewer says it gives you gloss without the grease, and that the scent alone makes them want to keep using it! A bottle of wildly popular Bio-Oil multiuse skincare oil with vitamins A and E, chamomile, sunflower, and lavender oils to help fade scars and stretch marks while helping your skin retain moisture and achieve a more even tone. One reviewer even compares this stuff to sorcery. A CeraVe eye cream because don't you just love it when everyone points out how tired you look? This hydrates and repairs your undereye's delicate skin barrier with three essential ceramides so that you can say "see ya" to those dark circles. A pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches if you've been in need of a trip to the dermatologist — these'll evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloids to protect and heal the blemish more effectively. You officially have no excuses for picking at those pimples anymore! A bottle of highly-rated Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo because we shouldn't be expected to deal with both bad hair days and flakiness. This gentle shampoo uses ketoconazole to help eliminate dandruff-causing fungus, along with the annoying itchiness that comes with it! And a shampoo scalp massager reviewers have raved about because it helped them with psoriasis, dandruff, and scalp tenderness. It exfoliates your scalp and gives you the glorious, relaxing feeling of a massage ~without~ the spa fees. A moisturizing Etude House SPF 50 sun milk, which is formulated with 20 powerful berry and plant ingredients (including açaí palm fruit extract, Barbados cherry extract, and sunflower seed oil) that are gentle on your skin and leave you with a lightweight, airy finish. It's intended to be used as the last step in your skincare routine and works like a charm as a makeup primer! A touch-up razor and dermaplaning tool you'll need next time you want to quickly shape your brows or remove any of those other fine facial hairs that you just don't have the time or patience to pluck out one by one. Have no fear — it's super gentle and painless (and beats having to go out of your way to get threaded or waxed)! A box of waterproof medicated pads to help with that pesky wart that's been hanging around for an obscene amount of time. Apply the medicated pads like bandages and replace every 48 hours until your growth goes POOF. And to think you'd accepted it as a fact of life?! A hair repair serum with argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E that help instantly condition and hydrate your hair so that you can walk out with a little extra shine. Or a natural curl-enhancing moisturizer — it has black castor oil, agave, and biotin that help increase your hair's shine and softness. Apply it right after the shower to help banish breakage and split ends! A bottle of hair-building fibers that's being regarded as a "miracle" by many satisfied reviewers because of how well it fills in bald spots and adds volume to thinning hairs. These tiny fibers made with follicle-mimicking molecules that grab onto your hair strands and make it look like a witch cast a hair growth spell on you. I mean, just look at the pics below — they truly speak for themselves. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant — lots of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin textures swear by. This'll help you gently exfoliate rough patches and dry bumps so that your skin is as smooth as a baby's. A hydrating Mielle Organics rosemary mint strengthening edge gel infused with biotin that encourages hair growth and helps support healthy edges for a sleek look *without* the flaking and residue. CeraVe Retinol Serum — if you're just starting to explore the world of retinoids, this is a great option to start with! This gentle yet effective serum uses *encapsulated* retinol to help reduce scars and pores without flaking or redness. Plus, many reviewers rave about how they like it better than more expensive alternatives! An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask infused with collagen, ceramides, and protein extracts to help repair your hair if it is damaged, over-processed, or has just spent too much time with that flat iron. Many reviewers are comparing it to Olaplex! Simply apply it on wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. A hair thinner and cutter for all those times you've put off stopping by the salon for a trim (same 🙃). This little helper is great not only for cutting dead ends but *also* for trimming your bangs, maintaining a cut, giving yourself some natural-looking layers, or trimming and styling wigs. A tub of O'Keeffe's hypoallergenic hand cream to help restore moisture to dry, cracked, and sensitive skin. It also creates a protective layer on your skin's surface and gives your hands some hydrating relief.
Buzz Feed
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Cheap Products With Expensive Results
A pack of six wood repair markers to fend off the urge to buy a whole new dining room set because your kitten made one of the legs its personal scratch tower. The markers and crayons come in shades that match the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) — grab a marker for small scratches, or a crayon for larger knicks and scrapes. A reviewer-loved scar gel that sinks in super quickly, so it's perfect to use on facial scars. The superstar scar-fading ingredients are panthenol, which helps promote the production of new skin cells, and allantoin, which attracts moisture to the skin to help speed up the wound-healing process. It also works on new and old scars, so it's never too late to add this to your routine. A Dash single-serve ice cream maker — it can whip up a half-pint of creamy goodness in 20 minutes. Oh, and it's not just for ice cream — it can also make froyo, sorbets, and frozen drinks! Reviewers say it seems awfully similar to the Ninja Creami, except it takes up way less space while saving you around $100. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion that'll give you the bronzed glow of a spray tan without paying an expensive monthly fee at your local spray tanning salon. Just swipe this on like you would any body lotion, and you should start to see results within a few days (most reviewers see results after the third or fourth application). It's also formulated with elastin, collagen, and green tea extracts to help firm and hydrate your skin while you get your glow on. E.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray that'll have you checking your order history to make sure you didn't accidentally buy the $38 Milk Makeup Hydro Grip. Just be sure to shake before you spray so you can mix the oil and water layers — the squalane and green tea oils help to hydrate and soften skin, while the water layer helps to lock in your makeup for all-day wear. Black matte cabinet pulls so sleek you'll say, "Hi AD, welcome to my home!" every time you step into your kitchen. No really, sprucing up your cabinets can give you that ~new kitchen~ feel without splurging for a full-on renovation. I also suggest a bowl overflowing with limes like Dakota Johnson. And some peel-and-stick subway "tile" if you're looking to further revamp your kitchen without the expense and hassle of regular tile. Just peel and stick these anywhere you want 'em — they're heat- and moisture-resistant, so you can even use them in the bathroom! An Onsen cuticle conditioner — it has a non-oily, serum-like formula that's way less messy than your traditional cuticle oil. Whyyyyy do cuticle oils take so long to absorb?! This one sinks in more like a lightweight lotion thanks to the moisturizing shea and cocoa butters that give it a creamy texture. Oh, and it's not just for your cuticles; you can smooth this all over your nails to condition, strengthen, and add a fresh-from-the-salon shine. And Sally Hansen nail polish with a gel-like finish that requires NO UV LAMP! Sally, girl, you have done it again — constantly raising the bar and doing it flawlessly. When paired with the matching top coat, these shiny formulas should last you up to eight days. Fun fact — doing your own nails will save you approximately 1.2 trillion dollars over the course of your lifetime. Ok, I made that up, but I'm sure the actual figure is not far off. A mini bottle of touch-up paint to mask any scratches or scuffs on your walls and furniture... and to make sure you get that security deposit back. You can use it directly on wood or to freshen up existing paint, so don't be surprised if you get the urge to roam around your home looking for cabinets, shutters, and floorboards to spruce up. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream, because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Reviewers say it takes a few applications to see results — so start using it now, then marvel at your results later! A lightweight gel-cream from Nivea that uses the magic of an ingredient called ~Q10~ to help firm and moisturize your skin — and it's racked up more than 17,000 rave ratings. Reviewers say it takes consistent use over a few weeks to see results, but those who stuck with it have seen changes in the smoothness of their neck, thighs, and more. A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds — reviewers say they give AirPods a run for their money in the sound quality department. These have a six-hour battery life, meaning you can listen to the entirety of Short n' Sweet nine times in a row before needing a recharge. You'll also be so grateful for the waterproof design when one of your earbuds dives into the sink when brushing your teeth to "Please, Please, Please." An Ogx air-dry leave-in cream, which will give you Sephora-level results at a drugstore-level price. Now you can stop dreaming of buying one of those $400+ blow-dryers — this lets you air-dry your way to bouncy waves! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls. A headlight restoration kit that attaches to a household drill so you can stop squinting to see what's ahead of you every time the sun goes down. It comes with everything you need to get started so you can kiss that expensive mechanic bill goodbye! The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 when you realize it might just replace your beloved Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Cream. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and now it comes in four shades! A grout ink pen — it'll take the space between your tiles from grimy to shiny in a few simple swipes. This won't clean your grout, but it'll make it look brand-new. It's like a more productive version of an adult coloring book — and about the same price! A cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara that's basically lash extensions in a tube. The formula wraps your lashes with lengthening tubes for a fuller appearance, which also makes it SO easy to remove at the end of the day. Plus, it's under $10, which proves you don't always have to pay extra for convenience. A wood polish and conditioner to bring your furniture back to life. Its magical blend of orange oil, beeswax, and Brazilian carnauba oil will help to break down water spots and restore wood to its former shiny glory. No need to call in the professionals or Google "new wood entryway table" just yet. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that's a major upgrade from other harsh formulas you may have tried in the past — and it'll give your pedicurist a much-deserved break. Some callus-removing products will make the surrounding skin feel dry and irritated, but this one includes a healthy dose of glycerin to help soften and hydrate. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. Many reviewers say it's replaced Olaplex in their routines! Or a keratin hair mask that's revived the tresses of 11,000+ Amazon reviewers — and it's at least 20x less than a typical pro treatment. The keratin can help reduce frizz and add shine, and there's even some biotin to help add a boost of volume to thinning hair. You're about to get so many compliments, and you'll be so excited to tell them it was only $10. Veet's sensitive hair removal gel so you can skip that waxing appointment and spare yourself the awkward small talk. It's formulated with aloe, so it's perfect for anyone who typically deals with redness and irritation after hair removal. It's also meant to provide longer-lasting results when compared to traditional shaving and reduce the chance of ingrowns. Be prepared to pat yourself on your smooth, hairless back! An oil stain remover that'll take care of that giant spot that's ruining your driveway's entire vibe (you can try to convince yourself that nobody notices or cares, but we do and we're all talking about it). Pour it over the stain, wait for it to dry, and then brush away to reveal a sparkling clean driveway. And you didn't even need to invest in a pricey power washer!! A root touch-up powder from the same brand so you can stretch the time between salon appointments. Just use the attached sponge to pick up some powder and rub it directly on any grays, or use it on your hairline to create a fuller appearance. It'll become one of your new beauty lifesavers — just ask the 16,000+ reviewers who left a perfect 5-star rating. Or a Schwarzkopf permanent hair dye that might have your stylist calling in to check on you because you haven't been back to them in MONTHS. They're great, but this cheap hair dye kit is too convenient to resist — you'll get everything you need for a bold color that lasts for up to 28 washes. Plus, the amonia-free formula is infused with argan oil and oat milk, so it's basically a hair dye and conditioning treatment in one. Nyx's extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours — I think even Anastasia Beverly Hills herself would be impressed! Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day. A pair of rechargeable motion sensor lights that might just fool your guests into thinking you installed some fancy new cabinets. But the best part is you can now finally see exactly which Little Debbie you're reaching for in the pantry when that late-night snack craving hits. They're also great for closets, under cabinets, or even illuminating the shelves holding your exquisite Lego Flower collection. A Nyx Fat Oil lip gloss to douse your lips in hydrating raspberry seed oil while adding a super glowy shine that'll have you forgetting all about Dior. You'll get the lightweight feel of a luxurious lip oil with the moisture of a heavier lip balm, all for under $10. A Wet n Wild lightweight tinted hydrator that gives you a perfect hint of coverage while helping to improve your skin over time — your current foundation can't do that! It goes on just like a normal moisturizer, but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized. A screen-cleaning brush, because what good is all this sunshine if you can't even look out of the window and enjoy it?! If your window screens need a good deep cleaning, you can wet this with soap and water to break down stubborn grime. Then use it dry once you see any dirt start to accumulate — and be eternally grateful you won't have to search "screen window replacement services" any time soon. A tinted lip balm for anyone intrigued by Clinique's "Black Honey" shade that went wildly viral on TikTok for its sheer shade that's meant to blend seamlessly with your natural lip color. It's impressed several reviewers, including loyal fans of Clinque's pricier shade. A tomato knife designed to take the pain out of one of the most annoying cooking tasks: slicing tomatoes. The dual-serrated blade helps it glide through tomatoes of any size and thickness — yes, even those tiny cherry tomatoes that always seem to wiggle away from your knife. Several reviewers say these are actually better than the ~fancy~ brands they've bought in the past. A box of skin-lifting Skin 1004 face masks — they'll make you look like a terrifying zombie until you rinse it off, but it's worth it for the pore tightening and complexion brightening benefits! It contains albumin, an ingredient derived from egg whites that's known to tighten and lift the skin, even if reviewers say it's a bit smelly at first (but most say they get used to it quickly)! Reviewers say it's similar to the popular Hanacure mask, but way cheaper since you get eight of these in a box! A ceiling fan carbon filter that basically turns your fan into an air purifier! Peel-and-stick these filters to the top of your fan's blades and they'll catch some of the dust, pollen, smoke, dander, and other allergens in the air as the fan spins. A set of makeup sponges to make you question how you ever spent top dollar for a Beauty Blender. You can get five of these for less than $10, and reviewers say they blend everything from foundation to concealer like a dream. A compact and super affordable ionic hair dryer that has reviewers questioning why they ever shelled out the cash for a $400+ Dyson. 😩 It has three heat levels and a temperature-regulating function to prevent overheating, and the powerful motor is designed to dry hair in less than 10 minutes.
Edinburgh Reporter
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
In Search of Stillness – a deep dive into Japan's bathing culture
Scottish fine art photographer, Soo Burnell, has turned her focus to Japanese culture for a new exhibition, building on her acclaimed poolside collections – which included historic Edinburgh swimming pools. At the Onsen, A Journey Into Stillness, takes place at Edinburgh's Saorsa Gallery from 3-11 May, and is an opportunity to see 40 new pieces by an artist who is highly praised for her 'striking images' (Stephanie Wade, Editor, IGNANT). Soo has long had a fascination with the atmosphere and beauty of the places we create for bathing as well as the rituals and traditions they embody. Her photography has a sense of mystery, drawing viewers into mesmerising parallel worlds. Soo said: 'I've been desperate to visit Japan for as long as I can remember. I've been fascinated by Japanese culture and the beautiful architecture, shrines and gardens. 'After shooting so many Victorian baths in Scotland, the rest of the UK and Europe, I was fascinated to dive deeper into the Japanese tradition of bathing and the importance of these warm healing waters.' Last September's trip to Japan aimed to explore the country's onsens, bathhouses fed by natural hot springs, often volcanic, and which much-loved placed for leisure and relaxation. These are places for healing the body and the mind (a therapeutic practice called toji). Hot spring towns (akin to spa towns in Europe) flourished in the Edo period 1603-1868. Soo also visited sentos, traditional bathhouses, which are communal but with separate areas for men and women. The onsen and sento are architectural opposites: one white and calm with arched windows and natural light, the other of dark wood. The create very different moods yet both are calm and peaceful with the constant sound of running water. The trip took a year of planning and research with Soo eventually selecting seven locations that she wanted to visit. The photography itself required time, and care, with Soo collaborating closely with her models so they were perfectly posed and presented to catch the calm and stillness of the bathhouses. While the new collection stands in contrast to her poolside collections, there are common threads and themes. Soo said: 'I loved the pastel colour palette of the sentos, and the stories told through the murals, which were incredibly detailed. 'Also, they feel central to the communities they serve, reminding me of the historic swimming pools from my poolside collections – spaces that encouraged gathering, whether as families going to swim together or with people from the wider community.' Like this: Like Related
