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Much like the perfect pair of jeans, the perfect beauty product is hard to come by. That’s because you have to take things like your skin type, concerns, and sensitivities into consideration. Still, there are those rare superhero products — like the staples on this list — that are so universally beloved, they reach cult-favorite status.
Many of the products ahead come backed by dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and hairstylists. They also boast thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon — and at $40 or less, they’re surprisingly affordable. There’s just one catch: products this popular are hard to keep in stock. Keep scrolling for everything you’ll want to snatch up before they sell out again.
A Creamy Eyeshadow That Dries To A Waterproof Powder
Applying eyeshadow just got a whole lot easier, thanks to these Amazon-approved Julep eyeshadow sticks. You can swipe the creamy formula directly onto your lids and use the built-in smudger on the opposite end to blend it out before it sets into a crease-proof powder that’s waterproof. Whether you prefer neutral matte colors, loud metallics, or shadows with a soft, shimmery finish, the eyeshadow stick comes in a variety of colors and finishes to test out. Plus, they’re also great to travel with because they’re not as bulky as eyeshadow palettes, and they don’t run the risk of breaking into a powdery mess if your bags are being tossed around.
- Available shades: 33
An Oil Cleanser That’s Made With Nourishing Rice Water & Jojoba
Featuring over 7,000 five-star ratings, this face wash by the popular Korean beauty brand The Face Shop combines rice water, rice bran, and jojoba to cleanse and nourish the skin. It can remove makeup and SPF and is perfect for incorporating into your morning and evening skincare routine. Plus, this pick is made without any parabens, animal-derived ingredients, or talc.
This Low Maintenance Lip Stain That Really Lasts
If you’re looking for a lip color that doesn’t require the same level of commitment (or maintenance) as lipstick, consider a tinted stain from the K-beauty brand, Peripera. The lip stain applies like a liquid matte lipstick, but you can customize the color payoff (either by layering the formula on or blotting excess product off with a tissue) and it feels velvety smooth on your lips.
- Available shades: 25
The Ultimate Hyaluronic Acid Serum
There are hyaluronic acid serums, and then there’s this serum-like lotion from Japan’s Hada Labo, which contains seven types of hyaluronic acid to draw more moisture to your skin. While dry skin types will love the extra hydration, the lotion is also great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types, as the formula is free from fragrance, oil, alcohol, and colorants.
This Foot Mask That Helps Make Dry, Cracked Skin A Thing Of The Past
Cold winter weather and arid indoor heat can often cause dry, cracked feet. Be prepared this upcoming winter by picking up this foot peel mask that easily exfoliates cracked, dead skin with little to no effort. All you have to do is slip on the foot mask socks, leave them on for 60 minutes, and that’s it. Over the next week or so, your feet should start to shed, revealing softer, smoother skin. It's like magic.
- Available sizes: Regular — Large
A Liquid Exfoliant That Even Sensitive Skin Types Can Use
Paula’s Choice is known for its line of products that use science-backed ingredients and leave out common irritants, so it’s not totally surprising that even sensitive skin types have dubbed this BHA Liquid Exfoliant a “holy grail” product. The leave-on formula uses a 2% concentration of the BHA salicylic acid, which comes dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin for its ability to clear clogged pores of acne-causing oil and debris. Salicylic acid’s resurfacing abilities also make it helpful for brightening the overall skin tone, and this formula also contains green tea to soothe any potential irritation caused by the active ingredient. Perhaps the best part about the award-winning exfoliant is that it’s available in a 1-ounce travel size that’s perfect for testing the product out for less than $15.
This Pore-Blurring Primer That’s Less Than $10
A primer is a must when you want your makeup to last (especially in the sweaty summer months), but if you’re also looking to blur the look of enlarged pores, e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer has you covered on both fronts. Best for dry and combo skin types, the squalane- and green tea-infused primer smooths right over the skin, helping to keep it moisturized as it locks makeup into place. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan.
A Dermatologist-Developed Retinol Serum
Retinol may be the “gold standard” when it comes to skin care ingredients, but the vitamin A derivative is known for being highly unstable. Because exposure to air, light, and even heat can cause retinol to degrade and lose its effectiveness, products that use encapsulation technology to protect the active ingredient often come dermatologist-recommended. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum combines encapsulated retinol with three skin barrier-protecting ceramides to slowly release over time and better penetrate the skin (without causing more irritation). The drugstore product also includes ingredients like licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to offer more brightening, moisturizing, and soothing benefits.
A Makeup Artist Favorite For Prepping Dry Skin
A best-seller from the brand and a longtime favorite among makeup artists and celebs for its multi-tasking abilities, Weleda Skin Food can be used to gently hydrate and soothe skin from your face to your feet. Ingredients like lanolin, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, and beeswax work to bind moisture to the skin while leaving it feeling immediately softer, and you’ll also find calming extracts like chamomile flower and calendula flower on the ingredients list. Dozens of Amazon reviewers note that it makes a great face mask, and Insta-famous derm Dr. Shereene Idriss uses it as a lip mask, too.
A Painless Way To Quickly Remove Unwanted Facial Hair
If you’re looking for an at-home way to remove unwanted facial hair without the pain of waxing or irritation of shaving, this electric facial hair remover device has nearly 100,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. The $20 device uses an 18-karat gold-plated floating head that’s hypoallergenic and allows you to skim over the contours of your face without the risk of cuts or nicks. It’s battery-operated and small enough to fit in a makeup bag, so it’s easy to travel with, too.
A Peel For People Who Hate Peels
At-home peels are a tricky business, especially for those with sensitive skin. But this K-beauty peeling gel is a gentle way to exfoliate because it uses cellulose (instead of more aggressive chemical exfoliators) to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. The dermatologist-developed peel also works to moisturize skin and leave it glowing, thanks to the addition for several types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
This Skin-Brightening Cleanser
If you’re looking for a daily cleanser with a bit more exfoliating power, consider this drugstore gel cleanser. Developed to help brighten skin over time with continued use, the lightweight cleanser includes glycolic acid for removing dead skin cells that can be contributing to dullness and vitamin C, which helps to fade unwanted hyperpigmentation. Because you’re rinsing it right off, you can use it daily (though you may want to start off using it just twice a week and work your way up to daily use depending on how your skin tolerates it). But you can also use this once or twice weekly and let it sit on your skin for 60 seconds before rinsing it off for a stronger (but still mild) exfoliation session.
These Patches That Heal Pimples While You Sleep
When it comes to treating acne, there’s nothing easier than slapping a pimple patch over an impending zit and letting it work its magic while you sleep to draw out all of that gunk that you’d otherwise find yourself picking at (even though we all know we’re not supposed to). This Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch set is a beauty award-winning pack of 36 hydrocolloid patches, which also come highly rated on Amazon with over 90,000 (and counting) five-star ratings. Many reviewers note that they’re “practically invisible” on the skin if you want to wear a patch or two during the daytime, and the patches are cruelty-free and vegan, too.
A Callus Remover To Smooth Away Rough Feet Right At Home
Whether you prefer a DIY pedicure or you have trouble keeping your feet smooth in between salon appointments, this callus remover has rave reviews for its ability to remove dry skin and stubborn calluses. The gel formula was designed to be applied after first soaking the feet, and you’ll need to use a separate pumice stone or foot scrubber, but Amazon reviewers note that it really works. “This got a disgusting amount of dry skin off my feet,” wrote one reviewer. “I’ll be using this again and again to keep my feet smooth and ready for sandals,” they added.
A Drugstore Mascara That Lengthens & Volumizes Lashes
This has been one of my go-to drugstore mascaras for years. The L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara uses an hourglass-shaped brush that helps to coat every lash for a lengthened and volumized effect as good as (and in some cases better than) many of the prestige formulas out there. I also find that it helps my stubbornly straight lashes hold a curl better, and the washable formula doesn’t irritate my eyes. Plus, it comes in four different variations of black, as well as waterproof options for when you need something a little more long-lasting.
- Available shades: 4
This Eyelid Cleanser That Washes Away Dirt, Pollen, & Other Irritants
For dry, irritated eyes and eyelids, there’s this foaming eyelid and eyelash cleanser that works to gently cleanse away dust, dirt, pollen, and other irritants from the eye area. This highly-rated wash was designed by a UC Berkeley optometrist and is formulated without any parabens, sulfates, or artificial colors, to help cut back on any irritation. This pick is available in two sizes and is also safe to use on falsies.
- Available sizes: 1.35 Fl Oz — 8.45 Fl Oz
The Only Styling Product You Need For Glossy Hair
Hairstylist Chris Appleton frequently lists this Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray in his product breakdowns for celebrity clients like Jennifer Lopez and Dua Lipa. The anti-frizz treatment uses a unique humidity-blocking technology that’s activated by the heat from your blow dryer (and some tension from your brush) to leave hair completely smooth without leaving it feeling weighed down or looking greasy. The best part about the cruelty-free formula is that once you’ve sprayed it through your hair and completed your blow dry, it keeps hair frizz-free through three to four shampoos.
A Waterproof Eyeliner That Stays On All Day (& Night) Long
A liquid eyeliner that doesn’t budge is hard to come by, but Stila’s waterproof formula is a beauty award winner that dries down quickly and holds up through rain and humidity (one Amazon reviewer reported that it even stayed on after swimming in a pool). The liner features a marker-like felt tip that gives you more stability and control as you draw your lines, and the tapered tip also allows for creating the most precise cat eye flick. Just be sure you have a good waterproof makeup remover on hand at the end of the day to take it off.
- Available shades: 8
An Oil That Helps Repair Hair While It Keeps It Protected Against Damage
You’re probably already familiar with Olaplex’s best-selling hair treatment, which gained popularity thanks to recommendations from professional colorists and social media posts. But the brand has expanded into styling products, too, and this Bonding Oil combines Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology with a lightweight oil that adds softness and shine while providing heat protection. A drop of oil is all you need, and you can apply it through your hair prior to heat styling when it’s still damp, or on dry hair when you want to add a glossy finish (that also helps to strengthen your hair).
This Celeb-Approved Lip Treatment
Nearly every celebrity from Kate Hudson to Kaia Gerber has declared this lip mask a “must-have” — both as an overnight treatment and as a moisturizing balm throughout the day. The nourishing formula comes in a variety of sweet scents, from the original berry (pictured here) to classic vanilla and even a pink lemonade swirl. But they’re all packed with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and coconut oil to keep lips impossibly soft and smooth.
- Available scents: 6
This Makeup Brush And Sponge Shampoo That Keeps Your Kit Squeaky Clean
This highly-rated makeup brush and sponge shampoo is an Amazon fave for its versatility and fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula. It boasts more than 40,000 glowing five-star reviews and comes highly recommended. To use this shampoo, all you have to do is wet your sponge or brush, add a small amount of cleanser, lather, and rinse — that’s it.
This Leave-In Conditioner That Smooths Frizz & Adds Moisture
This multi-use leave-in hair conditioner and detangler is a must-have if you struggle with common hair woes including split ends and frizz. Made with a blend of caffeine and ginseng, this easy-to-use spray can be spritzed onto wet or damp hair — no rinsing required. “This product is amazing!” shared one shopper. “The smell is great and it delivers on all the features. My hair has never been so soft and free of frizz.”
...And The Moisturizer To Match
If you can’t get enough of the brand’s essence, try adding this snail mucin-infused face cream into your skin care routine, too. The gentle formula uses a 92% concentration of snail secretion filtrate, paired with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin to calm redness and irritation as it leaves the skin feeling nourished and plumped up. “It took me a moment to overcome the initial ick factor, but let me assure you, it’s a small price to pay for the skin-transforming results,” one Amazon reviewer wrote, adding that it left their skin “plump, radiant, and oh-so-clear.”
A Drugstore Serum That Makes Hair Impossibly Silky & Smooth
For a drugstore way to smooth hair and impart a glossy sheen, this anti-frizz serum from Garnier Fructis is less than $10. The cruelty-free and vegan formula uses a mess-free pump dispenser, and it can be applied on damp or dry hair. To lock out unwanted frizz for up to 72 hours, the serum, which has more than 25,000 five-stars on Amazon, combines argan oil with the brand’s own Kera-System+.
A Makeup Setting Spray That Promises To Work For Up To 16 Hours
When you’re struggling with keeping your makeup on throughout the day or night, NYX professional makeup setting spray is a great product to have on hand. Featuring over 70,000 perfect five-star ratings, this lightweight spray helps keep your makeup in place while reducing shine. Each application is sweat- and transfer-proof and promises to last up to 16 hours.
A 5-Minute Mask To Restore Dry Hair
Another K-beauty favorite on Amazon, this collagen protein hair treatment works like a traditional mask to hydrate dried-out hair in just five to 20 minutes while you shower. As its name suggests, the treatment is packed with moisturizing and damage-repairing ingredients like pig-derived collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ceramide, and panthenol, which all help to transform damaged hair after just one use. “When I tell you my hair feels like pure silk, like soft room temperature butter, it’s no exaggeration,” raved one Amazon reviewer.
A Vitamin C Toner That Can Also Be Used To Remove Makeup
Brighter, cleaner skin is possible with this vitamin C toner that gently removes excess oil, makeup, and residue. This highly-rated pick, sold in handy four-ounce bottles, is cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and boasts ingredients like organic aloe leaf juice and organic sugar maple extract. To use, all you need to do is apply the toner to a cotton ball and rub it on the face in upward, sweeping motions.
A Vanity Mirror That Makes Makeup Application So Much Easier
Apply makeup like a professional with this backlit vanity mirror that can easily fit on your countertop, desk, or vanity. Featuring over 6,000 perfect five-star ratings, this handy tool has multiple magnification levels, a 180-degree pivot, and a sturdy yet lightweight design that allows you to pack it with you on the go — that’s not all, though. Its base boasts a small storage compartment that can be used to stash small accessories, including jewelry and makeup.
The Key To Eye Makeup That Lasts From Day To Night
Whether you have oily lids that make it a struggle to keep eye makeup in place on a daily basis, or you’re just trying to get your winged liner to survive during the summer heat, this pink primer is the solution. A pea-sized amount of the cruelty-free primer is all you need to prep your lids for eyeshadow and liner that stays in place all day long. The lightweight formula helps to control sebum production to prevent oily, shiny lids, and it contains pearl powder to help perk up the skin around your eyes and enhance the color of your eyeshadow.
A Vitamin C Serum With Skin-Calming Ingredients
If fading hyperpigmentation or improving your overall glow is on your list of skin goals, a vitamin C serum is essential. This Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum combines a 20% concentration of vitamin C with ferulic acid and vitamin E to boost the antioxidant ingredient’s effectiveness. The daily serum, which should be applied in the morning to help better protect your skin throughout the day, also includes moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and centella asiatica extract.
A Brush That Glides Through Tangles Seamlessly
Not only is brushing through a mass of knotted hair painful, but it can also cause some serious breakage. If you struggle to brush (or comb) your way through your hair, consider this detangling brush from Crave Naturals. Though it was specifically designed for thick and curly hair types, the brush uses flexible bristles that will gently separate tangles on any hair texture or length. You can use the brush on dry hair to help with styling, but it can also be used while hair is wet (and at its most fragile), either just out of the shower or to help work your conditioner or favorite mask through your hair mid-wash.
- Available colors: 8
A Scalp Massager That Gives You A More Thorough Wash
If you’re big on dry shampoo and styling products, a scalp massager can be a great tool for helping to remove the buildup that can otherwise mess with your scalp. This hair scalp massager can be used on dry hair prior to washing to loosen up dead skin cells and debris, or you can use it in the shower with your shampoo for a salon-like massage. “It helped to reduce buildup and itchiness after shampooing,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. Studies have also shown that a daily scalp massage can improve hair thickness as it stimulates circulation to the hair follicles.
An 8-Second Treatment For Healthier, Silkier Hair
For a quick in-shower treatment that literally works in seconds to reduce knots and seal the cuticle for shiny, softer hair, there’s this L’Oréal Paris Wonder Water treatment. The innovative formula can be used by any hair type experiencing damage, dryness, or dullness, and it was designed to be massaged through your hair following your shampoo and rinsed out after just eight seconds. While that may sound too good to be true, the sulfate-free and silicone-free treatment has quickly amassed more than 25,000 five-star ratings on Amazon since it launched just a few years ago. “This stuff is magic,” wrote one reviewer, while another added, “I love how quick and easy this is to use.”
The $40 Secret For Achieving A Salon-Level Blowout At Home
This coffee scrub is a dream come true for coffee lovers looking for a luxurious way to get rid of dry, dead skin. Using caffeine from high-quality Arabica beans, this ultra-moisturizing scrub helps exfoliate and revitalize the skin during each application. Although coffee is this scrub’s pièce de résistance, you can expect other clean ingredients in here as well, such as Dead Sea salt, organic olive oil, and organic grape seed oil. Try it out during your next shower for silky smooth skin in a matter of minutes.
An Organic Sunscreen Scalp Spray That’s Perfect For The Beach & Pool
Sun protection isn’t just important for your face and body, but your scalp, too. This sunscreen spray was made keeping this in mind and provides SPF 30 protection to your scalp while also protecting your natural hair color from harmful UV rays. It has an ocean-salted sage scent and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so go ahead and bring this with you to the beach or pool.
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