This formula is not greasy, free of fragrance, noncomedogenic, free of oil, and free of parabens.
Promising reviews: “This stuff is magic. I use it on my face as a sunblock but also as an excellent makeup base. I’ve also given it as a gift to rave reviews. I hesitated about the cost, but it goes a long way, and it looks great on, so I continue to use it.” — Placeholder
“Great physical sunscreen for POC with a very minimal white cast. White cast is initially noticeable but fades very quickly. This doesn’t really clump up in my beard, which many mineral sunscreens do. Works great on my sensitive skin.” — Amazon Customer
Etude is a South Korean cosmetics brand based in Seoul.
Etude House celebrates beauty and aims to provide both makeup and skincare products that are beginner-friendly. Make sure to shake before using and apply to areas that will be exposed to UV rays.
When I tell y’all, I am picky with sunscreen…I am PICKY. No matter what, it has to be lightweight, non-greasy (my oily skin doesn’t need any help looking shiny lol), virtually invisible on my skin, and it has to work well as a base layer for other products like tinted serums and foundation. I found my perfect match in this sunscreen. It dries down to a true silk-matte finish and mixes super well with your daily moisturizer!
Promising review: “With oily, pale skin I’ve been hunting for a sunscreen that protects, spreads well, and will not make me break out or look even greasier for almost two decades. I’d tried every product that claimed to do so and had almost given up on finding a perfect solution — until this. Now it’s the only brand I’ll use. When layered under a mattifying primer and makeup, I’m less shiny than I’ve ever been in my life, and feel confident I’m keeping my skin healthier. Feels amazingly breathable on, not cakey nor does it clog pores. My only tip: it’s thin enough to be able to spread and absorb well, but you’ll want to work quickly and start with a small amount and build up as needed. If left to sit or slathered too thick, it can leave streaks of white cast that I’ve seen even on my pasty complexion, so I’m sure it would be even more noticeable on darker skin tones, but that’s probably true of many sunscreens. No issues with pilling as long as you give it a few minutes to soak in before adding makeup. I LOVE it. Highly recommend and WILL keep ordering more as needed!” — ETSR
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Promising review: “Oh…my god….🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight , woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? Put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like a had fillers. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks. Kichi
BTW some people use it as a daily lip balm or lip protectant over their lipstick, too!
Laneige is an Asian-owned brand that has been in the beauty game for years. (Seriously, since the ’90s!) The luxury brand prides itself on being affordable, too, and has many fan-favorite products because of it.
Promising reviews: “I bought this lip mask because, being in Northern AZ, you are dealing with very dry conditions. The lips are one of the first things to suffer!! I felt a difference even after the first use. I’m on day three, and my lips are soft. However, they feel chapped. I know it is very dry right now, and that may be the reason why they hurt or if it’s this product. Only time will tell. Regardless! So far, I’m loving this product, and it smells yummy!” — Dee Ann
LilyAna Naturals is a small business!
Promising review: “The older I get- the drier my skin seems to get. I read about this brand from a blog I follow. So I checked the reviews – and decided to try it. To say that I am blown away would be an understatement! I simply cannot express how pleased I am after literally just three uses. Normally, my skin is so dry that nothing seems to help, but this. THIS! It makes my skin feel great, and it even looks great! It’s not greasy, but it moisturizes. The texture feels like whipped velvet!! It is so luxurious and feels amazing on my skin. My skin feels hydrated and normal. I feel like shouting from the rooftops how amazing this stuff is! The eye cream is just as good and a little goes a very long way. I am sold! This product is superior!!” — Shanon L. Edwards
Good Molecules is a small biz that creates simple, effective skincare products using science-backed ingredients.
Promising review: “I’m really pleased with the results and it’s gentle enough to use nightly. My lines are softer and less noticeable, my pores are clear and less visible. My skin is so, so, soft and hydrated now. THIS IS THE PERFECT FORMULA. No bad smells, spreads easily and is an outstanding value. I’m on my third tube.” — Helen M.
Promising review: “I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion… After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational… It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers.” — TickTokAlice
Blume is a women-owned, POC-owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally-friendly products for skin, body, and period care.
Check out a TikTok of the Meltdown acne oil in action.
Promising review: “This stuff is AMAZING and MAGIC. I ordered more out of fear of running out. All acne and fade products have dried or broken out my skin further but this stuff clears my skin, makes it glow, and hydrates it. Beyond beyond obsessed. THANK U BLUME! xoxo” — Kaitlin A.
Get a 0.5 oz. bottle from Amazon for $28 or a 1 oz. bottle from Blume for $47 (originally $52).
Promising review: “Having intermittent bouts of eczema, and occasionally resorting to a topical steroid around the sensitive area near my eyes just felt dangerous, but that’s the only thing that helped when the dryness became extreme. Enter Eight Saints. Within a few weeks, the gentle and effective potion started working their magic. And the scent? Dreamy. It’s a little heavier, but not greasy and definitely soaks in nicely. I read that people commented about skin feeling plump, and I supposed that’s accurate. I would also say my skin feels nourished from the time I apply til right when I wake up. It’s nice finding a product and routine that relieves my dryness and I’m feeling confident that this new moisturizer is just what I needed. So far, it’s a great combination for my skin. Thanks Eight Saints. I appreciate your commitment to creating a clean useful skin care line, and especially your Discovery Kit! I’d recommend Up the Anti, Cloud Whip, Seeking C and Night Shift, as these are the ones I like best. Definitely worth checking out the kit to see what works for anyone interested.” — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $34.
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Get it from Sephora for $21+ (available in two sizes).
To use on skin while preventing irritation, simply apply a generous layer of water-based serum, place your index finger on the glass tube, turn the device on, touch the glass tube’s tip to your skin, then remove your finger and glide the tube across your skin. It’s recommended to limit sessions to a maximum of two minutes twice per week. And bonus! This comes with FOUR different attachments: a spot tube for targeting individual areas, a mushroom tube to treat broad areas like the forehead, cheeks, and jawline, a tongue tube for the areas around your eyes and nose, and a comb tube you can use on your scalp to promote lush, healthy-looking hair.
See what this user has to say after doing a three-day test on it in this TikTok.
Promising review: “I wish I had discovered this before my mid-40s because it may actually be a miracle device. I’ve had hormonal acne for years, and it makes me so very self-conscious. When I say I have tried everything, I mean everything: numerous dermatologist recommendations, microdermabrasion, regular facials, all the gimmicks out there. Then I bit the bullet and got this. Y’ALL. Y’all! You will think I’m lying, but I am absolutely not. Three days of using this device and my acne is almost gone, my rosacea is getting better, and I plan to start using it on my wrinkles next since it’s doing so well on the acne! MAGICAL. If you’re on the fence, buy it.” — Emily H.
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 love all the Good Molecules products.” — Hayden Smith
“Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow’s-feet. While this doesn’t completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn’t feel cakey or like there’s a ton of product on.” — K. Grant
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
Promising review: “This product is so nourishing and works wonders when your lips are super dry or chapped. My lips get extremely dry and cracked even when I use ChapStick several times a day. It is thicker than a ChapStick but not heavy to the point of discomfort. It sits on your lips longer and has more time to soak in. It feels amazing on your lips. It’s also a cute thing to wear on its own if you don’t feel like wearing lipstick. It’s also nice to have different shade options, even though the clear one is my favorite. I also love that the scent is very minimal. It has a VERY slight vanilla smell that you barely notice once applied. I have repurchased this product several times and will continue to do so!!” — Julia
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Promising review: “I actually got this to help tighten my stomach from the stretch marks and skin wrinkles I got from pregnancy. It really works great!! Since getting it, I use it every time I shower, and I use the Buns of Glowry serum each day, and I’ve noticed a substantial change in my skin. Much fewer wrinkles, and honestly, my stomach looks almost back to normal, and it’s only been a few weeks! Super glad I bought this!” — Kimberly Stumbaugh
Laboratoires Embryolisse is a French skincare brand based in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
Promising review: “This face cream is a skincare gem! It doubles as a makeup primer, creating a flawless canvas. The creamy texture feels luxurious, leaving my skin deeply moisturized without any greasiness. It’s a multitasking marvel, smoothing fine lines and providing the perfect base for makeup application. The subtle scent is delightful, and the compact tube is travel-friendly. For a radiant complexion and a versatile addition to your beauty routine, this cream is a must-have!” — Pranav
Promising review: “”I absolutely love this soap. It has a bright citrus smell that I enjoy. I’ve been using it for a month and and I have noticed that my dark marks are fading. It also contains shea butter, and my skin isn’t dry and tight after using it. You get two bars of soap plus and an African net sponge, such a great value for money. That African net sponge leaves my skin so smooth. Overall the soap performs well and everything is such great quality. I hope this helps!” — Roottan
Check it out in this TikTok.
Promising review: “Guys. Guys. MAGIC IN A BOTTLE. I was slightly hesitant to buy this because of the price point, but I know it was highly praised on TikTok. I kid you not; I have not had a SINGLE whitehead since I started using this. I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin, and this toner has been amazing. My skin has quite literally never been clearer.I have tried so many freakin’ products to try and get my skin clear, and this one is absolutely my new holy grail. I cannot recommend this enough if you have oily, acne-prone, super-sensitive skin. I cannot express how happy I am at how affordable it is!” — morgan
Here’s what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says about it: “I’ve used this stuff before and can confirm that 1) the scent is indeed intoxicating and 2) everything from this brand has scents that really STICK to you. I’m currently using the Beija Flor body wash and I can smell it on my skin hours later — which is pretty rare for a body wash.”
Promising review: “This stuff is magic! It smells amazing. Lasts for the entire day. Doesn’t feel greasy. Goes on smoothly. I will definitely be reordering!” — Skittles79
Promising review: “Magic!!!!! I have spent yearsss using creams (since my 20’s)… This product did in two applications what my creams have not done in 20 years. I looked in the mirror this morning, half asleep, and I did not recognize myself.” — Johanne Welch
For morning use, apply the vitamin C serum. For evening use, apply the retinol serum. Always finish off with the hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer. And don’t forget to wear your sunscreen (retinol increases sun sensitivity)!
Promising Review: “Wow. I’m almost out of the first three bottles I bought so let me just say, even if you only do your morning routine (because you keep falling asleep before your night routine…) you will still see a major difference!! I swear it took less than two weeks for my skin to clear up. I look like I have glass skin!! I wash my face then use the serums (vitamin c then hyaluronic) then spray on rose water toner, use my CeraVe eye cream, then CeraVe moisturizer.” — Bri
This snail cream is cruelty-free and non-comedogenic. (So no need to worry about clogged pores!)
Promising review: “When I apply this product to my skin, it feels different from a regular moisturizer — almost like a refreshing burst of vitamins. It has a refreshing, cool sensation that lifts my mood. Even with just a small amount, the cream’s moisture seems to absorb well into my skin.” — Orion Park
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising reviews: “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 2-3 minutes, I could visibly see my white/black heads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing as 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 clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera” — Myshel Cagle
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising reviews: “Especially if you’re looking for glass skin, you can definitely go for this product. I really loved it. Really comfortable to use regularly. It clears all the dirt off and makes my skin feel fresh and glowy. Really value for the money. Just go for it.” — Dheeraj
“After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn’t feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn’t caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!” — Haley Hart
And tell Gary not to worry! The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
I’ve personally been using this for months now and it’s amazing how it’s improved aspects of my skin that I didn’t even know needed improving. I didn’t think my skin looked too dull before, but after see how this brightened and soothed my skin, I’m never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it’s still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it’s like your skin is saying “gimme gimme gimme!!”
Promising review: “OBSSESSED!! Purchasimng for the rest of my life. If you haven’t been using snail mucin yet…..like literally what are you doing! game changer for keeping the skin hydrated! The proper way to use this is put on your toner and while your sin is still wet apply this over it and let it dry then go in with the rest of your routine. It’s changed my skin so quickly and has made it really hydrated, brighter, and bouncy — definitely has been helping with my “glass skin” complex. Love love love it!” — calico
Promising review: “At first I wasn’t sure I’d like this product because it is so greasy; I even heard it referred to as ‘the new Vaseline.’ My doctor recommended it for my cracking cuticles and fingers. I discovered that I was using too much, my mistake; I was applying it like regular hand lotion/cream. Once I learned a little goes a long way, I love it!! I keep the jar beside my bed and rub a small dab on my hands before turning off the light so it has all night to soak in. My hands are now crack-free and soft even though it is the middle of winter with extremely frigid weather.” — Mooselady
Eight Saints is a woman-owned small biz using only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.
Promising review: “The perfect day cream. I love this product! Its lightweight, silky texture absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. It feels so refreshing with the citrus peel oil and ylang-ylang, making it an absolute delight to use. It provides long-lasting hydration throughout the day, keeping my skin moisturized and plump.” — brandi j bergeron
Promising reviews: “I don’t know what sorcery this is or what kind of magic is included, but I can tell you this has changed my skin. I am late 50s with horrible oily skin. I have never taken care of my skin, but I bought this after reading a review, and HOLY COW. This is the REAL DEAL.” — cynthia williamson
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Solawave is a LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.
Here’s what BuzzFeed editor Amanda Davis has to say about it: “This. gadget. is. worth it! 👏🏾 Using the Solawave was my first time introducing red light therapy into my skincare routine and the difference in my hyperpigmentation is honestly mind blowing. The tone of my face is much more even and the dark circles around my eyes have nearly disappeared. Essentially, it’s like a mix of a jade roller (which I already love using anyway) and an LED mask in one…with microcurrent/vibration therapy, too. You can apply the specific Solawave activating serum or any conductive gel of your choice (I use a different one, myself!) and it will really absorb the benefits when used with the wand. I only use it once every other day (at night) and it’s super relaxing. My skin is always ✨glowing✨ the next day!”
This mask offers seven LED colors, all ranging in different skin benefits! It is recommended that you do sessions three to five time a week for 15–25 minutes.
Check out this user’s review of it in this TikTok.
Promising reviews: “When I first got this, I started using it every night for 20 minutes with a level five energy on the red light setting and started noticing real results. Clear skin, smaller pores, overall better appearance. With consistent use you will start seeing results! Definitely a splurge purchase but if you are a skin junkie like me, it’s worth it!” — Katie McCulloch
“TWO-YEAR UPDATE: 10/10, my skin is SIGNIFICANTLY clearer and brighter when I use my mask regularly. I have very sensitive acne prone skin and this refines my pores and keeps my breakouts at bay! I also notice smoother and healthier glow. LOVE THIS MASK!” — Scott
Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It’s recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review: “I have the driest heels, and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this, my heels had some pretty deep cracks, and now they’re almost baby soft again. BUT please follow the directions…left it on my super-dry, thick-callused heels for only three minutes, and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don’t have to go soak my feet in those tubs at the nail salon anymore.” — Kiki