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Consider this my petition to make Aquaphor sexy.

Let's be honest: These mundane beauty products aren't sexy or exciting. But an effective problem-solving product doesn't always have to be sexy or exciting. These maintenance products will do all the things you need to do — shave, brush your teeth, clean your retainer, heal your cold sore — like the unsung heros they are.

It comes with a spatula for removing the cream!

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 as a two and four-pack).

Promising review: "I have always struggled with razor bumps and skin irritation after shaving. I have tried so many shaving creams and so many products to help with it, but I’ve never had a successful one. I’ve even tried men’s products. But this is the first cream that has not irritated my skin or given razor bumps when I’ve shaved. And it hydrates your legs like a lotion. I highly recommend this! My favorite!" —Josh C

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in an unscented formula).

Promising review: "I have an extremely oily face; I mean, minutes after wiping it, oil will collect back up there. These are so perfect! They are large enough to use on my entire face, sometimes twice, depending on how oily I am. They do not grab ahold of any makeup, smear it in any way, or make me break out. I feel comfortable enough using these in public because the packaging is so cute and also discreet if you're embarrassed to use them. They also do not become completely transparent, so I feel like I can use both sides." —D

Get a pack of 100 sheets from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three scents).

Promising review: "It's gross in the most spectacular way. The amount of disgusting gunk that came out of my face was appalling, and I instantly gagged. However, my nose has never felt so clean and smooth for consecutive days. If you have oily skin, I definitely recommend washing your face first and applying it to the nose before moisturizing the rest of your face. If I could give this 10 stars, I would. Everyone is getting this for Christmas...maybe because it's not cheap." —Justina

Promising review: "I really loved this product. I am currently waiting for a new Invisalign set. My old Invisalign needed to be cleaned. I read the reviews and decided to purchase. OMG, it worked! There was a fresh taste, and they were clean. I wish I had found this product sooner. I did let them soak overnight only because I had been wearing them for the last four months. Nothing happened to Invisalign; there was no weakness or anything. Just very clean and fresh. If I could have given the product 10 stars, I would have." —Lisa R.

Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS.

Promising review: "Having been a dental assistant for over 30 years, I found this to be the best brush ever. I am 69 years old and have never had a cavity (genetic and maintenance). For the past 30 years, I have used electric toothbrushes. They worked great, but I like Dr. P's brush because of the flossing-like bristles. It's also the perfect size for a quick brush for each quadrant. Also, since taste buds are replaced every 4 days, brushing your tongue is important to keep your breath fresh, and food will taste better. Everybody brush now! Great idea from a real dentist!" —BenK

Promising review: "No other products would work for me when I get nasty cold sores, but this has been the only thing to noticeably help, and the patch itself, if you catch the cold sore before scabbing period, literally can't even tell it's there. I would give it 10 stars if I could" —Cheyenne

Get a pack of 15 from Amazon for $12.97.

Promising review: "I had a hideous wart on one of my left toes that just wouldn't go away. I tried cutting it off and applying a peeling solution to it, but it came back with a vengeance. It was a cause of irritation and embarrassment that I couldn't even wear slides or flip-flops over the summer. Until I found this product. Without even a month of using these medicated pads, the wart is gone! I have no complaints about the adhesion because it was completely intact after 48 hours of putting it on, despite getting it wet a lot ( I shower twice a day). Within a week of using these, the tough top of the wart started to peel off with the medicated pad. I decided to continue using the medicated pad to ensure the roots of the wart go away as well. Now, there are NO traces of the wart at all! I am super happy about this product and recommend it to whoever needs to get rid of an embarrassing wart." —Elaine Corpin

Get 14 pads from Amazon for $5.89+ (available in three styles and larger packs).

Promising review: "It's 100 degrees in Arizona 🌵 and I knew it was time to test this out. IT WORKS 💪 Armpits, butt cheeks, and feet — I went 48 hours in the Arizona sun and didn't have a need to apply more. Set it and forget it!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 10 scents).

I am a sweaty, stinky girl (no shame!), so I was initially very skeptical of this deodorant. But I was in the market for a new deodorant after my last one started making my skin feel like it was burning, so I thought, Why not? While this does nothing for the amount of sweating I do (it's a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so I wasn't expecting to sweat less), it does keep things smelling fresh. And I've actually noticed my underarm skin lightening gradually over the last couple weeks. The scent? Divine. It does feel a lil' goopy — kinda like gel deodorant as opposed to a solid — but it dries reasonably fast and then you can get on with your day. 

Get it from Saltair for $13 (also available on Amazon — $26 for a two-pack).

Promising review: "Let me tell y’all how good this stuff works. I put on fake tanner this morning. I let it sit for a minute and then dusted on the powder with a kabuki brush. (You don’t need a special brush. Go buy a $5 E.l.f. brush from Walmart.) I was immediately impressed because that sticky feeling was gone. I rubbed my leg, and it was completely dry. It smelled amazing, and it has a beautiful glow to it. So I'm like OK, let's really put it to the test… I'm going to wear white socks all day at the zoo. We walked around the zoo for four hours, and then ran some errands. I took off my white socks after wearing them for 11 hours, sweating, walking…ZERO TRANSFER. I'm SHOCKED. So IDK how I made it 15 years of using self-tanner and getting spray tans and never knew about finishing powder, but, wow. I can never go without it now. Also, if you’re debating which size to buy, the normal container size is enough. A little goes a long way." —Crystal

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four scents).

Promising review: "The chestnut and cedar fragrance is strong but pleasant, and didn’t give me any headaches or irritation. It dissolves well in hot water and makes a regular bath feel like a spa experience. I use it for tired, achy feet, and it does work. The scent really does wrap you in a cozy feeling, like sitting by a fire, and it lingers in the bathroom in a nice way without being overpowering." —Kanna

Promising review: "The patches were very easy to put on, and they stayed on nicely as I went about my day at the office. I was able to do everything I needed to, and they didn't fall off. Also, the different-sized patches are genius, and I found perfect matches for each of my fingers. I saw a bit of improvement in dryness after just one use, and I feel like there will be dramatic improvement after repeated use. Excited to keep using them!" —Jeremy M.

To really lock in the hydration, the brand recommends wearing gloves to sleep after applying the cream.

Promising review: "The other reviews are quite right — this is goooood stuff. It really only takes a tiny amount to do all my nails, and it smells really nice, kind of coconutty. I love this because it is effective, which is rare in the nail-care product space. It may seem a bit expensive, but it is worth it because you won't need much." —fiveminutesmoreo

Promising review: "This cream went above and beyond what I expected. I just moved to a new area and found out that the water here is super harsh on my hair and skin. The bottoms of my feet were horribly cracked and dry. I was putting normal lotion on daily in hopes of helping it, but nothing really changed. I finally broke down and bought this, put it on one night, and the next day felt so much better already. You could still see cracking, but it was reduced drastically. I put it on again a day later, and now you genuinely couldn't tell I was ever having issues; my feet are smooth and healthy looking/feeling! It only took two applications for it to almost completely erase any issues. I'm so thankful that I ended up getting this; it worked fast and efficiently." —Nicole

Promising review: "I'm impressed. The Makeup Eraser removes my makeup easily and completely. I wear waterproof mascara, water-resistant foundation, and fairly heavy eyeshadow and brow powder. I was tired of using cotton pads and remover liquid to get my makeup off at the end of the day — it was time-consuming, expensive, and not always effective. This cloth and some warm water solve the problem. I'm 60 years old, and I try not to subject my skin to undue pulling and stretching. The Makeup Eraser requires only a gentle circular motion and maybe a little extra wiping right at the eyelash edge. My face comes out makeup-free and gently exfoliated, ready for moisturizer. What a great product!" —A. Hawley

Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 14 colors).

Read my colleague's MakeUp Eraser review as well as our deep dive into the best makeup remover (the MakeUp Eraser won as our mid-price pick).

Promising review: "My 6-year-old daughter has keratosis pilaris, commonly known as 'chicken skin.' This year, it really flared up during warm weather, so I gave this wash, along with lotion, a try. Wow, I saw results after just a few uses, and after a couple of weeks, most of her bumps disappeared. Thrilled we skipped a trip to the dermatologist! Can’t beat this price for the results either." —Ashley Steigerwald

They're individually packaged, so you can easily toss some into your bag if you're spending the night with someone.

Promising review: "Do you love the feeling of your underwear getting damp hours after adult time? That surprise wetness just as you're about to step into a meeting where you'll be presenting in front of your boss, as well as their boss? If so, this is not for you. For the rest of us, these are amazing. Just slip in one of these, let set while you check your phone, then remove and toss. The package says a few seconds, but my first time using it didn't work, so I did a full minute, and it works every time. No more wet spots to try to sleep in. No more wearing liners after fun time when you have to go to work. I will be a lifelong customer (well, sex life long anyway)." —Monica K. Jones

Read more about constipation relief at home, including using a squatting position, at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "I am a 54-year-old man. For many years I have been plagued with recurring hemorrhoids, despite a high fiber diet, regular BMs, and careful hygiene. Any strain would inflame the underlying condition. Dealing with hemorrhoids has been in many ways a life-altering nuisance. I purchased the Squatty Potty after a little research prompted by an online ad. The design made perfect sense and for the low investment and promised effectiveness, worth the try. Well...IT WORKS! And immediately too! I am not exaggerating when I share with you all that it has changed my life. Anyway, with now weeks of usage, I can happily report that I no longer suffer from the condition. I have been able to exert as much effort I needed to evacuate without having to suffer the past consequences." —Maestroso

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and a pack of two).

Read more about ketoconazole shampoo at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I have an extremely dry scalp in the summer and winter, and I’ve tried so many products without any improvement. This shampoo worked wonders and after only ONE wash, I was able to go about five days without any itching. It does dry my hair out, but if you have a good conditioner, you should be fine. It’s working great so far, so I’ll definitely be purchasing again." —Azia

Promising reviews: "I always wash my hair once a week using dry shampoo. Since I started going to the gym, I started sweating more and was struggling to last all week. I use this before the gym, and my hair still looks good at the end of the week!" —Jennifer credeur

"Love that it blends well with my very dark hair. Revives my hair better than the other dry shampoos that I’ve used that cost twice as much. I will be purchasing this repeatedly. The first time I used it on three-day hair, my friend asked me why my hair looked so amazing…so much volume. I love this product!" —Jenny D.

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "This is an item I never knew I needed because I never knew they existed. Once I knew, I had to try them. I’m a 42D, and the large is a perfect fit. I am completely satisfied! These are soft, comfortable, and absorbent. I will invest in another pack to keep plenty on hand." —Kat769

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes M–XXL and in a variety of color combinations).

Promising review: "This facial hair remover is surprisingly handy and painless for quick touch‑ups! It glides smoothly over peach fuzz, upper lip, and chin hair without pulling or irritation, and the built‑in LED light helps you spot every hair easily. It’s compact and portable, so it’s great for travel or a daily beauty routine." —Leyda Damian

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors).

Read more about Kegel exercises at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "Since starting, my bladder control has significantly improved. I am now able to sneeze or cough without peeing myself. Yes, that's right. I am able to hold my pee longer, which means I can actually make it to the bathroom without dribbling on myself. The best part is that just a few short weeks into the program, you will have results you can feel. I think every woman who has ever had kids should try this out. The overall quality of my life has improved. Ditch your panty liners, stop the embarrassing dribbles, and no more mad dashes to the restroom because of a weak bladder. Even my sex life has improved; I have control of those pelvic muscles now. Just remember to wash the weights before and after each use with an antibacterial spray, and allow time to air dry before putting them away. I say air dry because if you wipe them dry with a cloth, you run the risk of giving yourself a bladder infection or urinary tract infection, and those are no laughing matter. Easy to use, easy to clean, stores away quickly." —Lady Tauber

Get a set of six weights from Amazon for $49.99.

Promising review: "Really sinks into my skin to moisturize without being sticky, greasy, or scented. Best face moisturizer I've used in a while. Love the convenience of a balm stick. My skin gets dry in winter, and this helps solve my dry skin needs. I even use it on my dog's pink sensitive skin areas to heal and protect. I highly recommend trying this one." —Christina Hilliard

Promising review: "Why didn't I find it before? It's very embarrassing to admit, but I had very stinky breath. It did smell like s..t and I tried many products that didn't work. Just follow instructions and 'deep throat' gargle for 30 seconds or so for best results. I can say that my breath has improved by 50%, which is a huge, huge difference. Morning breath is not as bad. I can talk to people with confidence, and that is all that counts. Thank you, Amazon!!!" —Shopper5

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $15.34.

Promising review: "I am a lifelong curvy lady whose thighs have rubbed together since the beginning of time, probably, so I’m no stranger to chafing. This morning, I applied the balm to my inner thighs under a sundress and spent a day walking around in the heat and sunshine; it was hot, and I was sweating, but miraculously, my thighs felt fine! I applied the balm at around 11:30 a.m., and as I write my review, it’s almost 7:30 p.m., but my legs are going strong. Other parts of me have definitely reacted to being out and about, but not my thighs — without this stuff, they would be pink and tender, but they feel soft and happy. I am absolutely impressed. Long story short, this stuff absolutely worked for me; I plan to buy a larger size when this smaller one runs out. Don’t be a doubter like I was!" —Gina

This stuff is MAGICAL. I have stick-straight Asian lashes that refuse to hold a curl with wetter mascara formulas. As a result, I have to use waterproof mascara, which is a total pain to remove at night. Instead of rubbing my eyes raw with makeup removers that burn, I apply this like mascara, let it sit for a few minutes, and my waterproof mascara MELTS. Then I go in with a micellar water–soaked cotton pad, and my mascara is gone in 1–2 passes.

Promising review: "I was skeptical because I have always struggled with removing waterproof mascara 100% on the first wash/wipe. I applied it to both my lashes and then immediately washed my face with my normal cleanser, and I felt nothing on my lashes! Like I never applied anything to them. I am still amazed and in shock by this magical formula and invention! Best creation ever!" —Chrisy

Get it from Amazon for $9.60 (also available in multipacks).

You can also freeze it for headache relief! You can either just let the sides hang or tuck them together so they don't move in the night.

Promising review: "I don’t often write product reviews, but for this, I’ll make an exception. This is by far the most comfortable sleep mask I’ve ever owned. It’s the perfect weight, made from comfortable material, and keeps unwanted light out. As a now permanent part of my bedtime routine, you’ll always find this on my nightstand (unless it’s in my suitcase while traveling). I couldn’t be happier with the Nodpod!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in 12 colors/styles).

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Melanie Aman is a deputy editorial director on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who's spent the last decade in the lifestyle and service journalism sphere, using her shopping editor eye to find and vet products across a variety of categories, including lifestyle, home, beauty, fashion, pets, cleaning, travel, aging, and more.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.