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No magic wands, no creepy witches, just beauty products that really work.

As a deputy editorial director on the BuzzFeed Shopping team with almost a decade in the lifestyle and service journalism sphere, I use my shopping editor eye to find and vet products across a variety of categories, including lifestyle, home, beauty, fashion, pets, cleaning, travel, aging, and more.

Between chaotic work weeks, restless sleep, and dry skin that refuses to cooperate, finding makeup and skincare products with results so phenomenal they'll leave you spellbound feels like a pipe dream. But! We found beauty picks reviewers swear by to cast a spell on your daily routine — from an instant under-eye brightener and a K-beauty snail mucin essence to a hair protein treatment and a lip-plumping jelly mask. Read ahead for beauty formulas that actually deliver.

Promising review: "I often fall for those cheap beauty recommendations, but they are often huge fails. Not this! I love this stuff. I don’t know how it works, but it’s amazing. I swipe an eye stick on, dab this stuff on, and I don’t look like I had five hours of sleep. Even on 'no makeup' days, I find myself still applying this. Love it!!" —Jill Fulton

BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes has only praise for this product. Check out her Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener review to learn more.

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).

Pound Cake is a BIPOC-owned small business started by Camille Bell and Johnny Velazquez.

Promising review: "I've been married to IBP's lip oil for years! CAKE THEORY changed that for me in less than 24 hours. Slept in it the first night and woke up with the softest, plumpest lips. Super hydrated and moisturized, and not even an ounce of stickiness! GET IT!" —Devin

Get it from Amazon and Ulta for $22 (available in two shades).

Nivea recommends applying twice a day for best results. Read more about how Q10 benefits the skin from the National Library of Medicine.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a few years and love it! I had loose skin after losing weight, and this gel has been a game changer, with noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and firmness in just a few weeks. I use this gel on my thighs, stomach, and underarms. I pair it with Nivea’s body lotion for the rest of my body. A little bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. I switched over to another gel for a month a bit ago, and I noticed my skin returning to uneven firmness and texture. Once I went back to using this product, I noticed improvements within a few weeks again. So, this isn’t a cure, but with continuous use, results are maintained to keep my skin firm, moisturized, and even textured." —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in two scents).

Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. I have suffered from minor acne for almost two years, and I finally realized the products I was using were far too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin. After using gentle products and eventually moving on to K-beauty, I found this to lighten all the scarring from the years of picking at my breakouts. My scarring is still a bit noticeable, but it has gotten tremendously better thanks to this product and this product alone." —Marc

Promising review: "Y’ALL. I am 50-something years old and have tried every 'longwear' and 'stain' there is, from department store robbery level to 'bitten' or whatever the vampire lip stain Revlon had out a while back. At my age, I longed for a lip color that didn’t leave my telltale wrinkled lip impression on a glass. But alas, all of the long-wear formulas were disappointing, dull, and, most of all, DRY. I was skeptical, but I have spent waaay more on crappy lip potions that I won’t use but apparently keep to torture myself about my wasteful spending. The purple was shocking, and the first time I used it, I sprayed and peeled pretty quickly, lest I end up with 1978 Donna Summer disco-era hologram lips that I definitely could not pull off in my office. And to my amazement, that stuff STAYED ON. Not dry, not seeping into cracks, not sticky, not weird tasting, not staining my teeth. Just like a 'bitten lip' — a slightly tinted natural color was there. The longer you let it sit, the darker it gets. After a FEW glasses of wine, pasta drizzled with a really good olive oil, salad, and dessert, there’s STILL some color! Stayed on through smooches, too." —Kelly K.

Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 29 shades).

Promising review: "My hair used to be really soft, and then I discovered hot tools and hair dye. While my hair looks good, I really missed the soft texture. This works so well. There are no instructions on the box, but I washed my hair with my usual shampoo, towel dried it, worked about two quarter-sized dollops through my hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinsed out. I went to bed with wet hair, which usually results in my hair being kind of tangled and rough-looking, but I woke up, and my hair was as soft and silky as it was before I started coloring it. I'm totally in love with this product. I have long, fine hair, but this doesn't leave it greasy or weigh it down. I'll definitely buy again." —Ellie

Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."

Promising review: "I am a 74-year-old woman who has been wearing eyebrow pencils for quite a few years to cover the gray in my eyebrows. As I have gotten older, I am also losing eyebrows, so when I saw this on Amazon, I decided to try it. I really like this because it covers the gray in my brows, and I can color in my bare spots to look natural. I know there are other products out there that do the same thing, but for this price, I’m very happy. I use it every day, and it has lasted a long time. I just ordered another one because I don’t want to run out." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.78+ (available in four shades and also in a two-pack).

Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action. 

BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord says, "I'm a long-ish distance runner and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!"

Promising review: "Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!" —KS2018

Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $11.97. 

Promising review: "I am 68 years old and have been using makeup for 52 of those years. I have tried many mascaras over the years, from inexpensive to very expensive. I cannot say that I have ever been really happy with the results. I had reached the point where I thought that it did not matter the cost, they are pretty much all the same. This changed my mind. I put on two coats, and it made my lashes look so thick. If I did not know better, I would think that I had on false eyelashes. I used baby shampoo, as I always do, and I always lather with the baby shampoo twice to remove the mascara, and it came off easily. I will look no more for a new mascara. I cannot imagine a mascara better than this." —Piaget

Get it from Amazon for $4.97+ (available in four shades).

BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review — I highly recommend reading it!

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.

Promising review: "I have never written a review before, but I am compelled to do so now. Let’s start with what my 41-year-old face looked like. I had bumps, tiny bumps all over my skin, especially my forehead. My skin NEVER felt smooth, even with the prescriptions I was given to help with these tiny bumps. Rosacea = bad, bad, bad. So bad that it was actually causing my cheeks to have what appeared to be thickening skin. Wrinkles, some that were quite deep. My pores were friggin huge and getting bigger day by day, it seemed like. I know that it says to use this product every three days. I chose to go with every single day for the first box of eight. The results were so amazing, I decided to do it every day for the second box. Even more amazing results. EVERY SINGLE ISSUE LISTED ABOVE NO LONGER EXISTS!!!! I moisturize deeply after rinsing, and my face looks absolutely amazing. My face did not even look like this at 30. If I had 10 stars available to rate, I would use them and more!" —Amazon Customer

Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $12.48.

Promising review: "OK, this is one of the best masks I've used!! I was skeptical about keeping it overnight, but it just stays on. It’s very moisturizing but not greasy or oily. Fragrance free. My face feels amazing — so bright and kinda snatched! I was skeptical, but this product is great. Can’t wait to use it during travel — it’s gonna be perfect for the long flights. So so good! Try it!" —LLL

Promising review: "I finally found a finishing spray I love. It sets makeup perfectly and gives a refreshing, dewy look. I will always have an extra on hand to bring in my to-go bag." —Nancy B

Promising review: "Really like the convenience of the 'stick,' easier and faster to apply. A 'pop' of color that looks natural while being creamy and long-lasting. I bought several shades, and I think I will be satisfied with all of them. Fun, functional, and a fair price." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $1.94+ (available in a variety of shades).

Promising review: "I started using this powder because I saw a makeup artist online use it on himself with great effect. This is a wonderful little powder to add to your makeup kit. It blurs imperfections. It covers enough shine without looking flat and like flour. It comes in different colors that are subtle for enhancing and color correcting. It is a wonderful weapon against too much shine. It works well with different face oils and glowing products. This reasonably priced powder can go toe to toe with other high-end powders. This has become my daily go-to to finish off my makeup routine." —Happy2BeHere

Get it from Amazon for $11.80+ (available in four shades).

For best results, check out the rest of Kerasal's Bare Nail collection.

Promising review: "I use this every night now before I go to bed, and in one week, my brittle nails have improved immensely. Will purchase again. Great product." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "This product is amazing. I've always had acrylic or dipped nails because my real nails have always been brittle and always break and peel. I decided to give my nails a break and wanted to try and grow them out. I can't even believe the outcome! They are stronger than ever and growing! I really wish I had taken a before pic to show the difference!" —JOE D.

Get it from Amazon for $10.79+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "When I say this works for BO, it’s magic. For someone living in a hot state, working in a hot job, always working out and sweating, this product keeps you in check ALL DAY! No skin irritants, no dryness, and I feel clean. The mint isn’t strong, so you can feel the tingle, but not for long. I let it sit on my skin for at least three minutes before rinsing off. Best soap ever! I will continue to use this. Forget Dove antibacterial, forget Dial, BUY THIS!" —Shelby

This stuff is strong and can cause a tingle when you apply it. Be sure to conduct a patch test before applying it to your face, and start slow and low. Mild 50 and 100 are better for beginners and sensitive skin, while 300 and 700 may need to be worked up to over time. 

Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this skincare product! It works so well, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it. My skin looks healthier, feels smoother, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!" —E

"You can feel this working immediately. It’s probably the best spicule cream I have used so far. I have large pores, and nothing I have used has helped make them smaller. This actually makes a slight difference. It’s not massive, but enough that I notice it. There’s no scent, which [I like]; I prefer my skincare products not to smell too much at all. They need to work, not smell pretty. Definitely happy with this random purchase. I notice my skin is more hydrated as well. Usually, in the morning, I wake up, and my skin is a little dry. This has changed that." —Maria Page

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four strengths).

Promising review: "I’m a huge Medicube fan, and to me, this product is the perfect blend of Medicube’s PDRN serum and collagen jelly. It works better for me during warmer months than using the two separately. I get all the skin benefits, without the heavy feel of the collagen jelly on my combo oily skin. I have noticed significant improvement in skin texture and tone since using this. It’s hydrating and repairing without a heavy feel. Like glass skin in a mist! The mister works quite well, considering the thick texture. It comes out in a fine mist that absorbs easily. I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a lightweight hydrating mist that gives a smooth, plumped finish, especially if heavier creams or serums feel too heavy for your skin type." —MyHonestTake

Promising review: "I absolutely love the NYX Butter Melt Blush! As a Black woman, finding the right blush shade can be challenging, but NYX has truly nailed it with this one. The pigmentation is perfect, providing a beautiful, natural flush that complements my skin tone flawlessly. The texture is smooth and blends effortlessly, leaving a dewy finish that lasts all day. It's incredibly lightweight and doesn't feel cakey at all. I'm beyond impressed and will definitely be purchasing more shades. Highly recommend for all the Black girls out there looking for the perfect blush!" —Lamaya Miller

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in 12 shades).

I bleach my dark brown-black Asian hair blonde every six to eight weeks, so I was immediately intrigued when I first heard some stylists at my salon raving about K18. I snagged a bottle and was gobsmacked at how much softer my hair was — this stuff truly does what it says it will do. Seriously. I spent the whole day touching my hair, and even my boyfriend agreed that my mane was noticeably silkier. 

Olaplex was my go-to before I tried K18, and I still stand by it as a product, but I really love that K18 is a leave-in treatment rather than an in-shower mask. Having to let the Olaplex sit for 10 minutes felt like forever, especially when I wasn't taking an everything shower (you know, the ones where you exfoliate and shave). With K18, you let it sit in your hair for four minutes post-shower to activate, and then you can style your hair (or just let it air dry like I do). 

I've found that my hair is softest the next day, so don't be discouraged if your hair looks or feels the same the day you use it. One last thing: It is pretty pricey, but a little goes a long way. The 50 mL tube lasts a few months, and eventually, K18 can become a maintenance product, so you won't need to use it every time you wash your hair.

Get it from Amazon and Sephora for $29+ (available in two sizes).

BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.

Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea benton

"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).

Promising review: "I love how easy this eyeshadow stick is to use. It glides on smoothly, blends out without much effort, and then stays in place once it sets. The multichrome finish is so pretty—it catches the light and shifts colors beautifully. I wore it on its own with a little eyeliner, and it made my eye look much more polished in just a couple of minutes. The formula feels lightweight, doesn’t crease on me, and the color payoff is even better than I expected." —Gulmira

Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in four shades and bundles).

Promising review: "I've been wanting to try this for a long time, and I'm sooo glad I finally purchased the medium shade. It covers everything perfectly without even looking like I'm wearing any foundation at all. I'm 64, and my skin is combination oily/normal. This is the best product I have ever used, including Lancome, Tarte, Charlotte Tilbury, and Clinique. Doesn't go into wrinkles and stays flawless all day." —Laura

Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in nine shades and in travel compacts).

Promising review: "I am 50 years old, and I don’t wear much makeup. I love this product. It’s light and has a lovely scent. I like that it hydrates while brightening up my dry skin that camouflages the wrinkles under and around my eyes." —Michal O`Meara

Promising review: "This product turned my older, dry lips into younger-looking, plumper lips that are no longer dry. My lip lines are less pronounced, too, which makes it a bit easier to wear lipstick. I never used to focus on lip care, but now, in my 60s, I have decided my lips need attention. A simple routine of exfoliating twice a week and moisturizing with this twice daily significantly changed my lips. My lips were less dry the first day I used it. At 14 days, my upper lip was fuller and more noticeable. At 1 month, my lips were fuller, pinker, and not dry at all. I continue with this now every night at bedtime. This is one of the single best purchases I have ever made in beauty products!" —Suzanne

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Plus, finds from Amazon, Soko Glam, and Walmart.

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.

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