33 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Changed The Game

Jun 10, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

If you're looking for a drastic change, you've come to the right place.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "Wow, this little tube packs a big punch! I no longer have eyeliner in the crease of my lids anymore! I was using MAC which I was told was the best of the best and about $25 and still had eyeliner bleeding on my lids. This is half the price and works much better. It's perfect!" —Joanne

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: "This product has absolutely changed the game!!! I have longish eyelashes to begin with, but after using this for two months I literally look like I have extensions. Someone the other day asked where I got my lashes done and I told them it all came from this serum. Absolutely 100% 5/5 stars." —Emma Hopkins

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I have used a lot of different lip-plumping products. It is 1/3 the price of TooFaced Extreme and works just as well if not better. The plumping effect is awesome as well as the color refresh!!!" —Kristin K. Black

Get it from Amazon for $10.49.

Promising review: "I never leave reviews, but I've had problematic skin all my life and this serum has really changed my skin game. I've been using it for 3+ months now, but I could tell a difference within the first week of using it. My skin is tighter and plumper at the same time (somehow!), more moisturized, and healthy for the first time in my life, honestly. After three months, my acne scars are fading, my face has way less breakouts. I just reordered the bigger size because I use it twice a day and I can tell when I skip a use. I cannot recommend this product enough!" —kristin

Get it from Amazon for $21.80+ (available in two sizes and in multipacks).

Promising review: "Recently I had an acne issue on my butt and thighs. Nothing in my lifestyle had changed so I wasn't sure how to deal with this! Thankfully I stumbled across this product! Game-changer! Not only did it quickly heal everything, but it also kept me moisturized! Even though my issue has cleared up, I continue to order and use to prevent any future problems!" —connor wells

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

The kit includes a 40W high-power roll on wax warmer, two boxes of wax (honey and lavender scented), six packs of calming oil wipes, and 100 nonwoven wax strips. But, don't feel any pressure to wax your body hair if that's not your style!

Promising review: "Tried this roller wax for the first time, and it has changed the waxing game for me. Very easy to use and clean up. Not time consuming, no mess, highly recommend. No need to spend hundreds at the salons." —Jatinder Kaur

Get it from Amazon for $33.99.

Promising review: "This product is incredible. Works better than Olaplex and for 20 dollars less! I have medium-length dyed hair that gets very frizzy and this is changing the game for me!!" —Mica MacKay

Get it from Amazon for $7.15.

Solawave is an LGBTQ-owned small biz based in Los Angeles.

BuzzFeed editor Amanda Davis loves this wand:

"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!"

Promising review: "It’s been a game changer. You can really see a change on your skin almost instantly!" —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $147.35+ (available in two colors) or straight from Solawave for $149 (available in three colors).

Promising reviews: "This mascara actually changed the game for me. It’s so good" —yaraalsulaimi

"I NEVER write reviews unless I either really love something or hate it, and I LOVE THIS MASCARA. I am a mascara fanatic; I buy mascara constantly, always trying to find the best one. So, this mascara is super cheap and the best one I've bought so far. This mascara doesn't clump (unless you don't know what you're doing) and it has great volume and thickness. You can use one coat to be subtle or you can keep building it up. It also lasts all day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS! It's a steal. Better than all the higher-end mascaras I've tried and the drug store ones. I will most definitely be buying another one when my current one runs out." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising reviews: "I have never been able to remove the callus from my heels in YEARS. This product here has changed the game for me. It's a must buy especially for those with extremely rough and cracked feet." —Latisha

"Best foot callus remover I have ever used! Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned to be very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they have ever been. Love love love." —Cheri whisker

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

Promising reviews: "This mitt has literally changed my dried-out skin. It’s a game changer." —Jane

"You might think you're exfoliating your skin but TRUST ME, you haven't been. You'll be SHOCKED and maybe even a little disgusted when you see how much skin comes off on these gloves the first time you use them. Take a long, warm shower, then, with no soap, use these mitts after you're all rinsed off. Scrub your body well in a circular motion. Then look at the mitts! They'll look like they've been sprinkled with flour! You'll never get that much skin off your body again with subsequent uses, so don't forget to look because it's incredible. And get ready to be bowled over when you dry off. Hello softness!!!" —isaidso

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (also available in a pack of two).

Check out a TikTok of the matcha stick in action.

Cocokind is a San Francisco-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in botanical-forward skincare.

Promising review: "Just get it. This product is a game-changer and such a universal item to have in your lineup. I use it under my eyes, on my eyebrows, and on my lips and hands daily. When it's dry in the winter and I am dealing with patches of dry skin (eczema), this is literally the only thing that calms down the inflammation without irritation. I keep one at home and one stays in my purse; I will never be without this staple item." —courtney r

Get it from Cocokind for $9 or from Amazon for $8.99.

Promising review: "I bought this in a dark time: My skin texture was garbage, all my pores were massive, I had clogged pores all over my face, and I was just waiting for them to become actual acne. I got this because I just wanted SOMETHING to help with my skin texture while I waited for my oral prescription. Now listen here — THE FIRST time I used it, I saw a difference. My forehead and my cheeks right to the side of my nose were flawless. I don’t know what kind of stuff was in it that provided immediate results. I thought maybe that was just 'fake' results, like it has something to gloss over the skin surface to give the appearance of smoothness. But then I used this stuff twice a day for four days, and alllll of the tiny red pimples all over my cheeks and forehead were gone and my pores STAYED small! I am telling you. This product has changed my whole face in under a week. It’s so clear! I expect to have full celebrity skin going forward. You have to try this. You barely need to use any of it, too. It’s a thicker gel liquid, so it smooths on so easily and you don’t have to use a ton like with a toner or micellar water. I’m just shook. I’ll buy this for the rest of my life!!" —K Fied

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).

And it comes with a case!

Check out TikTok of the makeup brush in action.

Promising review: "This has changed my makeup game. I love it! I don’t know if it really helps to save product but it does apply it seamlessly and quickly. It’s shortened my makeup time and gives me a great, even finish." —Marcella

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

Promising review: "Game changer! What a great idea this is! It does exactly what it says and doesn't smear, just wipes away any extra liner that is out if whack." —Wendykaye

Get it from Amazon for $7.97.

Promising review: "I never thought that I needed something like this, but it has changed the game. I love being able to put a face mask on and have it not get all over my hands and make a mess!" —Katie

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.50.

Promising reviews: "I’ve been a Kiehl's baby all my adult life but this serum has been a game-changer. I have oily skin, in my 30s, Asian. I’ve noticed significant change. I love the dewy feel in the morning. My face is softer, less forehead wrinkles. Three pumps for face and neck is enough. I pair this with The Body Shop's Oils of Life moisturizer. Great value for my money." —Hanah D.

Get it from Amazon for $20.99.

Promising review: "I suffer from stubborn cystic acne. I have never been able to fully clear it from my skin, even with products from dermatologists. After a couple of weeks of using this moisturizer, my skin was CLEAR. It’s truly unbelievable and I have no words to describe how it works other than 'it changed my skincare game!!' I recommend this product to everyone. It leaves your skin feeling soft and firm and has no fragrance, which I love. Please try this." —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes).

LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.

Promising review: "I never ever write reviews. I have tried every eye cream out there. Not one does what is says. This was immediate! I saw softening of my wrinkles and crow's feet. It’s amazing. I will be buying this again and again." —melisa delaney

Get it from LilyAna Naturals on Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).

Promising review: "I have been using these for a little over a year and these have changed the game for me. Every time I have an imperfection I put this on and the next day it is either completely gone or the tiniest little bump." —Joey

Get 36 patches from Amazon for $11.97.

ILNP Cosmetics is a small biz making truly iconic polishes.

Promising review: "This nail polish line is a game-changer!! Gorgeous color, super sparkly, smooth application, and long-lasting. Hasn’t chipped at all in days. I will definitely be ordering other colors." —Brittany A

Get it from ILNP Cosmetics on Amazon for $10+ (available in a variety of colors).

Promising review: "I’ve had keratosis pilaris on my arms for as long as I could remember. I’d exfoliate and moisturize religiously, and it’d make a very slight difference. This body wash is a game changer! I’m usually pretty skeptical, and as someone who has spent SO MUCH MONEY on skincare that people rave about, I’ve learned to not expect much...but truly, I love this body wash. It makes my skin so soft and smooth — even though my KP isn't entirely gone, the difference is noticeable. The bumps aren't as big and red, and there is less of them. It is pretty expensive for the size, but it’s well worth the investment." —Hna9

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: "Game changer. I usually wear bronzer and highlighter and this is an amazing combo of both!! Smells amazing and looks sooooo good!" —Ashley Hall

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "This product is a game changer for anyone with dry, fragile, color-processed hair who is looking for an instant transformation. I can now easily comb through my hair when wet, and it blow-dries to be smooth, silky, and strong, with lots of body and bounce. It's amazing. Highly recommend. Will use forever" —KMK

Get it from Amazon for $28.

Promising review: "I am a performer and travel the area doing gigs. I usually get ready at home but from time to time I have a gig where I will do a costume change. I have been looking for a good light mirror that was easy to travel with for a while now. The fact that it's about the size and shape of a tablet lets me know it's going to fit in my costume bag perfectly. Frequently, the venues I perform at have very little 'dressing room' space. You know what I mean if you've ever done your makeup in a bar bathroom. So having something that is easy to bring with you and lights you well is a game-changer. A+ kids." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I would highly recommend this overnight banish gel to anyone looking for a fast-acting, effective solution to clarify and nourish their skin while they sleep. It's definitely a game changer in my skincare routine!" —floflo

Get it from our Goodful shop for $19.

Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned small business creating nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types.

Promising review: "This saved my skin. Game changer for my acne-prone, extremely sensitive skin." —BacconandYEG

Get it from Tower 28 on Sephora for $12+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: First off I’m a 47-year-old woman, and up until a year ago I had oily skin and still got zits and blackheads and omg my pores...then hormones change and my skin did too. I’ve been using it about a month and the difference is obvious. My skin feels moisturized but not greasy AT ALL. And my skin feels more supple and my pores are a lot less visible." —Jamie J. Berry

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in two sizes).

BuzzFeed writer Jordan Grigsby fell in love with this kit:

"You see that shine? That volume? That bounce? Babyyyy my hair is FLAWLESS. Witchcraft, right? Oh, and if you could feel it?! HONEYYYY, so, so soft and silky. It is seriously bone-straight and looks and feels soooo healthy! And, my hair is NATURAL (other than the obvious blue dye); I haven't used relaxers or keratin treatments in over 10 years. Now, I am by no means a hairstylist, and nothing tops their magical hands, but sweetieeeee, these products blow my mind. This trio does what needs to be done, and like, I did it — I delivered these results. Nothing has ever made my hair look like this unless a stylist was styling my hair. And when I step out of my house, you cannot tell me I'm not the most fabulous person in the world — I'm literally Beyoncé. My hair flows and bounces as if I have a personal fan in front of me, and I CANNOT keep my hands out of my hair. The shampoo and conditioner help get ALLLL the product buildup out of my hair and leave my hair feeling squeaky clean. Then, I add my serum (before blow-drying and again before straightening), and BAM — I'm flawless. The combo of all three is just *chefs kiss*, and they help protect my hair from heat damage. If you want a magic wand to set everything off, invest in the Babyliss straightener! My hairdresser uses it so I grabbed one too and now I always look like I just stepped out of the salon."

Get it from Amazon for $23.94.

Live Tinted is a South Asian woman-owned small biz that specializes in clean, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products for all skin tones.

Promising review: "I have pretty prominent genetic blue circles under my eyes. I've spent most of my makeup years trying brighteners that were light pink. This has completely changed the game for me! The product itself is very nice, lasts a long time, blendable, and the packaging feels luxe. I'm on my second tube. I love it!!" —Makeup Lover

Get it from Amazon (available in nine shades) and Live Tinted at Ulta (available in five shades) for $24.

Mad Rabbit is a Black-owned small business specializing in all-natural products to heal, protect, and enhance tattoos.

Promising review: "Game changer! Never going without it! This really works. Brightens up tattoos, enhances color and makes your skin feel wonderful! I've been using it daily on old and newer tattoos and just love the results. Will buy again and again!" —M Duitsman

Get it from Mad Rabbit on Amazon for $18.99.

Promising review: "This moisturizer is a game changer! I am going through menopause so at first I thought I was dealing with hormonal adult acne, but it kept getting worse — turning into a perpetual rash with small pimples and red bumps. I was reluctant to be in photos, and I even stopped caring how the rest of me looked because I was so distraught about how my face looked. I don't wear foundation so I knew that wasn't the cause. I even stopped using any moisturizers for a while trying to isolate the cause, but that only resulted in a scalier version of red rash and bumps. I finally realized I was probably dealing with rosacea and went in search of something to alleviate it. Literally hours after I first applied it to my face, the redness and bumps were noticeably reduced. Within two days, almost all traces were gone. I still have to be careful of rosacea triggers, but this product has literally given my self-esteem back. I can't say enough good things about it. The icing on the cake is that my face is more soft and wrinkle free because this moisturizer is so rich — something that my older skin really needed, but was hard to finish a product that didn't make everything worse. Many thanks from a grateful customer!" —Margie

Get it from Amazon for $19.10.

Promising review: "What a cool tool. I’m incapable of making my hair wavy. However this wand has changed the game for me. It takes less than 10 minutes and my waves look truly amazing. A must-have !!" —Liv

Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in two colors).

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