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27 Beauty Products That You’ll Be So Glad You Bought Before It’s *Hot* Outside

Jan 17, 2024

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.

Quick, get 'em while they're hot...er, rather, get 'em before it's hot.

BuzzFeed Contributor

A Maybelline Dark Circles Treatment Concealer so your coworkers stop asking why you're so tired as soon as you take off your sunglasses. Some of us just have bags under our eyes 24/7, OK?!! (And even if we are tired, we don't need the whole world asking about it!!)

A St. Tropez bronzing face mist so you can get a head start on building that beautiful golden tan (and won't have to show up ghostly white to that first summer pool party). This works *instantly* to give you that natural-glow look for the day, but can also build as a long-term self-tanner if applied regularly. ☀️

I've been using this daily for over a year now, and I don't think I'll ever switch. It does the job of protecting my face while also adding a bit of color and evening out my skin tone. While it is a tad heavier/thicker than some other mineral sunscreens, I only notice it right when I'm applying — afterward, it's completely fine. Plus, I love knowing that it's not harmful to the fish and other sea creatures when I go swimming.

Promising review: "I purchased the Tinted Facial Moisturizer as well as the regular Face & Body sunblock. I was sold on the product after learning it's reef-safe and comes in non-plastic packaging — a combination that's hard to come by! I was also excited about the tinted option for the face because, who doesn't want a little color with their sunblock?! My two concerns were whether it would be large enough for a week+ trip to the tropics and if the 30 SPF rating was enough. I had more than enough product for the trip, mostly just using it on my face. I think it will end up lasting through a good chunk of the summer as well! The tinting definitely smooths the skin and blends really nicely without looking like makeup. It held up really well in water, and the 30 SPF seemed to be more than enough protection after all, maybe because it is rather thick. Because of the heavy consistency, I probably won't use it as a normal, day-to-day moisturizer, but it will be my go-to when I'm spending any significant time in the sun. I have it ready in my cart for when I need more!" —StephyB

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in a two-pack).

Promising review: "FINALLY!!!! I finally found the holy grail of all liquid liners!! Just hurry up and buy it. You will not regret it." —HelloMellow

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in eight shades).

I first used this on a hike last summer, and wow! Game-changer — I sometimes chafe on my arms when I wear a tank top, both hiking and running, but with this, absolutely nothing! It now gets packed as an essential in my "summer-go" bag.

Promising reviews: "I started using this when I was running 6 miles a day and getting chafing under my arms and between my legs. I don't run anymore but now use it for chafing issues wearing nylons and rubbing at the top of my legs in my crotch area. I works great! if it is really humid and my skin is rubbing from walking this stops the burn and the chafing. I recently met a nurse who was having a serious issue with incontinence and the pads she had to wear to protect herself from leakage were chafing her badly, I turned her onto this product, she couldn't believe it, no more pain. I highly recommend this product." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in two sizes and also packs of two).

Promising review: "The mist comes out so fine and spreads evenly. Great tan color on pale skin, never streaky. Love that I can tan my face and chest in under a minute. It comes out better if you wash your face/chest with a wash cloth first. I used to use drops but am never going back this is so much easier. Buying more. I need at least like 12 sprays all over to see results. I've had the bottle for a while though I definitely feel like I got my money's worth." —picklesnglitter

Get it from Sephora for $33.

Promising review: "I am so extremely oily. Have been dealing with my oily skin since I was in high school and still dealing with my oily skin in my mid-30s. The roller worked better than I could have expected and exceeded my expectations. This is life-changing for me!" —Wow

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "Love it, love it, love it!!! You really look like you have fake eyelashes on. This mascara is amazing! It's not thick and lumpy, and it glides on smoothly and precisely. You feel like you had a makeup artist do your eyes!!! It lasts all day — no touch-up required, no smearing, no clumping. I use soap and warm water to remove. I am 500% completely happy and satisfied!" —Very Satisfied!!

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.

Promising review: "I have very, very fine and fragile hair. It's wavy (2b to 2c with some 3a curls mixed in). My ends are dry, and my scalp gets very oily quickly.

When the product arrived, I was on second-day hair. I worked the foam through my roots and the sides on my head. The most oily places for me. It was easy to work through, and it smells so fresh and clean. My results were amazing! My roots looked clean, no residue or buildup like powder dry shampoos. My scalp does not itch, and it gives my fine flat hair a ton of volume. Also, my hair looks thicker when I use it. I usually can't go more than a day or two without washing my hair. With this product, I was able to go four days without washing my hair." —Amelia Tilton

Get it from Amazon for $9.29.

Read our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review (#4 on the list)!

Here's an excerpt: "I still don't know how a $7 tube of concealer (I use the Neutralizer shade) beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It's not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cakey feeling.

When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that's totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on. Basically, what I am saying here is this is a staple beauty product that, IMHO, deserves a place in every makeup bag!" —Kayla Suazo (BuzzFeed Shopping & Products editor)

Get it from Amazon for $6.50+ (available in 15 shades).

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this stuff!! I have extremely sensitive skin and the sides of my face are constantly bright red. I don't like to wear foundation and this stuff covers up all my redness so beautifully, and it doesn't irritate my skin <33. seriously a holy grail." —6lexie

Get it from Sephora for $21+ (available in two sizes)

Promising review: "I opened the box this morning and used it for the first time. Super simple and easy to use. My hair is thick so I was worried about it working efficiently and effectively. After using it my hair feels like a million bucks. It's smooth and shiny! I now just have to pass my flat iron through my hair a couple of times just to get some of my curly baby hairs and am ready for the day. It usually takes my hair forever to dry and it's frizzy afterwards and then I have to use my curling iron or flat iron to style which takes forever as well. I am very pleased with my purchase! I can't wait to dry my hair again, haha!" —Callie

Get it from Amazon for $39.87+ (available in three styles).

Promising review: "I've used this foot peel a number of times and have always had great results. First, it smells wonderful and is easy to use. After a few days, you will notice your skin starting to peel right off. It's magic. A word of advice: do not use two weeks before you need to wear sandals or go barefoot. I like to do it in early spring so I'm ready for summer." —ryan owen

Get it from Amazon for $25.

Promising review: "OMG, these should be standard issue to every human. I’ve bought them all, the cheap foot files, the expensive ones, the Ped Egg, and even a foot file from that direct sales nail wrap company. None of those remotely compare to this one. I thought I was reduced to course heels forever; no more! With just one use, my heels are fabulous! The callouses this thing removed was absolutely disgusting, but I couldn't be happier. You won't be disappointed!!" —JMart

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "I bought this last year because the reviews seemed promising and the price point was pretty awesome. I'm a dark haired girl and I have a few areas on my body that I was just so over trying to maintain. I set myself calendar reminders on my phone to keep myself consistent in using the device, and it honestly didn't take long to start seeing less growth!! A year later, and I have practically nothing even growing in those areas anymore so I only use the device once in a blue moon on them, and it's just to make sure nothing comes back on me. Now I'm treating other areas because why not?? If you have light skin and stubborn dark hair, get this device. Seriously." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "I’ve used just about every method of temporary and permanent hair removal available from waxing, shaving, electrolysis, epilating, professional laser hair removal. This has been the most effective! If I were to offer an improvement, it would be a larger lighting area option because it only covers about a 1-inch by 1/2-inch area at a time. That's great for smaller detail areas like the face or underarms, but tedious when working on larger spaces like legs. I read reviews that said it would overheat and shut off, but that has not been the case with this model." —Matthew Shieve

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (clip the $40 coupon on product page for this price).

Promising review: "Yes, 1,000 times yes! Such beautiful shades. 😍 They blend out so nicely! It the perfect everyday palette. I’ve been using Tarte's eyeshadows since I was 14 and they’ve never disappointed!" —Maddy81106

Get it from Sephora for $45 or from Amazon for $39.99.

Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

Thank God It's Natural is a Black-owned, woman-owned small business based in Chicago, Illinois.

Promising review: "This is my favorite hair system for my curly, 3a–3c, medium-coarse, very dry hair. This mousse makes my hair soft and bouncy and it hold the curl well. My hair does not get as dry and frizzy as it used to. This gets reactivated easily with the Curl Refresher Spray, and my curls last for days." —ShaniAZ

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

Promising review: "I bought this glove after seeing it on Instagram and WOW I was impressed. I let my skin soften with a steamy shower for about eight minutes before scrubbing and was so impressed with the amount of dead skin that started to ball up! I have very sensitive skin and it didn't irritate my skin at all. Highly recommend!" —Bridget

Get it from Amazon for $15.50+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I’ve tried everything from cheap to expensive products and even DIY treatments. After I was diagnosed with celiac, I changed my diet, and I did notice no more bumps but eventually they came back. This product got rid of them in about two weeks! A little, and I mean a little, goes a very long way! I wish every beauty product did what it actually claims to do. This one 200% lives up to the claim. I also have super sensitive skin (aka lots of products cause me to break out in rashes), but this one didn't. BUY THIS NOW if you have bumpy arms. I even use this on the back of my neck and back to help deep clean from sweating so much from working out." —Cristina

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes and a two-pack).

Promising reviews: "Sanitizer just doesn't get better than this! The lightweight feel, the hydration, and the fresh rose scent, ugh! Perfection 10/10!" —Natalie S.

"WHOA. If you have $16 to splurge and you’re contemplating… BUY IT!!!! As a nanny I am always washing or sanitizing my hands and they get so dry. This stuff instantly made my hands look and feel amazing!!" —freckledskin

Get it from Sephora for $16 or from Touchland for $16 (available in 14 other scents for $10+).

Promising review: "Amazing! I used a lot of natural deodorants before but it is by far the best. However, after using it for a week, I was surprised. There was no smell no residue. I love this product. No more worry about black shirts at all. This deodorant is amazing. There is no smell and you feel dry over 24 hours. I highly recommend it." —busra unlu

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this. It's so convenient and easy to use, and when I wake up, I have the most luscious amazing curls that last the whole day (not even a curling iron makes my curls last for more than two hours). Highly recommend." —fruitartlover

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $18 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "This lip product is one of the most versatile and beautiful ones ever. It is very creamy and a little bit goes a long way. If I want a more subtle look, I only add a little to my inner lips and spread it out. If I am going for a bolder look, I can apply more. It feels very moisturizing and I love the packaging. I wouldn't necessarily call it a lip stain, but more of a liquid lipstick. I adore it." —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $9.70 (available in 30 shades).

Promising review: "A must have. I have very dry skin because I spend a lot of time outside in the cold months. I have tried a TON of 'hydrating facial cleansers' but this one really makes my skin feel hydrated even after it's dry! It's soothing and not too heavily scented, the scent is actually relaxing, especially at night!" —Issie

Get it from Glossier for $19.

Promising review: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia BH, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M. Deacon

Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in packs of one or two and with a gel).

Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind this tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were Shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." —Adg

Get a box of 36 patches from Amazon for $11.79.

This is silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, noncomedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. To use, dispense a quarter of a dropper into your hand and apply like a serum. Note that on application, the shade may appear lighter but after 30–60 seconds, it'll adjust to its true color. Because it's silicone-free, natural separation may occur. This is normal and it'll be fixed when applied to skin. Plus, you can recycle the bottle! Learn how to here.

Promising reviews: "I love this foundation... It gives good coverage for being a serum foundation, but not too full to the point where my face feels heavy. It leaves a gorgeous dewy finish on my skin, which I love because my skin is typically very dry — which makes it difficult to accomplish a dewy look. If I feel like my skin looks a little too shiny, I just add a little bit of powder over the shiny areas with a beauty blender and that solves the problem. I’m obsessed. I would definitely recommend if you have dry skin!" —ekmanmorgan

"Obsessed is an understatement. I am IN LOVE with this product! It is truly like a second (better) skin! It feels so nourishing for my skin as soon as I put it on. As someone who does not wear makeup hardly ever, this stuff makes me want to wear makeup every day! I have noticed it lasts better throughout the day when paired with the Ilia primer... I have combination skin that is more on the dry side and this is a perfect buffer to hydrate my skin without it looking overly oily. Highly recommend!" —srydaa

Get it from Sephora for $48 (available in 30 shades) or Amazon $48 (available in 29 shades).

Here's what BuzzFeed's Ciera Velarde has to say:

"I have naturally wavy, almost curly hair (I would say I'm somewhere between a 2c and a 3a curl type), and as mentioned above, I have tried practically every product on the market designed to keep my curls looking their best. Nothing has even come close to this styling cream. I use this whenever I'm airdrying my hair — without it, I end up looking like a frizzy mess and have very undefined curls. I use this while my hair is wet (but soaking) and work it through my hair and scrunch a lot at the end. Gone are the days of really crunch, stiff curls — this cream is so lightweight, it doesn't even feel like you have product in it. I can run my hands through my hair with ease whenever I use this. That's me above on a particularly good hair day after using this Ouidad stying cream — look at those bouncy, frizz-free ringlets!!! To emphasize again, I love this stuff so much that if I was stranded on an island and could only have one beauty product, this would be it."

Promising review: "Love love love this stuff! I have fine hair and most creams are way too heavy. This stuff is perfect for my curls. Just a small amount and I’m set for the day. I live in the south where it's very humid and I have zero frizz or fluff. Just the right amount of hold for me." —Jeannette K.

Get it from Ouidad or Ulta for $26.

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

Promising review They blend out so nicely! Promising review: Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. Promising review: BUY THIS NOW if you have bumpy arms. I even use this on the back of my neck and back to help deep clean from sweating so much from working out. Promising reviews: This stuff instantly made my hands look and feel amazing!! Promising review: Promising reviews: It gives good coverage for being a serum foundation, but not too full to the point where my face feels heavy. I’m obsessed. Obsessed is an understatement. I have combination skin that is more on the dry side and this is a perfect buffer to hydrate my skin without it looking overly oily. Promising review: