Ahead, you'll find a play-by-play detailing of my experience with Amazon's 21 most popular beauty products — including some real-life photos (taken by me!), my final verdict on which gems I plan to cart again, and some real-talk on any duds that didn't meet the hype (IMHO). Ready to join me on a journey through the wildest of internet-famous makeup to skincare and hair? Let's go!
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Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller
After relying on blotting sheets and setting powders my entire life, I'm now fully committed to this nifty little roller. Not only does it effectively mattify slick skin, but I love that it's a sustainable alternative to oil-absorbing sheets.
Final Verdict: Cart (ASAP)
Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller, $, available at Amazon
Apagard M-Plus Toothpaste
As someone who genuinely gets excited about oral hygiene, I was excited to try this toothpaste. I'd seen it before at Tokyo drugstores, but wasn't aware of the hype it had garnered on the internet. (This is a tube of toothpaste we're talking about, after all.) While it admittedly did make my teeth feel fresh and clean, I probably wouldn't swap it out for my go-to whitening formula. That said, if sensitivity is a concern for you, then I'd definitely recommend it.
Final Verdict: Cart (if you have tooth sensitivity)
Apagard M-Plus toothpaste 115g, $, available at Amazon
Essence Lash Princess Curl Mascara
Essence's $5 mascara is a longtime reader favorite for several reasons. The price is right, and the OG formula does pretty much everything you want a mascara to do. However, if achieving dramatic curl is your main lash goal, this new curling mascara is definitely for you. I have naturally long, curled lashes, so I probably would continue using the original Lash Princess since I like the way it lengthens and defines my lashes, but for shorter lashes that tend to not hold a curl, this is an amazing, affordable product.
Final Verdict: Cart
essence cosmetics Lash Princess Curl Mascara, $, available at Amazon
Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
This. Stuff. Is. The. Sh*t. As a total home manicure fiend, I've tried nearly every nail brand out there — also, as the R29 Shopping team's resident Virgo, I'm naturally obsessed with all things cuticle care. I recently moved apartments which left my nails utterly wrecked and had been previously testing a fancy-pants brand (that will remain unnamed) of cuticle balm when this gem arrived at my door.
While the fancier stuff was perfectly nice, Hard As Hoof is a third of the price — and even if it weren't, I'd still like it even more. It has a semi-solid buttery texture that you need to emulsify with the heat from your fingers, so I like to scoop out a tiny amount and melt it as I rub it into my nails and cuticles. I also take vegan biotin to help with splitting and nail growth but, a few weeks in, I already feel like a regular application of this stuff has really made a difference in the look and feel of my nails.
Final Verdict: Cart (ASAP)
Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream, $, available at Amazon
LAPCOS Foot Mask
Ever since I first included this precious gem in a previous iteration of the R29 Shopping team’s monthly under-$100 MVPs, this $6 foot mask has exploded in popularity (which fills my heart and feet with joy.) This minty treat truly feels like a spa day for your barkin' dogs — it really refreshes their rougher skin like nothing else I've tried.
They're exactly like a sheet mask, but for your feet: all you need to do is just slip 'em on, wait 10-15 minutes, remove, rub in any excess serum, and enjoy rejuvenated tingly toes.
Final Verdict: Cart (ASAP)
LAPCOS Foot Mask, $, available at Amazon
Korean Exfoliating Washcloth
I penned an entire love letter to these viral washcloths. As soon as my story was published, I had people flooding my DMs (and R29 Slack) to profess their love for this true gem.
As I wrote in my review, I really appreciate how affordable they are — as body scrubs and products for KP can be *really* expensive and not everyone can (or wants to) spend a ton on just one or two products. But even more, I loved how after just one use I noticed touchably smoother skin on my upper arms where my KP bumps are most concentrated – no extra products required. Game. Changer.
Final Verdict: Cart (ASAP)
Korean Italy Towel Exfoliating Towel Bath Washcloth 4 Pcs (Green), $, available at Amazon
Revlon One-Step Hairdryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
I’m admittedly not a pro when it comes to hair tools, but this heated brush was so much easier to use than I ever expected. I have thicc hair (as in two hairdryers going at once in the salon kinda thicc), so post showering I let my hair dry about 90% in an Act & Acre microfiber towel before taking this tool to it. The result was super-smooth, shiny hair that was significantly less frizzy than when I just let nature do its thing. After sealing in everything with the cool shot, I just applied a pump of my favorite Bumble and bumble oil to hydrate the ends.
A recent viral Tweet claims that the tool contributed to hair breakage, but I have yet to experience that personally after a little over one month's use. I'll be keeping an eye on this as I continue to use it.
Final Verdict: Cart
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, $, available at Amazon
Funstant Precision Eyebrow Razor Electric Facial Hair Remover
So, I guess I'm someone who shaves their face now! I'm a big fan of dermaplaning add-ons for professional facials, but this was the first time I'd ever attempted it at home. The main benefit of dermaplaning and facial hair removal is that it instantly brightens your complexion; you may not notice an imperceptible layer of hair on your skin, but it can create a slight dullness effect. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to hair removal and can wield epilators, tweezers, and hard wax like it's NBD. An electric trimmer, however, was new territory but I was totally game.
It visually wasn't that different from the straight razor-type tools that professional estheticians use in spas — and I wasn't that surprised by the vibrating blade aspect. I followed the instructions, holding the trimmer at an angle, and started to make small upward strokes along my cheek (where there's some barely noticeable peach fuzz). I was instantly hooked to the dopamine rush of seeing tiny clumps of blonde-ish hair accumulate, leaving behind touchably smooth skin. I also ran it across my lady 'stache to get rid of any unwanted hair there, too! There are instructions to rinse and clean the blades after use, but I probably won't use the same one more than once for hygiene reasons (it comes with one replacement and then two-packs are $6).
Final Verdict: Cart
Funstant Precision Eyebrow Razor Electric Facial Hair Remover, $, available at Amazon
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
This J-beauty skin-care find has amassed a rabid fanbase stateside — and now I know why. Since there’s a renewed passion for all things gross-but-satisfying beauty products during quarantine, I haven’t been totally surprised to see this pop off across Amazon carts. If you haven’t tried an exfoliating peel gel before, here’s how it works: after cleansing your skin, you towel dry and apply a few pumps of the clear gel directly onto the skin with circular motions; within seconds, you’ll notice tiny pills of greyish (read: dead) skin start to flake off; rinse and voilà, visibly brighter plus touchably softer skin.
Unlike other at-home chemical peels or exfoliating masks, I really love how this gel doesn’t cause any tingling sensation — since, sometimes, that can be too intense for more sensitive skin. In the past, I’ve smuggled this stuff back in my suitcase after visiting family in Tokyo — but now, I’ll take free Prime shipping over a 12-hour plane ride any day.
Final Verdict: Cart
Cure Natural Aqua Gel, $, available at Amazon
Baby Foot Original Foot Peel Exfoliator
The Baby Foot, the myth, the legend. I've been a Baby Foot loyalist for years now — and, honestly, every other foot peel out there comes second fiddle. I can barely remember when my last salon pedicure was, but, if you're on the fence about going into the spa, then this peel is a formidable foe against calluses and generally lackluster feet.
I like to pop the serum-soaked booties on and queue up some Netflix; one hour later, rinse off and play a fun waiting game that lasts about four to six days. After which, you'll begin to notice flakes and/or sheets of skin peeling off and leaving behind a layer of fresh, supple foot skin. (I usually need a little bit of elbow grease to encourage the dead skin to flake off, so sometimes I'll break out my Revlon foot file on the next slide to help get that done.)
Final Verdict: Cart
Baby Foot Original Foot Peel Exfoliator - Foot Mask, $, available at Amazon
Revlon Pedi Expert
If you're noticing a ~foot theme~ here, then it's no coincidence. It may be because we're spending more time barefoot in quarantine or it's because we just have a thing for feet. Either way, 2020 has been the year of taking care of our toes and this Revlon cheese grater (as it's affectionately become known amongst the R29 Shopping team) truly obliterated my calluses.
Within a few passes (don't overdo it so to not damage the skin or cut yourself!), the dry dead skin flakes right off before your eyes. Dump the shavings (yep) in the trash, then wipe clean after use. Last step? Enjoy smooth and super-soft feet.
Final Verdict: Cart
Revlon Pedi Expert, $, available at Amazon
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
In the before times, Maybelline's matte liquid lipstick was famous for being affordable and virtually indestructible in terms of long-wear abilities. Now, it's also proven to be completely mask-proof — thanks to Maybelline's lead makeup artist (and NYFW backstage fixture), Grace Lee.
As you can see, I have a particular soft spot for terracotta nude shades — but, seriously, this formula is next level. And for $8? You can afford to pick up a couple of your faves without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict: Cart
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, $, available at Amazon
Esarora Ice Roller
Our fearless leader of the Shopping team, Marissa Rosenblum, kindly gifted us each this Amazon fan-favorite many moons ago — and, let me tell ya, it's gotten a lot of use during the hot summer months.
Whether you need to depuff or soothe redness (or tame a particularly angry cystic pimple), this thing is it! Plus, there's no wrong way to use it: just pop it in your fridge or freezer and leave it there until the morning, noon, or night when you want to run its smooth chilled surface over your face, down your decolletage, or any part of your body. It's one of those things that now, I can't imagine my life without.
Final Verdict: Cart
esarora Ice Roller, $, available at Amazon
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
I don't use self-tanner outside of special events. I have a naturally darker complexion and get really tan if I’m out in the sun for more than ten minutes — my mom is Puerto Rican, we were both just born golden goddesses like J.Lo (at least, I’d like to think so). Anyway, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this Amazon Choice tanner but, at the very least, I was crossing my fingers that I didn’t end up looking like spray-tan-gone-wrong Anne Hathaway in the (highly underrated) 2009 rom-com Bride Wars.
After showering and buffing my skin with my fave Korean exfoliating washcloth, I whipped out my tanning mitt and started applying a thin layer of the self-tanner onto my skin. I was worried that it would have That Fake Tanner Smell™, but I was pleasantly surprised that it actually smelled kinda nice and cocoa buttery. The formula was white and had the consistency of a thick body lotion, but absorbed onto my skin with large sweeping strokes onto my arms, legs, and chest. Next, I proceeded to stand in my bathroom naked for 15 minutes before putting on an oversized T-shirt to sleep in. Within a half-hour, I was left with very soft and hydrated skin. After watching Selling Sunset and eating dinner, I went to bed on my, ahem, white Brooklinen sheets. To my amazement, there was no transfer whatsoever! And, I woke up to visibly bronzer skin!
At the end of the day, I probably wouldn't repurchase since I don't self-tan (or real-tan, for that matter). But if you are looking for an affordable swap to your regular tube, then this will definitely get the job done.
Final Verdict: Cart (*If you use self-tanner)
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner with Organic & Natural Ingredients, $, available at Amazon
Belei Micellar Facial Cleansing Wipes
Do I wish they were biodegradable? Of course. That said, judging it solely on its ability to remove makeup and cleanse my skin, these Belei wipes pass the Amazon beauty gem test with flying colors.
If I had to judge it blind, I’d never guess that these were just $4.50 a pack: they feel durable, yet not too thick, and the micellar water formula whisks away foundation, lipstick, and any sort of makeup. Yes, including mascara — but, I really prefer not to use wipes around my eyes since it can be easy to pull or tug the delicate skin. These are also thick enough that I cut them in thirds making the whole pack a super-value.
Final Verdict: Cart
Belei Oil-Free Micellar Facial Cleansing Wipes (Pack of 2), $, available at Amazon
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
I’ve tried drugstore mascaras, super expensive mascaras, and everything in between. This one is pretty freakin’ good. Since my lashes are naturally long, dark, and curly, I’m all about a mascara that lengthens and defines. This one definitely does that.
I tried both the regular and waterproof versions: both were pretty awesome. The waterproof one is slightly less jet-black than the other — and, in typical waterproof form, it took a little bit of elbow grease to take off. Both feature identical comb-like wands that created Bambi-long lashes that were fluttery and feathery (my favorite adjectives to describe eyelashes done right). My only gripe is that unlike more lash-care focused formulas, it tends to wear a bit flaky and stiff. However, for $5, I'm not surprised that this tube is so hyped up.
Final Verdict: Cart (*If you're looking for a deal on mascara)
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $, available at Amazon
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
I’m choosy when it comes to skincare — less so because of my beauty job perks and more so because my skin is extremely acne-prone and sensitive. (And for the record, pricey stuff breaks me out just as often as drugstore products!) However, I couldn’t ignore the, oh, you know, 27,000 reviews that laud this $20 serum with the impressive (if true) before-and-after pics to back it up. After trying another popular vitamin C serum from Amazon that had a really strong paint-fume-like smell that I was not keen to rub on my face, I was excited to give this one a shot.
Once it arrived, I applied a few drops onto the back of my hand and...nothing, no smell. It was totally clear, too — a good sign! A more skeptical sign: It was spotted on Khloé Kardashian’s Instagram. Questionable. I was still not expecting it to knock my socks off in any way, especially when my fave brightening serum is over four times what TruSkin’s costs. However, after a week of testing it, I had yet to notice a breakout or irritation of any kind. Since I have some hyperpigmentation as a result of acne scarring, I didn’t expect to see any visible results even after a month of testing it; these things just take a lot of time. I am optimistic, though, that it might be a true diamond in the rough — so, I’m excited to stick with it and see if it rivals my beloved Tatcha.
Final Verdict: Cart (*But not promising any results on its behalf)
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin, $, available at Amazon
Avarelle Acne Absorbing Cover Patch Hydrocolloid Spot Treatment
As someone who’s fully been around the block with all things breakouts, I am somewhat of a connoisseur of clear acne patches. CosRx Acne Master Patch is the gold standard. While these definitely didn’t come close to the K-beauty wünderkind, they definitely will help get the job done in a pinch if you need solutions ASAP and can’t wait for shipping from other retailers.
During a recent bout of cystic hormonal acne, I skipped slapping on a CosRx or Zitsticka in the name of journalism and tried Avarelle on a particularly deep cyst. To my pleasant surprise, it felt less irritated and inflamed the morning after I removed the patch — and, after two more nights of going to bed with a patch on, it's almost gone entirely. Not bad at all, but I'm still sticking with my CosRx.
Final Verdict: Cart (*Unless you are a die-hard CosRx fan)
Avarelle Acne Absorbing Cover Patch Hydrocolloid Spot Treatment, $, available at Amazon
SEALEN Beach Foot Pads
More #footstuff. Out of all the products I signed on to test for this story, this one was the one I was sure would be a total disaster. After all, if I can’t even get a pimple patch to stay on my face 100% of the time, why would a giant foot-shaped sticker? After road-testing these at a socially-distanced weekend at the beach, I am fully eating my words.
Here's what they are (if you're as confused as I was when I first laid eyes on these things): footpads crafted from hypoallergenic and waterproof adhesive that's intended to protect soles from hot pavement, rocks, glass, and whatever else feet come into contact with during a beach day. I wear a size 5 shoe, so you can imagine my complete shock when the small size lined up with my tiny foot almost perfectly. It was much thinner than I’d expected, which helped it adhere with a seamless fit and feel, and it even held up okay to its waterproof claims after I took a quick dip. Plus, it actually did make a difference in traipsing through hot, rocky sand to get to and from the boardwalk. Would I do it again? For the content, sure!
Final Verdict: On the fence (As much fun as I had with these — and they truly do work, I don't know if I can say anyone needs to try this.)
SEALEN Beach Foot Pads for Barefoot, Invisible Shoes Stick on, $, available at Amazon
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (Original Formula)
This clay mask is the stuff of Amazon lore (I’ve also spotted it at Thrive Market, Bed, Bath, and even Urban Outfitters). First impressions: The tagline “Feel your face pulsate!” is kinda intense — but, in the fearless spirit of journalism, I scooped out a tiny amount into a bowl and followed the 1:1 instructions to add a bit of water and apply.
It was still quite chunky and solid, so I needed to add even more water in order to more easily apply it onto my skin (with a brush, which I highly recommend). The best way I can describe the color and texture is that creepy clay lady in The Shining, which is what my face looked like after I applied it. Per the instructions, I left it on for 20 minutes and...no pulsating? Maybe I have rhino skin, but I didn’t feel any tingling whatsoever. I will say, though, that my skin did feel and look more balanced and less greasy. It was, truthfully, a mess to clean up and I will probably need to Drano my sink now after the couple times I used it.
Final Verdict: Skip
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (Original, Pack of 2), $, available at Amazon
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (Version 2)
So much less chunky than the previous version! I did notice that the ingredients for both are the same (100% natural calcium bentonite — aka green — clay), but this version appears to be slightly more finely milled which may account for it dissolving more smoothly.
Unlike the first version, the instructions on this one said to leave it on for five to ten minutes — which is what I did. Again, no pulsating. I did notice that my skin felt unusually dry the following day and, on any given day, I’m usually very oily — so for me personally, this was a good thing. However, this was one was significantly easier to apply and clean up, and for that reason alone I'd recommend buying this one vs. the OG formula if they do work for you or you want to give this a try yourself.
Final Verdict: Cart (*Although I can't say I'm as blown away as others on this product)
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Facial, $, available at Amazon
Beakey Makeup Brush Set
Are they the best makeup brushes? Definitely not — there was some shedding even on the first use — but for just $10, I’d feel alright recommending this as a beginner or backup set for travel (when that happens again).
The set came packaged in a plastic bag with a small card describing each brush. My main gripe was that without any numbering or lettering on each brush, I was solely going off of appearance (and many are similar in size and shape) instead of knowing which brush was which — granted, it doesn’t really matter if it works for whatever you’re applying (especially if you’re not a brush purist anyway, like me). But, I definitely would’ve appreciated some clearer instruction here so I didn’t have to keep this tiny, very misplace-able piece of paper around to consult with each time I used one.
Final Verdict: Skip
Beakey Makeup Brush Set, Premium Synthetic Kabuki (10+2pcs, Bl, $, available at Amazon
Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover Gel
Okay, so I know that Baby Foot and the Revlon foot file appeared a few slides ago and you're probably thinking, "damn gurl, you're really into foot stuff!" Well, yes, I am — but, also, this foot-peel-in-a-bottle has some insane customer hype to back it up.
The reviews, while mostly effusive, also warned that if you don't follow the instructions carefully you risk irritating your skin. Also unlike any other foot product I'd tried, this one recommended that I wear gloves to apply it AND to only dab it onto my calluses — instead of all over, like with Baby Foot. This all made me a little nervous, TBH. But, after reading the bottle many times, I basically memorized the text and parked it on my bathroom floor to begin the process. After soaking my feet and buffing off some skin with my file, I squeezed a tiny amount of the clear and odorless gel onto one rough patch of skin by my big toe (and nowhere else!). I was wary of any stinging or burning sensations, but after five minutes there was nothing. I decided to rinse it off anyway (the absolute max is 10 min, but I definitely wasn't going to do that). After going in again with the foot file, the dead skin flaked right off and left behind very smooth (almost taut) skin.
I'm a little skeptical of how safe it is to use over the long term (and I'm scared of it accidentally making contact with any broken skin on my foot) — so, while I won't throw out the bottle, I probably won't repurchase it when there are other products I feel much safer using.
Final Verdict: Skip (*Or proceed with lots of caution)
Lee Beauty Professional 8oz Callus Remover Gel, $, available at Amazon
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
As a total stan for scalp care, I was pretty pumped to try this rubbery brush. At first glance, it sort of reminded me of those head-massager whisks that deliver a toe-curling sensation throughout your body. So, if nothing else, I thought it would at least feel good.
However, when I eagerly reached for it after lathering a bit of shampoo in my roots, I felt...nothing? Even though the handle makes it easy to securely grip (like holding a Popsocket) it didn’t really do a better job of working the product into my scalp than my own fingers could. I can’t say for sure whether or not it did anything in terms of stimulating my scalp — but, unlike scrubs and other scalp treatments I’ve tried, it didn’t produce any noticeable results in terms of look or feel.
Final Verdict: Skip
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush, $, available at Amazon
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