Beauty Experts Say These Cheap, Weird Things On Amazon Actually Work So Damn Well

“As a founder, I am constantly running from one thing to the next, and sometimes, run on not as much sleep as I would like,” says Brittany Lo, a professional makeup artist and founder of Beia. To help minimize any ensuing dark circles and under-eye puffiness, Lo keeps this compact (and adorably packaged) eye stick on hand. “It has honestly been such a huge help with looking and feeling more awake,” she says of the cooling eye balm, which is infused with Icelandic mineral water, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract, and aloe vera. “I use it right when I wake up, and I instantly feel more put together,” she adds.

If you’re looking to break away from the usual beachy waves or slicked-back updos, Lo recommends adding this $20 hair tool to your arsenal. “When I get in a rut for new, fun hairstyles to try, I love pulling out my Revlon Tourmaline + Ceramic Hair Waver to create a unique look with crimped waves,” she says. “[It] adds a little bit of character to a full look.” Despite the lower price tag, the hot styling tool comes with 30 adjustable heat settings to minimize damage (just be sure to use a heat protectant first), and a swivel cord to help prevent tangling as you style.

When you’ve spent a few too many hours in your heels, Lo recommends a quick session with these Dr. Scholl’s booties. “They look a little funny, but they are so easy to use,” she says of the disposable masks, which are infused with Epsom salt, shea butter, and essential oils. “I throw them on when I’m writing emails or catching up on my favorite shows at home, and my feet always feel so refreshed without having to take a trip to the nail salon for a pedicure.”

If you’ve ever experienced any discomfort after Botox injections, Dr. Carol Eisenstat, board-certified physician and founder of Line Eraser MD, recommends keeping these mini ice packs on hand. “To help minimize swelling post-treatments, it’s super important to ice your face,” shares Dr. Eisenstat. This set comes with six gel ice packs that you can pull from the freezer individually to target smaller areas or throw several into the included stretchy sleeve for a hands-free way to help with headaches and injuries across larger areas like the ankle or wrist.

As great as it feels to wash off your makeup at the end of a long day (and all of the grime that accumulates on your skin along with it), it’s less than ideal to accidentally soak your pajama sleeves or saturate your blowout in the process. In her own routine, Dr. Eisenstat likes this headband and wristband set, which uses terry cloth fabric and anti-slip strips to keep the splashing to a minimum. “It’s soft, breathable, absorbs water, and dries quickly,” Dr. Eisenstat says, adding that the headband also “keeps hair out of the face when washing.”

• Available colors: 2

Another one of Dr. Eisenstat’s tricks for speeding up healing after minimally invasive skin procedures is arnica cream. “[It] helps pain relief from bruising and swelling or discoloration,” she says of the plant-based ingredient that can help with everything from minimizing bruising and inflammation to treating muscle aches and insect bites. This arnica cream can be used after icing (just wait five minutes after you’ve iced the area before applying the cream), and it’s fragrance-free and fast-absorbing.

This may look like an odd take on the reusable straw, but Dr. Eisenstat shares that the lip-shaped design does serve a purpose. “It’s a straw that prevents the puckering motion, so avoids the formation of wrinkles and lip lines,” she says of the LipSip. Because it’s made from silicone and is dishwasher safe, you can use it with both hot and cold beverages.

• Available colors: 5

If it’s swelling and bruising following a lip filler appointment that you’re trying to combat, Dr. Eisenstat is a fan of these colorful, lip-shaped ice packs. “Icing helps with not only pain, but swelling as well,” she explains. “Getting mini ice packs can really change the recovery timing and get you out of the house sooner,” she adds of this set of six, which is less than $10.

• Available colors: 2

While it seems like every celebrity was born with Disney princess-worthy hair, that’s not always the case. In addition to an expert stylist (and often times the help of extensions), this temporary hair powder is often to thank. “I use it on myself and my clients whenever I need to fill in any sparse or thinner areas of the hair to give it more body and volume,” celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons shares, advising that you help seal the fibers in place with a hard-hold hair spray. Ghanima Abdullah, a cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, agrees that this is a must-have hair product. “These are a step up from root-concealing sprays and powders,” she says of the smudge-proof formula. “These products use magnetic fibers to mimic the look of hair.”

• Available shades: 14

Hot rollers have been making a comeback, but Abdullah shares that hot stick rollers are also a great option to help with styling. “If you like hot rollers, but don’t like how easily they fall out, try silicone rollers in stick form,” she suggests. “They secure well and easily and give you tight curls that last all day long.”

Another hairstyling hack from Abdullah makes securing your hair in an updo a breeze — even for those with shorter hair or a hard-to-hold fine texture. “They look like little corkscrews, but they are actually a form of a bobby pin,” she says of these spiralized pins that interlock to hold hair in place. You only need two to create a bun, and Abdullah promises that it “doesn’t come loose until you take it out.”

• Available colors: 2

“I always recommend that people use a scalp massager,” says Dr. Roshan Vara, a skin care and hair care specialist, hair transplant surgeon, and co-founder of The Treatment Rooms clinic in London. “It helps to promote hair growth by increasing circulation, gently exfoliates, helps reduce dandruff, and simply feels good.” According to Dr. Vara, the multi-tasking tool can be used when you’re shampooing your hair or even in between wash days. “If you don’t shampoo every day, you can simply use it with just water and get the benefits,” he says.

• Available colors: 12

Mascara smudges across your upper lid or dotted along your lower lash line happen to the best of us when applying mascara. But Los Angeles-based makeup artist Beth Follert recommends using this tiny tool next time you’re layering on mascara to avoid any clean up. “I really love mascara shields to prevent an ‘oops’ on the eyelid when applying mascara,” she says of this mini pink shield, which goes for less than $10 on Amazon.

Another staple in Follert’s makeup kit is this portable makeup mirror that includes a built-in LED light. “When on the go and needing to check the details, the magnifying mirror is perfect,” she says of the detachable magnifying mirror. It also has a rotating kickstand so that you can use the mirror hands-free, and it can be powered with a USB cable or batteries when you need a cordless option.

• Available colors: 2

“It’s a bit weird to think about putting snail secretion on your face, but many users swear by its effectiveness,” says. Dr. Jenelle Kim, a skin care formulator and founder of the skin care formulation lab JBK Wellness Labs. Also known as snail mucin, Dr. Kim explains that it has long been a popular ingredient in Korean skin care, credited with having “hydrating and rejuvenating properties.” This COSRX moisturizer is a fan favorite on Amazon (and beyond) and contains 92% snail secretion filtrate, as well as hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol.

Whether you’re looking for a more thorough facial cleanse (without having to incorporate exfoliating ingredients) or you want to pamper yourself with a quick face massage, a silicone face scrubber is the answer. “Tiny, soft bristle brushes are great for deep cleaning pores,” says Dr. Kim, adding that “they’re gentle on the skin and can be used with any cleanser.” This jellyfish-shaped silicone brush features tiny, densely-packed bristles on one side for cleansing and thicker silicone bristles at the opposite end for massaging your face without having to reach for a second tool.

This is another tried-and-true product from Amazon, though Dr. Kim notes that it can feel a little intimidating since the jar houses a powder formula that you mix up with apple cider vinegar (or water). But it’s not as tricky as it sounds, and the benefits are worth it, according to Dr. Kim. “This deep pore cleansing facial and healing body mask is known for its powerful detoxifying abilities,” she says of the powder mask, which is actually a type of volcanic ash called bentonite clay. The mask comes with a tingling, tightening sensation, and leaves your skin looking impossibly fresh and clear.

You may have already heard about foot-peeling masks, but for the uninitiated, Dr. Kim says they really work. “These masks make the dead skin on your feet peel off in sheets — a bit gross, but oddly satisfying,” she admits. After you’ve put on the disposable masks (and worn them for 60 minutes), it will take about two weeks for your feet to fully transform (and yes, a lot of peeling will take place). But once you’ve made it through the peeling phase, you’ll be left with “baby-soft feet” that are sandal-ready.

• Available scent: 12

The next time you see a pimple starting to pop up, Dr. Kim says you can help speed up the healing time by placing one of these pimple patches over top. “These are tiny, transparent stickers that you put on top of a pimple,” she says of the patches, which were designed to be left on overnight. “They help draw out the pus and protect the pimple from external bacteria,” Dr. Kim adds of how they work.

If you’re looking for a new daily cleanser, Dr. Kim says to consider a cleanser made with a potentially surprising ingredient: rice water. “Rice water has been used for centuries in Asian beauty routines,” she shares. “It’s known for its brightening and softening properties.” Another bonus? A foaming rice water cleanser like this one will thoroughly remove impurities trapped on your skin and break down makeup without leaving your face feeling stripped or dried out after. Plus, this particular rice water cleanser has an amazing, fresh and clean scent and also comes highly recommend by our editors. Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers swear by it, too.

Unless you’re washing your makeup brushes every seven to 10 days, you’re probably not cleaning them often enough to ensure that bacteria isn’t looming. But if feel like you’re never able to fully remove the makeup from your brushes (no matter how many rounds of cleanser you use), celebrity makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo says it’s time to bring in a silicone brush cleaning mat. “[It] has different textures and ridges to help deeply clean makeup brushes quickly and efficiently,” she says, adding, “It’s made cleaning makeup brushes so easy.”

• Available colors: 4

Ever wondered if the Dyson is worth it? You’re not alone, and celebrity hairdresser and hairstylist Rena Calhoun took it upon herself to find a more affordable alternative for her clients. “I stumbled upon someone on YouTube using this straightening brush from Amazon, so I had to get it and try it for myself,” she says of the TYMO. “It’s amazing how smooth your hair will get with just one pass on even the curliest hair,” she says. “For anyone that knows how to use a simple hairbrush, you can use this.” Calhoun shares that you’ll want to thoroughly dry your hair and brush through any tangles before reaching for this, but that it’s still versatile. “Not only do I love it for straightening hair quickly, I’ve used it to create a bend in the hair too.”

The name might be pretty gross, but Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein swears by this styling gel. “If you need a tight bun or pony that won’t budge all night, Gorilla Snot is your best friend,” she says. “Add it to hair that’s not soaking wet but not just damp, slick back with a boar bristle brush, secure, and you’re good to go.”

A sheet mask that bubbles up on your face sounds like fun, and Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin, confirms that the unique formula serves a practical purpose, too. “The bubbles produced due to oxygenation stimulate circulation in the top layer of the skin, increasing oxygen supplies to the cells and promoting a more even and radiant complexion,” she explains. This bubble mask was formulated with oily and acne-prone skin types in mind, and it’s infused with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, as well as nourishing ingredients like ceramides.

This pomade may have been developed with smoothing and defining edges in mind, but makeup artist and hairstylist Lisa Chamberlain says it works regardless of whether you braid your hair. “[It’s] great for medium to coarse hair and flyaways with no flaking,” she says of the nourishing formula, which includes castor oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera. One more reason to love the pomade? The $11 set comes with three travel-friendly containers of pomade and a mini brush for styling hair into place.

Creating a crisp cat eye or detailed smoky shadow can get messy, which is why board-certified physician assistant in dermatology and licensed skin care expert Merry Thornton, PA-C, advises that you always start with your eye makeup and grab a little Scotch tape to help you out. “This takes eyeshadow off the cheek that has fallen from the brush,” says Thornton, who is also the founder of Element Medical Aesthetics. Not only can the tape help you to catch shadow fall-out after blending, but you can also place a strip along the corners of your eyes to help create a more precise winged liner look.

Yes, pimple patches that treat active breakouts are totally genius. But Hero Cosmetics has taken things a step further with stick-on patches that work to fade the dark spots that acne can leave behind long after the actual blemish has healed. And Thornton says you can use these dark spot patches for other skin concerns, too. “This game-changing patch helps camouflage, heal, and prevent touching and scratching mosquito bites,” she suggests. “Also, the tranexamic acid helps fade the hyperpigmentation faster,” she adds of the active ingredient in these patches.

Whether you’re picky about who you let touch your brows or you have ultra-sensitive skin that prevents you from waxing, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., recommends this travel-friendly device. “Flawless Brows gently and precisely removes the hair from the surface of the skin without causing irritation, breakouts, or redness,” explains Dr. Shirazi, who has partnered up with the brand behind the tool. In addition to painlessly removing hair, the precision razor is hypoallergenic and features an 18-karat, gold-plated head. “I love that it has a ring light, so you never miss a hair,” Dr. Shirazi adds of its many features. “It’s also small and portable, making it easy for on-the-go touch-ups.”

• Available colors: 2

When you’re in between salon appointments, esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa, Rachel Lee Lozina, has the perfect solution for covering up gray roots. “It’s absolutely crucial to have a bottle handy,” she says of this drugstore root cover-up spray. “It’s ammonia- and peroxide-free, so it won’t damage your hair, and it doesn’t smudge, transfer, or leave a sticky residue behind.” It can also be used to help you fake a fuller hairline when you’ve got a bun or ponytail in — a trick that hair pros tend to use on clients for red carpet appearances.

• Available shades: 9

Not just for your dishes, celebrity hairstylist Clyde Haygood turns to this dish detergent when he needs to freshen up his brushes and combs. “As a professional who needs their brushes cleaned in between clients, this cuts through the oil and product buildup quickly and thoroughly,” he shares. This dispenser allows you to spray the dish soap directly onto brushes and rinse with warm water, but you can also do a longer soak for styling tools that have several weeks of styling product and dry shampoo buildup.

There’s a reason why using mayonnaise as a hair mask is a bit of a beauty industry old wives’ tale — mayo is full of rich, nourishing oils that can, indeed, help soften and moisturize your hair. That was the inspiration behind this hair mask from K-beauty brand TonyMoly, except the brand figured out a way to incorporate mayo’s benefits without actually packaging straight-up mayonnaise in a conditioner bottle. Key ingredients include shea butter, egg yolk extract, and macadamia seed oil, and unlike real mayonnaise, this hair mask has a yummy vanilla scent. It’s a favorite of TZR beauty editor Adeline Duff, who says “guests always get a kick out of it when they see it in my shower — and inevitably want to try it! — and wind up being incredibly pleased by the results.”

“It’s a bit horrifying in retrospect, but in the past, I used to separate my post-mascara lashes with tweezers or, even once, a safety pin (readers, absolutely do not ever try that at home!). But this eyelash separator comb changed the game for me — it’s a much safer to way comb through my lashes after applying mascara for a more natural effect,” says Duff. Say goodbye to clumpy lashes for good with this pro-favorite lash comb that’ll only set you back $5. It even comes with a lid for hygienic storage, and boasts over 14,000 five-star Amazon ratings.

“I was a bit skeptical of The Makeup Eraser’s lofty claims” says Duff, who adds that she was “pleasantly surprised by the results” after finally trying it. What makes this towel so weird and noteworthy? It takes off a full face of makeup with just water — no face wash required (though you can use it with cleanser, if you want ), and it’s infinitely reusable. “It leaves my skin super soft, and doesn’t cause any irritation or redness like traditional washcloths tend to,” adds Duff.

Including a salicylic acid-infused body wash in your shower rotation might not be on everyone’s radar, but if you swear by a fake tan year-round like I do, this CeraVe formula is key. The salicylic acid in the body wash helps to gently exfoliate, which is crucial prior to tanning for the most even application of color. It’s also helpful to use every few days in between tanning to help the faux glow fade more naturally. This fragrance-free formula also includes moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid so it won’t dry your skin out, but I definitely recommend that you stick to a daily body lotion, too (another trick to minimizing patchiness as your tan fades).

“I was very lax about cleaning my makeup brushes until I tried an electric makeup brush cleaner,” says BDG editor Amy Biggart. “They literally work like magic to clean my brushes. I love that there’s an attachment for every brush size so I can do all of mine in one go, and it is so satisfying to watch.” And this one doesn’t just clean your brushes — it dries them, too.