Shopping

These Genius Hacks Make You Look So Much Better — & They're Shockingly Easy

Tips and tricks that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.

Written by Claire Epting
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Gone are the days when I’d spend hours in front of the mirror working on my hair and makeup. Now, I’d much rather keep my routine to a minimum, relying on genius beauty tips I’ve discovered along the way. This list is packed with clever beauty hacks that cover all the bases: hair, skin care, cosmetics, nails, and more. Let’s get to shopping.

1Whitening Your Teeth With These Easy-To-Use Pens

These teeth whitening pens couldn’t be any easier to use — just use the brush applicator tip to apply the gentle formula to each tooth. Made with enamel-safe carbamide peroxide, hydrating glycerin, and fresh mint, the treatment can be used up to two times daily — and one application takes as little as 30 seconds. The compact pens are small enough to be stored inside your purse while on the go.

2Wearing A Bra That Creates A Smooth, Seamless Look Beneath Clothes

Want a bra that’s practically undetectable beneath clothes? This bra from Warner’s does the trick, providing wire-free support, smoothing side panels, and lots of comfortable stretch. A hook-and-eye closure and a pair of adjustable straps ensure you get the most secure fit, without sacrificing comfort.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
  • Available colors: 17

3Evening Out Your Complexion With A Vitamin C Serum

Skin care can seem complicated at times, but you can’t go wrong by picking products with natural, tried-and-true ingredients. This facial serum is packed with vitamin C and ferulic acid, which can help promote a brighter complexion while lightening uneven pigmentation. Hyaluronic acid works to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier to keep your skin supple and smooth. A little goes a long way, too — all you need is a couple of drops per application to see results.

4Hydrating Dry Lips With This Island Botanical Treatment

Formulated with moisturizing kukui nut oil, shea butter, and grape seed oil, this Hawaiian botanical lip treatment provides relief to a dry, cracked pout. Packed with vitamins and fatty acids, it provides next-level hydration that lasts for hours. There are both clear and tinted formulas available, with shades such as peach pink, rose, and sand. Apply this before bed and let it sink in overnight.

  • Available shades: 6

5Removing Pills & Fuzz From Clothes With This Fabric Shaver

Before you toss that pilling sweater into the donation bin, you should first try fixing it up with this handheld fabric shaver. Designed with a large mesh surface that gently removes fuzz and lint from your clothes, furniture, and socks, the battery-powered gadget can return your items to a like-new appearance. There are three adjustable settings you can switch between, depending on the type of fabric.

  • Available colors: 5

6Softening Rough Feet With These Exfoliating Peel Masks

Smooth, baby-soft feet don’t require tons of scrubbing with a pumice stone — just slip on these foot peel masks for one hour. The sock-like masks are infused with a blend of fruit acids and extracts, which help remove dead skin while adding a dose of moisture to your soles. You’ll just need to exercise a little patience — you’ll start seeing skin turnover (and peeling skin) within a few days. In addition to tropical coconut, there are other scents such as soothing lavender, sweet strawberry, and invigorating tea tree.

  • Available scents: 12

7Steaming Your Clothes Instead Of Hauling Out The Ironing Board

Forget about lugging out your heavy ironing board and iron — this handheld garment steamer gets wrinkles out of your clothes in just a fraction of the time. Providing up to 15 minutes of continuous steam, the gadget effortlessly smooths out a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, chiffon, cotton, and wool. Its compact size means you can easily transport it with you on business trips and vacations.

8Applying This Mascara That Makes Lashes Appear 60% Longer

L’Oréal’s Telescopic mascara gives your lashes a serious boost, lengthening them by up to 60%. The flexible wand features precision bristles that separate your lashes for a fluffy look that resists clumping. This gentle formula is hypoallergenic and opthalmologist-tested, so it’s safe for sensitive eyes.

  • Available shade: 4

9Applying This Brow “Glue” That Creates A Full, Feathery Look

Get bold, feathery brows with this brow “glue” from NYX. With a strong hold that lasts up to 16 hours, the non-sticky formula gently shapes your brows and gives them a fuller look that stays in place. The small, precise styling brush allows you to coat each individual hair with product — choose from transparent, brown, black, and taupe shades.

  • Available shades: 5

10Getting Rid Of Tangles & Knots In Your Hair With This Gentle Brush

This hair brush features unique cone-shaped bristles that’ll work gently through your strands, effectively getting rid of knots and tangles by separating the hair sideways instead of down. It’s ideal for all hair types and lengths. And it’s small in size, so you can toss it in your purse or bag for use on the go.

  • Available shades: 17

11Touching Up Roots At Home With This Easy-Breezy Kit

You can make your latest hair dye job last longer by investing in this hair color touch-up kit. Complete with four pre-measured color capsules, the kit has everything you need to touch up your roots or spots you may have missed last time around. Each application lasts for up to six weeks, blending in with your existing color for seamless results.

  • Available shades: 4

12Brightening Your Under-Eye Area With This Eye Roller

Featuring a powerhouse duo of vitamin C and caffeine, this under-eye roller helps brighten the skin under your eyes. The rolling tool deposits just enough of the sheer tinted gel onto your skin, allowing you to effortlessly blend it in with the ball tip. Speaking of which — that applicator provides micro-stimulation, helping to boost circulation.

13These Mesh Ballet Flats That Are Comfy & Elegant

With breathable mesh uppers and flexible outsoles, these ballet flats are — first and foremost — comfy. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t totally cute, as well. Designed with subtly elegant pointed toes and a round collars, the versatile shoes pair nicely with just about anything in your wardrobe. Pick from a wide array of neutral tones, bright pops of color, and even a leopard-print option.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11
  • Available colors and patterns: 21

14Stashing Your Stuff In This Faux Leather Tote Bag That Looks Much More Expensive Than It Is

This spacious faux leather tote bag looks so luxurious, you may be surprised to see its wallet-friendly price tag — but you’d better believe it, because it’s not too good to be true. Available in dozens upon dozens of colors and styles, the bag is perfect for carrying your laptop, notebook, water bottle, books, and other essential items with you throughout the day.

  • Available colors and styles: 100+

15Using This Fan-Favorite Concealer That Corrects & Contours

It’s clear that Maybelline’s fan-favorite concealer pen is popular — it has over 118,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Available in more than 15 shades, the creamy, easy-to-blend formula works to even out your complexion, creating a smooth base for the rest of your makeup. Use it under your eyes, over a blemish, or to highlight your brow bone for coverage that lasts up to 12 hours.

  • Available shades: 18

16Smoothing Out Dry, Bumpy Skin With This Powerful Exfoliant

If your skin tends to run on the drier, bumpier side, this exfoliating body scrub from First Aid Beauty helps promote a smoother texture. Effective for keratosis pilaris (aka strawberry skin), it combines glycolic acid and lactic acid to decongest pores and loosen dead skin from your arms and legs. Plus, the addition of natural pumice buffing beads ensures any dry skin is whisked away.

17Locking In Eyeshadow With This Stay-Put Primer

Want your eyeshadow to stay locked in place all day? Try using a pea-sized amount of this eyelid primer before completing the rest of your look. Infused with real pearl powder, the lightweight formula creates a smooth base for your makeup — no creasing, smudging, or flaking. Not to mention, your shadow’s hue will also appear bolder and more vibrant.

18Storing Clothes On These Rounded Hangers That Prevent Shoulder Bumps

The unique design of these curved hangers means they won’t stretch out the shoulders of your clothing — so you don’t have to think about any annoying bumps or puckering. They’re also nonslip to keep slippery items securely in place, and a sturdy built-in bar provides a spot for your pants and skirts, as well.

19Getting Rid Of Rough, Dry Skin With This Exfoliating Scrub

With gentle yet effective effective ingredients like turmeric root extract, sea salt, and sugar, this exfoliating scrub can remove rough, dry, and dead skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft finish. Also, the citrus and carrot it contains work to brighten the skin overall. It can be used on the body or face, and the formulation is cruelty-free.

20Utilizing This Exfoliating Brush Before Shaving To Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Massage this exfoliating brush onto your skin (against the hair’s grain) before shaving to prevent pesky ingrown hairs and razor bumps. It does an excellent job at exfoliating, making your skin smoother and softer. The tool fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and it can be used on wet or dry skin.

21Smoothing Hair Flyaways With This Finishing Stick

The key to getting the slicked-back bun or ponytail of your dreams is to use this hair finishing stick on those wisps and flyaways. Made of plant-derived ingredients, the creamy formula is applied to your hair using a mascara-like wand. Simply glide it over the fine hairs at the base of your neck, near your ears, or along your hairline to create a smooth look.

22Applying This Fan-Favorite Hand Cream To Quench Dry, Rough Skin

Whether you work with your hands, wash frequently, or live in a dry climate, your skin can get rough fast. Luckily, it’s nothing that O’Keefe’s hand cream can’t fix. Boasting an impressive 4.7-star overall rating, the brand’s signature formula instantly boosts moisture levels, while also creating a protective layer that keeps your skin supple moving forward. Not to mention, it’s unscented, which is perfect for those who don’t want any lingering fragrance.

23Using This Backlit Magnifying Mirror To Apply Makeup & Tweeze Brows

Not only does this LED vanity mirror illuminate your face as you apply your makeup or tweeze your eyebrows, it also features a magnifying panel that gives you a close-up view for more precision. You have the option to power it via USB or batteries, giving you the ability to set it up virtually anywhere. The two side panels fold inwards when not in use, making it ultra-portable.

  • Available colors: 5

24Creating Voluminous Waves With These Hot Rollers

Not a fan of the curling iron? These hot rollers are much more time-efficient. Once you’ve given the flocked ceramic rollers a quick two minutes to warm up, just wrap sections of your hair and secure. After about 20 minutes, you’ll have big, voluminous waves that last for hours. This travel-size set can even be packed in your suitcase, so you can take it with you anywhere.

25Getting A Deep Clean With This Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Hair wash day just got better thanks to this shampoo and conditioner set. The clarifying combo will give you a more thorough clean, lifting away buildup without stripping your strands. Despite being sulfate-free, the shampoo turns into a gentle foam when activated by water. And the conditioner becomes a thick, jelly-like consistency that’s easy to use.

26Washing Your Hair With This Nourishing Shampoo Bar

Not only is this castor oil shampoo bar beyond nourishing and moisturizing for your strands, but it also saves the equivalent of two plastic bottles. The shampoo is designed to balance the PH in your hair. And it’s free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and artificial fragrances — this makes it gentle enough for anyone to enjoy.

27Strengthening Damaged Hair With This Bond-Repairing Oil

Designed for all hair types, this bonding oil from Olaplex promotes shine, volume, and color vibrancy by restoring hair bonds at the molecular level. Not to mention, it can help reduce frizziness and serves as a heat protectant for your strands. (Is there anything it can’t do?) A little goes a long way — you just need a few drops of this reparative styling oil to reap its many benefits.

28Buying This Cream-To-Powder Stick For Your Eyes, Lips & Cheeks

This cream-to-powder stick is the only one you need to keep in your purse — it can be used as an eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush, delivering a gorgeous hint of color wherever you want it. It’s infused with shea butter to hydrate the skin but doesn’t feel greasy or heavy in the slightest. The formulation is cruelty free and vegan.

  • Available shades: 7

29Using These Nail Dry Drops To Keep From Smudging Your Manicure

Waiting for your DIY manicure to dry can be so frustrating — not to mention, you risk messing it up with every move you make. With just one or two drops of this drying formula, your nail polish will be fully set in seconds. And reviewers confirm it performs exactly as promised.

30Deep-Conditioning Your Hair With This Strengthening Keratin Mask

There’s a number of reasons your strands can become brittle, whether it be the weather or frequent use of styling tools. This deeply conditioning treatment can get your hair back to feeling like its smooth, shiny self. Made with hydrolyzed keratin and moisturizing vitamin E, the hair mask helps repair split ends while adding a dose of softness and strength to your locks.

31Swiping On This Lip Oil To Make Your Lips Softer

Not only will this lip oil leave behind a pretty glossiness, but it also features ingredients that’ll moisturize and soften them at the same time — it’s particularly ideal if you have dry skin. Plus, it can help your lips appear fuller. The lip oil features a pointed doe foot applicator for precise application. Check out the listing for tinted options as well.

  • Available shades: 23

32Replacing Your Regular Face-Washing Towels With These Cleaner Disposables

Always have access to a clean, bacteria-free towel to dry your face, wipe off a mask, remove makeup, and more with this set of best-selling disposable towels. The 50 single-use towels are made from viscose for superior softness and they’re large in size, so you’ll only need to use one at a time.

33Curling Your Hair With This Heatless Headband

Get voluminous curls while you sleep (without any heat damage) thanks to this curling headband. It’s a breeze to use — before heading to bed, wrap your strands around the curling rod and secure it with the included scrunchies — and will create flawless results every time, regardless of your hair type or length.

  • Available colors: 14

34Using This Cleansing Bar For A Brighter, More Even Complexion

If you’re interested in improving the appearance of an uneven skin tone or dark spots, this cleansing bar may be able to help — powerhouse ingredients like azelaic acids and niacinamide promote a brighter, more even complexion. This pick can be applied as a daily cleanser (use the included sponge to swipe on the product) or even as a mask when left on for three to five minutes before rinsing.

35Adding Volume & Lift To Your Lashes With This Curler

This eyelash curler will deliver major volume and lift to your lashes that’ll last all day long. Unlike other curling tools, it doesn’t tug or pinch the lashes. Choose from three colors in the listing.

36Applying This Cuticle Serum For Stronger & More Hydrated Nails

Thanks to ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E, this cuticle cream will make your cuticles and nails instantly shiny and hydrated — and when used in the long term, it makes them stronger as well. Despite this, the product doesn’t feel greasy or oily when applied. It’s organic and not tested on animals.

37Deeply Moisturizing Hair With This Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Hydrating argan oil and soothing aloe are the star ingredients in this shampoo and conditioner set, which nourishes dry, damaged strands of all types. Free of parabens and sulfates, the gentle formula also helps strengthen your hair over time — giving you silky, soft results that actually last. The addition of shea butter and jojoba oil amp up your hair’s moisture levels even more.

38Using This Moisturizing Cream For A Hydrated & Brighter Complexion

This moisturizing cream features a high concentration of K-beauty ingredient snail mucin filtrate (as well as others like shea butter and aloe) for brighter, smoother, and more hydrated skin. The product has absolutely exploded on Amazon, boasting thousands of positive reviews. It’s non-comedogenic to not clog your pores, and it’s ideal for all skin types. No snails were harmed in the making of this pick.

39Filing Your Nails With These Gentle Crystal Glass Files

These crystal glass nail files are hardened for long-term use, yet they’re gentle on the nails to not split or otherwise damage them. Wash the files with soap and warm water to refresh them whenever necessary. A storage case is included.

  • Available colors: 2

40Rolling This Pet Hair Remover On Your Clothes To Get Rid Of Shed Fur

If your furry friend sheds, you’ll want to keep this pet hair remover on hand to get rid of stray fur from your clothes before heading out the door — it can also be used on furniture, flooring, and practically any other surface. It’s extraordinarily effective (just roll it back and forth to trap hair in the chamber) and since it doesn’t utilize sticky tape or adhesive, it can be reused endlessly.

41Applying This Lotion On Your Face Or Body For A Lit-From-Within Glow

Wear this Lumi Glotion alone (on your face or body) or underneath makeup — either way, it’ll give your skin a subtle tint that’s positively glowy and gorgeous. Best yet, the lotion also contains glycerin and shea butter for all-day hydration.

  • Available shades: 5

42Wiping Off Your Makeup At The End Of The Day With These Soft Towels

Use these soft and plush cotton towels to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin after a long day of work or play. The set comes with six 13-by-13-inch towels in a deep black shade; this ensures they won’t appear dirty after a single use like white ones can. The word “makeup” is embroidered on each towel for an elegant touch.

43Using These Wet Wipes All Over Your Body For A Quick Refresh

These biodegradable wet wipes can be used on all areas of your body, giving your skin an instant refresh. They’re infused with skin-friendly aloe vera and vitamin E, yet leave out irritating ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and parabens. After you use one of the 80 wipes in the set, flush it down the toilet to get rid of it.

44Cleaning Your Bag With These Dual-Sided Wipes

Get rid of dirt and debris on your purses, bags, and backpacks with these dual-sided cleaning wipes. They’re gentle but work precisely as promised. The set includes four packs, each of which contains seven wipes. Carry them with you at all times — you never know when you’ll need one.

45Spritzing This Leave-In Conditioner In Your Hair To Detangle & Moisturize

This leave-in conditioner will work wonders on your strands. It’s designed for all hair types — from straight to curly, and everything in between — and the formulation will eliminate frizz, add moisture and shine, and detangle all at once. The product is made without sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil. Plus, it’s cruelty free.

46Using This Cleansing & Exfoliating Combo On Your Face

Formulated with 10% glycolic and salicylic acid, this exfoliating facial cleaner can help reduce acne without drying out your skin — and it also functions as a cleanser and toner, leaving behind a bright and glowy complexion. The facial scrub lathers well, smells amazing, and doesn’t feel sticky. It’s cruelty free.

47Putting On These No-Show Socks With Sneakers & Flats

These no-show socks pair perfectly with sneakers, loafers, flats, and more — they’ll be practically invisible. Made from a combination of cotton and spandex, the socks are soft and comfortable — and even feature added support in the arches — with a non-slip silicone heel to stay in place all day long.

  • Available sizes: 5-8 & 8-11
  • Available sets: 7

48Strengthening & Smoothing Your Hair With This Keratin Serum

If your strands lean dry or damaged, this hair serum will be a game changer. Featuring ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and vitamins, the serum will repair and protect your hair. Plus, it leaves it looking soft and shiny, like you just got a blowout at a salon. Apply the product to towel-dried hair from root to tip for best results.

49Sticking On These Nipple Pasties For Comfortable Coverage

Say goodbye to uncomfortable bras: These best-selling nipple covers will stick right onto your skin and provide coverage for up to 12 hours straight, no matter how much you move. They’re virtually invisible on the skin. And they can be reused — keep them in the included case between wears.

  • Available sizes: small & large
  • Available shades: 5

50Swiping This Serum On The Skin To Promote Collagen Production

This peptide complex serum helps to encourage the natural production of collagen. This makes your skin appear smoother (with results promised within just four weeks) and more moisturized overall. Plus, it contains ingredients like pure chamomile extract and organic jojoba seed oil that can help to accelerate the healing of the skin.

This article was originally published on