27 Beauty Products Reviewers Say They’ve Been Using For Over 5 Years

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A vitamin C serum crafted with an A-list roster of skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and retinol. It can be used to help treat acne, brighten complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and hydrate thirsty skin.

Check out our TruSkin vitamin C Serum deep dive for more info!

Promising review: “I’ve been using TruSkin vitamin C for five years. It helps lighten dark spots, moisturizes, leaves my skin soft, and is very gentle on my face. This product is more effective, plus a much better price than other very expensive vitamin C products that did not work!” — npt

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

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A mascara for lashes so dramatic, no one will believe you when you tell them you bought it for less than $5 on Amazon. No need to spend hours wrestling with falsies to get the long lashes of your dreams. Reviewers also rave that this lasts all day. Thank goodness! You have better things to do than reapply throughout the day.

BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd tried this out and raved: “As someone who isn’t a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes, and I’m terrible at applying them), I find this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you’ve given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn’t smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes without the discomfort.”

For more info and review pics, check out Kayla’s full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!

Promising review: “This has been my go-to mascara for 5 years now. I have thin lashes and this mascara brings life into them. When you first open the bottle, the formula is a bit runny, as in it won’t have that full lash effect, but I just make sure to not to wait until the previous one runs out completely and use the tube until the new one is good.” — Just a gal

Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in four colors).

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A collagen hair protein treatment to help repair damage from things like heat, sun, and dye, just to name a few, because we want you to be able to do all the cool, experimental things with your hair. Go ahead — dye it, fry it, do whatever makes your heart happy. This stuff has your back.

Promising review: “This protein treatment makes the hair smoother and stronger. I have been using it for the last five years and always happy with the results.” — SusanJ

Get it from Amazon for $6.75.

Read our review of Elizavecca’s CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment to learn more about why my colleague calls it “the miracle product I’ve been searching for.”

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A lightweight retinol serum made with encapsulated retinol — that’s when traditional retinol is shelled and, therefore, is absorbed at a slower rate over time, which may prevent the irritation or redness of non-encapsulated retinol. Plus, you still get to reap similar benefits like brighter skin and a reduction of post-acne marks!

And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) just do not use it every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin.

Promising review: “Been using this stuff for about 10 years now. It’s the best retinol serum i’ve found. It’s lightweight, moisturizing, and feels like it actually absorbs into your skin. I’ve struggled with acne and this has been a lifesaver with my scars and skin tone.” — Kaily

Still not convinced? Check out our full CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum review for more details.

Get it from Amazon for $16.49.

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Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer to help absorb oil, reduce shine, and hydrate skin all at the same time. ANNND, it contains SPF 30 for some good ol’ sun protection. If skincare products had degrees, this one would hold a PhD!

Promising review: “Been using this product for almost 10 years. It really does help with oil control while also giving SPF protection and not being greasy. Super convenient that I can get it through Amazon.” — Megan

Get it from Amazon for $14.38.

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A concealer because reviewers love its excellent price point, smooth sponge applicator, and the fact that it provides great under-eye coverage on those mornings when you wake after broken sleep. It helps brighten up the area and brings a lovely glow to your gorg eyes. ✨

Promising review: “I have been using this concealer for about 10 years and I totally love it! I even got my daughter wearing it! It covers well and does not looked caked up after you put face powder on.” — Chooch

Check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets.

Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 24 shades).

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Aztec Secret healing clay face mask for a thorough, deep-cleaning facial that’ll help get rid of the yucky stuff hiding far down in your pores. It’s free of additives and fragrances and works best when mixed with apple cider vinegar.

If you have delicate/sensitive skin, it’s recommended not to leave this on any longer than 5–10 minutes. Some skin redness is normal and should disappear in about 30 minutes!

Promising review: “This product for me is a non-negotiable. I have been using it for 5+ years for my bath and for face masks. It’s an incredible value since it will last you a very long time. The clay masks are like nothing else. I mix it with either apple cider vinegar or water. You apply a thin layer and when it dries, you can feel it pulsing and pulling everything out of your pores. I like that there’s nothing else added to this and it’s natural. No smell and a very fine powder. I always have a jar on hand!” — Gilliane

Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in three sizes).

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A tea tree oil and peppermint body wash that can help mitigate a plethora of common skin troubles like athlete’s foot, acne, ringworm, and dry skin — just to name a few. Side effects include wondering where the heck this little miracle worker has been your whole life?!

Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising reviews: “I’ve been using this soap for over eight years. It is the absolute best antifungal soap ever. I get complimented on the ‘minty’ smell of the soap! Remedy Soap has never made my skin dry, I think it’s helped it retain moisture. It may be on the pricier side, but it is worth every single penny!” — Nana LV

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in three other scents/formulas, including unscented, and a two-pack).

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A lip sleeping mask designed to help hydrate and nourish your kisser overnight so it feels nice and soft when you wake up.

Promising review: “I have been using this product for about six years and still love it. I use it almost every night and notice a huge difference when I’m not regular with it. I especially love it because I tend to have allergic reactions to a lot of lip products and I have no issues with this one. If it were cheaper, I’d buy more to keep in my purse and around the house. What’s extra amazing is that in 6 years time I’ve only gone through three containers with nightly use. I highly recommend this product.” — HazelTwist

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in 11 scents).

10.

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A styling mousse that’s especially great for folks with curly or textured hair. It’s made with coconut and shea oils to help give locks some volume, definition, shine, and hold without unwanted stiffness. Say adios, crunchy hair!

Promising reviews: “First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price versus its quality. Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced product…well, let’s say you get what you pay for, so usually you’re left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew about this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok.” — Angelia Taggarrt

“The best mousse ever! I have been using this product for 12 years or more!” — Business

Get it from Amazon for $4.94 (also available in a pack of two).

11.

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A winged eyeliner stamp so you can save time and hassle during your makeup routine trying to nail a perfect cat-eye. Just stamp it on and go, go, gooooo!

Lovoir Beauty is a small biz based in New Zealand that sells this genius winged eyeliner stamp known as The Flick Stick.

Promising review: “I’ve been using this winged eyeliner stamp for at least five years, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rebought it (seven? eight? a lot). I always get the 12mm vintage black, and nothing else I’ve tried compares — other stamps smudge the second you blink. This one? Stays put, even with my hooded eyes and 4:30 a.m. work face. I stamp it at just the right angle to fake looking awake, then follow it with eyeliner paste and a brush to fill it out. The other end of the pen works fine, but it’s shinier than I like, so I skip it.

Does it smudge? Only if I rub my eyes like I’m trying to summon the void. It survives sweat, long shifts, and my chaotic mornings. The only ‘issues’ I’ve had: if I’m not careful, the cap can slice off the tip of the wing when I put it back on (annoying, but fixable), and the words rub off the pen so I have to guess which end I’m opening. I’ve got extras in my car, my tool bag, my bathroom — you name it. Just don’t leave them in the sun, or they dry out faster than my patience at 4 a.m. Honestly? Best hack I’ve ever found. People think I freehand this masterpiece every day. Let them.

Edit: I’ve ordered it nine times since 2019. Talk about dedication.” — Mandi White

Get a set of two from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three styles).

12.

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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser formulated with essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid specifically for oil control without stripping your skin of its protective barrier or natural moisture. #NEEDTHAT!

Promising review: “I’ve used this cleanser for over 10 years. It’s never done me wrong and it works so well. It lathers so well and doesn’t strip my skin. It’s gentle on my acne-prone skin and doesn’t break me out.” — Priscilla

Get it from Amazon for $15.97.

13.

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A moisture-repelling spray that’s all about keeping frizz at bay and lasts for about three washes! Simply spritz into your hair (wet or dry) and blow-dry!

Promising review: “I’ve been using for over eight years. It’s the only thing that keeps the frizz out. I was sold when I used on a Florida vacation and my hair stayed straight and did not frizz. You always should have more than one bottle on hand and I have recommended too many people who are also now obsessed.” — Nicole D.

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).

14.

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Cosrx Essence, a lightweight snail mucin (no snails are harmed in the making of this product, promise) that’ll deliver seriously good hydration, and can help brighten your skin and reduce/prevent acne. Plus, it sinks in fast without any sticky residue, so your face feels refreshed and bouncy, instead of a glazed donut left out too long.

Promising Review: “I’ve been using this daily for seven years. I LOVE this product. I was introduced to it by a co-worker back in 2017 and I haven’t looked back. This co-worker didn’t have great skin (age 29), and then she started coming in looking better and better. Her skin was becoming supple, even, and radiant. I asked her what changed and she said she had been using this product. So the entire office got it (she looked that good). It’s my holy grail…I have naturally dry skin, so it keeps my skin supple…even in the dry desert heat that I now live in. I use it every morning and evening after toning with a rose water toner.” — Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

15.

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Mario Badescu drying lotion, containing salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide, aka a trifecta combo that works together to draw out impurities and excess oil from zits and unclog pores. Just apply a little over a blemish with a cotton swab and let it do the rest.

BTW, it’s important not to shake or mix the solution!

Promising review: “LOVE! Use this on cold sores as soon as you feel them! Miracle!! Acne, too! Love this, used it for 15 years or so. Wouldn’t be without it!” — Jaycee

Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in packs with drying patches).

16.

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A Clinique tinted lip balm in Black Honey here to challenge the notion that a single-shade makeup product can’t work for everyone because this incredible product really does look good on EVERYONE, thanks to a blend of blue, red, and yellow pigments that match the natural color of your lips. It’s also not actually lipstick but provides the pigmented look of lipstick with the sheer shimmer of gloss. Not sure why you’re even still reading this when you should be hitting “purchase.”

Promising review: “I have been using this lipstick for about 20 years. My primary use is cheek rouge. It stays on my cheeks most of the day. It is rich in color yet sheer. For mornings when I am rushed, it is also my lipstick for the day. As I age, I have wondered if this product would creep into wrinkles around my mouth. So far, not! And I am 71-years-old. I will continue to purchase this product as long as I am able to get it or as long as I am able to wear it.” — s.wags

Get it from Amazon for $25.

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Or a highly rated Nyx matte setting spray for spritzing on after your makeup routine so your stunning lewk stays put, no matter what the day may throw your way. Plus! It happens to be a great (and of course, cheaper) swap for MAC and Urban Decay’s setting sprays.

Promising review: “I’ve been using this since I was 16. 10+ years of consistency. Better than expensive brands, I’ve tried them all. Lightweight, dries fast, travel size is perfect. Also lasts me months and I use it everyday.” — Amanda B

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in dewy, plump, and radiant finishes, and in a jumbo size).

18.

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A TikTok-loved blow-dry spray that boasts decreasing styling time by 50%!!! Not only that, but this stuff may also help detangle, smooth, and reduce frizz, as well as provide thermal protection from your hot tools.

Psst! The brand recommends using this spray on medium to coarse hair types. And for fine to medium hair, try the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Mist!

Promising review: “This is my all time favorite thermal protector for my hair. I have been using it for 5 years, have platinum blonde hair, and my hair is so healthy and shiny. I use this product every day.” — Tiffany

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in three sizes).

19.

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A fan-fave Maybelline lengthening mascara featuring bamboo extract and fibers for full and lightweight lashes that won’t flake or smudge. Phew!

Promising reviews: “Best mascara I’ve ever used. My eyes are very sensitive, and this mascara doesn’t bother them at all. I can put it on at 6 a.m., and it won’t flake off into my eyes or smudge at all, even at 3 or 4 in the morning after a night out. I’ve even slept in the mascara, which would normally cause intense pain from the flaking/smudging, but I just wake up, and the mascara still looks fresh. Not to mention the volume. The volume and thickness are amazing. I even lost a huge chunk of my natural lashes right in the center on the top of one of my lids due to a terrible lash glue when I first received the mascara, and somehow, this magical mascara found some tiny invisible lashes to grab onto and completely filled in that bald spot and made those lashes just as long as the rest of my lashes. I will continue to only buy this brand. You won’t be disappointed if you buy it.” — Katie Hicks

“I love this mascara. I’ve been using it for over 5 years. It elongates the lashes beautifully and doesn’t clump.” — Kaya

Get it from Amazon for $8.32 (available in two colors).

20.

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A L’Oreal glow-enhancing lotion that’ll give the expensive bronzing drops you’ve been eyeing a run for their money. This glycerin-infused illuminator can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or foundation and worn as a makeup base, OR as a highlight or bronzer. Glowy skin, here you come.

Reviewers say it’s similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops!

Promising reviews: “Magic! I am blown away by how good this product is. I really didn’t expect much from it, to be honest. It covers like a BB cream and has a pretty dewy finish. I originally got it to put under makeup as a moisturizer/glowy finish, but I just wear it alone mostly because it looks so nice. For reference, I wore Dr Jarts BB cream before, so not a heavy foundation. I find it similar to that coverage but a fraction of the cost.” — Simone

“Been using this for 5+ years. My favorite glow foundation yet! It’s not too thick and gives you the perfect glowy complexion.” — Kaylen Marie

Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in five shades).

21.

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A bottle of dandruff shampoo, because you deal with enough flaky people in your life, there’s no reason you should have to deal with a flaky scalp, too.

Promising review: “I’ve been using Nizoral Medicated Shampoo for around 15 years. I originally chose it as an alternative to other medicated shampoos, and I’ve continued using it because I personally prefer it to T-Sal. For me, it has a more tolerable scent and has given me better results than the alternatives I’ve tried. When it arrived, it was sealed and had no visible leaks.

The instructions are clear and have been consistent throughout the years I’ve used it. It doesn’t lather particularly well the first time, but when used as directed: lather, rinse, then lather again; the second lather is noticeably more bubbly. Personally, I lather and rinse first, apply conditioner to my mids and ends, then lather the shampoo a second time and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes while I finish showering (shaving, etc). It’s borderline thin consistency for a shampoo, although not as thin as some other medicated shampoos I’ve tried.

For me, it gives a slight tingly sensation on my scalp, but for others I’ve heard it can cause a burning sensation. If you experience burning, it may not be the product for you, results may vary.

As for value, I’d rather spend my money on a product I know I personally prefer than keep buying medicated shampoos that don’t work as well for me. After using Nizoral for so many years, it remains my preferred option. Your experience may vary, but based on my own experience, I’d recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for a medicated shampoo.” — SnyderFamBam

Get it from Amazon for $15.88.

22.

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Bio-Oil, a cult-favorite skincare oil to help reduce the appearance of scars left behind by acne, pregnancy, injuries, or surgeries, thanks to a powerful (but gentle) combo of vitamin A, vitamin E, sunflower, lavender, and chamomile oils. Your skin will thank you.

Promising review: “I never heard of this until my plastic surgeon told me to buy this and put on my scar for at least five months. Well I’ve been using it now for seven years all over my body and so good for face. It feels oily at first but within a minute the skin absorbs it and my face is so soft. It’s very good for wrinkles and also works really well on chapped lips and sunburns.” — Janie Bowling

Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in three sizes).

23.

Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

Amazon

A long-lasting liquid eyeliner that just so happens to be waterproof — a must for anyone whose tear ducts are suffering the consequences of summertime allergens. It’s also great for those who live in an eternal state of sweat during the warmer months but still want their makeup to stay intact. Yes, it is possible!

Promising review: “I have been using this color eyeliner for over 20 years! It can be difficult to find sometimes, especially as a liquid eyeliner. Quality, appearance, and price are amazing!!! The brush makes it easy to use and it comes off easily enough. Will buy again!!” — Dorothy Morrow

Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in nine shades).

24.

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A moisturizing skin cream your dry skin would thank you for if, ya know, your skin could speak to you. This noncomedogenic lotion is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens!

Promising reviews: “I’ve been using this lotion on my face for about 20 years (I’m 32). I have always had sensitive dry skin and this has helped with that all these years. I take pretty hot showers, so I put it on after, and I just started using it in the morning as well in the last year or so. I always recommend this to friends and family when they mention they’re looking!” — Courtney

Get it from Amazon for $13.56.

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A daily face cream that actually doubles as a makeup primer because simplifying your skincare/makeup routine with a hydrating product packed with shea butter, aloe vera, beeswax, and soy proteins deserves a major “add to cart” click immediately. Not to mention, less time on your beauty routine = increased opportunity for you to be on time for all of your social functions… or your job.

Promising review: “This has been my daily moisturizing lotion for over 12 years (after i received a sample size and fell in love). Surprisingly, it has aged well with my skin. As time has ‘matured’ my skincare needs, this has met and exceeded whatever it has been faced with. It moisturizes and absorbs well without leaving you sticky-feeling or like you didn’t put anything on (I hate both of those feelings). I use about the size of a pea and that has been the perfect amount for me and my skin. The smell is lovely, reminds me of lilac, and is not overpowering (I am sensitive to smell so that’s a huge thing for me).” — L. Lorenz

Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes).

26.

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Schick Silk touch-up tools perfect for painless, precise eyebrow shaping, cleaning up peach fuzz hairs on your face, and even clearing away dead skin. These little guys go a long way.

Promising review: “Great quality for price! I have used these for five years now, and have tried different brands, but nothing compares to these! I am able to reuse one for about six months, just make sure you are constantly sanitizing and cleaning it after each use! As if you don’t clean it each time, the blade will not dermaplane as smoothly.” — kim

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $5.64.

27.

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A scalp shampoo brush that’ll not only aid in giving you a deeper clean when shampooing your hair, but will also feel so relaxing and soothing on your scalp.

Promising review: “I am writing a review for this product five YEARS after purchasing it because I just realized how long I’ve had this thing in my life. I use it every single day. It still looks like the day I bought it. Even the logo is still clearly visible on the product, which is how I looked it up and discovered that it first came into my life literally five years ago. I can’t say it enough. Five years. Buy this thing. You will not regret it.” — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in three colors).

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