Shopping·10 min read

16 Problem-Solving Beauty Products

problem-solving-beauty
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Hero Cosmetics, Amazon
May 8, 2023

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We’ve all dealt with an annoying beauty catastrophe once or twice. When misfortune strikes — like getting a little overeager with your dry shampoo and giving yourself an itchy scalp, or trying a new exfoliator that leaves your skin feeling red and raw — turn to one of these problem-solving beauty products in your arsenal.

From frizzy hair to chapped lips, we’ve found items that’ll help solve your toughest beauty-related struggles.

soothing-balm
Hero Cosmetics

A soothing balm that hides redness and irritation…

If you’re suffering from breakouts, this cream will not only heal your skin, but thanks to the green pigment, it'll help color correct and camouflage redness. As you rub it in, the green will turn to a beige that matches your skin and covers any blemishes. Use it all over your face as the last step in your skincare routine (even after SPF), or dab it onto problem spots and watch them disappear. ($6.99+, Hero Cosmetics)

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face-sunscreen
Supergoop!

Face sunscreen that’s weightless, scentless, and 100% invisible…

This broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection looks, feels, and smells like it’s not even there. We’d think we forgot our daily dose of SPF (gasp) if the antioxidant-rich formula didn’t leave our skin feeling so good. Plus, it helps filter blue light, so you’re protected at your desk, at the beach, and…everywhere else. PS: They’ve got a jumbo version if you just can’t get enough. ($38, Supergoop!)*

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dandruff-shampoo
Jupiter

A shampoo and conditioner set that banishes flakes for good…

Your scalp deserves a little TLC too. This shampoo is made with zinc pyrithione that gently treats dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis (a condition that causes red, scaly patches) but without the use of sulfates, parabens, or dyes. It also has squalane and coconut oil to soothe and hydrate. The conditioner is packed with superstar ingredients like green tea and colloidal oatmeal. Bonus: They both smell delightful with essential oils like mint, vanilla, and lavender. ($50, Jupiter)

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lip-mask
Amazon

A cult-favorite lip sleeping mask…

Skimm HQr’s love this famous Laneige lip mask. Put it on right before bed (especially if you’ve spent all day in the sun) and wake up to smooth, supple lips in the morning. It’s as simple as that. Plus, you can wear it during the day too for a glossy, healthy look. Your obsession will be real, we promise. ($24, Amazon)

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booty-scrub
Revolve

A booty scrub that’ll get rid of body breakouts…

Body acne can be incredibly frustrating and confusing to treat. Take it from us, this scrub will become your new best friend. It’s made with walnut shell to gently exfoliate dry skin and stimulate blood flow, and sweet almond oil to hydrate and smooth. While it’s meant for your booty, we also love using it on our legs and can’t believe how smooth our skin feels after. We even noticed scars and dark spots lightening after consistent use. Pair it with the serum for even better results. ($29, Revolve)

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hair-milk
Revolve

A leave-in hair milk for shiny, soft strands…

Since we’re always on the hunt for a way to keep frizz in check, we recently discovered this hair milk and have never looked back. The formula, made with sweet almond oil, amino acids, and shea butter, not only ensures smooth hair but also works to strengthen and repair strands over time. It’s great to use when air drying or as a heat protectant before styling. Thanks to the 16 essential oils, it smells like a fresh, herby dream. ($42, Revolve)

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air-dry-cream
Amazon

An air-dry cream that works for all hair types…

When we heard Ashley Tisdale uses this to tame her curls and wake up to perfect beachy waves, we ran to Target to grab our own. It calms frizz and restores shine, but never feels heavy on our hair. Apply at night to clean hair, sleep in braids, and wake up with loose waves and lots of texture. ($10.97+, Amazon)

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scalp-scrub
Amazon

A scalp scrub that smells like mint chocolate chip ice cream…

Yes, you read that right. This scrub is great for those with dryness, irritation, or product buildup. It uses tea tree oil and charcoal to gently lift away excess dead skin and oil, leaving your scalp feeling fresh and restored. After all, a happy head is the key to healthy, shiny hair. ($42+, Amazon)

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lash-serum
Amazon

A serum for thicker, more luscious lashes…

Just apply this serum once a day at bedtime and wake up to fuller lashes that barely need mascara. It’s made with botanical ingredients that stimulate the follicle for growth, and is also hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate sensitive eyes. You can use it on your brows, too. ($24.99, Amazon)

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hair-mask
Revolve

A regenerating hair mask that feels luxurious…

While a bit on the pricey side, this is one of the most concentrated hair masks we’ve ever used, so the tub will last you a long time (it always leaves us with salon-soft hair). The key ingredient is prickly pear seed oil that penetrates deep into strands to nourish them with antioxidants. It’s also great for reviving colored strands and smells delicious. You’re worth the splurge. ($69, Revolve)

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body-exfoliator
Nordstrom

A body exfoliator that’s gentle enough to use multiple times per week…

This formula combines physical and chemical exfoliation with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to eliminate dry, rough skin for good. It also has ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, but we like to apply a good lotion after using. It comes in three natural scents and a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin. ($30, Nordstrom)

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ingrown-solution
Amazon

A solution that will make ingrowns a thing of the past…

We were skeptical at first, but once we started using this tiny exfoliating mitt paired with the ingrown concentrate, we noticed considerably less irritation after shaving and even fewer ingrown hairs over time. It’s because it’s formulated with tea tree oil that has antimicrobial properties to prevent infection. You can use it anywhere you shave, from underarms to legs. ($32, Amazon)

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redness-cream
Nordstrom

A daily moisturizer that improves redness over time…

Formulated with probiotics, this thick, green-tinted cream feels cooling when applied and instantly calms flare-ups from sunburns or over-exfoliation. We find ourselves reaching for this reliable product any time our skin is stressed or angry, and even stash it in the fridge for an extra-cool effect. With consistent use, those with rosacea will notice less broken capillaries and flushed cheeks. ($56, Nordstrom)

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mini-fridge
Amazon

A mini fridge to keep your skincare chilled…

Speaking of stashing our creams in the fridge, this adorable version will keep serums, beauty tools, and eye gels cold so they’re more effective. It’s quiet, lightweight, and comes in several fun colors. Did we mention there’s a cow print? ($35+, Amazon)

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sheet-masks
Sephora

Sheet masks that do the most for your skin in just 30 minutes…

We would trust these face masks with our life. Try the hydrating version for dewy “glazed-donut” skin, or the brightening one for a serious glow before an event or date. We haven’t found one we don’t like, especially since they’re great for all skin types. Plus, the price isn’t too shabby considering they work wonders. ($7+, Sephora)

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after-shave
Amazon

An after-shave solution that’s a classic for a reason…

Apply after shaving your legs, bikini area, or underarms to soothe and prevent ingrown hairs. It’s antibacterial, won’t clog pores, and can also be applied after waxing or as a treatment on existing razor bumps. It even helps with dark spots or scarring from past irritation. Yes, please. ($18.99+, Amazon)

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*This denotes a sponsored section.

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