Beauty experts swear by these weird things that make you look so much better

For starters, this over-the-counter minoxidil foam can be used by women for hair regrowth, even though it’s marketed to men (the women’s versions will typically cost you more, even though they use the same active ingredient). But board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Maya Thosani M.D., says that’s not Rogaine’s only use. “Did you know that it can also be applied with a spoolie to brows to improve their growth,” she reveals, while noting that it’s important to keep the product away from your eyes. “Because minoxidil increases local blood flow and may stimulate growth factors around the nail matrix, applying a small amount to the proximal nail fold can sometimes help improve nail growth and resilience over time when applied consistently,” board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Aderonke Obayomi, M.D., adds of another lesser-known use.

“These peel-off lip liners have gone viral for a reason,” says beauty editor Adeline Duff. “Not only are they oddly satifying to use, but they leave behind a natural-looking stain that lasts all day long, especially when topped off with a lip gloss in a similar color. You can let it sit while you go about the rest of your makeup routine, and by the time you’re finished and you peel it off, your whole look will have come together.”

“One of my favorite under-the-radar skin savers is actually diaper rash cream,” Kaitlyn Nelson, a board-certified physician associate and founder of SKNdustry, tells Mic. Zinc oxide is the hero ingredient in here, which Nelson credits with soothing irritation and dermatitis flare-ups. “It’s anti-inflammatory, protective, and helps reinforce the skin barrier,” she explains. “The key is using a small amount as a targeted treatment rather than a full face mask since the formula is intentionally thick.”

Beauty writer Tanisha Pina calls this dermaplaning spray “weirdly satisfying.” That’s because the mist-on formula leaves behind a soothing white powder that highlights your peach fuzz for a foolproof dermaplaning experience. “It makes the process much more precise — especially around the jawline or upper lip — and helps you get smoother skin without blindly going over the same spots,” Pina says of the face mist, which comes with four disposable dermaplaning razors.

“Sometimes my nails can use a little extra help, and when I find myself in need, I turn to this garlic-infused nail strengthening treatment,” says beauty editor Adeline Duff. Also enriched with vitamin E, the treatment can be used to help strengthen weak, cracked, or dry nails and toenails, either on its own or under polish.

“A derm first told me about wearing forehead patches to help reduce the repeated movements that lead to wrinkles over time,” shares beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. These forehead patches take things a step further, as each disposable patch is infused with ingredients like collagen, aloe vera, and vitamin E to plump up skin right away. “The patches were designed to be worn overnight, but if you work from home, you can stick one on during the day for some extra skin care benefits — just don’t forget to peel it off before your Zoom meeting!”

Models and makeup artists are often credited with popularizing the use of hemorrhoid cream to treat under-eye bags, but aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr. Maryam Zamani, M.D., confirms it’s an effective trick. “Hemorrhoid cream works by constricting blood vessels and temporarily tightening the skin,” Dr. Zamani tells Mic. Phenylephrine is the active, blood vessel-constricting ingredient in the cream, which Dr. Zamani says “can create a brief, smoothing effect” for under-eye puffiness.

This mayo-inspired hair mask gets the stamp of approval from beauty editor Adeline Duff. “It leaves my hair super soft and smells like vanilla, not eggs,” she says. The ingredients behind its hair-softening magic? Egg yolk extract, macadamia seed oil, and shea butter, which all contribute to its ultra-creamy, mayo-like texture.

“It sounds crazy, but a tiny dab of Afrin nasal spray can calm persistent facial redness temporarily by constricting capillaries,” Ildi Pekar, an esthetician and founder of Ildi Pekar Wellness Studio, says of this instant redness-correcting trick. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is the active, redness-reducing ingredient, which Pekar stresses should be used sparingly before a big event or photoshoot. “Lightly spray onto a cotton swab and target only affected areas to avoid overuse,” she says.

“Most people have seen heatless curlers,” admits celebrity hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli. “But this multi-rod version is a game-changer because it gives you more control and a more natural, blown-out result rather than uniform curls.” Because there aren’t any hot styling tools involved, the satin rods won’t damage your hair, and they also help to combat frizz for a smoother finish. “My tip is to start with slightly damp hair and wrap in different directions for a more effortless finish,” advises Puncerelli.

Anyone who struggles with getting even winged liner needs this stamper tool in their life, according to beauty writer Marissa DeSantis (and more than 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon). “Whether you’re a beginner or you have shaky hands, this liner lets you get a perfect cat eye on the first try,” she says. “Each purchase comes with two pens that include a left wing stamp and a right wing stamp, and there’s a traditional black liquid liner at the opposite end if you want to line the rest of your lid.”

The easiest way to get baby-soft feet (and get ready for sandal season) is with a pair of foot peeling masks, like these. You may have seen these on social media and shrugged them off as a gimmick, but beauty editor Adeline Duff assures that they really do work. “Leave them on for an hour or so, then they’ll shed the dead skin from your feet over the next couple of weeks. It works like magic.”

Makeup artist Diana Koshurba has a surprising tool for faking fuller lips: brow pencil. “It creates a soft contour shadow around the lips with a more natural effect, thanks to the cool tones of the brow pencil,” she explains of how it works. “I slightly overdraw the top and bottom lip, then gently buff it out with my finger to diffuse the edges.”

If pimple patches are a regular part of your skin care routine, here’s an easier way to target breakouts of any size. “Instead of buying individual pimple patches, this roll lets you cut your own, custom-sized patches for any blemish,” esthetician Ildi Pekar tells Mic. The bandage roll still uses medical-grade hydrocolloid to absorb fluid and shield your skin from outside bacteria, but it also gives you a more precise way to treat acne. Plus, the hydrocolloid roll can be used to help heal blisters, burns, and scrapes, too.

“I’m obsessed with these sheet masks that you wear overnight — they’re a must-have for what I call ‘fancy sleep,” says beauty editor Adeline Duff. While there are plenty of overnight sheet masks on the market to choose from, this new launch takes the fancy factor up even further with a blend of silk peptides and real gold. “The glow is so real when you wake up,” says Duff.

Toners aren’t just for refining pores with chemical exfoliants. Beauty writer Tanisha Pina points to these Korean toning pads that cool and rebalance agitated skin with the help of carrots. “Carrot might sound random, but carrot extract and beta-carotene are known for their soothing antioxidant properties,” she explains. “You can split the pad in half, leaving it on your cheeks for a few minutes when skin feels flushed or overheated — the cooling effect is basically immediate.”

“Nobody else seems to know these exist, but I’m obsessed with them,” says beauty editor Adeline Duff of Tan Towels. “You literally swipe them onto your skin and within a few hours you’ll develp a natural glow. I hate traveling with self-tanner as it always seems to be the one thing that spills, so these take the mess factor out of the equation while ensuring I can still maintain my tan.”

This pink serum is aesthetically pleasing, but Elaine Suderio of Vivash Medical Spa notes that it’s a skin care multitasker, thanks to the trending ingredient, salmon sperm. "It’s a ‘salmon DNA’ compound that is great for skin regeneration and tissue repair capabilities,” she explains. “This serum also contains peptides and niacinamide, making it a powerful combination for tighter and brighter skin,” Suderio adds.

“I’m obsessed with LOOPS face masks,” says beauty editor Adeline Duff, “and their lip masks are my newest obsession. They’re so fun when you’re doing a self-care night at home or prepping for a big event, and they leave my lips super soft — I find lipstick applies so much more smoothly afterwards!”

Before your next workout, hit your hair with this dry shampoo, which absorbs oil before it wrecks your blowout and keeps it smelling like you just left the salon. “It contains moisture-activated scent capsules that release fragrance when they come into contact with sweat,” beauty writer Tanisha Pina explains, adding that the dry shampoo keeps hair smelling fresher for longer.

When you want a polished, slicked-back updo, celebrity hair stylist Cody Renegar calls this purse-friendly wand “a simple yet effective way to fix flyaways.” As practical to use on the go as it is at home, the taming wand pairs a clear hair serum with a mascara brush to flatten flyaways and condition them with ingredients like biotin, aloe vera, and vitamin E. “Run it over your rogue strands after a long day, and you’re instantly ready for date night,” Renegar says of how easy it is to use.

No matter how diligent you are about washing your face, if you’re drying off with your hand towel, you’re setting your skin up for disaster. “Most hand towels harbor bacteria and E. coli,” shares Melanie Abeyta, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center. To ensure you’re not introducing acne-causing bacteria (and other harmful bacteria) back to your skin when you wash your face, Abeyta recommends these disposable towels. “Single-use towels ensure you are using a clean towel every time, plus, they are so soft and feel amazing on my skin,” she says.

Want to stretch out your blowout? Celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar swears by this two-in-one dry shampoo paste. “Besides the obvious use as a dry shampoo, it also works as a texturizer and root lifter,” he says. The smallest amount of the cruelty-free and vegan paste is all you need, as volcanic ash and zeolite work like magic to absorb excess oil. “Just flip your hair over and use your fingers to work it through the roots,” Renegar says, adding, “You’ll be instantly refreshed with new body and bounce.”

For platinum blonde and gray hair, the secret to an icier color is a purple toning product, like this one. Once each week, Melanie Abeyta of Harmony Aesthetics Center turns to this rich purple mask, which conditions as it tones with quinoa seed extract, biotin, and hydrolyzed proteins. “It neutralizes unwanted yellow tones and helps keep my hair smooth, getting rid of unwanted frizzy hair while adding shine,” she says.

Cracked heels can be made silky-smooth without any scrubbing or pedicure appointments when you have these heel socks. “Apply CeraVe healing ointment or your favorite lotion and then put on your gel socks,” advises Jennifer Saxon, a nail technician and owner of Columbus Podology. Saxon says to look for gel socks (like these) that are infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E, and commit to wearing them for at least 30 minutes for the best results.

Panthenol (or vitamin B5) may be a common ingredient in skin and hair care, but it’s hardly ever the star of the show. However, esthetician Ildi Pekar calls it one of her most trusted ingredients for calming the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. “You can find it almost everywhere in both foam and cream formulas in Europe,” she says. “I love it for sunburn, inflamed acne, post-procedure sensitivity, compromised barrier, and general redness,” Pekar explains, sharing that this panthenol foam is especially ideal for a lightweight and cooling treatment.

Color-treated hair starts to lose its vibrancy from the moment you leave the salon. To help it last longer and restore some of the moisture that’s been lost in the process of dyeing your hair, colorist Lauren Paglionico recommends this color-depositing cleansing conditioner to her clients. “Clenditioner gently cleans your hair while subtly tinting it,” explains Paglionico, a colorist and founder of LRN Beauty. “There’s no developer and no damage, and it works gradually, so you don’t have to worry about it depositing too much color or making your hair feel weighed down,” she says, adding that the cleansing conditioner even comes in a clear formula for those who are looking to add shine without any extra color.

Shaving cream is certainly nothing new, but celebrity hairstylist Dean Banowetz shares an unconventional use for the beauty essential: self-tanning corrector. When a self-tanner mishap occurs, like stained fingers or streaky ankles, Banowetz says shaving cream is a go-to on TV and film sets. “Put some on the stained area, rub it around to loosen up the stain, rinse, and repeat as necessary,” he says.

Pair this netted sponge with your favorite body wash in the shower, and esthetician Ildi Pekar guarantees smoother skin. “It’s a simple, stretchable net, but the texture gives proper exfoliation,” she says. “It removes dead skin and buildup without being harsh,” she adds of the durable and fast-drying body scrubber. “Your skin feels smoother right away, and your products absorb better after.”

“Keeping a mirrored compact in your bag is nothing new, but this K-beauty find is actually for your hair,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. Housed in a bright orange cushion compact, the powdery dry shampoo was formulated to blend into all hair colors and absorb excess oil to keep your hair looking fresh. “It even comes with a tiny powder puff that you can use to tap the dry shampoo directly into the roots of your hair,” says DeSantis.

Not only is this powder cleanser TSA-approved, but it’s also a sensitive skin-friendly way to work some exfoliation into your routine. “It will help to gently polish texture away, and calm and soothe the skin while restoring the moisture barrier,” says Elaine Suderio, DNP, FNP-BC, co-founder and medical director at Vivash Medical Spa. The powder — which transforms into a light foam with the addition of water — uses oat kernel extract and fruit enzymes to smooth away dead skin cells while still being gentle enough to use daily, according to Suderio.

“This ice roller is one of my go-to tools after an in-office treatment and in the morning,” shares Courtney Coons, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with PERK Plastic Surgery. While Coons stresses that you should always sanitize the roller in between uses to keep it clean, she says that just a few minutes of ice rolling can depuff and alleviate redness. “The cooling and light mechanical pressure help stimulate circulation, leaving skin looking refreshed,” she explains.

After too many hours spent staring at your laptop or in the midst of an international flight, beauty writer Tanisha Pina likes to pop on one of these self-heating eye masks for some relief. “They’re like a quick, 20-minute spa treatment without having to plug anything in,” she says of the hands-free, disposable masks. “As soon as you open the pouch, it slowly warms to a gentle temperature and releases a little steam, which helps hydrate the eye area and relax tired eyes.”

Rather than coat each lash in a wax-heavy formula that’s quick to smudge, tubing mascara uses polymers to wrap around each lash hair for a lengthening effect that doesn’t weigh lashes down or flake off. “This tubing mascara takes things to the next level,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. “In addition to building length and volume, the mascara fortifies your natural lashes with conditioning ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, and biotin.” While it’s water-resistant, tubing mascara gets bonus points for being easy to remove at the end of the day with warm water.

French manicure tips are typically best left to the pros, but celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards says this angled brush will help you create square or curved French tips on your own (though she does admit that a steady hand is required). “Once you lay down the brush at the tip of the nail, swipe down and you’ve created your French tip.”

“This roll-on gel stick really shines when you’re in a pinch and need to shave, but don’t have time for a full shower,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. Soothing and moisturizing ingredients like cactus water, mushroom extract, and glycerin prep your skin and keep it protected when dry shaving, so that legs feel silky-smooth. “Of course, the vegan and cruelty-free gel stick can still be used in the shower, replacing your regular shaving cream with a less messy, travel-friendly version.”

“Many people do not realize that excess moisture can contribute to skin irritation, chafing, and even certain types of rashes,” shares board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D.. With just a light sprinkle over the skin, this talc-free powder reduces friction and absorbs sweat and moisture. “This can be especially helpful under the breasts, between the thighs, or even inside shoes for people prone to sweating,” says Dr. Garshick, who advises applying the powder to clean, dry skin.

“If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to combat redness and inflammation, consider this face mist,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. It’s free from drying alcohols and potentially irritating fragrances, and uses magnesium as the star ingredient to regulate cortisol levels and restore balance in about 30 minutes, according to the brand. “The refreshing spray also includes tried-and-true ingredients like goat milk, aloe vera, and heartleaf extract to further help calm visible redness and hydrate the skin.”

“Skin spatulas use gentle ultrasonic vibrations on damp skin to help loosen oil, debris, and leftover cleanser from pores so it can lift away more easily,” beauty writer Tanisha Pina explains of this inexpensive device. The multipurpose tool gives you four different modes to choose from, each one using a five-minute auto-off feature to prevent overuse. “The flat metal edge can also be used afterward to help press serums or essences into the skin, so it ends up functioning as both a cleansing tool and a skin care booster,” adds Pina.

If you’re dealing with a condition like rosacea or eczema, or just have sensitive skin in general, using a product with an acid ingredient may seem like an obvious no-no. But board-certified dermatologist and Cetaphil partner, Dr. Rachel Westbay, M.D., says hypochlorous acid is the exception. “Derms love it because it mimics a molecule our immune system naturally produces to fight bacteria and calm inflammation,” she explains. “I recommend a hypochlorous acid spray after workouts, on airplanes, or whenever skin feels irritated because it helps reduce acne-causing bacteria while also soothing redness.”

“No one is doing sunscreen like Korean beauty brands, and this one pairs sun protection with vitamin C,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. Green tangerine, which is naturally rich in vitamin C, is the unconventional source of the brightening favorite, but the sunscreen also contains niacinamide. “The result is a lightweight sunscreen that fades existing sun spots while preventing new ones from developing — all while still being gentle on the skin.”

Body lotion alone isn’t enough to smooth rough skin or bumps from conditions like keratosis pilaris (aka KP). To take down texture, dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick recommends a body lotion with an exfoliator built right in. “This moisturizer contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates while also helping to hydrate the skin,” she says of the fragrance-free lotion.

If you’re a fan of a streamlined beauty routine, this jar houses two separate skin care formulas. But don’t let that fool you into thinking there’s anything basic about the serum and cream duo. “A blend of white truffles from Italy and vitamin E powers both formulas, which the brand credits with moisturizing, brightening, and firming the skin,” explains beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. “I like that they’re packaged together but still housed separately, so you can mix and match the more soothing serum and elasticity-boosting face cream depending on your skin’s needs that day.”

Turns out, even the pros appreciate a good beauty shortcut. “While I love taking time to do my own elaborate nail art, time is a luxury that I don’t always have,” says Krystal Oh, a nail artist and owner of Krystal Oh Salon. These semi-cured gel strips get her top pick for the on-trend, K-beauty-inspired designs that still look like an in-salon gel manicure. “The secret is to use the gel topper to get that glossy finish,” she says of the curing process, which does require a separate UV/LED lamp.

“I rarely forgo my weekly application of tanning mousse, but I never use it on my face,” says beauty writer Marissa DeSantis. “When I don’t want to have to deal with using makeup to color-match my face to the rest of my fake tan, I like this tanning mist, which you can spritz right over your face in seconds.” The glow is gradual, and the tropical-scented mist is also infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and hibiscus flower extract, making it much more skin-friendly than your average self-tanning mousse or lotion.

“This isn’t just for covering grays,” hair artist Chad Cook says of this tinted hair powder. “It’s one of the fastest ways to fake density and make a blowout look fuller.” This root touch-up powder comes complete with a mini brush that you can use to press the color directly where you want it — over grays or along your parting and sparse spots.

“People think this is just a volumizer, but it’s actually a hybrid between a treatment and a styling product,” Cook says of this amplifying mousse for fine hair types. “It gives you that editorial, expensive-looking body without feeling like there’s product in the hair,” he explains. Vegan, cruelty-free, and safe for color-treated hair, the bamboo- and green tea leaf-infused mousse works best when focused at the roots, according to Cook.

For stubborn under-eye circles that concealer alone can’t cover up, makeup artist Diana Koshurba turns to liquid blush. “A touch of liquid blush placed strategically under the eyes can help neutralize dark circles while blending beautifully into the rest of the complexion,” she says, citing this peachy-pink Glowing Guava shade as her personal go-to.

For switching out your press-on nails — whether at home or on the go — celebrity manicurist, Gina Edwards, calls this tiny tool “a miracle in disguise.” Fitted with a chisel tip to help lift fake nails, the remover also dispenses a gel to loosen the bond between you real nails and your falsies. “It’s infused with natural oils to remove your glue press-ons without drying your nails or skin,” says Edwards, who serves as a brand ambassador for KISS Nails & imPRESS Mani.

If your usual brow gel isn’t cutting it when it comes to all-day hold, switch to this $6 edge wax. “I have used gels, sprays, waxes, pomades, and this is the best,” makeup artist and brow specialist, Pilar Demann, promises. “It lifts and smooths like a champ,” she says of the pomade, adding that it’s colorless and works on all brows. “If I need color, I apply that first, and use this to finish, picking a small amount up with a spoolie and brushing it into brows,” Demann advises.