Shopping·12 min read

20 Problem-Solving Beauty Products

problem-solving-beauty
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Soft Services, Sofie Pavitt Face
September 23, 2024

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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.

solawave
Solawave

The red light therapy wand we swear by…

We’ve been using the Solawave wand since we first tested it two years ago, and the results have only gotten better. It uses red light therapy, microcurrent, and heat to give us brighter, smoother, and plumper skin. We love that it’s not a full face mask, so we can use it while we watch TV or read without being blinded by the red lights. Plus, it’s great to stash in your bag for a skin pick-me-up when you’re traveling. ($169, Solawave)

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deodorant
Amazon

A natural deodorant that actually works…

This deodorant is aluminum-free, baking soda-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free — all the frees you want — but will still neutralize odor all day long. Instead, you’ll smell like eucalyptus, jasmine, or bergamot, depending on which one you choose. Plus, it dries clear so you won’t get any white residue on your clothes. Hard to beat. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Hero Cosmetics

A serum pen we love to keep in our bag…

This little pen actually works and is packed with a serum that’ll fade dark spots. It’s made of vitamin C and licorice root to boost skin clarity. The packaging has a cooling rollerball at the end, so you can apply it on the go without having to use your fingers. ($9.99+, Hero Cosmetics)

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Sofie Pavitt Face

Toner ice cubes to keep in the freezer…

PSA: Sofie Pavitt Face is the latest problem-solving skincare brand you need to know about. Founded by NYC’s acne whisperer, we can attest that these products heal our skin. A standout product: these Nice Ice Toner pods. Just place them in the freezer and let them freeze up. Once they’re frozen, put on top of a cotton pad and swipe across your skin. They’ll depuff, calm inflammation, and reduce any swelling. ($68/12-pack, Sofie Pavitt Face)

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Sephora

A gel cream for your body…

While we love gel creams for our face, one for your body is genius. This one from Soft Services is hydrating, yet absorbs quickly. It’s perfect if you love lotioning up before bed, but hate the feeling of product sticking to your pajamas. If your skin is super dry, get this. It’ll hydrate your skin on contact. ($28, Sephora)

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Ulta

A serum that’ll brighten dark spots…

We love bareMinerals for their cult-favorite powder foundation, but their new vitamin C serum is our latest obsession. It also has rainbow seaweed to plump any fine lines. Apply it morning and night before moisturizer for some serious glow. ($65, Ulta)

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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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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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Dieux

Dieux’s bestselling Deliverance serum…

We raved about this serum for its versatility and effectiveness, while still being gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. It’s made of a blend of Dieux’s own proprietary complex, along with water lily, niacinamide, and peptides to soothe, support barrier function, and improve the skin overall. For us, it even minimizes redness and irritation. ($69, Dieux)

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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. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Tata Harper

A moisturizer that helps to calm irritated skin…

Tata Harper is known for their luxurious skincare and we can attest that their products are worth the investment. Their Calming Creme soothes redness and any other irritation. If you deal with eczema year round, definitely give this moisturizer a try — especially because the National Eczema Association awarded it a Seal of Excellence. ($130, Tata Harper)

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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. ($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. ($44, Revolve)

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air-dry-cream
Walmart

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. ($11.97, Walmart)

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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. ({{dynamicPrice}}, 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 fragrance-free so it won’t irritate sensitive eyes. You can use it on your brows, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, 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. ($72, Revolve)

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body-exfoliator
Sephora

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

This formula uses mineral microcrystals to eliminate dry, rough skin for good. It also has ingredients like glycerin and shea butter to moisturize, but we like to apply a good lotion after using. This product is ideal for anyone who struggles with strawberry skin, keratosis pilaris, or ingrown hairs. Customers say that they noticed a huge difference in their skin after using 2-3 times a week. ($28/2-pack, Sephora)

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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 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. ({{dynamicPrice}}, 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. ($10, Sephora)

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