There's no shortage of cult favorite beauty products these days. From Kylie lip kits to Korean skin care picks, finding a much hyped, exorbitantly priced beauty product online is easy. Finding one that's affordable and actually works is another matter entirely. I turned to Amazon's best-selling beauty products in the sacred name of beauty (and the convenience of everything-but-the-kitchen-sink online shopping), in order to find the beauty and health and wellness products that really work.
I researched the best Amazon beauty products available that Bustle's covered in the past, taking note of items readers seemed to really like. From popular coffee scrubs and body oils to aromatherapeutic soaps (and even an organic deodorant spray), there were a few clear standouts I wanted to put to the test. I kept affordable price ranges in mind, too, and somehow managed keep the price range for the beauty products under $20.
I requested samples of five popular beauty products, then enlisted the help of six other editors to test them out over the course of one week. Each editor recorded their findings below. Were the beauty products worth the hype? Read on to find out!
1. Art Naturals Keratin Hair Mask
Art Naturals Argan Oil Hair Mask , $12, Amazon
Tester: Danielle Page, Bustle Senior Branded Content Editor
The Product:
Art Naturals Argan Oil Hair Mask , $12, Amazon
The Concerns:
I had been looking for a deep conditioning treatment for my hair because it tends to be on the dry side. But since my hair is also thin, I didn’t want to use a product that was going to weigh it down, either. The thought of putting a mask made out of oil on my hair definitely raised some concerns for me about whether or not the product would leave my hair flat or even worse, greasy.
The Routine:
Typically, any mask or treatment I’ve done to my hair in the past instructed me to put it on in the shower, leave it in for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. But Art Naturals wanted me to really work for that shiny hair silver lining, directing me to wash my hair, then towel it dry, then apply the product, wait 5-7 minutes, and THEN hop back in my shower and rinse it all out. But I did as I was told, and noticed the difference even after the first use.
The Results:
My hair was softer, and didn’t feel as damaged as it had just a few minutes prior. By the end of the week trial, after using the product three times, my hair felt healthier, and even seemed to hold a curl better than it had before.
The Verdict:
This mask definitely exceeded my expectations, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fix for dry hair that doesn’t compromise your hair’s volume.
2. EO Organics Lavender Deodorant Spray
EO Organic Deodorant Spray , $8, Amazon
Tester: Nancy Valev, Bustle Branded Content Coordinator
The Product:
EO Organic Deodorant Spray , $8, Amazon or Target
The Concerns:
Though I was sure it was going to smell pleasant because I love lavender, I wasn’t convinced that it was actually going to prevent any sweating. And the main concern? I decided to embark on this little experiment during the peak of the heat dome in July. In NYC. On crowded subways. When I finally decided to rejoin my gym. Need I say more?
The Routine:
I applied it every day, throughout the day, whenever I would normally apply deodorant. So pretty much: the morning before heading out to work, during the day after being outside in the sun for an extensive period of time, before or after a workout, and before going out for the night.
What was nice about the lavender spray was that it was so much easier to apply whenever I felt the need. Instead of awkwardly massaging my pits with a deodorant stick for what always seems like an obscene amount of times, all it took was a dainty little spritz or two.
The Results:
Surprise, surprise — I wasn’t smelly and I didn’t sweat as much as I thought I would! Given what I was doing/the time I was doing it (commuting on crowded subways at the peak of summer, working out, staying out in the sun, etc.), the amount that I actually sweat was totally normal.
The lavender scent also doesn’t clash with whatever perfume and/or lotion you could be wearing, as it’s not overwhelming. I even went so far as to wear white. Verdict? Pit-stain free!
The Verdict:
While I didn’t have very high expectations, I was certainly excited to use it both for the novelty and its easy application. So in this sense, it definitely surpassed my expectations, and I think I may need to toss my old deodorant out! This gal is Team Deodorant Spray.
3. Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub
Arabica Coffee Scrub, $14, Amazon
Tester: Allison Berry, Romper Associate Branded Content Editor
The Product:
Arabica Coffee Scrub, $14, Amazon
The Concerns:
I wasn't entirely sure I had any use for a body scrub, but then I remembered the dry patches of skin left behind on my arms and legs because of a gross sunburn and realized this could do just the trick to soothe those areas.
The Routine:
I typically only use a scrub on my face, so the idea of using one on my body honestly just seemed like a lot of unnecessary work, but I'm definitely converted now. It only took about two extra minutes in the shower, and it left my skin so soft. I'd grab a small palm full for each leg or arm, and scrub one at a time before I used my body wash.
The Results:
My skin is 100 percent much smoother and softer. I didn't even realize how rough and grainy the skin on my forearms was until after a few times using this scrub. I was hoping it would help nix dry patches, but I wasn't expecting a body scrub to also help me feel moisturized, oddly enough.
The Verdict:
<img alt="" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" class="article-body-image"/>If you're a coffee lover, you absolutely need to get this stuff. Once you start rubbing it on, your whole bathroom will smell like a Starbucks.
4. Aspen Kay Naturals Lavender Goats Milk Soap Bar
Aspen Kay Naturals Lavender & Goats Milk Soap, $9, Amazon
Tester: Anna Parsons, Bustle Senior Creative Strategist for Branded Content and Bustle Studios
The Product:
Aspen Kay Naturals Lavender & Goats Milk Soap, $9, Amazon
The Concerns:
I'll confess that I'm typically hesitant to add soap to my shower routine in lieu of body wash. I've always associated body wash with more suds (and more suds = an all-around better shower experience), plus I don't have to worry about body wash melting. And I'm even more suspicious of any soap that touts itself as "natural."
The Routine:
The fragrance of the lavender essential oil was pleasantly strong, which made for a calming shower slightly resembling the imaginary spa-like, me-time showers you see in commercials (no, really), AND it actually lathered exceptionally well. Better than my tried-and-true body wash well.
The Results:
As for the post-shower effects, the soap is definitely moisturizing and the lavender and ylang-ylang oils leave a very subtle scent. (No, it does not smell like goat milk, another one of my initial concerns.) After using the soap every day in the shower for a week, I did notice that my skin was less dry, but more importantly, it was gentle on my sensitive skin, and I did not experience any breakouts or ruddiness.
You can't avoid the melt though — it is a bar of soap after all. You'll need to take care to store it in a dry area, but also be aware that the rich ingredients (olive oil, goats milk, and honey) make it much more sticky than most soaps and it will likely adhere to anything surface you place it on. Be warned.
The Verdict:
A-plus for performance in the shower.
5. The Body Oil: Bulgarian Rose, Caribbean Coconut, and Lavender
The Body Oil in Bulgarian Rose , $15, Amazon; The Body Oil in Caribbean Coconut, $15, Amazon; The Body Oil in Lavender, $15; Amazon
Tester: Jenna Wexler, Bustle Branded Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
The Product:
The Body Oil in Bulgarian Rose , $15, Amazon
The Concerns:
I love body oils and rose-scented things, so I was super excited to try this out. Plus, I had just ran out of my daily moisturizer.
The Routine:
I’ve been applying this every morning after I shower, all over. I’ve been using it for about a week now. (I also tested this as a cuticle oil while doing my nails the other day, and it totally worked.)
The Results:
I’ve found that body oils keep my skin feeling hydrated much longer than typical moisturizers. I also like that this doesn’t have any mysterious filler ingredients in it, so I can feel good about it sinking into my skin. I’ve used straight coconut oil in the past, but this felt a little lighter and less greasy. Plus, the pump makes it super easy to dispense.
The Verdict:
I don’t know if there’s been any dramatic difference in my skin, but I have noticed that it feels moisturized for longer when I use this in the morning or after I shower before bed. I fully intend to use up the bottle. I had no expectations, but this was a pleasant little addition to my routine. It’s always nice to find an affordable product that really works.
Tester: Irma Elezovik, Bustle Branded Associate Beauty Editor
The Product:
The Body Oil in Caribbean Coconut, $15, Amazon
The Concerns:
I love oils in general, which is why I wanted to test the body oil, but I was a little skeptical about the packaging.
The Routine:
I kept it by my desk and applied it on my arms/legs once or twice a day.
The Results:
Normally, I’d just use body lotion but I actually like this better for the summer because it’s a lot lighter. I don’t think people would expect an oil to be very light, but I’d honestly recommend this over lotion. My skin was a little smoother, but it’s something only I would notice.
The Verdict:
It’s definitely better than I imagined! Also, the coconut smell wasn’t too powerful, which was an added bonus for me. I'm not a fan of heavily scented products.
Tester: Elly Ayres, Bustle Associate Affiliate Editor
The Product:
The Body Oil in Lavender, $15, Amazon
The Concerns:
My skin gets dried out so easily, so I really wanted to find something that hydrated my skin without making it feel sticky. This oil's aromatherapeutic lavender scent smelled lovely in the bottle, but I was curious to see if it really lasted all day.
The Routine:
My skin tends to get the most dried out in the moments following my shower, so I applied a few pumps of the oil immediately after stepping out each night. I also tried to apply the oil to my legs in the morning before heading out the door.
The Results:
My skin is pretty sensitive, so I was concerned the oil would either clog my pores or cause some other kind of irritation. Instead, my skin absorbed the hydration with no complaints, and though the lavender scent gently faded throughout the day, my skin felt moisturized all day long.
However, I learned the hard way not to apply the oil mere minutes before stepping out the door. Give your skin time to absorb it first, or else a sweaty summer morning mingled with oil makes for way more 'hydration' than you'll probably want.
The Verdict:
This extra little step in my evening and morning beauty routine felt pretty luxurious, especially because of the relaxing lavender scent. Because it's such a quick step though, it's such an easy way to treat yourself at the end (or start!) of the day.
6. Advanced Clinicals Coconut Moisturizing Cream
Advanced Clinicals Coconut Moisturizing Cream, $20, Amazon
Tester: Elly Ayres, Bustle Associate Affiliate Editor
The Product:
Advanced Clinicals Coconut Moisturizing Cream, $20, Amazon
The Concerns:
My dried-out skin was doing a lot better after I tried the body oil above, so I took a week off of using products to get my skin back to its normal parched self. By then, it settled right back into the routine of feeling super dry (especially after showering), and I was ready to see if this cream could replenish that hydration and maybe help my skin retain it longer.
The Routine:
I used a generous few pumps (maybe four or five) of this coconut-smelling moisturizing cream on both legs and arms before bed and first-thing after waking up. I really loved the tropical fragrance, so I overdid it with the application the first few times — which resulted in too-slick-feeling arms and legs. So just use what you need!
The Results:
My skin’s dryness (especially around my knees and on my elbow) was kept at bay when I applied the cream on a regular schedule. If I forgot to apply in the morning, I totally noticed a few hours too late, so this cream might not be a good fit for those who prefer to keep daily skin care steps to a minimum.
The Verdict:
This coconut oil moisturizing cream’s fragrance was my favorite part. Being a native Floridian, anything coconut-smelling automatically makes me feel warm and fuzzy — but I especially liked that this cream felt substantial without clogging pores or sitting on top of the skin.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
Bustle received samples for free, but opinions are those of the testers.
Images: Danielle Page (2), Nancy Valev (1); Anna Parsons (1); Jenna Wexler (1); Irma Elezovik (1); Elly Ayres (2); Amazon (8)
