Low-maintenance, high-performance essentials I can’t live without.
We all love discovering fancy skincare and body care products with aesthetic packaging, but sometimes the best results come from the less glamorous items—the unsexy products that just work.
Inspired by the viral TikTok trend, here’s my list of everyday products I swear by for skincare, haircare, and self-care.
They may not look Instagram-worthy, but they deliver results.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. Please note these do not impact my review, and no extra costs have been added to the items mentioned.
Unsexy Products I Swear By
1. Heating Pad
There’s nothing glamorous about a heating pad, but this has been my go-to for period cramps, sore muscles, and even stress relief after long days. Trust me, this little device is a lifesaver when you just need to relax and feel better.
2. Undershorts Set from Amazon
Again, it is not a beauty product but something I use all the time. I wear these shorts under every dress and the pack of three colors makes it easy to have a pair that looks good underneath anything. Absolutely love these!
3. Exfoliator Face Sponge
I like to exfoliate my body about twice a week in the shower, including my face. I don’t use the same exfoliating scrubs on my face as my body. Instead, I use my face wash and an exfoliating sponge. I buy these in bulk packs from Target and even the 99 Cent store.
4. Double Cleansing Every Night
Washing my face twice might sound excessive, but it’s transformed my skin. I start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a water-based cleanser. It took a bit of time but I saw a dramatic difference in the size of more pores.
5. Mouth/Face Tape
Okay, this one’s a little weird. But taping my mouth shut while I sleep has helped improve my breathing and reduced morning mouth dryness. Face tape also works wonders for helping the ‘eleven’ lines I get on my forehead – they’re deep!
6. Acne Patches
I love acne patches. I wear them all day or to bed. I use them even if I think I’m getting pimple. I was skeptical at first, but they work! I’ve used a number of brands, I started with HERO and then I moved onto the Star ones and now I’m trying out these K-Beauty ones. All have worked!
7. Hypochlorous Acid Spray
I started buying hypochlorous acid spray to use after my runs if I wasn’t immediately able head to home to shower. I spray it on my face, chest, and shoulders. This really helps to decrease breakouts from sweat. I also added some to a mini travel perfume bottle and use it on flights to stay germ-free and keep breakouts at bay while I’m traveling.
8. The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peeling Solution & PTR Resurfacing Pads
This bright red peel might make you look scary for 10 minutes, but the results are worth it. It’s affordable, effective, and leaves my skin looking brighter and smoother every time.
I recently started using the Peter Thomas Roth Resurfacing pads too and they are amazing!! A simple step I can easily add to my routine that helps reduce discoloration on my skin.
9. Castor Oil
I use this for everything—eyelashes, brows, and even scalp treatments. It’s cheap, thick, and not exactly glamorous, but it’s so perfect! For the first time ever, I could literally see a difference in the health of my skin. It literally looked like it was healing. I have red and blotchy skin and when I add a bit of Castor Oil to my moisturizer at night, it calms my skin and really feels like it’s healing it.
10. Vaseline for Lips
Call it old-school, but Vaseline is my holy grail for soft, hydrated lips. I slather it on before bed, and it’s the easiest way to keep chapped lips at bay year-round. They sell the little mini versions too, so they are super easy to keep in your bag.
11. SPF Sunscreen Stick
This little SPF stick is a game-changer! I use it every day after my skincare and before applying makeup. It’s compact, mess-free, and perfect for reapplying on the go—especially during long runs or Disney park days when I’m out in the sun for hours.
12. Anti-Chafing Cream
Okay, not the most exciting product, but anti-chafing cream is a total lifesaver. I always pack this for long runs, theme park days, or travel days when I’m in shorts or a dress. No one likes that uncomfortable chafing feeling, and this cream works like magic to keep things smooth and comfy all day. They also sell it in stick form.
13. Cuticle Oil
I was hesitant to purchase a cuticle oil at first but I had a ton of hangnails and TikTok can be very convincing. I purchased one off the TikTok Shop from a creator I have been following for over a year, so I trusted the shop. It took a couple of weeks to start noticing a difference but my cuticles are healed and my nails are so strong. I now use it about 3x a week and it’s kept up the health of my nails. I keep the bottle of cuticle oil on my desk and a small oil wand in my purse and notice I use it a lot more having it in front of me each day.
14. Aquaphor Healing Ointment (for Hands)
I hate having dry hands, especially during the cold season and when I’m washing my hands more often and they start to lose all moisture. Aquaphor is amazing and the hand cream is easy to keep in my bag. We also keep one in the car. It’s always helpful to have around. It isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly. I love it!
15. Lume Body Deodorant
I love this deodorant!!! I have the cream and the stick versions, both unscented. I do also carry a tiny travel one in my purse that’s tangerine-scented. The cream is great for anywhere on your body. I started buying this in our intense summers and now pack it whenever I travel to hot and humid locations and I use the stick deodorant daily.
16. Whitening Strips
Basic? Maybe. Effective? Definitely. I tried the Luminex whitening strips but the Guru Nanda ones worked 10x better. I can actually see a difference in the brightness of my teeth and other people noticed too – which is so fun! Cause then it’s noticeably whiter!
17. Oil Pulling for Teeth
I recently started using the Guru Nanda coconut oil for oil pulling and I don’t know if I’m imagining it or not, but I feel like my gums actually feel cleaner after using it. I really like this product but my husband is back and forth on it.
18. Thera Breath Mouth Wash
I went to the dentist recently, and my technician had the most beautiful teeth I’ve ever seen—seriously, they were perfect! When I asked her what shes uses, she said she swears by Thera Breath, whitening strips, floss, and an electric toothbrush. Obviously, I bought it immediately. Now I keep the full-size bottle at home and a mini for travel. They have a few different types; I went with the one for healthy gums, but you do you!
19. Electric Toothbrush
It’s not exactly a beauty product, but a must-have for me. I went to the dentist last week and had only been using my electric toothbrush for two weeks and my dental hygienist said my teeth looked good and said, “You’re using an electric toothbrush!”. She could literally see a difference and it was only after two weeks of use! This is a must in my books.
20. Floss Picks
Super practical and easy to use, floss picks make sure I never skip flossing. No more awkward string struggles! And they are very easy to pack in your bag to keep with you when you’re out and about.
21. Hair Mask/Hair Oil
My husband got me the Fino deep hair conditioner and hair oil and I’ve become addicted. I use it way too much. I’ve been through 3 containers already and still have three stockpiled. It will make your hair feel amazing!
22. Detox Shampoo
I recently started using the K18 detox shampoo, and I’m obsessed. I use it once a week to get rid of buildup on my scalp and keep my hair from feeling overly greasy. I’d been hearing about this shampoo for ages, and I’m so glad I finally gave it a try—it’s totally worth the hype!
23. Glycolic Acid
I know, glycolic acid for your underarms and scalp sounds a little unconventional, but hear me out—it works! I use it a couple of times a week on my underarms to help with body odor, and it feels like a little detox. For my scalp, it’s been amazing for tackling dryness. I only use it 1-2 days a week, but it’s made such a difference. Sometimes the unexpected hacks are the best ones!
The Best Unsexy Things You Will Buy
These products may not be the most photogenic or glamorous, but they’ve earned their permanent spot in my routine for one simple reason—they work. No fancy packaging, no over-the-top claims, just reliable results every single time.
If you’re ready to simplify your routine and focus on what delivers (because trends come and go, but good products are forever), these unsexy heroes are worth a try.
Do you have any not-so-glamorous favorites that you swear by? I’d love to hear about them! Drop your go-to “unsexy” staples in the comments—I’m always looking for new essentials!
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of travel and beyond!
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