17 Unsexy Beauty Products That Get The Job Done
While sporting scrunchies to prevent hair loss and sleeping on silk pillowcases to reduce wrinkles are a couple of bougie ways to improve your appearance, there are way less glamorous yet highly effective products that may lack the allure of opulence but deliver undeniable results.
Instagram and TikTok, where the hashtag #self-care reigns supreme, have made many of us believe that looking, smelling, and, by extension, feeling good must involve luxurious products and high-end treatments.
However, this couldn't be further from the truth, and many have taken to the same platforms that often glorify expensive beauty routines to promote the affordable and accessible alternatives that, granted, may not come with the aesthetic branding but get the job done just as well.
So, if you’ve been wanting to step up your beauty game but don't want to break the bank and are not bothered by plain packaging, the absence of a fancy brand name, or owning products that you wouldn't flaunt on the front of your bathroom shelf, then you're in luck.
Here are 17 unsexy but extremely efficient beauty products that will have you looking and feeling like a million bucks.
Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
Hypochlorous Acid for Skin Refreshment
Although it has been used in hospitals as a powerful disinfectant for many years, hypochlorous acid only recently entered the beauty scene. Hypochlorous acid has potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is efficient in soothing redness, irritation, and inflammation while relieving chronic skin conditions such as acne.
Besides treating wounds, products containing this component can also be used as a daily toner, a facial mist for added skin refreshment, or as a makeup setting spray to keep everything in place while also keeping your skin happy.
Product To Try: Magic Molecule The Solution, $32
Prescription Skincare Products for Acne
Speaking of acne, this common but pesky skin condition can be difficult to prevent and even more challenging to treat once it makes its appearance on the skin.
While there are a myriad of over-the-counter products that you could probably try and either get lucky with or waste your hard-earned money on, there's a simpler and more cost-effective solution that guarantees results: prescription ointments and antibacterial topicals.
Despite the non-aesthetic tubes they usually come in, these products have been rigorously tested for efficacy and safety and have stood the test of time, with topical medications such as tretinoin being the gold standard in the treatment of acne for over half a century.
So, if you’re tired of trying countless products that promise clear skin but often underdeliver, consider investing in a prescription skincare product tailored to your specific skin needs that will give you the desired results without breaking the bank.
Product To Try: Apostrophe Prescription Tretinoin, $25
Vaseline for Smooth Lips
A classic yet often overlooked staple, Vaseline is a true multitasker when it comes to lip health due to its ability to seal in moisture, smooth out rough skin, and prevent dry and chapped lips in the long run. Additionally, Vaseline can help soothe minor cuts and burns, making it an essential item in the beauty arsenal of anyone experiencing the joys of living in a harsh, cold climate.
And the best part? Well, certainly not the boring packaging, but the fact that it’s super affordable and easily found in most drugstores. So skip the expensive lip balms with fancy scents and invest in a simple tub of Vaseline to keep your lips smooth, soft, and healthy.
Product To Try: Vaseline Lip Therapy, $7
Mouth Tape for Optimal Breathing
Mouth tape is a surprisingly effective yet often overlooked item that can enhance your health and looks by promoting optimal nasal breathing during sleep.
Many of us know that keeping your mouth closed during sleep encourages better airflow through your nose. But what many might not know is that this can not only lead to improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and even enhanced dental health but can also prevent skin dryness and even acne caused by bacteria in your saliva getting on your face.
By improving your sleep, nose breathing can minimize inflammation and the appearance of swollen and puffy eyes, dark circles, and a generally tired and dull complexion. Therefore, while certainly non-aesthetic, this affordable solution can be a game changer for anyone seeking to up their beauty and wellness routine.
Product To Try: Valleylux Mouth Tape Strips, $17