The “Unsexy” Beauty Products I’m Loving

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

I can’t scroll on TikTok for more than two or three minutes before a video of someone recommending a beauty product pops up on my For You page. While I’m all too familiar with the “holy grail” products, TikTok recently introduced a new product category: unsexy beauty products.

As a beauty editor, I am constantly being surveyed by friends, family, and sometimes strangers—who’ve just learned my job title—about what products actually work. Framing products as “unsexy” is just a way of saying they get the job done, regardless of how they look, smell, or cost. Often, a product can come in beautiful, alluring packaging, but it overpromises and underdelivers when it comes to the formula inside. But unsexy products churn out results without frills.

Without further ado, the unsexy products I am loving as of late:

Hexomedine Transcutaneous Topical Solution

I know there are endless French Pharmacy recommendations on TikTok, but I never leave Paris without snagging a fresh bottle of Hexomedine. Quite literally the definition of unsexy, the bottle looks as though you swiped it from a doctor’s office—which is likely why it works incredibly well. The antiseptic can be used as a spot treatment for acne (and even ingrown hairs), and to get rid of bacteria and reduce inflammation. The solution dries up pimples on contact without causing irritatio; I dip a Q-tip into the jar, hold it against breakouts for about 30 seconds, and can instantly see the pimple has shrunk down to half its size—and the next morning, it’s practically gone. While it may not be as enticing in the French pharmacy aisle as Caudalie or Nuxe, it’s truly magic in a jar and the one recommendation I swear by.

Hero Cosmetics The Original Mighty Patch

Speaking of zits, when I need to go full force on one, I reach for another unsexy product: pimple patches. While they have become as normal an accessory as a pair of sunglasses, the idea of a plastic sticker covering a zit isn’t the most glamorous look. I opt for the Hero Cosmetics transparent ones, because even when I apply them overnight, they stay in place. Not to mention, they get any gunk out of a pimple that the Hexomedine hasn’t fully dried up. Because they blend in seamlessly with your skin, you could very well leave your house with the patch on, and no one would bat an eye.

Dr. Frederick’s Original Moisturizing Heel Socks for Cracked Heel Treatment

Sandal season is fast approaching, so foot care has been at the top of my mind lately. When I got a pedicure with my mom recently, the pedicurist told me I had some cracks in my heels. After hearing that, my mother did what any other mother would do: She express-shipped these hydrating socks from Amazon to my doorstep—because why shouldn’t you be hydrated from head to toe? While they look a little odd, these simple socks have a rubber sole that seals in hydration and, in turn, prevents heels from cracking further. I usually apply a foot cream first (I love this one from Koba) before putting on the socks.

St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse and Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Secret’s out: I’m not naturally bronzed year-round. As an avid SPF user (even in the winter months and on rainy days), I get by with a little help from my self-tanning routine. I discovered the secret formula to glowing, tan skin from my best friend, who used these two products weekly on what she coined as “tanning Thursday.” While the outcome of my self-tanning day makes me feel hot, the routine can be quite alarming. First, I apply St. Tropez Self Tan Mousse (I love the brand’s newest Violet version, which provides a deeper, more olive-toned tan), but it doesn’t always look like a smooth application right away—just trust the process. Then, I apply Tan-Luxe Face Drops to my face moisturizer. Lastly, I slip into my self-tan marinating outfit (a.k.a. a dark sweatsuit, even though the St. Tropez rarely rubs onto my clothing) and let the tan sit for eight hours (or overnight). Hopping in the shower can be frightening, as all the color pools at your feet. But once it’s fully washed off, my skin looks perfectly sun-kissed, as if I’ve just gotten back from the South of France.

Vaseline

There’s a reason Vaseline has been a tried-and-true staple for years. Though I do test all the new balms, lip oils, and glosses that land on my desk—with beautiful metal applicators and chic packaging—I always resort to my trusty tub of Vaseline. Not only is it extremely cost-effective, but the jars also last forever and the formula now comes in tinted shades and mini sizes. I always have a tub by my bedside, at my desk, and in my bathroom.

dpHUE Glossy Glaze

A hair-dye virgin, I’ve never had the experience of leaving the salon with an exciting fresh, new color. So when I heard about dpHUE’s Glossy Glaze, which lightly tints hair without dye (no strings attached), I jumped at the chance to try it. The product uses transparent pigment technology to give hair shine and color in just two minutes. If the idea of coloring hair still sounds scary, the product comes in a clear shade, so your hair can still get a boost of shine. I consider this product unsexy because of how it makes my shower look like a crime scene. But it’s all worth it when the gloss washes out, and my hair has a gorgeous brunette tint.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine