Lately, we’ve been seeing a new trend take over TikTok. It’s all about “unsexy” beauty products. What are “unsexy” beauty products, you ask? That’s a valid question. Let us explain. They’re the not-so-pretty, anti-aesthetic products we use all the time yet usually hide away deep in our bathroom cabinets. We’re not talking about internet-famous blushes or eye-catching eyeshadow palettes. We’re talking about the beauty-adjacent personal care products that we use all the time—everything from whitening strips to pimple patches and hair removers.
Needless to say, we love this trend. After all, there was a time when beauty and personal care recommendations weren’t discussed so freely, especially not when it came to those “embarrassing” products. Now that we are discussing them, we’re down to open up the dialogue even further. Ahead, see the 19 “unsexy” beauty products our editors love. We use these regularly (some even every day!), so they’re as vetted as a product could possibly be. You’re welcome.
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Crest
3D Classic White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
I’ll never pay for professional whitening treatments—not so long as I have these. They’re only $20 a box and they contain 10 treatments. Usually, I see visible results after only five or six days.
As an avid coffee drinker, I use these every few months to keep my teeth bright. For 10 days in a row, I’ll floss, brush, and pop them on. Then, I’ll read for 30 minutes in bed. Once my phone timer goes off, I remove them and go to sleep. That’s all it takes for a whiter smile.
TheraBreath
Fresh Breath Mouthwash Alcohol-Free – Icy Mint
I’ve started using this mouthwash every morning, and I swear it keeps my breath fresh all day long. I love that it doesn’t burn like other mouthwashes on the market and it actually tastes good too. I’ll have to confirm this with dentist at my next appointment, but I’m 99% sure it’s improving my gum health.
StackedSkincare
Dermaplaning Face Exfoliating Tool
I’m a big fan of dermaplaning…with this tool especially. The professional-grade, stainless steel blade exfoliates my skin and removes peach fuzz. The latter is the real reason I use it. I swipe it across my skin in short strokes, holding my skin taut. I follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. The next day, and for about two weeks after, my makeup will go on so smoothly.
ESW Beauty
Plant-Based Milk Mask Set
“I don’t think sheet masks are inherently “sexy” or “unsexy,” but I don’t get to talk about these ones enough, so here we are. I use these at least once a week. They’re so soothing and moisturizing, and they make my sensitive skin look incredible. I’m talking, ‘I just came back from a luxury facial’ incredible.”
Aniyah Morinia, Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content
(Image credit: Aniyah Morinia)
megababe
Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick
“The worst part of summer for me is chafing! I want to wear all of the cute skirts and dresses without my thighs getting irritated from rubbing together all day. I’ve been using Megababe for the past year and they don’t call this “thigh rescue” for nothing! I’ve putting the mini stick in my purse just in case I forget. It has singlehandedly saved my summer style.”
Nad’s
Gentle & Soothing Facial Hair Removal for Women
“I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’ve been getting my upper lip hair removed for over a decade now. I was loyal to the eyebrow and lip wax combo at my local nail salon before the pandemic, but I had to take matters into my own hands and I’ve been using this ever since. It doesn’t burn. The results are quick and not patchy, and the smell isn’t as dreadful as other creams I’ve tried. It also comes with aftercare to make sure this sensitive area is smooth and moisturized. Let’s just say, I’m never going back to the salon bed again.”
Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch Original Patch
“It’s so hard for me to fight the urge to pick at any pimples or whiteheads that pop up! I put these bad boys on at night and wake up with the pimple completely flattened or some of the gunk lifting. It doesn’t just conceal the pimples in a discreet way, it actually extracts. While these still aren’t the sexiest, they’re a lot more attractive than your typical pimple cream.”
Caitie Schlisserman, Group Executive Director, Branded Content and Beauty
(Image credit: Caitie Schlisserman)
Schick Hydro Silk
Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool With Precision Cover, 9ct | Dermaplane Razor, Face Razors for Women, Eyebrow Razor, Facial Razor, Dermaplaning Razor, Womens Face Razor Peach Fuzz Remover
“I love shaving my face, period. Like many, I get peach fuzz on my cheeks and around my jawline and I don’t love the look of it. It’s not that noticeable, but when I’m able to see the little hairs when I’m in the direct sun or putting on my makeup, I’ll use one of these little razors. It also helps my makeup go on more smoothly and my skincare apply better.”
mastermedi
Tongue Scraper for Adults With Multicolor Travel Cases (2 Pack)
“Arguably the most unsexy step of my routine is using my tongue scraper. I was so anti it for so long but now I can’t live without it. Not only does it make my mouth feel infinitely more clean, but my breath is fresher because I’m removing so much unnecessary bacteria.”
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
(Image credit: Erin Jahns)
Keeko
Keeko Copper Tongue Scraper
“Tongue scraping! Like Caitie, I am also obsessed with tongue scraping—it’s the first thing I do when I wake up! I’ve noticed that anything I eat or drink tastes better, and my breath also stays fresher for longer. If I accidentally forget to pack it when I travel, I know SUCH a difference. I also like to do it right before bed when I’m brushing my teeth. Make sure you use a copper one, as it has stronger antibacterial properties and will last forever.”
The Skinny Confidential
Mouth Tape
“After lots of initial skepticism, I have finally gotten into mouth-taping, and I hate to say it, but it really has been such a game-changer. I’ve noticed I actually sleep through the entire night without waking up, and I wake up with a lot more energy. People also say it helps sculpt and firm your jawline overtime—I haven’t been doing it long enough to notice a huge difference yet, but I’m hopeful!”
Loving Tan
Tan Removing Glove
“I mean, my entire tan removal and self-tanning process is pretty unsexy lol….seeing lots of bronzed dead skin cells being sloughed off my body? Ya, not cute! I’ve been using the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam ($38) and have noticed it fades SO much more evenly than self-tanning mousses I’ve tried, so my exfoliation and removal process has actually become easier and less-time consuming. That said, the day before I plan to apply a new coat of self tan, I really go in with this double-sided exfoliating mitt from Loving Tan. (The pink side offers lighter exfoliation and the black side offers deeper.) It easily gets rid of any residual patchiness I might have, it makes my skin baby soft, and it’s the perfect way to prime my skin for a shave, and then a fresh tan the following day. It’s truly one of my MVP beauty products.”
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Shawna Hudson)
Eos
Cashmere Bikini Shave Oil Serum
“I feel like we don’t talk about ingrown hairs enough, folks. They are the worst when you get them around your bikini area and this shave oil is one of the best to have handy to prevent them. It also helps protect against redness and irritation.”
YANIBEST
Satin Bonnet for Sleeping
“Sleeping with a bonnet has actually changed my life. I have thick 3C curls and they are a total mess in the morning if I don’t wear a bonnet at night. This one is so comfortable and never slips off my head while I’m sleeping. Does it look kind of crazy when I wear it? Yes. But, are my curls incredibly soft and less frizzy when I wake up? Also yes.”
Crest
3D Whitestrips Professional White Teeth Whitening Kit
“These are my all time favorite whitening strips. Honestly, I try not to gatekeep so I’ve been telling anyone who will listen how well they work. I noticed a difference in my smile after using them only three times.”
Emma Walsh, Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content
(Image credit: Emma Walsh)
Dr. Scholl’s
Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File
“After years of ballet, I’ve been giving my feet princess treatment with regular pedicures. This foot file has been crucial for upkeep in between. It exfoliates away dry skin and leaves me with baby-soft feet.”
mastermedi
Tongue Scraper for Adults With Multicolor Travel Cases (2 Pack)
“If beauty and wellness guru Lauryn Bosstick tells me to scrape my tongue, you can bet I’m going to scrape my tongue. It’s been an essential part of my morning routine for years now. Once you start, you won’t go back.”
Cora
Made-To-Move Super Pads
Kiki
SOS Stickers Blemish Patches
“I wish that being a beauty editor and always writing about skincare made me immune to blemishes—but unfortunately that’s not the case. I’ve tried a few popular brands of pimple patches and although they look adorable, I feel like they don’t really do much to clear my blemishes. But, these ones are different—not only are they cute and holographic, but they actually help my blemishes shrink and heal quicker. “
