A trend on the app is giving familiar standbys a new name.

It’s a reminder that there’s more to beauty than pretty packaging.

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A collage of two women holding up their favorite unsexy beauty products surrounded by a collage of unsexy beauty products recommended by Marie Claire beauty editors

To be clear: The products defining this TikTok movement aren’t new.

All that’s different with “unsexy beauty products” is the terminologyand the tone of the conversation.

Her haul included a bar of Dial soap and a Dove Acne Clear cleanser.

Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1%, Once-Daily Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment, 30 Day Supply, 0.5 Ounce

Commenters who tune in without posting themselves also enjoy the change in perspective.

Marie Clairebeauty editors agree.

So ahead, we share the so-called “unsexy” essentials with a permanent spot in our beauty routines.

Halaleveryday Raw Unrefined Grade a Soft and Smooth Yellow African Shea Butter From Ghana - Amazing Quality and Consistency - Comes in a 16 Oz Jar - Total Weight Approximately 14 Oz

Just like people, you’re free to’t always judge a product by its packaging.

“I will swear up and down by the powers of retinol.

Sure, the tube may look a little sterile.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer With.5% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Pink Grapefruit Acne Fighting Face Lotion for Breakouts, Non-Greasy & Non-Comedogenic, 4 Fl. Oz

It may even make your face peel at first.

But the long-term results are so incredibly worthwhile.

fine lines and wrinkles.

Eltamd Uv Sheer Face Sunscreen, Spf 50+ No White Cast Sunscreen for Face and Body, Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Formula, 1.7 Oz Tube

Just start off slow, using only a pea-sized amount twice a week.”

Still, for me, raw shea butter reigns supreme.

The result is a thick oil that I rub all over my body and hair.

Medpride 1% Hydrocortisone Cream - Maximum Strength Itch Relief for Mosquito Bites, Eczema, Dermatitis - 16 Oz

Plus, a little bit of this butter goes averylong way.

Non-comedogenic, unscented, and no-nonsense, it never fails to balance my skin.

So far, my spot is safe."

A+d Original Diaper Rash Ointment, Prevents & Protects Diaper Rash, Moisturizes & Heals Dry Skin With Vitamins A&d, 16oz Jar

Gabrielle Ulubay, beauty writer

“I genuinely think I couldn’t live without this product.

Gabrielle Ulubay, beauty writer

“Is there anything less sexy than bringing up my chronic eczema online?

Considering how often I need to use it, that’s a huge bonus.”

Blistex Lip Medex 0.25 Ounce (12 Pieces) Jar (7ml)

It has also been my go-to healing ointment for tattoo aftercare.

Gabrielle Ulubay, beauty writer

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The pair has a new outlook on couples' style.

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema, 1% Hydrocortisone, 3.5 Oz.

“I thought, I’m gonna look just like she does on the box.'”

We are starved for more flirting.

For that just-got-caught-staring flush.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant, Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin, Minor Cuts and Burns, Dry Cuticles, Cracked Heels, Hands and Lips, 14 Oz Jar

Here’s the skinny on the cosmetic treatment taking over plastic surgeons' offices from coast-to-coast.

The actress was spotted in peak 90s-inspired glam.

Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.

Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse walk in New York City

The star was spotted looking red hot in the streets of New York City.

Could your brand survive an editor testing session?

From a beauty director who’s learned all the workarounds.

Meghan Markle smiling and wearing gold hoop earrings and a collared blouse

Add to cart, ASAP.

Amelia Dimoldenberg in a black dress at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Model wearing red blush and red lipstick

woman’s shoulders surrounded by surgery instruments

Jenna Ortega grungy hair and makeup

Ariel Baker Beauty Writer morning routine

Selena Gomez with silver earrings, a straight bob haircut and natural makeup

Model with barely there makeup, glowy skin, and long coily hair.

Hannah Baxter

Models posing