Entertainment
41 Ridiculously Useful Products On Amazon That Are All Under $12
Adulthood can be a constant struggle: you typically have more money than you did when you were in high school, but the laws of maturity dictate that you be fiscally responsible with your money, so you feel like you shouldn't spend it on the fun stuff. A $40 purchase here and there may not seem like much, but it can quickly add up over the course of a month — which is why I like to try and limit myself to buying quality products at bargain prices on Amazon.
It turns out that it doesn't matter what I buy in order to scratch that persistent impulse shopper itch, just more that I bought something — to me, a $200 coat is the same as an $8 coconut lip scrub, which is why I've started limiting my shopping to all the genius products on Amazon you can find for $12 or less. Not only does my wallet thank me at the end of the month, but it means I also get to pick up fun products you wouldn't normally think to buy, like a retractable lint roller or a set of reusable straws.
Besides, there's only so much damage you can do to your bank account buying thrifty products at low prices...right?
1. The Serum That's 100 Percent Pure Hyaluronic Acid To Keep You Hydrated
Timeless Skin Care Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $12, Amazon
Whether you're looking to brighten your complexion, fight blemishes, or moisturize dry and irritated skin, the Timeless Skin Care hyaluronic acid serum is right up your alley. Formulated without any fillers or additives, this serum is 100 percent pure and natural hyaluronic acid that you can combine with your favorite creams or moisturizers, or even use on its own. Safe enough for daily use, many Amazon reviewers noted seeing their acne diminish after using this serum.
2. A Handy Tool That Takes The Effort Out Of Slicing An Avocado
OXO Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon
Instead of dirtying up multiple utensils just to eat an avocado, try using the OXO avocado slicer. This handy all-in-one tool splits, pits, and slices avocados, and the stainless steel pitter is not only resistant to rust, but it's makes removing the pit easy with one simple twist. The built-in slicer gives you seven evenly-cut pieces of avocado while lifting the fruit apart from the skin, and when you're done, it's dishwasher-safe.
3. The Screen Protector Made From Tempered Glass
JETech Screen Protector For iPhone, $7 (2 Pack), Amazon
Designed to fit both the iPhone 7 and 8, the JETech screen protector for iPhone is made from high-quality tempered glass that's extremely durable and resists scratches. Unlike plastic screen protectors, this one is resistant to dust as well as fingerprints, and the simple installation ensures that there are no annoying air bubbles once you've laid it onto your phone screen.
4. A Set Of Makeup Brushes For Beginners And Professionals Alike
BS-MALL Premium Synthetic Makeup Brushes, $11, Amazon
With over 2,500 positive four- and five-star reviews, it's clear that the BS-MALL premium synthetic makeup brushes are a total steal at only $11. Each set comes with five big kabuki brushes along with nine eye makeup brushes, and the synthetic bristles feel soft and silky to the touch. Unlike other brushes at this price point, the bristles won't shed over time, and to clean them, all you have to do is rinse them underneath water with some baby shampoo.
5. The Cell Phone Stand That Works With Almost Any Phone
Lamicall Cell Phone Stand, $9, Amazon
Designed to fit any phone between 4 and 8 inches wide (which includes the iPhones X, Galaxy S8, and Note 6), the Lamicall cell phone stand is made from silver aluminum alloy that's both sturdy and lightweight, allowing you to transport this stand so you can use it almost anywhere. The rubber cushions on the bottom prevent it from scratching any surface it's resting on, and the low center of gravity ensures it won't accidentally topple over.
6. A Pair Of Shoelaces You'll Never Have To Tie
Lock Laces Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces, $8, Amazon
Designed to conform to the shape of your foot for a secure fit, the Lock Laces elastic no-tie shoelaces help keep your feet in tip-top shape by adding some extra compression to your feet, which helps boost your blood circulation and reduce swelling. These laces never need to be tied — all you have to do is tighten the clasp to whatever feels comfortable for you, and since installation is easy, they're great for kids and adults alike.
7. The Stick That Cools Down Your Beverages In No Time
Velouer Beer Chiller Stick, $10 (2 Pack), Amazon
No longer do you have to wait for your drinks to cool down in the fridge, as the Velouer beer chiller stick quickly chills any bottled drink in minutes. These sticks are made from durable stainless steel that you can toss into the dishwasher when you're done, and the drinking spout at the top means you can drink your beer at the same time that the stick is inserted.
8. A Travel Toiletry Bag That's Extra-Durable
JORDAN & JUDY Travel Toiletry Bag, $12, Amazon
Whether you're planning a big trip or simply trying to organize your bathroom, the lightweight and compact JORDAN & JUDY travel toiletry bag has multiple partitions and elastic pockets that make organizing your shampoos, soaps, and other toiletries easy. The bag itself is made from high-quality nylon that's incredibly sturdy, and the built-in hook means you can also hang this bag in order to save yourself some space.
9. The USB Car Charger That Can Power Two Devices At Once
AmazonBasics USB Car Charger, $9, Amazon
Instead of arguing over who gets to charge their phone next while you drive with your significant other, use the AmazonBasics USB car charger and save yourself the stress. This charger can charge two devices simultaneously, and the built-in device detection determines what the optimal charging speed for your electronics are — and as an added bonus, there's also an installed safety system that prevents any overloads or short-circuiting.
10. A Tea Tree Essential Oil That Helps Heal Irritated Skin
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Essential Oil, $11, Amazon
Not only is tea tree oil a natural way to ddetoxify your pores and skin, but the Maple Holistics tea tree essential oil also helps calm irritated skin for anyone who suffers from psoriasis, dandruff, acne, and more. You can add this oil to your shampoo, conditioner, or body wash — or use it as a standalone to help relieve pain from burns, cuts, scrapes, and sore muscles.
11. The Water Bottle That Collapses To Save You Space
ZOADLE Collapsible Water Bottle, $12, Amazon
Able to hold up to 1-liter of liquid, the ZOADLE collapsible water bottle is made from medical-grade liquid silica gel that allows it to fold down for compact storage when empty. The leak-proof seal on the cap ensures that you won't get stuck with any accidental spills, and the wide mouth makes it easy to add ice cubes. Because it's made from silicone, it's also heat-resistant up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can also use it for hot drinks.
12. A Powerful Stain Remover That Works On Almost Everything
Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover, $6, Amazon
It doesn't matter if it's an old or a fresh stain, the Wine Away red wine stain remover can still get your fabrics looking fresh and new. Like the name suggests, this stain remover works on red wine, but it also works on coffee, blood, ink, fruit punch, sauces, pet accidents, and it can even remove latex paint and de-grease surfaces as well. The citrus scent is light and refreshing, and unlike other stain removers, there are no bleaches or phosphates in this one.
13. The Bowl That Makes Chopping Up Salad Easy
DmHirmg Salad Cutter Bowl, $11, Amazon
Getting all the lettuce and vegetables in your salad chopped in a uniform manner isn't always easy, but the DmHirmg salad cutter bowl guarantees your ingredients will all have the same, even dice. Large enough to make enough salad for two people, you can also use this bowl as a juicer to make fresh dressings from scratch — and when you're done there's even a loop that you can hang it from to dry.
14. A Hammock For Your Feet That Fits Under Your Desk
YOFIT Foot Hammock, $8, Amazon
Sometimes you just want to elevate your feet when you've been stuck in a chair all day, and when that happens, the YOFIT foot hammock is the perfect solution. You can hang this hammock underneath your desk so that you can subtly kick back like you're in a lounge without anyone noticing, and the included steel hanging hooks are sturdy as well as simple to install. One pregnant Amazon reviewer even noted how "this is saving my feet and ankles," and that she "noticed a decrease in leg cramps."
15. The Peel-Off Tape That Helps You Get Clean Manicures
PUEEN Latex Peel-Off Tape, $9, Amazon
If you paint it over your cuticles before applying nail polish, the PUEEN latex peel-off tape works like a safeguard against any stray paint since you can peel it off once you're done, leaving you with crisp nails and no spillover onto your skin. You can tell when it's dry because it'll turn a clear pink, and it even works as a flexible peel-off base coat for glitter paints.
16. A Tea Infuser Shaped Like A Cute Dinosaur
Krierah Dinosaur Tea Infuser, $10, Amazon
Perfect for any paleontologist who loves tea (or any tea drinker in general), the Krierah dinosaur tea infuser is made from soft, flexible, food-grade silicone that can contour to the shape of your cup, stand alone on the bottom, or even hang off the edge of tall pitchers. This infuser won't allow any tea leaves to leak into your beverages (but works best with medium to large leaves), and many Amazon reviewers noted how it's able to hold a "good amount" of loose tea!
17. The Cute Cactuses That Help Fluff Your Laundry
Kikkerland Cactus Dryer Balls, $8 (2 Pack), Amazon
Not only will they fluff your laundry as it dries, but the Kikkerland cactus dryer balls also reduce wrinkles and the static in your clothing. These dryer balls help your laundry dry up to 50 percent quicker than dryer sheets, as the spines on the cactuses help aerate your clothes as they tumble. And because they're reusable, they'll even help you save money over time.
18. A Knife Sharpener That's Perfect For Cramped Kitchens
KitchenIQ Knife Sharpener, $6, Amazon
The KitchenIQ knife sharpener is perfect for any kitchen that's small or pressed for storage space. Unlike other compact knife sharpeners, this one has a built-in edge grip feature that prevents your knives from dragging across your countertop after you've pulled them all the way through. There are also two blades to choose from: coarse, which is used to set the edge of your knives, and fine, which gives it a final polish and honing.
19. The Handcrafted Lip Scrub That's Completely Vegan
Handmade Heroes Vegan Coconut Lip Scrub, $8, Amazon
Made without any parabens or artificial preservatives, the Handmade Heroes vegan coconut lip scrub is made from 100 percent natural coconut sugar. There are no synthetic fragrances as this scrub is unscented, and the avocado, jojoba, and sweet almond oils help moisturize your lips while the sugar exfoliates away any dead skin. You can use this scrub as often as you like, though many Amazon reviewers noted that they enjoyed using it right before they put on lipstick.
20. A Sleep Mask Made From Natural Mulberry Silk
Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask, $8, Amazon
Made from super-soft 100 percent natural mulberry silk that's more breathable than cotton, the Alaska Bear silk sleep mask is hypoallergenic and great for anyone who suffers from insomnia or migraines. The headband on this mask is adjustable so that you can determine how tight or loose it fits, and unlike other masks, it'll even fit comfortably if you're wearing ear plugs or a CPAP face mask — because it can extend from 15.8 inches to 27.6 inches long.
21. The Chopper That Can Dice Vegetables, Salsas, And More
KITEASY Vegetable Chopper, $12, Amazon
Whether you're making salsa, guacamole, baby food, pesto, onions, garlic, or just chopping a head of lettuce for a salad, the KITEASY vegetable chopper has three sharp blades that take the work out of prep-work. It only takes between six and nine pulls on the lever for your ingredients to be uniformly diced, and the compact size makes it great for camping, RVs, and small kitchens.
22. A Clip-On Phone Light That Makes Your Selfies Look Insta-Ready
Cyxus Mini Selfie Light, $10, Amazon
Use it during the day when your lighting is poor, or use the Cyxus mini selfie light at night to avoid that washed-out look you can get from using flash. Made with nine built-in LED lights that help you avoid pesky red-eye, this clip-on light can last for up to 100 photos off of one single charge, and the ultra-thin construction makes carrying it with you in your pocket or purse easy.
23. The Moisturizing Beauty Serum That Can Do Almost Anything
Weleda Skin Food, $12, Amazon
Use it as a moisturizer on dry skin, as a glitter-free highlight on your cheek and brow, or even run it through your hair to add some texture — no matter what you choose, you can't go wrong with the Weleda Skin Food. This moisturizing serum can be used all over your body — the sunflower seed oil and vitamin E help brighten your complexion while delivering a dose of essential fatty acids, plus the viola tricolor extract gives even those with sensitive skin a soothing feeling.
24. A Facial Spray Made With Rosewater And Aloe
Mario Badescu Skin Care Facial Spray, $7, Amazon
The aloe vera helps hydrate your skin, while the rosewater in the Mario Badescu Skin Care facial spray gives you a nice antioxidant pick-me-up. You can use this spray to set makeup, or you can even spray it on your hair during the day to help tame frizz — wherever you use it, it's great for adding a quick boost of hydration. One Amazon reviewer even raved that she "loves the way it makes my skin glow" when she sprays it after applying her foundation.
25. The Ring Stand Made From Stainless Steel
Humixx Finger Ring Stand, $10, Amazon
Simply attach it to the back of your phone using the included 3M tape, and the Humixx finger ring stand will let you use your phone with one hand, take selfies from difficult angles, and even free up your hands so you can carry multiple items at once. Each stand is made from stainless steel that won't warp or bend, and it'll even stick to magnetic car mounts, so you don't have to worry about removing it while you drive.
26. A Pack Of Reusable Grocery Bags That Are Super-Durable
Juvale Reusable Grocery Bags (10 Pack), $10, Amazon
At around a dollar per bag, the Juvale reusable grocery bags are a serious bargain — and because they're made from non-woven polypropylene, these bags are incredibly lightweight, yet super-durable and strong when it comes to carrying heavy loads. You can use these bags as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, or you can even use them to organize small toys and snacks in your home.
27. The Portable Lint Roller That's Subtle And Discrete
Flint Reusable Lint Roller, $10, Amazon
At less than 6 inches long when closed, the Flint reusable lint roller is retractable so that you won't have to worry about wasting the sticky sheets on items it gets stuck to while in transit. Great for pet hair, dust, dandruff, and more, this lint roller comes with 30 refillable sheets and is small enough that it can easily fit in your glove box or purse so you can use it no matter where you are.
28. A Brush That Exfoliates Away Dead Skin On Your Lips
BlushLips Exfoliating Lip Brush, $8, Amazon
Dry, chapped lips are no one's idea of fun, so why not try using the BlushLips exfoliating lip brush to get rid of any dead skin? All you have to do is apply your favorite lip scrub, then use this brush in a gentle circular motion for the soft silicone bristles to whisk away flakes and stimulate blood circulation in your lips — leaving you with a plump and smooth pout.
29. The Ear Plugs That Are Reusable And Antibacterial
ANBOW Foam Ear Plugs, $10, Amazon
Not only are they reusable for up to two months, but the ANBOW foam ear plugs are ultra-durable, soft, and made from antibacterial material that help protect your ears from contracting any infections. These earplugs slowly expand to fill up your ear canal which prevents the pain that typically occurs when a quick expansion occurs, and the waterproof aluminum case makes it easy to keep track of where they are so you don't lose them.
30. A Simple Organizer That Prevents Tangled Earbuds
ELFRhino Earbud Organizer, $6, Amazon
Frequent knots can quickly shorten the life of your earbuds, which is why the ELFRhino earbud organizer makes it easy to keep your earbuds organized and tangle-free. The metallic snap strap keeps them secure while in transit, and the soft silicone exterior won't scratch or rip your cables. One Amazon reviewer even raved that it's not only good for headphones, but that "I use these for charging cables and they work like a charm too!"
31. The Reusable Straws Made From Stainless Steel
ALINK Stainless Steel Straws, $8 (8 Pack), Amazon
Paper straws disintegrate into your drink after a while, but the ALINK stainless steel straws are durable, rust- and scratch-resistant, and even dishwasher-safe. These straws measure in at 10.5 inches long, which means you can use them with 20- and 30-ounce Yeti tumblers — as well as other tall containers — and the included brushes makes cleaning them simple (though they are dishwasher-safe!)
32. A Hair Band That Won't Crimp Your Hair
Etude House Etti Hair Band, $6, Amazon
Made to hold your hair back while you cleanse your face or apply beauty products at home, this hair band won't crimp your hair, yet is secure enough that it won't slide down either. You can also wear it in the shower to keep hair out of your face if you're not washing it, and many Amazon reviewers noted how this hair band is "really soft!"
33. The Refreshing Eye Stick That Soothes Puffy, Tired Eyes
TONYMOLY So Cool Eye Stick, $12, Amazon
It can be difficult to get rid of tired, puffy-looking eyes, which is why the TONYMOLY so cool eye stick uses glacial water to instantly calm and soothe your skin. Bamboo sap and bamboo shoot extracts further help to soothe your skin, and the extra pearl extracts help brighten up your complexion — and it's even gentle enough for sensitive skin.
34. A Makeup Remover That's Great For Spot-Fixes
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks, $5, Amazon
Because they're designed as sticks rather than a liquid, you can use the Almay oil-free makeup eraser sticks to spot-erase little errors in your makeup without having to start completely from scratch. The soft cotton tip won't irritate your skin (even on sensitive areas around your eyes), and the botanical blend of aloe, cucumber, and green tea is booth soothing as well as refreshing.
35. The Wall Mount That Holds Your Echo Dot
AMAZDN Wall Mount For Echo Dot, $10, Amazon
Instead of awkwardly letting your Echo Dot sit on the ground, mount it off your outlet by using the AMAZDN wall mount. It's compatible with the second generation Echo Dot, and works with both horizontal and vertical outlets. Each order comes with a customized shorter charging cable, so that the mount looks neat and tidy, and the anti-slip design ensures that it stays attached securely to the mount.
36. An LED Toilet Light With A Built-In Motion Sensor
Vintar LED Toilet Light, $11, Amazon
The built-in motion sensor means that the Vintar LED toilet light only turns on when someone is in the room, which helps you save the juice in the three AA batteries for future uses. Each light has 16 different colors to choose from, or you can even set it to carousel mode so that it cycles through all of them. And because the arm is soft and flexible, this light can be molded to fit almost any toilet.
37. The Reusable Deodorizer Bags That Last For Up To Two Years
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags, $10, Amazon
Deodorizing sprays run out as quick as you use them, but the Moso Natural air purifying bags are reusable for up to two years — because all it takes is an hour in the sun to return them back to their full odor-purifying power. There are no synthetic fragrances in these bags, as they're stuffed with natural bamboo charcoal, and they're a great way to deodorize things like gym bags, shoes, closets, backpacks, and more.
38. An Aromatherapy Diffuser Designed For Your Car
Ttstar Aromatherapy Car Diffuser, $11, Amazon
If you love aromatherapy scents in your home, why not add them to your car with the Ttstar aromatherapy car diffuser? This diffuser is made from stainless steel, and all it takes is a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the diffuser pad to enjoy soothing scents as you drive. Each order comes with 10 washable refill pads.
39. The Essential Oil That Helps Relieve Pain From Headaches
Prime Natural Headache Relief Essential Oil Blend, $10, Amazon
Whether you suffer from the occasional headache or frequent migraines, the Prime Natural headache relief essential oil blend has a mixture of peppermint, Spanish sage, ginger, and fennel to help soothe and calm your body and mind. The dark amber glass bottle ensures that this oil does not deteriorate from sun damage over time, and unlike other essential oils this one has no additives, fillers, or synthetic ingredients.
40. A Smart LED Light Bulb That Saves You Money On Utilities
Sengled Smart LED Light Bulb, $10, Amazon
Not only does it use 80 percent less electricity than regular incandescent bulbs, but the Sengled smart LED light bulb can be controlled through voice commands via your Alexa or Google Assistant so you never have to leave the comfort of your couch to turn off a lamp. You can also control this bulb from your smartphone when you're away from home to make sure that it's turned off — and set a schedule to turn your bulbs on and off automatically, depending on your daily schedule.
41. The Peel-Off Nose Mask That Detoxifies Your Pores
Elizavecca Hell-Pore Clean-Up Mask, $11, Amazon
Made with charcoal to help detoxify irritated and clogged pores, this Elizavecca mask goes the extra mile by exfoliating away any dead skin as it cleanses away any built-up dirt and oil. This mask is strong enough to get rid of any stubborn black or whiteheads, and while it's advertised as primarily for your nose, you can use it all over your face (although it's not for the faint of heart).
Elite Daily may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Elite Daily's editorial and sales departments.This article reflects price at publication and may change.
