buzzfeed Press
36 Useful Things You’ve Been Putting Off Buying, But Trust Me, They'll Make Life Easier
Images
We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. You don't have to keep living like...*that* (derogatory). BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Sam Wieder has this and loves it! Check out her Wet and Forget shower cleaner review! Promising review: "I have well water. Something in my well water reacts with copper plumbing and turns my shower tiles blue. Since my bathroom color scheme isn't on the blue spectrum, this is problematic. The well water also causes the shower glass to film up quickly. I've tried dozens and dozens of cleaners and scrubbed ’til my arms ached, trying to get ahead of the blue and scumminess. My ambition in life is NOT to be a full-time bathroom scrubber! I saw this stuff on a professional house cleaner's TikTok (sorry, I don't remember which one) and thought, 'What the heck, might as well give it a try.' Oh my goodness, the first day after my shower, I sprayed this stuff all over and walked away. The next morning, there was a NOTICEABLE reduction in the blue, and the glass looked clearer, too. On day two, I sprayed again and walked away. The next morning, the blue was gone except for a few spots on the floor tile, and the glass looked amazing. On day three, I sprayed the remaining spots, and the next morning, the shower practically looked new. NO SCRUBBING AT ALL!!!! This is my new favorite shower cleaner. The ONLY con I have is that it makes me sneeze while spraying from inside the shower, but I can live with that." —L. J. Petillo Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in two sizes, two scents, and a pack of two). The water-resistant light comes with a replaceable lithium battery. Promising review: "So glad I found these. I have one on my apartment key and another on my mailbox key. They really work well, especially in low lighting. Since my vision is no longer perfect, these lights save me time so I don’t have to fumble trying to get my key into the locks. I definitely recommend them. I have a spare for replacement, but they last a long time." —Marni Promising review: "These disposable face towels are amazing! They’re soft, strong, and don’t fall apart when wet. Perfect for cleansing, removing makeup, or after the gym. My skin feels cleaner and more hygienic using these instead of regular washcloths." —Janice Gearhart Promising reviews: "I need this in bulk!! I have tried so many cleaning solutions to get out hard cooking stains on my stove top, and nothing worked! This stuff took it right out without a problem!!" —Micaela Gunderson "I was trying to get adhesive off of drywall, and nothing was working. THIS WORKS on everything! It easily took off the adhesive. Then I had Corningware with a stubborn stain; I had tried everything. Then I tried The Pink Stuff, and it easily removed the stubborn stain. I will now always keep this on hand!" —David C. Rein Check out our review of The Pink Stuff to learn more! Promising review: "This small adjustable dish rack is perfect for small spaces. I have very limited counter space, and this fits perfectly. There’s a slight slope, so it helps the water to run off into the sink just fine. The rack itself has short metal dish separators. Surprisingly, a heavy 9-inch ceramic plate fit, standing upright with no problems. Small yet sturdy!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors). Promising review: "I'm in love with these; they helped me get organized with all my bedding! A set of sheets fits perfectly. Easy to assemble, durability is great, easy to clean, and a huge value for the price." —Christy Hawkins Get a six-pack from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in eight colors; also available in a nine-pack). Promising review: "This is one of those items you didn’t know you needed, and once you get it, you can’t help but wonder how you ever managed before. I absolutely hate taking the shower curtains off because of the whole open and close for multiple shower curtains. I know you’re like, ‘It’s just shower curtain hooks.’ And it is. But when you have to change out the creepy shower liner that likes to attack you, and you dread doing so, this just adds seconds to your life. No more unsnapping. Simply take out the liner, place the liner on the appropriate hook, and presto." —Nardsbaby Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in 20 colors). Promising review: "I use this ultrasonic cleaner for my retainers and jewelry and it works great for both. My retainers come out spotless and feel so fresh afterward. I also tried it with my earrings and they look like new, so shiny and clean. The size is perfect, it is easy to use, and the pink color looks really cute on my counter. I am very happy with this purchase." —Aleksa Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five colors). Promising review: "This is a great product that has helped our family. It's a good noticeable size that we can display where everyone will notice if the dishwasher is clean or dirty. The slide works great and stays in place. The colors are bright and visible to everyone." —Honestly It's True Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in six styles). BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Negesti Kaudo had this to say about the ChomChom roller: "I just got one of these, and I use it on everything. My chow chow puppy is only seven months old, so we haven't even hit his true shedding season, but he's already started leaving fur any and everywhere around my house. This roller keeps my couch, bed, blankets, and definitely my clothes, looking like I don't even have a dog at home. It's my new favorite product, seriously." Promising review: "I've had it in my possession for like two hours, and I've cleaned everything. The couch, the blinds, the cat tree pad, the chair; I'm obsessed. I feel like this thing should win an award for being so awesome. I feel like it should be in raffle baskets and giveaways, and silent auctions for every event that highlights 'things cat people need.' It's better than those sticky rollers, and it's better than the one-directional velvet wand thing that I always use the wrong way. It's the best." —Meowser Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in two colors and a mini version for use on the go). Patellar tendon straps like this one can reduce strain on the tendon connecting your kneecap and tibia during physical activity. While this can help reduce pain, talk to your doctor about recurring pain so you can address any underlying issues. Learn more about patellar tendon straps at Cleveland Clinic, and chat with your doctor to see if this is right for your knee pain. Promising review: "I played tennis when I was younger. Now I'm in my 40s, and when I run on hills, my right knee hurts. I read the reviews for this product and decided to give it a try. It works great! I put this on when I go for walks or runs, and the pain is gone! It is easy to put on and take off. I hand-wash it and air-dry it. It comes in a pack of two. I only needed one, so I gave one to my mom! If you have knee pain, you need to try this product!" —Mehul Desai Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five colors and three sizes). Read more about teeth grinding (bruxism) and treatments at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I grind my teeth at night to the point I wake up with a sore jaw. These are the best non-invasive night guards. Unlike traditional, bulky mouth guards, these are thin and only require you to bite down on two ends to hold in place. Since these are made with silicone, they seem to hold up, even with tough night-grinders like myself. For the price, I cannot recommend these enough. They’ve been invaluable for me." —Cmcbz Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $22.97. This is what BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Sam Wieder has to say about this digital scale: "I have been at BuzzFeed for almost eight years now and have written many travel articles where I have included this reviewer-loved luggage scale. Heck, reviewers (and the BuzzFeed audience) love it so much that I put it in non-travel articles because I just thought it was genius. With that being said, every time I pack for a trip, I have done one of two ridiculous options: 1) use a mechanical bathroom scale to weigh my luggage, even though said mechanical bathroom scale is nearly 20 years old and is definitely broken; 2) weigh myself on a digital bathroom scale, then step onto the scale again holding my luggage and do the math. This past summer, I went on a trip to Cabo and, upon leaving the hotel, did this second option thanks to a scale in the bathroom. When I found myself sitting on the bed trying to convert kilograms to pounds, I knew I needed a better system going forward. I purchased this prior to a recent trip to Puerto Rico, and I am SO glad I did. First of all, I am amazed at how accurate this is. I mean, I knew from the reviews that it was, but this is kinda one of those products where you really have to see to believe. Shy of .02 of an ounce from the airport scale weight, this thing really gave me an accurate measurement (and that's no easy task with the way I pack — a very large suitcase, 50-pound capacity reached for a three-day weekend, oops). Best of all, it's small enough to store in your suitcase or carry-on (mine went through TSA just fine!), so if you're like me and ALSO enjoy getting souvenirs wherever you travel, then there won't be any surprises when you head to the airport to go back home. Highly recommend!!!" Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in five colors and a two-pack). Promising review: "I’ve used Color Catchers for many years, so I can wash darks and lights together. They save time and money. (I’ve given boxes to each of my children as they head off to college.) You can tell they work because you see the color they soak up. Recently, a new purple shirt took me by surprise and ran profusely. I had two color catchers in that load, and they both turned deep violet." —Go Steelers Promising review: "I wanted something that would clean my baby’s paws after our walks because I didn’t want germs or dirt coming into the house. It smells great, it works well, and I can see that the rubber part doesn’t bother my doggy! It’s super easy to use, and I use it to keep her paws clean and my house clean! 10/10, especially for the price point!" —Thia BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Sam Wieder has good things to say about this! Check out her Fullstar veggie chopper review. Promising review: "I actually got this because my mom bought it and loved it. She has pretty severe arthritis, and this little contraption makes food prep a breeze for her, so I decided to try it. Well, holy cow! It does everything it says it's going to do! It's really easy to use. It's super helpful, really convenient, very easy to clean up, and stores pretty compactly (but honestly, it's already just living on our counter). Worth every penny!" —A. Hendrix Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three colors and two sizes). Promising review: "Holy cow, this thing is amazing!!! I’d been looking at brush cleaners for a while, but thought they couldn’t be everything they claimed. I was wrong! This brush cleaner cleans brushes instantly and then dries them, too. It took me less than 10 minutes to wash and dry all my brushes, whereas it used to take me 45 minutes to wash them by hand and then a full day to get them dry. This machine dries them so well that they can be used immediately, and it keeps the integrity of the brush. I give it at least 10/5 stars!!!" —Ziasophia Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors). Note: The person above is wearing the "Lifts" style. Promising review: "I’ve tried so many nipple covers over the years, and these are just in a league of their own! They stick and don’t move (sweat, clothes, moisturizer, etc. — nothing budges them), but then they peel off so easily. It’s magic. They are completely seamless, and my husband (without prompting) said they looked like a second skin. I’ve got quite 'triangular' boobs, and they completely mold to the shape and look like I just have no nipples lol. Only when I’m suuuuuper cold does any level of nipple start to show through, and even then, it’s minimal. They’re more pricey than others I’ve bought before, but so worth it. The others were one-and-done — these have held up through multiple wears and are still in perfect condition. Will repurchase them as soon as they wear out, without a doubt! No more bras!" —Alison BuzzFeed editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more. Get a set from Amazon for $28.50+ (available in five shades and three sizes: one that fits cups A–C, one that fits cups D+, and one that fits cups DD+). Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and in the house toolbox." —BBP623 Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.49. Promising review: "This is the best pill container I have found. It holds a month’s worth of pills in each compartment and is compact and easy to store and travel with. It is very sturdy, and I don’t have to worry about the cap opening accidentally. The enclosed labels are a bonus, and the see-through exterior makes it easy to see how many pills are left. I keep it on my nightstand, and it doesn’t take a lot of space." —TA Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors). Promising review: "This is great for teaching different types of breathing to help calm down. The distraction of following the directions can take your mind off your anxiety pretty quickly. There are several types of breathing techniques to choose from. Kids love it because it lights up and changes color." —L. Demro Compression socks may help with foot pain by helping reduce inflammation and improving circulation, according to Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I'm in my late 40s, and I have been experiencing plantar fasciitis since the beginning of 2020. I spent money on gel arch supports and heel inserts specifically for plantar fasciitis. The inserts have kept me from dying, but the heel pain is still around — so much so that when I get up in the mornings, it takes a bit for me to walk 'normal' due to the pain. I couldn't put up with it anymore, and two days ago, I researched Amazon for the highest rated 'plantar fasciitis' solution and found these socks. I put them on immediately (not tight at all). I was sitting for about an hour doing some work on the computer, then got up to do some things around the house. I was SHOCKED (I'm not kidding about my reaction) that the pain was barely there. I got up 'quickly' and walked as if the heels of my feet had not been killing me, but only two hours earlier! I'd say that the improvement from pain to less pain so far is at about 60% better — maybe even greater." —Patita Get a pair from Amazon for $13.46 (available in 4 sizes and 11 colors). Read more about compression gloves and osteoarthritis at Mayo Clinic. Promising review: "I am in my 40s and was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands and feet. Total bummer. I don’t want to take medication unless absolutely necessary, so I have been searching out other forms of relief from the pain and stiffness. I added these compression gloves to the mix, and they are very helpful. The gloves have a good range of motion and provide great compression support. They have been especially helpful when I do yard work, and I also plan to use them for an interior painting project. It’s very hot where I live, so I don’t currently wear them every day. However, I know I will wear them frequently during the fall and winter. Highly recommend for anyone looking for medication alternatives to arthritis!" —cb4iast8 Get a pair from Amazon for $21.97 (available in four sizes). BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Sam Wieder raves about this stuff. Check out her Glisten garbage disposal foaming cleaner review to learn more! Promising reviews: "Personally, it’s one of my favorite cleaners. It’s easy to use, and you can actually see it working. I have a double sink, so the foam does come out on both sides. I will definitely buy again and again." —Ari "Will always reorder. I really like this product — it works great." —Bob & Cherie Get a box (good for four uses) from Amazon for $7.70. Promising review: "We love to have scented candles burning throughout the year and got tired of having to replace the gas lighters. This lighter is absolutely incredible. It has paid for itself several times by not having to replace lighters. Not only that, it's safer to have around the house compared to an open flame lighter." —Nathan Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in six colors). Promising review: "This product is da bomb! Yeah, I said that, and I am 43 years old. Seriously, for months — heck, probably years — every single day we have to fix the sheet, and it still comes off the mattress even when we are sleeping. I clip these things on, and no more issues. You can see the sheet trying to slide up, but the clips hang on tight." —Ivy Get a set of four from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors and two sizes). It has massage rollers and two speed settings! Promising review: "Since using this, I haven't shaved my legs in months, and used to have to every three to four days. I've honestly seen the best results on my armpits, though; I used to shave them every other day, but since I epilated two weeks ago, I've seen no hair growth and no hair shadow. Way more convenient than waxing, too, because you can target individual shorter hairs as they grow in rather than waiting for everything to grow back a certain length." —k3upikachu Weatherman is a small business started by meteorologist Rick Reichmuth! Promising review: "A great sturdy travel umbrella that really does well in the wind. I saw many travelers' umbrellas turning inside out, while this one felt very secure and did not turn inside out. It is slightly heavier than a typical travel umbrella, but it's not terrible weight-wise. Opens and closes with the ease of a button." —Shannon H. Get it from Amazon for $68.99 (available in 11 colors). Promising review: "This product is exactly as shown. Rubber backing keeps it from slipping off. Just the right size to hold everything you need. I recommend it." —Madelyn White Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in two sizes and nine colors). Promising review: "I was glad to have this for a dress that I would have struggled to zip by myself. The strap is long and eases pulling up the zipper. Before I purchased this, I was thinking that in the future I would only buy pullover dresses. This saved the day and is a great investment. No more struggling. The storage pouch is a bonus!" —It's Just Me Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four colors). Promising reviews: "It is hard to know what to get sometimes. I will help you. Get this one. I bought it for four-wheeling, but I wear it a lot because it is comfy. Color is true to the photo. Straps are cute. Keeps the girls from bouncing around. Not impossible to get on and off. Definitely want more." —Sherry in TX "I have a large bust (38DD), and I wasn't sure it would fit. To my surprise, it fits perfectly and doesn't give the dreaded uniboob!!!! I work out every day, so this will be a great addition to my workout gear. I don't think it will hold the girls securely for extremely high-impact cardio, but it will definitely keep them secure for medium impact and less. Very happy with my purchase and plan to buy more! Love it!" —Rachel Petroccitto Get it from Amazon for $16.71+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and in 24 colors). Promising review: "This organizer is amazing!!! I always kept our surplus water bottles in the small cabinet above our sink. Every time I took one out, three more would fall out. I am so glad I found this!" —RT17 Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and two styles). You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping it into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best-tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." —Alex Bonick Just clean your side mirror with alcohol (to remove outdoor grime or residue) and attach this round mirror — the 3M adhesive will hold strong. They attach to a pivoting base, so you can adjust them for the perfect view. Promising review: "I bought these for my mom's car and mine a while ago, and these little things are great. Since I've gotten my license, I've hated merging or switching lanes; I never felt good or safe doing it. Having these has been a blessing; I feel less like a scared new driver. I'm currently encouraging my sister and friends to invest in these, too! These are also great for backing up because you can see exactly how close you are to hitting the car behind you. They're helpful when I parallel park in the city, and I like parking backward, so this is great for doing that, too." —Mariam Abass Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in seven shapes and in packs of four). It even comes with an adjustable strap if you're someone who tosses and turns in their sleep (or if you're using it to recover from an injury that may lead to limited mobility). Promising review: "I'm 49 and a lifelong athlete and fitness trainer. I train a lot, and I also spend a great deal of time driving. I am struggling with piriformis syndrome in my right leg, plus I have an old knee injury in my left leg. I also sleep only on my side at night. Sleeping with a pillow above my knees has worked okay and has helped, but it is hard to keep it in place. I bought this to try, and it's awesome! It stays in place, is very comfortable, and has helped my issues in reducing stress in my legs enormously. It was a little thicker than I expected it to be and took a little getting used to, but now it's great. Having the strap has been really helpful because it stays in place when I switch from sleeping on my one side to my other side during the night." —Christine T. Mitchell Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I love this air purifier. As someone with chronic allergies and a hatred of dust, the automatic adjustment of this was exactly what I was looking for. It has a status indicator, a wonderful app that I’ve had no issues with, and — best of all — Alexa integration. Setup was easy, and even on the maximum power setting, it’s not too loud. If you keep it on auto like I do, you’ll never even hear this thing running." —Tucker Souder Get it from Amazon for $159.99+ (available in black and white). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Taylor Steele is a staff writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who focuses primarily on practical and problem-solving products (although you can also catch her writing about cute, fun, and ~weird~ products, too!). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.