Lifestyle
43 Cult-Favorite Amazon Products That Solve Life's Day-To-Day Annoyances
Warm beer. Tangled electronics cables. Wine stains. Soggy cereal. Soggy salad. Smudged eye makeup. A cluttered purse. A clogged shower drain. Burnt cheese on the bottom of the oven that won't come off no matter how much you scrape at it. If just reading all this makes you exasperated — I feel you. They're the kinds of day-to-day annoyances that slow you down and cause you to sigh. Heavily. Well, my fellow heavy sigher, I've got good news for you: all these cult-favorite Amazon products actually solve these day-to-day annoyances. That's right — no more soggy salads.
Okay, so you might be wondering what exactly makes a product a "cult-favorite". Here's my answer: a cult-favorite is something that resonates deeply with a certain group of people. For example, you might not mind soggy salad all that much — but for people who do? A product that prevents soggy salad will inspire loyal and undying devotion —i.e., a cult following.
And here's the thing. None of these products are meant for only a very specific group of people (the soggy salad minders, for example) — they're meant for everyone. So even if you don't really mind a bit of wet lettuce, an affordable product that keeps your lettuce crisp and fresh might just improve your day.
For soggy salad-preventing products and other cult-favorites — click through.
1. These Towels That Deep Clean With Nothing But Water
Life Miracle Nano Towels, $25 (4 Pack), Amazon
Paper towels are expensive. Cleaning fluids are expensive. These cleaning nano towels, though, are not so expensive because they can be used again and again. They're made with a fabric called Nanolon, which works better than microfiber to attract dust, dirt, and grime. All you have to do is spritz a little water on the towel and wipe. (Yep — no cleaning chemicals needed.) When you're done cleaning, just throw them in the wash.
2. A Neoprene Sleeve To Keep Your Cables Organized
JOTO Cable Management Sleeve, $12 (4 Pack), Amazon
You know that mess of cables hanging out behind your TV and around your desk? You can keep them organized with this cable management sleeve. The sleeve is made from stretchy, flexible neoprene and features a zipper — just gather your cords together, place in the sleeve and zip up. Each sleeve holds up to 10 cables and if you need more space — just zip two sleeves together.
3. A Cup Holder You Can Clip On To Anything
YOY Clip-On Cup Holder, $20 (2 Pack), Amazon
Attach this clip-on cup holder to the edge of your desk to avoid any spills that might ruin your computer. Or attach it to the arm of your easy chair to avoid any spills that might ruin your upholstery. The silicone pads on the clips ensure a tight grip that won't damage any surfaces.
4. A Wine Stain Remover That Truly Works Wonders
Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover, $6, Amazon
Nothing can cast a dark cloud on wine night like a spilled glass of Sangiovese on a white shirt. But you can spritz a little of this wine stain remover on your shirt and get right back to sipping and swirling. The remover works on both fresh and set-in stains and it isn't limited to just wine — you can also use it to remove stains from coffee, juice, blood, ink, and sauces.
5. This Flexible Surge Protector And Power Strip
Quirky Inc. Flexible Surge Protector, $28, Amazon
This flexible surge protector can be positioned any which way, giving it the adaptability to fit into tight spaces or around furniture. It has six power outlets and four feet of cord and protects devices up to 672 joules. Make a circle, semi-circle, zig-zag pattern or just lay it straight. No matter the position, you can rest assured your devices are safe and powered up.
6. A Wax To Keep Your Glasses From Slipping Down Your Nose
There's Sex Wax for surfboards, and now there's Nerdwax for eyeglasses. Swipe a little of this on the bridge of your glasses to keep them from slipping down your nose. (Is there anything more annoying than constantly pushing your glasses up all day?) The wax is made from natural, cosmetic-grade ingredients, so you don't have to stress about it getting on your face. The wax lasts for several hours depending on how much you use.
7. A Cuticle Oil Made With Natural Ingredients
Bee Naturals Cuticle Oil, $18, Amazon
Soften your cuticles and strengthen your nails with this all-natural cuticle oil. It's made with skin-friendly ingredients that include olive oil, avocado oil, castor bean oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E. It's even got lavender, lemon and tea tree essential oils. All these ingredients work together to repair cracked nails and rigid cuticles. This reviewer says, "After only occasional use for just a few weeks I can honestly say I believe this to be the first product that has made a noticeable difference in my dry, peeling cuticles ... I have a new nail growth and my cuticles are almost invisible... just like we like 'em."
8. A Hook That Stores Your Headphones Under Your Desk
Elevation Lab Under-Desk Headphone Holder, $12, Amazon
Let's face it — modern headphones are pretty bulky and can add to the clutter on your desk. Good news: you can stow them out of sight but within easy reach with this headphone holder. It mounts to the underside of your desk with 3M adhesive (i.e., easy installation) and has two hooks for hanging two pairs of headphones. A must for podcasters or folks who just like to listen to music at work.
9. These Oven Liners So You Never Have To Clean Your Oven Again
FitFabHome Oven Liners, $17 (3 Pack), Amazon
Crouching down to scrape burnt cheese off the bottom of your oven is a pain, but you can avoid that task altogether with these oven liners. The non-stick Teflon liners fit into your oven and catch drips from cheese, sauces, and meats. When you're done baking, just wipe them clean or stick them in the dishwasher. The BPA-free liners are safe to use up to 500 degrees.
10. A Detangling Brush That Gently Gets Rid Of Your Knots
Crave Naturals Detangling Brush, $11, Amazon
If you've got thick hair, you know what a struggle it can be to detangle your tresses. This detangling brush makes the process easy and painless. It features cone-shaped bristles which separate hair sideways instead of down — which means your knots are worked out gently, without tugging or pulling. The bristles also forego beaded ends, which oftentimes just contribute to further tangling.
11. A Stainless Steel Cylinder That Keeps Your Beer Ice Cold
Corkcicle Chillsner Beer Chiller, $20 (2 Pack), Amazon
This beer chiller is an ingenious way to keep your bottle of suds ice cold all the way to the last drop. Just stick the stainless steel into the freezer to chill. Once it's cold, insert it into the neck of your beer bottle and sip to your heart's content — even those last couple swigs will be chilly and refreshing. When you're done, just stick the chillers in the dishwasher.
12. A Pair Of No-Tie Shoelaces So You Can Slip On Your Shoes With Ease
LOCK LACES No-Tie Shoelaces, $8, Amazon
If your shoelaces are constantly coming undone on your morning jogs, it might be time to invest in a pair of no-tie shoelaces. The stretchy laces conform to your foot and give you a snug — but not too tight — fit. The added compression from the laces can even help reduce pressure points so you can concentrate on making that ten-minute mile. Choose from 12 colors like gray, hot pink, green apple, and navy blue.
13. This 3-In-1 Avocado Slicer
OXO Good Grips Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon
Any true avocado aficionado (and who isn't one nowadays?) needs one of these avocado slicers in her kitchen. The slicer actually performs three functions: it cuts through the skin of the avocado, removes the pit, then slices it into seven uniform pieces that are easy to lift away from the skin. The ergonomic handle ensures it won't slip out of your hand, and the blades are serrated for easy slicing, but aren't sharp to the touch (no finger cuts!)
14. These Cut-Resistant Gloves For Safer Slicing
NoCry Cut-Resistant Gloves, $11, Amazon
I find clumsy people to be quite endearing (myself included), but being clumsy with a knife in your hand is no bueno. That's why these cut-resistant gloves are for all my clumsy people out there. The lightweight gloves are stronger than leather and protect your hands from knives, graters, mandolines, peelers, and any other kind of slicing tool. They're food-safe and machine-washable. Slip on a pair before you make your next chopped salad.
15. A Nightlight For Your Toilet Because Why Not?
Glow Bowl Toilet Nightlight, $12, Amazon
Okay, so this one's a little bit zany, but it does help you find your way when you have to get up in the night. It's a motion-activated toilet nightlight. It clips onto the edge of the toilet and lights up the bowl when you walk into the bathroom. You can choose between seven different colors, or put it on 'carousel' mode to keep them in constant rotation.
16. An Electric Wine Bottle Opener So You Can Get To Your Sauvignon Blanc Faster
Oster Electric Wine Bottle Opener, $18, Amazon
Being able to maneuver one of those flip-out wine openers is impressive, but an electric wine opener is just so much easier to use. After cutting the foil with the included foil cutter, simply fit the opener over the neck of the bottle and press the button. Within seconds, the cork will be removed and you'll be ready to pour. The opener is cordless and can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge (for when you're throwing a really big birthday party).
17. A Bowl That Keeps Your Cereal From Getting Soggy
Obol Never Soggy Cereal Bowl, $15, Amazon
This cereal bowl solves the age-old problem of soggy cereal. It has separate compartments: one for your milk and one for your corn flakes or Lucky Charms. Just dip your spoon into the cereal and then into your milk — each bite will be crispy until the very end. It also works great as a snack bowl — fill one side with chips and the other with salsa.
18. A Portable Charger So You Never Run Out Of Phone Battery
RAVPower Portable Charger, $35, Amazon
There's nothing more nerve-wracking than a phone that's at five percent battery. And if you don't have access to a car charger? You're really out of luck. Keep this portable charger around for five percent battery situations. It's about the size of a smartphone and can charge up to two phones or tablets at once. There's even a built-in flashlight which is handy if you happen to be using the charger on a camping trip.
19. These Battery-Powered Motion Sensor Lights
AMIR Motion Sensor Lights, $23 (6 Pack), Amazon
If you bump into walls when you're headed to the kitchen for a midnight snack, you might want to invest in these motion sensor lights. The battery-powered lights install with adhesive pads and magnets, so there's no need for hard-wiring, and you can put them anywhere. The LED bulbs light up when they sense motion within 10 feet, then turn off automatically after 15 seconds of no motion detection
20. An Eyeshadow Primer So That Your Makeup Lasts All Day
Elizabeth Mott 'Thank Me Later' Eye Primer, $14, Amazon
Without a good eyeshadow primer, even the most meticulously applied eye makeup can look like a hot mess after a couple hours. That's why you should swipe some of this waterproof primer on your eyelids before you even think about picking up an eyeshadow brush. This reviewer says, "This primer is by far the best I've tried. I have oily eyelids but love to do cat eye make up which can be a struggle to pull off without looking like a raccoon within a few hours. The product goes on smooth and my makeup lasts all day with minimal smudges if any at all."
21. This Shoe Horn With An Extended Handle
Vive Shoe Horn, $15, Amazon
If you have mobility issues that make putting on shoes a challenge, you'll want to check out this shoe horn. The horn itself holds back the heel of your shoe open so you can easily slip your feet in, while the 24-inch long handle allows you to put your shoes on without leaning down at all. The handle is sturdy and the horn works in athletic shoes, dress shoes, and boots.
22. A Tray That Holds Your Tacos Upright So The Contents Don't Spill Out
California Home Goods Taco Tray, $15 (2 Pack), Amazon
Elevate your taco game with these taco trays. The upside down A-frame design holds tacos upright so that your carne asada and salsa don't spill all over the table. It works great with both hard shell tacos and soft shell tacos. Each stainless steel tray holds up to three tacos and can be put in the dishwasher.
23. An Onion Dicer That Prevents Onion-Induced Crying
Mueller Austria Onion Dicer, $23, Amazon
I'm one of those people who can't chop onions without an absolute river of mascara running down my face. My eyes just weren't built for it. So it's no wonder I'm excited about this onion dicer that minimizes exposure to onion vapors. You just place the onion into the slot and push down on the lever and it'll press out perfectly chopped onions. You can use it for other foods too, like hard cheeses, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.
24. A Purse Organizer So You Can Actually Find Things In Your Purse
Vercord Purse Organizer, $13, Amazon
I can't go anywhere without sunglasses, travel lotion, hand sanitizer, mints, and of course my wallet, and phone, and... well, a dozen other things. What I'm saying is my purse gets messy fast. This purse organizer, though, keeps thing tidy. It has one large pocket, four small pockets, two zippered pockets, and six mesh pockets. In other words, there's a place for everything so that you can put everything in its place. Choose from three different sizes.
25. A Coin Purse That You Can Squeeze Open
Nabob Leather Coin Purse, $9, Amazon
Keep loose change from floating around your bag with this leather coin purse. Just squeeze the spring frame to open it, and release to close it up again. You can choose from over 30 different colors, so go ahead and feel free to express yourself with chestnut, distressed tan, hot pink, or matte silver.
26. These Gap Covers To Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Capparis Counter Gap Covers, $10 (2 Pack), Amazon
You know that gap between the stove and the counter? It's hard to keep clean. No matter how tidy you try to be, crumbs and spaghetti sauce are bound to fall through and make their way to the floor. But you can use these gap covers to keep that from happening. They bridge the gap between the stove and counter, preventing any stray food from falling through The covers are 21 inches long, but can be trimmed to size.
27. A Hair Catcher That Really Prevents Clogged Drains
Bid farewell to clogged shower drains with this TubShroom hair catcher. The bottom lip of the catcher snags any stray hair strands and keeps them from going down the drain, while the holes in the catcher allow for maximum water flow (i.e. you won't be standing in an inch of water while you shower). The catcher is made from industrial strength silicone and fits neatly inside any standard drain.
28. This Toaster That Toasts Four Slices Of Bread At Once
Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Toaster, $45, Amazon
If you're always waiting around for someone else's toast to be done before you can put in your own toast — check out this 4-slice toaster. Yep — you can toast at the same time. It has extra wide slots to accommodate bagels, a defrost function, and a warming function that keeps your toast toasty for up to three minutes.
29. An Egg Poacher For Easy Eggs Benedict
ExcelSteel Non-Stick Egg Poacher, $23, Amazon
There's a bit of an art to poaching eggs, but this non-stick egg poacher makes it a breeze. Just fill the pan with a bit of water, then crack the eggs in the four egg compartments, cover, and cook. Your eggs Benedict will be ready in no time. The pan is made from stainless steel, has a stay-cool handle, and can be put in the dishwasher.
30. An Eyebrow Gel That Gives You Fuller, Natural-Looking Brows
Wunder2 Wunderbrow Gel, $22, Amazon
Not born with thick, glamazon eyebrows? This brow gel is for you. It has natural-looking hair-like fibers that affix to your actual brows, making them look fuller and more defined. The gel is waterproof and smudge proof and — get this — lasts for days at a time. You can choose from five shades: blonde, brunette, auburn, black/brown and jet black.
31. A Little Vacuum To Clean Up Little Messes
LivSense Handheld Vacuum, $50, Amazon
Have you ever vacuumed your couch? I have, and I was surprised by just how much dust was living on that thing. With this handheld vacuum, you can keep your couch clean, along with other small spaces like your car. The vacuum comes with a crevice tool for tight spaces, a dusting brush for delicate surfaces and upholstery, and a liquid nozzle for cleaning up spills. And there's no need to use a vacuum bag — just remove the bowl and filter, rinse, and reuse.
32. An Organic Spray That Kills Shoe Odor Naturally
Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer, $13, Amazon
That not so pleasant smell coming from your shoes? It comes about when sweat comes into contact with bacteria. Now, you can't necessarily keep your feet from sweating... but you can kill off the bacteria that contributes to that odor with this natural shoe deodorizer. It's formulated with organic essential oils that have both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Spritz a little of this in your shoes at night and wake up to a fresh, odor-free pair of kicks in the morning.
33. A Dispenser For Your Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner
Better Living Shower Dispenser, $20, Amazon
Do away with the mess of shampoo and conditioner bottles on the floor of your shower and use this shower dispenser instead. Each chamber holds up to 14 ounces of liquid that you can dispense with the touch of a button. The dispenser can be installed in the corner of your shower or flat against the wall with the help of two-way tape and silicone or a screw.
34. These Clip-On Protectors For Your Toothbrushes
Steripod Toothbrush Protectors, $20 (4 Pack), Amazon
With all that goes on in your bathroom, it's not a bad idea to protect the bristles of your brush from any free-floating bacteria. You can do just that with these toothbrush protectors. They clip on to the head of your toothbrush to shield it from any bacteria. The protectors also release "active vapors" to keep your bristles fresh. They work on both manual and electric toothbrushes.
35. A Broom Holder To Keep Your Garage Organized
Berry Ave Broom Holder, $14, Amazon
It's time to stop leaning your broom, mop, and rake against the wall where they take up space and often fall down. Hang them up with this wall-mounted broom holder instead. It can hold up to 35 pounds, and the five spring-loaded slots all feature rubber grips that securely hold your tools. There are also five hooks for smaller items like gardening gloves and dust pans.
36. These Dressing Containers For Salads On-The-Go
Sistema Salad Dressing Containers, $4 (4 Pack), Amazon
You pack a salad to take to work but by the time lunch rolls around... all that romaine has gotten soggy from sitting in balsamic vinaigrette for four hours. Here's how to fix that: take your dressing along separately in one of these salad dressing containers and then pour it on at lunch, for a crisper, fresher salad. Each container has a leak-proof screw-on lid and is dishwasher and freezer-safe.
37. These Pimple Patches That Help Heal Acne Fast
COSRX Pimple Patches, $5 (24 Pack), Amazon
You can significantly speed up the healing time of zits with these pimple patches. The clear, paper-thin patches are made with hydrocolloid dressing which extracts impurities from blemishes. The protective patches also guard zits from bacteria that can cause further infection or inflammation. There are three different sizes to choose from in the pack of 24, so you can tailor the treatment to the breakout.
38. These Bands That Smooth Out Your Bedsheets
Bed Band Sheet Holders, $13 (4 Bands), Amazon
It seems like no matter how tight you pull on a fitted sheet, there are always a few creases that just won't go away. You can prevent those creases with these bedsheet holders. Just attach the clips to the opposing corners on your bedsheets and pull on the drawstring to tighten — the tension will secure your bedsheets and eliminate any creases or wrinkling. The bands will stretch anywhere from 12 inches to 18 inches, so you can adjust to your mattress size.
39. A Mini Duster To Clean Your Electronics
OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush, $5, Amazon
Dust can build up fast in the crevices of your electronics (think: keyboards and camera lenses) and that dust can affect how well your electronics run. Keep them clean with this electronics cleaning brush. The bristles on one end sweep away dust, while the fine-tipped silicone wiper on the other end attracts and removes dirt from places that are hard to reach.
40. This Heated Brush That Straightens Your Hair
Oak Leaf Hair Straightening Brush, $17, Amazon
This hair straightening brush is a lot easier to use than flat irons. Just run it through your hair like a brush, and the heated ionic bristles will smooth and straighten your tresses. It has adjustable temperature settings so you can tailor the heat output to fit your hair type, and the bristles are anti-scalding so you don't have to worry about damaging your hair. The brush comes with a heat-protectant glove so you won't burn your hand while you straighten.
41. An Exercise Peddler You Can Slip Under Your Desk
Drive Medical Exercise Peddler, $17, Amazon
If you work long hours, it can be near impossible to fit in a workout at the gym. But you can work out at work with this exercise peddler. At a height of just 12-inches, it can fit right under your desk, and it features anti-slip pads that keep it from sliding around. Slip your shoes into the stirrups and pedal away while you complete that expense report.
42.
Gaiam Hand Massager, $10, Amazon
If you've ever gotten a professional massage, you know how unexpectedly wonderful it feels to get your hands and fingers massaged. You can recreate that feeling at home with this hand massager. One side of the rolling massager is designed to focus on bigger parts of your hand, while the other end features double rollers that sandwich your fingers for a finger massage. Use this after a long day of typing at work.
43. This Spray That Gets Rid Of Pet Stains And Smells
Rocco & Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator, $20, Amazon
There are very few downsides to having a fuzzy friend, but the stains and odors they sometimes leave on the carpet is definitely one of them. You can get rid of those unexpected surprises fast with this stain and odor eliminator. It contains enzymes that are activated on contact to eradicate stains without leaving behind any residue. The spray is safe to use on carpets, upholstery, and clothing.
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