27 "Uncool" Products Under $25 That Will *Probably* Change Your Life
The lotion can be used daily, but for retinol beginners, it's recommended to patch test and increase use gradually. Also, there's a version with no added fragrance!
Promising review: "I’ve been using this lotion for a couple of weeks now, and I can already feel a difference.It goes on smoothly, isn’t greasy, and absorbs really well. I use it mostly on my arms, neck, and chest — areas where I wanted a little firming and smoother texture — and I’ve noticed my skin feels softer and looks a bit more even. The scent is light and clean, not overpowering, which I really appreciate. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts. It’s honestly a great option if you’re looking for a retinol product without spending a fortune. Will definitely keep using it." —Sean Bozarth
Get it from Amazon for$19.99 (also available in a two-pack).
Megababe is a woman-owned small business from entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer Katie Sturino.
When I studied abroad, I knew I would be walking long, sweaty hours in the summer heat of Rome and was horrified that my roommates would suffer the consequences. I had never heard of foot deodorant, but I am forever grateful it exists. This one has a refreshing lavender smell, and with a quick spritz to my feet, shoes, and sometimes socks for that extra layer of defense, my feet remained completely stank-free! I only had two pairs of shoes, a leather pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers, and even when I wore them back-to-back, this spray kept them from ever retaining any odor (and yes, I gave them a proper whiff to check). I was seriously amazed it works so well (and that I still had some after eight weeks), and it has become a staple for me as someone who lives in the desert heat.
Promising review: "LOVE IT!! Smells SO good! Works great! It sprays a fine mist and dries quickly. Love that it doesn’t leave feet feeling greasy or sticky, and doesn’t leave a white powdery finish like some of the others that are zinc-based. I spray it inside my sneakers and my kids' tennis shoes, softball cleats, and track spikes. My mom is using it while having to wear an air cast on her foot from a leg surgery. Will definitely be purchasing a few more bottles and buying it regularly!" —Jamie Layne Fields
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
Promising reviews: "This is amazing! I wish I knew about this sooner! Makes opening any jar of any size so easy! Especially the ones with the airtight seal. Also, this is for anyone of any age or any strength… Everyone can benefit. If you want to just make opening any jar effortless, you need this!" —Kim
"I've been using the usual thin rubber grippers for years now to open jars. Purchased this because it was on sale, and I LOVE the pop-top opener from the same company. This jar opener is just as awesome. Very easy to use. Keeps a firm grip. The ultimate test was yesterday. Had a jar cap that was 'glued' shut with hot fudge. Not even the teenagers in the house could get the top off. I grabbed this. Arthritis and all, it worked! To be fair, it took a bit of a grip, but it still did the trick with one twist without having to run hot water over the jar to melt the fudge. Highly recommend." —Me
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
If you want to fall further down the mineral rabbit hole, Maldon also makes ~flavored salts~ like smoked, garlic, and chili.
Promising review: "It sounds silly to write a review about salt; but I seriously can’t say enough about these flakes! They are delicious on everything!! And truly elevate everything I put them on! I have been a professional and home cook for years and years; and these are now an absolute staple in my kitchen! Perfect as a gift for your cooking friends too! The taste is clean and perfect; and they add a snowflake crispy texture to your foods as a finishing salt. I will never go back to a salt grinder again. This is the best of the best! Buy it!" —Natalie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I was thoroughly impressed with this dry shampoo. It's affordable, effective, and everyone compliments how great I smell when I use it. Two bottles lasted me a few months. It does have a white cast, but that can easily be worked into the hair to become undetectable." —Meg B.
"My new favorite dry shampoo!! Smells SO GOOD!! I usually use Batiste dry shampoo. This one popped up as a recommendation and the price was HALF the cost with more product. I love it so much that I’ve now set it up as a monthly subscription. Also a bit less powder residue as my usual dry shampoo and so far the product is dispensed with more consistency than that of my other brand. I thought the packaging was cute and feminine. So glad I tried, great product!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $6.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This formula contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, compared to the original with 10%.
Promising reviews: "FOR YEARS, I have been experimenting with different cleansers trying to find the 'right one'. I'm in my mid-20s and still deal with acne and textured skin on the forehead area, and this, from what I think is a month of use, has cleared up my skin and removed the textured skin on my forehead. Prior to this (I have combination skin leaning more oily), I tried several cleansers, changed my diet, used silk pillowcases, and nothing kept my skin acne-free enough. Not until this product, which FINALLY leaves me worry free and now just tackling the acne scars." —Isis Villa
"This stuff works. I used salicylic acid for a while, and it never really helped. Started using this 4% and drastically changed the breakouts that were happening. I didn't get 'fully' healed from any pimples but it reduced the amount and helps them to go away faster. Not overnight. But faster. I use it once a day in the shower. And I have been using it for YEARS. I would suggest if you have tried other formulas that haven't helped you. I use on my face and back." —John 5:43
Get it from Amazon for $9.36 (also available in a pack of two).
Each box lasts two months! This is a clinical-strength product, so make sure you do a spot test first (especially if you have sensitive skin)! Also, reviewers recommend to dab, not swipe.
Promising review: "For anyone who might be a skeptic, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter this product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat...I was sweating through my shirt on my back...BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in packs of two and three).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The Bug Bite Thing works best on fresh bites, and includes two sizes of suction. For older bites, it also includes a scraper to take off the top of the bug bite for better results. Also, to avoid any red markings left behind by the tool, it is best to only hold the suction for about 10–20 seconds.
Promising review: "This is one of the best things I’ve ever purchased! About two hours before it was delivered, I noticed a big, itchy, red bump on my leg. Perfect timing! 😆 I used it for the first time just a few moments ago on said bug bite, and I’m happy to report the redness, the bump, and the urge to scratch are all GONE! My flabbers are ghasted and I’ll be ordering a few more to keep in the car, my purse, the medicine cabinet, etc. 🦟" —David & Heather
Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five colors and in packs of two, three, and four).
Amazon
Promising reviews: "I use these hangers for shirts and tees. They allow me to easily find any shirt in my closet and take up very little space compared to single shirts on single hangers. I can also group shirts together by style or color on a single swivel hanger. I am now able to hang additional items in my closet without crowding. I bought this in white and the edges are smooth." —CAGH
"I was expecting these to create space, but I am blown away by how easy they were to use and how much they opened things up. My closet when from packed to bursting and me not being able to even remove items to wear, let alone see what they were aside from a glimpse at a sleeve, to having room to add even more items and being able to see what each item is. They are easy to use, created 30% more space, and don't have to be opened back up to remove items" —M. Stokely
Get a pack of ten from Amazon for$22.90 (available in five colors and in a pack of 20).
The lotion is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
Promising reviews: "This lotion seriously saved my skin after a weekend of too much sun. I had some pretty uncomfortable peeling and dryness on my shoulders and chest, and it worked so well. It’s super soothing, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy at all — just clean, cooling hydration. The aloe and coconut oil combo is perfect. It calmed the redness right away and made my skin feel soft and nourished. I even used it on my face without any irritation, which is rare for me with after-sun products. Definitely keeping this stocked all summer long — highly recommend if you’re dealing with sunburn, peeling, or just need a gentle, hydrating lotion post-sun! —Cathy
Get it from Amazon for$9.99 (also available in a pack of three and a coconut scent).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I just did 12 hours at Universal Orlando Epic Universe, and this stuff saved me. I used to use deodorant for my [chafing] when I wear a skirt, but this seemed to last longer. I also used it on my feet (I was wearing EVA foam sandals), and I most definitely would’ve gotten blisters if I hadn’t used this stuff. I’ll never do a theme park without this in my bag again." —Susie
"I used this for the Cowboy Carter tour with this dress. Being a thick-thigh girl, it can be uncomfortable and BABYYYY when I tell you this worked ALL DAY! I applied it around 12 p.m. and reapplied at like 6 p.m., but it works! No friction or pain, it’s definitely worth it!" —Christika Brown
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.52 (also available individually).
FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. And, if you prefer a sugar-free version, they have those too.
I studied abroad during a summer in Rome, and many of my classes were spent walking for 5+ hours under the hot sun. Even with sun protection and readily available water across the city, I felt *extremely* drained by the end of them. These Liquid IVs were truly so helpful in revitalizing me and cooling me down — they're super refreshing! I eventually began taking them when I knew I had an extra-long day ahead of me, and as someone who is super sensitive to the heat, I could feel a difference in my hydration levels in the days I drank them versus not.
Promising review: "No issues with the packaging. I love the lemon-lime taste. It dissolves in your water easily; I only used a straw to stir it up. It was not gritty, and after drinking a glass, I truly felt my headache vanish, which I felt coming on after a heavy workout! My husband uses them for hangover days when you just don't want to feel as if you are nearing death, LOL! Satisfied and definitely 5 stars. Great to have on hand." —Britt
Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in 18 flavors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I rarely ever write product reviews, but I had to for this one. It’s awesome, and every iced coffee drinker needs one! This is the first time all summer I’ve been able to enjoy my entire iced coffee (over the course of 2+ hours on a 90-degree day) without the ice melting at all. I normally have to keep coasters all around the house for my iced coffee to save my furniture, but not with this guy! Super high-quality and does exactly what it’s supposed to. I’ll definitely be ordering another one to keep at work!" —Lexi
Get it from Amazon for $13.48+ (available in 100+ designs and six sizes).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check out theTikTokof Fullstar's take on the viral cucumber salad using their mandoline slicer.
Promising reviews: "I have recently begun using the Mediterranean diet as my daily eating plan. Lots of veggies! So when I saw this, I needed to give it a try. Wow, I am impressed and obsessed. I want to chop everything lol. I made cowboy caviar in a fraction of the time it would have taken with a knife and cutting board. It is simple to change the blades and quick to clean. I would totally recommend this. Also, my granddaughter (age 9) loved using it so much she handed her mom some of her savings and asked her to get her one! I call that a super win when you inspire kids to have a positive relationship with food 💕." —Heather
"So my photo is not of the product but of how much better I became at cooking after purchasing. I was hesitant because of the price point, but WOW the proof is in the picture. The left photo was ratatouille that took 1+ hours to cut as precisely as possible by hand. The right is the literally perfect ratatouille that was sliced in a matter of minutes. This tool cuts, chops, slices, and so much more. It has made cooking so fast and efficient I can focus on doing more detailed dishes because I don’t waste time with little tasks. This makes every dish look like it was prepped by Gordon himself!" —Danielle Walsh
Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in four colors and three sizes).
Promising review: "After I had my first child almost a year ago, I stopped getting acrylic nails because I couldn't get him out of his car seat without struggling or breaking a nail. I’d have to get them as an overlay or extra short. But I saw this product on TikTok and had to try it out, and OMG!! It works! It took me a while to figure out the best angle to get him out with it, but once I did, I went to the nail shop expeditiously!! LOL, if you’ve been thinking about this for a while, GET IT! It’s worth it!" —Tora318
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in nine colors and in a pack of two or three).
Amazon
Promising review: "I bought this rinser cup after struggling with my toddler’s bath time, especially when it came to rinsing out shampoo. The design is incredibly user-friendly — its shape helps control the water flow, preventing any excess water from getting into my child’s eyes. My little one has become much more comfortable during rinsing sessions, which has made bath time much more enjoyable for both of us." —Chi Hoang
Get it from Amazon for $6.58 (available as a pack with other bathing essentials or as a sprayer).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Drop Stop is a small biz founded by two best friends committed to keeping drivers safer, happier, and less distracted!
Promising review: "I just don’t understand why I didn’t buy this sooner. It’s one of those things that you’re not really sure why you need it but once you have it, you can’t live without. It saved my poor arm from having to dig my keys, cellphone, pens, french fries, hair ties, you-name-it from between the seat gap. The situation that’s happening on that picture(my keys falling in) was a daily occurence. Seriously, it’s awesome." —Sara G-M
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $24.99.
Read more about essential oils and morning sickness at Mayo Clinic, peppermint oil and nausea in one small study at the National Library of Medicine, and aromatherapy at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy I’d reach for it. I’m sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four).
Promising reviews: "These ideas are so simple, and they're not new — but they are combined with powerful new research and practical tools for taking back your energy and time while boosting your joy and peace. Tops my list for the BEST self-help book I've read sinceGifts of Imperfectionby Brené Brown. Mel's personal stories and real-life examples make it almost impossible to avoid the truth, yet at the same time, see the opportunity we all have to CHOOSE who we love, how we respond, and what we want our lives to look like. A BEAUTIFUL work — truly a MUST-READ!" —Amazon Customer
"I usually avoid self-help, but I liked her message. The main idea is simple and accessible, and was, for me, a reminder of things I know, things that come from Zen philosophy and codependence actions/theories. Don't be scared — it's not academic or boring or prescriptive as these things can sometimes be, but rather a well-written reminder with gems thrown in. If you know and like Mel's 'voice' and approach from her podcast, you'll love the book. I am so glad I bought the hard copy because I like to underline ideas and be able to flip back to them, and I will definitely refer to this book again." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for$15.68 (available as a hardcover and on Kindle or Audiobook).
After brushing and flossing, you paint your teeth with the pen (each pen contains about 20 uses), wait for 30 minutes, then rinse!
Promising reviews: "I have to say, I was skeptical about this product from all the TikTok hype about it, but after trying it out, it really does work. This was super easy, didn’t hurt my teeth at all, and didn’t taste much different than my regular toothpaste since I got the mint-flavored one. I used it for a few weeks before my brother’s wedding, and it worked like a charm. I noticed visible results in only a couple of days and was able to keep using it until I reached my desired shade of white. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with sensitive teeth and tastes!" —Victoria Bravo
This product actually works! I’ve smoked for over 30 years and my teeth have never been more white! I think I’ve tried everything out there. I have finally found something that works. ! I will be sticking with this one!!!!" —MattK
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.33 (also available in packs of one and four).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I worked at Victoria's Secret for three years and tried every 'seamless' thong under the sun, all of which rolled, were still visible, or the liner was not cotton, which just feels gross by the end of a workout or the end of the day. These aren’t that. They DISAPPEAR under all the workout attire. Anti-camel toe… HELLO?!?! They don’t hold sweat. They don’t roll. They don’t move around. I just had my fourth baby and first C-section a couple of months back, and these are wide enough in the front. What is this panty sorcery? I threw out everything else from anywhere else. Follow the size guide. I washed in warm water upon arrival, even with the red in the pack, and none of the colors bled. I’ve washed twice, and they look the same as when I first opened the box. They’re wildly comfortable for a thong from someone who despises every thong and even other styles of underwear I’ve ever tried. I work out in these, run errands, housework ahhhh — they’re my new go-to that I ditched everything else. Comfy, sexy, stretchy, actually so seamless that they don’t exist under clothing, and a fantastic deal… It’s sorcery, I’m convinced." —Ebony
Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.98 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and nine color packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping editorJenae Sitzes is now a collector of these: "I own *several* of these workout tops from The Gym People now and absolutely love them; I have no doubt I'll be back for more. They're soft, comfortable to work out in, and look great on; plus, they come in the CUTEST shades and have built-in padding — what more could you want?"
Promising reviews: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne
"Comparable to Lululemon. I love my Lulus but wanted something more affordable and this hit the mark! I bought two, the fuchsia andwhite — I love both colors, and the material is very soft." —Alyssa Lynch
Get it from Amazon for $17.99(available in women's sizes XS–3X and 37 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Each set of filters lasts around 1–3 months before needing to be replaced!
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" —Haylee Marez
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside, which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds."
Promising review: "The one roller to rule them ALL! No words. I’m positively dumbfounded at the amount of hair and other debris this pet hair remover picks up! I’ve tried everything for the cat hair, and to my frustration, nothing really works *well*. THIS PRODUCT HAS CHANGED THE GAME COMPLETELY!!! I just got it today, and after just a few short minutes, I knew it was a winner, by far. The pictures I shared in my review were from a once-over on my bedding that I just lint rolled 3–4 days ago. I was so giddy with the result, I ran around my mother’s house, where two more cats live (including one long-haired), and hit a bunch of the surfaces there. I am in disbelief at the amount of hair this thing picks up. It leaves nothing behind." —Felicia G
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My demon cat was vindictive and peed on our new couch, I was pissed. I couldn't get the smell or the stain out of our cream couch. I tried everything, I soaked the couch with alcohol and other cleaners, and I think I tried bleach too. I tried everything I could think of, even the home remedies. I did not think it would hurt to try this product. I sprayed the spots on the couch, and the smell was eliminated, evidently, and I was able to wipe the stain out too. This product is a must if you have a demon cat like I do." —Cody Ohlemacher
Get it from Amazon for $17.96 (available in two scents and a gallon size plus a two-pack).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I had a hair dye stain on the bottom of my bathtub for about a year from dyeing my hair at home, and I tried EVERYTHING...nail polish remover, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers,Scrubbing Bubbles foam spray, etc. to no avail. I also had calcium stains on the drain of my bathtub and sink that were a pain to get out. This product erased all of these stains with ease and made it look like they were never there! This is your sign to buy this...I am so happy!" —Savannah Martin
"I used this product for my stove because it's one thing I dislike cleaning. I have used different degreaser sprays, and they all are so toxic and don't work for me. The Magic Eraser was OK, but I used several at a time, and I had to scrub so hard. But this product, oh my goodness, is a legit miracle. It doesn't have any type of smell. I put the paste on a cloth, clean the area, then wipe it off with a damp cloth and voilà, magic!" —May
Get it from Amazon for $5.97 (also available in a pack of two or as a bundle with their scrubber sponge).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And because the device uses no chemicals or pesticides, it's kid and pet friendly.
Promising review: "I can’t say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It’s a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around…but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" —Chris H.
Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in packs of one or two, each with two glue cards)
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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