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35 Cheap Things On Amazon That Have Made Peoples' Lives Way Better

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

by Julia O'Donnell
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

There's something so satisfying about discovering a seemingly small product that winds up changing your life. If you could use one of those tiny victories right now, you’ve come to the right place. We found 35 cheap things on Amazon that have made peoples' lives way better, and if they made a difference for so many others, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll love them, too.

Whichever area of your life could use improvement — maybe your household chores are starting to feel overwhelming, or your skin care routine could use an update — you’re sure to find something in this roundup to get excited about. Hand-picked by editors and enthusiastically approved by hundreds (or in some cases, thousands) of online shoppers, everything on the list is relatively cheap, easy to use, and available on Amazon. Most items are even eligible for free, two-day Prime shipping, so incorporating them into your life could hardly be any easier.

Ready to discover the ridiculously brilliant products you’ve been missing out on? Read on.

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

1These Ingenious Hangers That Will Quadruple Your Closet Space

Make the most of vertical space in your closet with these ingeniously designed hangers. (Well, actually, they're more like hangers for your hangers.) Sold in an affordable pack of 10, each of the sturdy plastic hangers can hold up to five garments at once, but only takes up the space of one regular hanger on your closet rod. "I cannot say enough about how these hangers have transformed my tiny, odd-shaped closet," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

2A Best-Selling Essential Oil Diffuser, Humidifier, & LED Night Light In One

Use this best-selling essential oil diffuser to reap the benefits of aromatherapy at home. Beloved by Amazon shoppers — it has over 4,300 glowing five-star reviews — the user-friendly device is quiet and easy to clean, and its wood grain design means it will actually look attractive displayed in your home. Plus, it can be used sans oil as a cool mist humidifier, and it also has an optional LED light that glows in seven colors.

3This Epsom Salt-Infused Bubble Bath That's Good For The Body & Mind

Submerge yourself in fun bubbles, soothe sore muscles, and receive aromatherapeutic benefits with these epsom salt bath soaks from Dr. Teals. Packaged in a huge, 34-ounce bottle, they're sold in four scents that offer different benefits for the body and mind: chamomile (calming), lavender (soothing and sleep-inducing), ginger and clay (energizing and detoxifying), and eucalyptus and spearmint (relaxing and relieving — also great for opening up the sinuses when you have a cold).

4A Foolproof (& Travel-Friendly) Way To Make The Perfect Cup Of Coffee Or Espresso

If you're a coffee lover, you need an AeroPress. Many people swear that the best-selling coffee maker is the best way to brew a perfectly smooth, rich, flavorful cup of coffee at home. While it looks vaguely similar to a French press, it actually brews much more quickly and uses coffee that's more finely ground, which minimizes the risk of burning or acidity. Plus, unlike a French press (and most other common coffee makers), an Aeropress can make espresso for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It also happens to be super travel-friendly, so it's great for camping and road trips.

5A Three-Pack Of Facial Razors That Are Perfect For Dermaplaning

The angled precision blade makes these facial razors ideal for shaping and grooming your eyebrows. But they're also great for dermaplaning, a form of exfoliation that sloughs away dead skin cells and removes peach fuzz from your face, which leaves your skin soft, smooth, and perfectly primed for flawless makeup application. Sold in an affordable pack of three, the razors have over 3,200 glowing five-star reviews on Amazon thus far.

6A Maximum-Strength Spot Treatment For All Types Of Blemishes

Next time you wake up with a nasty zit, nip it in the bud with this fan-favorite spot treatment. It's formulated with a concentrated dose of benzoyl peroxide to penetrate the surface and fight blemishes at their core, plus soothing botanicals like chamomile and ginger to calm inflammation. Because the formula is so concentrated, it may not be the best choice for sensitive skin types, so be sure to do a spot test before applying it on your face.

"This stuff is GOLD for hormonal acne," one reviewer gushed. "It dries up cystic acne overnight and almost completely took care [of] the breakout around my chin and jawline."

7A Two-Pack Of Lightweight, Breathable Face Masks For Summer

Because these protective face masks are made of lightweight, breathable cotton, they feel super soft and comfortable to wear. Sold in an affordable pack of two, their basic black color will go with practically any outfit. If you're in the mood to DIY, these would also be perfect for a reverse tie-dye with bleach.

8The Most Comfortable Bra You'll Ever Own — & It's Totally Invisible Under T-Shirts

This Calvin Klein bralette is sure to become your new favorite. Cut in a longline silhouette with a plunging V-neckline, it's made of soft, smooth microfiber with a seamless construction. Reviewers report that it's not only super comfortable, but is also completely invisible under tops and dresses.

  • Available sizes: XS-2X

9An Alexa Device That Takes Up Hardly Any Space

Amazon's Echo Flex is a mini speaker, yes — but it's also so much more than that. No bigger than an air freshener, the Alexa-powered device plugs into any wall outlet and can play music, check the weather, complete an internet search, control "smart" light bulbs, and more, all with a simple voice command.

10A Pair Of Substantial Leggings That Look Just Like "Real" Pants

A good pair leggings is hard to find at any price, let alone for only $20. Nevertheless, Amazon reviewers swear by this pair from Daily Ritual, noting how the stretchy, ponte knit fabric with which they're made is thicker and more substantial than most leggings, which gives them a sleek, polished look that can pass for "real" pants — many reviewers even report wearing them to work. "For $20, I got the nicest pair of leggings I have ever owned," one happy reviewer shared.

  • Available sizes: XS-XXL (short, regular, long, extra long)

11These Ingenious Clips That Turn Any Bra Into A Racerback

Transform your favorite bra with these nifty bra strap clips. They're great for concealing your straps when wearing racerback tanks or dresses, and can also help adjust the fit on a bra that's starting to get stretched out from years of wear. Sold in a pack of three, the clips come in white, black, and beige, making it easy to match them to whichever bra you're wearing.

12The Best Drugstore Body Lotion For Dry, Flaky Skin

Eucerin Intensive Repair lotion is proof that affordable drugstore products can be just as good their pricier counterparts (or even better!). Designed for extremely dry, flaky skin, the fragrance-free formula uses alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate, which leaves skin smooth and soft. At the same time, moisturizing ingredients work to restore hydration and prevent further dryness. And the giant 17-ounce bottle will last you ages.

13A Satin Scarf With So Many Versatile Uses (& It's Sold In Over 40 Gorgeous Prints)

Think of this silky square scarf as the accessory equivalent of the perfect red lipstick. It'll add a touch of effortless glamour to virtually any outfit, whether you wear it in your hair, tied around your neck, or artfully reimagined as a summery top. Measuring 35 inches on each side, it comes in a gorgeous range of intricate patterns, making it easy to find one that suits your personal style.

14A Foolproof Way To Hide Roots Between Salon Visits

L'Oreal's Magic Root Cover-Up will be a lifesaver for when your roots start to show through, but your appointment at the salon isn't for another week. The best-selling product is a favorite among celebrities and Amazon reviewers alike, because it's quick and easy to use, and the results look totally natural (unlike many similar products, which tend to look like spray paint). Available in eight shades ranging from blonde to black, the color is easy to wash out with shampoo.

15A Two-Pack Of V-Neck Tees That Feel Lived-In & Soft

You can never have too many basic V-neck tees. Luckily, these are sold in affordable packs of two, and according to thousands of reviewers, their exceptional quality makes them worth stocking up on. Made of a luxuriously soft and smooth blend of cotton, modal, and spandex, the tees have a slightly relaxed fit and come in a wide range of color combinations to complement any wardrobe.

  • Available sizes: XS-XXL

16The Sticky Divider Tabs That People Swear By To Stay Organized

Of the over 6,000 Amazon shoppers who left feedback about these sticky page dividers, a full 92% gave them a positive review. Unlike most other page dividers, these are big enough to write on and won't leave behind a residue, despite being very durable and sticky. Sold in packs of 60, they comprise six different colors, including pink, green, and purple.

17A Pair Of Ultra Comfortable Sneakers That Fit Like A Glove

Because they're made with soft, stretchy mesh, these best-selling sneakers instantly mold to the shape of your feet, so you won't have to break them in to get a Cinderella fit. Plus, they're super lightweight and breathable, and come in 32 colors, including black, beige, and an of-the-moment hot pink.

"OH WOW!!!" one reviewer gushed. "Even with my angry bunion on my right foot, these fit perfect and the stretchy fabric didn't press or pull anywhere on my feet. These are truly the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn!"

  • Available sizes: 5-13

18An All-Natural, Biodegradable Hand Soap That Won't Dry Out Your Hands — & It Smells Totally Amazing

Replace your harsh, chemical-laden hand soap with this eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative. Formulated with soothing natural ingredients like coconut, olive oil, and vitamin E, it'll thoroughly cleanse your hands without drying out your skin. Plus, the lavender-scented soap comes packaged in a recyclable, paper-based carton, so using it with a refillable soap dispenser is a great way to reduce plastic waste.

19A Clip-On Ring Light To Take Your Selfies To The Next Level

There's no shame in your selfie game, so why not take things to the next level with this popular ring light? Designed to clip directly onto your phone, it's basically like having professional studio lighting ready to go whenever you're feeling cute. If you're not already sold, take a look at the reviews — the before and after selfies from reviewers are worth 1,000 words.

20The Relaxed, Flowy Jumpsuit You'll Wind Up Living In

Breezy and oh-so comfortable, this artsy-chic jumpsuit is proof that shapeless clothing can still look totally stylish. Layer it over a striped turtleneck, pair it with a camisole, or use it as an excuse to show off your prettiest bikinis and bralettes. Featuring halter straps, a plunging neckline, and two roomy pockets, its wide-leg design is cropped right above the ankle.

  • Available sizes: S-XL

21A Comfortable Face Mask That Comes In Tons Of Cool Colors & Prints

If basic, solid-colored face masks aren't your thing, you'll love this reusable face mask from Riah. It's sold in dozens of statement-making colors and prints — including colorful camo, monochromatic leopard, and dainty florals — making it easy to find the perfect mask to coordinate with any outfit. It's made of a soft, stretchy fabric and lined with breathable cotton, so it's super comfortable to wear, too.

22These Collagen-Packed Eye Masks To Hydrate & De-Puff

These eye masks from K-beauty favorite Etude House will be a lifesaver whenever your eyes are feeling tired or puffy. Formulated with a generous dose of collagen, they're super effective at making your under-eye area look plump, smooth, and rejuvenated. The masks are sold in a pack of 10 individually packaged pairs, so they're also great for travel.

23A Thick, Cushy Yoga Mat With A Handy Carrying Strap

In over 5,000 glowing five-star reviews, fans gush about this best-selling yoga mat. People love pretty much everything about it: Its thick, comfy cushioning, the fact that it's virtually slip-proof, and how the handy carrying strap makes it super easy to transport. "This is the BEST yoga mat I've ever used! I love how plush it feels under my feet and my knees," one reviewer wrote. "I actually look forward to my workouts more than I did. Who would have thought that a mat would make THAT much difference?!"

24The Fashionable Blue Light-Blocking Glasses With Vintage Frames

Protect your eyes from the distress and strain of artificial light with these blue-light-blocking glasses. The fashionable frames — which are made of durable plastic highlighted with clear non-prescription lenses — are sure to look great paired with all of your favorite outfits. There are two pairs offered in each order, so you can switch them out as much as you'd like. Select from several neutral color options.

25These Press-On Nails That Actually Look Natural — & Stay On For Weeks Without Popping Off

Whether you have a big event coming up or just want to feel glam, you can't go wrong with these press-on nails. Reviewers love their natural look and gel-like finish, noting that when glued on properly, they'll actually stay put for up to two weeks (yes, really). The set comes with 24 long, square-tipped nails of various sizes, plus the adhesive you'll need to attach them. Unlike traditional gels or acrylics, these are designed for temporary use, and won't cause long-term damage to your natural nails.

26The K-Beauty Dupe For Olaplex — And It Costs Less Than $10

It's difficult to overstate how excited reviewers are about Cer-100, a protein treatment for damaged, over-processed hair from K-beauty brand Elizavecca. The collagen-packed, deep-conditioning product has even been compared to Olaplex's cult-favorite hair treatment — but unlike Olaplex, Cer-100 costs less than $10.

"My hair is SO SOFT," one reviewer gushed. "Olaplex never left my hair feeling this amazing after just one use. This is my new holy grail product and will recommend to everyone!"

27These Lightweight, Waterproof Tevas That Come In So Many Fun Colors

Made of brightly colored EVA with a wealth of sporty Velcro straps, Teva's Hurricane Drift Sport Sandals are right in line with this summer's dad sandal trend. There's more to love about them than their trendy look, though — Teva sandals are famously comfortable and supportive, and these are no exception. Plus, they're not only waterproof, but they're lightweight enough to float, so you won't need to worry about losing them during beach days or boat trips.

  • Available sizes: 5-11

28A Comfy Pair Of Yoga Shorts With Pockets On Both Sides

Amazon reviewers can't seem to stop raving about these yoga shorts; They've already earned over 2,000 five-star reviews, and that number is growing at a pretty impressive rate. Made of a moisture-wicking performance fabric with four-way stretch, they're super comfy, completely squat-proof, and keep their shape all day. They're available in dozens of colors and two different inseam lengths, and have two roomy pockets to stash your phone and other essentials.

  • Available sizes: XS-5X

29This Cleaning Pen That Makes Jewelry Sparkle Like It's New Again

The best-selling Diamond Dazzle Stik has earned a reputation as one of the most effective ways to restore the original sparkle of diamonds and other fine jewelry. Compact and portable, the pen dispenses a jewelry cleaning solution with a gentle brush tip, which is great for getting into those hard-to-reach crevices. "Remember that sparkle the first time you saw your diamonds, when brand new under very bright lighting?The dazzle stick returns ALL that sparkle to them in mere minutes!" wrote one reviewer.

30An Ingenious Way To Make Your Shoes Fit Better

We've all been there: Those splurge-worthy shoes are finally on sale — but only in a size that's a teeny bit tight. That's where these handy shoe stretchers come in. They can stretch your shoe to make it wider or longer, and also come with special attachments to raise a shoe's instep or widen the toe box to accommodate a bunion. The set comes with two shoe stretchers, 12 bunion plugs, three instep heightening pads, and a shoe horn, all conveniently packaged in a drawstring carrying bag.

31Your New Favorite Everyday Bra

It's difficult to overstate how much reviewers love this best-selling wireless bra. Based on feedback from nearly 4,000 shoppers, it has an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars, with fans saying it's "comfortable enough to sleep in" and "the bra I've been searching for my entire life." It's specifically designed to prevent bulging, especially in the underarm area, and its soft, lightly padded cups are expertly contoured to provide adequate lift and support without any pesky underwire.

  • Available sizes: XS-XXL

32The Perfect Everyday Cuff Earrings

A classy touch of sparkle even minimalists will love, these gorgeous hoop earrings are the epitome of effortless glamour. Perfectly sized to gently hug your earlobe, they're plated in your choice of 14-karat rose, yellow, or white gold and encrusted with a twinkling row of tiny cubic zirconias. They're perfect for everyday wear on their own, or, if you have multiple piercings, you can pair them with other earrings for a bit more drama.

33A Crossbody Phone Holder With Pockets For Your Things

A little less than a purse (but more than a wallet), this crossbody phone holder is great for carrying small items such as your cellphone, lipstick, credit cards, and keys. It's made of waterproof PU leather and features two inside pockets, one small front pocket, and two adjustable shoulder straps. Perfect for anyone always on the go, the clear touchscreen face allows you to use your mobile device while it's still holstered inside the bag. Choose your favorite from an array of cheery colors.

34The Hair Finishing Stick That Keeps Flyaways Under Control

Make flyaways and unruly strands a thing of the past with this hair finishing cream. Packaged in a mascara-like bottle with a wand, this formula is easy to brush on the areas that need it most. The transparent gel is made of all-natural, plant-based ingredients that are hydrating for all hair types. Toss it into your bag to keep your hair intact throughout the day.

35A Stylish Way To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Dripping in effortlessly chic summer style, this straw fedora will make even a basic tank and cutoffs feel totally put-together. Woven of flexible, durable paper straw, it comes in a range of chic colors, each trimmed with either a ribbon or a thin leather belt. Lightweight and breathable, it's especially great as a backup to your daily sunscreen, since it comes with built-in UPF sun protection.

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