POPSUGAR UK

36 Amazon Products That Have Changed Our Editors' Lives — Their Reviews Prove It

27/04/2019 - 05:25 PM

To say we have a passion for finding useful, clever products [1] would be an understatement — we're obsessed with discovering cool stuff. Here at POPSUGAR, our editors have spent years testing and reviewing items so you know what's worth your time (and money). You could call us Amazon experts [2].

Whether you need a new suitcase, toothbrush holder, mascara, or kitchen sponge, we have tried it all out and more. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned on the massive retailer's site. Ahead, we have curated a list of our favourite products we have personally reviewed. We break down their functions, their quality, and why we personally appreciate them. Consider it your ultimate guide to the very best must haves on Amazon [3].

Ahead, check out the myriad of genius discoveries we have used, then invest in a few for yourself. We promise they'll change your daily routines for the better, without a doubt.

Baebody Eye Gel

"For years I have dealt with annoying dark circles [4] and puffiness under my eyes. That's why I was excited to hear about Baebody Eye Gel [5] ($25). It's currently exploding in sales on Amazon by 9,000 percent, and for good reason. It claims to drastically reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, sagging, or wrinkles. Customers are absolutely loving it, posting photos of their results [6].

Almost 10,000 people have reviewed the eye gel, and 67 percent of them give it five stars. The ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps skin; Matrixyl 3000, which firms skin; and plant stem cells to strengthen and protect against damage." — Macy Cate Williams, editor, Shop and Must Have

Airmoon Mini Ceramics Toothbrush Holders

"A toothbrush holder is one of those things I don't necessarily want to buy, but need to. I recently moved, and it was definitely time for a new one, but I wanted something minimal rather than a bulky holder with way more slots than I need. Enter: this cute and tiny toothbrush holder I found on Amazon. The Airmoon Mini Ceramics Handmade Toothbrush Holder Stand [7] ($10 for a two-pack, or $5 each) is literally just a circular piece with a hollow centre, and it measures less than two inches wide. A toothbrush rests perfectly upright in it and tilts to the side without tipping over. The small holder eliminates bathroom countertop clutter [8] by providing only the necessary amount of material, and it also stays cleaner than ones I've used in the past.

While I usually consider toothbrush holders to be an eyesore, this one actually brings me joy when I look at it. I went with white to keep the look as clean as possible, but there are eight more colours to choose from. Because the design doesn't exactly scream 'for toothbrushes only,' you can also use these for pens at your desk! If you, like me, didn't think it was possible to get excited about something as mundane as a toothbrush holder, shop this very satisfying option ahead." — Erin Cullum, editor, Trending and Viral Features

Halova Nappy Bag

"I underestimated the value of pockets when I first started searching for the perfect nappy bag [9]. I was focussed more on style and wanted something that didn't scream rash cream or poopy nappy. I found a number of backpacks I liked, fortunately, but without insulated pockets to keep breast milk and formula cold, they left a lot to be desired. The longer I carried on with my limiting bag, the more I learned about the types of amenities I truly needed. And it's as if the Halova Nappy Bag [10] ($36) was listening to me the entire time.

Not only does this bag have over 3,600 reviews on Amazon, but it's as if the brand was listening to the needs of other parents as well. Let's start with what it can hold: a LOT. There is a large main compartment that fits a surprising amount of stuff (just watch the videos of parents piling things inside), separate storage pockets, including insulated pockets, and even a wet-clothes pocket so you can keep washcloths or dirty clothing separate. There's even a clutch side pocket that can be used to dispense napkins." — Rebecca Brown, senior editor, Shopping and Moms

Wet & Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner

"I like to wear a sharp, inky-black cat eye [11] on the regular. Time after time, friends, coworkers, and strangers have asked me the same question: 'What eyeliner do you use?' There's nothing that brings me more joy than smugly telling them it's a $6 pick from Amazon. I have been religiously swiping Wet & Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner [12] ($6) on my lids for 10 years now.

MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner comes in a small tube with a screw-top handle. The applicator, a flexible spongy brush, is easy to maneuver as I glide it across my skin. The harder you press, the thicker the line becomes, so you have a lot of control over the intensity of your look. The formula itself is smooth and matte. All it takes is one coat to get a pleasing obsidian-dark effect." — MCW

Automatic Pan Stirrer

"If there's a recipe that calls for constant stirring [13], you better believe that's the exact moment that my daughter also starts stirring. She'll play by herself quietly when I don't need her to, but the very moment I need a few minutes to cook, that's when she wants to be picked up or to run around the house. And of course, I do my best to avoid holding her when I'm near the stove.

That's why this Automatic Pan Stirrer [14] ($29) is incredibly appealing. It is battery-operated, has three speeds, and is self-rotating. That means you can go do something else while it's working! I cannot tell you the number of times pasta has stuck to the bottom of a pot because I left the stove to play with my child and forgot to whoosh the water and noodles around. This product is genius [15]." — RB

Bytox Hangover Patch

"The best way to prevent a hangover [16] is through moderation, but I'm not great at moderation. When a friend and fellow enthusiastic drinker recommended the Bytox Hangover Patch [17] ($20 for five), I ordered a package from Amazon while midconversation — at a bar.

I should mention that I am 40 (as is my friend), and the older you get, the worse your hangovers get. In my case, hangovers manifest themselves in the form of a debilitating headache that no amount of ibuprofen [18] can ease. Despite my best attempts to stay hydrated while consuming alcohol, the hangovers persist. At least they did, until I slapped on one of these patches.

A few years back, I tried the Flyby [19] supplement, which also claims to prevent hangovers, but it didn't work for me. The Bytox patch, however, worked miraculously. Of course, everyone's biology is different, and this patch didn't work at all for my partner. Oh well, more patches for me!

The patch also comes with instructions. You apply it at least 45 minutes before consuming alcohol and leave it on at least eight hours after you've stopped consuming alcohol. You should also make sure to stay hydrated while using the patch.

I have worn this patch a few times, including twice when I really tested its powers. The first time, I was on holiday in Puerto Rico and spent the good part of the afternoon and evening consuming cocktails. The next day, I woke up headache-free and hardly worse for the wear. The second time, I was at a 40th birthday party, and while my partner looked pretty rough the next day, I felt pretty good. Maybe not like a million bucks, but at least like $500." —
Nancy Einhart, executive editor and VP of content

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

"I like using a toner after washing my face — it keeps my skin even and blemish-free. The one problem I have found, though, is that most toners include alcohol, which can be extremely drying in the wintertime. I would end up with unwanted flakes that were anything but cute. That's why I was thrilled to discover Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner [20] ($9). The alcohol-free formula is a bestseller at Amazon; it keeps my skin clear without stripping it of moisture.

The product [21] has more than 10,000 reviews, and a whopping 81 percent of customers give it five stars. People claim that it helps with a multitude of problems including acne, dark spots, the appearance of pores, and hydration. The soothing toner includes rose-petal water, vitamin E, and witch hazel extract.

The tannins in witch hazel extract act as a natural astringent, so they remove excess oil from skin without depleting skin of moisture. The rose water also helps to quench your face, plus it smells amazing. Basically, this liquid is pure magic." — MCW

"I'm a sucker for anything rose gold, so when I had the opportunity to test out this American Tourister Moonlight Spinner [22] ($60), I jumped at the chance. I have been on the hunt for hardside luggage that's easy to carry — luckily this arrived just in time for a two-week trip to New York City.

Not only did the suitcase look beautiful, but I was shocked by how much room the 21-inch design had inside. The black and gold lining was a pretty touch, too. I was able to fit a couple of jackets, three pairs of shoes, and plenty of outfits in the space. There's also a mesh divider so you can keep items separated, as well as a hidden pocket in case you want certain belongings stashed away privately.

If you need any extra space, the zipper expands 1.5 inches — that came in handy for the additional purchases I made on my trip. The wheels rotate 360 degrees, so no matter which way you're going, you'll get a smooth ride as you pull the suitcase along. Overall, I'm really happy with this spinner and would recommend it to anyone who needs new travel accessories — it gets my stamp of approval." — MCW

Sleepgram Adjustable Hypoallergenic Pillow

"Staying in a hotel is a nightmare for me. Almost every room features the fluffiest and thickest pillows, which is great for some people, but I always wake up with a neck ache the next day. Because I only like superflat pillows, the process of finding the perfect one usually consists of waiting two years for it to wear down and become my ideal thickness. This all changed when I discovered the Sleepgram Adjustable Hypoallergenic Pillow [23] ($50) on Amazon.

The hypoallergenic pillow zips open and features two different-size inserts that you can remove or add, depending on what works best for you. The various inserts give you the opportunity to choose between three options: soft, medium, or firm support. So, you can choose what's best for you, depending on whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

I have to admit I was hesitant to try this pillow because I'm so picky, but I was totally blown away. Since I normally wear down my already flat pillows, they always end up feeling old and lifeless; this pillow gave me a fluffy, soft, and supportive feeling I had never really experienced before. Not only did it give me the best night's sleep I've had in a while, but I could also give the thicker insert (which just feels like an actual pillow) to my boyfriend, and he loves it. Win-win." — Krista Jones, assistant editor, Shop

Antibacterial Silicone Dishwashing Sponges (Pack of 7)

"Washing dishes and getting your hands all pruny in the sink after enjoying a satisfying meal is basically punishment, and don't even get me started on that cringe-filled moment when you touch an unidentified wet food particle. Yuck! If you ask me, though, the worst part is having to replace your sponge [24] all. the. time. They get dirty and smelly so quickly, and it's even worse when you find little crumbs and bits of yesterday's dinner still stuck to the abrasive side. Thanks to this list of genius kitchen gadgets [25], I came across these Antibacterial Silicone Dishwashing Sponges [26] ($13), and they've saved me loads of dishwashing frustration.

My mom mentioned something similar a few months earlier, insisting these sponges were better than the original, so I decided to take a chance. The results were pretty much instantaneous. Because they're made of silicone, the sponges don't tear or absorb any liquid, so they don't smell! Also, since they're so flexible, scrubbing the mouth of a water bottle or a narrow cup is no problem. Plus, any food particles that get caught in the little grooves can easily be rinsed away, and the sponges are dishwasher-safe, which makes them super easy to clean.

The sponges come in a pack of seven bright colours, so you'll have one for the counters, one for the dishes, one for the tables, and more. As one satisfied Amazon customer commented, 'By far, the best part about this product is that you are not having a breeding ground in your kitchen for bacteria using a sponge. Once you use these you will not go back!' I completely agree.

The catch? You do still need a regular abrasive sponge to do any heavy-duty pot scrubbing every now and then, but 90 percent of the time, I'm still able to skip the lingering smell and soggy feeling of an ordinary sponge in my hands." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, Trending and Viral Features

"I have no idea why I get so many fruit flies at home. I don't even keep that much fruit around (yes, I know, I should probably eat more fruit [27]) but they show up anyway, conspiring to float around my apartment and drive me completely crazy. My dog may look adorable swatting at them, but I do not — which is why I've tried nearly everything to keep them from killing my vibe by killing them instead.

After some trial, error, furious Googling, and a polite complaint to my landlord, I started looking for DIY [28] ways to rid myself of them forever. While there are lots of fruit fly traps on the market, they're not very cute to look at — but I had faith that somewhere, someone had to be smart enough to design an aesthetically pleasing trap that could also lure fruit flies to their death. My search came to an end once I found the RSVP Endurance Fruit Fly Trap [29] ($12) on Amazon, which is not only stylish, but also discreet: the white ceramic looks sleek, and the stainless steel cover matches the rest of my kitchen appliances (one friend actually thought it was a salt cellar, which, LOL).

It's incredibly easy to use; you fill it with about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar [30] and a small drop of regular dish soap, put the lid on, sit back, and watch those suckers take the bait. Have I gleefully sipped a glass of wine while watching a fruit fly navigate its way into a hole and ultimately meet its demise? Yes. And did I let out a hearty witch cackle? Also yes. (I really hate fruit flies, in case you were wondering.)" — Britt Stephens, content director, Celebrity and Entertainment

Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5-in-1 Daily Facial Cleansing Pads

"Suddenly, as I entered my mid-20s, pesky zits started showing up on my cheeks and chin. I tried all sorts of products, including expensive creams, toners, and scrubs. It wasn't until I tried my sister's drugstore pick that I discovered the answer to my problem. Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5-in-1 Daily Facial Cleansing Pads [31] ($8) sit on my vanity now, and I use them religiously every night.

These little circular pads [32] contain 1.9 percent salicylic acid, which unclogs pores and dissolves the unwanted gunk you're dealing with. I use one every single night after I wash my face. All I do is wipe the pad over my problem areas and let it dry for a few minutes before I lie down or touch my face. My skin never gets too dried out or itchy from this formula, which is something I have struggled with in the past.

Clearasil promises that this miracle product will reduce excess oil and shine, unblock pores, even out your skin tone, remove dirt, and exfoliate for smoothness. I can tell you that it does all that and more. Not only do my pimples clear up rapidly, but my skin is also firmer and glowing." — MCW

Kirk's Odour Neutralising Hydrating Hand Soap in Rosemary & Sage

"I love garlic, but I hate the way it makes my hands smell. I usually give my hands a quick wash after I finish chopping any cloves [33] as I'm prepping dinner, but I could never really get rid of the strong smell until I discovered Kirk's Odour Neutralising Hydrating Hand Soap [34] ($9). This is not exactly a new discovery — the brand has been around since 1839 — but it's new to me. For the past few months, I've been using the Lemon & Eucalyptus scent in my bathroom and the Rosemary & Sage scent in my kitchen, and is it weird to say I look forward to washing my hands more than I normally would?

The soap has a natural, hypoallergenic formula that's free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, and harsh chemicals, which is something I personally care about as I strive to put more clean products on my skin [35]. It's extremely soft, and while I love the fresh scents, I like that there's a fragrance-free option too. You can find Kirk's in some stores [36] including Whole Foods, but it's also available on Amazon, which is even more convenient. Spaghetti night in my house is now even more enjoyable, thanks to this odour-obliterating soap." — EC

Glamfields Straightening Brush 2.0

"This Glamfields Straightening Brush 2.0 [37] ($41) includes a fast-heating ceramic plate and a digital display so you can see the temperature. The design features a swivel cord so you'll never get tangled while you're using it. Just make sure to use it on dry hair — it's not intended to act as a blow dryer. All you have to do is comb it through your hair for transformative results. People love that the brush saves them time and gets their hair looking silky and straight." — MCW

"My apartment doesn't have a heater, so needless to say, my morning bathroom stop is pretty chilly. Recently, my toilet seat was in desperate need of a replacement, so my roommates and I decided to check out our options on Amazon and discovered this Brondell LumaWarm Heated Nightlight Toilet Seat [38] ($136). We were so excited about the idea of being able to afford what felt like a luxury item, so, without hesitation, we ordered it.

The seat [39] comes in two sizes, elongated and round, which was a foreign concept to me, but after a quick Google search, I learned that toilets are, in fact, made in two different shapes and you can figure out which one you have by measuring the length of your current seat [40].

It arrived within just a few days and was easy to install — all we needed was a screwdriver. In order for it to work, we made sure we had an outlet close to the toilet because it is powered by plugging into the wall. It features three different heat settings and even a blue nightlight. We instantly fell in love with it. Sitting on a regular toilet just doesn't feel the same anymore. It was worth every penny." — KJ

IcyBreeze Cooler Blizzard Package

"As a new parent quickly growing accustomed to carrying around a lot of stuff whenever I go anywhere with my child, I'm all about products with wheels. I'll buy anything if it means I don't have to carry it myself. So if you're finding that your weekends are filled with soccer and baseball games for the kids [41], and part of going to those games involves schlepping a ton of stuff out to the field [42], you're going to love what Amazon has in store for you.

The IcyBreeze Cooler Blizzard Package [43] ($425) is the primo of coolers — it's a functioning air conditioner that blows up to 25 mph. Cool the dog, yourself, and everyone around you! It has a built-in battery that lasts a number of hours, so even take it to the beach for the afternoon. You're going to be the most popular family around!" — RB

Safavieh California Shag

"I live in a rent-controlled apartment in San Francisco, which is basically the equivalent of winning the lottery, and while I want to say I'm lucky for finding the unit, sometimes my carpet makes me think otherwise. My landlord hasn't updated a single fixture or appliance since, like, the '90s (even the fridge), and the apartment is covered in dirty brown carpet that has become so matted throughout the years that I wouldn't dare walk on it without socks or slippers. In addition, all of my walls are a very nonappealing dark beige that hurts to look at. It's worth it because the rent is cheap.

This year, I've been on a mission to debrown my space and make it feel cleaner by investing in some new pieces. I purchased some cool wall art and covered my also brown sofa in fluffy blankets [44], but the one thing I spent forever looking for was the perfect area rug.

I searched numerous places both in person and online. I felt like all the colours and patterns I saw would make my space look even darker or more cluttered. I always caught myself eyeing white rugs, but thought, 'No, that's crazy — I can't have a white rug.'

Once day while browsing on Amazon, I came across this ivory Safavieh California Shag [45] ($81) and it caught my eye. I decided to give it a try because it was affordable and I knew I could return it if I had to.

After getting it delivered to my front door within just a few days, I was instantly impressed by the quality. It's thick, fluffy, soft, and, most importantly, bright. Within seconds, my living room felt like a whole new space. The light from my bay windows reflected perfectly onto the fuzzy surface to create a fresh new feel.

The upkeep has been much easier than I thought, too. I have a shoe-free home, which helps keep dirt at bay, and the rug's material is easy to vacuum. The real seller is the price tag, because at the end of the day, if it gets ruined, I know it didn't cost me a fortune." — KJ

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

"Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay [46] ($11) has a tried-and-true formula that has worked for countless people with acne-prone skin. The mask is made with 100 percent natural calcium bentonite, which is a green clay that's incredibly absorbent. More than 15,000 customers have reviewed the product, and 70 percent of users give it five stars. That's a pretty spectacular reputation.

I tried the mask [47] myself and was very pleased with the results. When you open the jar, you will find a powdered clay that you mix with equal parts apple cider vinegar or water — it's up to you. Many customers claim that the vinegar will give you more effective results. You stir until you get a thick yet smooth paste that you can put on your face with your fingers or a brush. Allow the mask to dry. Here's the important part: if you have sensitive skin, only leave it on for five minutes. Any longer and you may experience irritation. If you have normal skin, you can leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. As it dries, you will feel your skin tightening — that's a good thing. Wash it off with warm water once you're finished. You may look a little red after you take the mask off, but that should go away in 15 minutes or so.

I used the mask three times in one week, and I didn't get a single zit. My skin felt baby soft, and it was the clearest it had been in months. Many fans of the product claim that it has been a miracle worker for their severe acne." — MCW

"I have a bust on the smaller side [48], and I don't need much support. I often find underwire bras are too uncomfortable and thin camis just aren't enough. I saw this Hanes Convertible Wire Free Bra [49] ($14) bubbling up on Amazon recently and became curious. It had over 1,800 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, so I gave it a try.

This bra looks small and thin but it offers me so much support. The smooth straps are adjustable and don't cut into my skin, and the material is so silky-soft, I feel like I'm wearing nothing. Now I'm officially throwing out all my other ones and buying this in every colour. The beige one is perfect to pair with all my light-coloured tops, but it comes in four other cute colours, including pink. At this price, you can buy them all!" — KJ

Mueller Austria Juicer

"You could call me a juice expert [50] — I make my own drinks in the comfort of my kitchen every day. It's a fun and easy way to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet [51], and some say it even promotes weight loss [52] when done properly. If you want to juice at home too but don't even know where to start, you can get all the essentials you need from Amazon, including this juicer. Not only is this Mueller Austria Juicer [53] ($80) highly effective, it's also a great deal. Putting fruits and vegetables into the device is a breeze, and my juices come out without any pulp." — MCW

Rivet King Street Industrial Cabinet Media Console Table

"In an effort to clean up clutter that was once piled on my kitchen table, I invested in this Rivet King Street Industrial Cabinet Media Console Table [54] ($125). I have it right in my entryway, and it's great for storing my keys (so I never misplace them), sunglasses, mail, purse, and so on. Plus, I love its sleek design." — KJ

Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder

"I am always looking for ways to have a movie-star-glowing grin, so I was excited to find this popular Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder [55] ($25). It's the No. 1 bestselling option on Amazon. I decided to put the product to the test myself. Wondering how charcoal works [56]? The brand explains it best. 'Derived from the highest-quality coconut sources, Active Wow's activated charcoal formula is safe to use for whitening your teeth, while being easy on your gums. Active Wow naturally whitens your teeth, not through harsh dental-grade whitening peroxides, but through the power of activated charcoal, nature's best purifiers, and detoxifiers.'"— MCW

Hatsutec Magic Silicone Cleaning Gloves

"Like most old city apartments, my place doesn't have a dishwasher. I spend almost every night doing the dishes, and over the years I grew particular about my sponges and gloves. I often found myself throwing them out and purchasing new ones every few weeks because it seemed like the most sanitary option. Recently, I had turned to Amazon to buy another batch but was recommended these Hatsutec Magic Silicone Dishwashing Gloves [57] ($15); I was immediately drawn to them.

I had heard a lot about silicone sponges and how they're much more hygienic than a traditional sponge that collects tons of bacteria. But I was completely sold on the concept that these gloves are a two-in-one product. I bought them within 30 seconds.

The day they arrived was probably the most excited I had ever been to cook and clean up. I was so pleasantly surprised by the results. I lathered the gloves in soap and started washing away. Getting my dishes squeaky clean was easier than ever, and honestly a little fun. The gloves feature slip-resistant grips, so wet items didn't slip away. They can withstand temperatures of -40 through 200 degrees Celsius, so using scorching hot water wasn't an issue. Plus, they even come with a handy hook, so you can hang them up to dry when you're done. I have a feeling these will last for a long time, and they were worth every penny." — KJ

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

"This TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum [58] ($20) is a bestseller on Amazon and grows in popularity with each day — it's currently up 120 percent in sales. According to the brand, the serum is 'proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while helping boost collagen, fade sun and age spots, improve skin firming, brightening, and tone for a smoother, fresher, more revitalized youthful complexion.' I know it sounds too good to be true, but it actually works.

Vitamin C is a necessary supplement when it comes to skin health, so it's no surprise that this serum works so well. If you're not convinced yet, check out the reviews on Amazon [59]. There are all sorts of before-and-after photos [60] that prove the effectiveness of this formula [61]."— MCW

L'Oréal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara

"I have short, sparse eyelashes, so hunting for effective mascaras has become a passion of mine. Of all the affordable options, L'Oréal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara [62] ($6) is my absolute favourite. It lengthens and thickens for a falsie-like effect in just two coats.

What I appreciate about the formula is that it doesn't flake or smudge, so I don't have to worry about it all day long. Almost 3,000 Amazon customers have reviewed this mascara, and most of them give it a perfect five stars." — MCW

Zinus Upholstered Platform Bed

"My boyfriend and I have been sleeping in a double bed together for a few years now, and while I want to say it's nice that we get the chance to be close at night, it's really just a nightmare. We are both 'sideways' sleepers and move around a lot, and a double bed does not give us enough room. At last, we just finally moved into an apartment that has a large enough bedroom for us to upgrade to a king-size bed. I had been waiting so long for this that I was beyond excited.

When I started shopping for beds and mattresses, I was shocked at the prices. Considering the only bed set I had ever owned was purchased by my parents, I didn't know how much it was going to cost me. I decided to splurge on a nicer mattress in the hopes I would have it for a long time, so I wanted to save on my headboard and box spring set. Little did I know that was going to cost me another $500 or so, at the cheapest.

A friend has recently turned me on to shopping for furniture on Amazon, so I decided to take a gamble and check the site. Lo and behold, I found this Zinus Upholstered Platform Bed [63] ($282). The reviews helped me make my decision — it has over 2,100 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. As I was reading the reviews, I noticed people said because of the wooden slats on this frame that I didn't need to purchase a box spring. The mattress could get the same amount of support by the platform bed's wooden slats. This was another money-saving win that finally convinced me to purchase the bed. An added bonus: I live in a city and didn't want to deal with the burden of a delivery. Ordering on Amazon Prime, it was simply delivered to my door within two days.

The bed arrived in a thin box and all the parts (there surprisingly weren't many) showed up in an efficiently packed set. We were able to quickly put together the bed within 15 minutes and I was shocked by how easy it was. It made me realise that not all cheap furniture has to be a disaster to assemble.

I've had the bed for about four months now, and I love it. It works in perfect harmony with my mattress, and by not having to purchase a box spring, I actually saved money." — KJ

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Makeup Setting Spray

"This L'Oréal Paris Infallible Makeup Setting Spray [64] ($14) will keep your makeup perfect from morning until night. Its formula [65] includes glycol, alcohol, water, and a form of sodium salt that locks your makeup in place like a seal. It's Saran Wrap for your face! Though it doesn't look or feel like cling film, I promise." — MCW

Lodge Pan Scraper

"I make eggs for my family weekly. My husband loves them, I love them, and my daughter loves them. And even though I use what I consider to be the best nonstick pan out there, at some point, things just start sticking — eggs in particular. I've had some success using these silicone dishwashing gloves [66], but they only get so much off.

After hearing people rave about this Lodge Pan Scraper [67] ($3, originally $10) and reading through reviews, I was sold. You have to wait until the pan cools off before using it (the scraper is likely to melt otherwise), but then you're free to flick off those reluctant pieces that seem to just want to hold on for dear life. The scrapers are intentionally rounded in four different ways so you can get the angle you want. And those of you who spend the Summer flipping burgers for the kids on the grill might find this handy scraper useful, too! It really gets in all of those nooks and crannies." — RB

Maybelline Makeup Instant Age Rewind Concealer

"I tried this Maybelline Makeup Instant Age Rewind Concealer [68] ($6) and immediately fell in love with it. This pick is a bestseller on Amazon, and for good reason. The superconcentrated formula [69] is infused with goji berry to brighten and illuminate the under-eye area while it covers up your dark circles. The soft, spongy applicator allows the formula to glide on smoothly; the product is evenly distributed across your skin. After a couple swipes, I simply tap the concealer with my finger until it's fully blended. You would never know I have rings under my eyes because they vanish instantly." — MCW

Coravin Model Two Wine Preservation System

"Is there anything better than opening a bottle of wine [70] at the end of a long day? Delicious and relaxing, there's something so satisfying about that first pour. But here's the thing: most nights, I really only want a glass or two [71]; I'm not trying to drink a bottle of wine while I do my laundry and catch up on Billions. But, if you are, more power to you.

So here's how it usually goes — I open a bottle, drink a little bit, and save the rest for tomorrow. Except that tomorrow, I go work out, or go out to dinner, or end up at a friend's house, which means that the yummy wine I opened has now pretty much gone bad [72]. It's a vicious cycle, but there was no way to break it. Until now.

I was recently gifted a Coravin Model Two Wine Preservation System [73] ($295), and it is the most genius thing ever. Upon first inspection, it looked like a fancy wine opener. But no. The Coravin is actually a machine that lets you open wine bottles without actually popping the cork. You read that right.

Here's how it works: a thick needle pierces the cork of the unopened wine bottle, and then you press the trigger to pressurize the wine bottle, and release it to pour. There's no cork damage in the glass of wine you've poured, and once you release the Coravin from the bottle, there's no indication that it's been opened. You can turn it upside down and nothing will come out. The wine is preserved using argon gas, which is an inert gas already present in wine-making.

The best part of this is, you can use the Coravin to open the same bottle of wine multiple times. If you want to have a tasting with a friend [74] or try that superexpensive bottle you got for your birthday, go right ahead. It just got that much easier to make every night wine night." — IY

E.L.F. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter

"This E.L.F. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter [75] ($8) is infused with vitamin E and hydrating jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils to nourish your skin. Not only do I use this as a highlighter, but it's a really pretty eye shadow, too. It's one of those products I can keep in my purse for easy touch-ups." — MCW

Smart Power Strip, Wifi Surge Protector

"I always get nervous about leaving things plugged in when I'm not home, and this Smart Power Strip, Wifi Surge Protector [76] ($26) is the answer. You can sync lights, devices, and more to a timer or manually turn them on or off from your smartphone, no matter where you are." — KJ

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray

"NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray [77] ($6) keeps my makeup intact all day long, appearing as though I have freshly applied my face. I have always loved an expensive, higher-end option, but when I ran out, I borrowed from my sister's beauty arsenal, and I was so impressed by how well it worked. I used four sprays before I went to the office, and when I headed out for cocktails at 5:30 p.m., I didn't need to reapply any makeup. I used the matte finish option, and it kept any unwanted grease or smudging at bay without taking the glisten away from my highlighter.

So how does it work so well? The lightweight formula [78] is a mixture of glycol, alcohol, water, and a form of sodium salt that locks your makeup in place with moisture. Think of it as a seal that keeps you fresh." — MCW

Blink XT Home Security Camera System

"One of my goals in 2019 was to get a camera for my house. This Blink XT Home Security Camera System [79] ($130) has been great. It connects to my phone so when I'm away I can check up on my house, and it send me alerts if there is unwanted movement." — KJ

Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Clean Fashion Sneakers

"These bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Clean Fashion Sneakers [80] ($30-$60) are, hands-down, one of my favourite picks [81]. I have worn them plenty of times, and the Cloudfoam that makes them comfy is as great as the day I bought them. I like that the design of the shoe works with a variety of outfits; they look good with jeans, dresses, and sweats. I can throw them on with almost everything hanging in my closet." — MCW


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/smart-living/Best-Products-Amazon-2019-46079564