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I'm a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (my favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products.

Not every "treat yourself" purchase has to be an impulse buy you'll forget about in a month. These surprisingly practical finds are designed to make your daily routine smoother, easier, and a little more enjoyable — whether that means speeding up your morning coffee, protecting your skin, or finally upgrading a kitchen tool you've been meaning to replace. The best part? They're useful enough to justify the spend without any regret. 

Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: 

"I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 'universal' Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!"

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn’t get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." —Hamps5

Get it from Amazon for $8 (also available in six other shades). 

Check out a TikTok of the portable snack tray in action. 

Promising review: "This snack tray set from Crudites was such a great find! The quality is amazing for the price. The flexible lids make them super versatile, and being dishwasher safe is a huge bonus. I've already bought sets for my family and friends — they're perfect for picnics, work lunches, and storing leftovers. I can't wait to use them during the holidays for all the charcuterie and veggie platters. I highly recommend them!" —june

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $24.95 (also available in a four-pack and rectangular sizes). 

Here's what my BuzzFeed Shopping colleague Gabriela Manjarrez has to say:

"I spent three weeks traveling through eight different European cities, and let me tell you — bringing these sandals with me was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. My most worn pair of shoes during my trip, hands down. The reasons I was on the hunt for comfy sandals were 1. I didn't want my feet enclosed all day while trekking the whole city in warm weather, and 2. Some outfits simply pair better with sandals. I hiked up to the Acropolis of Athens in these babies, and that stone floor was slippery. And still, out of my group of 11 family members and friends, I was the first one to make it to the top (and yes, I did brag). I even told two of my friends that went with me to get these for the trip, and they were eternally grateful for my rec."

Promising review: "As someone who owns several pairs of Birks, these sandals are absolutely up to the expectations of real Birks! The Birks I have are the Arizona soft footbed. I wanted this style of Birks, but I couldn’t find the soft footbed version of them. I saw these and thought I might as well try them for the price. Let me tell you, these are even comfier than my soft-footbed Arizona Birks! Omg, they feel amazing. They are nice and padded! They are so adorable, too! Great quality." —Lee

Get them from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12, two widths, and 19 colors). 

Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products. 

Promising review: "This nail veil is so pretty and perfect for a simple, bare nail look! It applies very smoothly, and one to two coats work well.  With a top coat, it lasts almost perfectly for about five days, but chips are not very noticeable, so you can easily wear it for longer! I also feel confident in this brand's use of healthier, higher-quality ingredients, which makes it well worth the extra cost. My nails aren't left damaged by this product, and it has become my go-to when I don't have the time for a full-color look but still want my nails to look polished and pretty!" —Sofia K 

Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in 10 shades). 

Promising review: "I've been drooling over the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, but the price just isn't in my budget…but after buying this, I say save your money and get the Dash! So easy to use and makes yummy ice cream at home! I love making frozen yogurt with Greek yogurt and then add-ins. So delicious!!" —Kat Barber

Get two mugs and a churner from Amazon for $44.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Love how this makes my skin feel. I have been using it for three weeks and can tell a difference in my face. But the real surprise came from the difference I saw on the top of my hands. I usually take the product and mix it on the top of my hand, then apply it to my face. Well, my 60-year-old hands are plumper and look more refreshed. So if it’s doing that to my hand, then it’s great for my face." —Dally

Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (available in four other styles).

I LOVE this stuff — check out my full review of Medicube's Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask here. 

Promising review: "This product is a game changer for my skincare routine! The Collagen Night Wrapping Mask feels light and soothing on the skin, and when I wake up, my face looks refreshed, plump, and hydrated. I love that it doesn’t feel sticky and absorbs nicely while still creating a protective layer overnight. After using it consistently, I’ve noticed my skin looking smoother and more radiant. A little goes a long way, so the tube lasts quite a while. Definitely worth it — I’ll be repurchasing!" —Danaisy Agüero Morales

Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in four styles).

Promising review: "I had a toddler I have to cut everything up for, and these scissors have made my life INCREDIBLY easier. I cut PB&J into perfect squares and grapes into three pieces effortlessly with these scissors. It cuts chicken and other meats simply. They’re sharp, safe, and so affordable too. Don’t look elsewhere; these are the best!" —Adrian 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors). 

Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products. 

Head's up that you should start very gently, and that you really only need to use it two to four times a month to get good results without over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier. 

Promising review: "I'll never use anything else! This exfoliating mitt is amazing. I didn’t have high expectations, but holy cow, am I pleasantly surprised. I am thirty years old and haven’t had this soft of skin even after an 'everything' shower in … I don't know how long! 10/10 recommend. My 11-month-old baby's got nothin' on mama’s skin now. 😮‍💨" —Lisa D. 

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in a set of two). 

Psst — you might recognize the brand because it's behind the TikTok-famous "glass skin" staple, Mixsoon Bean Essence Serum! 

Check out a TikTok of the Mixsoon sunscreen in action. 

Promising review: "I’ve been looking for a physical sunscreen with minimal ingredients, and this one really impressed me. It’s affordable and actually protects my skin. I don’t think I’ll ever switch!" —Lisbet Fonseca Moreira

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $14 (also available in a pack of two).

SpaceAid is a small business that specializes in home storage products. 

Promising review: "Love, love, love. Way better than imagined. Super easy to assemble. Assembled it in less than ten minutes. Decorated it and spins fabulously. Gave my closet the extra space it needed for my shoes and doesn’t take up much space." —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $79.98+ (available in seven sizes and four finishes). 

Promising review: "These are microwaveable and light to carry. Love the colors. Wish they were available in one color only, but I can’t complain. I primarily bought these for microwave purposes. But can be used for salads, hot soup, etc. Also, it’s an in-between size like a medium. Just right for me." —M. Zolnosky

Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.95 (also available as bowls!). 

Promising review: "This great little fan is saving me this summer! I use it when I commute, at my nephews’ swim meets, and whenever the heat is overwhelming. You can use it many times on one charge. Great little fan!" —AMH

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors).

Depending on your setting, the fan can last four to sixteen hours. Once it needs to be recharged, just connect it to any USB cable.

Promising review: "I use it for my commute to/from work. The heat and humidity have been awful, and I tend to perspire A LOT. It definitely keeps my neck cooler. A few people have even stopped me to ask how well it works." —Emily Dominguez

Get it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).

Basic Concepts is a small business that specializes in personal care products and home goods. 

Promising review: "I’m super picky about what coil hair ties I use, but these are by far my fave! I have super thick hair and it holds so well. They are super durable and stretch A LOT, so you can make sure it’s holding your hair well." —Gillian D. 

Promising review: "I've lost track on how many of these I've bought. I started with one for myself and fell in love with how soft and luxurious it feels. One side is faux fur and the other is soft fleece. Holds up well to washing. It is fairly thin, but man does it keep you warm! The fur and the fleece both stay soft and fairly in the same state after washing/drying (the fleece side does knob up after awhile, but that's typical for fleece).  After I bought myself a throw, I upgraded to a twin size. Then I had to buy one for my husband, my kids, all of my dogs (note: pets WILL try to steal these from you), and even to throw on furniture. The feel is so comfortable and relaxing. And the price is super affordable! I have nothing bad to say about these!" —Mags

Get it from Amazon for $57.99+ (also available in smaller sizes for throws, Twin beds, and Queen beds, plus 23 colors). 

Promising review: "Makes skin very glowy and elastic! I love to use The Ordinary for my skincare. I have tried several of their products, and the best things I like about them is their affordable prices and quality. This serum is thick but lightweight and absorbs fairly quickly while leaving a smooth layer on top. I use it every night before bed, and I wake up every morning with my skin feeling super soft, hydrated, and plump. This has been great for combating dry skin in the winter, and to fix my skin barrier after using exfoliating products and other harsher products. Definitely would recommend, it gives you glassy skin that you will love!" —Rina

Promising review: "These earbuds are fantastic! I have purchased them about four or five times. Every time I lose one, I buy another set. The sound quality is great, and the noise cancellation works really well, which is perfect for my commute. I love that they're waterproof too. The battery life is amazing, and the charging case is super convenient. It fits perfectly in my ear; the size is not too big or small." —Marouka

Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in seven colors).

Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying! 

Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. It was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid that comes with it. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." —Jennifer 

Get it from Amazon for $169.95+ (available in seven colors). 

Check out a TikTok of the Bella toaster in action. 

Psst — if you're looking to save space in your kitchen and don't want to sacrifice on aesthetic, check out Bella's matching line of compact, affordable kitchen appliances! 

Promising review: "The narrow width of this toaster helps free up real estate on my small countertop, plus it accommodates two slices of toast, English muffins, or bagels as well as a regular-width toaster. It comes in a beautiful teal color, which I love. And the three toast levels ensure you don’t burn food, and the quality of the toast is just right — from light to brown. I highly recommend it!" —Joyce Hill

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in five colors).

Dae is a small business that specializes in haircare and styling products. 

Check out a TikTok of the taming wand in action. 

(It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.) 

Promising review: "I’ve tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I’ve tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" —Completely happy customer! 

"LOVE!!! It doesn't make hair greasy, it gets rid of my super frizzy hair, and smooths it down. Easily applied and the applicator is super functional. I love and will definitely buy again for the price! Super good look to it." —Devon Reid

Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of light. I love them. I would highly recommend. I’ll probably never sleep without them again." —AJ

"I bought these at the last second for a flight when I lost my way more expensive sleep mask, and can safely say "good riddance" to that old pair — I love this version way more. It's perfectly contoured so it doesn't rub my eyes or mess up my makeup if I'm traveling, the weight is satisfying without being distracting, and it adjusts super quickly and easily without ever getting caught in my hair. Also, the pink is just absolutely precious, so my little Glinda x Barbie heart is most pleased to show it off."

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in seven sets). 

Promising review: "These leggings are perfect for working out or casual wear! The sizing was great. They are compression, but not suffocating. The fabric is super soft, has two pockets, and is super comfy. They make for the perfect gym selfie!" —Brittany Strohm

Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–4XL and in 30+ colors).

This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 

Promising review: "I have been buying this for a long time for me and my daughter. I have thin, curly hair but it gets dry in the winter and this really brings it back to life. My daughter has THICK and super curly hair and it keeps her hair so hydrated (we use it as a mask every two weeks on her). Highly recommend." —Marina M. 

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!

Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I was skeptical at first, but after my first use, I fell in love. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t drip off, which is nice. Once it was time to rinse off, it was amazing seeing all the stuff it sucked out of my pores (gross, but a good gross). Not only does this stuff work, it’s fun to watch and see your face turn into a Smurf lol. I have cystic acne, which in itself is hard to manage, but this stuff made it that much more manageable. Face was left feeling cleansed, refreshed, and soft. LOVE LOVE this product. Highly highly recommend." —HarleyMama

Reviewers do say it has a bit of...spice...to it. So if you experience a tingling sensation, that's totally normal! Some people also said the closer you get to the bottom of the tube, the harder it is to get the product out — so you may want to grab a squeezer to prevent that from happening!

Promising review: "At first, I was kind of skeptical. But after a week of using it, there is a difference. The age beige is disappearing. My teeth are much whiter and on the way to being much brighter. My breath is much fresher and without my buds being tasteless. Yes, it does taste and even smell like Pepto Bismol — but it's absolutely magical. No more regular toothpaste that absolutely does nothing but leave an unpleasant scent in your mouth as if you didn't brush." —Angelique Cox

Promising review: "This bowl is so adorable. I feel so cute when I eat and it makes me want to eat out of it. Everyone compliments me on it when I post my meals in it. Hasn’t chipped or anything yet! Love this bowl." —The U 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four colors and sets of two). 

Here's what BuzzFeed's Emma Lord has to say: 

"I bought the OG body wash after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and happily used it all winter. I was so happy to discover that the Wild Iris Musk Body Wash was a perfect spring/summer update — the scent is so lovely, floral, and fun, and manages to have depth and staying power without being overwhelming. My favorite thing about Cremo body washes is how easily they pair with other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry."

Promising review: "Oh my. The scent of this is intoxicating. I’m so excited to try the others. I keep smelling my arms. So so good. Great body wash in general. But the smell and price make it my absolute favorite." —Chelsea Shackelford

Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with this cutting board. It is made so well and looks so expensive. Every time I have guests, I will use it as serving tray or display for charcuterie and I always get compliments on it." —Lorrin Farrell

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three sizes). 

Promising review: "This gel is a lifesaver for me. It's a lightweight, cool, soothing gel that moistens my nasal passages at night, allowing me to get restful sleep. It was recommended to me by my allergy doctor. I use it every night without fail. Try it and see!" —Jeanie 

You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. 

Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." —Alex Bonick

Mora Ceramics is a small business that specializes in home goods. 

Promising review: "Very high-end ramekins! Pricey, but worth every penny. They are absolutely stunning! They are very well-made. They are large and I absolutely love them. I highly recommend and I will also definitely buy again from this company." —Amazon Customer 

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three sizes and colors). 

Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people are holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable for different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to burning mine after I’m done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently." —Brent Helm

Promising review: "We love these hangers! Between my girls and me, we have plenty of cardigans and wide-neck tops that struggle to stay on hangers without putting bumps in the shirts. The grips on the clasps are high-quality rubber that won’t damage the clothes, yet they hold them securely in place. And the plastic frame is much more durable than other brands, so hopefully they will last much longer!!! We definitely will be getting more." —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sets of 3, 6, or 10, and in three colors).

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Plus, finds from Etsy and Urban Outfitters.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.