Life
27 Clever Things On Amazon Every Adult AF Woman Needs
Amazon/Bustle
Getting older makes you question a lot of things in your life: your job, your finances, your wardrobe (can't get by on old college sweatshirts forever, sadly). But more than anything, it makes you wonder just how prepared you are for — well, everything. That’s why I rounded up some clever products that every woman needs to have because adulting is hard, but it's so much easier when you've got a little extra help along the way.
The best part is that morphing into the full-fledged, leafy greens-eating, marathon-running, organized adult of your dreams isn't impossible. It just takes work, and a big part of that labor is coming to terms with the fact that even the best-laid plans can sometimes go horribly awry, even if you're super-prepared for them. As a kid, you panic, but one of the benefits of having your act together as an adult is that you know how to roll with the punches.
The gadgets in this slideshow were all created to help make your day-to-day simpler and less stressful. That way, you can focus on what really matters, like cold pizza for breakfast and hunkering down for another weekend-long Netflix binge-fest. Because you know, priorities.
2. Block Painful Blisters With This Soothing Prevention Balm
Solemates Blister Blocker, $13, Amazon
This natural blister prevention balm is designed to protect your skin from painful blisters on your feet, and works by creating an invisible barrier that helps minimize friction and chafing on your skin. Unscented and made with beeswax, this hypoallergenic balm coats skin, but won't leave behind a greasy residue. It also comes in a convenient travel-sized bottle, so you can take it with you on the go. It can be used safely on any shoes, including sneakers, heels, and sandals.
3. This Lotion That Offers A Powerful Protective Layer
Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion, 8 ounce, $16, Amazon
This shielding lotion protects the outermost layer of skin by covering your hands in a layer of moisture — almost like a pair of invisible gloves. This is a great products for folks that work with their hands or are always coming up a glove short before going out into the cold. In fact, this lotion may be even more effective than traditional ones because instead of adding artificial moisture, it works by keeping moisture-depleting irritants out in the first place.
4. This Drain Protector That Prevents Clogged Sinks
This drain protector goes inside your sink’s drain to collect anything that shouldn’t be there, from extra hairs and fingernail clippings to that ring that always slips off your finger. This way, you’ll never have to worry about things getting clogged. It’s made of silicone and is easy to clean, so once it starts to get packed with debris, you can simply take it out and wash it off. Your sink will stay clear of gunk without having to resort to any harsh chemicals.
5. This Affordable, Color-Coded Knife Set For Any Type Of Food Prep
Cuisinart 12-Piece Knife Set, Multicolor, $17, Amazon
Knives are probably the most important utensils to have in the kitchen, and this affordable set comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any personal cooking needs. In this multi-colored assortment, you'll get six tools: a chef's knife, slicing knife, serrated bread knife, santoku knife, utility knife, and paring knife. They're all made of a high-quality stainless steel, and each one's individual color actually serves a purpose beyond being cute: to prevent the risk of contamination when preparing things like meat and fish.
6. Keep Hot Styling Tools From Damaging Countertops With This Holder
Hair Tools Holder, $13, Amazon
You need a place to store hot styling tools so they won't burn your hands when you put them down (or scorch your countertops), which is why this tools holder is a great pickup. It has a compartment with a wire grid, and because the finish is rustproof and tough, you don't have to worry about it warping. From hair dryers to curling irons to flat irons, everything will fit here, and it's even useful for storing a few brushes and combs.
7. A Night Light That Turns On Automatically When You Pass By
Mr. Beams Motion-Sensing Nightlight, $9, Amazon
Perfect for placing near your bed or along your path to the bathroom, this motion-sensing night light turns on automatically when you approach it and turns off 30 seconds after you pass. It emits a soft, amber light that won’t disrupt your sleep like brighter, bluer lights would. The night light is battery powered, simple to set up, and should last for about an entire year before you need to replace the batteries.
8. A Foot Massage That Kneads Away Pain And Has Acupressure Benefits
TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller, $18, Amazon
This foot massager is designed to contour the natural arch of your foot and has strong, perfectly spaced nubs that provide an acupuncture massage to feet. It stimulates blood flow and healthy circulation, alleviates pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, and weighs less than 2 pounds, making it a portable massager for on-the-go relief.
9. A Set Of Bikini Panties That Stretch Just Enough
Amazon Essentials Cotton Bikini Panty, $12 (6 Pack), Amazon
More than 1,000 Amazon users have vouched for this set of classic cotton bikini panties. Not only is this value-pack a great deal, the 95 percent cotton underwear feature just a hint of elastane in the fabric, so they are comfortable, but won’t get stretched out. Speaking of comfort, the label is printed on the inside the panties, so there’s no annoying tag. You can get the panties in solid black, solid white, or a variety of colors, and they’re available from X-Small to XX-Large.
10. A Scalp Clarifying Shampoo And Conditioner Made From Charcoal And Bamboo
Marc Daniels Charcoal Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner, $22, Amazon
Dirt, oil, and product buildup can accumulate on your scalp and cause dryness and even dandruff that isn’t easy to get rid of with ordinary, everyday cleansing products. But this charcoal shampoo and conditioner duo exfoliates the scalp and provides a deep clean using natural ingredients like bamboo extract — and it won’t strip hair of color and moisture like a lot of other clarifying products. In fact, it does the opposite: it actually restores color-treated, heat-damaged hair and works on all hair types, from fine to coarse and everything in between. Both the shampoo and conditioner are free of sulfates and parabens and are cruelty-free and vegan.
11. This Lap Desk That Makes It So Easy To Work From Anywhere
LapGear MyDesk, $17, Amazon
Whether you're working or just browsing on your laptop in bed or on the couch, you can still be comfy with this all-purpose lap desk, which comes with a cozy fleece cushion that's filled with conforming micro-beads that provide the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. Built to fit most standard laptops, this lap desk also comes with a handle, curved edge, and two storage compartments for storing things like your phone
12. This Organizer For Pots And Lids That Keeps Cabinets Mess-Free
SimpleHouseware Pan and Pot Lid Organizer Rack, $14 (2 Pack), Amazon
This stainless steel, pot and pan storage set can organize up to six items and comes with two compartments that can rack thick pots and pans, plus a four-compartment for thinner pans, lids, and cutting boards. This rack can also be used for dinnerware, including bowls and plates, and comes with rubber feet, which will protect surfaces and keep items in place.
13. This Totally Innovative Clip-On Strainer That's A Real Space-Saver
Kitchen Gizmo Snap 'N Strain Strainer, $15, Amazon
This clip-on silicone strainer is brilliant — it's half the size of a normal colander and designed to clip on to the side of nearly all round pots, pans, and bowls to drain water from pasta and other dishes. Safe to run in the dishwasher, this BPA-free strainer is easy to maintain and saves a lot of space. One reviewer writes: "I have never been worried that it might un-clamp from my pot, but it's also not difficult to attach- no arm/hand strength needed!"
14. Get A Brighter Smile With This Teeth Whitening Pen
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen, $20, Amazon
Whitening strips and expensive treatments from the dentist can be tough to make time for, but this portable whitening pen does the job fast. Made with 35 percent carbamide peroxide (which works like hydrogen peroxide but breaks down slower than it, so results happen over time), this pen can fit in most bags, comes out in a gel form, and helps remove surface stains from coffee, wine, smoking, and other abrasive agents that damage the look of teeth. It's safe for sensitive teeth, and only takes a minute to start working.
15. Organize Household Cleaning Tools With This Mighty Holder
Berry Ave Organizer, $14, Amazon
Featuring 11 storage slots and six retractable hooks, this super-popular organizer can help you tidy up any laundry room or utility closet effortlessly. It'll easily hold all your brooms, mops, brushes, and cleaning tools so they're not adding to household clutter. Equipped to hold up to 50 pounds and spring-loaded with double rubber grips to ensure nothing ever slips or falls, this comes with all the tools needed for easy installation. It can even hold gardening tools and sports equipment.
16. This Electric Spinner That Makes Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes Fun
Selene Electric Spinning Makeup Brush Cleaner, $39, Amazon
Cleaning makeup brushes after every use is necessary to keep bacteria from building up on them, but it can be a total time suck. Luckily, this three-step, electric makeup brush cleaner simplifies the process and does all the work for you. Just attach a brush to the spinner, fill the spinner bowl with soap and water, then dip brushes and spin the bowl to rinse them off. To dry, all you've got to spin it without water. This cleaner can accommodate up to eight brush sizes, too.
17. This Portable Air Purifier That's Literally A Breath Of Fresh Air
hOmeLabs 3 in 1 Ionic Air Purifier with HEPA Filter, $35, Amazon
Designed to remove 99 percent of impurities including dust, pollen, smoke, and mold, this air purifier is an excellent appliance for folks with allergies and asthma. It comes with four heavy duty filters that remove harmful toxins, trapping even the smallest airborne particles that are invisible to the naked eye. Releasing activated carbon, this purifier can even eliminate unpleasant odors and offer you room to breath easily.
18. A Portable Vacuum To Help You Actually Clean Your Car
Hikeren 12V 75W Mini Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner, $18, Amazon
Thanks to the powerful suction this little vacuum can lift dirt, pet hair, crumbs, and dander off the upholstery of your car. The mini handheld design comes with a pivoting nozzle that makes cleaning cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of your care quick and easy. It comes with a long power cord and power efficiency, plus a convenient storage bag that fits neatly in your trunk or backseat.
19. This Ancestry Test That Reveals Your Ethnic Breakdown
AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing DNA Ancestry Test Kit, $79, Amazon
With this DNA test, you can learn about your ethnic background, concerning 165 regions all over the world, including nine unique areas in Africa. And since the company has more than six million people in its network, you can use it to connect to obscure family members you didn’t even know you had. The kit is super simple to use, and all you need to send out to have your ancestry determined is a saliva sample.
20. A Serum That Strengthens Teeth And Protects Tooth Enamel
Uncle Harry's Remineralization Liquid For Tooth Enamel, $10, Amazon
Your teeth and enamel can weaken over time, especially if you have had tooth decay or frequently eat foods (like citrus) that erode enamel. This powerful remineralization liquid works to reverse that problem. It provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to promote alkaline pH of the mouth and neutralize acids and bacteria. Many reviewers rave about how effective it is and say it can even help reduce bleeding when you brush your teeth and lessen pain associated with tooth sensitivity. Best of all: these drops are portable and easy to use anywhere.
21. An Aftershave Toner That Naturally Prevents Ingrowns And Razor Burn
Kerah Lane Pure Skin Aftershave Toner, $12, Amazon
This aftershave toner eliminates ingrown hairs, razor burn, and general irritation from shaving, and it’s so gentle that you can even use it on sensitive skin. The toner is made with aloe vera, witch hazel, and other botanical extracts that nourish and protect your skin without harsh chemicals. Best of all, unlike a lot of other razor burn solutions out there, this toner won’t sting when you apply it.
22. This Portable Steamer That Helps Get Rid Of Wrinkles On-The-Go
Imagine isteam Clothes Steamer, $23, Amazon
Wrinkles are no match for this mighty clothes steamer, which heats up in 60 seconds and supports up to 10 minutes of continuous steaming. That's just enough time to steam your entire outfit before you rush out the door in the morning! Plus, since this model is only 8 inches tall and only weighs 1 pound, its perfect for packing for your next business trip.
23. A Sleek Magnetic Copper Bracelet That Can Relieve Chronic Pain
Earth Therapy Healing Copper Bracelet, $20, Amazon
Made of 99.9 percent copper, this magnetic healing bracelet can potentially deliver pain relief directly to inflamed areas. It’s a non-invasive, non-habit forming alternative option for pain relief that you can wear on your arm. The bangle design fits on any wrist and there is no finicky clasp to deal with. One Amazon user raved, “I have chronic knee pain, and it seems to be helping significantly with this issue. I love this magnetic bracelet.”
24. This Exfoliating Brush That Helps Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Dylonic Exfoliating Brush, $11, Amazon
This exfoliating brush treats and prevents both ingrown hairs and razor burn, so it's great as a pre- or post-shave treatment if you choose to remove body hair. It's flexible fiber bristles helps irritation from happening because the brush stimulates and releases trapped hair through the exfoliation process, so it doesn't get trapped under skin. Good on all skin types whether it's dry or wet, this brush offers an ergonomic grip and is super-comfortable to hold.
25. This Essential Safety Tool Anyone With A Car Should Own
The Original Keychain Car Escape Tool, $10, Amazon
If you own a car, you should also own one of these: the "Original Keychain Car Escape Tool," which does exactly what its name implies. If you're ever stuck in your car, this handy gadget will (literally) be a life-saver, as it has the power to smash side windows and cut through seat belts. Keep one on your keychain, because it's always better to be safe than sorry.
26. This Clear Storage Case To Organize Your Makeup & Jewelry
Makeup and Jewelry Big Storage Case Display, $25, Amazon
Featuring clear acrylic drawers with a sleek diamond pattern exterior, this makeup and jewelry case keeps everything organized for you while looking good, too. Its easy-grip drawers are designed in varying sizes to accommodate lipsticks, foundations, bronzers, blushes, eyeshadows, powders, jewelry, grooming tools, keepsakes, and others items — each one built with a black mesh padding inserts.
27. A Set Of Serious Sponges That Don’t Require Chemicals
NanoSponge Cleaning Sponges, $11 (2 Pack), Amazon
These powerful sponges have two unique sides: one that aggressively scrubs away dirt and grime without scratching surfaces and another that absorbs liquids to quickly clean up spills. The sponges also resist the growth of bacteria, so they’ll remain mold- and mildew-free and won’t accumulate unwanted odor. But what really set this sponge apart is how well it can clean any surface with just water — no weird chemical cleaning products necessary.
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