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31 Ridiculously Useful Products Under $5 On Amazon That'll Leave Bargain Hunters Shook
Quality products come in all price points, but that doesn't mean it's easy to find a good bargain. You expect candy bars and pencils to cost less a few dollars, but these ridiculously useful products under $5 on Amazon that'll leave bargain hunters shook are in a category all their own — and they're the best shopping surprise ever.
You might not think you need some of the genius items on this list. But after living a few days with a vegetable peeler that doesn't take half of your potato along with it, or a head massager that makes you a genuinely happier person, why would you opt not to?
All of the products on this list cost less than a meal out — and some even cost less than a fancy cup of coffee. Yet they all serve sweet functions, including saving you time, money, and stress. You'll find kitchen gadgets you've never heard of and devices that create froth for your coffee and ensure you get every last drop of toothpaste out of the tube. There's even a dry shampoo that won't leave white residue on your scalp or break the bank, so now you have another excellent excuse not to wash your hair every day.
Before you bust out your credit card and use it to charge another pricey item, check out this list of super useful products that are so affordable you'll be able to stock up.
2. A Quick Head Massage Anytime You Need One
Bulk Buys Tingle Head Massager, $5, Amazon
There's nothing more relaxing than a good scalp massage. This head massager is the next best thing to sitting in a hair stylist's chair, and it costs a fraction of the price of a good haircut. These custom-fit fingers bend to fit your head and deliver a tingling massage that promotes blood circulation. Use it on your scalp, knees, ankles, and elbows, too.
3. A Dual-Ended Eye Brow Pencil That Looks Natural
Etude House Drawing Eye Brow, $4, Amazon
A good eyebrow pencil can make a world of difference when it comes to shaping and filling in sparse brows, and this one — with more than 1,200 reviews — isn't just affordable, it's a quality option. The dual-ended brow shadow has a slanted, highly pigmented pencil on one side and a brush on the other. The formula stays in place and looks supernatural, and it comes in two shades: dark brown or a grayish tone.
4. A Sturdy Spatula That Won't Scratch Nonstick Cookware
Norpro My Favorite Spatula, $4, Amazon
Say goodbye to eggs that stick to pans — hello, new favorite spatula! This affordable powerhouse effortlessly slides under and flips over over French toast, meats, fish, and more. This sturdy cooking gadget is heat resistant up to 500 degrees and won't scratch non-stick, enamel coated, or glass pots and pans.
5. A Cropped Tank And Seamless Bralette
TheMogan Junior's Cross Spaghetti Strap Tank Top, $5, Amazon
This well-fitted cropped tank with spaghetti straps is so much more: it's also a wireless and seamless bralette and the best piece imaginable for layering. This stretchy tank is made from 90 percent nylon and 10 percent spandex, has crisscross cut-out straps in the front, is not padded, and comes in 20 colors.
6. A Dry Shampoo That Won't Leave White Flakes Behind
Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Dry Shampoo, $4, Amazon
A few quick spritzes of this texturizing dry shampoo can save you the hassle of having to wash your hair that morning — and will give your hair new life. This spray absorbs excess oil, gives roots a major lift, and smells like toasted coconut. But the best part of all (besides its amazing price): it won't leave white residue in your hair.
7. A Vegetable Peeler That Strips Off Thin Layers
Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, $4, Amazon
The unique C-shape of this vegetable peeler makes it easier to peel the skins off of veggies like carrots, potatoes, and radishes. It has a potato eye remover on the handle, and its carbon steel blades remove the thinnest strips of skin possible, leaving you with more veggie goodness. It comes in eight colors and you can buy these peelers in packs of two or three.
8. A Two-In-One Pumice Stone With Difference Coarseness Levels
Mr. Pumice, $4, Amazon
On the purple side of this two-in-one pumice bar, you'll find extra coarse grits — on the lavender side, medium coarse grits. Use one when you need to remove a particularly stubborn callus or patch of dead skin, and the other to maintain softness on your feet, elbows, knees, or ankles.
9. The Collagen And Vitamin E Eye Masks That Reduce Puffiness
Purederm Deluxe Collage Eye Masks, $4 (2 Pack Of 30 Sheets), Amazon
Most eye creams cost five times the amount of these eye masks (and often times, a boatload more). But this two pack of 30 sheets of eye masks isn't just a bargain — it's an effective product that reduces puffiness and makes your eye area look brighter and smoother. Its key ingredients include natto gum, which is a plant-based collagen, vitamin E, and green tea. One reviewer has a great use for these: "Mostly I use these in the morning when I am doing my makeup. I put these under my eyes then do my eyeshadow. If there is any fallout from the shadow this catches them. Then when I remove them my undereyes are totally moisturized and look great."
10. The Knife Guards That Keep Every Knife You Own Sharp
Ergo Chef Universal Knife Edge Guard Set, $4 (5 Pack), Amazon
There is a way to help keep your favorite knives from getting dull — cover them with these knife edge guards before storing or transporting them. The set comes with five guards in different colors and sizes that fit a paring knife, utility or Santoku, chef, carving or bread knife, and another chef or Santoku knife.
11. A Vegan Fluoride-Free Toothpaste With Activated Charcoal
Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste, $5, Amazon
Get your teeth their cleanest and brightest with this fluoride-free activated charcoal toothpaste, which is killer on bacteria and plaque and naturally whitens teeth without peroxide. This vegan toothpaste is also Leaping Bunny certified and PETA approved. Brushing with black paste might take some getting used to, but charcoal devotees say no other toothpaste makes their teeth feel as clean.
12. A Knife Sharpener With Over 1,200 Reviews
Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener, $4, Amazon
You may not be sharpening your cooking knives enough, but who can blame you — most sharpeners are a pain to use. But not this one: This two-step knife sharpener has crossed carbide blades for a quick edge setting and crossed ceramic rods for an extremely sharp finish. All you need to do is pass a dull knife through the sharpening slots three or four times, and you've got yourself a perfectly sharpened blade.
13. A Soothing After-Sun Cream With Aloe And Coconut Oil
Burt's Bees Aloe And Coconut Oil After Sun Soother, $4, Amazon
There's a lot of emphasis on wearing sunscreen — and for good reason. But sunburns can still happen, and when they do, this aloe and coconut oil after-sun lotion is the ultimate skin comfort food. It isn't greasy, absorbs well, and provides both instant and long-lasting relief from inflammation and hydration to prevent peeling.
14. A Money-Saving Toothpaste Squeezer
Ebeat Rolling Toothpaste Squeezer And Hanger Gadget, $1, Amazon
For the less than the cost of a pack of gum, this clever toothpaste squeezer and hanger gives you a money-saving tool that gets every last drop of toothpaste out of the tube and can even hang your toothpaste and keep it organized and in place. This is easily one of those cool gadgets you never knew you needed, but will be so happy you own.
15. The Battery Operated Milk Whisks To Create Frothy Drinks
World Pride Electric Milk Frother, $3, Amazon
Cappuccinos, lattes, and hot cocoa are a lot more special when you add a little froth on top. This electric milk frother is a handheld, battery-operated whisk that creates foam in seconds. Not only do reviewers love these frothers, but they say they work even better than more expensive versions.
16. The Keychain Tool That Can Open Bottles And More
Nite Ize DoohicKey Key Tool, $4, Amazon
As long as you're going to attach a keychain to a set of keys, why not choose one like this multi-functional keychain tool that can make little jobs a lot easier? Use this stainless steel keychain as a box cutter, bottle opener, wrench, ruler, carabiner, and screwdriver (oh yes, and also as a keychain).
17. A Convenient Place To Finally Store Your Hair Dryer
Tenworld Hair Dryer Holder, $3, Amazon
Right this minute, there's a good chance your hair dryer is sitting in a cabinet somewhere, threatening to fall out of that cabinet at any minute. When there doesn't seem to be any good place to store your blow dryer, invest a few dollars in this hair dryer holder, which mounts easily to any wall and keeps your dryer up and out of the way. The holder is made from sturdy aluminum and stays in place with two screws, which come with each order.
18. The Flexible, Washable Silicone Sponges For Makeup Application
amore Silicone Makeup Sponge, $4 (2 Pack), Amazon
Your foundation, concealer, and bronzer will glide on without effort when you use these silicone makeup sponges for both makeup application and blending. Each sponge is made from 100 percent silicone with a tapered end that can be used for a more precise application. Unlike with most makeup brushes, these sponges are so simple to wash that you might just find yourself cleaning them every day — which prevents bacteria buildup and helps keep your skin clear.
19. A Handbag Insert That Keeps Your Personal Items Organized
Hoxis Nylon Handbag Insert, $4, Amazon
Imagine never having to dig around the vast, black hole of your handbag just to find your sunglasses, lipgloss, or ATM card. This nylon handbag insert has pockets for everything from your phone to your credit cards and is the perfect size (11.2 inches) to fit inside of most medium and large handbags. You'll keep every item you need to take with you organized, and will save time wherever you go.
20. A Flexible Phone Holder That Keeps Devices In Place
Rienar Universal Holder For Smartphones And Tablets, $5, Amazon
Once you get over the fact that this phone holder resembles a creepy, massive black spider, you'll find (like hundreds of happy reviewers) that its unique design keeps phones and tablets secure and in place. Made from a combo of core alloy metal and soft touch rubber, you can bend and shape this holder to fit your device. It works on all mobile phone — as well as e-readers and books — and can be used in cars, on bikes, and both indoors and outdoors.
21. The Bra Clips That Conceal Straps And Make Bras Fit Better
An American Company Bra Clips, $4 (8 Clips) Amazon
When your bra isn't fitting properly, but you don't have the time or budget to whiz over to the store and stock up on more lingerie, these bra clips are a dream come true. They can be used to adjust and tighten straps so that they are not visible under clothing, and are also great for making loose straps more secure. Each pack comes with white, beige, black, and transparent clips — and they work on all bra types.
22. A Compact Makeup Brush Cleaner That Lifts Makeup And Dirt
Tenworld Pro Makeup Washing Brush Tool, $2, Amazon
Washing your makeup brushes is no fuss at all with this makeup brush cleaning tool, which is essentially a compact silicone makeup cleaner with various knobs for lathering brushes and getting them super clean. Spray makeup remover on brushes, work the bristles into this tool to gently lift embedded makeup off, rinse them, and leave them to dry.
23. A 20-Piece Makeup Brush With Soft, Strong Bristles
Cinidy 20 Piece Makeup Brush Set, $4, Amazon
For less than $5, you can own a 20-piece makeup brush set that includes everything you could possibly need — from a lip brush and foundation brush to plenty of eyeshadow brushes. These synthetic brushes have bristles that reviewers describe as "soft" and "resistant." Considering the price, this is one set you can't pass up, even if you keep it in your carry-on bag as a travel makeup brush set.
24. An Earphone Case With A Carabiner Clip
Case Star Hard EVA Case, $2, Amazon
This earphone case will protect your earphones from damage, and each case comes with a carabiner clip that can be used to attach it anywhere for safe keeping. The case itself is made from EVA and nylon and has a mesh pocket with a zipper enclosure.
25. A Clip That Makes Holding Plastic Bags A Lot Easier
FunnyToday365 Bag Holder, $1, Amazon
Holding plastic bags can chafe your hands, but this smart little bag holder clip hooks onto bags and makes them much more comfortable to carry around. Made of ABS plastic, which is a more eco-friendly material, it's sturdy enough to hold up to 33 pounds.
26. The Closet Accessory Organizer That Requires No Installation
InterDesign Classico Over the Rod, $4, Amazon
"No installation requires" are the three sweetest words around — and they apply to this closet accessory organizer that can simply be placed over a closet rod. Hang scarves, handbags, ties, belts, and robes on the rod, and it has two hooks and is made from steel wire with a bronze finish.
27. Stackable Makeup Storage Drawers That Fit Palettes
mDesign Stackable Cosmetic Drawer, $5, Amazon
Too many makeup storage kits fail to provide enough room for all of your makeup. This DIY solution consists of stackable clear plastic cosmetic drawers that are roomy enough to fit eyeshadow palettes (which is the ultimate test of good makeup storage). Stock up on as many as you need and position them vertically to save space and organize all of your cosmetics.
28. This Travel-Friendly Miniature Skillets
Lodge Miniature Skillet, $4, Amazon
These miniature skillets are obviously adorable, but they're also functional. Each 3.5-inch cast iron skillet has amazing heat retention and comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. Use them to sear, braise, bake, roast, and more. They're compatible with glass, electric, induction, and ceramic-glass top stoves and ovens and are perfect for travel.
29. The Exfoliating Washcloths For Your Body
Korean Exfoliating Bath Washcloths, $5 (4 Pack), Amazon
You could wash with an ordinary washcloth or kick things up a notch and provide an exfoliating body treatment, courtesy of these viscose washcloths. This set of Korean beauty washcloths helps to remove blackheads, slough away dead skin, and keep the body soft and smooth. One reviewer writes: "These are amazing. They're a little smaller than I thought they would be but I've been telling EVERYONE I know about them. They exfoliated so well that I had skin in the bottom of my tub, which is gross but it was glorious."
30. A Hair Catcher To Keep Your Pipes Clean And Clear
Danco Hair Catcher, $5, Amazon
Hair is your pipe's mortal enemy, but this hair catcher does an amazing job at keeping hair and debris out of your drain (just ask more than 2,000 reviewers who can't live without it). Instead of sitting over drains like many other hair catchers, it can be inserted inside, where it stays put and you'll never find it floating in your bath water. It fits in most tub drains (that have a diameter of up to 4.5 inches) and requires no tools to install.
31. A Smart LED Light Bulb You Can Control With Your Phone
Gaosaili Smart LED Bulb, $3, Amazon
You might expect a smart LED light bulb to break the bank, but this one is both cheap and capable of performing a few cool tricks. Use Amazon Alexa and Google Home to control this bulb with voice commands and change the color of your light, as well as its brightness. The lifespan of one bulb is 20,000 hours, so you won't find yourself having to change it all that often.
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