Life
36 Insanely Clever Products That Are Going Viral
Normally, I'm the kind of person who gets behind a trend about five years after everybody else does — which is probably why I just bought a pair of wedge sneakers. And even though I might not always be aware of fashion trends, I can tell Amazon products that are going viral.
These are the kinds of things that you look at and see innovation, functionality, and creative genius. Some are already topping best seller lists, while others are still a bit under the radar, but either way, they'll be blowing up your Instagram feed in the upcoming months.
Like fidget spinners. These things are absolutely everywhere, which is not a surprise because they’re essentially toys that adults are permitted to play with during work hours. So, make sure to get one before bosses around the world start to ban fidget tools.
But spinners are just the first in a long line of clever products designed to make your life a little easier or solve a problem you never knew you had. Amazon tracks products that are spiking in popularity and we've narrowed them down to the items with the best viral potential. With lists like these, I might be able to stay up to date with all the latest trends — or at least be only a couple years behind.
2. The Container That Keeps Your Guac Fresh
Casabella Guac-Lock Container, $17, Amazon
Guacamole is supremely delicious and now there's a container to keep it at peak freshness for way longer than usual. You put in your guacamole, clamp down the lid, then the container presses out all the air for a super tight seal. This keeps the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown, so it'll look bright for days after you make it. You heard me — days. Plus, you can use it to serve any kind of dip or other food item you'd like to see vacuum sealed.
3. A Portable Charger With Solar Power
AKEEM Portable Solar Charger, $37, Amazon
Even though our phones are basically an extension of our hands at this point, there's always those days where you forget to charge it. Well, that's no problem with this portable charger. About the size of a cell phone, it can charge an iPhone eight times without recharging and has USB space for three devices. But the kicker is this thing is solar powered as well — which means it'll be great for long train or car rides where you don't have access to a USB plug, or you just want to harness a little green energy.
4. A Glue That Will Fix Everything
Sugru Moldable Glue, $22 (8 Pack), Amazon
If there are broken things just laying around your house because one day you totally plan on fixing them — you need this moldable glue. It turns into rubber overnight, and is waterproof, UV resistant, electrically insulated, and dishwasher proof once dry. It can bond to pretty much any materials, including steel, ceramic, glass, and wood, too. That means you can fix broken kitchenware, tables, cell phone chargers, and more — and personalize or create objects (like hooks, for instance) with it, too.
5. The Light Switch That Gives You A Smart Home In A Second
Switchmate: One-Second Installation Smart Lighting, $27, Amazon
It would be great to have better control over the lighting of your home, but since it's usually pretty scary to play around with electrical installation, we tend to stick to the regular on-off switch. But the Switchmate goes right over your regular switch in less than a minute and gives you tons of lighting options. The lights will automatically turn on when you enter a room, it has a timer that ensures your lights won't stay on too long, and it connects to your phone via bluetooth for even more controls. Basically it gives you a smart home and you never have to touch a wire.
6. A Natural Teeth Whitener Made With Charcoal
Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder, $25, Amazon
Though it might seem weird to rub a bunch of black junk on your teeth to make them whiter, this charcoal powder really works. It's derived from coconuts, so you don't have to worry about sitting with a mouthful of chemicals, and it's great for sensitive teeth or gums. Amazon has a bunch of pictures from users who experienced real results and the reviews are incredible. It will turn a toothbrush black, but your teeth will be whiter than ever.
7. A Notebook That Connects To The Cloud
Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook and Erasable Gel Pens, $39, Amazon
No matter how digital you've become, you still have to physically write stuff down sometimes. So, why not use a notebook that connects to the cloud and that erases in the microwave? That might sound like something from a sci-fi film, but the Rocketbook easily connects your notes to your storage cloud and whenever the notebook's full, just pop it in the microwave and everything erases so you can start writing again. Plus, it comes with Frixion gel pens that are perfectly erasable on the Rocketbook or on regular paper.
8. A Travel Mug With A Vacuum Seal For No Spills
Contigo Autoseal Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug, $16, Amazon
You might think that all travel mugs are created equally, but oh no. This mug goes beyond. The lid gives you a vacuum autoseal, so there's no chance of spilled coffee on your morning commute — and a lid lock to prevent the autoseal button from opening while you travel. It even seals between sips to keep every drop in the cup. Made of stainless steel that's easy to clean, this is a travel mug that will last for a long time. Plus, it has over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, so people are pretty psyched about this mug.
9. An Essential Oil Diffuser For Your Car
InnoGear USB Car Essential Oil Diffuser, $20, Amazon
You've got essential oils all up in your home and office, but what about your car? This diffuser can bring the benefits of aromatherapy to your vehicle and it fits into all cupholders. It plugs into your USB, has seven color changing options, and turns off automatically all while bringing the lovely smell of essential oils to your car. Now, this isn't just for a car, but is a great travel diffuser you can use on a desk, a nightstand, or to calm you down during terrible traffic.
10. Aromatherapy You Can Wear All Day
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace, $24, Amazon
Essential oils have the word "essential" right in the title. So, instead of just enjoying them at home, you can use them all day in this beautiful necklace. The locket comes with three washable felt pads, so you can add your favorite oil and take the scent with you all day. Made of hypo-allergenic surgical grade steel with rose gold plating, it won't irritate your skin and will last quite a while.
11. The Patch That Keeps Pimples At Bay
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6, Amazon
Even when the teen years are long gone, random pimples still love to pop up and ruin your day. At least you can get these hydrocolloid patches — just put the patch on the pimple and it helps dry the zit out and heal as quickly as possible. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, so it's safe for all skin types, and it comes in a few sizes for stubborn pimples of all sizes.
12. A French Press For All Your Coffee And Tea Needs
Brill Stone Stainless Steel French Press Coffee & Tea Maker, $25, Amazon
If you want fine coffee and tea but want one product to make both, you need to get this high end french press. The double filter makes coffee extra smooth and the double insulation keeps it hot and fresh for hours. Plus, the press comes with all the tools you need for A+ coffee making. If you're not a java junkie, you can use it to brew any kind of loose leaf tea.
13. The Towel That Keeps You Cool
Frogg Toggs The Original Cooling Towel, $11, Amazon
As a person who gets hot super easily, this towel might live in my bag for the summer. If you're out in the hot sun or just finished a round of hot yoga, just wet the towel and it cools you up to 30 degrees. Once the chill power wears off, just wet it again and enjoy its cold goodness. Its perfectly safe for a machine wash, and then you can just stash in your beach bag for cool relief anytime.
14. A Sous Vide Cooker You Can Use Anywhere
Anova Culinary Bluetooth Sous Vide Precision Cooker, $109, Amazon
A sous vide machine is a big, bulky item that's usually reserved for restaurants or the kitchens of the very rich and fancy. But you can get the precise temperature control of a sous vide machine in this bluetooth cooker. Attach the cooker to any pot and it even circulates the water and temperature so you get perfectly cooked food every time. Honestly, you can't overcook anything with this and when you're done it fits nicely into any drawer or cabinet.
15. A Round Little Cleaner For All Your Screens
Touch Screen Cleaner, $14 (3 Pack), Amazon
If you have a cellphone, tablets, anything with a screen, it's probably filthy with fingerprints, dirt, and oil. But you can get this handy little screen cleaner to solve the problem. Usually when you try to clean off your phone it just gets all smeary, but this cleaner uses a chemical-free, eco-friendly microfiber cloth to clear away screens without any scrubbing or chemicals.
16. Resistance Bands That Turn Your Room Into A Gym
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, $12 (5 Pack), Amazon
A lot of us don't have room in our homes for a full rack of weights, but with this set of resistance bands, you get the same effect with something you can store in your closet. These resistance bands come in five different strengths, so it works at any fitness level. You can use these in nearly any type of exercise from strength training to adding some resistance to your yoga flow. Plus, the loops are heavy duty, so you don't have to worry about breaking them with your growing Hulk strength.
17. A Light Bulb That Can Change For Your Every Mood
MagicLight Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb, $25, Amazon
This light bulb can do anything! It can change to any color, is fully dimmable, and you can control all the options from your phone. You can set a timer so that the light will slowly come on in the morning to wake you as naturally as possible. If that wasn't enough, it syncs up to your favorite jams giving you a little light show at home. It'll give you 20,000 hours of light, and if was any smarter, it would be sentient.
18. A Great Face Mask With A Weird Name
Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask, $23 (10 Pack), Amazon
Now, saying you want to cover your face in donkey milk does not sound appealing, I know. But this stuff is great. Another in a long time of excellent Korean skincare products, this mask is designed to draw out impurities and work for all skin types. If you were curious, it does have real donkey milk in it, which is a great source of vitamins for your skin. Also, there's some pear extract in there too for extra polyphenols and vitamins, so if it sounds better to think of it as a Donkey-Pear mask, go right ahead.
19. The Water That Helps You Sleep
Neuro Sleep Drink, $30 (12 Pack), Amazon
If you are a human that's alive, you've probably had some trouble sleeping from time to time. Thankfully, this water can help soothe you into dreamland. The water contains melatonin and magnesium, plus a bit of peach-apricot flavor to help it go down smooth. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "I have used neuro sleep regularly since 2009. I honestly would feel lost without it. Half a bottle is usually good, but sometimes I need the whole thing. It helps you fall asleep and stay asleep and once you adjust, there are no morning after effects. I could not endorse it more."
20. A Brush To Stop Razor Bumps
Wizker Brush: Eliminates Razor Bumps and Ingrown Hairs, $12, Amazon
Sometimes it seems like razor bumps are just unavoidable, but this brush promises to make it better. The smooth, flexible bristles help exfoliate the skin and get rid of ingrown hairs and help with shaving bumps. You can use it wet or dry and the durable non-PVC plastic is sure to last. Plus, it feels nice to give your body a light massage with this exfoliating brush.
21. A Pen That Draws In 3D
3Doodler 3D Printing Pen Set, $43, Amazon
The art of 3D printing is starting to blow up, but it's still pretty expensive for the average person. But this 3D pen allows you to make your own multi-dimensional art for a much lower price. The pen is completely cool to the touch so it's safe to use for all ages. And the plastic hardens quickly to truly let you draw in the air and see your creation come to life. It's supposedly great for kids, but let's face it — we all want to try this one out.
22. A Serum That Enhances Your Brows And Lashes
Lash & Brow Elixir, $25, Amazon
We spend a lot of time making sure our skin, hair, and nails are all perfectly hydrated and healthy. But what about our lashes? This serum gives your brows and lashes the B vitamins they needs to stay healthy and strong. It comes with a gentle mascara brush that won't irritate your eyes but applies the serum smoothly and easily. With aloe, organic rosehip oil, and plant extracts, this natural elixir will give your lashes and brows a little love — and the hyaluronic acid supposedly will thicken your eyebrows and lashes naturally over time.
23. The Ball That Gives You A Deep Tissue Massage
Pro-Tech Athletics The Orb High Density Massage Ball, $24, Amazon
A lot of us think foam rollers are great, but this ball might be even better. With its portable size, high density, and array of bumps, this ball gets into every sore muscle. It can get into places a foam roller can't and after using this orb, you'll feel amazing. It's also non-toxic and free of latex.
24. The Cooker That Replaces All Other Cookers
Instant Pot, $100, Amazon
If the Instant Pot had a Instagram, it would be bigger than the Kardashians. This kitchen appliance is insanely popular— probably because it does everything in its one 6-quart pot. It's a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, slow cooker, frying pan, and it even makes yogurt! It's a little like a crock pot, but instead of waiting all day for something to cook, it cooks in less than an hour. By next year, this will be on everyone's kitchen counter.
25. The Bracelet That Wards Off Insects
Kinven Insect Repellent Bracelet, $10 (4 Pack), Amazon
Constantly spraying yourself in insect repellent gets really old when you're trying to spend time in nature. Now, you can just pop on this bracelet and be done with it. It's made with natural oils and releases an aroma that bugs hate. There's no chemicals or DEET and the bracelet is safe for kids and pregnant women, and it'll deliver repellant for up to 15 days. Plus, it looks like a cute friendship bracelet, so the fact it wards off mosquitos is just a bonus.
26. The Drain Stopper That Saves Your Sink
SinkShroom The Revolutionary Drain Protector, $11, Amazon
Plumbers are going to be hurting for business since these SinkShrooms are growing in popularity. You put it in your bathroom or kitchen sink drain and it catches any hair, debris, or other stuff that usually clogs your pipes. Then, you pull it out, throw out all the gunk, and your drains stay clean all day, every day. Perfect for a bathroom or kitchen sink, this SinkShroom is going to save you a lot of money on Dran-O and plumbing bills.
27. The Mask That Heals Your Lips In Your Sleep
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $15, Amazon
If you need a to give your lips a little extra love, this lip sleeping mask does exactly that. It seals in moisture overnight healing chapped lips in a matter of days. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "I have incredibly dry skin, and wake up with chapped lips every morning. Rather, that was the case before I picked up this lip sleeping mask. Now I wake up with supple lips, and it is an amazing feeling."
28. The Speaker That Actually Floats
ICE Portable Wireless Floating Bluetooth Speaker, $139, Amazon
If you want to feel like your living in the wonderful world of the future, get this floating speaker. It's completely wireless and can connect to any device via bluetooth. But who cares about that stuff, this thing floats! It levitates 10mm from the base and if that doesn't impress your friends, you need to get new friends.
29. The Mints That Keep You Awake
Viter Energy Caffeinated Mints, $20, Amazon
When you need a pick-me-up, you can't always run out to get a coffee. But you can pop a mint at almost any time. These caffeinated mints are sugar-free, breath freshening, and have 40 mg of caffeine. Two mints is the same as a cup of coffee, so you can have easy energy all day with no coffee breath.
30. A Pomade That Keeps Your Hair In Place
Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold, $13, Amazon
I was a little scared of pomade for a long time because I thought it would either make my hair too greasy or hard as a rock. But this pomade is amazing. It holds curls and combats frizziness without freezing your hair into place. Plus, you can use a tiny teaspoons worth of pomade for your whole head, so the jar will last through hundreds of hairstyles.
31. A Comfortable Pillow For Your Bath
Gorilla Grip Non-Slip Bath Pillow, $14, Amazon
Taking a relaxing bath isn't always easy. Where do you put your head so your neck doesn't hurt, is the water hot enough, is that candle going to fall and hit me in the bath? To make it all easier, get this bath pillow. It's water resistant and guaranteed to stay in place during your whole soak. The two panel design means it supports your head and neck and makes the bath comfy as can be. With 2 inches of foam support and a size that fits any tub, the pillow could give you the relaxing bath you've always wanted.
32. The Sunless Tanner That's All Organic
Golden Star Beauty Organic Sunless Tanning Spray, $30, Amazon
By now, most of us realize it's not great for our skin to go tanning all summer long, but if you'd still like a bit of a glow, this sunless tanning spray is great. Made with all natural, organic oils, the spray moisturizes your skin as it gives it a nice bronze hue. There's no weird fake tanner smell or orange afterglow, and you'll get a quick drying tan you can maintain all year long.
33. Some Odd Looking Socks For Flip Flops
TeeHee Flip Flop Big Toe Cotton Socks, $8 (3 Pairs), Amazon
These are probably going to go viral just because of how odd they look – after all, socks and sandals is supposed to be a cardinal sin, but who even listens to fashion rules anymore? With these socks, you can wear them with any thong shoe while keeping your feet warm and comfortable. The soft, cotton-y socks come in lots of patterns and colors, and they're sure to make a statement.
34. An Argan Oil Mask To Restore Your Hair
Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask, $13, Amazon
When your hair needs a real boost of hydration, try this argan oil hair mask. It's salon quality and is perfect for dry or damaged hair. It's great for all hair types and the argan oil goes deep to revive and hydrate your locks. After using this, your hair will be tangle-free, silky and soft, just like you went to the salon but for a quarter of the price.
35. A Camera For Instant, Hard Copy Photos
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera, $70, Amazon
Sometimes it's nice to go back to the old days when you didn't have a camera on your phone and might have to wait a whole minute to see the results of your camera. This instant camera is super fun and brings back the old school Polaroid effect for instant, hard copy pictures. It's slim, light, and great for parties. Now, you can get an actual picture of you and your friends to put on your wall instead of an array of photos that wind up lost in the cloud.
36. An Electric Hair Trimmer Perfect For Your Face
Panasonic Facial Hair Trimmer, $10, Amazon
We all have hair on our faces — it's not a big deal, but if you do prefer to get rid of some of it, this trimmer is great. Whether you want to take care of some stray chins hairs, above the lip, or long nose strands, this electric trimmer does the trick. It can also shape your eyebrows with its two precision grooming attachments. It only uses one AAA battery and the head pivots to move with the curves of your face without any cuts or nicks.
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