Life
39 Weird Products On Amazon You'll Actually Find Yourself Using Every Day
When I was a kid, I used to love going into those gag gift shops in the mall. I mean, who under the age of 10 can resist the idea of bacon-flavored gum? Luckily, my shopping tastes have evolved since fifth grade, but I'll admit I still get a kick out of products that make me recoil at first glance. (Hello, bath soak made with seaweed). But if the gross product doesn't actually serve a purpose? I won't pony up for it. These weird products on Amazon, though, do serve a purpose, and they're all worth ponying up for because you'll actually use them. (Hot tip: seaweed can detoxify and soften your skin.)
Most of these products fall into one of two categories. The first category consists of useful products that also happen to be cringe-inducing, like sandwich bags with realistic cockroaches stuck to the side, or a wine bottle stopper that looks like a plunger.
The second category consists of products that are actually designed to actually make life easier — like slime for cleaning your electronics or toilet paper foam for cleaning your butt.
So whether you're looking to add a little weirdness to your life — or get rid of it — there's something for you on this list.
2. A Stool That Makes "Going" A Lot Easier
Squatty Potty Toilet Stool, $20, Amazon
So it turns out that humans are actually designed to "go" in a squatting position — and the practice of sitting on a toilet is completely unnatural. Enter the Squatty Potty. It puts you in prime position so you can go with ease, while still using a toilet (because, well, you've already got one in your house). You can choose between a 7-inch height stool or a 9-inch height stool, depending on your flexibility.
3. These Shoe Inserts That Get Rid Of Odor
Foot Petals Odor Control Inserts, $19, Amazon
Going sock-free has one major downside: the bacteria that can start to grow in your shoes and on your feet (ew!). But you can still skip socks if you slip these odor-control inserts in your shoes because they have antibacterial properties that'll keep your feet fresher. The inserts are made from 100 percent terry, and they have a nice cushion to them which is a major help if you're spending time on your feet. The inserts can be trimmed to fit any size shoe.
4. A Wine Bottle Stopper That Looks Like A Plunger
Fred PLUNGE Wine Bottle Stopper, $10, Amazon
Wine shouldn't be taken too seriously, which is why this wine bottle stopper that looks like a plunger is so great. Made from silicone, the stopper creates an air-tight seal (much like a real plunger), ensuring your wine remains fresh until the next time your ready to pour yourself a glass of Chianti.
5. This Claw That Thaws Your Meat Seven Times Faster
The Thaw Claw is a faster and more sanitary way to thaw frozen meat (or really, any frozen foods). Just stick the suction cup to the bottom of your sink, attach your frozen food to the claw, then fill the sink with water. The claw will suspend the meat in the middle of the water, where the temperature is most balanced — allowing your food to thaw seven times faster than if it were left out on the counter. The claw is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
6. A Snail Cream That Revives Tired Complexions
MISSHA Super Aqua Snail Cream, $37, Amazon
For Westerners, putting snail slime on your skin might seem gross, and I get that, but it shouldn't. Snail extract is not only natural, it's actually really good for your skin, and it's quickly become a staple of the K-beauty routine. It helps smooth and protect the skin, giving it a rejuvenated glow. This snail cream also includes baobab tree extract and deep sea water to keep skin ultra-hydrated and soft, too.
7. A Body Wash That Fights Fungus
Purely Northwest Anti-Fungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash, $15, Amazon
Tea tree oil is one of nature's most powerful antidotes for skin that's causing problems. It has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that fight acne, skin fungus, nail fungus, athlete's foot, and body odor. This tea tree oil body wash also includes eucalyptus, oregano, and peppermint essential oils, as well as sea kelp and aloe vera to keep skin soft and conditioned. Just lather up in the shower with this body wash, let your skin absorb for 10 seconds, then rinse.
8. An Octopus That Holds Your Shampoo In The Shower
Formverket Octopus Shower Caddy, $33, Amazon
Okay, so this octopus shower caddy is more cute than it is gross. It has nine adjustable looped "tentacles" that can hold all your shower supplies, like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, bath toys, and even razors. And there's no installation required — just hang him from your shower faucet handle. You can choose from four colors, too.
9. This, Um, Odor-Absorbing Seat Cushion
DGQ Odor-Absorbing Seat Cushion, $17, Amazon
Some days you're more, well, gassy than others. Have some mercy on co-workers and anyone stuck in a car with you by putting this odor-absorbing seat cushion to work. The seat cushion is outfitted with charcoal, which has potent odor-neutralizing capabilities. Plus, the natural bamboo material absorbs excess moisture so you won't get sweaty sitting on it. If the cushion ever loses its odor-fighting power, just set it out in the sun for a few hours to reactivate the charcoal.
10. A Travel Bidet So You Can Get Clean After You Go On-The-Go
Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet, $8, Amazon
Keep your backside ultra-clean no matter where your life takes you with this travel bidet. Just fill the reservoir with water, position the angled nozzle, and squeeze. The air lock feature provides a steady stream of water after each spray, so you can get super clean super fast. The bidet comes with a handy drawstring carrying bag, so you can stash the bidet in your suitcase or briefcase.
11. This Skin-Soothing Toilet Paper Foam
Squatty Potty Toilet Paper Foam, $8, Amazon
While we're on the topic of keeping your bum clean, this toilet paper foam is a great alternative to wet wipes. It's made with natural aloe vera and witch hazel, which both work together to soothe and condition your skin — all while cleaning and freshening everything up. Just apply a little of this to your toilet paper, and unlike many wet wipes, it's safe for both sewers and septic systems.
12. An Anti-Friction Powder To Fight Chafing
Anti-Monkey Butt Anti-Friction Powder, $6, Amazon
Okay, let's keep talking about butts. This anti-friction powder absorbs sweat and helps keep skin irritation-free — so you can feel comfortable all day. The formula is talc-free and made with corn starch and skin-soothing calamine. Apply a little of this to your back side, thighs, bra line, or anywhere else you experience friction, and you'll have relief all day.
13. This Massage Roller Designed Specifically For Your Feet
TheraFlow Foot Massage Roller, $10, Amazon
This foot massage roller is super relieving if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or even if you just spend long hours on your feet. The rolling cylinders feature grooves that stimulate trigger points on your arches and heels, helping to loosen muscles and relieve soreness. The massager comes with dual, independent rollers so you can work both feet at the same time. Plus, it's super lightweight and portable, so it won't take up too much space in your home.
14. These Terrifying Lunch Bags With Bugs On The Sides
Fred Lunch Bugs Sandwich Bags, $7 (24 Pack), Amazon
These lunch bags are 100 percent shudder-inducing and sure to send your lunch buddy screaming as she runs in the opposite direction — or whatever co-worker likes to take your carefully made turkey sandwiches. Each bag has a big, lifelike bug plastered on the side of the bag — like a cockroach or fly. Nobody will touch your lunch now!
15. A Hair Catcher That Makes Your Shower Drain Less Disgusting
If you've ever spent time cleaning out your shower drain, you know how disgusting it can get (think: long strands of hair caked in soap chunksand shampoo grime). The TubShroom hair catcher though, has a unique cylindrical design that captures hair before it has a chance to settle in your drain. It also features holes that allow water to flow through easily, so you don't find yourself standing in an inch of water as you shower. The TubShroom fits most standard shower drains, and is easy to clean.
16. A Hair Brush That Cleans Itself
Qwik Clean Self-Cleaning Hair Brush, $20, Amazon
You know how all that hair gets trapped in the bristles of your brush? It's not very pleasant to look at. (Just think of all those oils sitting there, not to mention bacteria.) However, now you can keep things clean and hair-free with this self-cleaning hair brush. Just squeeze the buttons on the sides of the brush and the bristles will retract, releasing all those caught hair strands so you can throw them away.
17. These Patches That Help Drain The Pus
Hero Cosmetics Acne Patches, $13 (36 Pack), Amazon
Clear up pimples quickly with these sticky-but-miraculous acne patches that drain pus. The transparent patches are made with hydrocolloid dressing which draws out the gunk and impurities. The patches also protect blemishes from further infection while they're healing. (They also keep idle hands from picking at zits.) After cleansing skin at night, apply the patches to any whiteheads, fall fast asleep, then wake up with a smooth, pimple-free complexion.
18. This Seaweed Bath Soak That Won't Turn You Into Human Sushi
The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Bath, $9, Amazon
Seaweed is delicious in sushi and salads, but now it's time to get on board with bathing in seaweed. This seaweed detox bath is made from 100 percent bladderwrack seaweed harvested off the coast of Maine. The seaweed is stocked with over 65 skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals — so soak in this to detoxify, moisturize, and smooth the skin. It even helps fight the signs of damage caused by UV rays. One reviewer wrote: "This is definitely a unique product. When you use it there is a ocean smell, which I didn't really mind, smells natural. Would recommend for a soothing bath."
19. A Probiotic-Packed Charcoal Toothpaste
Hyperbiotics Charcoal Toothpaste, $14, Amazon
Whitening your teeth with charcoal might seem counterintuitive (I mean, charcoal is black), but it turns out that charcoal toothpaste really does whiten teeth. The charcoal in this toothpaste is derived from coconut shells and works to remove wine, coffee, and tea stains without the use of chemicals or bleach. The toothpaste is also formulated with probiotics — the healthy bacteria that support healthy gums and teeth. One reviewer writes, "My first thought was, “I can’t believe I’m going to put this stuff in my mouth. But it really left my teeth feeling clean," and another: "This toothpaste not only made me entire mouth feel fresh, it makes my teeth whiter."
20. These Gel Toe Spacers That Help Relieve Foot Pain
Vive Health Toe Spacers, $9 (4 Pack), Amazon
These toe spacers help alleviate foot pain by separating toes and encouraging correct alignment. They also work to eliminate friction and irritation caused by corns, bunions, and overlapping toes. The soft and flexible latex-free bands are made from medical-grade gel and feature a contoured design that keep the spacers from slipping around. The set comes with one large spacer, one medium spacer, and two small spacers.
21. This Therapy Putty That Builds Hand Strength And Relieves Stress
Vive Health Therapy Putty, $15 (4 Pack), Amazon
Remember how satisfying it was to play with Silly Putty as a kid? You can recreate that feeling with this therapy putty. The putty — which can be stretched, twisted, and pinched — is meant to rehabilitate weak hands after injury, but it's also a great way to strengthen hands if you play an instrument. Of course, you can also use the putty to simply relieve stress and anxiety (it is therapy putty, after all). Each putty set comes with four putties of different resistance levels.
22. These Little Dudes That Tilt Open Lids While You're Cooking
LiangTing Pot Lid Lifts, $9 (4 Pack), Amazon
Blow off a little steam while you're cooking with the help of these pot lid lifts. They look exactly like little people escaping your pot of boiling veggies — which is kind of gross, and also kind of...cute. The silicone lid lifts are made from silicone and are resistant to high temperatures, so you don't have to worry about them warping or melting.
23. A Pair Of Salad Servers That Look Like Legs
OTOTO Jumpin' Jacks Salad Server, $18, Amazon
If you think salads are boring, add a little fun to the mix with these salad servers. The extra-large spoons have handles that are shaped like legs and shoes, so it looks like someone jumped head-first into that bowl of romaine.
24. This (Not So Scary) Monster Potato Masher
GAMAGO Monster Masher, $20, Amazon
Make mashing potatoes (or avocados) a little more frightening with this monster masher. The masher itself is made from durable stainless steel and features a terrifying monster on the handle. (Okay, he actually looks pretty friendly.) The masher is dishwasher-safe, and it makes dishes like guacamole a heck of a lot easier to create.
25. These Odor Neutralizers That You Can Stick Inside Your Pants
Subtle Butt Gas Neutralizers, $13 (5 Pack), Amazon
Breaking wind in public ranks pretty high on the embarrassment scale — although, of course, there's nothing wrong with it and everybody does it. And if your "wind" tends to be hard on noses, you could invest in these gas neutralizers. They're made with activated carbon which — pretty miraculously — neutralizes the not-so-pleasant odors you might leave in your wake. The neutralizers have an adhesive that attaches directly to the inside of your clothing. So go ahead and enjoy that burrito without fear of any smells escaping.
26. A Foot Scrubbing Brush That Suctions To Your Shower Floor
Bath Blossom Foot Scrubber, $20, Amazon
Scrub and exfoliate your feet in the shower with this foot scrubber brush. Rubbing your feet along the bristles will help slough off dead skin cells, leaving you with noticeably smoother, softer feet. Scrubbing also helps increase circulation — which can absolutely help relieve soreness and aching. The suction cups on the button attach to the floor of your bath or shower, so it won't slip around while you scrub.
27. A Back Scrubber That Keeps Your Bum Clean
rengöra Back Scrubber, $21, Amazon
While we're on the subject of scrubbing, this back scrubber is a fantastic way to keep your back free of dead skin, oil build-up and acne. Measuring in at over 16 inches, the scrubber is extra-long and slightly curved so you can get to those hard-to-reach places with ease. The scrubber features a natural wooden handle and boar bristles that are stiff enough to provide good exfoliation without irritating your skin.
28. This Spray That Actually Mists Bacteria All Over Your Skin
Mother Dirt Probiotic Spray, $50, Amazon
The idea of spraying bacteria on your skin — on purpose — might make you want to run in the other direction, but this probiotic spray might convince you otherwise. The spray restores good bacteria to your skin — the healthy kind that often gets stripped away with modern hygienic practices. This bacteria is essential to a balanced body, and users report an improvement in skin hydration, clarity, smoothness, oiliness, and sensitivity. You can use it on all parts of your body: like the face, underarms, feet, scalp, and hands.
29. This Rock That Replaces Your Deodorant
Everready First Aid Crystal Body Deodorant, $7, Amazon
If you want to use deodorant without aluminum, you might nave not considered this one alternative: try an all-natural crystal deodorant that looks exactly like a rock. It's made with natural mineral salts, which kill the bacteria responsible for causing odor in the first place. It's hypoallergenic, and free of chemicals, dyes, parabens, and fragrances. This reviewer stands by the effectiveness of the product: " I usually have to reapply my deodorant at least one time through the day. With the Crystal salt deodorant, I am able to put it on once after my shower and I’m good all day."
30. A Tongue Scraper To Keep Your Breath Fresh
Wowe Copper Tongue Scraper, $12 (2 Pack), Amazon
Run this tongue scraper over the length of your tongue to remove bacteria, plaque, and leftover food. It works a lot better than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush. (There's good reason it's not called a "tongue" brush.) The scraper is made from copper, which has natural antibacterial properties and it's both rust- and mold-resistant.
31. A Candle That Reduces The Number Of Mold Spores In The Air
EC3 Air Purification Candle, $14, Amazon
This air purification candle is a must for allergy and asthma sufferers. Made with soy and natural botanicals, the candle "aerosolizes" with the heat from the wick — and the resulting vapors significantly reduce the number of mold spores floating around in the air. The candle burns for up to 16 hours, too.
32. A Ceramic Neti Pot To Keep Your Sinuses Free Of Germs
ComfyPot Neti Pot, $18, Amazon
Using a neti pot is one of the best ways you can stay healthy during cold and flu season. If you've never used one, here's the gist: you fill the vessel with saltwater, tip your head over, stick the spout in your nostril, and pour. The saltwater solution will then pour out of your opposite nostril. (Weird, right?) This nasal irrigation flushes out toxins and germs that might otherwise overpower your immune system. This neti pot is made from long-lasting ceramic (instead of plastic), and comes with two silicone nozzles.
33. A Surgical-Grade Extractor That Clears Out Clogged Pores
Utopia Care Comedone Extractor, $7, Amazon
If you've ever been jealous of aestheticians because they get the satisfaction of extracting blackheads and whiteheads, now's your chance to get in on the fun. Press this extractor over clogged pores to pop out built-up oil and dirt. Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, it's safer than using your fingers, because it causes less damage to the surrounding skin area. The extractor is tarnish-resistant, but be sure to disinfect it frequently.
34. This Shaver That Gets Rid Of Calluses
Body Toolz Callus Shaver, $10, Amazon
While calluses can be protective, they can also be uncomfortable. The removal process, however, is always a little bizarre (and oddly satisfying) and reviewers say this callus shaver is, indeed, very effective. Just soak your feet in water for a few minutes to soften your skin, then run the shaver across any corns or calluses to remove the hardened, dead layers of skin. You'll be left with smoother, callus-free feet.
35. An All-Natural Spray That Eliminates Odors
Fresh Wave Odor Removing Spray, $16 (2 Pack), Amazon
Most air fresheners and odor eliminators are heavily perfumed and made with all kinds of mystery ingredients that are hard to pronounce. This odor-removing spray, though, is all natural, non-toxic, non-GMO, and fragrance-free. And it's still powerful — the spray effectively removes odors from pets, trash, smoke, sweat, and mildew. Spray it in your kitchen, bathroom, or in your gym shoes for a breath of fresh air.
36. This Cleanser That Fights The Mites On Your Eyelids
We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eyelid Cleanser, $19, Amazon
A cleanser for your eyelids and eyelashes might sound oddly specific, but it's actually great news for anyone who struggles with dry eyes, redness, itchiness, inflammation, or irritation from contacts. This eyelid cleanser is made with tea tree oil — which fights inflammation, bacteria, and (yep) mites that lead to irritation. The formula also includes grape seed and jojoba oil to soothe and moisturize the delicate skin around the eye. The cleanser is free of dyes, fragrances, and alcohol, so it's suitable for sensitive skin.
37. This Shark Bookmark That Lurks Above The Pages
OYLZ Shark Bookmark, $8, Amazon
This great white shark bookmark is pretty clever. When placed in a book, its fins and tail rise ominously above the pages. (Cue the theme from Jaws.) The bookmark is made from durable plastic, so it'll last you through the entire series of Harry Potter books.
38. An Egg That Totally Deodorizes Your Fridge
TOOYU Refrigerator Deodorizer, $9, Amazon
There's nothing less appetizing than weird smells coming from your refrigerator. Keep them at bay with this egg-shaped refrigerator deodorizer. It's made with diatomite and activated carbon. The diatomite — which is a type of rock — regulates humidity (i.e. prevents molding) and the activated carbon absorbs odor. If the deodorizer ever gets dirty, you can simply rinse it off and put it back in the fridge. You can also use it to keep air fresh in closets, drawers, or near shoe racks.
39. These Brushes That Keep Your Nails Clean
SUMAJU Nail Brushes, $6 (4 Pack), Amazon
You might be diligent about washing your hands, but did you know a lot of germs live under your nails? Scrub those germs away with a bit of soap and these nail brushes. This reviewer writes: "We are always in the garden, at the barn, or getting our hands dirty with home improvement. It is handy as heck to have one of these in our bathroom and also at the kitchen sink. I love that these are a good size and the bristles are firm enough to work, but not be painful."
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