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41 Shockingly Useful Products On Amazon That Reviewers Say Are Worth Every Penny

It's easy to purchase products online that are pretty or well-intentioned, but fail to follow through when it comes to being all that useful. But for every pair of air-conditioned shoes (a real thing), there are shockingly useful products on Amazon that reviewers say are worth every penny. At first glance, the items on this list may seem like devices or accessories you can get through life without. But when you realize they can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle, why would you want to?

Of course, useful is a personal term. One person's personal espresso maker (a top seller on this list) is another person's rose and hyaluronic toner that hydrates and plumps skin without breaking the bank. These random but brilliant useful products on Amazon will satisfy every whim and desire you have — like keeping wine fresh and preventing acidic tastes or being able to check email from your bubble bath.

But this list of products will also solve dilemmas and offer more clever versions of basic household items. An electric spin scrubber tackles the nasty job of removing gunk and mildew from bathroom tubs and tile far more efficiently than that flimsy toothbrush you may be using.

Check out this list of useful products that reviewers on Amazon love and see for yourself why they continue to gain a loyal following.

by Lisa Fogarty

1. The Simple Device That Makes Wine Last Longer

Sello Wine Preservation System, $50, Amazon

If you're serious about wine, then you're also serious about preserving its taste for as long as possible. This wine preservation system comes with 24 cartridges that absorb oxygen, excess moisture, temperature, and light to prevent wine from becoming too acidic. A separate device locks air out of your bottle and prolongs the life of your wine. — and the whole system makes things taste better (even if the bottle is a little cheap). This system also works with beer and liquor. One reviewer writes: "As avid wine drinkers we have always used the cheap o plastic wine corks and thrown our bottles in the fridge.. They never taste the same and it feels like a waste on a nice bottle! Sello is so simple and it works!! We even used it on a bottle of champagne and the carbonation and flavor the next night were like it was a brand new bottle!"

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2. A Flat Iron For All Hair Types

Hai Gold Convertible Flat Iron, $80-$100, Amazon

Versatile heated hair tools like this flat iron are a dream because they work better on a variety of different hair types and are less prone to damaging hair. With a temperature range of 250 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, this iron can straighten fine, curly, natural, and color-treated hair. It has 1.25-inch ceramic plates and tourmaline technology that prevent frizz and leave your hair glossy and healthy-looking. Reviewers say this iron lasts for years and gets hair really straight — on the first pass, too.

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3. A Rose Water Toner That Hydrates And Soothes Skin

Herbal Dynamics Beauty Rose Water Toner, $20, Amazon

This rose water toner has some of the most soothing, hydrating, skin-plumping ingredients around — like chamomile, organic aloe vera, rose, green tea extract, witch hazel, and hyaluronic acid. But it's also 100 percent free of chemicals and preservatives like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. It's also fantastic to use as a face primer before you apply makeup, and it can be used on the body, too.

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4. A Single-Serve Espresso Maker That Doubles As A Thermos

Trimm Au Single-Serve Espresso Maker With Tea Thermos Bottle, $53, Amazon

Get your espresso fix anywhere you need it — because this single-serve espresso maker is a hand-operated device that doesn't require any electricity. Just add espresso grinds and hot water and manually pump the water through the device to create the perfect strong cup of coffee. But that's not even the best part: you can then enjoy your espresso via a detachable cup that comes with the device, or drink it straight from the thermos.

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5. A Wearable Device That Gives You Better Posture

UpperFit Back Posture Corrector, $18, Amazon

After years of slumping in seats takes hold, it can be difficult to remember to keep your back straight and mind your posture — and this device is the silent reminder you need. This wearable padded support brace fits right under clothing, so no one has to know you’re wearing it. It aligns your shoulders, corrects your posture, and actually reprograms your brain to sit up straighter. Start by wearing it for as little as 30 minutes a day and you’ll feel and see a difference.

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6. A Sunscreen Gel That's Lightweight And Doesn't Leave Behind A White Cast

Earth's Recipe Waterful Sun Gel, $25, Amazon

Sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine — and the higher the SPF, the better. But a lot of effective sunscreens are also annoyingly sticky and leave a white residue behind. That's why reviewers love this sun gel with SPF 50: it's comparable to a water-based serum and feels weightless and cooling on your skin. It also absorbs really well and is a great sunscreen to wear under makeup. It's also BPA-free and contains no mineral oil.

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7. The Most Travel-Friendly Facial Cleansing Brush

Forea Luna Play Plus, $49, Amazon

This facial cleansing brush goes deep within pores to remove clogged oil, makeup, and dirt — and is way more effective than washing with your hands. The texturized brush exfoliates dead skin cells while it cleanses, and unlike other cleansing brushes, this compact version travels well and even comes with a portable case. It only takes one minute to fully cleanse, it's waterproof, and the soft silicone bristles are hypoallergenic, too. One reviewer writes: "It really does make my skin brighter and it makes my skin feel cleaner. Another perk is that you can use a lot less cleanser because you get more lather."

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8. A Cordless Scrubber For Cleaner Tubs And Tiles

Homitt Electric Spin Scrubber, $50, Amazon

If the tools you use to scrub bathroom tiles are limited to old toothbrushes, there's a better way to deep clean. This cordless electric spin scrubber works for 50 minutes nonstop and attacks dirt, mildew, and mold on tub surfaces and tiles. It comes with four detachable heads to address a variety of cleaning needs, and has an extension arm and adapter that can be used for walls, floors, and hard-to-reach corners and crevices. It also has a 360-rotating handle and can even work with or without soap.

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9. A Manual Massage Tool That Relieves Tension In Your Neck And Back

Dr. Berg's Nutritionals Massage Tool, $50, Amazon

This massage tool was designed to feel like a professional masseuse's capable hands — and reviewers say it's simple, effective, and works on the back, neck, glutes, and hips. This is a manual massager with a tripod device that keeps it stable while you work — and it can even help users fall asleep with ease and relieve some stress. Created by a chiropractor, reviewers really swear by this device. One writes: "Over the past several years I have bought probably a dozen options for neck massage and have avoided this one because of the price, but I should’ve just got it in the first place. It’s perfect."

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10. A Color-Coded Surge Protector With Six Outlets

Kensington SmartSockets Six-Outlet, $43, Amazon

Charge more of your devices in one convenient location without blowing a fuse with this tabletop surge protector, which has six color-coded outlets. The 16-foot power code gives you more options when it comes to where you place this protector, and you can even mount it to the wall (it has slots for screws, but it doesn't come with actual hardware). It even comes with color-coded cables to make things incredibly easy to identify.

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11. A Balm Made From Essential Oils That Relieves Joint Pain

Wise Men Healing Balm, $18, Amazon

There are plenty of natural alternatives to pills and medications when it comes to managing joint pain, arthritis, and numbing feelings in the body, but knowing what to use isn't exactly common knowledge just yet. This healing balm harnesses the powers of frankincense and myrrh essential oils mixed with carrier coconut oil to ensure it's safe on skin. Some may be skeptical about oils, but its loyal customers and hundreds of reviewers swear this is the real deal: a balm that eases pain and discomfort.

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12. A Wood Bathtub Caddy That Fits Everything

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray, $43, Amazon

Turn your bath into a workspace, spa, and the ultimate place to kick back and relax with a glass of wine, snack, and a book. This waterproof wood bathtub caddy (with can be repurposed as a bed tray) is adjustable and won't slip from your tub. And it has small slots and wedges that can accommodate so much — from soaps and hand towels to an iPad and aromatherapy candles, this holds it all.

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13. A Portable Clothes Steamer That Won't Spill Water

Bizond Steamer For Clothes, $40, Amazon

Pack this mini steamer in your luggage, fill it with water, and use it anywhere to get wrinkles out of your clothing. It has a long 9.8-foot cord and can be used at any angle (even upside down), and it won't drip or spit water at you like many other steamers. It takes 25 seconds to heat up and includes a clip-on brush. Even though it's small, it gets rid of incredibly tough wrinkles — and also has automatic shut-off for some peace of mind.

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14. A Soy Wax Candle That Provides Stress Relief

T&H Aromatherapy Stress Relief Candle, $19, Amazon

This is a favorite aromatherapy candle among reviewers, one that naturally soothes your senses and helps relieves stress with a blend of lime, mandarin, and basil. This soy candle has three wicks so it's even more potent and lasts longer (it provides an 80-hour burn, according to the brand). And everything in it is natural — you won't find any artificial chemicals or fragrances in this one.

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15. A Wearable Gel Ice Pack For Aches And Pains

TheraPaq Reusable Gel Ice Pack, $30, Amazon

This super large reusable gel ice pack has straps and can be attached to your leg, back, or arm — wherever you're experiencing muscle pain and tension. It has adjustable Velcro straps and can be applied cold (store it in the freezer for at least two hours before you use it) or warm (microwave the pack or submerge it in water that has just been boiled). Reviewers say that the large size makes it easy to wrap anywhere, and that it stays cold for a fairly long time.

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16. A Leave-In Conditioner That Protects Hair Against UV Rays

Sun Bum Leave-In Hair Conditioning Spray, $13, Amazon

Your skin isn't the only part of your body that needs protection from the sun. This leave-in hair conditioning spray has three benefits that make hair healthier: it provides UV protection for your scalp and strands, it detangles hair (and is ideal for post-swim grooming), and it conditions hair with sunflower seed and coconut oils. It's free of silicone and alcohol, and completely safe for color-treated hair and all hair types.

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17. A Two-In-One Potato Masher So You Can Mash And Mix Foods

Mix N' Masher Potato Masher, $10, Amazon

Your typical potato masher does one thing well: it mashes potatoes. That's all good and everything, but if you can opt for a two-in-one gadget that mashes soft veggies like potatoes and yams — and can also mix them with ingredients like butter and spices — that's even better value. This stainless steel tool won't rust, and is safe to wash in your dishwasher. This little gadget will save you some dishes, and even works to mash things like canned tomatoes for sauce or homemade baby food.

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18. A Smarter White Noise Machine That Adjusts Its Volume Based On Your Environment

Sound + Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine, $73, Amazon

This sleep and white noise machine tackles two areas of concern that most other sound machines get wrong. It doesn't loop sounds, which can become a distraction that keeps you from sleeping, and it actually adjusts in volume to counter any noise changes in your environment. It has a sleep timer that gradually lowers the volume after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes so that you can sleep better and you can choose among 10 sounds like train, fireplace, waterfall, and (of course) white noise. You can connect your headphones to these, and another unique feature of this device? You can actually add to the richness of each sound — for instance, you can choose just ocean waves, then add sounds like seagulls or rolling thunder on top of it.

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19. The Sturdy Clips That Keep Bags And Purses Off Of Dirty Floors

Clipa2 The Instant Bag Hanger Collection, $16, Amazon

These cool clips are a lot stronger than they look — they're actually bag hangers that attach to purses and bags so that you can hang them and keep them off of filthy floors and far away from bacteria and germs. The clips come in six finishes like matte gold and polished silver, and are made from triple-plated alloy that's sturdy, won't rust, and can last up to 10 years. They also hold up to 33 pounds.

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20. A Scalp Cleansing Treatment That Gets Rid Of Flakes

Briogeo Scalp Revival, $42, Amazon

When your scalp is itchy, flaky, and suffering from product build-up or irritation that no shampoo seems able to fix, try this scalp treatment, which exfoliates and nourishes the scalp using charcoal and coconut oil. Though this is, technically, a shampoo that effectively removes dirt and sebum, it also adds biotin to strengthen hair follicles, tea tree oil, and is free from sulfates (which strip color from color-treated hair), silicones, parabens, and other chemicals. One reviewer wrote it's a total "game-changer."

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21. The Water-Resistant Shoe Bags With A Handle

Eagle Creek Pack It Specter Shoe Sac, $16, Amazon

Don't pack your shoes next to clothing and other accessories in your luggage — that's a surefire way to spread germs and bacteria stuck on the soles of your shoes. These water-resistant shoe bags have a zipper and handle so you can carry shoes separately — and they come in five colors. When they get dirty from your dirty shoes, you can wash the bag itself, and they're also great for things like wet bathing suits.

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22. These Shark Tank Winning Spatulas That Get Every Last Drop Of Food Out Of Containers

The Spatty & Spatty Datty, $12 (2 Piece Set), Amazon

A good deal of food from jars and bottles sort of just sits there, unable to be reached by standard knives or spoons. It's a frustrating waste of money, but that frustration led to these two genius inventions: long, flexible spatulas in two sizes that can be used to scoop out food or product from the most narrow containers. Use these BPA-free and dishwasher-safe spatulas, which were featured on Shark Tank, to get every last drop of hand lotion, foundation, conditioner, and other health and beauty products, in addition to food.

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23. A K-Beauty Cleanser That Restores Hydration

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Intensive Moist Treatment Essence, $25, Amazon

When you have dry or sensitive skin, it's natural to be suspicious of cleansers and toners because you never know when one is going to irritate your skin or leave it parched. But this Korean beauty essence cleanser is, literally, created with ingredients that have your skin's moisture levels in mind. With 90 percent fermented yeast extract, the antioxidant purple barley, and ion fermentation, this formula restores hydration and improves the texture and tone of skin. One reviewer writes: "I put a few drops into my hands and pat it gently over my face after cleansing/toning, and it felt instantly softer and bouncier...my skin looks brighter, too. One of my favorite parts of my current routine. It feels so pleasant! "

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24. A Travel-Friendly Humidifier That Works With A Water Bottle

Boneco Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier, $50, Amazon

Consider this cool mist humidifier a smart upgrade from most on the market — and it's one that travels easily and makes hotel room air healthier. It features an adapter that converts ordinary water bottles into mechanisms that deliver a cool mist to help ease cold and sinus infection symptoms. If you fill it with 1 gallon of water, you can expect the humidifier to last for about 24 hours, which is unusually long. It's also compact, comes with its own travel bag, and sits easily on nightstands so you can sleep through the night in comfort. It also has an LED light that can function as a nightlight.

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25. A Hot Air Fryer With Accessories For Days

Secura Electric Hot Air Fryer, $70, Amazon

Create the taste and crunch of fried food without the added oil in this electric hot air fryer, which is large enough (it has a 3.2-liter basket) to cook an entire meal for a family. It comes with a boatload of accessories that make cooking a variety of foods a snap: use the non-stick fryer basket to whip up French fries, the skewers and BBQ rack for kebobs, and the pan for meats and veggies. Its temperature variations range from 180 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a 60-minute cooking timer with an automatic shut-off when your food is ready.

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26. A Weighted Blanket To Help Ease Anxiety And Insomnia

Weighted Idea Cool Weighted Blanket, $79, Amazon

If you aren't familiar with weighted blankets, you're in for a treat: these heavy and comfortable blankets are used to help quell anxiety, insomnia, and even ADHD. They're made from cotton, are breathable and hypoallergenic, and come in a variety of sizes to fit different mattresses, as well as weights (they range from 5 to 25 pounds).

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27. A Memory Foam Cushion Seat And Supportive Backrest You Can Place On Any Chair

SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion, $37 (Set of 2), Amazon

Make every chair a comfortable one with this memory foam cushion seat and lumbar support pillow, which is magic if you have back, tailbone, or neck pain. It has a washable velour cover, adjustable straps to keep the seat in place, and a pocket where you can store your phone. It even comes with handles — carry it wherever you go and you'll never be without a supportive seat.

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28. A Serum For Aching Feet That Reduces Inflammation

Sole Serum, $25, Amazon

Whether you spend long hours on your feet or are unapologetic about your love for high heels, this non-greasy foot serum is the solution to your achy foot pains. Apply it to your heels, toes, and anywhere else you feel discomfort and it automatically reduces inflammation, thanks to a blend of ingredients that include lidocaine, and tea tree, peppermint, and lavender oils.

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29. A Veggie And Fruit Chopper And Dicer That Makes Food Prep Simple

Tiger Chef French Fry Cutter And Vegetable Dicer Chopper, $37, Amazon

Cutlery is great and everything, but this multi-purpose chopper and dicer can do things no knife dreams of doing. It has two interchangeable stainless steel plates and blades that dice and cut potatoes, peppers — pretty much every veggie or fruit under the sun— with little to no effort on your part. It comes with a cleaning brush to remove embedded food, but it's also dishwasher-safe, so kudos for that. Your vegetables will finally be all one size and you won't have to spend time laboring over them with knives.

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30. A Gentle Foot Mask That Gets Rid Of Calluses And Dead Skin

Bella Beauty Labs Exfoliating Foot Peel Mask, $14, Amazon

Exfoliate dead skin and calluses from your feel naturally — and without abrasive ingredients or tools. This gentle foot peel relies on botanical extracts to slowly slough away dead skin and aloe vera to add back much-needed moisture. Wear the serum-filled booties for about an hour, remove them, and be patient. It will take a few days, but your feet will begin peeling and continue to peel for about a week. When the smoke clears, you'll be left with silky smooth feet.

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31. A Hydrating Lipstick Gloss That Reacts To Your Body And Creates The Perfect Pink Shade

Lipstick Queen Frog Prince, $22, Amazon

Hundreds of reviewers are wild about this non-lipstick lipstick, which feels more like a moisturizing balm and provides a subtle pink tint that doesn't wear off easily. The glossy formula contains vitamin E and shea butter and is actually green in coloring — but once you apply it, it reacts to your body and produces a personalized tone of pink that reviewers say is sheer and natural.

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32. A Journal That Lets You Keep Track Of Your Goals And Happiness

BestSelf Co. The SELF Journal, $34, Amazon

This non-dated planner and journal gives you plenty of freedom to prioritize your goals, but they also carry those goals over if you don't finish them right away (because life sometimes gets in the way of your to-do list). It has monthly, weekly, and daily planning pages, a happiness tracker and gratitude section, and reflection pages. Consider this a journal that makes you more productive and happier.

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33. A Six-Piece Yoga Kit With Everything You Need

Sivan Health And Fitness Yoga Set, $39 (6 Piece), Amazon

Whether you're a yoga newbie or a pro looking to upgrade your gear, this six-piece yoga set consists of a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a yoga mat towel, a yoga hand towel, and a yoga strap. It comes in eight colors, including teal, purple, and pink. The ultra-thick mat won't slip and has an integrated strap, the towels are made from microfiber and wick away moisture, and the blocks help you with your balance.

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34. A Robotic Peeler For Vegetables And Fruits

Starfrit Electric Peeler, $25, Amazon

If you think the worst part of food prep is attempting to peel the skins off of potatoes and veggies — only to find a handful of vegetable has come off with it — stop everything and get this electric peeler. With the push of a button, it removes peels with a robotic arm that can adjust to suit the thickness of any peel, from avocado and citrus fruits to potatoes. It even has a hand thumb knife that scoops out potato eyes, so you never have to deal with those little nightmares again.

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35. A Charger For Phones That Doubles As A Compact Keychain

Avantree Lightning Cable, $20 (2 Pack), Amazon

This Apple-certified lightning cable keychain works with iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It fits in the palm of your hand, and you'll never have to be caught off guard or out and about without being able to charge your device. Its design couldn't be more simple: gently pull it apart and connect one end to your computer and the other end to your device.

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36. A Mug That Won't Tip Over Easily And Keeps Drinks Cold

Mighty Mug Ice, $14, Amazon

This inventive mug serves two amazing purposes: it can be knocked over from 360-degrees and won't fall down or spill your smoothie all over your computer or book — and it's made from double-wall Tritan construction and SmartGrip Technology that keeps drinks insulated and cool, but never cold or wet to the touch. It's BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and comes in purple, teal, blue, and lilac.

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37. A Flexible Light That Clips Onto Books

Mighty Bright Recharge Book Light, $24, Amazon

As hard as you might try not to disturb your partner at night, reading beside a nightlight usually means keeping someone else awake. Clip this bendable book light onto your favorite novel and it illuminates your pages without brightening the room or forcing you to reach over and turn off a light. On its lowest setting, it has a battery life of 60 hours and can be recharged with an accompanying cable.

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38. An Air Purifying Bag With Charcoal That Gets Rid Of Odors

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, $10, Amazon

The problem with most air deodorizers is that they kind of stink like flowers and other fragrances used to mask but not actually solve odor issues. This air purifying bag is completely different: it contains activated charcoal that neutralizes odors, prevents moisture, mildew, and mold, and is free of toxins and fragrances. It's great for the car, closets, and more — and it can be recharged in the sun for over two years of use.

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39. A Light-Up Makeup Mirror With Different Magnification Powers

CZW Makeup Vanity Mirror, $20, Amazon

This countertop makeup mirror has it all, including 36 LED lights with touch sensor switch and the option to dim illumination. Its three panels features up to three times the magnification, and the convenient trifold design makes it a snap to fold up this mirror and take it anywhere.

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40. The Ultrasonic Insect Repellant That You Plug Into Outlets

Max Moxie Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, $23 (2 Pack), Amazon

Ultrasound waves keep pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and even rodents far, far away. Plug these insect repellants into outlets in your home and they immediately get to work emitting silent messages to pests to stand back. If you have pets or children, you can rest easy knowing these repellers do not contain harmful chemicals.

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41. A Cooling, Soothing Jade Roller For Your Face

Purbert Jade Face Roller Massager, $26, Amazon

Provide your face with cooling, soothing relief with this jade facial roller, which has two sides: one for larger areas of your face like your forehead and cheeks and a smaller roller that can be used around your eyes and nose. This jade stone roller promotes lymphatic drainage and releases tension in your face while toning skin and reducing puffiness. Store it in the freezer for a few minutes before using it if you really want to treat your skin to a refreshing sensation.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

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