Life
42 Insanely Clever Products With A Cult-Following On Amazon
There are a lot of weird but genius products online that are super tempting. But when you're buying something on the internet, how can you be sure if those insanely clever products are actually any good? Well, thanks to Amazon's immense library of reviews, you can buy products online with essentially a built-in guarantee that you'll be satisfied.
Unfiltered and enthusiastic, Amazon customers flock to the review sections of their recently purchased products to express their satisfaction or vent their disappointment, making it easy for you to see if the item you're interested in is actually worth your money. Because, hey, you're hardly gambling if hundreds — possibly thousands — of customers before you have put their seal of approval on whatever it is that you're eyeing.
To help you sift through some of most popular products on Amazon right now, I've done a little digging to bring you the genuinely functional items that have garnered a cult-following on Amazon. These products will not only make your life easier but they also offer solutions to problems you never knew you had.
From oddly shaped makeup tools to motion activated toilet lights, these wacky but brilliant products have a cult-following on Amazon for good reason.
2. This Rice Steamer That's Designed For The Microwave
Sistema Microwave Cookware Rice Steamer, $15, Amazon
This microwave rice steamer cooks up to 11 cups of rice, but you can also use the steamer to cook other foods, too. It comes with a book of recipes and is super helpful for heating up leftovers. It's also easy to store and safe to put in the dishwasher and freezer.
3. This Body Pillow That Amazon Users Swear By
Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, $57, Amazon
Nearly 8,000 Amazon users adore this body pillow, which supports your hips, back, neck, and stomach — in addition to your head, of course. It's designed to feel like you're being cuddled and Amazon reviewers say it's revolutionary during pregnancy, though it's popularly used by anyone and everyone.
4. This 2-in-1 Shower Head That Thousands Of Reviewers Are Raving About
Hydroluxe 2-In-1 Shower-Head Combo, $25, Amazon
This shower head combines one standard shower head with another handheld shower head, which can be used separately or together. Each head has multiple settings to create countless combinations of water pressure and settings range from "power massage" to "stay-warm mist."
5. This Silicone Plug That Prevents Your Drain From Clogging
TubShroom Drain Protector, $13, Amazon
If your tub drain is constantly getting clogged with hair, then a TubShroom is a must-buy. It fits in any standard drain and catches everything, including hair, to prevent it from building up and creating a clog. To clean it, all you do is pull the TubShroom out and rinse it off. It has a silicone design that is super malleable and easy to remove.
6. These Shoelaces That You Never Have To Tie
HICKIES No-Tie Shoelaces, $15, Amazon
These no-tie shoelaces turn any shoes into a pair of slip-ons. They're one-size-fits-all, and each set comes with 14 straps . Their elastic memory-fit material keeps them from stretching and allows them to conform to your feet.
7. This 3-In-1 Tool That Splits, Pits, And Slices Avocados
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon
If you haven't jumped on the avocado bandwagon because they're a pain to prepare, then this three-in-one avocado slicer is for you. It splits open avocados, removes their pits, and then slices them in to perfect strips. Plus, it has a non-slip grip for easy use, and it's dishwasher safe.
8. This Blender That Makes A Portable Drink For One
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender, $15, Amazon
A lot of seemingly-brilliant kitchen gadgets end up gathering dust in a cabinet, but thousands of users agree that this portable single-serve blender is worth its space on your shelf. At 14 ounces, it blends just the right portion to make a smoothie, milkshake, or any blended drink to go.
9. This Phone Stand That Also Secures Your Grip
PopSockets Expanding Stand, $10, Amazon
This expanding phone stand improves your grip on your phone or tablet and also functions as a pop-out stand. It sticks to your phone with reusable adhesive that's easy to wash off and will adhere to almost any surface.
10. This Acupressure Mat That Massages Your Back And Neck
Nayoya Back And Neck Acupressure Mat, $40, Amazon
This acupressure mat is designed to massage both your neck and back from home, in less than half an hour, with nearly 8,000 acupressure points. Amazon reviewers love the way it helps them relax while relieving pressure and muscle strain. One user even raved, "this mat works like magic for stress relief."
11. This Charcoal Powder That Naturally Whitens Teeth
Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder, $25, Amazon
Charcoal is the ingredient-du-jour and is popping up in everything from face masks to tooth paste, so it's not surprise that this teeth whitening charcoal powder has garnered 11,000 reviews on Amazon. It uses natural ingredients to whiten teeth without causing tooth or gum sensitivity, and you can buy it in different flavors, including orange and cinnamon. Amazon reviewers love it's ability to slowly reverse stains from coffee, wine, cigarettes and more, while promoting gum health.
12. This Tumbler That Keeps Drinks Hot Or Cold For A Ridiculously Long Time
YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, $17, Amazon
This 20-ounce tumbler can keep beverages hot or cold for a ridiculously long time. It has a vacuum insulated chamber to preserve the temperature and its exterior also resists condensation to keep your hands dry. It fits in any standard cup holder, and it's dishwasher safe.
13. This Silicone Makeup Sponge That Blends Without Stealing Product
Nylea Silicone Makeup Sponge, $7 (2 Pack), Amazon
These silicone makeup sponges blend foundation, concealer, and other cream makeup without soaking up and wasting any of the product like a traditional makeup sponge would. They're also easier to clean, last longer, and will save you time and money in the long run. One Amazon reviewer testifies, "I use SO much less foundation now, because the silicone does not soak it up."
14. This Portable USB Charger That's Powered By The Sun
Dizaul Solar Charger, $29, Amazon
Forget your spare battery, this water-resistant, solar-powered charger has dual USB ports to charge smartphones and tablet. Now, as long as you have access to the sun, you'll never run out of juice. It hooks right onto to your backpack or purse, making it ideal for travel.
15. This Hot Air Brush That Dries and Styles Simultaneously
Vidal Sassoon Tangle-Free 2-in-1 Hot Air Brush, $19, Amazon
Brush, dry, and style all at the same time with this hot air brush from Vidal Sassoon. It has a two temperature settings, and a one-inch barrel with soft bristles that help detangle and style your hair while it's drying. Oh yeah, and it has hundreds of glowing reviews on Amazon.
16. This Toilet Spray That Prevents Unpleasant Smells
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, $9, Amazon
The simplicity of this toilet spray is what makes it so genius. All you do is spray the Poo-Pourri onto the water in the toilet bowl before you use the toilet, and it naturally prevents unwanted smells from permeating the room. You can store some on the back of your toilet for an ever-fresh bathroom or in your purse to prevent odors on-the-go.
17. This Motion Activated Night Light That Lights Up Your Toilet
VINTAR Motion Activated Toilet Night Light, $10, Amazon
These toilet night lights install under the rim of your toilet and are motion activated, lighting your way when you walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night and automatically turning off when you return to bed. They work with any toilet and can switch between 16 different colors.
18. This Shampoo For Hair Loss That Thousands Of Reviewers Swear By
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge, $57, Amazon
Let's be honest, it can be hard to trust shampoos that promise to reduce hair loss or promote hair growth, but if the before and after pictures in the Amazon review section can be trusted, then this stuff might actually work. This hair loss shampoo encourages hair growth using caffeine compounds that stimulate your scalp and contains 0.2 percent Ketoconazole to treat dandruff.
19. This Beard Balm That Softens And Tames Hairs
Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner, $12, Amazon
This super popular beard balm and conditioner softens your coarse beard hairs, eliminates dandruff, and makes your face less itchy. It's formulated with a long list of essential oils that promote hair growth and skin health.
20. This Natural Deodorant Stick Made Without Aluminum
Schmidt's Deodorant Stick, $10, Amazon
With over 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this natural deodorant stick puts to rest the notion that natural products aren't as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts. It neutralizes odors in a formula that isn't sticky or greasy and it's completely devoid aluminum and parabens. It's also vegan and cruelty-free. You can choose from six unique scents, including bergamot and lime (pictured).
21. This Dishwasher Magnet That Removes Any Confusion
Original Dash Nanny Dishwasher Magnet, $12, Amazon
This dishwasher magnet is simple but genius. It magnetically sticks to your dishwasher, and you can slide it between "dirty" and "clean." Never again will one of your housemates put a dirty dish in a dishwasher full of clean dishes. If your dishwasher isn't magnetic, no worries, it also comes with an adhesive velcro strip.
22. This Door Lock That Syncs Up With Amazon Alexa
August Smart Lock, $200, Amazon
This smart lock installs in just a couple of minutes from the inside of your door and can be controlled by voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa. This way, you can lock your door with the sound of your voice and even use it to log who is using the door throughout the day.
23. This Travel Pillow That Supports Your Neck
Trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow, $33, Amazon
This travel pillow is not your average travel pillow. Its adjustable design is able to provide way more neck support, so you can fall asleep quickly and wake up without a stiff neck. It's also half the size of a normal travel pillow and particularly lightweight, making easier to store and travel with, even when you barely have any space left in your luggage.
24. This Trash Can That Filters Odors And Opens Automatically
iTouchless Deodorizer Trash Can, $64, Amazon
This insanely popular trash can is one of the most hygienic on the market. It has a capacity of 30 gallons, opens automatically without anyone ever having to touch the lid, and prevents smells with a deodorizing filter. It does require four D batteries, but they should last for one year.
25. These Bracelets That Keep Mosquitos Away
SelpHbalance Mosquito Repellent Bracelet, $15 (12 Pack), Amazon
These mosquito repellent bracelets are completely non-toxic, keeping bugs away with citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass essential oils. Instead of spraying yourself down with chemical-heavy bug sprays, you can just slip one of these bracelets on your arm or leg, and mosquitos and other bugs will leave you in peace. Each bracelet is one-size-fits-all and lasts for up to 240 hours.
26. This Dual Bath Pillow That Supports Your Upper Body, Too
Gorilla Grip Non-Slip Bath Pillow, $15, Amazon
This bath tub pillow provides two inches of foam protected by a nonporous, waterproof surface. It sticks to your tub with seriously strong suction cups, so it won't slide around. And since it has a two-panel design, this pillow supports your neck, shoulders, and upper back as well as your head.
27. This Natural Stain Remover That Actually Works
Puracy Natural Stain Remover, $16, Amazon
This stain remover spray is formulated with six different plant enzymes to remove stains naturally. It's non-toxic, non-bleaching, hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and even biodegradable. If you find yourself struggling with stains but unwilling to turn to a chemical-heavy solution, this is for you.
28. This Draft Stopper That Keeps Your Home Warm
Twin Draft Guard Extreme Door Draft Stopper, $15, Amazon
This door draft stopper insulates your home, keeping the cold air out and the heat in. But it won't just keep your home more comfortable, it will save you money on your next electric or gas bill, too.
29. This Scale That Weighs Your Luggage
Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale, $10, Amazon
This digital scale is designed to measure the weight of your luggage, ensuring you can check your bags without being charged with those pesky overweight fees. It can hook to any bag and is able to measure weight up to 110 pounds. More than 2,000 Amazon reviewers have relied on this scale to get through the airport check-in on time, so you know it can help you, too.
30. This Ground Coffee That's Apparently The Strongest Coffee On Earth
"The World's Strongest" Ground Coffee, $19, Amazon
Not for the faint of heart, this ground coffee is considered to be the strongest coffee in the world, ideal for caffeine fans looking for a serious fix. It's already ground and ready for any auto-drip coffee maker. Nearly 14,000 Amazon reviews back up its bold claims, and best of all, this coffee is fair-trade and certified-organic.
31. This Silicone Holder That Prevents You From Getting Burned
Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder, $4, Amazon
Are you a klutz in the kitchen, or prone to burns? You're not alone, over 3,500 Amazon users rely on this silicone handle holder to protect their hands from the heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It's easy to slide on and off of metal pot handles and is dishwasher-safe.
32. This Towel That Actually Cools You Down
Frogg Toggs Original Chilly Pad Cooling Towel, $10, Amazon
These cooling towels are the opposite of a blanket, actively cooling your body down instead of heating you up. Whether you live in a hot climate, don't have air conditioning in your home, or spend a lot of time outdoors, these towels are a game-changer. They also provide UPF 50+ sun protection, ideal for hot, sunny camping trips.
33. This Vegetable Spiralizer With Five Different Blades
Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer, $30, Amazon
If you're looking to incorporate more veggies into your diet, then this versatile vegetable slicer is the way to go. You can make noodles of various widths out of almost any vegetable, far beyond just zucchini noodles. It even comes with an ebook cookbook full of ideas to get you started.
34. This Stylish Hair Clipper That Comes In A Helpful Kit
Pure Enrichment TRYM II Hair Clipper Kit, $30, Amazon
This hair clipper kit comes with everything you need: the rechargeable clipper, a charging base, four trimming attachments, a cleansing brush, and oil — all in a stylish package. If you want something that works as good as it looks, this razor is for you.
35. These Dense, Oval-Shaped Makeup Brushes
Yoseng Oval Makeup Brush Set, $15, Amazon
This makeup brush set contains ten different brushes of different sizes, basically covering every brush size you could ever need in your makeup collection. The brushes are extra dense and blend makeup seamlessly, from liquid foundations to powder eye shadows. One happy Amazon reviewer said "'I'm in love. I'll never use a Beauty Blender or regular brush for foundation again!"
36. This Towel That Dries Your Hair Super Fast
DuraComfort Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel, $14, Amazon
This mega popular, mega absorbent microfiber hair towel promises to drastically reduce the time it takes to dry your hair. Plus, while it's large enough to warp around your head, it's lighter than your average towel, so it is easier on your neck. Even if you don't plan to part with your hairdryer anytime soon, this towel can come in handy to jumpstart the drying process and minimize heat exposure.
37. This Collapsable Lid That Keeps Your Microwave Clean
Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Cover, $8, Amazon
This microwavable lid popped on top of plates and bowls to prevent splatter. It's three inches tall, but collapses down for easy storage.
38. This Brow Gel That Is Smudge- And Transfer-Proof
Wunderbrow Brow Gel, $19, Amazon
This brow gel applies evenly and easily with a spoolie and lasts for hours, with a transfer-proof formula. It makes it super easy to create bold, defined brows when you're in a rush and stays natural-looking throughout the day. Just shy of 10,000 rave reviews, it's safe to say this brow gel works for almost everyone.
39. This Facial Hair Trimmer That Makes Grooming Easy
Panasonic Facial Hair Trimmer, $15, Amazon
If you groom your eyebrows or shape your side burns, this facial hair trimmer could come in handy. It has a pivoting head that contours to your face, with a hypoallergenic blade that shouldn't irritate sensitive skin. It's also small and compact enough to stash in a makeup kit or purse.
40. This Tinted Mineral Powder That Covers Roots
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up, $35, Amazon
This mineral powder covers up dark roots immediately and seamlessly without the use of a harsh peroxide. It's available in eight different shades and although it washes off in the shower with shampoo, it's resistant to sweat and rain.
41. This Travel Umbrella That's Wind And Water Resistant
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, $22, Amazon
With its nine reinforcing ribs, this travel umbrella can resist incredibly strong winds. It also opens and closes automatically with a push of a button, so it's easy to quickly set up when it starts to rain. Perhaps best of all, it's made of water resistant material that dries almost instantly once you get inside.
42. This Essential Oil Diffuser That Changes Colors
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, $16, Amazon
This essential oil diffuser turns essential oils into relaxing and invigorating mists that can change the tone of any room. It switches between seven faintly glowing colors, based on whichever matches your mood or decor. You can also automatically program when you would like it to turn on and off, and when it runs out of water, it turns itself off automatically.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.