I’ve admitted before that even though I might not be the most efficient shopper, when I do make a purchase, I commit—wholeheartedly. This is probably why countless friends, family members, and colleagues are always amazed by the must-have products I’ve discovered over the years on Amazon. You see, even though I loathe the crowds of Fifth Avenue in NYC (or the mall back home in suburbia), I am not so secretly a wizard when it comes to finding the best products lurking within the behemoth online retailer. And, of course, while I prefer to shop small, there are just some items that are more efficient and affordable to purchase online.
So keeping the keyword “affordable” in mind, I pulled together a list of 31 random things I’ve found on Amazon that people always ask me about. From fashion basics and trendy accessories to nicely priced beauty must-haves and even a few tech gadgets and wellness essentials, all of the below products are easily sourced on Amazon and can be added to your cart with just a few clicks.
Even better? Every single item on this list clocks in under $50. Still skeptical? Keep scrolling—you’re bound to be pleasantly surprised.
Barrettes are still a big trend this year, and buying them in a 10-pack ensures you’ll always have one handy in a bag or coat pocket.
I wore these tights to a chic winter wedding and was pleasantly surprised not only by how they kept me warm when walking from the ceremony to the venue but also how durable they were on the dance floor.
I also acquired this for said wedding. I needed a little sparkle to enhance my all-black ensemble but didn’t have time to shop around for a splurge. This simple tennis bracelet did the trick in a pinch—and got me so many compliments!
It has been said that these Amazon Essentials tees are comparable to the fashion-girl favorites from Madewell.
They say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. You also have to try on a lot of leggings before you find the perfect fit. Go ahead—take these for a spin.
You might think that you don’t need to opt into the shearling trend this season, and you would be wrong. At this price point, this is a cozy coat you can feel good about buying now (and probably wearing every day until spring).
Cuticle oil wasn’t even on my radar until I interviewed several nail professionals last year, but after using this top-selling Amazon product, I’m hooked (and so are my mom and sister).
No joke, I hand these zit stickers out like candy. My boyfriend and best friend are also big fans.
I’ve waxed poetic about the Wet Brush before, but this product has single-handedly saved my fine hair from serious breakage. I have multiple that I stash in my bedroom, bathroom, and suitcase.
I am so 2000 and late on this, but after speaking with several skincare pros, I got turned onto this toner. It was a simple step to add to my routine, but my skin has never felt cleaner or looked better.
I used to think that I was so diligent about taking off all of my makeup before bed. A few swipes of this MakeUp Eraser and I realized how much residue was actually getting left behind (ew, gross). Try it and you’ll see for yourself!
Everyone at Who What Wear who has experienced this magical Revlon machine is hooked. It works great on different hair textures, and at this price, it is absolutely worth buying now.
I’m all about setting achievable goals in 2020, and maximum hydration is at the top of my list. This is a low-lift way to do the most for the delicate skin around your eyes, especially during the winter months.
Hydration and moisturizing go hand in hand, so you know I am slathering myself in this classic CeraVe cream after every shower.
So you want healthy skin, some anti-aging action, retinol, a slight tint, and SPF? How’s this for an affordable skincare solution?
Not only does this Korean hand treatment feel luxurious, but it also forces me to put down my phone for a few minutes and be in the moment. Win-win.
I live in New York City, which means I rarely get to drive anywhere. However, I discovered this product when I was at home for the holidays and immediately purchased multiples to give to my parents and car-owning friends. The universal design works in any type of vehicle and uses magnets to hold up the phone instead of a clunky contraption. Even better? Two come in a set, so you can keep one and give another to a pal.
Because I live in NYC and don’t drive, I like to keep my MetroCard handy. These pocket stickers are super durable and adhere to a case or caseless phone.
I bought these ahead of a long-haul flight to South Africa last year, and have no idea how I traveled without noise-canceling headphones before. They’re cheap enough that you don’t have to beat yourself up if they get lost in transit but also durable and work great.
Unfortunately, I did lose my AirPods on a flight recently. I sucked it up and purchased a new pair along with this bright silicon case—so far, so good.
Is it just me, or are these things always in short supply? I like this 10-foot power cable and find it charges faster than the one that came with my phone.
So you want to test out a few essential oils but aren’t sure where to start? Here, start right here.
And get this diffuser, too. I have one at home and another at the office for maximum zen.
If taking a gummy vitamin can help me avoid getting sick, why not? These are a top seller on Amazon.
You know you’re getting older when you actually start singing the praises of dietary supplements. Curious about collagen peptides? This Vital Proteins powder is easy to integrate into your morning routine.
I have been taking biotin for years. While some pills can taste chalky or bitter, this brand is totally palatable.
This sleep stick is the gift that keeps on giving! Well, I keep giving it to people, and then they give it to someone else, and so on…
I used to live in a really bright, eastern-facing apartment and wore this sleep mask religiously. (I am not a morning person.) Now, I mostly keep this sleep mask on hand for flights. It is very soft and helps me relax.
These resistance bands are easy to stash in a suitcase for workouts on vacation—and take up way less space than running shoes.
Ready to start your plant collection? Succulents are an easy way to add greenery to your home—you’ll become a plant person in no time.
As I said, hydration is key, but single-use plastics are a definite don’t. I like to keep this big water bottle at my desk and refill it at least three times a day.
