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33 Cheap Home Products That Actually Factually Deliver Results

33 Cheap Home Products That Actually Factually Deliver Results

Buzz Feed27-03-2025

1. A plant-based oil-solidifying powder so you don't have to worry about what to do with the oil you used to fry up some chicken last night. Now you'll be able to discard it with your other organic waste, and it will break down in as little as 30 days. That chicken was delicious, by the way!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Works exactly as described. After frying, dump a packet into the hot grease and a few hours later it is solid! Magic!! I no longer dread cleaning up after having fried foods. This makes it simple and easy!" — B White
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes).
2. The Pink Stuff cleaning paste — a miraculous problem-solver that can help you get rid of stains, streaks, gunk, and dirt from just about anything. I'm serious. That pan you don't use anymore because of all the caked-on food you couldn't remove? The Pink Stuff's got that covered. Literally. Try it on your stovetop, your sneakers, your walls, your toilet...you get the picture.
Promising reviews:"I need this in bulk!! I have tried so many cleaning solutions to get out hard cooking stains on my stove top and nothing worked! This stuff took it right out without a problem!!" — Micaela Gunderson
"I was trying to get adhesive off of drywall and nothing was working. THIS WORKS on everything! It easily took off the adhesive. Then I had Corningware with a stubborn stain; I had tried everything. Then I tried The Pink Stuff, and it easily removed the stubborn stain. I will now always keep this on hand!" — David C. Rein
Get it from Amazon for $5.49.
3. A stainless-steel crack weeding tool if weeds think they're being clever by growing in the cracks of your patio or sidewalk. This sharp, L-shaped tool can remove the entire root without you needing to literally dig around for it. It's also got a soft grip handle because taking care of your home's outward appearance shouldn't be physically taxing.
Promising review:"Doesn't disrupt nearby plants. For weeds with long roots like bindweed, follow along the weed's root. You'll get a feel for it with practice. The tip has a sharper angle than my last one, so it's good for cutting the roots of shallow-rooted plants. It's a game-changer, for sure. Good, sturdy, well made, and has a comfortable handle." — Hanna
Get it from Amazon for $16.89.
4. A cutlery organizer with stacked compartments for each set of utensils. Now you can easily reach for and grab a butter knife instead of having to search through a cluttered drawer.
Promising review:"I have a tiny kitchen with only three drawers, so space is at a premium. My silverware organizer took up almost all of one drawer, so this organizer is a godsend. You can fit quite a few spoons, etc., in each slot. My beater attachments fit perfectly into the top two hollows. I will say I have to flip my forks over face down in order to be able to shut and open my drawer, but then the drawer itself is kind of shallow. You NEED this if you have a small kitchen with few drawers!" — mialro
Get it from Amazon for $8.89+ (available in three sizes).
5. Some Glisten garbage disposal cleaner that'll foam up and scrub your disposal, leaving a fresh scent behind instead of icky drain pipe odors.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This works like a charm to eliminate odors and leave my sink smelling fresh with a pleasant lemon scent. The foaming action cleans thoroughly and is super easy to use. A must-have for keeping your disposal fresh and clean!" — JonG
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $3.78.
6. A pack of 100+ light-dimming sheets — now your digital alarm clock won't keep you up with its glaring numbers. Oh the irony. These magical stickers dim 50–80% of light.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are simply awesome! Such a small thing can make such a big difference. At night, when I opened my eyes, I was flooded by little dots of light intruding my space from all my electronics: the TV and cable receiver, the modem, the routers, the electric blanket control switch, the microwave, the smoke alarms, cell phones, etc. And it doesn't take much to interfere with a good night's sleep. These will mute and soften those bright lights so they don't bother you anymore. Thanks for a great 'little size, big results' product!" — Ziapetlady
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
7. A pack of four cactus-shaped dryer balls to make sure your clothes and bedsheets dry evenly and completely. Plus, they're reusable and just so darn cute!
Promising review:"These are the only dryer balls I've found that actually made me not need fabric softener sheets. It cuts down on static, and I don't find pet fur clinging to my clothes when I pull them out of the dryer." — Tianhui Fan
Get them from Amazon for $8.59+ (available in four styles and larger pack sizes).
8. A pair of cute apple-shaped produce savers for keeping your veggies alive for more than five seconds after you put them in the fridge. If your asparagus tends to die before you ever get a chance to try that casserole recipe you've been eyeing, this is for you.
Promising review:"WHERE have these things been!?!? We've all been there, right? You buy five bananas that are a bit too green, and then two days later, they are perfect. You eat one, maybe two. Then, they are overripe and nearly inedible. You tell yourself that you are going to make banana bread, but you never do. A couple of days later, you throw three nasty brown bananas into the trash. I saw these on some YouTube videos and figured it was worth a shot. WOW! I honestly can't believe how good these things work! I'm not sure what kind of witchcraft is involved, but I placed one into a sealed container with six perfectly ripe bananas and I was able to eat ALL SIX bananas! I ate one a day, and on the sixth day, the last banana was still perfect! It wasn't overripe at all! If this secret gets out, it will ruin the banana industry!" — Jacob King
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
9. A Pikk-it hair-removal tool that'll help you pull out all the hair and fur caught in your vacuum head. Finally, you can more effectively clean your floors without secretly wishing your fluffy pet was born hairless. Reviewers also use this to clean their hairbrushes!
Promising review: "Between myself (medium long hair) and my overly fluffy cat, a lot of hair and fluff was continually getting caught up on the roller brush of my vacuum. I dreaded vacuuming because it took so long to pull and snip the hairs wrapped up on the roller brush out with scissors. Not anymore! This silly, little, inexpensive thing works great! Super quick to remove all the hair/fur — in virtually a minute, then back to vacuuming with my lovely Miele vacuum." — MKS
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
10. A magical water-based instant carpet spot cleaner because there's no hiding that huge, old splotch in the middle of your living room. Say goodbye to those stubborn wine, pet, coffee, food, and dirt stains!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Plus, it's useful on just about any type of fabric!
Promising review:"My sweet puppy had an accident that left a large stain on my light carpet. I couldn't get it out, but decided to try this product after reading reviews. The stain literally disappeared in front of me. I treated some older stains as well, and those also disappeared. Honestly, both surprised and impressed. I highly recommend." — Meghan Wilkinson
Get it from Amazon for $6.88.
11. A super fast electric milk frother to add to your Corner (of the kitchen) Café so you can add lattes to your at-home menu!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Don't forget the AA batteries!
Promising review:"OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life. This comes highly recommended." — Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles, with/without AA batteries, and in lots of colors).
12. A handy duster if your window blinds get caked in layers of dust super quickly. Just spray a little cleaner, and this will remove dust from several blinds at once! You can even use it on your air conditioner's blinds.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This duster comes with five washable microfiber sleeves.
Promising review:"This thing's so simple but really neat because it actually helps to make cleaning the blinds easier. I have wide wooden blinds on all of my windows (and I have a lot of windows), and they're such a pain to clean. I tried this tool, after spritzing both the pad and the blinds, and it really did work well. I like that there are a few pads included and that they're machine-washable." — Terrier Mom
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
13. A bottle of Feed-N-Wax wood polish that'll not only enhance your floor's and furniture's shine but will also layer them with a protective coating of carnauba wax and beeswax, so there's less polishing for you to do in the future. This will be especially useful if the winter air really dries out the wood in your home.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I LOVED using this in my kitchen. It made my cabinets look like they were recently redone. I didn't do anything extra; I just wiped my cabinets with my normal cleaner and then used this, and like magic, my kitchen was brand new. I also used it on some shelving, banisters, and my hutch, and they all looked amazing. And the hutch wasn't as annoying to dust for a while." — tiffany b
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
14. A WD-40 pen — a multi-use lubricant in a convenient pen form! This works great at stopping squeaks, protecting against corrosion, loosening rust, and removing grime!
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and in the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.86.
15. A lemon-scented fume-free oven cleaner so powerful you might just convince yourself you replaced your oven altogether. This heavy-duty cleaner can remove grime, stains, and caked-on food!
www.amazon.com
Reviewers suggest letting it sit overnight to remove really tough stains.
Promising reviews:"I had some oil splatter in my air fryer (oven) that I had tried to scrub away, but it didn't even budge, so I went in search of an oven cleaner and came across this magical stuff. Sprayed it on, left it overnight, and wiped it clean with a small dish cloth — no elbow grease required. I was really impressed." — Mystique
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
16. A set of 10 Snug Plugs if you're tired of fighting loose outlets just to get your charger to stay plugged in. Simply pop one of these into the janky outlet in question, then pop in your plug, and it should stay put!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Snug Plug is a small business that specializes in home improvement products.
Promising review:"I saw Snug Plug on TikTok and immediately ordered them. I have outlets at home AND at work that I couldn't keep anything plugged into because they're so loose. Snug Plug quickly and easily solved that problem and now I can finally have a phone charger in my den. Yay! I highly recommend this product." — KSay
Get a 10-pack from Snug Plug on Amazon for $10.99 (available in two colors and packs of 25).
17. A serrated tomato-slicing knife that'll make slicing and dicing so effortless, you might just give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love this knife! I stumbled upon it when I was shopping for a sushi knife. It was so cheap that I decided to take a chance. Wow. It is such a great little knife. Yes, it works perfectly on soft tomatoes. But, to be honest, I use it for many other fruits and vegetables. It is amazingly sharp, the serrated edge is very effective, and it has a great feel in my hand." — Jane S.
Get it from Amazon for $14.75.
18. A pack of six citrus-scented washing machine cleaner tablets because no one wants to toss dirty clothes into a dirty machine. The tablets dissolve to remove any residue that may have built up, so you can be sure your favorite blanket comes out smelling fresh!
Promising review:"I have a GE combo washer/dryer that every now and then would leave oily spots on my clothes. After digging through the internet, I saw this could be due to a dirty washer. And even though we run the self-clean option a lot, I figured I'd give this a try. Once it was done, I checked the barrel to make sure no residue was left, and it was definitely clean! Tossed in some rugs to be safe, and they came out great! Decided to do my hoodies that always have the spots on them afterward, and they came out perfect! Highly recommend! Simply pop a tablet in and run the wash cycle (self-clean if your device has that option). Very effective!" — Anthony B.
Get a pack of six tablets from Amazon for $11.98.
19. A pack of Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets so you don't risk limescale and mineral buildup affecting your dishwasher's performance. Because if a dishwasher can't properly wash dishes...it's essentially just a wet cabinet.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"The stainless steel inside my dishwasher wasn't stainless anymore. It looked like a sheen of milk on the silver parts. One cycle with this, and it was all sparkly again. It's been three weeks since I used it, and it remains sparkly." — BillinDC
Get six tablets from Amazon for $8.99.
20. A pack of ceiling fan carbon air filters to catch the pollen and pet dander making you sneeze up a storm this allergy season. These self-adhesive filters are made from coconut shells whose lightweight structure traps particles and contaminants. Yup, you can turn your ceiling fan into an air purifier!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
21. A fast-drying white grout pen that'll give your tired-looking tiles a bright backdrop to gleam against. This water-based formula will help save you from needlessly trying to scrub stubborn stains away.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff is banging. It looks like normal grout after it dries. If you have areas of your grout that have faded, become discolored, or moldy, this really brightens up those lines and brings your bathroom back to life. I used this all over my shower, and the difference is night and day. Can't go wrong for the price, IMO. A DIY dream." — Rytaco
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two tip widths and a variety of colors).
22. A rapid egg cooker for effortlessly preparing up to five eggs. Now, you don't have to worry about cracking into what's supposed to be a hard-boiled egg and finding a runny yolk. Get ready for instant hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets! Breakfast made easy.
Promising review: "Easy to use, easy to clean. I love the small size. With a small household, it's all I need. Have used it several times for hard-boiled eggs, and they have been perfect every time. I have never been too keen on specialty appliances, but this one is worth it." — brownnc
Get it from our Tasty collection on Amazon for $12.74 (available in three colors).
23. A pack of touch-up paint pens so you can address the splotches left over from when you removed your painter's tape from the striped accent wall you painted a few years ago. Just fill one of these pens with your latex paint and brush away!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Slobproof is a woman-owned small business!
Promising review:"It's nice to have a way to touch up the paint in my house without having to pull out a full can of paint and a paintbrush every time. It is also a great option to get into tiny places as you're finishing a larger paint project. Definitely a great option if you have kids in the house and you need to touch up more often. I could see me using these while crafting, too." — LG
Get a pack of two from Slobproof on Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a larger pack size).
24. A pack of duster sponges you simply dampen, and then you're ready to clean! It's that easy. Watch as it catches and removes dust, debris, hair, and stains around your home.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I am a bit of a neat freak. These have been soooo useful for cleaning my baseboards, blinds, and fans. They can be used on really any surface, but they are specifically good in those spots. They can be submerged in warm, soapy water and reused over and over again. They are comparable to the Scrub Daddy damp dusters. There are a bunch of them in the box, and they are all individually wrapped. A great deal and a great product!" — Bryn
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six color combinations and packs of two, four, and eight).
25. A pack of four Febreze air fresheners — these will keep your home from smelling like a post-game locker room without the need for outlets or batteries. Designed for small spaces, these air fresheners work hard so you don't have to. And they last up to 45 days!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love it! The scent is mild and not overpowering, which is perfect for keeping rooms smelling fresh without being too strong. It's a great size for small spaces like bathrooms or closets, and the fresh scent lasts a long time. I also appreciate that it's easy to use—just pop it in place and let it do its job. Overall, this is a great product for anyone looking for a subtle, clean-smelling air freshener." — Belinda T
Get it from Amazon for $9.94 (available in various scents).
26. A pumice cleaning stone for scrubbing away toilet rings, limescale, and rust buildup from your porcelain throne (and other porcelain and ceramic surfaces).
Promising review:"Since our water was changed from city to well water, I've been battling hard water stains. I saw others in an online group talking about using pumice stones for removing hard water stains so I decided to give it a try. I'm completely amazed! My toilet looks nearly new." — ks
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
27. And a Scrubbing Bubbles cleaning stamp because rings have been forming around the inside of your toilet. This will keep your toilet bowl fresh and clean with every flush. Just plop some gel inside the bowl and let it work so you don't have to.
Promising review:"I absolutely love these things! I have five kiddos. These gel stamps keep my toilet cleaner and fresher-smelling for longer, which is a definite plus with four boys. These have an easy, no-mess application. I finally just put them on my Subscribe & Save, so I always have them ready." — Alyssa M
Get six stamps from Amazon for $4.67.
28. A rubber broom so you can keep your carpet free from your purrfect pet's fur. It's also great for mopping up liquid spills and squeegee-cleaning your windows. Many reviewers say that this broom picks up the fur that their vacuum cleaners miss!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I live with two long-haired cats who are constantly shedding, and I shed a lot myself. Keeping my carpet free of hair has been a struggle, but this FURemover broom has been a game changer! It does an amazing job of pulling up pet hair that my vacuum misses, gathering it into easy-to-clean piles. It even picks up dirt along the way, making my carpets look so much cleaner." — Shelby Franzen
For more on how well it works, check out our FURemover rubber broom review.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles).
29. An industrial-strength mold and mildew stain cleaner whose foaming no-scrub formula will do the work you don't wanna do. If you've been plagued by stubborn dark spots in your tub (or sink, toilet, and washing machine), this fast-acting cleaner has got you covered.
PSA: Proper ventilation and PPE should be used for each application.
Promising review:"This stuff really works. I have never written a review for something on Amazon, but I can't get over how amazing this product is. I hurt my back and getting down to scrub our shower was a challenge I didn't want to deal with it and before I knew it I couldn't ignore it any longer. Then along comes this miracle product and I was blown away. Yes, it definitely works, but make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. I had our shower fan on and used a respirator." — Lisa M Martin
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
30. And a multi-surface, bleach-free Wet & Forget outdoor cleaner to get rid of the moss, mold, mildew, and/or algae staining up your walkway. All you have to do is spray your outdoor surface and over time, the stains will be lifted away. No scrubbing required!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have a brick patio. When I bought this house, it was covered, and I mean covered with moss. A good power wash each spring was never enough to stop the moss from returning, and month after month during the summers was a struggle, man vs plant. I did that for two years, cursing and complaining the whole time. This April, I did my spring power wash as usual and immediately treated this patio. It is now going into August, and I have not had even a wisp of moss this year — I mean nothing! I would recommend this product without any reservations. When you put it on, you may think that it doesn't look like you really did much. It dries quick and looks the same as it did before, but wow, does it do exactly what it says it will do." — PM in NH
Get it from Amazon for $19.85.
31. An electric fabric shaver that'll rescue your furniture from pills, fuzz, and matted fibers. It has two speeds and three shaving hole sizes, so you can customize it to the fabric you're trying to revive. You'll be able to get your lived-on couch back to just-bought-it condition in no time flat!
Promising review:"It works wonders on all my clothes, removing pilling and fuzz in seconds. I've used it on sweaters, old shirts, blankets, and even my couch! Everything looks brand new again. The design is sleek and easy to hold, and the adjustable settings make it perfect for different fabric types. The shaver is powerful yet gentle enough not to damage delicate fabrics. Also very easy to clean after use. The large shaving head covers enough surface area, saving time, and the battery life is impressive. I was initially skeptical about how effective it would be, but after using it, I'm glad I bought it. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to extend the life of their clothes to make it look brand new!" — Alex Park
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
32. A Scumbug sponge you can plop into your pool or hot tub to soak up scum, slime, and grime, so you can enjoy your little dips in paradise this spring.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Scummy water bugging you? I just got this gem of a product last night. Popped it into my hot tub, and from the picture I attached, you can see that in just about 12 hours, this little Scumbug ate up all the oil and filth in the hot tub. The water not only looks better but smells better, too! Highly recommended!" — Mickey D.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.
33. Window screen repair tape because little flying pests are finding their way in through the tears in your screens. This triple-layered tape is waterproof so you don't have to worry about it peeling in the rain.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My screen had tiny holes in it, and flies were finding their way through. When I cut a piece of this screen repair it actually stuck to the screen and stopped all the bugs! I had used other products, and they always rolled up and fell off! This repair hasn't moved and is still stuck on the screen! Even the sun hasn't dried it out!!! I recommend this tape to all reading this message!!!!" — Maureen D
Get it from Amazon for $8.29+ (available in three sizes and two colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones
These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones

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These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones

As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.24+ (available in nine shades). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six colors). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skincare products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $16.16. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22.

Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter
Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter

Book covers the difficulties that arose from adopting a Native American child and managing the unknown health history, disabling physical conditions, and the reconciliation of all participants LAKEWOOD, Colo., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In 1970, Colorado Child Welfare labeled author Dianne Haaland's future daughter as "unadoptable" because she was a minority. At the time, few people knew about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or the Indian Child Welfare Act. At their first meeting, Haaland and her husband were mesmerized by a beautiful, beguiling baby girl and wanted to bring her home immediately. The final adoption occurred six months later. In "Finding Pieces and Peace," Haaland shares the challenges she and her daughter, Tanya, faced, including lies and misleading statements form officials, suicide attempts and drug abuse. They chose to share their stories to help others, including some alternative pathways that they tried and often failed at. "Many times, people don't take the time to learn about the past and have no base or starting point to do something better," said Haaland. "We can't offer advice for your situation, as no two conditions are the same. But we can offer ideas to give you a multitude of choices to evaluate and choose for your situation." Haaland and her ex-husband had one child and were a foster home to thirty-three, mostly Native American, children over three years. Besides her own story, she also includes information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the Indian Child Welfare Act, court appointed special advocates and the American Indian Movement, as many are not familiar with these topics, and they play largely into her story. "I hope our book gives a voice to foster children, adoptees, and relinquishing mothers who wanted to share their stories," said Haaland. "Finding Pieces and Peace: My Apache Daughter's Journey for Answers in a White World" By Dianne Haaland ISBN: 9781665764070 (softcover); 9781665764094 (hardcover); 9781665764087 (electronic) Available at Archway Publishing, [Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Dianne Haaland is a lifelong learner who earned a bachelors degree at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D. and an MBA from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. This is her second memoir. Haaland and her ex-husband have one daughter and were a foster home To learn more, please visit Media Contact Ziggy Goldfarb, Archway Publishing, 4803067065, zgoldfarb@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Author Dianne Haaland Sign in to access your portfolio

27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners
27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners

Buzz Feed

time3 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners

A pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year round. A seed and seedling spacer tool that'll show you exactly where to put your seeds. The color-coded square helps you space out seeds just right, so your veggies grow in neat little rows instead of chaotic clumps. Just press into the soil, poke holes with the included dibber, and plant. A galvanized steel planter bed for neatly planting all your veggies and fruits. It has an open bottom, which provides good drainage and keeps weeds away from your soil. Promising review: "This raised bed is very affordable. The bed looks thin and flimsy at first, but once it is set up, it is very sturdy, even though it is very light to carry around empty. I also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being sold. This is an excellent product." —JTGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because it doesn't warp out of shape when it gets damp or wet. Promising review: "My granddaughter and I started a garden in this raised bed! It's perfect for me because I don't have to bend down on my knees and high enough for her (she's 4). Now we wait for things to grow so we can eat them!!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. Or a seven-piece garden tool kit if you're new to gardening and want a one-stop shop for all your needs. This kit has a folding stool so you can sit comfortably while you work, and all the tools you'll need for basic gardening tasks. The seven-piece kit includes a weeding fork, cultivator, weeder, transplanter, trowel, folding stool, and tool review: "When I saw this product, I needed to purchase it for myself. I have been into gardening lately, and spend a lot of time outside. My back always hurts from bending over, or my knees ache. So having this chair low enough to the ground is so convenient! I also love that it comes with the tools and the tool bag attached to the chair. It folds flat for easy storage. I love it! —sheena bostickGet it from Amazon for $35.99. A pack of wildflower seeds to turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard. Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes). A bottle of organic Joyful Dirt concentrated plant food and fertilizer for indoor or outdoor plants that you mix into either soil or the plant's water. Within a few weeks, your plants will look noticeably healthier and taller. Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13Get it from Amazon for $19.95. A pair of breathable and absorbent bamboo gloves that keep hands cool in the hot weather. These have a textured rubber coating on the palm and fingers so that you can easily grab things — even thorny plants — without fear of hurting yourself. Or a pair of gardening gloves with extra-long sleeves so you don't have to stress about poison ivy, thorny branches, or mosquito bites while you're out there doing your thing. Bug season is no joke, so it helps to stay covered. These'll also save your arms if you accidentally brush up against something prickly. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals for making sure you don't over or underwater your plants. You mix it in with your regular soil, and the crystals swell to absorb water and then release it later. Promising review: "I love these crystals. The heat is here, and this product keeps my plants in containers from drying out so fast and dying. With these moisture control crystals, I can even leave home for a couple of days with no worry." —Peggy RyanGet it from Amazon for $11.42. A pack of reusable Velcro garden ties that'll gently keep your plants in the right spot. Use these to secure stems to stakes, trellises, or cages without damaging anything delicate. They're soft, adjustable, and way easier to manage than twist ties or string. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower. A weed killer kit that'll handle the hard stuff without making you break a sweat. Just pour the concentrate into the reusable pouch, fill it with water using your hose, attach the sprayer wand, and you're ready to go. The fast-acting formula will get to work on weeds, moss, algae, and even unwanted grass in as little as 20 minutes. Promising review: "My new flowerbed had some Bermuda grass coming up through the weed guard paper, but not anymore. I watched it wilt within 30 minutes of application. I pulled the dead grass the next morning. Other weeds I hit in the flowerbed were much easier to pull than weeds I didn't hit with the weed warrior. It worked better and faster than the other weed killers I have used. Now my flowerbeds can stay grass- and weed-free." –Neeci "This worked as advertised. Love that it's not using harsh chemicals, too. I have kids that love to play outside and wrestle and flip all over the yard, so it's nice knowing they can do so in a safe environment instead of among a ton of chemicals." —Weslee H. Get the kit from Sunday for $37.80. And with summer's heat fast approaching, consider Sunday's Heat Defense Kit. And a weed puller tool for easily removing weeds from your lawn and flowerbeds. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 45,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. But also a crack weeder tool to make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal. A pack of five heavy-duty fabric grow bags so you can grow big plants with ease. These grow bags use a breathable material, which keeps roots and soil oxygenated and cool throughout the year. Great for developing robust, fibrous root systems that stay healthy without needing regular root pruning. Promising review: "So I'm no plant pot-biologist, but these are awesome. They're durable and strong. The handles are stitched on super well. They are also solid enough to hold the soil and plant with no problem while letting enough oxygen to the roots to create a bigger root ball, leading to bigger plants/yields. Best mesh flower pots by far." —Avraham C Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in tan or black and in 10 sizes). A 21" Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery powered-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts *forever* — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I bought this mower exclusively for my front yard because I love my yard to be neat. Since my yard is on a slope, self-propelled is a must. I was really surprised by the power of the drive and the very even cut. Stores away in my garage and is always ready. Am I happy? Extremely." —Greg D. Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A potting bench so you have a designated spot to keep your gardening tools and supplies. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There are also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging items. Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and is a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it's easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans Get it from Amazon for $108.59+ (available in three wood finishes). A pack of three rolling plant caddies to make sure you can move your heaviest plants without much effort. Each caddy can hold up to 80 pounds, too, so we're talking about some pretty big plants! A protective sunhat with a mesh net so you can garden without fear of being attacked by bugs. Try as they might, bees, mosquitos, and other insects will be no match against this. A denim apron with leather details designed specifically for gardening. Designed by plantfluencer Hilton Carter, it has leather pockets for holding heavy and sharp tools like shears and a ring for holding a towel or mister/spray bottle. An extra-thick foam kneeling pad so days spent tending to your garden won't result in excruciating knee pain. This mat measures 17.75 inches long x 11.75 inches wide x 1.5 inches review: "I'm not getting any younger. Scrubbing the floor/floorboards behind the toilet, bottom of tub, refrigerator, lower cabinets, gardening on my hands and knees kills me these days. I was skeptical that this wouldn't be thick/sturdy enough to use for all of the aforementioned tasks. Boy, am I glad I was wrong! If you're looking for a great 'kneezy,' this one is it. It's supportive, cushioned, wipes clean, and has a carrying handle. Definitely worth your time and money." —AikoGet it from Walmart for $21.48. Or a pair of knee pads if you need support but are on the move a lot. Never again will you have to cut your time outside short because your knees, hips, or back is throbbing. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery. A pack of four plant supporters, because some plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so it'll camouflage really well. And a wall-mounted storage rack to organize everything from hoses to landscaping supplies. Keep your garden tools clean and accessible by hanging up the essentials instead of having them pile up in corners. Promising review: "We just put this up last week in our garage and already love how it looks and functions. We love how you can customize the different hook arrangements to fit your needs easily. Everything is included inside the box with meaty screws to hold up the bracket. We liked it so much we decided to get another set to extend it even more." —Ian Petersen Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four lengths).

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