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08-02-2025
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53 Products So Great You'll Feel Like You're Gatekeeping Just By Using Them Without An Audience
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Maybe you're not better than everyone else, but your stuff sure is. 1. A sinfully silky satin-lined beanie that'll keep your noggin warm *without* drying out and damaging your hair. This'll save you from forcing yourself to keep your hat on in heated homes when you don't want folks seeing your bed head-esque hat hair. Whew. Promising review:"This beanie is perfect for curly and wavy girls! The entire inside is satin-lined. When I took the hat off it did not cause any damaged or frizzy curls! I am in love and need more colors!" — Crystal Ingram Get it from Amazon $15.99 (available in 14 colors). 2. A MySmile teeth whitening kit — an enamel-safe system designed specifically for sensitive teeth that claims to brighten your smile up to 10 shades with consistent use. Go ahead, get dentist-worthy white teeth at a fraction of the cost. I dare you. P.S. The kit uses carbamide peroxide gel and a waterproof LED light to brighten your smile in zippy quick 10-minute sessions. Save *so much* time and money by doing this at home! Promising review:"It worked on myself and wife to brighten both our teeth!!! I was hesitant as a lot of the products out there do not seem to work as advertised but this one definitely does and is reasonably priced! If you are on the fence about it ,like I was, I highly recommend it =). One very happy costumer and most likely returning!!" — Kyle Books Get it from Amazon for $35.99. 3. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil with the most impressive review photos I've seen in my little life! Reviewers swear up and down over how well this erases blackheads and sebaceous filaments. Use this as the first step of your cleansing routine, and then just rinse with water. Watch your blackheads disappear so quickly they won't even have a chance to say goodbye. Aww, sad. As with all skincare products, if you're acne-prone YMMV, depending on the cause of your acne. Promising review: "I can't live without this cleansing oil; it's magic in a bottle. this is the only thing that's been able to clear the sebaceous filaments on my nose after consistent use daily!! it also helps the milia/filaments under my eyes! LOVE ITTTTT WHO LET ME LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT DOUBLE CLEANSING AT NIGHT" — Sarah Coleman Get it from Amazon for $17.69. 4. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller that'll pick up fur and lock it inside the roller so that cleanup is a breeze and it doesn't lose its effectiveness with heavy use. We love our pets but woof, shedding is their greatest skill. Promising review:"I have a golden retriever and the shedding is out of control. My fabric sofa is constantly covered in hair and I finally decided to try this after reading an article about popular TikTok products. The reviews do not lie, this thing works magic!! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because the difference is noticeable. I watched the video tutorial before I tried it to ensure I was using it properly and everything he says is true, you do really have to put your arm to work with vigorous back-and-forth movement! However, I find it's a great arm workout and it works wonders." — Joanne Ertel Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors) 5. A milk frother for coffee connoisseurs who have ~bean~ wanting a tool that creates a rich, creamy froth for their daily drinks. Make this at home and feel like the rad, if pretentious, barista you're too afraid to talk to when you go out for coffee. Promising review:"All of my friends and family had this so naturally I had to get one and I am obsessed. Makes every homemade coffee taste like you went out and bought one. Very affordable and worth every penny. I love that is comes with a cute holder for it." — Kayla Dillinger Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in several colors and styles). 6. A timeless tennis bracelet sure to look like you put down some serious $$$ on Swarovski, which can stay our little secret. Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It's 100% [similar to] Swarovski for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." — Trysten Walters Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in two styles, three colors, and three sizes). 7. A layered necklace set so you can show off your social elite style even though your credit card isn't exactly platinum — they come separated, so you can add on other pieces, too! Reviewers rave about how great the quality is for the price because they don't tarnish. Inexpensive jewelry that doesn't turn your skin green? That's a gift from the gods. Amazon Promising review:"I love the way these layering necklaces look! I haven't taken them off since I received them and they look brand new still. I've worn them in the shower, pools, and beach and they are still perfect." — Allison Kwong Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three finishes and 16 other styles). 8. A tube of Essence mascara, available in both black and brown, that'll make your lashes so long and full it'll look like you stole them right off of Harry Style's angelic face. This mascara was one of my first BuzzFeed shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic. Promising review:"After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E Miller Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two colors). 9. A set of Wonder Hangers so you can stack outfits, categories, or even *colors* of clothes with a vertical system, using up closet space in the most efficient (and A-type-friendly) way possible. Amazon Each hanger can hold up to five garments. Wowza. Promising review:"I use these hangers for shirts and tees. They allow me to easily find any shirt in my closet and take up very little space compared to single shirts on single hangers. I can also group shirts together by style or color on a single swivel hanger. I am now able to hang additional items in my closet without crowding. I bought this in white and the edges are smooth." — CAGH Get a pack of 24 from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors). 10. A wooden bread box so stunning you may feel like the owner of a boulangerie every time you reach for a slice of bread. And it's not just serving up good looks! The plexiglass windows will help you know what bread you have at the ready. I've wasted more than one loaf of bread by hiding it in a concealed bread box and forgetting about it. be buying this. I thought it was impossible to forget about YET. Promising review:"LOVE!! Bread has to be transported frozen to our town. Because of this, our bread gets super moist, molds quickly, and even gets soggy inside the bag before using it. This bread box really helps! Now, I have DRY STORAGE for my bread and it doesn't mold within a few days of buying it. This works great and looks great! Nice to have an organized place for all my bread loaves." — AkLiz2011 Get it from Amazon for $99.97 (available in four colors). 11. A Bio-Oil, beloved by many a skin-having human, made with a powerful blend of moisturizing oils and vitamins that'll aid in fadin' scars you'd rather have bippity-boppity- boop off your body. Promising review:" I am a 70-year-old woman with all the skin issues those years bring: fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, uneven skin tone, and dry patches. This oil is lightweight, absorbs nicely, and has a fairly pleasant smell, although a bit flowery. The main thing is it works. I could tell a difference in my skin the first week of use. My skin is hydrated and glowing, and the overall tone has improved considerably. Believe me when I say I have used a lot of serums, oils, and moisturizers over the years. I wish I had found this oil years ago." — Connie J Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in two sizes). 12. A cooling blanket brilliantly knit with fibers that *absorb* body heat so you can stay covered without melting. One side is a classic cotton and the other side has an ~Arc-Chill~ fabric that's literally cool to the touch. Ahem, cool. Promising review: " Sorcery! I don't know what makes this blanket work, and I don't care. The fact is that IT DOES!!! I overheat at night a lot because I live in Arizona. I got this blanket at the exact right time, and I'm THRILLED!!!" — Amanda Julia Hess Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in five sizes and 11 colors). 13. Tie-front satin PJs that'll have you looking like an influencer even when you're home alone binging Netflix and cheese wearing *catwalk-worthy* loungewear. Amazon Promising review: "It's always a gamble getting pajamas online, especially when they're supposed to be silky; sometimes you get that unyielding plastic-y feeling material. That's not the case with these! They're soft and flowy, and the ties in the front, while not Fort Knox, are still more secure than I thought they'd be. I'm definitely going to order in more colors." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 27 colors and patterns). 14. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream formulated with cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and açai oil to give your skin a powerful dose of hydration. It'll also wake up and temporarily tighten your skin with the same stuff you use to become awake and alert for the That's right, our skin enjoys the stuff as much as the rest of us. This smells like vanilla and caramel, which means it's basically a latte for your skin. Delicious. Amazon, You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This stuff is magic. I've tried a lot of products, and this one works the best out of everything I've tried. I love the scent. Sol de Jeneiro makes a body spray of it, and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it." — Stephanie Hooper Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in three sizes). 15. A bunch of faux tulips (with over 17,000 5-star reviews!!!) that'll stay in bloom all year long, helping you keep your apartment lookin' bright. Promising review:"They look so real, and I get a ton of compliments on them. Everyone always thinks my husband surprised me with tulips (my favorite flower) and are shocked to learn these are not real. I have several of them throughout my house, and plan to buy more because they are great!" — Abbey S. Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in many colors and in sets of 20, 28, or 60). 16. A pair of reusable silicone nipple covers designed for all the dresses that feel like they're ruined by a bra. These are also totally waterproof, so there will be no need to ~sweat it~ in these. BuzzFeed editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more. Promising reviews: "These covers are AMAZING! I used them for the first time this weekend during my bachelorette because of how much white I would be wearing, and they were perfect. I usually use petals, but sometimes you can see the shape of the petal, and my nipple still shows, but these covered my boobs perfectly, and you couldn't see them through a see-through white body suit. They lasted through the night when I forgot to take them off before bed and also lasted through tonsssss of sweaty dancing. I never leave reviews, but I had to spend the word. All my girls on the trip were amazed by them and are all ordering now." — Amazon Customer Get a pair from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in two sizes, with or without lift, and five shades). 17. A strawberry tea kettle so you can accentuate your stovetop with an accessory worth keeping out 24/7. Promising review:"This tea kettle is so dang cute and I absolutely love it. The sound it makes when it's ready is like a train coming, not your typical noise but I love it." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $54.99. 18. An illuminating moisturizer — if you're looking to add a lightweight alternative to your thick foundation and want an extra *glow*, then you're gonna adore this! Reviewers say it's basically like if Glossier's Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's Bronzing Drops had a brilliant, beautiful skincare baby. Promising review:"I can't believe how long this has been around! I tried Glossier's Futuredew and realized it felt sort of too oily (and too expensive) for me. This product is SUCH an amazing duplicate that is slightly better! It's not oily, but provides lightweight shimmer that I mix with my sunscreen for extra sun protection with some highlight effects. I love this! Does not make my super sensitive skin break out or feel oily like the Futuredew did." — e_whospends_money Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in six shades). 19. A breakfast sandwich maker so you can break up with your morning fast food commute and make yourself a 5-star worthy breakfast from the comfort of your counter. Eggcellent. The surfaces are covered with durable, nonstick coating, and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe. Promising review:"FAM. I need you to lissssssten. I would give this product 87 stars if I could. You'd think it would be one of those gimmicky kitchen appliances that barely even works. EXCEPT you're wrong. It's amazing. It's quick. Look. Lissssten. You put the ingredients in and about two minutes later your tummy is all like 'oh yesssss.' Basically. Just buy it. Purchase the sammich maker. You're welcome." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors). 20. A versatile veggie chopper that'll help you prep (and cleanup!) with speed that feels downright magical. The interchangeable blades just pop out, then just throw them right into the dishwasher! Promising review:"Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. This requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.87+ (available in five styles and four colors). 21. A safety razor designed to be displayed upright and within site thanks to its included stand (available in a bunch of colors to best match your bathroom!). Keep your skin smooth and your bathroom looking *sharp* with this cute tool. Each pack includes 10 blades. You can also get an eyebrow razor from the same place! Promising review: "My daughter told me about this razor, saying that she has used this for years, so I went ahead and order one. That was the best decision ever. I will NEVER ever waste money buying razors again. You can keep this one forever. The razor is made with a good, strong material and it's pretty. It's easy to use, practical, easy to change the blades, and it will last you a long time. This is the last time you have to buy a razor. Do yourself a favor and buy this. You will save so much money it's crazy. Hope you love it as much as I do." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $22.24 (available in 22 styles; available at lower price without stand). 22. A slouchy matching set made with thick waffle knit material and big buttons, designed for folks who know how to rock that effortlessly chic "throw on and go" vibe that looks so cool people think it's gotta be $$$. Promising review:"The material feel and weight are very luxe. A must-have set. Looks and feels very chic, especially with a little French tuck action. Can't wait to order in other colors!!!" — Michelle Ramirez Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 21 colors). 23. A set of extra soft cooling bedsheets reviewers say feel like sleeping at a luxurious hotel. If you've found falling asleep a chore because of tossing, turning, and *sweating* at night then treat yourself to these cult-favorite sheets! Promising review:"Feel like expensive high-end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it's the only material I like, but these are my new favorite. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." — Anna Greenlun Get it from Amazon for $39.97+ (available in 15 sizes and 45 colors). 24. And a pair of satin pillowcases for preventing bedhead and pillow creases on your face in the mornings *and* to help you slip into a silky smooth slumber every night thanks to their subtle cooling effect. Reviewers rave about these (seriously, they have over 200,000 5-star reviews!), saying they're an affordable alternative to ones that are typically $18 or more. Amazon Promising review:"My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn't frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes). 25. An exfoliating mitten lots of folks love for preventing ingrown hairs, reducing KP, and smoothing out their skin before applying tanning lotion. Several reviewers say they just throw theirs right in the washing machine to clean it! They also make a smaller one designed for the bikini area and a long, narrow back scrubber for hard-to-reach areas. Promising review:"MAGIC. HOLY CRAP, I LOVE THIS MIT! This cleared up 80% of the 'chicken skin' I have INSTANTLY after one use. Also, it took off way more dead skin than any scrub I've ever used. I never write reviews, so I had to when I got this and loved it." — Cheyanne Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (also available as a pair). 26. A jealousy-inducing Melissa & Doug ice cream counter — it'll be tons of fun to play ice cream shop with your kids, for sure, but they *always* get to be the ice cream maker! When is it gonna be YOUR turn to scoop the ice cream cones?! It looks so fun! The wooden ice cream counter comes with eight ice cream scoops, six toppings, two cones, cup, scooper, tongs, wooden spoon, reusable menu card, and six pretend dollar bills. Promising review:" Fun toy set for a creative toddler. My newly-turned-3 year old daughter instantly fell in love with this set! She loves seeing how high she can stack the ice cream cones and pretending to serve Mom & Dad her creations. She's been obsessed with climbing things around the house and we *desperately* needed a distraction to get her to stop, and this is working so far — she plays with this thing for HOURS!" — West Family Get it from Amazon for $43.28. 27. A drywall repair kit can save your walls from the "save" your goalie made the *one* time you let your kids play ball in the house. Promising review:"This spackle is so handy! Much easier and faster than opening a regular container of spackle, then finding a putty knife to use and sand paper. Everything you need is right there. I filled close to 50 small holes and nicks from kids throwing toys, etc. in less than 15 minutes. Would definitely recommend this." — Michelle Smith Get it from Amazon for $12.13. 28. A set of bedsheet clips for keeping your bedsheets from tangling in the wash. Get this and keep those laundry clods from wasting precious drying time! Amazon Wad-Free is a small biz that was launched during the pandemic. Cyndi, the founder, learned CAD (computer-aided design) to create the pads. And 5% of profits are donated to the American Brain Tumor Association. Promising review:"Wow!!! You wonder if things like this really work and well, I can absolutely confirm it does! First, I was impressed that the package came with two of the devices because I was only expecting one. So there was one for the fitted sheet, and the flat sheet. Finally, I tried it out and my sheets not only did NOT wad up, they came out of the dryer feeling fresher, feeling more dry, and unwrinkled! I will be buying a set of these for each of my immediate family members and close friends! What a great gift!!!" — katy Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a four-pack). 29. An unreasonably lovely hardshell suitcase with such a smooth glide (even when packed to the brim) you'll think it's competing in a waltzing contest. It's lightweight, has 360-degree spinning wheels, *and* has a TSA combination lock so your stuff is safe and secure while you travel. Amazon Promising review: " So cute and well made! I bought this suitcase based on looks alone. It is just so adorable and a perfect carry-on size. I traveled with it for the first time last week and was very impressed with the quality and construction. I dragged it all over Manhattan, and the wheels worked like a dream. The zippers are also very hardy and the handle extension is very smooth. Everywhere I took it, I got compliments from strangers on the street. I will definitely consider buying more sizes from this brand." — Anne Lindeberg Get it from Amazon for $169.99+ (available in three sizes, four colors, and a set of two). 30. A reviewer-favorite Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush designed with an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush, a brow brush, *and* a blending sponge — all in one! This beauty tool is about to become your new best friend, adventuring with you (because it's small enough to fit in your bag for quick touch-ups) every single day. Alleyoop See it in action on TikTok here. Alleoop is a woman-owned small biz that takes "beauty efficiency" to a new level. Most of their products are compact and have several functions! Promising review:"This is a great brush for travel. It cuts down on the amount of brushes you might need to bring on a trip. You could probably get along with only this brush. It is very versatile. I bought the one with the sponge. Looks very useful, and lightens the beauty bag load." — KMC Get it from Amazon for $25. 31. A luxury-scented candle comparable to Le Labo's Santal 33 (we're talkin' rich notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood) for folks who are old enough now to want their home to have its very own signature scent. Sigh, it's such a satisfying stage in life — I'm right there with you. And this candle is about to be with ME. Amazon Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle and this one is very very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" — Cristina Bertolotto Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in seven sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 32. A set of carriage door magnets — throw these snazzy things on your garage and you're gonna make your sedan feel sensational every time you pull into the driveway. Amazon, Promising review:" These really dressed up our garage door!!!! UPDATE!! It has been almost a year since I purchased these. They have faded ever so slightly but still hold on to the metal of the garage door and have not cracked with the cold of winter or heat of summer. Very pleased!!!" — Robert R Get a standard set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five kit styles). 33. A high pressure rainfall showerhead with a stainless-steel finish that's sleek and a rainwater feature that's gonna be ooh-so-soothing. Promising review:"Incredible product!!! Buy it! This rainfall shower head gives me the best showers of my life." — Rivka Polanksy Get it from Amazon for $36.29+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 34. A nongreasy hair wax stick with a whopping 29,000 5-star reviews — a lightweight solution for anyone who wants smooth edges and slick buns that'll last all dang day. BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna." Promising review:"This product works miracles on my little frizzy curls near my face! I never liked my hair back in a ponytail until I found this. It doesn't leave your hair looking greasy (as long as you don't apply way too much), and it holds it down for most of the day!" — Danielle Ball Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in multipacks). 35. A set of breathable seamless thongs specifically loved by several reviewers who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs. Folks say these are comfortable all day *and* claim they're comparable to (and even better than!) brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. I'm sold. Like, literally. Buying now. Amazon, Promising review: "After trying these, the pursuit for the most seamless underwear ended with these, and I came to write that on my way to buy a second pack. I worked at VS for three years, what seems like forever ago, and tried every 'seamless' thong under the sun- at the store and otherwise- all of which rolled, were still visible, or the liner was not cotton, which just feels gross by the end of a workout or the end of the day. These aren't that. They DISAPPEAR under all the workout attire. Anti-camel toe… HELLO?!?! They don't hold sweat. They don't roll. They don't move around. I just had my fourth baby and first C-section a couple of months back, and these are wide enough in the front. What is this panty sorcery? I threw out everything else from anywhere else. Follow the size guide. I washed in warm water upon arrival, even with the red in the pack, and none of the colors bled. I've washed 2x, and they look the same as when I first opened the box. They're wildly comfortable for a thong from someone who despises every thong and even other styles of underwear I've ever tried. Picky lady problems, the list went on. Always something wrong about them on my body. NOT THESE! What!?!! I work out in these, run errands, housework ahhhh — they're my new go-to that I ditched everything else. Comfy, sexy, stretchy, actually so seamless that they don't exist under clothing, and a fantastic deal… It's sorcery, I'm convinced." — Ebony Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.98 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and nine color packs). 36. A bottle of Better Life all-natural tile and tub cleaner that'll banish soap scum, mold, mildew, rust, and hard-water stains from tired, worn-down tiles. Promising review: "I have an old shower/bathtub. I tried name-brand shower cleaners and bleach to try and clean the soap scum off the tiles and tub. I had no luck and I would cough and get sick because of how strong the smell was. I thought I would try this to save my lungs. I sprayed my entire shower and left it for about 15 minutes. I came back and rinsed off the walls and they were shiny! I've never had such a clean shower. The smell is amazing and subtle. All I smell is tea tree and it didn't affect me at all. The price is also a good deal since the bottle is pretty large. It came with the sprayer separate and the bottle sealed so it wouldn't leak in the box. I highly recommend this." — Amber Erwin Get it from Amazon for $12.14 (also available in multipacks). 37. A tattoo aftercare salve that'll make both colored and monochrome tattoos look out-of-this-world lovely. This soothes, protects, and enhances the look of your ink, both fresh and faded. Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed, I use Mad Rabbit products on my own tattoos. Every product is vegan and cruelty-free (making it great on sensitive skin). I've recommended it to all my friends with tattoos. The soothing gel is lightweight and calming, the sunscreen is effective without feeling heavy, and the balm makes tattoos look gorgeous (my arm pictured above, left). I'm truly surprised by how well color pops with this stuff! Mad Rabbit was found by college friends Oliver Zak and Selom Agbitor after seeing a gap in the market for all-natural products to heal, protect and enhance tattoos. They pitched their tattoo salve in season 12 of Shark Tank. Promising review:"Product was awesome. It rejuvenated a 5-year-old tattoo and made it look like new again. Mad Rabbit absorbed into the skin very easily without being greasy." — Janson Ward Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in two scents). 38. A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner — this spiffy (and portable!) system uses warm water and a special formula to save the day when slips turn into spills, which turn into stains. Each cleaner comes with a trial size of Bissell's Spot & Stain Formula, which is also available on Amazon for $16.99! Promising review: "I have four expensive fabric-covered chairs in my kitchen dining area that were long overdue to be cleaned and were so heavily soiled that I wasn't sure even a good cleaning would help. I researched all the available portable cleaning machines and this seemed to be the one with the best ratings and recommendations. I was amazed at the results when I used it on the chairs. Years of ground-in dirt and grime came out easily, and when I looked at the solution that was vacuumed out it was the color of dark chocolate. I did a second cleaning and then used a spray bottle to apply clean water to rinse. Honestly, the chairs looked so good even my son was so impressed he bought one. I want to add that I am very close to eighty. and I had no problems operating it. I highly recommend it, and I rate it five stars plus!" — Kathleen Petro Get it from Amazon for $123.59 (available in three styles). 39. An elevated laptop tote bag so *dang* good looking you might feel like you should be working for it and not the other way around! Promising reviews: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome." — Su Get it from Amazon for $34.86+ (available in nine styles). 40. A mossy garland light — place this on your headboard, vanity, or windowsill for a dreamy forest aesthetic that'll make West Elm feel jealous. Amazon Promising review:"Used this as a garland for my fireplace mantle. So beautiful and soft looking year-round." — Bonnie Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 11 styles). 41. A refillable roll-on sponge sunscreen applicator sure to make putting on sunscreen (both on your kids *and* on yourself) less of a chore. This goes on fast and blends in easily – no mess required! Families and other folks who look like *dweebs* slathering on sunscreen are sure to look at your quick application with envy. Promising review:"My children are fair-skinned and extremely easy to burn. Wearing sunscreen is not optional, but they still fight me every time. Using this product was so fast and easy they didn't even complain!!" — Jeshleigh Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in seven colors and two-packs). 42. A jar of The Pink Stuff (the internet's favorite cleaning product) that'll clean everything from pots and pans to blotches in your bathtub. Move over firefighters, I want a calendar of THIS sexy stuff and its shiny results. Promising review:"I used this product for my stove because it's one thing I dislike cleaning. I have used different degreaser sprays and they all are so toxic and don't work for me. The Magic Eraser was okay but I used several at a time and I had to scrub so hard. But this product oh my goodness, legit a miracle. It doesn't have any type of smell. I put the paste on a cloth, clean the area then wipe it off with a damp cloth and voilà, magic!" — May Get it from Amazon for $5.49. 43. A dishwasher magnet for making sure everyone at home knows whether the dishes inside are g2g or still covered in leftovers. Amazon Promising review:"A stylish, functional little magnet. Eliminates the need to wonder if that cup looks dirty or is it just hard water etc. Also just looks cute on the dishwasher. I do not run mine daily as I have a small household and when it does get filled, more often than I'd like to admit, the clean dishes live in the dishwasher, getting picked off as needed. This makes that process much simpler." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $3.96. 44. An inconspicuous jar opener, because you're not gonna let arthritis, or poor upper body strength, get in the way of your pasta sauce and pickles. Promising review:"I bought this last year and have used it many times on many different lids, even use it to open gallon milk jugs when those pesky plastic attachments just won't seem to give. I haven't found anything I try that it won't open for me. No more banging on the counter, just hold it under my cabinet and slid it in the V-shaped opening, give it a little twist to open, hardly any effort at all. It was easy to attach under the cabinet, I put mine so the wide opening faces forward. I personally think every house should have one of these." — Addie Get It from Amazon for $15.99. 45. A fabric defuzzer that'll clean up sweaters, sofas, and other aging fabrics that have been a real ~pill~ lately. The battery-operated model requires two AA batteries, not included. Promising review:"Okay, I don't normally rave about things like this. I bought this on a whim in a last attempt to save my favorite duvet cover. The pills had gotten to the point where it was seriously uncomfortable to sleep with them getting all up in my leg space. I thought I was going to have to get a new duvet cover entirely. Along came this lil' baby. Not only is my duvet cover basically brand new, but I have found a new hobby. I'm depilling everything. Sweatshirts, leggings, blankets, socks, anything that looks like it needs some love. It does the job quickly and leaves everything looking fresh. Hi, I'm obsessed. I can't stop. I should send this back. I've started asking if my neighbors need anything depilled. I'm going to buy one of these for everyone in my life. Everyone needs to own this. Take it away from me." — Sydney Jensen Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six colors and two styles). 46. A storage bean bag so your kid can use their signature "shove the mess where people can't see it" technique and still make their room look, you know, *actually* clean. Promising review:"This has saved my sanity!! Our stuffed animals and blankets always ended up all over the basement. Thanks to this awesome chair, they are now all contained and they make for a super cozy reading nook under the stairs. The quality seems excellent. I expect it will last for many years! The stuffed chair is also cozy – double win!" — Emily Heilman Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two sizes and seven styles). 47. A wicker basket and terra-cotta warming stone — a gorgeous way to serve your homemade rolls, baked breads, and fresh pastries while keeping them toasty warm at the table. Plus, it's sure to make your kitchen look cute when out on the counter. To use, just place the warming stone in the oven until it's hot, then put it in the bottom of the basket, toss your treats on top, and eat up! Amazon Promising review:"This is a beautiful and functional bread basket and warming plate combo. I absolutely love it. We host a lot and this is a must have for keeping bread, tortillas, or any other pastries warm. It's the perfect size, looks great, is easy to use, and actually works. It also makes a great gift." — Marge P. Get it from Amazon for $63.99. 48. A multi-use car hammer can help you escape from your car in an emergency — the safety edge slicer can cut through your seatbelt and the rounded hammer breaks through windows and windshields. Promising review:"My puppy got tangled in her leash, car seat safety clip, harness clip, and seat belt. The release buckles could not even release because it was twisted so tightly. I knew I had to cut her free, it was such a relief when it hit me I had the seat belt cutter under the seat. I never thought I would use it, but so glad I had it today (pictured above)." — Elizabeth Get two from Amazon for $9.49. 49. An overflow cap for anyone who wants a long soak in a bath that's as full as possible! Amazon, Promising review:"Baths have changed for me forever now! I can actually FILL THE TUB and not hear that dreaded sound of half my water (and my expensive magnesium flakes, essential oils, organic bubble baths, and other fancy therapeutic ingredients) tragically vanishing down the drain. If you're a larger person trying to fit in a smaller tub especially, you STRUGGLE IS REAL. Now I can take more baths and enjoy more warm coziness. All because of this little bit of silicone!" — anonymous Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in eight colors). 50. A moisture meter to place deep down into the soil so you know exactly how much water your plant is getting. Under- and overwatering is a thing of the past, people! Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed I love having this tool in my home! I jumped on the 2020 plant trend fast and have filled my home with tons of botanicals (that all have different watering schedules). The meter tells you if a plant is being over-watered or under-watered right down to the root, which is very necessary for a plant parent (who used to be a plant murderer) like myself. Promising review:"This item is great. I can check how wet my plants are down where the roots are. So no more over watering! It is very accurate. This works great!!" — Terri Carlson Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in three colors). 51. A garlic rocker sure to, ahem, rock your world. This tool is way easier than a traditional garlic press. I cook with a shocking amount of garlic and I always hated dealing with my old garlic press. This one-piece solution is SO much better than the old school tool! You simply place your peeled garlic under and rock at an angle, it minces just the same. This also comes with a (TBH very cute) scraper *and* a silicone sleeve that'll help you peel your cloves in an instant. Promising review:"I like garlic very much, so I use this garlic press every day. It works very well, is easy to use, and easy to clean. Compared with the garlic press I used before, this is more labor-saving and comfortable." — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 52. A hanging garbage bag holder so you can easily dispose of your scraps without a trek to the trash can every single step of the recipe. Amazon Promising review:"I love this product because I'm always chopping vegetables and cutting up meat. I would be making several trips to the trash. Now I'm able to make meal prep quicker, easier, and cleaner! A good way to use up some of those plastic bags from the grocery store, too!" — Ellen Holcomb Get it from Amazon for $7.99. 53. An Our Place Dream Cooker that's not just a pretty face. This *treasure* can slow cook, sear, saute, and pressure cook. Having one multi-use appliance can help keep your kitchen from feeling cluttered, encouraging you to cook more often because it's actually a NICE place to be. Dream Cooker? You're dreamy. Our Place What's included: Dream Cooker, cooker base, locking lid, inner cooking pot, condensation collector, and detachable power cord. Promising review: "The Dream Cooker is so easy to use, and I was able to try a recipe that I had never made before. It was delicious and came together very quickly. Amazing for a new mama! Cleaning up the Dream Cooker is also easy and it can easily be stored on the counter or down below! The many features are explained in detail and I was able utilize each one seamlessly. Wonderful!" — Missy P. Get it from Our Place for $199 (available in four colors). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Big Thai flavours, no fuss: Sebby Holmes' easy vegan BBQ recipes
Thai cuisine is known for its big, bold flavours, and Sebby Holmes – the chef behind London's award-winning Farang – is here to show that it doesn't take a temple's worth of ingredients to nail it. With smoky blistered tomato and lime salad and chilli-salted corn on the cob, these recipes prove you can whip up something extraordinary without breaking a sweat (or the bank). Whether you're mastering the barbecue or just trying not to set off the smoke alarm, Sebby's got you covered with dishes that are as vibrant as they are delicious – and totally vegan and gluten-free to boot. Blistered tomato and lime salad 'Always store your tomatoes in a fruit bowl, never the fridge. This has been a pet hate of mine for years. Tomatoes are porous, and take on the flavours of the things around them, so if you leave them in the fridge they'll end up tasting like your Camembert. 'It's of particular importance in this recipe, which uses tomatoes both because of their deliciousness and their high water content. By blistering them on the BBQ the moisture within takes on a smoky flavour that turns this simple salad into something truly amazing. 'This is great as a side salad with meat and fish, but if you want to make it a main meal serve with some rice.' Serves: 2 as a side Ingredients: 200g vine cherry tomatoes 2 beef tomatoes, sliced into 8 chunks, big enough to put on BBQ 100g green tomatoes 1 tbsp palm sugar (or dark soft brown sugar) 2 whole limes, 1 juiced and 1 diced with the zest still on 1 tsp caster sugar 50ml soy sauce Juice of 1 clementine 2 long red chillies, stems removed 1 stick lemongrass, outer layer removed and very thinly sliced 3 spring onions, thinly sliced 50ml vegetable stock 15g coriander leaves, washed and picked 15g mint leaves, washed and roughly torn 1 tsp sesame oil 3 tbsp sliced Thai shallots (or banana shallots) Method: 1. First, grill all the tomatoes and the chillies on the BBQ. Ideally, this should be done over a wood fire, as the flavour is better, but if you have an electric or gas BBQ they will still take on a smoky flavour. Place them onto direct heat and cook for around five minutes on each side until they are blistered and charred all over and have softened slightly. As soon as they are cooked, put them straight into a mixing bowl so no juices are lost, as this all contributes to the salad dressing. Add the sugar immediately, so that it melts. 2. Next add the lime juice, soy sauce and clementine juice to the bowl. Stir, taste and season a little if needed – it should be sweet, salty, sour and smoky. 3. Lastly add the remaining ingredients, delicately toss together and serve. Recipe from 'Cook Thai' by Sebby Holmes (Kyle Books, £19.99) Kaffir and chilli salted corn on the cob with crushed cashew nuts 'This must be one of the easiest things to pull out the bag ever. I've used coconut oil to lather the seasoning over the corn on the cob in this recipe to keep it vegan, however if you replace the coconut oil for butter it also makes for a delicious lunch. Despite this, using butter is not necessary alongside the added creaminess from the cashew nuts. 'I like it spicy as you can see from the amount of birds eye chillies used. For me the spice is important in this recipe to balance with the natural sweetness from the corn but if you like you can reduce the chilli at your own will.' Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced 4 corn on the cob 2 garlic cloves, diced or thinly sliced 4 birds eye chilli, finely chopped, less if you don't like it spicy 4 tbsp coconut oil, gently melted to a liquid 2 tbsp roasted cashew nuts, lightly pounded in a pestle or chopped 1 pinch flaked sea salt Method: 1. This is more of an assemble than a method. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil, lime leaves, garlic, kaffir lime leaves and chilli. Next, using your hands, massage the seasoning into the corn on the cob, taking your time and ensuring that every part is jammed full of the seasoning. Next sprinkle the salt evenly over all the corn on the cob, it should stick to the coconut oil with ease. 2. Next cook the cobs. For best results roast them over a medium heat on the barbecue for 15-20 minutes, rotating regularly to ensure an even cook on every side. The corn will be golden brown in appearance and will soften when ready to eat. Alternatively, you can place these in an oven, pre-heated to 200 degrees centigrade for around 15-20 minutes until they are ready to eat. 3. Once satisfied that the corn is cooked, remove from the heat and sprinkle with the cashew nuts and then serve. Bulk out with jasmine rice and salad for a more filling lunch.
