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.
1. A jar of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel moisturizer, because if you aren’t already moisturizing on the regular, your 20s are the time to start. This soothing, super effective gel formula is powered by hyaluronic acid – but it's still lightweight, too. Reviewers say it's a great option for layering under makeup, if that's your jam.
2. And a lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen that’ll give you powerful SPF 46 protection without leaving any white cast or greasies behind. True, this pick from EltaMD is pricey, but sun safety is worth the investment. The earlier you get into the habit of wearing sunscreen daily, the better!
3. A 36-pack of Mighty Patch pimple patches, because no one in their 20s has the time or patience for surprise zits. These hydrocolloid patches can help clear gunk out of your pores and shrink zits in record time. Blemishes, begone!
4. A One Line A Day five-year journal, so you can track how your life as a twentysomething evolves over time. Writing just a single line every day can reveal so much about the changes you experience, both big and small – and one day, you’ll be able to look back at it all and see how far you’ve come. Feels good!
5. A two-pack of blue-light-blocking glasses, because if you, like many folks in their 20s, spend a lot of time in front of screens every day, your tired peepers could probably use a break. These specs can help cut down on the amount of blue light you're exposed to, which in turn can help you sleep better and eliminate headaches caused by stressed-out eyeballs.
6. And some compression gloves that’ll help soothe aching joints, because all that time in front of a computer isn’t just hard on your eyes; it's hard on your wrists, too. Keep 'em in tip-top condition throughout your 20s and beyond by giving them the support they need – literally. You’ll thank yourself later on!
7. A household tool kit, so you can DIY your own fix-it needs like the responsible, on-top-of-your-ish twentysomething you are. This set packs everything you need to handle most common household projects, from building your latest Ikea find to fixing your dripping kitchen faucet – all in one handy case.
8. A handheld garment steamer, because nothing helps you look like you have your 20s together like a wrinkle-free wardrobe. This steamer is both easy to use and easy to store, thanks to its compact size – and it even comes with a lint brush, a fabric brush, and a crease clip.
9. A chic, insulated lunch bag befitting your status as a fully-grown adult in your 20s. This isn’t the lunchbox you carted with you to kindergarten; with a sophisticated silhouette and rounded handles, it’s as much a fashion statement as it is a lunch carrier – and thanks to the triple layer of insulation, it’ll make sure your food stays fresh between when you leave the house and when it’s finally time to nosh.
10. An astonishingly affordable mascara reviewers say work as well as – nay, better than – much, much pricier products. Essence’s crowd-favorite Lash Princess packs both volume and length in a stays-all-day formula – and if you're a twentysomething on a budget, well, who says quality can’t also be wallet-friendly?
11. A bottle of E.l.f.’s hydrating face primer that’ll prep your face for whatever else you feel like layering on top of it each day – and help it all last. (You’re in your 20s! You’re busy! You don’t have time for makeup that melts off as soon as you apply it!) Especially good for skin on the drier side, this primer soothes and moisturizes without upping the oily factor, giving you a smooth canvas to kick the day off with.
12. A pair of wireless, over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones, because in our plugged-in world, they’re essential for any twentysomething. Excellent for everything from travel to Zoom calls, these fast-charging headphones from Anker are as comfortable as they are effective – and they look pretty great, too.
13. Some bitter-tasting, clear nail polish that’ll put a halt to your 20-someodd-year-long nail-biting habit once and for all. You’ll never want to put your fingers near your mouth again after your taste buds have experienced this stuff.
14. Some ludicrously comfortable high-waisted leggings, because by your 20s, you know that life is too short to suffer through an uncomfortable outfit. Wear ‘em with a dress. Wear ‘em with your favorite oversized sweater. Wear ‘em under pants when it’s really, really cold out. These leggings are good with everything – and who in their twenties doesn’t love a good multi-functional wardrobe staple?
15. A hair finishing stick that applies like mascara to keep stray hairs in place. If you’ve done battle daily with flyaways for 20+ years, a dab and a brush-through of this stuff might help you finally win that battle. It’s about time, right?
16. An Instant Pot Duo, because anything that streamlines mealtimes is a boon in your 20s. (And beyond!) This 6-quart pick performs a whopping seven functions, letting you pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, make rice, make yogurt, and warm things up with ease. No wonder it’s become a fixture in so many household kitchens!
17. And a meal planner pad to go with it. This weekly planning pad is divided into two detachable, perforated columns – one on the left that gives you space to plan your meals for each of the seven days of the week, and one on the right that lets you build your grocery list for easy shopping. There’s even a magnet on the back of the pad, so it can live on your fridge!
18. A commuter backpack that’s professional enough to keep you from being mistaken for a teenager, while still providing tons of space for all the Capital-S Stuff your twentysomething self needs to cart all over the place. Tired: Work briefcases. Wired: Work backpacks! They’re way more practical! And this one has tons of pockets, a USB port, and an anti-theft pocket!
19. A jar of heavy-duty hand cream, because 20+ years of cracked, dry hands is enough. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands cream not only restores moisture, but also creates a protective barrier, keeping all that moisture in once you’ve applied it.
20. A pair of New Balance FuelCore sneakers that tick all the boxes for what you want and your feet need when you’re in your 20s: They’re lightweight; they’re comfortable; and – key point! – they’re cute. Reviewers say they’re great for everything from jobs where you’re on your feet all day (I see you, nurses of the world) to travel and other adventures. Talk about versatile!
21. Some Bambody period underwear, because tons of reviewers who discovered these babies in their 20s say they’re absolute game-changers. They hold up to two tampons’ worth of liquid – and they’re ridiculously comfortable, too, according to those who love them.
22. A gentle yet effective cleanser from CeraVe, so you can treat your skin right in your 20s – and in your thirties, and your forties, and…well, you get the idea. (Reviewers of all ages love this stuff!) This hydrating cleanser also helps restore your skin barrier – and even though it removes makeup, dirt, and oil like the pro product it is, it’s also super easy on your face, making it a great pick for folks with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or eczema.
23. A Sea Band or two, because you’ve already dealt with more than two decades of motion sickness – why put up with it for any longer if you don’t have to? Just strap one of these wrist bands on and let it work its charms on your pressure points. YMMV, but for many, they’re a boon when it comes to everything from car rides to boats.
24. A memory foam pillow that’ll nip any neck or back pain in the bud. (You’re in your 20s. You don’t deserve that. I mean, you don’t deserve it at any age, but why not start treating yourself the way you deserve now instead of later?) This pick is ventilated – never fear, hot sleepers! – and features a removeable cover for easy washing and care.
25. A scalp massager and shampoo brush, because in your 20s, every shower should be a spa-like experience. Bonus: Using this deceptively simple tool to scrub your scalp (gently!) when you shampoo can help stimulate your scalp, too, which is great for hair health. Hello, strong and shiny locks!
26. A tongue-cleaning brush that's the oral hygiene tool you didn’t know you needed – until now, you well-groomed twentysomething, you. Brush your teeth, floss, yes, all that jazz – but you’d be astonished how much bacteria is hanging around on your tongue. This brush is designed to get rid of it, keeping your mouth healthy and helping eliminate bad breath-causing gunk.
27. And a pack of 16 sheet masks, because you’ve undoubtedly learned by the time you hit your 20s that variety is the spice of life. Every mask in this set is different, letting you choose whatever you think your skin needs at any given time – but no matter which one you go with, they’re pretty much all winners, according to thousands and thousands of 5-star reviews.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.