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Because we tried them for you in 2020.
"Babyyy! This was the best beauty find of 2020 for me. The first body sunscreen I've found that does NOT leave me looking ashy. Wearing sunscreen regularly (yup, even in the fall) is one of my new self-care methods and I feel good putting this on knowing it a) doesn't look ghostly on me and b) was made by Black women just like me." —Marquaysa Battle
Get it from Target for $15.99 or Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned brand based in Miami. The brand's products are cruelty-free and formulated without parabens.
"I am not a tech-savvy person by any means. I needed help the other day just to make sense of a new electric can opener. Needless to say, I had still been using cheap drugstore headphones up until recently (I lost my included Apple headphones many moons ago). I decided I needed wireless headphones for multiple reasons: a) regular headphones are annoying to use at the gym, especially while running, and b) I was starting to waste a lot of money by replacing cheap headphones over and over again, which inevitably break within four months. Not to mention, untangling wires were starting to take years off my life.
These Beats headphones have been a real game-changer for me. The sound quality is SO MUCH better than my cheap headphones, which has actually really improved my experience at the gym. I find it easier to stay motivated now that my music is *crystal clear* (and I can't hear myself wheezing on the treadmill). I was worried it would be hard to connect their Bluetooth settings to my phone and computer (again...I can't handle can openers), but the whole process is super self-explanatory. And they stay connected for pretty long distances — I can walk away from my phone to the other side of the room without interrupting my music.
They can hold a charge for a pretty long time, as long you always store them in their charging case. I usually use them for a full work day without needing to re-charge them. Plus, they're really comfy in my ears and never fall out, thanks to their clever hook design (if you have comfort issues with Apple headphones, these will probably feel better)! My ears never feel sore or need a break from them — their lining is super soft and almost moldable. If you're a headphones connoisseur and value sound quality, I've been really impressed (I'm no expert, but a lot of people agree!). They're definitely a splurge, but IMO, they're worth it!" —Emma McAnaw
Get them from Amazon for $169.99+ (available in seven colors).
"Lemme walk you through why this is the best gift for yourself or basically anyone who has ever lifted a spatula. This gorgeous 10-inch pan actually does the work of eight kitchen tools: fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. OK, OK, so yes, mostly it just does the job of A Regular Pan. But it has cool features! It has a spout on the side for easy pouring and releasing steam (simply spin the lid so the holes line up). The handle rests on the handle and fits neatly inside the pan, so no spoon rest is needed. It comes with a stainless steel steamer basket for easy steaming. It's just a nice, thoughtful pan in general that's worth the extra cash.
It's made with high-quality materials, and the attention to detail really shows in the finished product. Sometimes I just hold mine and sigh over how nice it is! Sorry if that's lame, but it is the truth. I am in love with my pan. The pan sports non-toxic, nonstick ceramic coating made without potentially toxic materials (lead, cadmium, nanoparticles, etc.). It has an aluminum body for a fast, even heat. It's large, but (relatively) lightweight, so I always find it's the first pan I grab. The accompanying spatula is made with beechwood that's gentle on the nonstick coating but durable. And the best part? It's sooo easy to clean! The pan comes with a wimpy-looking natural sponge but it actually works. Even burnt, caked-on food kinda just slides off this thing. Seriously, only one swipe of the sponge needed! The one thing I will say is that the coating does come off easily, so keep it away metal utensils, be gentle when cleaning, and definitely don't put it in the oven." —Bek O'Connell
Get it from Our Place for $145 (available in five colors). Just note that it will ship mid-February!
Several members of the BuzzFeed Shopping team now own and love this (including myself) — 10/10 recommend!
Our Place is a POC-owned business based in Los Angeles. All of their boxes are packaged with biodegradable and recyclable materials, and the Always Pan is made in a female-owned factory in China.
"I got this faux shearling coat for Christmas and I have worn it every day since! It is soft, cozy, warm, and pretty much everything I want in a jacket. I love that it fits oversized so I can easily wear it over a sweater or hoodie. The front pockets are deep and easily fit my phone without feeling like it's going to fall out. And of course, I think it's really cute and stylish. For less than $35 (!!), I might even grab another color." —Kayla Boyd
Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes S–3X and 34 colors and styles).
"I'd been contemplating buying an air fryer for quite some time, but it wasn't until I found myself cooking every night with my family due to COVID-19 that I finally decided it was the right time to get one. Friends of mine were raving about their new Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer, so after reading similar feedback on Amazon, I decided it looked like a winner. And it happens to be made by the same company that makes the crowd-favorite Instant Pot. I figured I would be using this appliance primarily as air air fryer, but as an added bonus, it can also roast, broil, bake, re-heat, and dehydrate food.
I've had this air fryer for about three weeks now, and I can honestly say it's become the hero of my kitchen. It preheats quickly, it's large enough to a good amount of food at once, it's easy to clean, and it makes food taste crispy on the outside and moist on the inside without any oil. I've been using my air fryer to make vegetables just about every night and it makes them taste so good. If you're cooking for kids, picky eaters, or you just don't get so excited about eating vegetables, the air fryer could be perfect for you. If you like chicken, the air fryer might change your life, and I don't mean that to be dramatic. The air fryer produces restaurant-quality chicken that tastes absurdly decadent, except there's no oil involved in the cooking — just air. We also tried making sesame chicken in the air fryer using boneless skinless chicken thighs. The sesame chicken tasted almost identical to my favorite Chinese takeout, and it had nothing to do with my cooking skills. Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken gets so crispy. I couldn't believe I made this at home!!" —Hannah Loewentheil
Get it from Amazon for $119.99.
Check out the full review, plus some air fryer recipe suggestions for more!
"After truly years of trying all kinds of different lip balms to varying degrees of success, I've finally found the only balm that actually leaves my lips softer and more hydrated every time I use it, even after it rubs off: Lanolips. Before I found it, I suffered from chronically dry lips, thanks to an anxiety-induced lip-licking habit I have yet to break, prescription tretinoin I use daily for acne (not directly on my lips, obvs, but it's just that drying), and a medication I take that just happens to be incredibly dehydrating. (Just peep the pic above! And that's not even really 'before' — it's just when I stopped using Lanolips for four straight days, then two days after I started wearing it again.)
The very *first* time I applied Lanolips, it made SUCH a difference through the rest of the evening that I couldn't stop rubbing my lips together and lightly patting them with my fingers! Now, I apply a tiny amount about three times a day and haven't suffered from chapped lips since. A little goes a very long way, and it's kind of goopy and sticky to apply, but I don't care one bit. When it wears off (or soaks in? I think it does a little of both) a little bit later, my lips are still super soft, healthy-looking, and don't hurt or crack when I smile! Yes, people who have nursed before will recognize that it's made of lanolin, the main ingredient in many nipple creams — which might work well for chapped lips too, I haven't tried 'em! But one thing I do know: those don't have the delightful strawberry flavor that this does, or come in other flavors or tints!" —Natalie Brown
Get the unscented, unflavored Original 101 Superbal from Amazon for $16.99, or get Lanolips Rose Gold 101 Lip & Cheek Tint from Amazon for $17.
Check out Natalie's full review for all the deets.
"I *love* this little speaker — it lives right on my bookshelves (without taking up basically *any* room) and fills my apartment with high quality sound. The lil' portable size is perfect so I can grab it and take it into the kitchen for baking jams™ or into my bathroom for my latest in-shower karaoke session (sorry neighbors). It's adorable, but the sound is crisp, powerful, and well-rounded. Pairing it with my phone was incredibly easy, and it reconnects almost instantly as soon as I turn it on, so it's super user-friendly. I also barely *ever* have to charge it, which is important to me. And yes, that *is* a Jane Austen action figure next to it." —Maitland Quitmeyer
Get it from Amazon for $129.99.
"When I first heard about Book of the Month Club, I was skeptical. I can figure out what to read on my own, tyvm! But it's more than just 'let this company send you a random book.' You get to pick one of five books each month (or skip a month if nothing calls to you) and then you get a nice hardcover book in the mail. My favorite so far has been Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: a fantasy thriller that imagines what it would be like if Yale's secret societies actually dabbled in black magic. I devoured it in almost one sitting. If you love ghosts, a reluctant Scooby gang, and a scathing critique of Ivy League classism, I highly recommend this engrossing read." —Bek O'Connell
Get it from Book of the Month starting at $49.99 for a three-month subscription, or get a gift subscription here.
"I've been using this CeraVe night cream for almost the whole year, and I have loved it the whole time. I have sensitive, combination skin that's also acne-prone (especially when I get stressed or don't get enough sleep so....thanks 2020). I loved it right away, noticing the plumping, soft, hydrating effect it gave my skin after the first use — without any greasiness or overpowering fragrances.
But I never realized QUITE how wonderful this cream was until something went wrong with my skin. I try different beauty products as part of this job, which is both a lot of fun and sometimes doesn't end so well. I am very good at identifying ingredients that won't work for me but.....a few weeks ago I tried a different ceramide cream (the brand rhymes with Shmunday Shmiley). I used it all of two nights, and on the morning after, I woke up with leathery skin covered in tons of tiny dots that itched and stung — and by the end of the day my whole face was completely swollen. Friends, it was an allergic reaction — I'm fairly certain it was to the lanolin in the cream, which is a pretty rare skin allergen but....I'm allergic to a LOT a LOT of things and have some eczema issues as well. So naturally I immediately ordered a fresh jar of the CeraVe cream (I had run out right before trying the new cream), screamed a little, and sat on my hands so I wouldn't itch my face as my skin healed. It took a whole week for the reaction to die down, but I know it would have taken longer for the leathery bumps to go away without my darling CeraVe.
TL;DR: CeraVe night cream really is fabulous, whether you have dry winter skin, combo skin, or your skin just needs some hardcore TLC after something goes awry. And for under $15 a jar, you're getting quite a lot of skincare bang for your buck." —Maitland Quitmeyer
Get it from Amazon for $13.98.
P.S. No hate on the brand that rhymes with Shmunday Shmiley either — I gave the cream to my mom (who isn't allergy-prone like I am) and she's had no problems!
"For me there are three great reasons to try a meal kit like Hello Fresh right now: 1. to reduce trips to the grocery store without having to forgo fresh produce, 2. to get out of the same-dinner ruts, especially when we're cooking at home more than ever, and 3. to learn new cooking skills in a basically foolproof setting.
Here's how it works: You can select from the four preferences: meat and veggie, veggies, low-calorie, and family-friendly. Recipes come portioned to two or four people (but I find the portions to be generous), and you can get either three or four recipes per week (for the two-person plan) or two or three recipes a week (for the four-person plan). And of course you can skip weeks, upgrade to ~premium~ recipes (think surf and turf) for an additional fee, or change the number of meals at any time. When your box arrives, you get everything you need to make the recipe, chilled to perfection, and portioned accordingly (you just need to provide pantry staples like butter, oil, salt and pepper).
And the instructions? Totally foolproof. My fave recipe so far exemplifies how helpful Hello Fresh is for trying out new recipes and techniques — say hello to my little friend, tempura shrimp. I have thought about making at-home tempura for like.....years, but it seemed like a lot of work, and I'd burn myself on the hot hot oil.
But this recipe took all the scariness out of it — turns out I *didn't* need a whole pot of oil to fry these bbs up, a shallow fry worked PERFECTLY. And when I feel done with Hello Fresh, when we're no longer social distancing from the grocery store and I feel like I've learned enough, I will 10000000000% make this again on my own. And I've been thinking about the sauce (an easy mix of mayo, Sriracha, and apricot jam) ever since, and will put it on just every single thing from here on out — including just a spoon. And the portions are IMO, very generous — I could not eat what they'd consider one portion in a single night, and the leftovers always reheated just as deliciously as they were the first night. And the best part = you can access their database of over 2,500 recipes even when you're not a subscriber, so you can just use it as a cookbook when you're done subscribing." —Maitland Quitmeyer
Meals start at $7.49/serving.
"The most important thing most of us can do right now is to stay at home. So, since this is the new normal. I thought maybe it would be a great time to tell you all about the leggings I've recently moved into for the foreseeable future — Zella's Live In High-Waisted Leggings. They're made of a super stretchy moisture-wicking fabric that never gets you too hot (which I imagine is important for all those people who will use them for working out, I am not one of those people). They also have a fitted no-slip waistband that does not roll down for anything! I've never had to do the tug and pull dance with these bad boys.
I literally can't get enough of them! They're just SO comfy! I wear them to do everything — take selfies in the mirror, feed my neighbor's goats, lay on the sofa for 18 hours...everything. I keep it classic with the full-length cut but they come in shorts and 7/8 length (which have pockets). There is also some variety with styles available in plus, and maternity sizes — and there's a really comfy looking wide leg pair!
The price point does make them a bit of an investment ($59) but they really do stand the test of time — I'm not joking when I say I literally wear these EVERY. DAY. They haven't stretched out at all and during the one day a week I take them off, they wash well and don't fade or pill." —Elena Garcia
Get them from Nordstrom for $59 (available in sizes XXS-L and 1X-3X).
"I know — nail polish remover is not one of those things that feels like an exciting impulse buy. In fact, it's one of those products that everyone low-key hates but needs. But folks, let me tell you — I got a sample of this stuff along with some polish from Orly and did my nails last weekend. After one swipe, I said aloud, 'This is the best remover I have ever used' (and that sentiment is echoed in the reviews on the product listing). I was sure I wasn't using enough, but one swipe to my nail took pretty much E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G off with zero effort! My nails were clean and ready to repaint in a minute or less, with no scrubbing. The remover itself is even a pretty purple color! The only thing I don't love about it is the frustrating pop top, but that can easily be avoided by screwing off the cap like you do with most remover bottles." —Katy Herman
Get it from Orly for $5.40.
"I recently switched from a set of very old, pilling sheets to these babies, and.......the difference could not be larger. If you're on the market for new sheets, look no further. But if you're worried about wanting to do *everything* from bed, these might not be for you because sometimes I want to spend all day in these. These sheets are SO SOFT, I just want to burrow into them. They wash up beautifully, and I have never loved being in bed more (and...I already loved being in bed). I can honestly say I've never slept in more comfortable sheets. You know the feeling of freshly shaved legs and clean sheets??? Imagine that times a thousand in Parachute sheets." —Maitland Quitmeyer
Get them from Parachute for $109+ (available in sizes twin–California king, with or without a top sheet, and in six colors).
"Towels aren't something I've cared all that much about before. I knew my cheap Target ones could be better, and they'd definitely gotten less absorbent and less soft but there wasn't much I was gonna do about it. Then I got these Pact towels. And I'm in love with them — the upgrade was long overdue! These towels are my home now. I got a set with bath *sheets* instead of towels (aka they are giant and you can really wrap yourself cozily in them), which I highly recommend. Now let me get into the specifics:
They're made of organic cotton in a beyond cuddly waffle texture that is both very soft to the touch, but also thick-thin enough to dry very speedily. I towel off after the shower, and then by the next time I've gone into my bathroom...it's dry! What is this magic?! They absorb beautifully, so I've finally been able to follow the skincare tip of gently patting your face dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. They wash up beautifully and don't take FOR -E-EVER (::The Sandlot voice::) to dry in the dryer, either. And did I mention how SOFT they are?!" —Maitland Quitmeyer
Get a set of six towels (two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths) from Pact for $120 (available in five colors, and available sold separately as well).
"I held off on buying these masks at first because I truly couldn't choose a set to save my life (AESTHETICS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME), but after my brother got a set he loved I caved and got them too. These are super sturdy, well-made, SO great for the price point, and come in genuinely cute patterns and solids that make it a lot easier to match something to your outfit or mood. I tied the elastic on mine just for a snugger fit, but the size they come in well-suited for adult faces. The ones I'm holding above are the 'Check Mates' mix.
I love love love this chain. It's ridiculously easy to snap on any of my masks and it adds a pop of fun color to anything I'm wearing. I'm hard-pressed to find an outfit I *don't* want to wear with it. It's extremely handy for keeping track of my mask and knowing it won't get dropped or touch any other surfaces, too. Plus it shipped super fast!" —Emma Lord
Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear straps
Pocket For Filter: No
Fabric Type: Cotton
Shipping Time: Standard shipping
Get a five-pack of the masks from Old Navy for $12.50 (available in 20 varieties).
Get the chain from Firefly Feeling Bright on Etsy for $7.
Firefly Feeling Bright is a Florida-based Etsy shop established in 2019 that specializes in artisanal jewelry.
"This Serta office chair will make your back cry literal tears of joy. Working from home is much less painful when you're perched on memory foam. It has small arms so the chair pairs perfectly with shorter desks. I put it together in less than 15 minutes — no tools required. The chair's twill fabric added some much-needed texture to my room!" —Christine Forbes
Get it from Amazon for $185.45+ (available in ten colors).
This product is paraben-, sulfate-, phthalate-, and scent-free.
"This is a new product for me, and I'm already hooked! I love a good vitamin C serum and this is one of the best I've tried. It doesn't have the off-putting smell that some serums have and it doesn't feel tacky when it dries. It layers flawlessly under any moisturizer I've used and I can already tell it's working on getting my complexion nice and smooth after I took a long break from using any skincare at all. Hyper Skin is also a Black woman-owned company! I could not recommend supporting them and trying this product enough. " —Rachel Dunkel
Get it from Hyper Skin for $36.
As Rachel mentioned, Hyper Skin is a Black woman-owned company, and this serum was founder Desiree Verdejo's first product, after she couldn't find an affordable product that worked for her.
"I'm obsessed with candles, so it was a no-brainer for my husband to gift me this surprisingly super fun gadget for Christmas. It's really simple to use and charge, and it really works! If you're someone who gets a thrill from RAW POWER this is sort of the product for you. No, it's not a super intense gadget, relax pyromaniacs, but it does buzz and produce a burst of electricity that I personally find exciting. AND I'll never have to buy another lighter again! Stop burning your fingers on matches and pick up one of these bad boys." —Heather Braga
Get it from Amazon for $18.97.
"Hi, my name is Harper and I'm here to tell you about some socks that recently changed my life. I'm talking about Melerio copper-infused compression socks. I tried them on a whim when I was really sick over the summer, and boy am I glad I did. As soon as I put these babies on, I could immediately feel their power. They definitely compress — they are pretty tight and can take a sec to get on, but I promise it's worth it! I am disabled, immune-compromised, and I struggle with daily asthma flare-ups, inflammation, and muscle aches. The very first time I put a pair of these on, I felt...so much better? I immediately asked my partner to try them too to see their reaction, and well, that pair is theirs now.
These socks improve my circulation, soothe my aches, and the compression element also helps me feel really calm and grounded (I sleep in these!). I'm extremely allergic to mold, and copper is mold-resistant, so the fact that these are copper-infused turned out to be a huge win-win for me. It's worth noting I wore these socks while I was living in the desert, and they lasted through the extreme heat (109+ temps), and the many skate sessions, hikes, and washes I put them through. It was, and still is empowering to start my day with one positive thing I could do for my body to get a little relief — slap on a fresh pair of these socks! Did a pair of socks cure all of my woes? Absolutely not. But they did help me feel well enough to leave the house, get outside, and start my long journey to recovery." —Harper Hendrickson
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).
"I love this lip balm because it's ~super~ moisturizing. The 'Green Dragon' shade goes on completely clear so it also makes a great base to wear under lipstick. It's ultra comfy to wear, nonsticky, and doesn't flake. Plus, the lid is magnetic and the overall packaging is really nice quality." —Kayla Boyd
Get it from Sephora for $16 (available in six shades).
"Well, I finally went it and did it. After a year like no other, I figured, 'Why not just make another monumental lifestyle change in a calendar filled with monumental lifestyle changes?' I got a damn bidet seat. And all I have to say is that it is a truly rare and amazing thing to have a daily experience improve so significantly. It's like trading taking the bus for a butler-driven town car. So when Coway offered to let me test out the Bidetmega 150, I decided this wans't going to be an opportunity that I would sit on (there'd be plenty of time for that later). Installation was uncomplicated other than figuring out where to store the old seat (the apartment is a rental, so I couldn't just toss it). It was certainly the most plumbing I've ever done and I certainly felt accomplished.
Let's get down to it, shall we? There's buttons (so many) and they do a lot of things like warm the seat and more importantly warm the water (as well as control its pressure, direction, and flow). Stainless steel nozzles with two-stage cleaning keep things hygienic. And then there's the 'always-on' night light that keeps you on target in the middle of the night. Warning: there is no going back after you go bidet. Yeah, you'll wonder how you went so long without one and what you'll do when faced with the inevitable situation of not having access to one. But put all of that out of your mind and just enjoy the time you spend on your new throne. —John Mihaly
Get it from Amazon for $281.65+ (available in two sizes)
"Two things I used to believe: 1) That putting on deodorant would never be something I looked forward to and 2) natural deodorants just didn't work as well and I was stuck with my regular drugstore brand (rhymes with Schmecret) instead of the effective aluminum- and cruelty-free formula that was my white whale. But now, slap me in Cabin 6 and call me Annabeth Chase, because I'm a dutiful daughter of Athena (Club). The first thing I noticed when I got my sample of this magic stuff in the mail was the sleek and pretty packaging that feels all Insta-worthy on my countertop. Then, the smell — I really don't like perfume-y, overpowering scents, but this was so mild and beautiful and natural-smelling (I picked scent No. 2, a rose, sage, vanilla, lime and cedarwood blend). But most importantly, it heckin' WORKED.
I will confess, and I know no one here will judge me, that I have skipped some shower days in quarantine with my family, and this empowered me to skip another. I'm not going anywhere and my parents love me unconditionally, okay??? But I also feel totally fresh with this stuff on. My pits stay noticeably dry and smelling A-OK pretty much all day, even if they were pretty stinky to begin with (is this TMI??). And it achieves all that with really just a swipe — no need to apply a ton. Between the pretty packaging, the scent, and the effectiveness, I actually look forward to putting on this plant-based, cruelty-free goodness in the morning (and therefore am less likely to forget). Finally, friends, if you're still not convinced now is the time to try this stuff, 50% of proceeds from my favored No. 2 scent are going to breast cancer preventative care and education organization Bright Pink for the whole month of October. Try it out and have your pits thank me later!" —Katy Herman
Get it from Athena Club for $11.
"I’m someone who genuinely enjoys drinking water. I’m not into soda or sports drinks, and other than a cup of coffee or herbal tea, I always try to drink enough water throughout the day, but I always feel as if I’m never drinking enough. I’ve tried to track my water intake through the Plant Nanny app several times, but I’m not a very good virtual plant mom (welp!), and I’ve tried to set alarm reminders on my phone, but then they’ll go off when I’m in the middle of doing something and I forget. That’s where this tumbler comes in. I’ve seen it numerous times on Amazon, and because I am bored in the house, and in the house bored, these days I’m tempted to buy anything and everything on Amazon… so, I did it.
I’m not going to lie, my expectations for both this tumbler and myself were low. I could never succeed at taking care of a cute little plant on my iPhone, HOW would I succeed at moving some rubber bands off a water bottle? There was no way this could actually work. Boy, was I wrong. I’ve had this for three weeks now, and for three consecutive weeks have drank eight of these a day, every.single.day. It’s become a fun little daily challenge to work my way through all of the rubber bands. Each time I finish drinking all the water in the tumbler, I slide a rubber band off, and wear it on my wrist, and it actually feels SO rewarding. I also feel so much better keeping up with my daily water intake and knowing that I’m staying hydrated." —Samantha Wieder
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 16, 20, or 32oz and 11 colors).
"Kitchen gadgetry has come a long way. But when it comes to making immensely delicious, simple, comforting home-cooked meals, I don't think there's anything better than the Crock-Pot. Slow cooking is inarguably the best kind of cooking, BUT making time to dote on a bubbling dish on the stove all day is just...not it. The Crock-Pot allows you to dump in all of your ingredients in the morning, go about your business all day, and then sit down to the most amazing meal you've ever made eight hours later after barely lifting a finger.
^Take that pork, for example. In the morning, I threw a pork roast, garlic, onion, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, ground ginger, gochugaru, and some stock in the Crock-Pot and eight hours later was greeted with tender, shreddy goodness. It's literally the easiest appliance in the universe to use. There are only three settings that you choose between with a dial. You definitely don't have to be a top chef to choose between High, Low, and Warm! I have a 6-quart Crock-Pot and we always have SO many leftovers. So all my meal planning-heads: This is a fantastic way to yield simple, delectable dishes for the week. And it may look difficult to clean, but think again! The stoneware insert and lid are dishwasher-safe, but even when I've lived in apartments without a dishwasher, I haven't had much trouble getting stuck-on food out of there. As for the shiny exterior, a simple wipe-down should suffice!" —Rachel Dunkel
Get it from Amazon for $22.02+ (available in 3-quart–8-quart sizes). Or if you just feel like browsing, check out all of Crock-Pot's appliances here.
"I am a very wedgie-prone individual: I run long-distance, I sit like an antsy toddler when I work from home, and I am, in general, a human magnet for embarrassing situations. Enter this five-pack of full-coverage underwear you can get on Amazon. They are not messing around when they use the words 'full coverage.' The bottom seams are barely noticeable when you put them on, but still latch to your booty and anchor there through the whole day.
The waistband is also so comfortable that I could write a country song about them. The front of the waistband is double layered and seamless, so nothing ever pinches or rubs weirdly. They're also HECKAAAA stretchy without ever getting loosey-goosey in your pants. I also deeply appreciate that the seams are flat enough that they are not very visible when you're wearing leggings, which is, incidentally, something I am doing a lot of lately. I've also washed this set of underpants quite a few times now since I bought them a few months ago (and put them through the wringer with some VERY long, sweaty runs), and they've held up spectacularly." —Emma Lord
Get a five-pack of the underwear from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S-5XL and seven color combos).
"My dog is perfect in every way, but he has recently started to shed and I am finding that all my clothes are covered in his fur. (According to his vet, it’s common for Frenchies to go through more shedding in the fall and spring to make way for a new ~seasonally-appropriate~ coat.) I had seen this pet grooming glove all over the internet, so I figured I’d give it a try. And boy oh good boy, it genuinely works.
The glove is super comfortable and using it couldn’t be more foolproof: just put it on and run your hands through your pet’s fur. That’s it! The silicone grooves pick up so much fur with ease. Like, my dog looks close to hairless. HOW is he shedding so much!?!? After a few runs, I found that I would have to remove fur from the glove before continuing (you can pick up the fur with your other hand or run the glove under water — either works) but it’s no biggie. The silicone actually makes it really easy to keep this clean.
We got Rockie when he was five and he’d been riddled with skin issues and allergies, so I was pretty nervous to use anything that could potentially aggravate his conditions. However! Not only does this *not* bother his skin, but he….loves this. A lot. He starts snoring after exactly two run-throughs on his back. Also, his coat looks SO shiny after each use!
TL;DR: this is one of those inexpensive add-ons that any pet owner should have on hand." —AnaMaria Glavan
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in left-handed, right-handed, and double-sided versions).
"I'm a huge fan of sparkling water. I've been drinking it for years. At one point, my roommate and I were each buying a six-pack every week so we'd never run out in our apartment. But then, I was introduced to the SodaStream Fizzi, and my life was forever changed. I like this version because it's manual, which means it doesn't require electricity, so it doesn't have to be plugged into the wall. It comes with the water maker, a 60-liter CO2 Cylinder, and a 1-liter slim carbonating bottle. Each C02 canister makes around 60 bottles. We replace ours about every six weeks. And according to the SodaStream website, one CO2 bottle equals 2,070 disposable bottles.
There is a bit of a learning curve to it though, and many reviewers talk about how it can make a mess. And that has happened to me a couple of times, but once you get the hang of it, it's really easy. After you fill the bottle up with water to the line on the outside, you put it on the machine. Then you press slowly down for two seconds over and over again, until you hear a releasing sound. When you put the bottle into the machine, It should lock-in and be suspended in the air a bit. Make sure that the white nozzle is touching the water. The average number of releases for carbonated water is three, but you can do more or less based on your preference. (I usually do three or four.) This whole process took about 30 seconds. Yep, it's that simple. Plus, when you're done, you can add fruit or soda flavoring to make any kind of drink you want. When the CO2 bottle runs out, you can exchange it and get a new one for half-price. Not only do I feel great about the less waste I'm creating, but I do feel like I'm actually saving money." —Abby Kass
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
"My complexion issues are currently a) dryness and b) redness. I’ve tried to address both issues with a slew of moisturizers, serums, and magical potions — some of which have been fine, but none memorable enough in which I would consider re-purchasing (the ultimate test of how good a product is, IMO). That is until...I decided to finally try the First Aid Fab Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask that I had been hoarding under my work desk. After twisting off the cap and squeezing some product into my hand, I was instantly put off; I’m very picky about scents and this one was almost medicinal. Thankfully, it disappeared within seconds so I slathered it onto my complexion anyway. I applied like I would a moisturizer (it goes on blue but becomes sheer once spread) and hopped into bed. In the a.m.? My skin was nourished, folks. And my usual redness had gone down.
I immediately thought it was placebo (I can’t help that I’m a skeptic) so I decided to continue using it near nightly over my moisturizer and...ugh, I just love it so much. My complexion feels dewy without feeling greasy, cystic chin zits are gone, I no longer have that 'I’m parched' tightness when I wake up, and my naturally rosy cheeks are now mildly flushed and not tomato red by the time I hit snooze. If you’re struggling with redness, winter dryness, or tend to travel a lot, take my advice and invest in this leave-on mask. It works." —AnaMaria Glavan
Get it from Sephora for $32. *OR* get a full-size of this mask as part of BuzzFeed's limited-edition Birchbox for $52 (it's valued at $205!). That's eight more products for just $20 more. Get the $10 off by entering promo code BUZZFEED at checkout!
What's else is inside, you ask?
*Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer (travel-size), which preps skin (or for or without makeup) to minimize the appearance of pores and overall blur the look of your skin (retails for $15).
*Saturday Skin Pretty Pop Probiotic Power Whipped Cream (full size), a fluffy moisturizer with little beads of hydration that dissolve as you tap it into your skin for your glowiest, bounciest skin yet (retails for $57).
*Glamsquad The Untamed Texturizing Finishing Spray (travel size), a never-sticky, translucent product to add instant touchable texture and volume to your hair — in just one spritz (retails for $12, or $22 for the full size).
*Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Liquid Liner, which makes creating super-precise and opaque lines and wings as easy as drawing with a sharpie. Helllooooo easy cat eyes (retails for $35).
*Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer (full size), a borderline miracle spray that does it all — and then some: de-frizzes, detangles, protects from the heat and sun, and prevents breakage. Whew! (retails for $28).
*Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask (travel size), a nourishing treatment to help dry and damaged hair in just one longer-than-usual shower karaoke session (retails for $12).
*Glamglow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask, which fizzes up to form tiny microbubbles to deep cleanse and wake up your skin in just a couple minutes (retails for $9).
*ColourPop Cosmetics Lippie Stix in Love Life, a matte lipstick in a fun, poppy red that'll have you ready for any holiday party...or just an everyday red lip. (retails for $6)
"As a Leo, I'm the type to splurge on extravagances even if my bank account is running low and that usually means monthly trips to a nail salon because I'm a perfectionist and struggle with painting my own nails. *Sigh* being a Leo is difficult. It doesn't help that I'm also clumsy and the whole process of painting my nails from removing my old nail polish, while spilling acetone all over myself, to even attempting to finish the base coat, without polish covered all over my hands, is impossible.
I came across Olive and June back in December through a sponsored Instagram ad. I was hesitant at first because I thought an at-home mani would always be impossible for me even with the proper supplies. However, I was stuck home sick from the flu and decided to try out the Studio Box that I treated myself for Christmas. If I messed up, no one but myself and my two cats (Salem and Sabrina) would see it. The box came with a Nail Polish Remover Pot, Clean-Up Brush, Nail Clipper, Buffer Cuber, Top Coat, Base Coat (a color of your own choosing), *Famous* Poppy Bottle Handle, and Cuticle Serum.
The two products that really stood out to me was the nail polish remover pot and the Poppy bottle handle. Being able to remove my nail polish without having to pour acetone over a cotton ball made the process so much cleaner and less smelly. The Poppy handle really helped me with my grip and control when painting my nails. I no longer was painting outside of my nails and if a slight nail polish got on my skin, I was easily able to remove it with the clean-up brush and the nail polish remover pot. I highly recommend getting the Studio Box or at least the Poppy bottle handle as it really does help making manicures come out just like they would at a nail salon. Being able to save my money each month means I get to now spend it on more important things such as romance books, ice cream, and scrunchies" —Sarah Lee
Get the Studio Kit from Olive and June for $50+ (depending on how many polishes you want included).
"I'm sincerely loving this Pet House spray to pieces. I have a 10-year-old doggo and while I keep him bathed regularly, I still like to spritz his kingdom (read: my room) with something that smells super good. The Sunwashed Cotton scent specifically makes my nose happy. Another perk? My dog and I both have allergies (oh, the odds) and everything else I spray tends to send us both into sneezing fits. This spray doesn't tickle either of our noses and it's kinda unbelievable. Good scent. No itchy noses. Plus, the spray instantly refreshes my room and sticks around a nice little while. 10s across the board with this baby. Next, I want to try the Fresh Citrus scent." —Marquaysa Battle
"If your dog is prone to stinky-ness like mine (he can't help his breed-specific flatulence issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) then these candles will actually save your nose" —AnaMaria Glavan
Get them from Amazon: the spray for $9.99 (available in six scents) and the candle for $21.95 (available in 23 scents).
"I recently treated myself to a pair of these faux fur-lined slippers after suffering from freezing toes for many years. Honestly, I don’t know how I lived without them! They are the SOFTEST slippers I've ever had the pleasure of wearing — I spend most of my day looking forward to going home, shedding my regular shoes, and slipping into these. They actually have a durable PVC sole (as opposed those flimsy felt ones) that makes it easy to wear them out into the hallway or even the concrete pavement right outside my apartment.
I’ve had Ugg slippers in the past but prefer these because 1) genuine shearling is actually a tad too warm for indoor wear and my feet end up sweating and 2) they’re pretty expensive and made of suede so I’m too afraid of getting water/food/makeup on them…what’s the point of slippers if you can’t wear them in the kitchen or bathroom. These microsuede slippers, on the other hand, are the perfect amount of coziness and they also look much more expensive than they are. I’ve splashed them with water several times and they dry off with zero issues. The fur is still fluffy after a couple months of regular wear and they’re not stinky either, even though my feet do sweat occasionally. TL;DR: If you don't want to splurge on Ugg slippers or just prefer a vegan slipper option, I highly recommend these as an alternative." —Yi Yang
Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes 7/8–10.5/11 and three colors).
"The best thing I tried all year was Dyson's Pure Humidify Cool. This machine (which I call my 'robot,' because it's toddler-sized) is a humidifier, air purifier, and a fan. It was a huge splurge but I live in a small space so buying three appliances in one made sense. What better time to think about air quality than in a panini? It's winter, radiators dry out the air, and my plants and I were tired of waking up ashy. I also have allergies. The robot tells me so much useful (but scary) information about the air quality in my room and in my city. All of the data is collected in the Dyson App that also controls the machine. My robot absorbs dust, pollution, and more. Thanks to this machine, my roommates and proved to our building manager that our radiator is releasing toxic gas. My room never smells bad because this baby kicks on whenever it senses danger. Air purifiers don't have to be expensive, but this one is literally a godsend." —Christine Forbes
Get it from Dyson for $799.99 (available in also available in black and silver).
"I'm Hannah, and like you, I've been doing much more cooking lately. Between restaurants closing their doors and trying to practice social distancing, cooking has become one of my favorite ways to spend my time. But let me fill you in on a secret. There's one ingredient that makes even my most average home cooking taste amazing, and it's this TRUFF truffle-infused hot sauce. I first heard about TRUFF on a list of Oprah's favorite things, and I knew she would never lead me astray. So I quickly realized I needed TRUFF in my own kitchen.
There are three kids of TRUFF hot sauces: the classic black truffle sauce, a 'hotter' sauce, and the crown jewel, the creme de la creme, a white truffle hot sauce. Look, the white truffle infused hot sauce quite literally tastes like heaven, but IMO, the classic black truffle hot sauce is the most versatile and a staple in my kitchen. And while at first $20+ seemed like an absurd price to pay for hot sauce, this stuff is worth the price tag. I mean...truffles. And here's the thing: I've tried plenty of truffle-infused hot sauces, olive oils, and what-nots in the past, but they often taste overpowering or low-quality. TRUFF hot sauces are the perfect balance of decadent truffle, heat, spice, and a tiny bit of sweetness. Now I'm completely and most likely irrevocably hooked to this liquid gold. I slather it on pretty much everything savory from eggs and tacos to sandwiches and fried rice. Even if my cooking tastes mediocre at best, a drizzle of TRUFF hot sauce makes it taste almost restaurant quality and so full of flavor. If you're looking for a way to add flavor to your home cooking or turn basic meals into pure extravagance, you should probably invest in a bottle of TRUFF." —Hannah Loewentheil
Get Truff from Amazon: the black truffle hot sauce for $17.98, the "hotter" sauce for $17.98, and the white truffle hot sauce for $34.99.
"Over Black Friday, I finally splurged on a makeup fridge. It's a luxurious item I’ve been eyeing for a long time and I found a decent deal. And let me tell you, I did NOT regret it. I’m not a big makeup-wearer but ya girl LOVESSS some skincare. And since I spend a decent chunk of change on skincare products, I figured it was a worthwhile investment to get myself a tool that’ll help them last longer. Keeping my moisturizers and serums cool will hopefully help them stay fresh and have a longer shelf life.
After some quick googling to see which products I should chill, I stocked the fridge up (it fits a LOT for being small enough to sit on my dresser!) and used some of the cool products that night. It’s such a subtle difference but feels SO fancy. It’s really refreshing to apply the chilled products to your skin. I also chilled my jade roller and some facial oils and THAT was a real treat. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to room temperature skincare products!" —Sam Tomaszewski
Get it from Makeup Fridge for $79 (also available in white).
"I found this candle at a market place in Chinatown around two years ago and I have never repurchased a candle so many times in my life. I thank that random stumble into the collective marketplace where I bought my first ever Healer candle and have recommended it so many times since. The scent is sweet, yet clean, yet cozy, and it’s just heavenly. You need this candle." —Ali Faccenda
Get it from Satya + Sage for $34.
Satya + Sage is a Black woman-owned business too!