Just 19 Things I Know Work Because I've Tested Them Myself

No buyer's remorse here.

1. This overnight nourishing rescue mask, which uses deeply-hydrating hemp to restore dry skin.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

So, I have woefully dry skin, which only gets more flaky and unpleasant in the winter (I'd prefer you didn't, but you can zoom in on my lips for proof). In addition to my regular night cream, I like a deeply-nourishing, thick mask in winter to boost hydration levels — and The Body Shop's Hemp Overnight Rescue Mask is the dream. Super-hydrating (I can still feel the effects days later) and yes, as you can imagine, the smell is soothing AF. 10/10, would recommend.

Buy it from The Body Shop for $35.

2. This magnetic knife strip, should you be short on counter space and want to get rid of your chunky knife block.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Don't look at the state of my knives, I am ashamed. However, I can wholeheartedly attest to the brilliance of this simple, but space-saving product. Embrace the space-saving allure of forgoing a knife block and make it a design feature for your kitchen wall. I'm all for keeping my most utilised knives visible in the prep space, while ensuring they're within convenient reach.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $39.99.

3. This Sensori + Macedon Trail Detoxifying Mist , which smells like a walk in an Australian forest after rain — and will literally improve the quality of the air around you.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

This air-detoxifying mist will break down airborne toxins and odour, and replace it with a scent that, honestly, smells like ~luxury~. Hours in a concrete building can take its toll on anyone and the scent of this mist instantly transports me to an evergreen, unmistakably Aussie nature setting.

A blend of geranium, vetiver and Aussie sandalwood, this one is for the nature lovers.

Buy it from Myer for $70.

4. This Burt's Bees Skin Nourishment Eye Cream, which promises to moisturise the delicate skin under your eyes without the least bit of irritation.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

This recent acquisition of mine has fast become a favourite part of my skincare routine. This creamy yet lightweight eye cream goes on in the morning and night, and I swear I can feel it hydrating my tired peepers. Plus, just a teeny, tiny bit goes a long way. If you're a devotee to their iconic lip balms (and who isn't?), definitely give this (99% natural!) eye cream a go.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.98.

5. This magnetic phone holder for your car, because life's too short to deal with pesky phone cradles.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

I have been through so many phone cradles. Time after time, phones will just fall after driving over a speed bump and not provide the security they promise. This magnetic device is brilliant — I never have to worry about my phone falling and can view the screen in both landscape and portrait mode with a single rotation. The base of the holder extends and tilts in any direction, making it perfect to use in either the driver or passenger front seat.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $16.99.

6. And this Bluetooth receiver, which makes it possible to listen to your favourite tunes, should your car have an AUX cord but no Bluetooth capabilities.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

We recently bought this old school car with none of the usual Bluetooth pairing capabilities. I thought I'd forever have to be at the mercy of whatever was playing on the radio (shock horror), but then my husband bought me this handy device. You simply connect to the device using Bluetooth, which in turn is linked up to car speakers using the auxiliary port. Now, I can play as much Carly Rae Jepson as my heart desires.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $35.99.

7. This book, Small Pleasures by The School of Life, which, in stressful times, will help you to reflect on the little things that give you big joy.

Amazon, Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

I can't help but pick this book up whenever I'm feeling low on energy. It deep-dives into 52 small pleasures that we often overlook, discussing the ways in which they bring joy and comfort to our lives without us even realising. Special shout out to "The Fish Shop", which somehow makes the sight of cold, dead fish an opportunity for contemplation about the mysterious far reaches of the ocean.

Buy the hardcover edition for $31.84 and the Kindle edition for $11.99 from Amazon Australia.

8. This Nike crop-like bra, which proves I needn't have been wary of putting my D-cup sized breasts into a sports bra with such thin straps in the past.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

The Nike Indy bra is this brilliant combination of flexible support and looks — which you might say doesn't matter, but if I'm going to live in my activewear, it might as well look cute. Featuring a figure-hugging fit (no falling out during downwards-facing dog!), a flattering low-cut-design, thin, adjustable straps, padding and a breathable mesh insert to back, it's ideal for all the pretzels you put your body through during barre.

Buy it from Nike for $40 (available in sizes XS-2XL and five colours).

9. This Maglite torch — and as a longtime owner, let me tell you, you'll never need another as long as you live.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

So, I own this bad boy and can whole-heartedly recommend it. A rotating head takes it from full power (really bright, you don't want to accidentally flash this in someone's eyes) to low or eco modes. You can create a flood or spotlight, making it the perfect tool to use when camping or to avoid stumbling around in the dark after a blackout. Normally sold for over $100, it's best to invest now.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $60.26.

10. This simple, compact keyboard, because the last thing I need is to replace batteries when I'm in the middle of a train of thought.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

After my second wireless keyboard went and died last month, I decided enough was enough and have gone back to a trusty, USB-plugged model. This compact version doesn't have any of the buttons on the right that usually go untouched by me (though if you'd like the full length, you can get one here) and so gives me back some valuable desk surface.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $51.49+.

11. This Instant Pot, which will do all the temperature-measuring and timing for you — perfect for cooking novices like myself.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

I was fully prepared not to be impressed by the Instant Pot. I can not stress how tedious I find the act of cooking — but even after my very first experience, I can wholeheartedly advocate its use for the culinary-challenged or time-poor among us. A 7-in-1 appliance — yes, seven — you're able to do all the things with just a single appliance, saving storage space, washing up time and (as I was particularly curious to find out) master all the cooking techniques.

Read more about my experience cooking with the Instant Pot here.

Buy a 3L model from Amazon Australia for $189.

12. And this cast iron pan, which is an essential for steak lovers without a BBQ.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Cast iron pans are the preferred pans of many professional chefs, due to the even distribution of heat across the entire surface and unparalleled heat retention. This one even comes with lips on either side for easy pouring.

As we've established, I'm not much use in the kitchen, but my husband loves this thing.

Promising review: "Usually, when you put cold meat down, the pan will drop in temperature as a result and then need to climb back up. The heat retention is so good on cast iron that it won't be affected."

—Ed Summerhays

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.99.

13. This Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Seduction, which proves bare-toned lips look every bit just as done up as a red pout.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Best, cheapest beauty buy ever. According to a woman with naturally dry lips, it won't cause them to flake after application (it me, I am woman). Unlike other brands, this one is hyper-pigmented, but velvety and moisturising. I like to pair my signature winged eye with a nude lip when in the office — red can be too much — and I'm always complimented on this colour. It comes in 16 positively delicious shades, so you're sure to find one to suit you.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $12.47.

14. This Squatty Potty, which will help you, well, go to the toilet better.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

This simple stool promises to relax and fully open your colon for quick and easy, err, evacuation. Furthermore, you can say goodbye to symptoms of haemorrhoids, constipation and bloating.

Read all about my experience with the Squatty Potty here.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $40.

15. This insulated drink bottle, which will keep your water cold and grip to surfaces — everything you could want from a workout buddy.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Okay, I'm not sure if it's normal to be loyal to a bottle, but loyal I am. This double-walled, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel bottle keeps my water chilled for the duration of any given workout (and longer) and grips to any surface, avoiding spills. Plus, a handy loop makes for a comfortable hold.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $48.95.

16. This MCoBeauty Highlight & Glow Stick in Champagne, which is the ideal daily beauty companion for a makeup rookie like myself.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, @mcobeauty / Via instagram.com

Should you prefer a more saturated, warm colour, it also comes in a peachy nectar hue.

Promising review: "Okay, straight up — I have very little idea of what I'm doing when it comes to makeup. Most days I only wear concealer and fill in my eyebrows. I love that this creamy stick lets me highlight my cheekbones and make my skin glow without the use of powder, brushes or the least bit of talent. It now lives in my purse — would recommend."

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy it from Woolworths for $14.

17. This digital meat thermometer, because though I am a grown ass adult, I still don't know how to cook a medium rare steak.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

I am a woman of many talents — cooking however, is not one of them. This handy gadget gives you an accurate temperature reading within three seconds (!) and I've since been able to cook that elusive medium rare steak. The probe folds in easily for safe storage and I love the magnet backing — last thing I need is another kitchen tool taking up space in my heavily crowded drawers!

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $24.85.

18. These Sound PEATS wireless earbuds, because I've been wanting to make the move to wireless but have been turned off by competitors' prices.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

With just a touch of a single earbud, you have access to excellent sound quality to take calls and listen to music for around four hours per charge. I'd been dragging my heels to make the move to wireless earbuds — I thought for sure I'd lose one and that having to charge them would be a massive inconvenience. My husband bought these as a gift and now I love the convenience of not having to hold my phone when out and about, should I want to listen to my music. Their holder has magnetic properties, so when charging or just being stored, you don't have to worry about the earbuds falling out and getting lost.

Buy them from Amazon Australia for $43.99.

19. And finally, this office chair cushion, which is solely responsible for the ache subsiding from my lower back.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

So, I have a pretty rubbish spine — a chiropractor once described it as someone having veered off the road in one direction and in trying to right themselves, steered far too much in the opposite direction. Long story short, even your best, ergonomic office chairs are unlikely to give me the support I need. This lumbar support made from memory foam supports the arch in my back perfectly. Attached to any seat with adjustable, elasticised straps, it is an absolute godsend.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $28.99.

My husband, when I tell him that taking selfies with products is part of my job:

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