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.

    Owning These 31 Products Will Make You Feel Like The Smartest Person In The Room

    It doesn't matter if you're the only person in the room lol. You'll still think you're a genius when you try out a mascara remover that melts waterproof mascara with no scrubbing required.

    1. A WD-40 pen (A pen! Genius!) to enjoy the squeak-quieting, hinge-lubricating, rust-preventing powers that you know and love from traditional WD-40 but in an easy-to-maneuver precise pen tip.

    Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." —BBP623

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99.

    2. A ceiling fan carbon filter for grabbing dust, pollen, smoke, dander, and other allergens as the fan spins. It sticks to the fan blade and is unnoticeable — but you may notice the difference in the air!

    The black carbon filter attached to the blade of a ceiling fan
    Person holding three used carbon filters covered in dust

    Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" —Haylee Marez

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $19.99.

    3. A sand-removal bag that'll be a must-have in your beach bag this summer. Rub it on your body to remove sand with ease! (No, it's not magic. Inside the bags is a powder that, when rubbed on your body, quickly absorbs moisture, making it easier to brush off the sand.)

    hand using the bag to wipe sand off their leg
    The sand bag and its carrying pouch on the sand

    Shakalo is a small business based in San Diego.

    Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1–2 times a week. And I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of too. I will definitely be buying the refill & another baggie to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

    4. A nail file board if your pup hates getting their nails trimmed but the scratch marks their overgrown claws make on your wood floors make you sad. This is like an emery board for your dog!

    Dog rubbing its nails on a pink board
    before photo of a dog's overgrown nails, and an after photo of the same dog's nails looking much shorter and blunter after one scratchpad session
    ScratchPad for Dogs / Etsy, ScratchPad for Dogs / Etsy

    ScratchPad for Dogs is a small biz based in Atlanta.

    Promising review: "Love this scratch pad! We adopted our dog almost a year ago, and he's been terrified of clippers and grinders since day one. We've never been able to maintain his nails due to his super reactive anxiety around nail care. That's all changed since we got the Scratch Pad a few weeks ago! He took to it right away, and his nails have shown significant improvement in just a few sessions!" —Kira Armajani

    Get it from ScratchPad for Dogs on Etsy for $46.95+ (available in four styles and three grit levels).

    5. A crack weeder tool so your knuckles aren't scratched and bloodied after a session of sidewalk weed pulling. This stainless steel tool is designed to get into tight sidewalk cracks and remove stubborn thistles, weeds, and moss with ease.

    Promising review: "I've been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I've been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn't help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort, but the end result was so worth it!" —Shelley Arakaki

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

    6. Plus a standing weeder because the worst part of gardening is having to kneel for hours plucking weeds. My back hurts just thinking about it! Thankfully, this tool has three steel claws that grip weeds and roots so you can pull them out while standing.

    Gif showing how you press it into the ground where the weed is, then lean the handle at an angle (which pulls up the weed), until you pull the whole weed out
    Amazon

    Grampa's Gardenware Co. is an Oregon-based, family-owned small business.

    Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to make weeding easy.

    Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim, given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy, has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard, and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weeds was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JG

    Get it from Amazon for $44.99.

    7. A bleach-free, no-scrub weekly shower spray to make soap scum and shower grime buildup vanish without you ever having to wipe. Rinse it clean the next day, and you'll be amazed to see those hard water stains on your shower door are *poof* gone.

    Before: a dirty shower floor; after: the clean shower floor
    Amazon

    Promising review: "We cannot BEGIN to tell you what a lifesaver this is! We have two old fiberglass tubs with vinyl shower enclosures that, no matter what amount of scrubbing we have done with everything from bleach to cleanser to vinegar and baking soda, would NOT come clean. After I took my shower last night, I sprayed down the tub and walls. Within minutes, all the built-up water deposits, dirt, and grime began to melt away in front of my eyes. I left it on overnight, and when I got up this morning, it did not look like the same tub and shower. This product is a godsend, especially for old folks like us who have difficulty getting down on our hands and knees and scrubbing anything. More importantly, it performs as advertised. We plan on using it as part of our weekly cleanup routine. This is truly an overnight sensation!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $20.98 (available in two scents).

    8. An SPF 30 scalp sunscreen mist for protecting your precious noggin without feeling greasy. It's water-resistant for 80 minutes, which is perfect if you're going to the beach or for a long run outside.

    infographic showing the mist has SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection, an ocean salted sage scent, and can help promote healthy hair
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I have two girls, and we spend a lot of time outside in the summers. I work as a nurse and have seen scalp skin cancer, and I definitely wanted to protect myself and my girls. We usually use the regular spray, but it leaves the hair greasy or stiff. This has a great scent, and a little goes a long way! I was worried about the small size, but it lasted us all summer. Also leaves no residue." —Elizabeth Young

    Get it from Amazon for $28.

    9. A pack of slow cooker liners that'll come in handy if you have a lot of hungry people to feed. With the disposable liners, you can cook different recipes at the same time, reducing your overall cook time *and* saving you from having to wash a huge stack of dishes.

    a slow cooker with two liners inside each filled with a different dish
    Walmart

    PS: They also come in handy with dishes going into a water bath (think: cheesecakes, custards, and puddings). 

    Promising review: "We constantly use our crockpot for easy meals. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, and it's just easy for our family of five. No real cleanup. I toss the bag in the trash after use and will just run a wet rag around the inside of the pot for good measure. Never have a problem with holes or burning." —Ashley Matthews

    Get a pack of six from Amazon for $3.48.

    10. A useful waterproof baby carrier if you'd appreciate having your hands free when you take your little one in the pool. It's made of a fast-drying neoprene material (think surf suits) and has soft, padded straps. 

    Model wearing the swim vest with a child inside
    Adult reviewer wearing pink baby carrier with a 14-month-old child inside

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this product. I used it when my son was only about 6 to 9 months old, and I still use it now as he is 15 months old. I just love this product. It is so easy to use the babies. Love it as they get to be in the water as well; this product also dries very quickly. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be in the water with their children. An added benefit is that you are hands-free!" —H&M Miller

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in seven colors).

    11. The Clean Ball, a genius German invention so you can get rid of purse sand — y'know, the fine layer of dirt, dust, crumbs, grit, and who knows what else that you scrape your hand against whenever you're rooting around your bag and you brush the bottom of your tote. Inside the honeycomb pink ball is a smaller sticky ball that picks up debris and washes clean so you can reuse it.

    a pink sequin bag open to show the pink ball
    reviewer photo of the pink sticky ball covered in dirt, hair, and crumbs

    Promising review: "This little ball is genius! It rolls around in my purse, which I live out of. It picks up a lot of lint, debris, or even crumbs. It's easy to find with the bright pink. Just remove and wash and it’s ready to go again. The price was great and something I can use for years. If you live out of your purse, this a must-have!!" —dj3biggs

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors and in a three-pack).

    12. An airplane seat back organizer because air travel can actually be pleasant when all your in-flight essentials are within reach. Thanks to the four roomy pockets, this organizer can hold your snacks, drinks, electronics, books, toys, etc. so you may not need to squeeze past your seat neighbor 10 times in the same flight because you need to grab something else from your carry-on.

    Promising review: "Very useful, especially when traveling with kids. Provided easy access and storage to things like water bottles, hand sanitizer, snacks, wipes, and headphones. I didn't have to access my carry-on." —JJ

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

    Check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord’s Airplane Pockets review for more deets!

    13. mascara remover you apply just like mascara to lift even the most stubborn waterproof formulas with ease.

    This stuff is MAGICAL. I have stick-straight Asian lashes that refuse to hold a curl with wetter mascara formulas. As a result, I have to use waterproof mascara, which is a total pain to remove at night. Instead of rubbing my eyes raw with makeup removers that burn, I apply this like mascara, let it sit for a few minutes, and my waterproof mascara MELTS. Then I go in with a micellar water–soaked cotton pad, and my mascara is gone in 1–2 passes.

    Promising review: "I was skeptical because I have always struggled with removing waterproof mascara 100% on the first wash/wipe. I applied it to both my lashes and then immediately washed my face with my normal cleanser and I felt nothing on my lashes! Like I never applied anything to them. I am amazed and in shock still from this magical formula and invention! Best creation ever!" —Chrisy

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

    14. A set of wad-free pads from Shark Tank for keeping your bedsheets from tangling in the wash. If you've ever opened the dryer expecting...well...dry sheets, only to find them tangled in a damp ball, you need this. 

    the wad free pads attached to a bed sheet
    Amazon

    Wad-Free is a small biz that was launched during the pandemic. Cyndi Bray, the founder, learned CAD (computer-aided design) to create the pads.

    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, but they came out of the dryer feeling fresher, 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 it from Amazon for $19.99.

    15. Some bedsheet tags that'll simplify both the bed-making and sheet-storing processes. Instead of wondering if this is the queen or king-size sheets or laying out the flat sheet only to realize it's turned the wrong way, you'll just...like...know...immediately.

    four unattached bed corner labels that say
    Bed Corner Labels / Etsy

    Bed Corner Labels is a woman-owned small business based in Hermosa Beach, California.

    These labels can be left on sheets while they're in the washer and dryer. They can also be detached and reattached a limited number of times.

    Promising review: "They're easy to attach to sheets and look better than the safety pin I was using to designate the long side of my king-sized sheets." —ESimms5555

    Get four labels from Bed Corner Labels on Etsy for $13.75+ (available in larger sets and nine styles).

    16. Some Command cord bundlers if your house is full of gadgets and gizmos aplenty and their cords are ugly and sprawled over every surface of your home. Tie them up neatly and stick 'em to your devices so you never have to go rooting around for a rubber band.

    reviewer holding their space heater showing the cord bundler holding the space heater's cord neatly to the back of the machine
    reviewer's teal stand mixer with the cable wrapped neatly and attached to the base in the bundler

    Promising review: "I’ve only used it on a few appliances, but the one getting the most action would be the one on our coffee maker. It can’t be adhered to surfaces that get hot (like a slow cooker), so I was able to find a spot that doesn’t when we use it, and it has held up great so far. I’ve been using it for a few months, and so far, so good. I hate having cords trailing around on the counter, and this helped fix that. Worth the investment." —TravelBuff

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $13.18.

    17. An anti-humidity spray so you can give humidity a metaphorical middle finger. This spray creates a waterproof coat around your hair that blocks out moisture (that eventually leads to frizziness). As if that wasn't already magical enough, this effect lasts up to 72 hours or through two to three shampoos!

    reviewer with shiny-looking frizz-free hair
    another reviewer with soft-looking frizz-free hair

    Promising review: "I don't usually try all the latest hair things because my hair is very fine and it doesn't like product. But I received it as a sample, and I can't believe how nice it made my hair and how long it lasted. I have to wash every single day, or my hair would be limp and lifeless. You could tell if I didn't wash my hair for one day. This miracle stuff makes it so that I don't have to wash my hair for at least three good days, and it still looks fresh. It also lasts between washes, so I only have to use it every other wash or sometimes not for three or four. I can't live without this now that I found it. It took me ’til my 50s to find this amazing product. I sure coulda used this in my 20s!" —B.S.

    Get it from Amazon for $28.

    18. A Tub Topper because parents everywhere, bathtime is about to change forever. It attaches with suction cups to the lip of the tub and acts as a splash guard, toy tray, and a fun zone thanks to the flat surface, which allows for play.

    A bathtub filled with bubbles, featuring floating toys on the edge, in a bathroom setting for a shopping article
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Like you, when I first came across this, I was hesitant because of the price. It's a bit steep, I thought to myself. But then, after another night of bathtime with two towels on the ground to soak up the water my child had splashed all over, I took the plunge and bought it. And definitely worth it a million times over. My child LOVES the extra space for toys and I love the water staying in the tub. I definitely and highly suggest buying it. You won't be disappointed! Or your child!!" —Brianna

    Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in three colors).

    19. An in-flight foot hammock to make your economy seat feel a bit more like business class. It attaches directly to your tray table and offers a cozy resting spot for your feetsies, keeping them elevated and helping prevent swelling and soreness.

    Promising review: "I used this recently on an overnight flight to Europe. Definitely made me more comfortable to have my feet elevated off the floor (I'm 5'3"). It could have been a little wider (I have small size 7 feet). But it was ample enough and compact to travel with. It did not bother the person in front of me (I had it attached to my tray table). Glad I made the purchase, definitely felt like it gave my legs some relief." —daydoo72

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four colors).

    20. A pet scratcher for hands-free tummy rubs and back scratches for Fido (or your cat, horse, or pig). Now you can sit on the couch comfortably while giving your pooch the belly scratches he's whining for — and your hands won't have that oily, stinky dog smell.

    Bearbark is a US-owned small business.

    Promising review: "My dog really likes this back scratcher, and it saves my manicured nails! He leans into it, and it tells me he's enjoying how it feels! The scratcher is made really well; happy it will last a long time." —Mallory

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    21. A thumb light that'll make it easier to find the keyhole when you get home, and it's pitch black outside. You can also attach it to your TV remote (useful if you hate turning on the overhead lights for nighttime viewing...but then you can't see the buttons), screwdrivers/tools, pet leashes, and more.

    Reviewer holding down the thumb light attached to a key
    Reviewer holding down the thumb light attached to a TV remote

    Promising review: "I just love it. It lights up a lot of area, not just the keyhole. Very bright light. I use it sometimes just to light my path when I walk in my house because the pathway is a bit dark." —Miami Girl

    Get it from Amazon for $5.25.

    22. A pack of towel clips if kids and pets are always pulling down the towel. Or, maybe you have neither of those things, yet your hand and kitchen towels always end up on the ground.

    Close-up of a glass oven knob holder with a red towel hanging on it
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This clip is amazing. No more towels falling on the floor. It was becoming a routine thing since my cat thinks it's fun to pull the kitchen towels off the oven. Not now, bad kitty! Great product...wish I had bought one sooner!" —Joanna

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

    23. A plant-based cooking oil solidifier because it makes getting rid of leftover grease easier than whatever method you're using right now. Simply sprinkle the powder in your remaining oil while it's still hot, let it cool, and then scoop it into the trash.

    reviewer photo of the solidifier flakes in a pot of oil
    the same reviewer's pot after the oil has hardened and they are able to scoop it out of the pot

    FryAway is a woman-owned small business started by Laura Lady, who loves both cooking and being kind to the planet. They donate 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on water conservation.

    Promising review: "Honestly I didn’t know if this would work, waiting for it to cool down made me nervous, but once it was at room temperature it was solid. It popped out of the fryer so nicely. Worth every penny." —Emma

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    24. A car seat cover because the inside of your car — and your kiddos' black plastic car seat — can reach scorching hot temps. This works like a windshield sunshade, deflecting the sun's rays to keep the car seat (on average) 26 degrees cooler.  

    Model attaching the car seat cover
    Car seats covered with reflective sun shades to protect from heat, inside a vehicle

    Promising review: "This product definitely solved our 'car seat getting super hot' problem. My daughter loves it, and she even tells me, 'Mama please remember the car seat cover,' so it’s toddler approved." —Kiara N. Hernandez

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    25. A pair of specially designed Wrist Buddy contoured yoga blocks to help you hold a pose or plank with less pressure on your wrist, which may cause less pain and allow you to grip the block better.

    Two yoga block comparison for ergonomic support, one flat and one with contoured design for improved comfort and stability
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I typically have pretty bad pain in my right wrist. So, when I wanted to start yoga again, I did not want to aggravate it. These blocks have helped tremendously. I can now do poses like downward dog with no wrist pain at all!" —Cris

    Get them from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors).

    26. A headrest hook for keeping your purse nearby so you're not the driver who turns around to dig through their purse in the backseat and misses the green light. It'll also help prevent the contents of your purse from spilling all over the car floor if you take a turn too fast or have to slam on the brakes.

    black car hook with purse hanging on it
    the hooks facing the back and holding two bags
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These hooks work great and function exactly the way I had hoped for! I actually turned them around and used them for the front of the seat rather than the back. These hooks have solved the dreaded 'bag dump' when you have to brake suddenly. No more lunch spilling all over the inside of my work bag!!" —KLGS

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.99.

    27. An electrical outlet cover with a power strip that'll organize cluttered cords stat. It's also pretty great if you want to push your furniture right up against the wall but can't because your phone charger adapter is in the way.

    Promising review: "I have an outlet above our mantel that's meant for a wall-mounted TV. We have a large painting covering it. We wanted to use the plug to power two Wi-Fi speakers on the long mantel. The thinness of the plug is perfect behind the painting. The power strip is hidden by a mantel clock. So, we have two speakers on either side and no visible wires. This product may not work for every application, but for us, it's 10 stars." —Chashum

    Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in 10 styles).

    28. A foil pan protector if your one job is to bring a dish to the family potluck but your flimsy foil pans are doing their darnedest to leak everywhere. Enter the Fancy Panz. Simply plop your foil pan inside it (there's a riser so you can use it for both shallow and deep foil pans), and you'll have peace of mind knowing your pasta salad isn't sloshing around in the backseat leaking dressing all over your car. You can even stack 'em — that's how sturdy they are.

    hand placing a foil pan of pasta salad into the black pan protector, which has tall and sturdy plastic sides
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Skeptical yet very satisfied!! I was a little skeptical, but it was worth it. Love it! No collapsing to worry about, so less mess, and I can stack on top without it getting smushed!!" —Jennifer Miles

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in eight colors).

    29. An OxiClean stain-remover spray so you can immediately treat stains when they happen — spilled coffee, makeup smudges, grass stains, and more! Simply spray it on the go, and you can wash it up to seven days later.

    White shirt with
    Close-up of a white sweatshirt with

    Promising review: "As someone who is constantly battling with stubborn stains on my clothes, I have tried numerous stain removers in the past, but none of them have come close to the effectiveness of OxiClean Max Force. This stain remover spray is truly a miracle worker. It effortlessly tackles even the toughest stains, such as coffee, red wine, and grass. I was amazed at how quickly and effectively it removed these stains from my clothes. All I had to do was spray the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it as usual. The results were outstanding — my clothes looked as good as new! Another great feature of this stain remover spray is its convenient and easy-to-use spray bottle. The nozzle provides a fine mist that evenly covers the stain, ensuring maximum coverage and effectiveness. Plus, the bottle is compact and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go stain emergencies. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone in need of a reliable and powerful stain remover. It has exceeded my expectations and has become a staple in my laundry routine." —Denisse

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

    30. A Hydro Flask silicone boot because the whole house can hear when you set down your water bottle. This soft sleeve will help protect the bottom of your bottle and make it less slippery. And, of course, it will help prevent that awful banging sound. 

    Person holding an insulated tumbler with a handle and straw, featuring a handprint logo; base of the cup is blue
    Insulated water bottle with logo on a table, sunlight highlighting its sleek design. Ideal for hydration on the go

    I have one for my Hydro Flask and love it! 

    Promising review: "I was tired of hearing this heavy tumbler banging around, so I bought the boot, and it’s fantastic! No more loud placement on the table, silicone has some grip so not as slippery, and the color is super cute. May buy in more colors! **If you own a 32oz or 40oz tumbler of this shape, BUY A SMALL. Slightly snug pulling on, but it’s perfect and will not fall off." —Griffyyy

    Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

    31. A bendable neck light to illuminate late-night reads, knitting and crochet projects (reviewers say it's really helpful when using black yarn!), puzzle sessions, and TV watching. Say no to ambiance-ruining overhead lights!

    Promising review: "I love to crochet at night when my husband and I are watching TV or sitting in the living room. We don't like bright light when we are watching TV. Using this, we can have dim lighting, and I have bright lights on my stitches! For the first time, I can crochet while watching a movie! I find it takes the eye strain out of crocheting at night. The settings provide a good range depending on your preference. It is so lightweight that I forget I have it on. The battery lasts me several evenings, and I just recharge it by keeping it plugged into the USB during the day. Amazing quality of life improver!" —Karen

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in eight colors).

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.