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    31 Things That'll Upgrade Your Life For Less Than $5

    These products > paying extra for guac.

    1. A velvety cream-to-powder Wet n Wild multi-stick to conceal, highlight, or contour. Pick a shade depending on your need, and then swipe away for a buildable and long-lasting color. Reviewers swear that you can also use them a lipstick, eyeshadow, or blush!

    reviewer wearing a walnut-colored shade as a contour
    another reviewer with dewy makeup wearing a concealer stick

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this product!! I've been using it about every day for the past almost two years and it's easily became my favorite cream bronzer! I am a light skin gal with normal-dry skin and I use the shade Oak's On You as a bronzer rather than a contour. Perfect shade, consistency, texture and blends with NO problem. I find that while it does need some building up, I don't find that to be a bad thing if you are looking for a light wash of bronzer color on a light makeup day, and/or can build it up enough to your liking without it being too much all at once. I will ALWAYS buy this product as long as it's still being made!" —Violet & Brandy

    Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in 10 shades).

    2. A pack of foaming garbage disposal cleaners because they'll deodorize your smelly pipes safely and dislodge buildup safely and effectively. No one wants to smell the leftovers you tossed down the sink three days ago.

    the pack in the drain
    the cleaner bubbling up from the drain
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This product works! I followed the directions, which are super easy, and was very satisfied to see the gross slime and muck that was removed. You put the entire packet down your disposal, and the magic happens quickly! Very powerful and successful cleaning! The scent was not what I would call overpowering, but the inside of the disposal is super clean, confirmed. These will definitely be a cleaning staple for me. The garbage disposal runs much easier and more quiet now. When things fall into the disposal, my hands are not covered in gross slimy stuff anymore." —JSullivanJ

    Get a pack (good for four uses) from Amazon for $3.98.

    3. A pack of sound-dampening door bumpers if you love your family but they're also monsters who seem to enjoy shutting doors and closing cabinets as loud as possible when you're trying to sleep.

    pack of the opaque door bumpers
    reviewer photo of a round door bumper on a cabinet door

    Promising review: "Should have bought these years ago! Now my cabinets don’t thud when closed and they even open easier. Got rid of the sticky bumpers that the installers applied. I thought 40 bumpers would be way too many, but ended up using all but four." —Darcy M

    Get a sheet of 20 from Amazon for $3.90.

    4. A mounted brush for satisfying your cat's ceaseless demands for scritches. Just mount it to a corner with the included adhesive strips and watch as your beloved babies leave you for the warm embrace of this gray and white piece of plastic.

    Reviewer photo of their cat happily rubbing its face on the brush
    Reviewer holding a chunk of cat fur showing how effective the brush is at loosening fur

    Promising review: "Both my cats seem to love this inexpensive product. Bought on a whim but very pleased. Little need for catnip, with some positive attention and gentle encouragement they started using this groomer and haven't stopped, only when it falls down. Didn't want to use screws and haven't found a lasting adhesive tape that holds up under such constant use. Command strips are on the shopping list." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    5. 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
    Amazon

    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.

    6. A before-you-go toilet spray so your coworker is none the wiser when they enter the bathroom after you.

    Promising review: "Took it on a cruise — I would highly recommend. One spray, and smells are gone!" —phyllis parker

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    7. Some Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent to clean your salty bathing suits, sweaty T-shirts, and dirty undies. Rewear clothing instead of stuffing your suitcase with pieces you'll only wear once!

    Promising review: "My husband and I travel often. If we go to Europe, we stay for at least a month. We stay longer to make the use of my airline reward points more valuable in seeing more cities and in seeing more places. Now retired, we can take our time in cities. We take minimal clothes and re-wear them. With these Tide travel packs, I can wash our clothes in the bathtub, use travel clothespins to hang and dry items, and even use a hair dryer to dry heavier items like jeans quickly. Always pack these Tide packs for all travel. They are especially great during hot times and hot temperature locations." —B Tatum

    Get three packs from Amazon for $4.54.

    8. A cruelty-free lengthening mascara because you're tired of mascaras that don't live up to their promises. This one won't let you down — I promise! It's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day. Consider your expectations exceeded!

    before and after showing the mascara made their light lashes visible and lengthened
    Reviewer showing off their fluffy, full-looking lashes

    Promising review: "Love this mascara! I’ve used the 'best of the best' designer, super hyped, ultra popular mascara available and NOTHING compares to this stuff! I don’t even bother using a lash curler anymore! I buy two at a time so I always have a spare (yes, it’s that good!!). I highly recommend this particular mascara...it goes on effortlessly, it lasts pretty much all day, and the price — I feel like I’m almost stealing it! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!!!" —Chulaboola & MCD

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    9. A Nalgene topper for wide mouth bottles if you're tired of taking a sip only to end up with a face full of water. And don't even get me started on how hard it is to drink from a wide mouth Nalgene if you aren't standing totally still!!!

    Promising review: "Love it. Quick and easy to pop into the wide mouth Nalgene. No more water splashing out while trying to get a drink in the car or on the treadmill!" —K Ashley 47

    Get it from Amazon for $3.91 (available in five colors).

    10. Some acne patches for those days when a pimple pops up at the *worst* possible moment. Hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, and calendula oil are gentle on the skin while still drawing out fluids and pus from your pimple.

    Promising review: "I've been suffering from bad maskne. These stick incredibly well to the skin. They don't move at night and lasts through my kids touching my face all the time. They work better on open/ popped pimples. They prevent you from touching them constantly which is great. They help pimples heal faster." —Darleen F.

    Get 30 round patches from Amazon for $4.88.

    11. An interactive cat toy that'll appease your furry rulers and occupy them for a few hours...until they come howling for dinner.

    Reviewer photo of their cat standing on its hind legs to grab the toy
    Same reviewer's cat jumping in the air to grab the toy

    Promising review: "I have a whole room filled with cat toys that my cat is not interested in. It's funny how the least expensive cat toy I have makes him go crazy. He plays with this until he's panting like a dog and I have never seen him jump so high. I'm certain this toy will help him lose his belly. He loves it! I highly recommend it!" —Kwoo

    Get it from Amazon for $3.53.

    12. A Scrubbing Bubbles toilet cleaning stamp so you can polish your toilet without ever having to pick up a dirty toilet brush. *shudders* The stamp releases the cleaning gel, which foams and cleans your toilet.

    A hand stamping the circle of gel in the toilet
    Scrubbing Bubbles

    Promising review: "I was sooo skeptical and was confused about how they’d work but the gel solidifies and with every flush, suds wash through with the water and it really makes a fresh difference. Also the scent is light but really nice and fresh! I recommend these 100%! They’re super interesting but they do the job." —Janet

    Get six stamps from Amazon for $4.99 (or Subscribe & Save for $4.74/month).

    13. Or some toilet tablets you drop directly into the water tank to provide up to four weeks of cleaning power.

    Promising review: "I really like this product because it lasts longer than most. Once they are done, it doesn’t leave residue inside the toilet bowl like most do. I will definitely be ordering them again." —Gwen Alexander Wood

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $3.88.

    14. A pack of light-dimming stickers because bright alarm clocks and flashing electronics shouldn't distract you from sleep.

    Infographic showing the stickers being placed on electronics with bright lights and dimming the brightness
    Amazon

    Promising review: "My wife hates all my gadgets in our room and how they do an excellent job at lighting it up. Between the constantly flashing red, blue, and green LEDs, it was hard for her to fall asleep and stay asleep causing some not-so-nice mornings if you know what I mean. LightDims were an inexpensive impulse purchase because hey why not? It may compel my wife to stop complaining and actually get some peaceful sleep. Well I'm glad to announce, LightDims did the trick! I'm still able to monitor device activity at a glance, without putting on a personal light show in the room. The LightDims adhere strongly, comes in various shapes and sizes for convenience. It seem like they'd remove easily although who would want to? I'd definitely recommend LightDims to anyone for use on all their devices!" —A. Williams

    Get a sheet of more than 100 stickers of varying shapes and sizes Amazon for $2.69.

    15. A Garnier leave-in conditioning cream if summer humidity is your mortal enemy. This argan oil-infused cream offers frizz control (even in 97% humidity!) while keeping your strands soft.

    reviewer with 4a/4b/4c hair that looks moisturized
    reviewer with straight and shiny hair

    Promising review: "I have been using this product for years. Many different stylists have commented on the softness of my hair, and asked what I was using. I apply it to my hair before I dry it with a t-shirt. I have very fine, low porosity, curly hair. I love how soft my curls feel with this product. When my hair is dry, it does not feel like there is any product on it. It is also fairly affordable compared to other products on the market." —bluecatart

    Get it from Amazon for $3.97.

    16. A pack of food spikes for plants that are in desperate need of a #glowup. These fertilizer spikes inject nutrients and nourishment into your plant's roots continuously.

    before photo of a reviewer's plant
    after photo showing the plant is much larger and has lots more new growth

    Promising review: "I got some of these from my neighbor and shoved them into my sadder-looking plants. Well...just, look! Look at my plant!!! It looks like I gave it steroids lol. It's pushing out bigger leaves than it ever had, even when I first brought it home! I had to clip back all the old growth due to the sheer size of all the new growth and immediately bought more spikes to shove into my other plants. The instructions are so simple. How big is the pot? Use #__ spikes. Easy peasy. Get them, your plants will thank you!" —Lita Lita Lita

    Get a pack of 50 spikes from Amazon for $4.75.

    17. A double-sided scour pad that'll obliterate soap scum, limescale, hard water stains, pink mold and whatever else is gunking up your tub, tiles, shower, sinks, and other bathroom surfaces. 

    before photo of a reviewer's dirty shower handle
    after photo of the same handle looking shiny and clean

    Promising review: "I don't know what this thing is made of what is in it but it works. I used it to clean my glass shower doors and it cleaned deep enough to go through layers of hard water stains. I used it on the shower fixtures and my large bathroom mirror. It is not worn out." —Lee

    Get it from Amazon for $4.97.

    18. color-changing aloe vera lipstick so every time you swipe it on you're wearing *your* perfect shade. It magically adjusts hues depending on your temperature and your lip's pH, and leaves behind a subtle sheen and a hydrating finish.

    reviewer wearing the lipstick only on their bottom lips and you can see the lipstick gives a slightly pink and shimmery finish
    reviewer holding the tube of green lipstick

    Promising review: "I’m so happy with these! They smell SUPER nice and clean. It goes on clear and smooth, is decently moisturizing, and it’s not overly greasy. It gave me a nice pinkish reddish tone like my lips are two shades darker, and I love it! It looks very natural and perfect! PLEASE keep these in stock, I want to keep these forever! I applied once hours ago, and also applied a different clear lip balm over it later on, and I still have color even. It seems to last so long even through eating and drinking. It doesn’t smudge off and looks so cute! I’m so happy with these! I love the smell and the color so much! Much better and longer lasting than a lipgloss I had!" —Lin

    Get it from Amazon for $3.99.

    19. An adorable cat spoon to keep you company while you're sipping your cat-puccino.

    Promising review: "Bought these on impulse. They serve as great baby feeding spoons and to stir coffee." —Ricky

    Get it from Amazon for $3.59.

    20. A triangle powder puff because they'll give your skin that airbrushed look. You can use it with wet or dry products, but reviewers swear it's the secret to applying setting powder that isn't cakey and doesn't crease.

    reviewer with setting powder on their nose and under their eyes
    reviewer holding the powder puff on their finger

    Promising review: "These thingies are so essential to your makeup routine. They make everything look so smooth when you set with the powder! It’s a must." —Karla J

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in 11 color combinations).

    21. A succulent tea light candle if your lack of green thumb has prevented you from keeping your plants alive longer than a few months. Good thing these green boys don't need a single drop of water!

    tea light candles shaped like succulents
    Lilly Press / Etsy

    Lilly Press is a Pittsburgh-based small business.

    Promising review: "The cutest candles! Beautifully wrapped and beautifully sculpted." —Megan Ellis

    Get it from Lilly Press on Etsy for $3.75+ (available in 17 styles and with or without gift wrapping).

    22. A soap brow kit for anyone who wants to try this beauty trend they've seen all over TikTok. This method will help make your brows look thicker using just your existing hairs. And of course you can go in with a brow pen or powder to add even more fullness.

    Promising review: "I can say I am very satisfied with this one. You just have to wet your brush with a fixing mist or water and then brush it on the soap and comb. Ultra fixed brows all day! It’s really the best thing for my brows; it keeps them the way that I like all day long. I'll use it every day. Easy to apply easy to use." —Hadasa

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    23. Some clear drawer organizers that'll bring some much-needed order to the chaos of your bathroom shelves and kitchen cabinets. 

    Promising review: "I've purchased dozens of drawer organizers. Everything in my home has its own home. They are in every drawer and cabinet in my kitchen. This brand is excellent quality; sturdy and easy to wipe clean. I give 5 stars!" —BarbieJ

    Get it from Amazon for $2.99+ (available in various sizes).

    24. A soap saver dish so the expensive bar soap you treated yourself to isn't sitting in its wet juices all day. The slanted divots help liquid drain and allows for airflow under the bar, which helps extend the life of your soap *and* prevents the icky feeling of touching a soggy soap bar.

    reviewer photo of two bars of soap on two soap dishes
    three soap dishes: one teal, one gray, and one white

    Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how nice these little soap holders are. They are more of a little pad than a 'soap dish': flexible and easy to put on the ledge in your shower or edge of the sink. They're designed to drain, so there isn't a water buildup under your soap bar; the water just drains off immediately. I liked the first ones so much, I ordered a second set." —Tam2dogs

    Get a three-pack for $4.99.

    25. A fetch-able, tossable, shakable, squeezable dog toy with a built-in squeaker to upgrade your pet's play sessions. The best part = It's long enough that you can play tug-of-war with Fido and *not* recoil in horror when you grab the toy and realize it's covered in sticky drool. 

    reviewer photo of their large dog with its red toy
    another photo of a reviewer's lab with a red toy and a green toy

    Promising review: "I was surprised to find this dog outside and still in one piece about a month after ordering it. I thought it had succumbed to the fate of the other stuffed toys: torn to bits in a matter of days. This one seems to have some serious staying power and our dog loves it (only the favorite toys get dragged outside). Definitely recommend!" —Imnotgrandma

    Get it from Amazon for $2.59+ (available in two sizes).

    26. An exfoliating towel because reviewers with keratosis pilaris (aka "chicken skin" and "strawberry skin") swear it helps clear up those pesky reddish bumps. 

    Promising review: "Worth the hype. Took off an embarrassing amount of dead skin. Very satisfying though. I can’t describe how soft my skin feels now!!" —Jordan Nichols

    Get four towels from Amazon for $4.80.

    27. A pill organizer if you could use a helping hand when it comes to consistently remembering to take your meds.

    reviewer photo of the eight-compartment organizer filled with small and larger pills
    reviewer photo of the medicine holder closed to show its compact size

    Promising review: "I got this to put my supplements in for when I travel. Love how cute and compact it is. It does come with a plastic pick to help you open the container if you have nails like me. I even use this to throw in my bag so when I forget to take my vitamins at home I have it on me." —Clairessa Tessier

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four colors).

    28. candy sushi kit for a lil' sweet treat. 

    Promising review: "It’s hard to describe just how much I enjoyed this as a 35-year-old woman! I saw a video of this sushi kit being made online and couldn’t wait to try it, especially making the roe. It was fun to make, feeling both crafty and sciencey at the same time. Based on the reviews, I was prepared for it to taste bad, but I was pleasantly surprised. The rice was a bit weird, but other than that the rest of the candy reminded me of classic artificial flavors that I loved as a kid :) A lot of it reminded me of grape Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape, if you remember that." —Julia

    Get it from Amazon for $3.64.

    29. A teal night-light that'll provide just the right amount of light on your midnight trip to the toilet so you don't stub your toe without fully rousing you from your sleep so it takes another 30 minutes post pee to fall asleep again.

    reviewer photo of the night-light plugged in
    another reviewer photo of the night-light emitting a teal-colored light

    Promising review: "These little lights are great! They put out enough light to see well enough to go up/down stairs and along a hallway at night, but not so much that it keeps you awake like a regular ceiling light or wall sconce turned on can. Great for seeing that a door is closed before you walk into it and for keeping boogeymen from hiding in a little one’s bedroom. It’s also sealed up, so there’s nothing to stick out, break off or otherwise catch or become a hazard. Mine have listed several years of 24/7 use — well worth the cost." —2 Nerds, 2 Dogs, 1 House.

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    30. A mug organizer so you can better use of coffee mug collection you're currently using as desk storage. This genius sleeve sits around your mugs and offers extra pockets for pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors, cutlery, a mini flashlight, etc.

    Promising review: "For the additional cost of a cheap mug this keeps my pens, pencils, Sharpies, scissors in good order. I thought this was kind of a joke but it works great. I gave one to my brother and he likes it too. Great value!" —TheIdeaJuicer

    Get it from Amazon for $4.58.

    31. Some pan scrapers to hide all evidence that you let remnants of this morning's scrambled eggs sit all day in the pan.

    a reviewer showing a mess of food caked onto the bottom of their pan
    the same pan now completely clean with the scraper inside it

    Promising review: "A necessary tool to clean your cast-iron pots and pans. Perfectly contoured to the rounded corners used by Lodge in their pans, so you'll easily get any food off that's stuck to your pan. The plastic is sturdy and malleable, but not so much that it will deform. Been using these for a couple of months now, and I haven't had them break. Since I still can't get a properly seasoned coating on my pans, I have a lot of food that sticks (my fault), but these scrapers get pretty much everything off easily." —JGtz

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $4.84.

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