January is here, marking not only a new month, but a whole new year. And even though it’s 2024 and all, you’ve still got the same squad of R29 shopping editors diligently serving up a piping-hot platter of under-$100 favorite finds from the previous month. So, you know, get hyped.
As always with these monthly shoutouts, expect a little of the unexpected; sure, there will be cozy seasonal picks like hand creams, beanies, and the like, but knowing us? Don’t be surprised when you see circa-early 2000s gel pens, popcorn boxes, status olive oil…well, before I go ahead and spoil the whole thing, why don’t you keep clicking to see all 25 under-$100 standouts for yourself?
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
“Okay, I’m not sure how these gelly pens weren’t in my life before, but I’m never going back. This pack has 10 retractable pens (and clicking them gives me a little dose of serotonin) in matte, metallic, and glitter ink. They glide so nicely when I write and the slight shimmer in the colorful ones is so pretty. And you already know I wrote down all my 2024 manifestations in the glitter pens!” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Sakura Gelly Roll Retractable Gel Pen Sparkle Set, $, available at Amazon
“Almost exactly a year ago, I tried Mermade’s signature triple-barrel Pro Hair Waver. Ever since that review, I’d been obsessed with the tool, and how it took my lob from bedhead to French girl chic in less than minutes. However, my lone gripe (which was echoed by many other reviewers) is that the Pro is heavy — it’s just over two pounds, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you have a whole head of hair to style? Let’s just say your biceps are *feeling it* by the end. Ahead of my holiday travels, I was searching for a more travel-friendly option, and the brand came through with the Cutie. The barrels are smaller and shorter, taking this to a palatable one pound and change. I snapped it up on sale on Amazon, and if you act fast, you still can, too.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Mermade Hair 0.9″ Cutie Pro Waver | Three Barrel Curling Iron, $, available at Amazon
“I didn’t realize that Carhartt hats were a thing until I received one this holiday season, but now I totally get it. The cozy knit beanie comes in a gazillion colors and knit patterns (I received this adorable pink!) and it’s shockingly warm for something made of acrylic fabric. The cuff and logo make it instantly recognizable, and I get compliments from everyone, even on a casual morning dog walk. It’s my new winter essential.” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie, $, available at Amazon
“If I had to grab only three things from my makeup bag it would be foundation, mascara, and, most importantly, blush — specifically, Saie’s Blendable Liquid Blush. This product comes in the prettiest and most flattering pink hues for a myriad of skin tones. My friend, for example, has a fair complexion and she looks exquisite in the lighter, bubblegum-y shade. As for the blending, I will say that this is pigmented. It definitely blends but you have to use a little elbow grease. Once you’re done, you’re left with a dewy, pretty-in-pink cheekbone. It single-handedly tore me away from powder blush. I totally recommend it.” — Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Market Writer
Saie Dew Blush Blendable Liquid Blush, $, available at Sephora
“My pajama preference is an oversized tee and boyshorts. This tee from Elwood is super soft, has a nice mid-weight feel, and is made from 100% organic cotton. I currently only have the vintage white colorway, but intend to scoop up a few more shades ASAP.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Elwood OVERSIZED CORE TEE, $, available at Elwood
“Like our lovely lifestyle whisperer Alexandra, I’m extremely into Homecourt’s devastatingly chic, ultra-luxurious home products. Last Christmas, the brand unveiled a limited-edition holiday candle that — duh – went like hotcakes. They resurrected the woody, pine-y gem this past holiday season, along with some amazing news: She was joining Homecourt’s permament lineup! There are many Christmas tree-inspired candles on the market (some of them delightful, others I wouldn’t even give to those on the naughty list), but Homecourt really nailed it with their specific scent; it’s invigorating and fresh but not medicinal, and the cedar undertones feel so cozy and comforting. I just finished mine up after burning it from Thanksgiving through NYE (not consistently, of course), and will definitely snap up another to take me through the remainder of winter.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Homecourt Balsam Fireplace Candle, $, available at Homecourt
“Prior to the new year, I knew it was time to reorganize my closet and get rid of the old, crummy hangers that have lived in there forever. I love these new and improved hangers because of their wooden base, which makes them feel sturdier for draping my pants over (I prefer this method rather than using clip hangers). I’ve also become a fan of these sleek wire baskets because the two small ones fit on top of my closet organizer and the larger one sits underneath it.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Mustard Made The Baskets, $, available at Mustard Made
Mustard Made Adult Top Hangers, $, available at Mustard Made
“I grew up with fresh popcorn made daily by my grandma and those microwave bags really don’t hit the spot. After learning about and trying Cheerie Lane, I am hooked. I will be getting these sets as gifts for everyone that I know for any holiday because everyone deserves some home-cooked love. Plus, it’s so fun to watch it pop on the stovetop.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Cheerie Lane Stock Up Set, $, available at Cheerie Lane
“I’ve been shouting out Uniqlo products quite a lot in these MVPs, but who can blame me when the brand keeps releasing banger after banger this winter? My latest wardrobe staple is this featherlight hooded down parka. It feels barely there but immediately keeps me toasty, and I love how it never sheds any feathers. With the hood and high collar, it has become my go-to when I need an extra layer for my winter travels but don’t want to lug around a heavy jacket.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka, $, available at Uniqlo
“$5 won’t get you very far these days (sigh), so you can imagine my shock when I came across this leather AirTag keychain on Amazon for a mere $4.59. It fit my new stocking stuffer gift perfectly, and the tan color was beyond chic. If you look closely, you can also see a stitching detail around the circumference, too — it’s giving Hermès, no? Anyway, for all my AirTag girlies, don’t sleep on this one.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Yunaeduo Apple AirTag Leather Holder Keychain, $, available at Amazon
“Nearly three years post-bariatric surgery, I finally have the perfect solution to my very specific eating needs: these refrigerator bins from OXO. My girlfriend enjoys having a well-stocked fridge, but I really only need four things (and I like them to be easily accessible). These organization bins are the perfect way to separate my protein snacks without having to dig through our weekly groceries and mess up her whole system. It makes feeding myself (which I have to do about every 3-4 hours) approximately 300% easier, plus it makes me feel like I’m on an HGTV organization show to have the fridge look so pretty.” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
OXO 8 Piece Refrigerator Organization Set, $, available at Oxo
“Caudalie’s hand cream has become the most requested holiday gift among my friends and family. After letting acquaintances try my go-to hand lotion and gifting a few I purchased on my honeymoon, I’ve received numerous texts asking what the exact one I have is (the light purple) and where they can find it. The good news is that Caudalie still has my favorite one in stock, and while they don’t individually sell the other scents as they do in Paris, they currently have a limited-edition set with three lotions. However, I would recommend giving my fave a try first — especially if you’re a fan of subtle fruity scents! Whenever I put it on, people around me ask what it is, as the light grape scent is wonderful. Plus, another perk is that the cream doesn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue. It’s a luxurious hand cream that instantly moisturizes your hands, nails, and cuticles and leaves you with a glorious scent.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Cream, $, available at Caudalie
“I desperately needed a shower caddy for my bare shower walls and this Amazon find has been serving me well. It comes with two stainless steel shelves and a soap holder. But the best parts are the handy hooks on the shelves and that they each hold up to 40 pounds! Sure, my shower products look scaled back right now, but I will most definitely be filling these shelves to the brim in no time.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
YASONIC Corner Adhesive Shower Caddy, $, available at Amazon
“If you’re anything like me — meaning terrible at DIY manicures — this affordable marker will be a serious game-changer. The tip is so precise that I finally managed to do some decent-looking French manicure tips all by myself (even with my non-dominant hand). I love the formula in Nails Inc. products; the polishes are so pigmented and always stay put for at least a week for me.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Nails Inc. Mani Marker Art Pen, $, available at Urban Outfitters
“Everyone gets a pesky pimple occasionally and as a former Girl Scout, I learned to always be prepared for any situation life throws at me. These magical stars with salicylic acid have managed to bring my pimple from blaring red siren to barely there overnight. I will never go without a stock of them again.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid, $, available at Starface
“I’m not much into foundation, but I really love a skin tint. And my new obsession is this skincare-based one from ILIA. As someone with sensitive combination skin, I appreciated that the serum somehow both moisturized and evened out my winter-affected ruddiness. I also loved that though it has a light dewy finish, it still had a significant amount of coverage to even out my skin. I wasn’t sure what my color match would be and was surprised (and delighted) that the basic light/neutral shade blended in perfectly with just a few swipes of my fingers, no brush or sponge needed, and it stays really well all day. This pic was taken mid-afternoon and still looked hella fresh. If you’re looking for an easy, natural-looking base layer to your makeup, this is a must-add to your makeup collection.” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
ILIA Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $, available at Ilia
“Olive oil has always been a pantry staple of mine, but it wasn’t until I tried Graza’s that I realized what I’d been missing out on; generic grocery store stuff doesn’t even come close to the robust, fresh flavor of these oils. I use the “Drizzle” one to dress salads, and it’s utterly delicious. Meanwhile, “Sizzle” has become my new go-to cooking oil for everything from veggies to meat. And yes, I’d be lying if I said that the very good packaging wasn’t a welcome bonus in my generally unremarkable kitchen.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Graza “Drizzle” & “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $, available at Graza
“I have combination skin, but I also have eczema. During the winter, I get really dry and need a light but hydrating moisturizer to save my entire face from chapping. Futurewise has a whole slugging system, but I like using the brand’s Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer as the last step to really lock everything in.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Futurewise Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer, $, available at Anthropologie
“After using this tote as my everyday bag for almost a year, I will proudly crown it as my favorite commuter handbag of all time. It’s so stylish yet practical, with interior pockets for essentials like my laptop and headphones. I love using the big exterior pocket as a place for my phone and keys. I’m always paranoid about pickpockets, so it’s great that the bag comes with a top zipper. Most importantly, the recycled fabric is super lightweight and waterproof.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Herschel Retreat Tote, $, available at Herschel
“No one really needs heart-shaped ice cube trays, or at least that’s what I thought until I bought heart-shaped ice cube trays. I knew that they’d be adorable and I knew that they would make a hefty amount of ice cubes based off of the specs. What I didn’t know was that the ice cubes would seamlessly escape the silicone — no stickiness or struggling to remove them from the mold at all — and that the shape would be spot on! It’s totally a worthwhile dopamine-décor buy.” — Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Market Writer
Ciyliwiyi 2-Pack Heart-Shaped Ice Cube Trays, $, available at Amazon
“If you’ve yet to try Sulwhasoo’s viral Herbal Clay Purifying Mask, I don’t blame you, as it seems to be out of stock everywhere. However, as always, Amazon is coming in clutch and has recently added it to their marketplace. I was given this for my birthday, and I’ve been in love ever since. The soft and nourishing clay mask won’t leave your skin dry and crying for moisture. It’s gentle and removes any deep hidden impurities, while the soothing herbs calm any redness or stressed skin.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Sulwhasoo Herbal Clay Purifying Mask, $, available at Amazon
“This charging station is a little bit pricey, but I think it’s worth it if you like an organized, aesthetically pleasing desk. I’m not good at magically hiding cords like some people are. This keeps all of my charging needs in order (it has two 3-prong plugs, USB slots, and USB-C slots) and looks good while doing so — and it charges just as fast as a basic Apple wall charger base.” — Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Market Writer
Anker Nano Charging Station, $, available at Amazon
“Saie’s Glowy Super Gel has become my go-to makeup product for that bit of dewy sparkle. The brand wasn’t kidding when they described it as a multipurpose illuminator. I’ll dab it on my eyelids, use it as a highlighter, or if I’m having a nice skin day, I’ll even mix it into my lightweight moisturizer. (One of my friends uses it on her collarbones for date nights and weddings.) I can already tell it’ll last me a while, as a little truly goes a long way. While I opted for Starglow, a versatile champagne color, the warm golden bronze is a stunner as well.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Saie Glowy Super Gel Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator, $, available at Sephora
“It’s peak hygge season and I’ve been lighting up candles whenever I want to feel cozy while working from home. This scented candle from Williams-Sonoma has been one of my favorites lately. Despite the holiday branding, it doesn’t smell overly Christmassy – just a subtle forest scent that fills up the space nicely – and the yield has been really impressive. I have the mini version and there’s still more than half a candle left after burning it for hours on end for three consecutive days. The full-sized version is on clearance right now and I’m planning to repurchase ASAP.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Williams Sonoma Winter Forest Candle, $, available at Williams Sonoma
“I’ve been trying to eat more protein for a while, but gave up on protein shakes after the brands I tried had weird aftertastes that I just couldn’t stomach. I’m also very late to the party in trying vegan substitutes, but after seeing Vega’s vegan powders, I decided to try them, and they’ve totally shifted my perspective. The Creamy Chocolate flavor is delicious and not overly sweet or artificial-tasting (because it’s naturally flavored!). The small tub costs $20 and comes with enough powder to make 10 shakes (and I typically split one serving size into two shakes) so that’s basically $1 per shake for me — we love a bargain!” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Vega Creamy Chocolate Plant-Based Protein Powder, $, available at Vega
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