Ah, Amazon. The online retailer has become a necessary evil in our life for all those things we realize we need ASAP, from cleaning products to the elusive perfect-for-vacation ‘fit… when the flight is in 48 hours. But in a world where everything can be yours in a few clicks (and brand names can sometimes just be a string of consonants with shady Photoshop), it can be hard to know which gadget is that can’t-live-without-it buy and which is destined to become clutter after it fails to deliver. This is where we come in. We spend a lot of time looking for the highest-rated buys and best deals on Amazon, so we’ve learned a thing or two (and bought a thing or two) in the line of duty. From iPhone wallet cases and Airpods cleaning tools to silicone body scrubbers and toothbrush holders, these are the essential essentials R29 shopping editors have added to cart and are still loving. Click ahead to shop our editors’ recently-purchased must-haves from Amazon.
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.
“I’ve been using loofahs and exfoliating gloves to shower for a really long time, but I’ve been planning to switch to a silicone one for a while. I finally bought this cute lilac one, and I’m literally in love. Silicone is super easy to clean when it gets dirty and limits bacteria, so no worries there. Plus, it lathers so beautifully.” — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
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Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber, $, available at Amazon
“I have repurchased the same Amazon phone case with every new iPhone generation I’ve gotten. It discreetly holds my most important and frequently used cards (ID, debit card, metro card). I don’t like wasting time rummaging through my bag to find my wallet, so this is the perfect solution for me. When I got my new iPhone 14 Pro, I attempted to try a new case, but I’ve gotten so used to the convenience of this card-carrying one that I recently repurchased the new version of it again. Somehow, it’s even lighter than the previous versions I’ve had, and luckily, it’s just as dependable.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
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Spigen Slim Armor CS Designed for iPhone 14 Pro Case, $, available at Amazon
“I will pay $6 for peace of mind any day. These little pods clasp perfectly onto every toothbrush I’ve owned (both regular and electric) and leave it smelling minty fresh. Seriously, they have a pleasant sterile aroma to them because of the thymol vapors, and it lasts for months. I’ve been using these for years and restock every three months for a reason: they’re great.” — Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
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Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector, $, available at Amazon
“My AirPods are one of my everyday essentials — I used to think they were so unnecessary, and now I can’t imagine cleaning the house without being able to listen to my favorite podcast untethered. But, as we all know, they can get gross, especially with near-daily use. Apple’s official recommendation is to clean it with a soft cloth, but sometimes you gotta really get into those nooks and crevices. This funky little device has tiny little bristles and tips that won’t scratch your device but rather get any dust and debris and (let’s just be honest here) earwax. I keep it in my desk with my pens and whip it out whenever it’s been a while.” — Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
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Hagibis Hagibis Cleaning Pen for Airpods, $, available at Amazon
“I love coming home to a house that smells good, but anything that gives even vague olfactory nods to your average mall candle shop gives me a raging headache that no amount of pain relievers can touch. That’s why I’m a big fan of these eucalyptus bundles and buy them frequently; they make my house smell clean and fresh, but their fragrance is about as far from the ‘lollipop on fire’ smell I associate with many other home scents.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
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Glicrili 30 Pcs Dried Preserved Eucalyptus Stems, $, available at Amazon
“I have a confession to make… I work from my bed. Yes, it’s true. For nearly a year, I’ve been working without any back support, just air, contributing to my already bad posture. Last month, I finally caved and bought a backrest. It’s been an absolute lifesaver. I’ve had backrests before where they were too rigid or too flimsy, but this one is just perfect and really worth the price.” — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
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ComfortSpa Large Backrest Lounge Cushion with Arms and Pockets, $, available at Amazon
“I document anything and everything I will want to remember later with my iPhone camera. When the light source is less than ideal, I use this LED light to illuminate my subject. It adds a very natural glow to your face, with three different modes for warm/ cool light, and you end up with a much better quality photo or video. I also love how intuitive it is: you just clip it over your camera and switch it on.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
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Newmowa 60 LED High Power Rechargeable Clip Light, $, available at Amazon
“I’ve always wanted a vanity table on which to store my (admittedly extensive) collection of beauty products. However, I’ve always been wary of many standard vanities, which frequently give strong fairytale princess vibes. This petite desk has been a great addition to my space, providing plenty of room for all of my beauty essentials and decluttering the spaces they usually occupy, like my nightstand, dresser, closets, bathroom counter, purse, and bed.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
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Lufeiya Small Computer Desk, $, available at Amazon
“I have had heavy periods for two-thirds of my life, which means two decades (yikes) of trying to get stains out of sheets. After years of using Oxiclean, I finally tried Puracy, which uses enzymes to break down organic stains like food, grass, and blood. The formula is actually safe to stay on your clothes for quite a while, so I usually treat stains immediately, then toss them into my hamper. It keeps my precious white sheets white and has even removed some very pesky oil stains from cooking that have gotten on my clothes. It even works on old stains that I might have missed the first time I tossed them in the wash.” — Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
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Puracy Laundry Stain Remover Refill, $, available at Amazon
“I grew up in a part of Asia that was severely hit by the SARS outbreak back in ’03, and I remember my mum carrying dozens of these mini alcohol wipes with her at all times. Isopropyl alcohol is a lot better at disinfecting bacteria compared to your average wet wipes, and we’d use it to clean our hands after touching a public surface. Needless to say, this childhood habit was in full force during COVID, and I now keep a stash of them in my handbag out of habit. They are also perfect for wiping down your phone since it’s such a hotbed for germs.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
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CURAD Alcohol Prep Pads (Pack of 4 Boxes), $, available at Amazon
“As a recovering deadbeat plant mom, I thought propagation was beyond me. But less than two weeks after I put some pathos clippings in these planter tubes, they sprouted roots. I love the wood fasteners, which elevate the otherwise basic appearance to wall decor, and because they come with stickers on the back, they’re almost too easy to install. I followed up my first purchase with another two weeks later.” — Colleen Barrett, Freelance Affiliate Editor
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HUSSLEAN Plant Wall Hanging Propagation Station, $, available at Amazon
“I’m not that kind to my hair. In fact, I’m a bit brutal to my poor strands. I need a hairbrush that can stand my vigorously brushing and pulling. My hair is super thick, too, so it can be a knotted mess after a shower. Luckily, I’ve discovered the Tangle Teezer that effortlessly combs through my hair without minimal damage and leaves it less frizzy. The colorful hues are an additional bonus.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
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Tangle Teezer Detangler Hairbrush, $, available at Amazon
“I go back and forth between my Notes app and notebooks because I love to scribble and think I’m more creative when using a notebook. But I have a few requirements: hard-ish back so I don’t destroy it in a month, not too big so it can fit in a bag, spiral-bound so it lies flat when open, and lined because a fully blank page is just asking for anarchy. I was about to pay nearly double for a similar spiral-bound one at a stationery store when I searched Amazon for a ‘green spiral-bound notebook’ and found this three-pack for $16. It is perfect, and I plan to reorder forever.” — Colleen Barrett, Freelance Affiliate Editor
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EUSOAR Ruled Spiral Notebooks, $, available at Amazon
“If your goal is to shed your winter skin like a snake, look no further than the Baiden Mitten. Basically, you just soak yourself in water for about 20 minutes with no oils or soaps, then use this mitt and a bit of elbow grease to slough off more dead skin that you’d ever think humanly possible. Something about the material of this mitten means business. It’s especially helped me with the ‘strawberries’ I get on my thighs during the winter. And it’s never left me feeling raw or over-exfoliated, just like a newborn baby. For more evidence, scroll through the user reviews for some satisfying-but-gross pics. It’s not cheap, but it’s also wildly popular for a reason.” — Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
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Nuonove Baiden Mitten Superior Exfoliator Glove, $, available at Amazon
“I’m picky when it comes to my matcha latte. I never like how cafes make it and that it tends to be $5 for a drink that I’ll only sip on and then discard. Too bitter. Too sweet. Too watered down. No, thank you. After perusing Amazon, I found the Jade Leaf Matcha Latte mix with the perfect sweetness I like. Now, I can alter my matcha latte to my preference and get endless uses at home.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
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Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Latte Mix, $, available at Amazon
“Home organization gives me life, and when my organizational products are stylish as well? *Chef’s kiss* That’s why I love this three-piece set of mDesign apothecary jars, which I use in my bathroom to store items like cotton rounds and Q-Tips, as well as in my bedroom to store makeup and small hair accessories.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
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mDesign Plastic Apothecary Canister Jars\, $, available at Amazon
“As a chronic scalp picker, I could use all the help I can get when it comes to scalp relief. This DERMA-E serum is the best one I’ve tried, and I’ve reordered it SO many. The tea tree oil, menthol, and aloe vera combo is incredibly cooling and gives me all the tingles. I love it!” — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
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Derma E Scalp Relief Treatment, $, available at Amazon
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