Ahead, behold the under-$100 products we actually bought, used, came to rely on, and LOVE over the past 30+ days: from a pack of rhinestone-flower pimple patches to a $10 tongue scraper and a very posh reusable lighter (or two!). Scroll on to web-window shop, feel seen, inspired, fatigued, or just connected across all the noise. Oh, and please don't be shy in the comment sections below — we thrive on hearing about the gems you've carted for under one hundo that have made these weird times feel just a smidge sunnier.
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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Squish Flower Acne Patches
"I recently had the joy of testing a bunch of cute pimple stickers for a story, and since then, have become fully obsessed with one brand in particular. These Squish flower-shaped patches are everything to me: The tiny rhinestone center is goals, and the groovy design takes me back to my Limited Too days. Best of all, I can wear them during the day to really speed up the healing process." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop Urban Outfitters
Squish Flower Power Acne Patches, $, available at Urban Outffiters
Sanseviera Moonshine & Etsy Ceramic Planter
"After participating in a test of popular plant sites, I became inspired and determined not just to be a better plant parent but to be a cool plant mom. And so I went down the rabbit hole of Etsy and Amazon, as one does, and ordered a bunch of supplies. My favorites ended up being (although, don't tell my other plant kids) this $17 Sansevieria Moonshine that I potted inside a delightfully wavy planter handmade by a California-based ceramics studio. The Amazon plant is from a nursery also based in Cali (I live in NY, for travel-distance reference) and it arrived within a reasonable timeframe looking alive and packaged securely." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Shop California Tropicals
Shop FrontRangeClayStudio
California Tropicals Sansevieria Moonshine - 4'', $, available at Amazon
FrontRangeClayStudio 4" Modern Earthenware Ceramic Planter - Daisy 1, $, available at Etsy
Oak & Fort Turtleneck Sweater Vest
"I'm obsessed with a good knit, and I'm always looking for some that hold up well over time. Although Oak & Fort is technically fast fashion, I find their quality more exquisite than most retailers. I bought this sweater to wear for Zoom meetings but I've been wearing it on dog walks and coffee runs, too. It's warm, just-loose-enough and a great color that blends super easily with the rest of my neutral-based wardrobe." – Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Writer
Shop Oak & Fort
Oak and Fort Turtleneck Sweater Vest, $, available at Oak and Fort
RoomMates Great Wave Peel & Stick Wall Decals
"Another shopping bender took place on Amazon, where I ordered a host of aquatically-themed decor for my daughter’s Aquarian first birthday. (Yes, I know it’s technically an air sign, but the sign’s symbol is the water bearer so we decided to go with the latter.) Since we couldn’t have an actual party this year, I figured I might out as well go all out with decorations, to make our micro-celebration feel as festive as possible. I won’t bore you with the details of everything I purchased, but one thing that I do recommend for anyone with walls are these ginormous peel ’n’ stick decals. We ordered these illustrated ocean waves, but pretty much every design under the sun is available to stick on your wall. For adults, I recommend the giant cactus, faux ivy, or maybe the dry erase calendar for chic-ifying (and streamlining) your WFH setup. We took them on and off the walls all weekend and I promise they left no trace at all. Could be a great solution for anyone who wants to refresh their walls but doesn't have the wherewithal to paint (me)." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Shop Amazon
RoomMates Great Wave Peel And Stick Giant Wall Decals, $, available at Amazon
Kule Take Out Socks
"'As previously proclaimed: I've gone on an arguably-overpriced-socks-ordering spree of late. The type? Cheeky tube-style creations by KULE. They are a small joy of stay-at-home life and make my same pair of leggings I've been wearing for a week straight look...different. They also keep my chilblain-prone toes warm, but that doesn't have the same ring to it. (ICYWW: my sherpa clogs are Dansko and, no, sadly they are not under-$100) " – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Shop Kule
Kule The Women's Take Out Sock - White, $, available at Kule
Basic Concepts Tongue Scraper
"Some people do not subscribe to this lifestyle, but I am a big fan of tongue scrapers. This pack of two is a total MVP because the stainless steel makes it easy to clean, the shape is perfect, and it honestly just gets the job done. Also, sustainability! I'd much rather clean a tongue scraper and reuse it rather than throwing away plastic ones every night and day. Twas' a good ten dollar investment." – Alexandra Polk, Deals Writer
Shop Amazon
BASIC CONCEPTS Tongue Scraper (2 Pack), $, available at Amazon
The Ordinary Concealer
"Like the rest of the internet, I’m a fan of The Ordinary’s no-BS, wildly affordable skin-care products. When I heard they a concealer was in the works, I was beyond excited. Their Serum Foundation is another personal fave of mine, so expectations were high. I’m pleased to report that this tiny tube did not disappoint. The coverage is insane, so you only need the tiniest amount to conceal discoloration or under-eye circles — even with the small size, I foresee it lasting quite a long time. At $6, the blurred, soft-matte finish rivals that of my priciest makeup, so consider me sold." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop LookFantastic
The Ordinary Concealer, $, available at LookFantastic
Gabrielle Korn Everybody (Else) Is Perfect
"I am a huge reader and was so excited to buy Gabrielle’s recently released book of personal essays. Not only do I just really like her as a human — we sat a few seats away from each other when she was working at R29 as the Director of Fashion & Culture and were usually the last 2 people in the office at the end of each day (remember offices?), but I really connected with her writing about working in media, romantic relationships, and her relationship with her body. " – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Shop Bookshop
Gabrielle Korn Everybody (Else) Is Perfect: How I Survived Hypocrisy, Beauty, Clicks, and Likes, $, available at Bookshop
Arkam Premium Beard Straightener
"No, I do not have a beard — but, I do have a partner with a beard and I am sharing this under-$100 MVP on his behalf. If you have any bearded persons in your life, I'd highly recommend buying them this unusual gadget. It's less of an actual straightener (a straightened beard sounds like something I would not want to see) and more of a smoothing mechanism for all the long, wild, unruly, or tangle-prone beard hairs out there! After watching him work it through a few times, I'd liken it to a portable steamer meets Revlon hot brush for your face — his beard looks noticeably polished after brushing it through just a few times. I know, it's gimmicky sounding. But this thing is fast, easy, and actually works. If you don't want to take my word for it, then just check out the Amazon reviews." – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Shop Amazon
Arkam Premium Beard Straightener for Men, $, available at Amazon
Etsy Dog Mom Hat
"Speaking of dog stuff, my heart skipped a beat when I came across this Etsy gem. I loved how I could customize the hat and text color (I went with beige, to match my little one — it’s clear he’s responding to it), and I was even able to score it on sale. Plus, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to surprise my boyfriend with a matching one in the coolest shade of forest green. " – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop mallcore
mallcore Dog Mom Dad Hat, Dog Lover Gift, Dog Mom Gift, Dog Lover Baseball Hat, Pet Gifts, Pet Lovers Gift, Gift For Dog Lover, $, available at Etsy
Tetra Portal Lighter
"I was tickled green when I clicked into the site that sells this work of flame-sustaining art. Tetra carries a curated lineup of beautiful smoking accessories and objects made by the brand and sourced from other independent makers (lots of groovy ceramicists). Tucked in among the bespoke glass pipes and ashtrays is its selection of Zippo-style lighters in incredibly posh cases. Having always relied on single-use plastic lighters over my lifespan (who knows what that's added up to overtime...), I felt that an investment in this refillable gem was more than worth making. So, yes, $45 for a single lighter seems steep, but: it's going to last a lifetime, be a showstopper anytime I light up a candle (or anything else), and is just a heck of a lot more sustainable than the alternative. Plus, it makes really good gifting material." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Shop Tetra
Tetra Portal Lighter, $, available at Tetra
Amazon Rechargeable Electric Lighter
"I bought this sleek looking electric candle lighter after Cortne recommended it to me. It works great, is USB chargeable, and I don’t have to waste 1 million matches anymore." – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Shop Amazon
Leejie Electric Rechargeable USB Lighter, $, available at Amazon
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
"I have sensitive skin (eczema-prone, easily flushed, struggled with perioral dermatitis for five years) — so when I find a product that actually harmonizes with my complexion instead of traumatizing it, it's a good day. I'd had Farmacy's all-natural skincare on my radar but had yet to actually try any of its premium products until Honey Grail. And, it's just as divine as its clever name suggests. It's pretty spot-on described as a "fast-absorbing, antioxidant-rich face oil for ultimate hydration and glow!" The little bottle features a serum-like dropper that dispenses a luxe oil that feels and smells like a lightweight version of honey — likely due to the fact that it's made with real honey, along with sea buckthorn and a five-flower oil blend (including omegas, vitamins, and amino acids). Since I've been using it in the mornings after splashing my face with cool water, I've noticed improvements; my complexion feels plumper, smoother, brighter, and, most importantly, soothed! A little goes a long way and I've got plans to lean on this product as a sensitive-winter-skin holy grail (or, should I say honey grail?)." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Shop Farmacy
Farmacy Honey Grail, $, available at Farmacy
Amazon Basics Neoprene-Coated Dumbell Hand Weight Set
"Please behold the luxurious weight room in my studio apartment (jk, but I love this thing). I placed the stick of deodorant in the photo for scale because the size of this mini rack is its best selling. This 32-pound rack comes in handy in every single one of my online workout classes and when I'm done, I just slide it under my bed or in the corner of my non-existent living room. It's specifically my MVP for January because I've been taking Obé classes 3 to 4 times a week and I'm making it a point to do exactly what the instructor recommends every time. I would definitely buy if you exercise in your room and want to add a little extra oomph to your workouts!" – Alexandra Polk, Deals Writer
Shop Amazon
Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, $, available at Amazon
Loreto LARO Fragrance Discovery Set
"I went on a reeeeeeal Etsy bender this month, starting with this extremely fun-to-receive fragrance sampler from a Northern California-based seller. I love the idea of buying small-batch fragrances online, but how the h do you know what to order when you can’t smell IRL? Perfumer Loreto Remsing has solved this problem by offering up a “discovery set” consisting of 2-ml samples of every fragrance in her brand’s collection. COOL! I ordered it earlier in the month and I have had so much fun trying out a different scent every few days. I would never have tested out fragrances in the office, but now that we’re all stuck at home, it’s a different story — the scents make a perfect two-minute distraction when I am typing the day away in my bedroom. LARO is a collection of all-natural vegan scents, containing only essential oils and absolutes. So far, my favorites are Rambling Man, Kauai Pikake, and Yellow Rose, but I haven't even gotten through the whole set. $50 isn’t nothing, but I thought it was an excellent price for a selection of 12 fragrances." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Shop Etsy
Loreto LARO Discovery Set, $, available at Etsy
Learning Resources Answer Buzzers
"After my mom finished watching this hilarious video on Youtube, she sent it over to me and James (my boo) to test out on our Yorkie Basil. He's really easy to train, even as a rescue dog and has caught on to sitting, staying, high-fiving and, paw-shaking. Within the first few days of teaching him how to hit the buzzer to say, "GIVE ME A TREAT!" he caught on and now smacks it whenever he wants a baby carrot (his favorite food.) We're going to keep teaching him other things because, you know, what else is there to do during COVID times?" – Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Writer
Shop Amazon
Learning Resources Learning Resources Answer Buzzers, $, available at Amazon
Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
"I'm a huge advocate for COSRX's Snail Mucin Essence, but I ran out and needed moisture replacement in my winter skincare routine STAT. Voila, I stumbled upon this Biossance bottle in Sephora and made a great purchase. My combination skin is prone to an oily nose with dry creases in the winter, and this stuff combats both. Not only that, but I only use in total, half a pump for morning and nighttime. Nothing is worse than an expensive skincare product that recommends I use a substantial amount when applying it, and this product feels like it will last me a lifetime. It is truly a winter MVP that seals in moisture, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin (no fragrance!), and makes me look alive during these chilly months." – Alexandra Polk, Deals Writer
Shop Sephora
Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil, $, available at Sephora
Fujifilm Instax Film
"I recently revived a Polaroid Pic-300 that I thought was completely kaput (pro tip: I changed the batteries) and it sparked a serious Instax film-buying spree. So far, I’ve bought a blue and gold marble border from Amazon, a harder-to-find Alice in Wonderland pattern from an Etsy seller based in Hong Kong, and this multi-hued multipack on an impulse trip to Urban Outfitters. I’ve also gone down a serious rabbit hole in search of discontinued film patterns like the Little Twin Stars and Garfield prints. There’s even a Supreme border currently listed for the low, low price of $55." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Shop Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini Blue Marble Film, $, available at Amazon
Purely Elizabeth Bread & Muffin Mix
"Last month, I rediscovered my love of baking and made a series of bread, muffins, and even a stellar batch of pumpkin cookies. However, nothing beat this grain-free, paleo mix that I discovered for the first time. It couldn’t be easier to prepare — just add wet ingredients and stick it in the oven — so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something quick to whip up. My Brooklyn apartment smelled like a bakery, and it tasted so freakin’ delicious, you would never know it was a “healthy” alternative to baked goods. I made it once with blueberries and another time with bananas, and both were A+." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop Thrive Market
Purely Elizabeth Bread and Muffin Mix, Grain Free, $, available at Thrive Market
Amazon MadeForYou Custom T-Shirt
"If you want a deep dive on how much I liked this shirt, you can read the review we devoted to it earlier this week. The TL;DR? For a mere $25 bucks, Amazon offers customers the ability to customize the fit, style, and fabrication of a basic cotton tee. I went through the process myself, and the finished product was a high-quality, super-soft top that fit to my exact preferences and I could see myself wearing constantly — especially during quarantine, when I’m in a long-sleeved tee almost daily. If you’re a fiend for the perfect tee, I’d suggest giving this one a try." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Shop Amazon
MadeForYou Made-to-Measure T-Shirt, $, available at Amazon
Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
"I've been on the hunt for the perfect retinol to introduce into my beauty routine for a while. I've become comfortable with my arsenal of boring products that never-ever-break-me-out and I was fearful of shaking things up. But, after seeing countless positive reviews about Sunday Riley, I knew I had to try it. I'm on my second week and my skin looks tighter, smoother and the tone more even! I can't wait to see the results after a few more weeks." – Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Writer
Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil, $, available at Sephora
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Game For Dogs
"I’m still navigating the new dog mom waters, and I kept seeing dog puzzles pop up on a list of things to buy for your fur baby. This colorful toy is meant to be filled with treats for your pup to find by opening the little compartments — we love a challenge! My rescue pomchi, Miso, is still warming up to it, but I have a feeling he’ll be a total pro in no time." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop Amazon
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Puzzle Game, $, available at Amazon
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer
Last Month's Top MVP:
"My wardrobe almost exclusively consists of shades of white, grey, and black, so I try to incorporate color in my accessories and makeup. It’s widely known among friends, family, and the R29 Shopping Team that forest green is my signature color, so when I stumbled upon these croc-leather loafers, it was as if time stood still. I’d been in the market for cute, versatile loafers I could wear with everything (but would also upgrade any ’fit), and these Sam Edelman ones were deliciously marked down during Nordstrom’s post-holiday sale. I have very smol feet and am usually in between a 5 and 5.5, but according to reviews, the style tends to run ever so slightly large. I got the 5’s and they fit like a dream — no breaking in period required." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Market Writer
Shop Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer, $, available at Nordstrom
Amazon Face Shield
Last Month's Top MVP:
"If you have not noticed, there is a pandemic taking place outside, but life is still somehow pushing forward. Out of fear for my safety, my mom sent these over to me and insisted that I wear them in addition to a mask when I have to visit crowded spaces (grocery store, Target, etc.). I thought I would feel ridiculous and it would be an uncomfortable experience but the padding at the top of the shield creates an adequate amount of space between my face and the plastic. When I walk around the shield doesn't get too foggy, my forehead doesn't feel scratchy, and to be honest, I forget that I have it on. Also! Important for my fellow natural hair people: I just pull the elastic strap in the back snug beneath my hair at the nape of my neck instead of squishing it over my curls and it always stays secure, which I love." – Alexandra Polk, Deals Writer
Shop Amazon
Surcom Reusable Face Shield, $, available at Amazon
Kosas Lipfuel
Last Month's Top MVP:
"I'm a sucker for tinted lip balm. Team Shopping's beauty-expert, Karina Hoshikawa, turned me onto Kosas' ultra-hydrating hyaluronic tube and it's become a fast winter favorite. I opted for the Pulse shade (described as a 'warm toasty spice') and can confirm that it's super moisturizing, boasts a dewy-yet-buildable sheen, and is infused with a hint of mintiness that keeps my lips feeling oh-so-fresh." – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Shop Kosas
Kosas Lipfuel, $, available at Kosas
Felicia Liang New York City Chinatown Poster
Last Month's Top MVP:
"I love collecting art and believe it doesn't have to be expensive to hold value, but it should have meaning or pull on my "art strings" in some way. This poster by illustrator Felicia Liang captures the storefronts of one of my favorite Manhattan neighborhoods, Chinatown. Liang shares that this series of line drawings serve as a love letter to the vibrant small businesses that have been hit hard by COVID-19. Part of the proceeds goes to Welcome to Chinatown’s Longevity Fund to help distribute grants for at-risk small businesses. The poster includes so many places I cherish — Nom Wah Tea Parlor, where the Shopping team had our holiday lunch last year, Winnie’s Karaoke Bar, a place of joyful birthday parties and one shameful date, Buddha Bodai Kosher Chinese, with its epic lazy Susan tables perfect for big parties, and the many others I've wandered in and out of over the last decades. I love its two-tone warmth and softness and can't wait to have it framed so I can exam every inch of it." – Marissa Rosenblum, Shopping Director
Shop Etsy
Felicia Liang New York City Chinatown Poster, $, available at Etsy
Flamingo Light Hydrating Spray
Last Month's Top MVP:
"Winter is fully here, and so is my dry skin. There's nothing worse than putting on lotion only to realize a few hours later that your skin literally ate it and now you're dry again. This hydrating spray has worked wonders for my winter skin and I love that it's in an easy (kinda fun?) spray bottle. My boyfriend is standing right beside me and he wanted to say: "It also makes her smell delicious!" – Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Market Writer
Shop Flamingo
Flamingo Light Hydrating Spray, $, available at Flamingo
Jeasona Fun Cotton Socks
Last Month's Top MVP:
"While these socks were actually a gift to me, I have not stopped wearing them since they arrived via (remote!) Secret Santa before Christmas. (Thanks, Marissa!) Those who know me are aware of my deep devotion to socks — and that was before the pandemic arrived and shut me (and everyone else) indoors, ensuring that I'd pretty much only ever wear socks for foreseeable future. This cute, fruity set offers five different foot-hugging options that are very soft (mostly cotton!) and liven up my jeans-and-button-down indoor wardrobe on a daily basis. Plus, the whole set is less than $14. While I've never seen them stand up on their own as they do in this here photo, I’m still very happy with all of their benefits." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Market Writer
Shop Amazon
Jeasona Fun Cotton Socks, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Fabric Mask Set
Last Month's Top MVP:
"One thing that covid has taught me about myself is that I apparently have a really small face? I’ve ordered probably 8 different masks/styles and they are all too big and fall off my face. I have one cotton mask where I’ve knotted the ear straps so it fits properly, but I’ve been sick of wearing the same dreary black fabric over my face every day. I decided to give these Baggu masks a try since they’re a different shape than most and have adjustable straps. Success! They fit well and the daisy print makes me smile." – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Shop Baggu
Shop Amazon
Baggu Fabric Mask Set, $, available at Baggu
Quince Mongolian Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt
Last Month's Top MVP:
"As someone who prefers to spend under-$100 on sweaters, I do not own a lot of cashmere. If you can believe it, which I couldn't, this beautiful 100% Mongolian cashmere sweater only costs $59. The brand, Quince, pulls off such sorcery through its MTC-business model of cutting out the middlemen and directly managing all of its wares' production elements (from creation to packaging and transportation). This fabric is indeed SUPER soft and does not disappoint in feeling very luxe. I also love how the shrunken fit (I'm wearing a size small here) adds a bit of a sporty-90s vibe to an otherwise preppy wardrobe staple. I was worried that it might pill very quickly/easily over time — but, at this point, I've worn it a LOT (in bed, on the couch, in a car, while eating very crumby snacks) and can confirm that it miraculously has done no such thing. It comes in other colorways and, IMO, would make for major crowd-pleasing gift material." – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Shop Quince
Quince Mongolian Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt, $, available at Quince
Comfy Clothiers Multi-Fabric Sweater Comb
"Until very recently, I sort of didn’t do anything when sweaters pilled — even though, as a Virgo, that’s just the sort of thing that would actively ruin my day. Well, since I’m determined to start 2021 off on the right foot, I finally caved and bought a sweater comb. Guys, I don’t know what took me so long to just add it to my Amazon cart; for the low price of $7, this magical little gadget accumulated a fur ball so large (this is an in-progress pic), it resembled the size of a small mouse. I’m not sure how long it’ll last (I’m not guessing forever), but for the cost of a matcha latte with oat milk, I’m sold." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Market Writer
Shop Amazon
Comfy Clothiers Multi-Fabric Sweater Comb for De-Pilling Sweaters, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Dual-Sided PU Leather Desk Pad
Last Month's Top MVP:
"If you haven't already caught my dedicated review on this $17 Amazon desk pad, then here's the instant tea: it provided me with a sleek canvas for arranging my work stuff without much thought, acted as visual encouragement for me to keep things in place, arrived very quickly, unfurled onto my desk sans strange creases or wonky raised edges, and had a substantial weight-feel with an overall expensive-leather-like look to it." – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Shop Amazon
EMINTA Dual-Sided PU Leather Desk Pad, $, available at Amazon
Golde Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend
"I love finding new ways to spice up my morning brew and, like a cliche superfood lover, I naturally fell head-over-heels for Golde's turmeric blend. It gives your coffee a sweet, yet spicy, taste and, scent and makes me feel extra warm in the morning. Plus, turmeric is a great booster." – Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Market Writer
Shop Golde
Shop Sephora
Golde Cacao Turmeric Superfood Latte, $, available at golde
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Most Popular Items Of 2021 (So Far!)
Hello, We're The R29 Shopping Team
The Real Results From 8 Teeth-Whitening Products
from Refinery29 https://ift.tt/37cUEb7
via IFTTT
