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55 Random, Cheap Things That Make You Look Better Almost Instantly
Budget-friendly ways to boost your appearance in mere minutes.

If you’re always searching for ways to look more polished, less tired, or just, well, better, this article is for you. Ahead, you’ll find over 50 random, cheap things from Amazon that take mere minutes to accomplish their jobs — whether that’s delivering an instant, vacation-worthy glow or tailoring loose-fitting clothing in a pinch. Scroll on to discover the products that’ll make getting ready much quicker, easier, and frankly, more enjoyable.
1Bronzing Drops With A Skin Care Spin
When your skin is looking dull, mix a few drops of this bronzer into your favorite moisturizer or foundation. The liquid bronzer immediately adds some warmth and shimmer to dull skin, but it also works like a serum to deliver benefits over time. Two sources of vitamin C brighten skin for a glow even without makeup, and glycolic acid exfoliates for a more even texture and tone — just don’t forget to pair the drops with SPF.
2Slouchy Socks That Pair *So* Well With Athleisure Wear
Slouchy, slightly oversized socks are practically a requirement when wearing athleisure apparel like leggings and biker shorts. But the relaxed-fit socks are just as stylish when worn alongside loafers and a mini skirt. You’ll get three pairs of classic white socks in this set, but there are multiple other colors and striped options to choose from, as well.
- Available options: 7
3An Under-Eye Brightener That Makes You Look Less Tired
For stubborn dark circles that concealer alone can’t cover up, go in with this color corrector first. The pigmented formula instantly brightens, but remains lightweight so that you can layer your usual concealer over top. Squalane, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid make the color corrector moisturizing, helping to prevent any creasing or caking throughout the day. You can also wear it on its own sans concealer for a more natural effect.
- Available shades: 3
4A Plastic Ring That Temporarily Tailors Clothes
Whether you want to make an oversized dress more fitted or create a knotted effect on a plain T-shirt, these plastic rings can help. The unassuming accessory can be used to fasten scarves and sarongs, too, giving you a temporary styling solution. Each box gives you four different sized rings depending on what you’re trying to cinch, as well as 100 elastic bands to secure the rings in place.
5A Caffeine-Infused Eye Serum For Puffiness & Dark Circles
For less than $10, this eye serum can help reduce puffiness and dark circles in as little as three weeks. The daily serum uses a 5% concentration of caffeine (plus, more caffeine from green tea leaves) to depuff and brighten, as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep the delicate skin around your eyes smooth. It’s a firm favorite on Amazon with more than 10,000 five-star ratings.
6A Stylish Claw Clip That Actually Keeps Long Hair In Place
Claw clips make styling your hair easy — or at least they should. But anyone with longer or thicker hair can attest that a clip capable of fitting around every last strand is hard to come by. Enter this claw clip, whose butterfly shape creates a more oversized (and more stylish) way to latch onto more hair. There are over a dozen colors to choose from, as well as different claw clip styles and sizes for those with shorter hair, too.
- Available options: 34
7A Brow Shaping Gel For A Laminated Effect
Put unruly brows in place — no semi-permanent lamination required — with this drugstore brow gel. The wax-like formula goes on clear, remaining undetectable throughout the day. A tiny spoolie helps to disperse the gel through your brows, but the cap contains a dual comb and brush applicator to assist with shaping your brows.
8Easy-To-Apply Falsies That Look Like The Real Deal
To add volume and length with faux lashes in a more convincing way, skip the strip lashes and opt for these smaller clusters. The wispy lash clusters can be aligned under your natural lashes to better customize the level of drama you’re after, and each set comes with a waterproof bonding glue that’s black to better blend in.
9A Purple Toothpaste That Instantly Brightens Your Smile
A purple toothpaste might seem like the kind of thing you’d want to steer clear of if you’re after a whiter smile, but its bold color is precisely why it works. Purple pigments neutralize yellow discoloration for brighter-looking teeth, while micro-cleansing teeth whiteners in this toothpaste prevent surface stains from messing with your smile in the future.
10A Sweater Vest For An Effortlessly Polished Look
This sweater vest is comfy and cozy, but it also adds a quiet luxury vibe to button-ups and turtlenecks. It’s slightly oversized for a more effortless look, and can be worn with both casual and professional attire alike. The sweater vest also comes in an impressive range of neutral colors and knitted styles to incorporate into your wardrobe.
- Available styles: 25
- Available sizes: S – XXL
11A Handheld Fan To Keep You Cool Wherever You Go
Throw this mini fan in your handbag (or beach bag) to keep cool on hot days and prevent your makeup from melting off your face. The rechargeable fan features three speed settings you can use to both combat the heat and even help set your makeup. Each fan also comes packaged with a base stand, so you can use it at your desk, too.
12A Self-Tanner That Develops As You Apply It
There are more than 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for this self-tanning mousse that adds bronzed color the second you smooth it over your skin. The lightweight formula dries down quickly so you can get dressed and go about your day, and Amazon reviewers note you can expect the color to continue to darken for several hours. Pro tip: for an even, streak-free application, use a tanning mitt and don’t forget to apply a drop of body lotion to your elbows, knees, hands, and feet first.
- Available shades: 3
13A Lash Curler & Comb Kit To Maximize Your Mascara
Your mascara can’t perform a lengthening and volumizing miracle on its own. How you prep your lashes matters, too, and this curler and comb duo helps to take your lashes over the top. While the curler is probably self-explanatory, the mini comb is a game changer for anyone who likes to layer on multiple coats of mascara, as it separates lashes and removes excess mascara for a clump-free finish.
14A Lip Stain That Goes On Like A Liner
For a lip liner with more staying power, this stain pairs a waterproof liquid formula with a felt tip pen. Cruelty-free and vegan, the lip stain features a ballpoint tip for precision lining, whether you’re strictly tracing your natural lip line or slightly exaggerating things. It comes in a range of neutral shades ideal for contouring with any skin tone, but there are also several pink and red colors for when you want to line and fill your lips.
- Available shades: 12
15A 3-Piece Shapewear Set For Less Than $20
Shapewear is a must-have for creating a smooth silhouette with your fitted pieces, and this $15 set gives you three pairs of shapewear shorts in different neutral colors. The seamless design stays invisible even under your most figure-fitting dress, and the longer shorts style gives you more coverage while preventing chafing. The shapewear is also made with a sweat-wicking fabric that’s still stretchy and soft.
- Available options: 4
- Available styles: S – 4X-L
16A Teeth Whitening Pen That Works While You Sleep
Paint on this teeth whitening solution before bed, and gradually get a brighter smile while you sleep. A hydrogen peroxide-based formula is behind the pen’s whitening powers, while the brush-on method helps to minimize the risk of sensitivity by allowing you to avoid the gums entirely. Despite its tiny size, the travel-friendly teeth whitening pen contains 21 treatments—though you should start to notice results after the first week.
17A Fabric Shaver To Keep Your Sweaters Looking Like New
For sweaters and wool coats that look like new even after several seasons, you need this fabric shaver in your arsenal. The handheld tool works with the press of a button to shave away pilling and lint without damaging your favorite clothes (or furniture). There’s even a built-in tray that catches all of the lint for you to make clean up a breeze.
18A Tinted Powder That Covers Unwanted Grays (& Fills In Sparse Hairlines)
Choose the tinted powder that best matches your hair color, and brush it onto your roots to cover unwanted grays in between salon appointments. The temporary solution is water-resistant and stays in place all day long, but it still washes out with shampoo. The powder gets bonus points for making your hairline look fuller and doubling as a brow powder when you’re in a pinch.
- Available shades: 6
19A Cooling Sheet Mask For Glass Skin In 20 Minutes
This K-beauty mask revives tired skin in a single, 20-minute treatment. To maximize its efficacy, the mask starts with a serum that moisturizes and plumps skin with hyaluronic acid and peptides. All of that gets sealed in with a rubbery sheet mask that uses cooling technology to lower the temperature of the skin as the concentrated ingredients get to work.
20A Handheld Steamer That Replaces The Need For An Iron
If you live in a smaller apartment, this handheld steamer is the perfect solution for keeping clothing wrinkle-free without needing an ironing board. The mini size still gives you 15 minutes of continuous steam, and it’s safe to use on everything from silk blouses to linen pants.
21A Green Tinted Primer That Cancels Out Redness
If you’re dealing with redness in your skin — whether from a condition like rosacea or something more temporary like a breakout — this primer can help even things out. Encapsulated green pigments neutralize red tones before blending in with your skin, while cica and ceramides soothe the skin to further minimize redness. Because it’s still a primer at the end of the day, it’s ideal for pairing with makeup, helping to create an even base and blur the look of pores.
22Mini Sponges That Keep Sneakers Spotless
Keep your sneakers in pristine condition (yes, even your white tennis shoes) with these shoe-cleaning sponges. The double-sided sponges work with the help of a little water, removing scuffs, dirt, and other marks in just a few minutes. Because they aren’t presaturated, the sponges are easy to travel with, and even though they’re disposable, each sponge can clean several pairs of shoes before being tossed out.
23A Clear Polish That Fixes Smudges
This clear polish works like magic to smooth out smudges and dents for a salon-worthy manicure right at home. The versatile polish can be used on its own for a smoother finish over the entire nail or to spot correct nicks and chips without having to start the whole polish process over from the beginning. It’s formulated without potentially harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and camphor.
24Detachable Buttons To Give Your Pants A Better Fit
You don’t need any sewing skills to use these snap-on buttons that give your jeans and pants a better fit. The temporary styling solution lets you take in a baggy waist or add an extra inch to pants that are too tight. The buttons can also serve as a fun, decorative touch when you opt for the daisy or butterfly designs.
- Available options: 8
25A Lash Primer That Uses Vitamins To Nourish & Strengthen
Prep your lashes with a coat of this vegan and cruelty-free primer to bulk up lashes and make your mascara pop. The serum-like formula also cares for your lashes, helping to condition and prevent breakage with ingredients like panthenol and vitamin E.
26A Push Up Bra That Creates The Illusion Of Going Braless
To create the illusion of going braless without giving up any coverage or support, there’s this push-up bra, which features built-in “nipples.” A plunging neckline and seamless design means the bra remains undetectable even under low-cut tops, workout wear, and other form-fitting clothing. Like a traditional push up bra, it still uses adjustable straps and underwire, but the latter is cushioned for a more comfortable fit.
- Available sizes: 32A – 40D
27A Face Shaver That Won’t Cause Irritation
Removing the peach fuzz from your face instantly leaves you with smoother skin and a more even canvas for your makeup. But if using a razor has you worried about nicks and post-shaving bumps, give this electric face shaver a try instead. The rechargeable shaving device features two titanium-plated heads — one for larger areas like the cheeks and chin and a precision tip head for shaving around the brows and upper lip.
28Shapewear That Doubles As A Bodysuit
Slip on this shapewear when you want some extra support or a smoother finish. The seamless bodysuit smooths over the waist for a fit that Amazon reviewers confirm doesn’t feel overly tight or restrictive. While it sits invisibly under clothes, the shapewear was also designed to double as a bodysuit that you can style with jeans and skirts. It also pairs wonderfully with blazers.
- Available styles: 8
- Available sizes: XXS – 4X-L
29A Cuticle Treatment That Isn’t Greasy
Sure, applying cuticle oil on a regular basis can improve nail strength and prevent pesky hangnails, but most formulas leave behind a greasy residue that can stain clothing and bedding. This serum is a different kind of cuticle care. Ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and Japanese seaweed provide serious nourishment, but the lightweight, silky formula absorbs fast without creating a mess.
30A Liquid Contour With Skin-Conditioning Ingredients
This liquid contour has a sponge tip applicator that lets you dot on bronzed color to sculpt and define your facial features any way you want. The buildable contour has a satin finish once blended into the skin, so it isn’t too matte or too glowy. It also won’t dry out your skin or turn patchy, thanks to its mix of moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, centella asiatica, and peptides.
- Available shades: 6
31A Callus Remover That Doesn’t Require Any Scrubbing
Forget the manual foot files or peeling booties that take weeks to work. This electric foot file smooths away calluses and cracked heels in minutes using a sandpaper disc. The rechargeable device lets you control how intense you want the filing with an adjustable speed setting, as well as two types of sandpaper discs.
32A Satin Midi Skirt That Dresses Up Any T-Shirt Or Sweater
You don’t need to splurge on designer wear to find a staple piece for your wardrobe. This satin midi skirt (or maxi if you’re on the shorter side) is less than $30, but can be styled dozens of different ways across multiple seasons. The skirt features a high waist and can be machine washed (just be sure to use the gentle cycle and let the skirt air dry).
- Available styles: 36
- Available sizes: XS – XXL
33A Body Serum That Brightens Dull Skin
Serums aren’t just for the skin on your face. This body serum gives you a concentrated formula that brightens and smooths out an uneven texture over time. Vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice root extract promote a more even skin tone while salicylic acid exfoliates for skin that’s impossibly soft.
34A Tie-Dye Cover-Up For The Beach & Beyond
Available in a range of colors to coordinate with your swimsuit, this tie-dye cover-up can be thrown on with denim shorts and a tank to take you from the beach to a causal lunch with friends. Its loose fit and front tie closure also makes it practical for wearing while you get ready for a night out, as you don’t have to worry about ruining your makeup or hair when it’s time to get dressed. You’ll get a lot more wear out of it thank you think — it makes any outfit look 10 times more stylish.
- Available styles: 36
35A Body Exfoliating Glove That Doesn’t Require Any Products
You don’t even need a separate scrub to exfoliate when you have this body mitt. With just a little water, the textured fabric sloughs away dead skin cells for a smoother feel overall. The massaging action also helps to stimulate blood circulation to naturally boost skin radiance before you even go in with your favorite products.
36A Chic, Y2K-Inspired Shoulder Bag
No early 2000s look is complete without a tiny shoulder bag, and this one comes in at less than $25. The structured bag features a flap closure with magnetic snap buttons on the outside, as well as a zipper pouch on the inside to keep your personal items secure. It’s made from a synthetic leather that’s more durable, and the handbag comes with an additional removable strap if you want to style it as a crossbody bag.
- Available styles: 16
37A Spa-Quality Face Peel You Can Do At Home
There’s no downtime, just glowing skin with these exfoliating peel pads that come individually packaged for a foolproof application. Inspired by the facial peels offered at Bliss’ NYC spa, each at-home pad is saturated in an exfoliating solution that contains a 10% concentration of glycolic acid. While the AHA resurfaces your skin, licorice root extract, calendula flower extract, and vitamin E work to soothe and moisturize.
38A Square-Neck Bodysuit That Enhances Your Bust
For a bodysuit that’s not so basic, there’s this one, which features a square neckline that enhances your décolletage. It’s made from a buttery fabric that feels soft on the skin but offers plenty of stretch and a slight smoothing effect. The bodysuit has a full back, so you can wear a bra without worrying about the straps or band being visible, but because it’s double-lined, many Amazon reviewers note that it can also be worn braless.
- Available colors: 19
- Available sizes: XS – XXL
39Press-On Nails That Look Like A Gel Manicure
These press-on nails are made using the same process as a gel manicure, but instead of heading to the salon, you can apply them at home all by yourself (no LED or UV lamp required). Pre-shaped and ready to go, each press-on kit comes with everything you need to glue the nails in place. There are more than two dozen colors and shapes to play with, and perhaps best of all, the nails can be removed without any damaging acetone (just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, and peel right off).
- Available options: 25
40Pocket-Size Teeth Wipes To Remove Stains While You’re On The Go
To prevent staining and freshen breath when you’re on the go, keep a few of these individually wrapped teeth wipes in your back pocket (or your purse). The textured wipes were designed to fit over your pointer finger to quickly polish teeth and impart a minty fresh flavor. A great way to prevent coffee or wine from staining your teeth during the day, the wipes don’t require any rinsing and can be tossed right in the trash once you’re done.
41A Tiny Smoothing Brush For Sleek Ponytails & Buns
For slicked back styles where you don’t want a single hair out of place, this brush packs synthetic boar bristles into a comb-sized tool that smooths baby hairs and frizz. Best when paired with a styling cream or gel, the brush still helps to add shine to hair on its own, thanks to the faux boar bristles that distribute your natural oils through your hair better than the average brush.
42A Faux Collar That Lets You Layer Without Any Bulk
This one-size-fits-all faux collar gives you the polished finish of wearing a button-up blouse under your sweaters without the added bulk. Instead of a full shirt with buttons, the detachable collar uses adjustable elastic straps to keep the faux blouse in place. It even comes in a variety of different styles, including options with bigger ruffles and in striped prints, too.
- Available options: 6
43Plastic Guards That Prevent Oversized Rings From Slipping Off
If you have a favorite ring that’s just a little too big, the plastic guards in this set can be used to keep it in place and prevent it from slipping off your finger. Each $10 pack gives you six guards that can be twisted around a roomy ring to instantly make it more snug. There are two different styles of adjusters — one for thin ring bands, and the other for wider bands — both of which can easily be trimmed with a pair of scissors to give you the right size.
44A Statement Belt That Makes Any Outfit Look Better
This faux leather belt features an oversized, western-inspired buckle that still looks surprisingly good with everything. Use it to take a simple jeans-and-a-tee look to the next level, or to cinch the waist of a flowy tunic or dress.
- Available options: 9
- Available sizes: S – XXXL
45A Blue Clay Mask That Clears Pores In Under 5 Minutes
Clogged pores don’t stand a chance against this three-minute K-beauty mask. The bright blue formula combines three types of clay with three exfoliating acids to draw out impurities and dissolve dead skin cells. Though it’s packed with actives, the mask still helps to moisturize and soothe skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae extract, and allantoin.
46Hair Ties That Doubles As A Statement Accessory
Wrap one of these gold cuff hair elastics around a slicked-back ponytail to instantly elevate any look. The geometric accessories come in a pack of three that can be worn individually or paired together for a more statement-making bubble ponytail. They’re also available in different metal finishes and more creative designs to dress up your everyday hairstyles.
- Available options: 10
47An Eye Cream That Brightens Dark Circles Right Away (& Over Time)
A banana-colored powder and the slightest hint of shimmer gives this drugstore eye cream a unique brightening ability that helps to neutralize unwanted dark circles as soon as you smooth it on. A 3% concentration of caffeine further amplifies the immediate results by temporarily constricting the blood vessels to reduce puffiness. At the same time, the lightweight and fast-absorbing eye cream is formulated with vitamin C to brighten over time, while ingredients like shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and vitamin E work to nourish and smooth.
48A Tennis Necklace That Only Looks Expensive
For a luxury-like accessory, this tennis necklace gives you the look of an investment piece without having to wipe out your savings. The 14-karat gold-plated necklace uses cubic zirconia gemstones to mimic the sparkle of real diamonds. A lobster clasp makes it easy to hook, and dozens of Amazon reviewers share they’re pleasantly surprised by the quality of the under-$20 necklace.
- Available options: 22
49A Volumizing Spray That Won’t Dry Your Hair Out
Most volumizing sprays plump up your strands at the expense of the health of your hair in the long run. This volumizing styling mist operates differently by enhancing the fullness of your hair without zapping it of moisture. In fact, the sulfate-free spray actually moisturizes and strengthens hair with more than a half dozen nourishing ingredients like algae extract, hydrolyzed keratin, and panthenol.
50Colorful Velvet Headbands That Dress Up Any Outfit
Accessorizing your hair doesn’t get much easier than throwing on a headband. This $16 set gives you plush, velvet headbands in six different colors that work on all hair types. The oversized style creates a more fashionable finish, and multiple Amazon reviewers confirm that the padded headbands don’t dig into your scalp or cause any discomfort.
- Available options: 4
51An Under-Eye Concealer That Feels Like Skin Care
If you’re into multitasking makeup, this concealer doubles as a hydrating serum. A combination of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides work to brighten and plump up skin around the eyes with continued use. But at its core, the concealer gives you full color coverage to seamlessly camouflage unwanted dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes.
- Available shades: 17
52Blotting Sheets In A Convenient Compact
For oily skin types, blotting sheets are a must-have to stop midday shine in its tracks. These oil-absorbing papers come in a pocket-size compact that holds a puff applicator you can stick your paper to, as well as a mirror to ensure you’ve gotten rid of all the grease.
53A Hydrating Setting Spray With An SPF Boost
Freshen up your makeup and your sunscreen with this hydrating glow mist that provides broad-spectrum SPF 50. The lightweight mist absorbs into skin without a white cast or chalky texture, moisturizing and further boosting antioxidant protection with vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid. Vegan and cruelty-free, the mist is even fragranced with a refreshing watermelon scent.
54A Satin Scarf You Can Wear Multiple Ways
This satin scarf makes for an elegant accessory in a number of ways. Wear it as a classic neck scarf or tied around the handle of your handbag for an effortlessly chic finish, or get more creative with the patterned design by weaving it through a braid or styling it as a headband.
- Available options: 42
55A Hand Cream That Immediately Relieves Dryness
From arctic temperatures to scrubbing a sink full of dishes, this hand cream is here to help when you need some serious moisture. Formulated to create a glove-like layer of protection over your hands, the thick hand cream includes ingredients like niacinamide, shea butter, and French thermal spring water to soothe irritated skin and restore moisture. It’s also a sensitive skin-friendly option that’s free from fragrance and has been allergy tested.