20 of the best products under $20 that don't actually suck
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It’s a fresh week, and that means a fresh new crop of stuff for you to feast your eyes on. This time, we’re bringing you a curated list of the best products under $20, because sometimes you need a budget-friendly find. Luckily, the appealing price tag doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality — we did our research to make sure you’re getting the best of the best (without breaking the bank in the process).
Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste
@boka/Instagram
Even reviewers who never write reviews had to share their thoughts on this one. Those with sensitive teeth reported not just zero irritation, but also lessened sensitivity — no more wincing after every sip of cold water! The silky texture is great for the whole family, and the fresh taste has everyone coming back for more tube after tube, so if you’re in the market for a fluoride-free option, this is it.
e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator
Amazon Canada | e.l.f.
Please, for the love of god, don’t peel the dry skin off your lips. Instead, swipe on this sugar-based exfoliator to tackle flakes. Reviewers love the convenient solid formula that saves them from digging around in pots with their fingers.
Joto Water Shoes
Amazon Canada
Made of lightweight and quick-drying material (similar to what you’d find on a diving suit), they’ll protect your feet during any and all aquatic adventures. Pebbly shoreline? Snorkelling on a reef? Splashing at a public pool? Playing beach volleyball? No problem. They’re non-slip, easy to pull on, and fit just like your favourite socks.
Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive | @get_rael/Instagram
No matter how many different pimple patches I’ve tried, I always come back to these ones. In a few hours, they’ll suck up whatever is hiding inside your pores, without leaving the offending spot dry, irritated, or flaky. Their tapered edges also make them nearly invisible, so don’t be surprised if you forget you’re wearing them.
Huggies Simply Clean Baby Wipes
Amazon Canada
Reviewers say these wipes are unbeatable for a few reasons: they’re more durable than other brands’, completely unscented, and don’t cause any reactions (regardless of what you’re using them on). The resealable packaging also keeps the rest moist and ready to go.
Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool
Amazon Canada
When it comes to whisking away peach fuzz, tidying up your eyebrows, or doing any other detailed grooming work, no other dermaplaners even come close. We love these for their precision and long-lasting sharpness — reviewers say they’ve cancelled all their brow and upper lip waxing appointments after trying them.
Hello Natural Deodorant
@helloproducts/Instagram
Making the switch to a natural formula can be a tricky (and sometimes smelly) journey, but this option makes it infinitely easier — even for die-hard users of extra-strength deodorants. You won’t find any irritants or endocrine disruptors, like baking soda, aluminum, or parabens, here. It works so well that reviewers reported zero rashes, no wetness, and said they felt fresh from morning ’til night.
Pack All Water-Resistant Shoe Pouch
Amazon Canada
We call this a gamechanger and for good reason. Stashing your kicks inside will help you keep things organized when you’re travelling and protect your stuff from dirty footwear (and reviewers are especially fond of the durable, water-resistant material, too).
Olay Cleansing Melts
Amazon Canada
With just a splash of water, they’ll transform into a silky cleansing gel that reviewers say makes their skin look amazing. They get seriously sudsy, which means you could even cut them in half and still give your face a deep clean. They would also make a great addition to your travel toiletry kit if you’re worried about spills or liquid restrictions.
Velcro One-Wrap Garden Ties
Amazon Canada
Having a green thumb is great, but what happens when your foliage starts taking over your living space? This gentle tape will help you secure loose fronds, lead vines to grow in the direction you want them to, or simply add extra security to weak branches. My favourite detail? There are micro-perforations on the roll, so you can just rip off as much (or as little) as you need for the task at hand.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
@elfcosmetics/Instagram | e.l.f.
It plumps, it hydrates, it smooths — and reviewers are obsessed. You might be surprised by the lightweight texture, but it still delivers major moisture without leaving problem areas oilier than before. You’ll end up with a smoother, softer canvas for makeup, without any greasiness.
After Bite Outdoor Insect Bite & Sting Treatment
@afterbiteusa/Instagram
The temperatures are skyrocketing, and so are the numbers of insect bites we’re already suffering from. Instantly reducing itch may seem too good to be true, but reviewers say that’s exactly what you’ll get with a dab of this stuff (which is enough to convince us, TBH).
Hoover Spot & Stain Remover
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
I swear by this stain remover. After a spritz and a blot, it removes even the most stubborn and hard-to-remove stains, like red wine, coffee, or (in our case) cat puke. In fact, it works so well that I’ve started using it on any stains I find on my clothes, bed sheets, or other spots around the house.
Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil
Amazon Canada
Tackle dryness wherever you find it with a few drops of this intensely-conditioning oil. No need to decode complicated ingredient lists, either, because this stuff has only one: certified organic jojoba oil. You can safely use it to hydrate dry hair, as a pre-shampoo treatment, help soothe psoriasis and eczema, or just beef up your other products’ moisturizing powers.
Airabc Silicone Ice Cube Trays
Amazon Canada
Instead of wasting time wrestling with stiff plastic trays, we’re making the switch to this silicone style — the soft base allows you to pop out cubes in a snap! They even come with secure lids to keep freezer smells out and make stacking easier.
Gaiatop Fabric Shaver
Amazon Canada
Gliding this gadget over tees, sweaters, jackets, blankets, or even your mattress will neatly zip away bobbles and snags (without damaging the fibres, of course), so your well-loved pieces will look as good as the day you got ’em. Reviewers love the display screen, which allows you to see how much juice you’ve got left — for reference, it’ll typically last for 2.5 hours before it needs a recharge.
Loops Sunrise Service Hydrogel Face Mask
@loopsbeauty/Instagram
Seen on famous faces (like those of Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Camila Mendes), this juicy hydrogel mask feels like beauty sleep for your skin. Comprising two pieces for a *perfect* fit, it’ll soothe dryness and boost your glow, while bathing your face in antioxidants to protect it from pollution and free radicals.
Nightingale Silicone Straw Set
Amazon Canada
We’re familiar with the ills of plastic styles, but paper ones just plain suck. So, in the interest of being eco-friendly (without forcing ourselves to sip through a mushy straw), we’re making the swap to this minimalist silicone style. Unlike metal options, these are soft on teeth, while being stain-resistant and easy to clean. Their oval-shaped tip is an unexpected detail that makes for easier sipping.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
Amazon Canada
This is the invisible workhorse of your makeup kit. Depending on the shade, you can use it as a primer, highlight, contour, or to deliver an all-over glow on makeup-free days. Reviewers were surprised by how seamlessly it blends in and how great it made their skin feel, even during hot and humid summer days — without any pilling, streaking, caking, or greasiness.
Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent Power Sheets
Amazon Canada
Skip the cumbersome jugs in favour of these highly concentrated strips you can literally just toss into your washing machine. Once inside, they’ll dissolve quickly, treating your clothes and linens to a potent combo of cleaning ingredients (no matter the water temperature). Reviewers say they’re just the ticket for camping or trips to the cottage.