Shopping·11 min read

The Best Problem-Solving Products Skimm'rs Swore By in 2023

skimm faves 2023 problem solvers
Design: theSkimm | Images: Amazon, Kinfield, Laughland
December 13, 2023

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

If we’ve learned anything from our collective shopping habits in 2023, it’s that a little life hack can go a long way. This year, you were all about the unglamorous but highly necessary products that make your lives easier — whether that’s a hassle-free way to clean your floors, whiten your teeth, style your hair, or cook a meal. Ahead, check out the cleverest problem-solving products Skimm'rs bought in 2023. Here’s to an even less annoying 2024.  

And for more of our favorite products in other categories (from books to clothes and accessories), click here.

usb rechargeable book lights
Amazon

A USB-rechargeable book light…

If you’re committed to your hard copies through and through, this portable book light is everything. It clips onto the cover, can act as a bookmark, and has five brightness levels and three light colors to protect your eyesight. It’s the handiest gadget to keep on your bedside table or in your bag. Plug it into a USB port to recharge. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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heated eye compress
Amazon

A microwavable eye compress…

If you suffer from tired, dry eyes, heat this mask up in the microwave and enjoy for up to 10 minutes. It’s made with ceramic beads to retain heat and you can adjust the strap for a custom fit. It's the perfect addition to lazy weekend mornings in bed or your evening self-care routine. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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magnetic bookmarks
Amazon

Colorful magnetic bookmarks…

Just clip these to your page and continue on your reading journey. These are great for anyone who likes to mark up their books while reading — they’re thin and small enough that you can clip on multiples without weighing down paperbacks. This order comes with 10 bookmarks in watercolor botanical prints. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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iroller screen cleaner
Amazon

A reusable screen cleaner that’ll get your devices sparkling clean…

Because there’s nothing like a crystal-clear phone screen. This handy roller lifts oil and smudges from your phone, laptop, iPad, and other device screens. Since it doesn’t require liquid, it’s less fussy, less wasteful, and more portable than your typical wipes or spray. Buy it in multiples to keep one in your desk, bag, and car. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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kitsch spiral hair ties
Amazon

Spiral hair ties that won’t dent or pull…

Drop the elastic bands. These coil hair ties are made of smooth plastic that won’t catch on your hair, and the unique telephone cord-inspired design (remember those?) evenly distributes tension across your hair — in other words, it won’t cause dents or tug at your strands. These transparent neutral colors will disappear into your hair for a seamless look. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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hero rescue balm and red correct
Amazon

A redness-reducing balm that heals breakouts…

According to one HQ'r, this green-colored cream really works to take the redness out of blemishes. Squeeze a little bit on the back of your hand, then feather it on with a concealer brush. It also soothes the blemish itself so it kills two birds with one stone. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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revlon one step hair volumizer
Amazon

A tool that’ll help you get salon-like hair from the comfort of your home…

And no, you don’t have to be an expert. This brush-and-blow-dryer hybrid features three heat and speed settings, plus a cool option for styling. The oval design helps to create volume, while two types of bristles and ceramic plating encourage sleek, shiny hair. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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glass foot file
Amazon

A foot file to buff away any dead skin…

This nonabrasive foot file is compact, travel-friendly, and made of etched glass. You can use it on wet and dry skin, and the ergonomic shape means it’s easy to grip. It’s great for flaky skin, cracked heels, and calluses. At-home pedicure, anyone? ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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avarelle pimple patches
Amazon

Pimple patches that heal whiteheads overnight…

These hydrocolloid patches work to extract pus from pimples, and the addition of cica, calendula, and tea tree calms redness and inflammation. You can apply one before bed and then remove it in the morning. We’re talking minimal effort. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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crest 3d whitestrips
Amazon

The whitestrips everyone knows and loves…

Crest 3D Whitestrips have earned a small army’s worth of five-star ratings on Amazon. The classic whitening treatment promises teeth up to 20 shades brighter in just 22 days using a formula that’s safe for your enamel. Plus, the grippy technology won’t annoyingly slide around your teeth. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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real techniques 2-in-1 powder puff
Amazon

A makeup blender that does it all…

One HQ'r picked this up on Prime Day because she loves that you can use it for both liquid and powders. (Who doesn’t love a two-in-one product?) If you typically use a powder puff and a blender, this’ll save some room in your makeup bag as well. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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laughland at-home teeth whitening kit
Laughland

A personalized teeth-whitening kit…

Start out by taking a quiz about your teeth’s sensitivity, your brushing habits, and diet. Based on your answers, a custom formula will be created that’s fast-acting, effective, and won’t cause sensitivity. The kit will come with your gel formula and a mouthpiece. Follow the steps and watch your teeth brighten in as little as six days. Psst…for more details on why we’re obsessed with this kit, check out our full review. ($19+, Laughland)

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kinfield bug off bundle
Kinfield

Everything you need to soothe itchy bug bites…

We’re big fans of Kinfield, and this Bug Off Bundle is a one-and-done way to try out some of the brand's bestselling products. This order comes with Golden Hour, a non-sticky, DEET-free bug bite spray; Relief Balm, an anti-itch cream; and Relief Patches, which basically act as pimple patches for your bug bites to remove itch-inducing irritants. Genius. ($54, Kinfield

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shoe cover mops
Amazon

Shoe covers that also clean your floors…

Who knew that the hack to clean floors was walking around in microfiber shoe cloths? Snag a pack of these washable, reusable slipper mops and keep dust, debris, and dirt out of your way. Slip these over your house shoes or just wear them barefoot as you let the plush microfiber do its job. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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colorescience makeup brush cleaning wipes
Dermstore

Wipes to make cleaning your makeup brushes way easier…

Because you probably don’t clean them as often as you should. (Neither do we.) These convenient wipes will make it seem like less of a chore. They’ll get rid of germs and product buildup with the help of quick-drying hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. The infused essential oils will leave behind a citrusy scent. Plus, you’ll be reviving your favorite old brushes instead of spending your hard-earned cash on new ones. ($14, Dermstore)

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vegetable chopper
Amazon

A veggie chopper that’ll make meal prep quick and easy…

This multifunctional chopper has eight interchangeable blades for chopping, slicing, julienne, grating, and shredding. The cut pieces will fall into the bin below, which means less mess on your counters. As an added bonus, everything will be uniform, so you won’t run into that one piece of garlic that you couldn’t hold still to cut. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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nori press
Amazon

An iron that’ll keep your clothes wrinkle-free…

The Nori Press looks like a classic hair straightener and works to steam and/or iron your clothes — no ironing board necessary. It’s lightweight, has six fabric settings, and has built-in sensors so that it’ll automatically shut off after 10 minutes. Refreshed clothes for the win. Psst…check out our full review for more details. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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ergonomic neck and shoulder pillow
Amazon

An ergonomic pillow for neck relief…

The curve of this pillow mimics your cervical spine, so when you lay back against it, it’ll encourage proper spinal alignment and relieve neck pressure. That aside, it simply feels like heaven after a long day sitting at your desk. Try it for just a few minutes everyday, and you might notice fewer tweaks, tightness, and pressure in your head, neck, and shoulders. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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