16 Things We've Tried, Loved, And Think You Will, Too
Every month, we round up recommendations from writers and editors across BuzzFeed for products they've tried and love, to help you discover vetted things you might also love. Yes, these are our personal reviews! In our April 2026 edition, we're loving all kinds of smart finds, including space-saving packing cubes, a stainless-steel cleaner with sparkly results, and some parenting must-haves like potty training seats and toy storage bins.
1. A set of "Loops Quiet 2," which are so lightweight and comfy, they might just convert even the most anti-earplug person out there. They're designed to muffle distracting or overwhelming noise without completely blocking your hearing, so you can still stay alert to the world around you. These are perfect for anyone who works in a noisy office — they'll muffle the ridiculous amount of keyboad clacking but you'll still be able to hear when someone says, "There are bagels in the kitchen!"
Sally Elshorafa/BuzzFeed
"I started using these earplugs because I get migraines, and honestly, they help me shut out all the noise when I'm experiencing an attack and am super sensitive to sensory stimuli. They're small, look cute, and block out things like the vacuum or neighborhood lawnmowers, but they still let me hear someone right next to me.Even if I'm not dealing with a bad headache, they're my go-to when I just need to focus. Dogs, kids, leaf blowers — all that noise fades out. Plus, they're super soft silicone, so they feel comfy all day (I have fallen asleep on a long plane ride with them in and my ears felt completely fine when I woke up).
I have started using them daily, and they're holding up strong after five months of constant use (no visible wear or tear!). I got the violet color so they stand out enough in case I drop one. If you're dealing with noise distractions, these are a game-changer." — Sally Elshorafa
Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in four colors).
2. A FlipBelt so you'll have a secure place for your keys, wallet, phone, and other daily essentials when you go for your morning run. It's surprisingly spacious — like, spacious enough to fit an entire water bottle! And you know those leggings in your drawer that are SO comfy, but you never wear them 'cuz they don't have pockets?? Problem solved!
Brittney Trinh/BuzzFeed
"I signed up for a 5K with no prior training, but now the training has begun. When I'm out running, I don't like carrying much with me. I usually just bring my phone and keys in my pocket and hold a water bottle. However, I realized holding a water bottle while running is distracting and uncomfortable, and my keys tend to jump around in my pockets. After getting this FlipBelt, my runs have been so much better!It has pockets for my keys, phone, earbuds, and cards, and the zippered pocket and snug fit give me peace of mind that my items aren't going anywhere. It fits comfortably on my body and doesn't bounce around like a fanny pack. The best part is that I can even fit a full water bottle in it!It's easy to take out and put back in, so I can go on my runs completely hands-free!" — Brittney Trinh
Get it from Amazon for $46 (available in sizes XS–XXL and nine colors).
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3. A set of compression packing cubes — they'll help you keep all your clothes separated and organized and save you some space in your crowded carry-on, thanks to the compression zippers! All my fellow overpackers, this is specifically for us. Here's to bringing our entire wardrobe on a three-day trip!
"Listen, I always thought packing cubes were a waste of time, until I discovered the magic of *compression* packing cubes — and now I don't know how I ever traveled without them.As long as I didn't wildly overstuff these, the compression zipper was easy to close (though it does take a bit of elbow grease), and helped squeeze my clothes together so there was zero wasted space. I was able to fit many more shirts than usual, and having everything neatly organized in its own cube made getting dressed on my week-long vacation a breeze.The only downsides? You do have to meticulously re-pack everything in the cubes the same way you did for your return trip, but that's a small price to pay for extra space and organization. And as with most compression cubes, these can leave wrinkles on your clothes, so I wouldn't use them for anything that wrinkles easily after going through the wash (like pants, dress shirts, etc.). But my casual T-shirts, jeans, and pajamas were all perfectly wearable after spending many hours in my suitcase!" — Daniel Boan
Get a set of six from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 21 colors and also in packs of two and four).
4. A Personalized Animal Baby Lovey , which is about to become your go-to gift for all the new parents in your life. This super snuggly security blanket comes in tons of different animal shapes, and you can have it embroidered for an extra special touch.
I Sew Jo / Etsy, Heather Braga / BuzzFeed
"I have genuinely lost track of how many of these I have ordered for parents-to-be, either right after their baby was born or for a shower where they've already announced the name. I Sew Jo is a small business based in Phoenix, Arizona that sells the most special, snuggly embroidered loveys. I first learned about them when my SIL gifted my son one — he hasn't let go of it since. You can see his, which is almost four years old, above (pictured, right). They have so many animals to choose from, and the shipping is unbelievably quick. It's my go-to baby gift; if I could give them a 1,000-star rating, I would." — Heather Braga
Get it from I Sew Jo on Etsy for $20.75+ (available in 37 styles and five customization options).
5. A set of Talons press-on nails designed specifically with men's-size fingernails in mind, meaning they come in a wide array of sizes for larger nailbeds. They're also super simple to apply — just peel off the adhesive backing and press on for five seconds!
Daniel Boan/BuzzFeed
"Any time I see a beauty item marketed specifically 'for men,' I immediately roll my eyes. I'll admit — I did the same when I saw these come across my Instagram feed. However, after giving it a second thought, I remembered the time I purchased a set of press-ons from a popular drugstore brand, and WOW, it was impossible to find ones in the pack that fit my nail beds (especially on my thumb and middle fingers). When the brand offered to send some to me to test, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
These are an absolute breeze to apply — all I had to do was find the right size for each nail, then press down for five seconds. Honestly, picking out the right size took longer than actually applying them. The brand suggests waiting at least 30 minutes before getting your hands wet after applying, and I 100% agree with this recommendation. Oh, and yes, they're reusable thanks to the extra adhesive backings in the container." — Daniel Boan
Get the Gilded Edge design from Talons for $45 , and see more designs here .
6. A stainless steel cleaner kit that'll basically transform your fridge, oven, and other stainless steel appliances into shiny mirrors. It's a gentle plant-based formula, and reviewers say it leaves a streak-free shine when paired with the included microfiber cloth.
Natalie Brown / BuzzFeed
"My mom's had stainless appliances for well over a decade and a half now, and discovered this spray from reading our posts, and said it works *wonderfully*, truly 100% better than any other kind of stainless cleaners she'd tried in the past!! So naturally, I bought a bottle when we moved to a place with stainless steel appliances, and I second every word she says. It's fast, cleans off all kinds of stains, and leaves a like-new shiny finish with a simple spray and wipe! If I'm in a hurry, I'll also use it on our granite counters and wood cabinets, and it works well there, too.
Because this product also includes a polish, besides cleaning off the current fingerprints and smudges, it also helps protect the surface of your stainless from future messiness. The 16-oz bottle comes with a large microfiber cleaning cloth — the key is to spritz the cleaner on the cloth, so you don't end up with too much product on your appliance (which can cause fingerprints) *or* a slippery residue on your floor. One reviewer does note that it needed to be left to dry for a bit after buffing before it was actually fingerprint-resistant." — Natalie Brown
Get a bottle and the included cloth on Amazon for $19.95 .
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7. The recently released Pokémon Pokopia , which dares to ask the question, "What if we put Squirtle in Animal Crossing ?" The answer? A casual social simulation game that you'll soon sink several hours into. Say goodbye to your free time, because this is about to consume all of it.
Amazon
"I am not mincing my words when I dare say this game is better than Animal Crossing .At the time of this writing, it has only been released for a little over two weeks, and yet there are already a wild amount of videos across social media platforms with players showcasing their custom buildings and their experiences throughout the game (my 4-year-old has been begging to watch them nightly). There is just so much to do that I can't even begin to scratch the surface (though that's mostly because I have a full-time job and am a mother of two). My husband and I have been fans of the franchise since we were kids and cannot get over 1. how beautiful *and* fun this game is, and 2. how it honors the original games' origins' in such a special way (don't worry, no spoilers). Playing it feels like visiting old friends! But even if you weren't an OG player, you'll still enjoy logging hours on this game.Take my word for it." — Heather Braga
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in physical or digital copies).
8. Summer Fridays brand-new (and first-ever!) perfume called ☀️ Sunlit Vanilla 🍦 that'll make you feel like you're walking down the boardwalk with a melty vanilla ice cream cone in hand. It has notes of bergamot, caramel, and vanilla, and reviewers say it smells creamy and fresh at the same time.
Sephora
"Summer Fridays makes some of my favorite skincare products in the game (the Jet Lag Mask ?! Incredible), so I was excited when I found out they were releasing a perfume. When I found out it was vanilla, I was elated . I am a full-on vanilla gremlin. If any fragrance has 'vanilla' in the name, I'm trying it.
I'm delighted to report that this vanilla perfume is * delightful.* The vanilla note is sweet and creamy, and my nose even detects a hint of coconut and waffle cone that gives it a beachy, summery vibe. I will be reaching for this over and over again." — Daniel Boan
Get it from Sephora for $30+ (available in two sizes).
9. And pair it with Palmer's new Tahitian Vanilla body oil — yep, it's the same scent as the wildly popular body lotion ! It features a blend of cocoa and shea butters to deliver up to 72 hours of moisture, so your skin will feel super hydrated and smell like vanilla heaven.
Daniel Boan/BuzzFeed
"When it comes to body moisturizers, I'm much more of an oil fan than a lotion fan. I've recently discovered the joys of using body oil on damp skin right after a shower, and my skin has never felt smoother. When I found out Palmer's released their yummy Tahitian Vanilla scent in a body oil, I snapped it up immediately. First of all, it smells amazing . It's a light vanilla scent that somehow smells creamy and clean at the same time. It's basically Warm Vanilla Sugar's older, elevated, more sophisticated sister. And the formula is *chef's kiss* — it absorbs super quickly for a body oil and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth for hours." — Daniel Boan
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 .
10. A jar of internet-beloved The Pink Stuff , which will take your sink, furniture, and tiles from grimy to shiny with the help of a little elbow grease. This will tackle basically any mess that pops up, so be prepared to congratulate yourself for buying it after every kitchen accident or arts and crafts mishap.
www.amazon.com , Heather Braga / BuzzFeed
This is a mildly abrasive cleaning paste, so use with care and go slowly when testing on new surfaces. Simply apply it to the surface with a damp sponge or cloth, give it a few scrubs, and then rinse away with hot water.
"After hearing what incredible things The Pink Stuff can do, I finally ordered it and tried it for myself. Honestly, wow! It really does work wonders.I tried it first on my Le Creuset cast iron pan and was really amazed at how just one pass with The Pink Stuff (and a scouring brush ) took off almost every stain! My toddler colored our play table blue with a crayon, and The Pink Stuff took it off INSTANTLY — it was incredible to watch!" — Heather Braga (and check out more of her parenting problem-solvers !)
Get it from Amazon for $5.97 .
11. Ilia's new Skin Blur Serum Concealer for high coverage with a natural, filter-like finish. This smoothing formula is infused with caffeine to perk up tired under-eyes and peptides to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Sephora
"It happened to me, and I lived to tell the story — my favorite concealer was discontinued 😱. Honestly, it was very scary. When I went to purchase my go-to Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Undereye Brightening Concealer Pen and realized it was out of stock everywhere, I panicked and started ordering anything that seemed like a worthy replacement. For the past year or so, I'd had zero luck finding something I loved, but Ilia's new Skin Blur Serum Concealer swooped in to save the day.
First of all, the 'serum' in the name is legit — this feels incredibly lightweight and hydrating on the skin. Second of all, the coverage is perfect . One layer gives me that ~your skin, but better~ look I'm typically going for, but it's easily buildable on those days when my dark circles are dark circling extra hard.Yep, it *actually* covers my ridiculously dark circles! I find that no concealer is genuinely crease-proof (if you have creases, your concealer is gonna get in them), but this looks way smoother and 'blurred' at the end of the day than many brands I've tried. If you're the Goldilocks of concealers and need something that's not too light but not too cakey, this one is just right." — Daniel Boan
Get it from Sephora for $32 (available in 34 shades).
12. A pair of sleek sneakers and chic loafers from Rothy's if you're looking to upgrade your shoe collection — especially now that spring is here and you finally feel tempted to leave the house. Both of these durable styles are machine-washable and comfy right out of the box, so your feet wanted me to let you know that they're definitely worth the splurge.
Spencer Althouse/BuzzFeed
"I verrrrrrry seldomly splurge on things. Like, I only make that exception when I know it'll be worth it. That's how I feel about these shoes from Rothy's. Comfort and style are my two biggest priorities with clothes, and these shoes haven't disappointed me yet (some loafers truly suck to wear because they rub against the back of your heel and make you bleed or give you blisters, but these are comfy as hell lol). Also, I'm very practical. I'm someone who likes clean and simple styles, and my goal is to always look wayyyy more fancy and put-together than I actually am, so these shoes are easy ways to dress up an outfit without actually trying. They're also great for casual wear.
Personally, I hate shopping for clothes, so when I find something I like, I try to wear it for years and years (and years). I love that both of these shoes are machine washable, which means I'll be able to keep them looking brand new for a really long time.The quality is incredible, too. The knitted loafers (color: faded brown) are lightweight yet sturdy, and I can wear them for the entire day and night without my feet getting sore. And the sneakers (color: Hudson) are durable and have great cushioning. I don't know if I just got lucky or something, but both shoes have a custom feeling to them, so the fit is pretty perfect (I'm a size 10, and these were both true to size). I highly, highly recommend." — Spencer Althouse
Get the sneakers from Amazon for $179 (available in men's sizes 7–16 and seven colors) and the loafers from Amazon for $189 (available in men's sizes 9–12 and four colors).
13. A denim headband so you can bring a dose of ~Britney and Justin at the 2001 American Music Awards~ to basically any outfit. It offers a snug, pressure-free fit, which is a true rarity in the world of headbands.
Brittney Trinh/BuzzFeed
"This headband is so cute! It pairs really well with denim or denim-adjacent outfits, and I love how the floral accents add a soft, spring-like touch. The band isn't too tight and doesn't press uncomfortably against my ears, which I've experienced with other headbands.With those, I usually end up taking them off, which messes up my hair and the outfit I put together — but I don't have to worry about that with this one. On days when my hair feels more in the way than usual, it also helps keep everything in place, making it easier to focus on work or activities." — Brittney Trinh
Get it from Lee for $9.99 .
14. A BabyBjörn toilet training seat that's fortunately super simple to use, because potty training is hard enough as it is without a complicated contraption getting in the way. This has an adjustable dial that helps it fit on basically any toilet seat, and it'll help your little one feel a little less overwhelmed by the giant porcelain throne.
Crystal Ro/BuzzFeed
"Potty training can be a CHALLENGE, so anything that makes that process easier is a win for me. With this training seat, you literally just plop it on top of your regular toilet seat (no installation, no setup), and you (well, your toddler, actually) are good to go.It also has this clever little adjustment dial on the bottom that makes it feel secure and actually fit properly instead of sliding around, which is such a good design detail. And there's even a hook on the back so you can hang it up and keep it out of the way. TL;DR: It's lightweight, easy to handle, and simple enough that my toddler can use it without any drama.Well, less drama, anyway." — Crystal Ro
Get it from BabyBjörn for $39.99 (available in three colors).
Related: 43 Things That Deserve A "Life-Changing Product" Award
15. And a BabyBjörn step stool — it manages to be super sturdy and is available in colors so nice, you won't mind leaving it out for all your guests to see. Plus, it might make your tiny tot dread teeth-brushing time a little bit less.
Crystal Ro/BuzzFeed
"This step stool is super simple, but I kind of love it for that. It's really sturdy but also lightweight, and the grip on both the top and bottom makes it feel extra secure (even with a wiggly toddler climbing up). The height is perfect for my almost 2-year-old to step up on his own... which he obviously insists on doing every single time, LOL. It's also a great size — easy to tuck away when you want, but honestly nice enough to just leave out without it being an eyesore (which is rare for kid stuff).I'm also very obsessed with this color (deep green). And, TBH, all the other colors are so cute, too. It's just one of those little things that actually make daily routines easier and also look good sitting out." — Crystal Ro
Get it from BabyBjörn for $39.99 (available in six colors).
16. A storage shelf with colored bins that'll give you the ability to finally organize the toys that are currently covering every inch of your floor space. From spare Lego pieces to random fidget toys, everything will finally have a proper place to go at the end of the day.
IKEA
"We have this in our playroom! I'd show you a picture, but the room is a disaster, and I truthfully don't feel like cleaning up (I'm busy, I'm working!). However, when I do have the motivation to tidy up (or my toddlers agree to help), it's been easier than ever — each bin in the shelf has a designated item that lives in it. One is filled with toy cars, another with Little People, another with puzzles, etc.! We love it so much that we recently added the taller version into the mix to store bigger items (Hot Wheels tracks, Legos, etc). You won't regret welcoming storage shelving into your playroom, I promise." — Heather Braga
Get it from IKEA for $94.99 (available in 13 color combinations).
Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?
BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don't have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what's right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
Daniel Boan is a Shopping Editor who uses his passion for hitting "add to cart" (and his 8+ years in media) to curate the best products on the web — he's particularly passionate about finding the best beauty products, which probably stems from his days of working at Lush Cosmetics, where he learned about effective skincare ingredients while getting covered in bath bomb dust every day.
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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