I’m a Beauty Writer, and These Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are My Kind of Wellness Investment

Ok, I’ve never been able to successfully shave my bikini area by myself, so I ended up going straight into waxing and eventually laser hair removal. You can imagine my surprise when my technician told me I couldn’t wax before my appointments and had to shave so the laser could treat the hair follicle properly. After I whined to her for about five minutes straight, she recommended Gillette Fusion men’s razors, and I haven’t stopped using them since, so I will be restocking.

​Review: “I’ll never buy another brand of razor again.” — Amazon

There’s a good chance I’m not the first beauty editor you’ve seen rave about this Dove body wash, and for good reason: it rivals some of my favorite high-end formulas. From the scent to the lather, and even how moisturized my body feels afterward, this body wash is a drugstore gem, and I’ve lost track of how many bottles I’ve gone through. I’d stock up if I were you.

​Review: “I absolutely love the Dove Serum+ Soothing Oil Body Wash in Almond & Sandalwood. The scent is warm and calming, like a little spa moment in the shower. What surprised me most is how much it lathers — seriously, a small amount turns into the richest, creamiest foam. It feels super moisturizing without leaving any residue, and the soothing oil blend leaves my skin soft and nourished after every use. It is a great value; a little goes a long way. If you love a body wash that smells amazing, feels luxurious, and gives you tons of lather, this one is perfect. I’ll definitely be repurchasing.” — Amazon

This is my water flosser of choice, and I’ve even put my mom on it too. It's not only easy to use and store, but also ultra-easy to clean, which is what finally got me to stop using disposable floss picks. Take that clean-mouth feeling up a notch: add mouthwash to the tank instead of water, and watch your gums thank you.

​Review: “I've been using this Waterpik for a few weeks and really like it. It's easy to use, holds a charge well, and leaves my teeth feeling much cleaner than brushing alone. The cordless design is great for travel and doesn't take up much counter space. The water reservoir could be a little larger, but overall, it's a great addition to my dental routine.” — Amazon

I LOVE Crest whitening strips—they’re one of the few that give me instant results without any sensitivity. However, I’ve never tried the professional effects version, which comes with 22 treatments (44 strips total) and is said to make your teeth 19 levels whiter than when you started. These babies will be coming home with me.

​Review: “I’m halfway through these strips, and my teeth haven’t been this white in longer than I can remember. I’m genuinely impressed with the speed of results and effectiveness of the product. I love that they’re easy to use, they don’t foam up like they used to (I tried a version in this line over ten years ago), and they’re able to be used every day without causing me significant (any) tooth sensitivity. If you’re on the fence about whether they’re worth procuring, I’d suggest you conclude that debate and procure them immediately. I’m going to get a second pack ‘cause I split mine with my mom and I really want to know the results of the full treatment, particularly given that I’ve already seen such exceptional results.” — Amazon

By now, you likely know I’m a fragrance obsessive, so it’s no surprise I am a shower steamer savant. I usually stick to a Eucalyptus moment when I shower at night, but the citrus scents in this Body Restore version might be the pick-me-up I need to start my morning showers on a high note.

​Review: “I really enjoy these orange, pineapple, and I think mango shower steamers! I have these and the Lavender Calm ones. My husband and I both enjoy them. You do not put them directly into the shower stream, but place them where the water from your shower just splatters on them a bit, and along with the steam of your shower, the fragrance drifts up, creating a very pleasant aroma! They last for about three or four showers, depending on how long the showers last, of course!” — Amazon

Speaking of products that have been on my wishlist forever, Breathe Right nasal strips are at the top. My nasal passage does this weird thing where it whistles when I sleep, so I think these will help open my airways. Plus, they’re lavender-scented, so the aromatherapy benefits are perfect for getting me in cozy wind-down mode every night.

​Review: “These are my absolute favorite nasal strips! The clear strips don’t stick to skin very well. Honestly, the extra strength strips don’t stick any better and only stick in the very middle, where they have ripped off some skin. The lavender fabric strips stick great and have a slightly sweet lavender scent. I wear them almost every night due to extreme nasal congestion. I have never snored, so I can’t say whether they help with that.” — Amazon

Whether you want to lock in moisture or simply glisten to the heavens, this Vaseline Radiant Body Oil Gel belongs on your vanity. Cocoa butter and sunflower seed oil work together to stop moisture loss (something to pay attention to as winter knocks at our door), and it also delivers a stunning body glow that photographs like a dream. At less than $15 for this massive bottle, it honestly feels like highway robbery to get this gel for such a good deal.

​Review: “This feels so good on my dry skin! I love this. Not greasy for me at all. Very moisturizing. It lasts well into 24 hours. Absorbs nicely into my skin.” — Amazon

I love a tongue scraper, and there’s something about these metal versions that makes the experience feel a lot more chic than it is. Still, if you’ve never done it, tongue scraping is a great way to keep your mouth fresh and actually feeling clean. The difference is immediate, I promise.

​Review: “I've known the benefits of tongue scraping and have been using a plastic tongue scraper for years - this feels like an upgrade with its simple design in pure copper, known for its antimicrobial properties. I just rinse it after use and quickly dry it with a washcloth to keep it in good shape. The finish is discolored in spots, part of its normal patina as a natural copper material. It also comes with a cute drawstring bag, which will be handy when I travel. I love having this as part of my morning routine; highly recommend!” — Amazon

This list might as well be a love letter to Dove because the same collection that features the delicious body oil wash from earlier also includes this delectable body scrub. Sugar granules combine with jojoba oil to exfoliate and moisturize your skin at once, leaving it soft and glowing—especially when paired with the body oil wash. I need approximately 85 million backups.

​Review: “I'm in love with this one because it's gentle enough to use even during eczema flare-ups. The subtle exfoliating granules are not abrasive yet still get the job done. The orange scent is not overwhelming. I tend to shy away from orange scents, but this is quite lovely.” — Amazon