Celebitchy’s favorite things: $12 eyeshadow, a $200 facial toning device

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This is an affiliate link post for Amazon products, similar to posts shown on other sites. It’s not exactly sponsored. We’ve never done a sponsored post, but that’s mostly due to disinterest from sponsors and laziness on our part. These are actual products I’ve purchased, or similar to things I already own and can vouch for. I got the idea, like most of my ideas, from Oprah and Buzzfeed.

An air fryer for quicker meals and sides
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My mom bought me this Philips air fryer three years ago and I didn’t see the point at first. I don’t need more appliances cluttering up my kitchen. Then I used it once and was hooked. It’s a great alternative to the oven, there’s no preheating and it cooks quicker too. I have a teenager and he uses it for cooking small pizzas, fries, chicken and more. You can even cook fish in it and the cleanup is easy. If you want one, you might want to research alternatives as I don’t know if this is the best or most reasonable one.

The best hairdryer I’ve ever owned
amazon_hairdryer
I bought the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer after reading one of these type of posts on Buzzfeed. That model is no longer available (update yes it is, this was just temporary!) but this one looks like the closest. (There is a travel version.) Using that hairdryer takes at least seven minutes off my dry time while giving salon-type results with half-assed effort. I’m not even blowing smoke it was one of my best purchases ever. I balked at paying $80 for a hair dryer, but it was so worth it.

A high-rated and versatile eyeshadow palette
amazon_eyeshadow
I got this last year and use it more than expensive brand name palettes. It was a lightning deal at the time and I think I paid $8, but it’s still a bargain at $12. I have the “Nude Exposed” palette. The other colors are well reviewed too and would make great gifts.

A device to tone and lift your face
amazon_nuface
OK I know this sounds ridiculous and too good to be true. Bear with me. I first bought this microcurrent device, The NuFace Mini, after Whitney Cummings raved about it (I KNOW). It works at least temporarily to lift and reduce puffiness. It’s great to use before you go out to feel more confident. I can’t vouch for the long term effects and it may be a complete waste. (You can pay this much just for a single microcurrent treatment at the dermatologist, but again it might be total bullsh-t.) The one I owned broke and stopped holding a charge after six months, which is why it has a low-ish rating on Amazon. I liked it so much I bought an older refurbished model, The Trinity, on eBay and I still use it. So if you want this, are feeling similarly desperate to look younger and don’t mind spending cash and taking your chances, it might work for you too. Also check eBay before you buy and get plain aloe gel as a conductor, don’t pay for their expensive gel replacement.

Durable contemporary chairs
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I have four of these Panton knockoff dining chairs at my dining room table, two green and two clear. The clear are no longer available, which is a good thing as they had some scratches when they arrived. They’re not the cheapest, but they look cool and are durable, somewhat comfortable and easy to clean. No food ever gets stuck in them and you can’t stain them.

An affordable versatile clutch wallet
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This is another one of those items that I saw on Buzzfeed or one of those clickbaity “products you need!” posts. (Yes I know I am doing this here too.) It is a great little wallet that fits my cards, money and the receipts I’m saving. Plus you can take it out of your purse for a trip to the store or when you’re switching handbags. It doesn’t hold as many cards as my last wallet, but it has more storage otherwise. The black one is so popular it’s currently unavailable, but hopefully that will change soon.

A tens unit for under $30
amazon_tensunit
Do you have back, neck or hip pain? This device is a game changer. I’ve owned it for years, I’ve lent it to several friends, and I bought another one specifically to lend out. The only caveat is that you have to remember to use it and you occasionally have to buy replacement pads as they wear out. Plus any setting over a 3 can be hard to take. This makes a great gift, but you do have to convince people to try it as it seems weird at first.

Surprisingly comfortable pumps
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I bought these Lifestride pumps last year after realizing that I owned so many ridiculous dress shoes but didn’t have a pair of practical black pumps for a wedding. They’re so comfortable I can wear them for hours without noticing. These look great with dress pants, jeans or a dress and they’re the kind of shoes you can wear to court or on a date. They come in so many different colors, most under $40.

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80 Responses to “Celebitchy’s favorite things: $12 eyeshadow, a $200 facial toning device”

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  1. Darla says:

    You guys should absolutely do a beauty blog. We are always sharing ideas in comments. And don’t be afraid to go high end on some items. Do a mix. I shop way too much, I’d be embarrassed to talk about it. I would definitely buy things through links you put up to help out.

    • Kitten says:

      Me too, Darla. Online shopping is both a blessing (I HATE malls) and a curse (I can find anything I need in a $plit $econd) but retail therapy is comforting during Trump America. Because we might not make it another two years and we can’t take it with us 😉

      C/B-this was cute. I have a handheld device like the NuFace thing. I DO see a (temporary) difference when I use it. But I don’t use it as often as I should, because I’m lazy. Anyway, I like reading your recommendations and if Amazon wants to throw some money or free swag your way as a bonus, then I’m all for it 😀

      • Darla says:

        Yes! Retail therapy, I don’t think I’ve heard that before. That’s what I’m doing too Kitten. And it’s trump. I know I”m doing it, but I feel like I don’t have much else, leave me this. lol

    • KCo says:

      A beauty blog, OR a designated day, like Friday where you highlight something being hawked, and then we can all give our opinions or alternatives to it! I am mostly a lurker, neem one for several years, but because of your wonderful Celebitches, I’ve found new shampoo (someone suggested Kirkland’s brand being comparable to Pureology, and after 10 years of Pantene and Aussie, and poor scalp health, I am flake and itch free!), I’ve started using a night cream and eye cream (puffy sleep eyes are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller), and I am well on my way to narrowing down my favorite eyeliner pencil (it’s down to Kat Von D’s and something else in my kit!). I really value everyone’s insight from these makeup and beauty posts and really wish they were more frequent. <3

      Btw, I'm ALWAYS telling people about how wonderful, diverse, and on point this Celebitchy community is. I am thankful for you all.

      • Anners says:

        KCO – what are you using (cream) to rebuff bags? I’m *always* looking for beauty suggestions. I love celebitchy for the gossip and good product info! I second a beauty section

  2. LORENA says:

    I LOVE reading stuff like this! Keep the ideas coming!

    • Celebitchy says:

      Thank you! I am traveling today and won’t have as much time to reply to comments but I will read them all later and appreciate it. This took longer to write than most posts but was fun.

      • jan90067 says:

        I LOVE finding new things like this! Thank you, CB! I am definitely checking out a lot of these items 😊

        Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe trip!

      • CityGirl says:

        I love this! Thank you for doing this – I bought the TENS unit for sciatica – it’s worhth a shot!

      • TQB says:

        This whole thing is adorable. I love the honesty of it! I’m tired of the super enthusiastic pushy reviews of stuff that are all over Buzzfeed.

      • fishface says:

        Second what someone else said – refreshingly honest reviews and I am going to order a TENS unit straight away. These kind of reviews I can trust. Thanks and hope to see more from you on this subject.

    • hoopjumper says:

      My bf and I were excitedly talking about “gift guide season” the other day! It’s actually a fun part of the holidays for us. Nothing wrong with a side of consumer pr0n to go with our gossip main!

    • minx says:

      Yes! Agree!

  3. Franny Days says:

    I like these kind of articles haha. Especially with Christmas coming up!!

  4. Clare says:

    I used to follow a blog where they did an open thread every couple of weeks for a type of product (say, a blush), and then followed up with a thread highlighting some of the recco’s at different price points with links to the products – kind of like makeupalley but more interactive.

    I discovered my current fave blush AND my screen friendly gloves through those threads.

    • Viv says:

      A summary like this would be great! I can’t always read through all of the comments but have tried out a few items recommended on recent posts. Plus I love anything that can support one of my favorite sites!

  5. Digital Unicorn says:

    I bought a Dyson hairdryer (yeah I paid £300 for it) and it really is great, i like it as its light and easy to use compared to other dryers that are heavier and bulkier.

    As for the facial massage, I use Jojoba Oil mixed with Ginger oil and that is great of reducing puffiness and generally ‘lifting’ your face. Ginger is a natural diuretic (for the puffiness), reduces scars and generally improves skin tone.

    • margie says:

      I am so intrigued by the Dyson hairdryer. Part of me wants to splurge, part of me knows that it is crazy pricey. Is it really a noticeable difference? Is it as magical as I want it to be?

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      I’m getting fixated on the Dyson Air Wrap for Christmas! That, and the firmest, fullest, down- filled pillow available! Ho, ho, ho!

      • BeanieBean says:

        Oh, when you find the firmest, fullest, down-filled pillow, please let us know. I am looking, too!

    • DiegoInSF says:

      I bought it last year and I love it. Wish I had waited for the air wrap that came out recently though! I waited for the Sephora sale to splurge and treat myself when I bought it.

  6. OriginalLala says:

    I’d be so interested in what you and other Celebitches use for skincare. I love skincare ! Maybe a future open post?

    • Twiggys Eyeliner says:

      I give it up for skincare. Sephora just had their big sale of the year over the past few weekends, and I gorged on old favorites, and what I’m hoping will be some miracle products. For the most part, I live such a practical life that I refuse to feel bad for indulging in skincare and makeup.

    • Snowflake says:

      I like boots no 7 skincare, you can get it at Target. Oh i also saw a gift set of it at Walgreens. If you want to try it out without spending too much

      • Clare says:

        I just got the No7 protect and perfect set – it was in mega sale at Boots. I’ve tried the products on and off and liked them, so fingers crossed.

    • Veronica S. says:

      I like Clinique a lot. Their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream is an old standby for night application. I like the lotion, too, but I prefer to wear something with SPF in it during the day because of how fair I am.

      Deja Vu Dead Sea facial peel is *extremely* effective as an exfoliate. It was a little too strong for my normal-to-dry skin for me to keep using it, but people with oilier skin and/or less sensitive skin will be fine. My friend swears by it and the Dr. Dennis Gross products. My skin prefers manual exfoliators, so I use MAC Volcanic Ash face rub. Use it in the shower, though – the lather can be pretty messy.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      The best and biggest change I have seen in my skin is due to all the water I drink on keto. So clear and even.

      FECC eye serum by Deceit/Niod, and Night Recovery by Kiel’s. I’m 52.

      • Esmom says:

        Agree on the water. When I turned 30 I went to look at skincare products, thinking I should start doing something other than soap and water. A day at the Original’s counter said “You drink a ton of water, don’t you?” I did, and I do, asked her how she knew and she said she could always tell based on people’s complexions.

        I loved Origins for years but once I had kids I sort of fell out of the habit. I’m also 52 now and my main things are Aveeno skin brightening face cleanser in the shower every day, neutropenia soap as needed and Origins or Neutrogena toner and moisturizer. I think my face looks pretty good (my 19 year old son recently told me I don’t look like I’m in my 50s) but as I’ve said here before, my neck is a bit dismaying. I wear scarves almost all the time now, and am actually kinda glad when they weather gets really cold so I can justify keeping one on all day!

      • DiegoInSF says:

        @notsosocial I’m loling at your typo: Deceit for DECIEM. How do you like the FECC I have been eyeing it for a while.

    • Liz version 700 says:

      I have a skin disorder (mild) that makes it essential that I use really good skin products. My dermatologist recommended Cereve face wash, body wash, and lotions. I use Their entire line now. Their spf face cream is awesome and I love their face and body washes. All of them average $10 each at Target. Love love love them.

    • jan90067 says:

      I’ve been using “Vintner’s Daughter” for about 5 wks now. It’s an oil/serum. I was skeptical, I admit, but I have noticed AMAZING results with it! Dark spots have lightened considerably, and some lines (that seemed rather deep, to me), look a LOT better! I’ve tried individual oils, essential oils in combos, and they just never did it for my skin. I have dry skin, and this is the ONLY product that really seems to make a difference. I use it twice a day religiously (and sometimes will pat, (literally a drop!), on around mouth lines and cheeks in passing during the day when I’m home.

      It IS expensive; a bottle is like $200. All the ingredients are 100% natural. But you literally use about 3-5 drops from the dropper at a time, so it lasts crazy long. I really would recommend it.

      • Giddy says:

        I’ve been using Vintner’s Daughter also. I splurged after a friend raved about it. The thing that makes the price not hurt so much is just as you said, it takes just a few drops. Love this stuff!

    • fishface says:

      Ladies and gentlemen – try Retin A – it’s prescription Vit A cream – comes in three strengths – I recommend start at the weakest because you need to build your tolerance. It is fabulous for brightening skin, minimising pores, and – trust me (I’ve done the research) the only topical treatment scientifically proven to reverse the signs of aging skin. I’m 52, abused my skin most of my teenage life and well into my 30s, and this has undone all that damage and kept my wrinkles to a minimum. It’s also really brilliant for acne. And the best part is that it’s really inexpensive – I use a little tub about every three months and it costs me about $25. Couple of tips. Keep it in the fridge. Use very small amounts – more is not better with Retin A. Moisturise even more when you use it, work yourself up to the top strength to see the best results, and don’t freak out when your skin flakes a bit – that is totally normal. Also – water, water, water, no smoking, sunscreen, sleep, and almonds.

    • Celebitchy says:

      Honestly I use Simple foaming cleanser but also the German store DM brand facewash, Balea, and their day cream/tagescreme. It is so cheap and it’s from the EU so the ingredients are tested. I used to splurge on Dermalogica but not anymore.

  7. anniefannie says:

    I loooove reading these kind of posts! I’m a lazy shopper and can’t be bothered to research before I buy so I primarily buy based on friend rec’s!
    I’m definitely going to purchase those shoes as comfort and cool at $40? priceless…

  8. Sar says:

    Love this!! More favorite things please!!

  9. Esmom says:

    I love that you did this. Great timing, too. I had never heard of a tens unit before today, lol. I’m intrigued.

  10. Samantha says:

    I love this. Thanks for doing it. I don’t trust a lot of reviews because I always assume they are saying good things simply because they are asked to. I trust you though, so I may have to look into some of this stuff. (Getting old sucks.)

  11. Veronica S. says:

    My friend picked up an air fryer and pressure cooker awhile back, and she said it’s made cooking for a family of five so much easier. Just saves a ton of time in heating prep.

    I’m always amazed at people who can blow dry their hair. it must be so nice in the winter months to have that privilege.

  12. Jess says:

    I’m giggling at these descriptions….here’s this random thingy I got 3 years ago and it’s awesome, but maybe you should look for a better one. 😂 This is the best gift review ever, I know it’s legit and this is shit you actually use!

    • Esmom says:

      I know, I found it very entertaining as well as informative.

    • Anners says:

      I love that it was so honest – I’m always afraid that really rave reviews are lies. Though we’ve never met, I tend to trust celebitches’ recommendations 😊

  13. Lindy says:

    I would totally be into more of this from y’all. I feel like I learn a ton of beauty and health tips here from the other CBers.

    In fact, my terrible running-related plantar fasciitis got fixed finally in part because of two things I learned about right here!!

    • kr says:

      Lindy – I have awful plantar fasciitis too and really haven’t found much relief from different things I’ve tried. What has worked for you? Any specific products, therapies, or exercise? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

      • Bella Bella says:

        What worked for me is acupuncture and Keen’s shoes. That’s the only kind of shoe I can wear. Anything else, nope. Or else invest in a really good pair of orthotics. I absolutely must have excellent arch support and I can no longer wear heels.

      • Lindy says:

        Wearing only Birkenstocks and Keens for literally a year (I invested in cute black ankle boots and brown Mary Jane’s, plus a pair of classic Birk and Keen sandals).

        Getting a weekly Graston massage at the chiropractor for about 3 months.

        And low-dye taping every single day until it got better.

        I thought I was going to be doomed to suffer from pf forever but ran across the Graston and low-dye tips right here on CB. I’ve been pain free for almost two years now!

      • Kit says:

        This comment might come a bit late, but I had pf during and after my last pregnancy and none of the usual exercises/stretches helped. Some women in a running group I’m part of recommended this video and in about two or three days, the pf was gone. Worked for my husband who had lived with it for years too.
        Dr Eric Berg, if the link doesn’t work

        https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdlPuKfyXs

      • Himmiefan says:

        Stretching, stretching, and stretching. It really helped my plantar fasciitis. Several times a day, especially before I get out of bed, I turn my feet up like I’m trying to point my toes towards my knees. I also took a supplement called bromelain, which is a pineapple enzyme. It’s supposed to help with the inflamation, and I think it did with me. Wearing enclosed shoes (instead of sandals) that really gripped and supported me feet helped a lot too. Thank you. Clarks loafers!

  14. manda says:

    I love those buzzfeed clickbaity articles about the best stuff to buy on amazon or wherever. Refinery 29 does them too! And like Bustle? They’re all over the place. So helpful at this time of year!

  15. Busyann says:

    I have to wear heels all dang day and used to buy pricey painful ones. One day I found a pair of life strides at DSW on clearance and it was a game changer. They are very comfy, practical, and stylish….they get the job done and are often less than $40 with a coupon.

    I dont mind this type of affiliate post. Its great that the comment section is so active too. Its like we can get live reviews for products that are posted. Some sites are annoying with their money grabbing tactics but I really love this website and am happy to support you guys.

  16. Miss Jupitero says:

    Tens units also have all kinds of kinky attachments and can be used in all kinds of imaginative ways. 😉

  17. Ann says:

    “We’ve never done a sponsored post, but that’s mostly due to disinterest from sponsors and laziness on our part.” LOL! This cracked me up. I love CB and loveddd this article!!!

  18. Renee says:

    I love this post & just bought 3 of the different items you showcased above. The TENS machine will arrive to me by this Friday. I’ll need it after the stress that is Thanksgiving……

  19. Bettyrose says:

    I’ve debated a microcurrent facial toner for years. Anyone have recommendations for one that’ll last more than 6 months?

    • JennyJenny says:

      I’ve had the Trinity model for 3 years now, with nary a problem.
      The results don’t last, but it is nice for a quick fix.
      And most definitely use the aloe gel, as their gel is very expensive!

      • Spicecake38 says:

        Man!I bought the nu face toner last year at Ulta tried charging it for about 48 hours and it was dead from the get go-when I returned it the sales girl said I was just one of many in a few weeks to return for the same reason.I wanted so bad to love it!I wander if they just have bad batches once in a while.Now I’m leaving CB to go online shopping for the shoes ❤️and maybe the blow dryer.Thanks CB!

      • bettyrose says:

        Thanks, JennyJenny! I’m going to check out that suggestion.

  20. Ang says:

    I’ve gotten several recommendations from the comments section here over the years. Latest was The Ordinary products. I love them. Also Tom Ford eyeshadow

  21. Liz version 700 says:

    I love these kids of posts. It is like real time Amazon reviews. The air fryer has me so intrugued. I may splurge on one of those. Does anyone use an instapot. I am really interested in that but haven’t tried it yet.

    • Catherine Janssen says:

      Liz 700,
      You will not regret having an insta-pot. They are handy and fast and easy to use.
      I purchased a more expensive brand first, but, returned it, due to some malfunctions, and am using the instant pot, almost daily. Most of the recipe books are calibrated for InstantPot brand.
      Got mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and they currently have a Black Friday sale on.

      • Liz version 700 says:

        Thanks Catherine I may take advantage of that. I am sure I have 700 20% off coupons for BEd Bath and Beyond!

  22. starryfish29 says:

    Tens units are amazing. If you can get your doctor to prescribe one and have your insurance cover the cost of the unit & regular replacement pads, even better. My body constantly feels like it’s falling apart, with new aches and pains cropping up at random; I get so much use out of my unit.

  23. Harryg says:

    I love this list! Thanks.

  24. Tania says:

    Quick question. We do Amazon Smile, which makes me feel better about spending money on stuff I don’t need. If I change out your Amazon links by adding, “smile.amazon” to it, does Celebitchy still get credit?

  25. Andrea says:

    I love, love, love those pumps. I have them in black, brown, navy, black and white plaid, and cream. I wear them all day and never even remember they’re on my feet. I used to wear Aerosoles but they started to look too frumpy. Those LifeStride ones, even though they sound like they’re for my mom, are one of my best investments and go-to-pumps almost every day. Good choice Celebitchy!

  26. Malachite says:

    Just bought the pumps and TENS unit. I am in the aftermath of the break-up of an eight year relationship, finding out there was toxic mold in my rental causing all sorts of mystery symptoms, losing possessions due to that, and moving across the country to a state I don’t know to stay with friends while I recover. All this to say: I am actively engaging in retail therapy for the first time in my life. Thanks for the recs, celebitchy!

    • Celebitchy says:

      Malachite I am so sorry to hear this. I lived in an apartment with black mold, got very dizzy and confused constantly and developed debilitating multiple chemical sensitivity afterwards. I am mostly ok now but it was very bad for a while. I just got this app, Curable, that I’m trying to use to manage other health issues and it seems really helpful. (They are not paying me, I found it through an ad on Instagram.) You can read or listen to all the intro lessons, you do not have to subscribe, and will still get the gist. There is a book that is similar, The Brain That Changes Itself, that you may be able to get from the library. To be clear in no way am I saying any medical issues or pain are in your head. It’s just that there are mind body options to consider that are based on research and science and aren’t hooey.

      • Malachite says:

        Celebitchy,

        Thank you so much for your recs for mold exposure and your understanding. I truly believe that while the exposure made my physical health and that of my cats terrible, it affected my partner’s personality deeply. He became a different person and dumped me after 8 years. It is hard to tease out and reconcile which aspects of my plethora of losses in the last few months are due to mold poisoning. I am now in a new state as I had nowhere to go and I still need a doctor to assess me. I am so scared as one of the species is aspergillus and I have symptoms of Aspergillosis (sp), which can be deadly. I am so sorry you went through all this too.

  27. Lynne says:

    Thank you for posting all these….I am going to get the Tens unit…😃

  28. Traderbynight says:

    You guys should totally do regular stuff like this, like recommending stuff you’ve personally tried. Also natural beauty products would be interesting to me.

  29. Nocleverhandle says:

    I was taken aback by the header, but I’m so glad I read it! This is exactly the kind of Celebitchy gift guide I would expect. Brutally honest, clever, and real. Moar, please!

  30. Bettyrose says:

    Out running errands today, saw the air fryer and bought it. Looking forward to trying it.

  31. Giddy says:

    If you want younger, brighter skin, buy Murad Youth Builder vitamins. I’ve been taking them for years and love them. Sometimes I get lazy about re-ordering and within about two weeks my skin begins to show the difference. Amazon has them for $24.99 for 120 of them…a one month supply. They help my skin look firmer and my pores look smaller. Love, love, love!

  32. Ell says:

    I love this! Good ideas 🙂 definitely getting the facial toner

  33. NΞΞNΔ ZΞΞ says:

    100% agree about the BaByliss hair dryer. It was my first “upscale” blow dryer and I balked at the price but it was the best money I ever spent on beauty/cosmetic products. Lightweight, easy-to-use and much better results than with the cheap Conairs I’d used my whole life. I bought one for my sister too and she’s a convert. When mine finally gave out and I couldn’t find the same model, I tried an Elchim but it’s not half as good (even though it was more expensive). Thanks for the reminder, Celebitchy…. I’m going back to BaByliss.

  34. NΞΞNΔ ZΞΞ says:

    I discovered reasonably priced skincare with safe formulations from an aesthetician who worked in a dermatologist’s office. She recommended http://www.paulaschoice.com and http://www.beautypedia.com. Take the time to read through both sites and you’ll learn a lot about your own skin, why it reacts in certain ways, what it needs and new product tends. The education is empowering and my skin has honestly never been better! Here’s to glowing, youthful skin for everyone during the upcoming holiday season!!

  35. KidV says:

    I ordered the Tens unit, hopefully it will be delivered tomorrow. Although I have a strong core, I tend to have sciatic problems. I don’t sit properly in chairs or at my desk, it makes my back a bit wonky. I can’t wait to try it. My mom also has sciatic problems and goes to a chiropractor regularly, if this works for me I’ll be getting one for her for Christmas. Thanks for the info on it!