I Spend 8 Hours a Day on Amazon, and My 5 Favorite Finds So Far This Year Start at $5

As someone who, no joke, spends eight hours a day on Amazon, I’ve tried out my fair share of products. The list includes Oprah-approved fuzzy socks, hair-thickening shampoos and conditioners, and skin-smoothing eye creams — just to name a few. And while we’re only a month and a half into 2024, I’ve already lucked out with a few game-changing finds. 

Below, I rounded up the five best things I’ve tried so far this year, including a sophisticated handbag, calming face serum, and sunrise alarm clock. Prices range from $5 to $200, so regardless of your budget, you’ll find something on my list that’ll level-up your life in 2024.  

Shop Editor-Loved Amazon Finds

• On / Eleven Leather Bucket Bag, $100
• New Balance 574 V2 Essential Sneaker, $90
• Aestura A-Cica 365 Blemish Calming Face Serum, $39
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, $5 (Originally $7)
• Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock, $200

On / Eleven Leather Bucket Bag

It’s not often you can find a handbag that’s made from genuine leather on Amazon, let alone one with a $100 price tag. The On / Eleven Leather Bucket Bag is equal parts cute and practical, thanks to its stylish silhouette, contrasting gold hardware, and convenient interior and exterior pockets. Not to mention, it’s completely lined and comes with both a top handle and a crossbody strap, so you can wear it multiple ways. I’ve only had the purse in my wardrobe for a couple of weeks, but it has already become my go-to bag for both casual outfits and formal looks. 

New Balance 574 V2 Essential Sneaker

Another fashion find, the New Balance 574 V2 Essential Sneakers are ridiculously comfortable and require zero breaking-in time. I wore them around New York City right out of the box, and it felt like I was walking on clouds. They come in 22 color combinations, each with a suede and mesh upper, cushioned foam midsoles, and rubber outsoles. And thanks to their fashion-forward design, they make even the most basic outfits look elevated. 

Aestura A-Cica 365 Blemish Calming Face Serum

It’s been a long time since a skincare product stopped me in my tracks, but the Aestura A-Cica 365 Blemish Calming Face Serum did exactly that. I applied the serum to my slightly red, acne-prone complexion at night, and by the morning, my skin was 90 percent cleared. After a  second day of use, my skin looked the best it had in weeks. If you struggle with inflammation and blemishes, I highly recommend trying out this product. It has certainly earned a permanent spot in my routine. 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Dry patches are another one of my skincare concerns, especially on my hands, so my dermatologist recommended the $5 Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. I was surprised to discover that it has a jelly-like texture, and I was even more shocked when it melted right into my skin. I’ve been consistently using the cream three to four times a day, and my hands are undoubtedly the softest they’ve ever been. 

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock

I’ve been a chronic snoozer for as long as I can remember, so when I learned about the Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock, I knew it could be the solution to my sleepy struggles. Not only does it have a slew of inspiring alarm sounds to choose from, but it also has a light feature that mimics the sunrise in your bedroom around 30 minutes before you’re set to get up. That feature helps me ease into the day and actually wake up when I want to, rather than dozing in and out of sleep for an extra hour. Of course, I still scroll on my phone for 20 minutes each morning (I’m working on it), but at least I feel more rested.