I Shop Amazon for a Living, and These Were My 11 Best Discoveries From the Past Year

As a shopping editor, the many hours I spend researching, testing, and writing about new products typically leads to a slew of discoveries that make their way into my home and closet —and this year was no different.

These clever, stylish, and affordable Amazon finds are just a few of the items I found myself using or wearing on repeat. And here's the best part: These gadgets, home goods, beauty products, cleaning supplies, and wardrobe upgrades all under $50.

Editor-Loved Amazon Finds

• LuminoLite Rechargeable Book Light, $18
• AmazonBasics Patio String Lights, $36
• Blue Sky Weekly Planner, $10
• Anrabess Women's Oversized Turtleneck Sweater, $43 (was $56)
• Honest Beauty Extreme Length Lash Primer and Mascara, $17
• Made For You Custom T-Shirt, $25
• Dykeiss Slim Silicone Apple Watch Band, $8
• Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Storage Bags, $19
• Werforu Women's Skinny Belt Four-Pack, $19
• Evridwear Exfoliating Bath Gloves, $9
• Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit, $17

I spent the last few years overhauling my beauty bag to swap out my longtime go-tos for cleaner options in hopes that my acne and eczema would improve. Thankfully, my new investments paid off, but I struggled to find an impressive mascara until Honest Beauty sent me their two-in-one lash primer and mascara to test. After trying nearly a dozen other options that disappointed me, I was delighted to find an under-$20 option that met my new standards, lasted all day and through workouts (with no flaking or smudging) while making my lashes look long and thick. And even better, I started a subscription that helps me save a few bucks and ensures that I always have a fresh tube on hand.

LuminoLite's rechargeable book light is another item I now use daily. The accessory helps me to read with ease in the evening now that I'm trying to reach for a book every time I have the urge to aimlessly scroll on my phone. Thanks to this little light, which doesn't require batteries and recharges fast, I've managed to implement, and stick with, a nighttime reading routine that has helped me feel less stressed and sleep better at night.

Another surprisingly impressive discovery: Amazon's Made For You custom t-shirts. For just $25, anyone can custom order a top and utilize the retailer's new technology that virtually takes your measurements from your phone. For years I struggled to find a high-quality long sleeve shirt that was fitted without being tight, and now, I've got the perfect piece that I reach for multiple times a week. In fact, I'm planning to order several more. And these under-$50 Amazon finds are just the start. There are several other discoveries that have improved my closet, home, and life in various ways. Check out the rest of the editor-loved products below, or head over to Amazon's New Year sale to find even more hidden gems.