For over a decade, I’ve been a dedicated Amazon Prime member, and I must confess, Amazon Prime Day is my absolute favorite shopping event. It’s the perfect opportunity to restock a vast array of essential items across various categories. From my beloved K-Beauty skincare to everyday items like batteries for my Apple Airtags and car key fob, Amazon has pretty much everything I need, not to mention the added bonus of two-day shipping. However, I must admit that I also enjoy the convenience of choosing no-rush shipping to accumulate digital credits for my Amazon Video subscriptions.
At last, I can transfer all my “Save for Later” beauty, cleaning, tech, and home items into my shopping cart. I take great pleasure in watching the red discount percentages stack up, and as of now, my October Prime Day savings have already reached approximately $200. While the items I restock may vary each Prime Day, I’m excited to share 10 of my top picks that consistently make the cut, with savings of up to 40 percent.
On Sale: The Laundress Whites Detergent, now $20 (originally $26) – REAL SIMPLE’s Top Pick: Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects, now $30 (originally $46) – Underdog Winner: Superband Premium Hydrocolloid Bandages, now $13 (originally $20) – $9 Waterproof Mascara: Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara, now $9 (originally $15) – My Secret to Glowing Skin: Mediheal Tea Tree Sheet Masks, now $13 (originally $20) – For Travel Peace of Mind: Apple Airtags (4-Pack), now $65 (originally $99) – Invaluable for Everyday Use: Energizer CR2032 Lithium 3V Coin Batteries, now $15 (originally $19) – Essential for Every Kitchen: Jiermadum Refill Cartridge Kit (12-Pack), now $14 (originally $23) – Gentle Enough for Hand Washing: Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets, now $30 (originally $42) – Best Deal: Nespresso Capsules Original Line, now $36 (originally $45)
There was a time when I relied on bleach to “whiten” my clothes and linens, only to find that they ended up a dull yellow. However, The Laundress Whites Detergent has never failed to deliver on its promise for my white T-shirts, bed sheets, pillowcases, and socks. Paired with my favorite Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster, I can guarantee that every time, I’ll have super bright whites. The Whites Detergent is, quite frankly, a bit of a “luxury” laundry item, so I always wait for it to go on sale at Amazon. Currently, it’s 25 percent off, and I typically purchase two bottles to ensure I never run out.
I’ve had an Amazon Prime Membership for over a decade, but I’ve recently canceled my subscription to Crest 3D Whitestrips and I’m thrilled with the results. It’s a product that our REAL SIMPLE team has tested and recommended for effective whitening for nonsensitive teeth. (For sensitive teeth, we suggest Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips.) I use the strips a few times a month and a few days before special occasions or events where I want my smile to shine extra brightly.
Superband is a staple in my medicine cabinet, desk, and travel bags. I primarily use these bandages for cuts and to heal and protect my eczema patches, which I’ve unfortunately scratched to the point of bleeding. Recently, I also tried it on a burn mark and was quite impressed. After accidentally spilling boiling water on my wrist, the patch helped accelerate the healing process, keeping the area covered and moist. The Superband patch stayed in place for the two days I wore it. For smaller cuts and bruises, I like to cut the bandages into smaller sizes for a custom fit.
For years, I relied on lash extensions, but I’ve recently stopped to save money and found that I can achieve the same look with this mascara instead. It provides all the length, volume, and definition I need, and at just $9 compared to the hundreds spent on extensions. The waterproof formula offers a secure grip but is still wet enough to apply smoothly. And let me tell you, this formula can really hold a curl without smudging or transferring. I’ve gone through at least 10 of these mascaras—it’s that good.
There’s a Korean saying that goes, “One Pack for One Day,” and they’re referring to sheet masks. I wholeheartedly agree. While I use sheet masks the most during the summer when my skin gets irritated from the heat, I also use them a lot during the transition between fall and winter. As soon as temperatures start dropping, my skin gets dry, and the sheet masks help hydrate and leave my skin glowing. Tea Tree is my favorite of the Mediheal masks. Tip: Keep a sheet mask in the fridge for an extra cooling effect and use it 20 minutes before applying makeup—it’ll make your makeup look even better.
REAL SIMPLE editors and readers, as well as I, are big fans of Apple Airtags. They’re featured in nearly every travel story we write, and I personally own over a dozen of them for my belongings. (I’m a type A traveler, after all?) I also love snagging them on sale as future gifts; they’re practical, small, and at just $16 apiece, it’s a steal for peace of mind.
I’ve encountered a surprising number of people who didn’t realize that Apple Airtag batteries needed replacing. If you’re one of those people, here’s your sign to stock up on CR2032 batteries to ensure your tags are ready for your next trip. I keep a few packs of these at home for Airtags and a pack in my car in case my car key fob stops working. These come in super slim packaging, so they don’t take up much space.
Certainly, none of the products mentioned above are particularly glamorous, but this is probably the most “unsexy” item on my Amazon shopping list. I have Zevo Insect Traps that are a must for my home, but I didn’t realize the refill sticker cartridges were so expensive. After using the two included refills, I’ve been purchasing this 12-pack of refills from Amazon, which does the same job for a lot less. I have them in my kitchen, home office, and near plants I’m trying to stop overwatering.
I’ve reached an age where I truly care about my laundry. This means I want to do laundry even when I’m traveling. While I love using these at home for my regular laundry, I also like to carry a small pouch of these tablets in my carry-on or checked luggage. The tablets dissolve easily in water, and the formula is gentle enough to use in a sink or tub for hand-washing clothes if needed. Some might choose to have the tablets delivered on subscription, but buying in bulk when it’s 30 percent off saves you more money.
I’m no barista, but I do enjoy a Nespresso cup of coffee. Every morning, I pop an arpeggio capsule into my machine and make a delightful latte. Since my morning routine is as consistent as a clock, I always ensure I have capsules on hand. This set of 50 is usually $45, but it’s currently 20 percent off. I typically add three to my shopping cart, but since Black Friday is just around the corner, I’m choosing to stock up with just one order for now. (But you can bet I’ll be restocking in November!)
With a bit of patience and some forward planning, maximizing your Prime Day savings can be a breeze. I recommend taking inventory and considering your holiday shopping needs, adding items to your cart, and then moving them to the “Save for Later” section. You’ll be able to see all your saved products in one place, with prices and discounts clearly visible.
