Tag Archive for: Lauren Loves A Deal

My Top 10 New Finds of Last Year | Tried, Tested & Loved

Every year I test a lot of products — it’s kind of my thing. Between deal hunting, impulse “this might change my life” purchases, and genuinely researching what’s worth the money, I see more products in a year than most people do in five. But only a small handful actually stick. These are the ones I finished, repurchased, talked about nonstop, and now genuinely can’t imagine my routine without. This list isn’t about trends or viral hype — it’s about real-life, tried-and-true finds that earned permanent space in my life.

Lauren Loves a Deal Top Picks of 2025 featuring Nizoral shampoo, Swedish candy, HydroJug, iron supplement, Olay body wash, Medicube skincare, Comfilie bra, Precision 1 contacts, Tylenol Precise, and Mack’s earplugs
My top picks of 2025 — the products I actually used, loved, and would 100% buy again across beauty, health, and everyday life.

1. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Shop: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The Why:
This started as a body fix and turned into a full-on staple. I had stubborn back breakouts caused by spray tanning and heavy setting sprays that clogged pores and triggered flare-ups. This corrected it completely. Then I tried it on my hair and was honestly shocked. Soft, shiny, and healthy without feeling stripped.

Pro Tips:

  • Use it as a body mask on flare-up areas (like your back or chest) and let it sit for 3–5 minutes before rinsing.
  • Use 2–3 times per week — more is not better here.
  • Follow with a simple, non-fragranced moisturizer on skin days.

2. Swedish Candy

Shop: Swedish Candy on Amazon
My Favorite: Bubs Diamond Tutti Fruiti

The Why:
So incredibly good. The best description is a cross between a marshmallow and a gummy, but better than both.

Pro Tips:

  • Store them sealed — exposure to air dries them out fast.
  • Try chilling them slightly for a chewier texture.
  • Great for portion control since a small amount satisfies quickly.

3. Hydrojug

Amazon: Hydrojug on Amazon
Scheels: Shop Hydrojug at Scheels
Dick’s Sporting Goods: Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Academy Sports: Shop at Academy Sports

The Why:
These outperform everything else I’ve tried when it comes to staying cold. Ice lasts forever.

Pro Tips:

  • Fill halfway with ice, then add water — best cold retention.
  • Hand wash lids to avoid seal breakdown.
  • Keep one at home and one in the car so hydration stays automatic.

4. Precision 1 Daily Contact Lenses

Shop: Precision 1 Daily Contact Lenses

The Why:
No dry eyes, no irritation, and it genuinely feels like wearing nothing.

Pro Tips:

  • Ideal if you stare at screens all day — less dryness by evening.
  • Keep a spare pair in your bag since there’s no cleaning routine needed.
  • Great for travel or irregular wear days.

5. Tylenol Precise Pain Relief

Shop: Tylenol Precise Pain Relief Cream

The Why:
Instant relief. No strong smell. No greasy residue on clothes.

Pro Tips:

  • Apply sparingly — a little goes a long way.
  • Wash hands after use to avoid accidental eye contact.
  • Works especially well for neck, shoulder, and lower back tension.

6. Olay Super Serum Body Wash

Shop: Olay Super Serum Body Wash

The Why:
A dry skin savior. Perfect for shaving and winter skin.

Pro Tips:

  • Use with a shave oil or conditioner for ultra-smooth results.
  • Let it sit on skin for 30–60 seconds before rinsing for max hydration.
  • Great for legs, arms, and anywhere that gets ashy fast.

7. Medicube Skincare

Shop: Medicube Skincare

The Why:
Affordable, effective K-beauty with real results.

Pro Tips:

  • Introduce one product at a time to avoid irritation.
  • Best results come from consistent use, not layering everything at once.
  • Always patch test if you’re sensitive.

8. Comfilie Bras

Shop: Comfilie Comfort Bras

The Why:
Comfort, support, and moisture-wicking without feeling restrictive.

Pro Tips:

  • Size up if you’re between sizes for maximum comfort.
  • Air dry to maintain elasticity.
  • Ideal for long workdays or travel.

9. Iron Bisglycinate

Iron: Iron Bisglycinate Supplement
Vitamin C: Vitamin C for Better Absorption

The Why:
This was a flip-of-a-switch supplement for my energy with zero stomach issues.

Pro Tips:

  • Take with vitamin C to increase absorption.
  • Avoid coffee or calcium within an hour of dosing.
  • Many people tolerate iron better every other day — listen to your body.

10. Mack’s Silicone Ear Plugs

Shop: Mack’s Silicone Ear Plugs

The Why:
Affordable, comfortable, and extremely effective at blocking noise.

Pro Tips:

  • Warm slightly in your hands before inserting for a better seal.
  • Replace once they lose stickiness.
  • Great for travel, light sleepers, and shared bedrooms.

This post contains affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Lauren Loves a Deal.

Love what you’re seeing here?! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to never miss my favorites in 2026 in real time!

Welcome to Lauren Loves A Deal

Lauren Loves A Deal hero banner featuring a photo of Lauren and the Bougie & Balanced logo.

If you love nice things and love a good deal, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

I am Lauren, the voice behind Lauren Loves A Deal and Bougie & Balanced. I am a communicator by nature, a smart shopper by choice, and someone who genuinely loves helping people make everyday life a little easier. And cheaper.

Originally, I planned to be a journalism major. I have always loved writing. I enjoy explaining things, breaking them down, connecting dots, and making information useful. That instinct never went away; it just evolved.

This site is where my love for writing, helping people, life hacks, and never paying full price all came together.

Why This Site Exist — And Why I Care So Much

This did not start as a business idea. It started because I was already finding deals nonstop, explaining things to people, and sharing “wait, do it this way instead” tips. I kept thinking that someone else could really use this information.

I have lived real life, been a single mom at points, balanced demanding work, tight seasons, grief, and responsibility. Learning early that saving money is not about deprivation. It is about peace, control, and flexibility.

When I learn something that helps, I simply have to share it.

How My Brain Works (And Why That Helps You)

By day, I work in healthcare operations. I also:

  • live in systems, data, rules, and patterns.
  • love a spreadsheet
  • always want to know why something works and whether there is a smarter way.

That analytical brain shows up here in how I operate:

  • Tracking pricing patterns
  • Spotting real deals vs. fake discounts
  • Evaluating value rather than just hype
  • Thinking long-term instead of focusing on impulse

I do not share things casually. If it does not make sense financially, functionally, or mentally, I am not sharing it.

Life Hacks, Mindset, and “I Just Need to Tell You This”

This space is about more than shopping. I am deeply influenced by Kara Lowentheil and Kendra Adachi, which means you will see a lot of specific content here:

  • Mindset shifts that make life feel lighter
  • Permission to do what matters and drop the rest
  • Systems built for real humans, not perfection
  • “Good enough is actually enough” energy

I love life hacks, shortcuts, routines that stick, and random discoveries that solve annoying problems. If something saves time, money, or mental energy, there is a very good chance I am going to tell you about it.

I am a communicator at heart. Helping people is not a side effect of this work. It is the point.

What You Will Find Here…

This is not a “buy everything” blog. Here you will find:

  • Daily deals that are actually worth your time
  • Smart shopping tips so you never pay full price unnecessarily
  • Life hacks that make everyday life smoother
  • Wellness + GLP real talk in plain language
  • Honest product recommendations
  • Dry humor sprinkled in, because that is just who I am

Start Here: Pick What You Need Most

Daily Deals

This is the heart of the site. Fresh, ready-to-shop finds across home, beauty, fashion, and everyday essentials. I always include notes when something is especially good.

  • Best for: Deal hunters, busy people, and “just show me what’s good” energy.

Life Hacks & DIY

Laundry wins, home shortcuts, routines that actually work, and the kind of “you will thank me later” tips that quietly improve daily life.

  • Best for: Overwhelmed humans, shortcut lovers, and anyone who wants life to feel easier.

Wellness & GLP Journey

My real-life experience, mindset shifts, and practical tips explained clearly, without fear-mongering or perfection pressure.

  • Best for: GLP users, health resets, and habit-building without overwhelm.

Join the Bougie & Balanced Community

Join my community on Facebook! A supportive space to share wins, ask questions, and feel less alone in everyday life.


Want the Best Stuff Without Scrolling Forever?

Join my newsletter!

You will get the best deals, smart finds, and occasional life hacks with less noise and more value. No spam. No corporate nonsense.

Before You Go…

You do not have to overspend to live well. You do not have to do everything to be doing enough. And the small, ordinary wins in your day actually matter.

I am really glad you are here. Hope to see you in the group.