More often than not, some of our favorite buys are small, how-didn’t-I-know-about-this products that solve an everyday problem. That’s what we’re highlighting in our Little Lifesavers series: cheap, simple purchases that you’ll use on the daily. Hit “Add to Cart” and thank us later!

little lifesavers best 2020

Problem: I'm not dying to dye my hair right now, but my locks could use some new life.

Solution: The Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver Mask not only refreshes color, but hydrates hair, too.

There are those times when you're ready and willing to dedicate your entire weekend afternoon to a DIY hair-dye fest at home, making sure to wear your smock and hide all of your nice bath mats and towels. And then there's the rest of the time, when you want to zhush up your look without spending a whole lot of energy on it.

This is probably why the Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver Mask exists. It is a 2-in-1 hair mask and mild dye that ups the vibrancy of my color-treated hair just a bit, without needing to clear my schedule to use it. Plus, it contains avocado oil, which leaves my hair (particularly the ends) feeling noticeably softer and much healthier.

My natural hair color is dark brown, but it's dyed a very dark auburn red. The first week of having home-dyed red hair is usually hell, trying to avoid wearing or rubbing against anything white ... and if I get caught in the rain, forget it. While I like to keep the color fresh, it is an absolute hassle and I continually put off doing it. This is why I like having the Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver Mask in Vibrant Red on hand: It's a cheap $7 drugstore product that works in minutes, leaving no unsightly stains behind on skin, clothing, or bath linens.

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The first time I used it, I prepped my bathroom as if I were going to be breaking out a tub of Manic Panic, with bathroom cleaning supplies, stain removers, and D-list bath towels at the ready. But these precautions ended up being unnecessary. Now, to use the Color Mask, all I do is wet my hair first, then wring it out, then squirt a healthy dollop of the ketchup-colored formula onto my hands and work it into my hair until it’s saturated. I cover my head with a shower cap when I'm done and set a timer for 10 minutes.

After those 10 minutes, I wash out the formula from my hair, which takes a fraction of the time of regular hair dye and doesn't leave anywhere near the amount of red mess behind. I shampoo and condition as normal, then throw my hair up into an Aquis hair towel. If completely washed out, this tinted mask doesn't leave any stain on your towels, which was a very pleasantly surprising discovery the first time I used it.

When dry, the results are a subtle but noticeable improvement to the texture, body, and color of my hair. My red undertones look deeper and not artificial, and my hair looks far less frizzy and more silky, thanks to the avocado oil in the formula. I like that the cheap, tinted Color Reviver Mask provides a nice hair refresh for under $10 and 10 minutes, and it's a smart buy if, like me, you're also a drugstore beauty devotee.

Color Reviver Hair Mask, Warm Brown
Garnier Color Reviver Hair Mask, Warm Brown
Now 47% Off
$9 at Walmart
Color Reviver Hair Mask, Vibrant Red
Garnier Color Reviver Hair Mask, Vibrant Red
Now 50% Off
Color Reviver Hair Mask, Vibrant Copper
Garnier Color Reviver Hair Mask, Vibrant Copper
Color Reviver Hair Mask, Cool Blonde
Garnier Color Reviver Hair Mask, Cool Blonde

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Headshot of Melanie Yates
Melanie Yates
Senior Service Editor

Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.