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The best kitchen deals of Amazon Prime Day 2019 — on Instant Pots, Vitamixes, and more

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The best Prime Day kitchen deals 4x3

Kitchen supplies and appliances are one of those things you never realize you need until it's too late and you're too hangry to eat anything else but instant ramen — again. Good thing tons of items are on sale for Amazon Prime Day, like Instant Pot pressure cookers, Vitamixes, and sous vide devices.

We'll be updating this post as new deals come up and updating any items that sell out, but in the meantime, sign up for a free 30-day trial Prime membership today to access to all the exclusive discounts (and plenty of other perks). If you're a college student, get a free six-month trial and then 50% off the annual membership price after that if you have a .edu email address.

And make sure to check out all of our Prime Day 2019 coverage at this link— you'll be able to see everything we've covered so far, keep tabs on all the newest deals as they pop up, and stay updated when deals are sold out.

This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by GreenPan and that also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?node=13887280011&hvadid=357656494295&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4811143097770052267&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=kwd-297861118695&ref=pd_sl_mdpvw3y7d_e&linkCode=sl2&tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkId=b526a275fc9de74a4095a0930e12906f&language=en_US" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Shop Prime Day Deals</a>

Here are the best deals on kitchen appliances, cookware, gadgets, and more on Amazon Prime Day 2019:

The best appliance deals

Whether you're looking to cook a week's worth of chili or fry up a healthier version of sweet potato fries, you're going to need one of these useful appliances. The Instant Pot reigns supreme as our best multicooker, but you might find an air fryer or smart oven more suitable for your kitchen.

The best overall deals

A healthier way to fry cook, this air fryer has a 3-pound capacity to feed a small family.

This pressure cooker pulls double-duty as as air fryer for extra convenience.

The best kitchen appliance deals

Make smoothies, sauces, soups, and more in one machine.

This pressure cooker pulls double-duty as as air fryer for extra convenience.

This large Instant Pot can help make enough food to feed a family of six or more.

The medium size is a great pick for people who like to meal prep a few days' worth of food.

The smaller Instant Pot is great for couples — or one person if you're not one to share.

A large-capacity air fryer means you can whip up homemade french fries super quickly.

Throw in your ingredients, choose your preferred program, go about your day, and come home at the end of it all to a delicious meal that's been cooking low and slow for hours.



The best small kitchen appliance deals

Whether you're looking to cook a week's worth of chili or fry up a healthier version of sweet potato fries, you're going to need one of these useful appliances. There's lots more coming down the Prime pipeline, so keep checking this page as we update.

The best small kitchen appliance deals

An indoor smokeless grill like this makes grilling a lot easier and more convenient whether you have a small kitchen, or just don't want to deal with a large grill unit.

Blend a smoothie or shake, and then just take the whole thing to go.

It may seem gimmicky, but this breakfast sandwich maker will save you tons of time in the morning — it can whip up a classic bacon, egg, and cheese in five minutes or less. 

 

 

 



Best cookware and bakeware deals

There aren't many deals on cookware, but fancy Dutch ovens, and basic pots and pans are getting heavily discounted. 

The best overall deals

This set includes 12 baking essentials like bread, cake, and muffin pans, whisks, spoon, and more for any and all desserts, pastries, and more you can dream up. It usually costs $99, but for Prime Day, it's only $69.

Durable stainless steel means that these pieces will last you a long time. Cuisinart also backs it up with a lifetime warranty.

The best cookware deals

Make casseroles, pot roasts, and more in this classic Dutch oven. The color is so pretty that you can even use it as serveware and save yourself some work.

Durable stainless steel means that these pieces will last you a long time. Cuisinart also backs it up with a lifetime warranty.

You won't realize you need this baking set until you're ready to cook, and by then, it'll be too late, so you should definitely stock up on an essential kit like this.



The best kitchen gadget deals

Don't get caught without a sous vide or sharp knife right as you're cooking dinner. The ChefSteps one is the best overall pick in our sous vide shopping guide, and right now, it's on deep discount — along with plenty of of essential tools.

The best overall deals

If you have a KitchenAid standing mixer, you know attachments can get pricey. This is a great deal on a popular attachment — it can slice, peel, core, and spiralize.

We've made the most tender steaks and salmon, and even Starbucks-inspired egg bites with this gadget. Check out more info about the deal here.

If you're a loyal Instant Pot buyer, its sous vide stick is also great and can clamp onto the 6- or 8-quart machines.

The best kitchen gadget deals

Never let food go to waste with the FoodSaver. It's a vacuum sealing system that helps preserve anything — literally anything — that you'd put in the freezer or fridge.

If you have a KitchenAid standing mixer, you know attachments can get pricey. This is a great deal on a popular attachment — it can slice, peel, core, and spiralize.

We've made the most tender steaks and salmon, and even Starbucks-inspired egg bites with this gadget. Check out more info about the deal here.

This Anova pick is among the cheapest sous vide sticks on Prime Day, but it doesn't compromise on quality. Here's how it stacks up against the ChefSteps version.

If you're a loyal Instant Pot buyer, its sous vide stick is also great and can clamp onto the 6- or 8-quart machines.

This is a surprisingly useful little gadget and can be used to make eggs every which way. Here's why it's such a good value to buy during Prime Day 2019.



The best coffee maker deals

Get a head start on your morning cup of coffee or tea with any one of these amazing devices and deals. 

The best coffee maker deals overall

Create delicious lattes and cappucinos at home with this single-serving machine. It's compatible with all K-cup pods.

This is an amazing deal on one of our favorite coffee makers. It meets strict standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and can be programmed to brew before you get out of bed.

The best coffee maker deals

This is an amazing deal on one of our favorite coffee makers. It meets strict standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and can be programmed to brew before you get out of bed.

Create delicious lattes and cappucinos at home with this single-serving machine. It's compatible with all K-cup pods.

For $10 more, you can get 24 K-cup pods — a great value if you know you'll be making a cup every day.

This machine will take up a fraction of space while brewing a strong cup of coffee.

This small gadget can grind enough beans for 12 cups of coffee at once.



The best water bottle, cooler, and thermos deals

Ditch the plastic once and for all with a reuseable water bottle, and keep them cool in easy-to-carry coolers.

The best overall deals

A sturdy hard cooler liker this can keep your drinks and food cold for hours.

This sleek tumbler can keep drinks cold for up to 21 hours, and hot for up to five.

The best water bottle, cooler, and thermos deals

An insulated mug with a secure spill-proof lid, you'll want to stock up on more than one.

A sturdy hard cooler liker this can keep your drinks and food cold for hours.

This sleek tumbler can keep drinks cold for up to 21 hours, and hot for up to five.

Or if you need more space, try this one which holds up to 24 cans.

Stash up to 12 drinks in this soft cooler; the durable shoulder straps makes it easy to carry from the car to the beach.

Stay hydrated with an XL-sized bottle — actually, it's so big that it's called a "jug."

A spill- and leak-proof seal makes this one of our favorite travel mugs around.




13 borderline weird products that are on sale for Prime Day 2019

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weird but useful prime day 2

  • On Prime Day, we've been scouring Amazon for the best deals, period. These include the weird, interesting, and unexpected products that can go unnoticed in the shuffle. 
  • They're not just cheap gimmicks. They're actually useful, and since they're on sale this Prime Day, the barriers of entry to try them are even lower. 
  • Shop the best Prime Day 2019 deals across tech, home, kitchen, and more. The Insider Picks team will be updating this list frequently.

During Prime Day, which ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can expect us to find you the best deals on the usual: tech, Amazon devices, home and kitchen essentials like vacuums and cooking appliances, and the like. 

Inevitably, however, during this 48-hour marathon event, we fall into a rabbit hole of weird and unexpected deals that never make it to the front page of the main Prime Day site, but would be a shame to go unnoticed. 

As strange and interesting as these products are, we wouldn't dismiss them too quickly as being weird for weird's sake. Upon closer inspection, they're useful, too. 

In previous years, the fun, quirky, and useful deals that captivated us included a domed window that gives your dog a peek past the fence, and a portable karaoke mic to encourage impromptu solo concerts. 

After sifting through the hordes of deals, we've unearthed some more hidden gems, including travel pillows that may attract more than a few stares (but are extremely comfortable, so who cares?), and a very specific kitchen tool for bagel lovers. 

Check out these 13 weird but useful Prime Day deals:

SEE ALSO: The 31 best Tuesday deals of Amazon Prime Day 2019 — here's what Prime members should buy on Day 2

DON'T MISS: The best Prime Day deals under $50 — from Crest Whitestrips to a mini air purifier

An immersive pillow

Ostrich Pillow, $69.30 (originally $99) [You save $29.70]

Nothing says 'do not disturb' like a giant pillow that envelops your entire head. It's easy to nap in any position with the microbead filling cushioning your head at all angles, and  you can still breathe thanks to the nose and mouth opening. The Ostrich Pillow also has two more openings on top where you can slip your hands. 



A mini kitchen guillotine

Hoan Bagel Guillotine Slicer, $15.99 (originally $19.99) [You save $4]

With one fell swoop, your circle of doughy, carb-laden goodness falls victim to the sharp blades of this contraption. You'll never accidentally cut your fingers or have to subject yourself to the indignities of an uneven side of bread again. 



A chess set that lets you play against anyone in the world

Square Off Chess Set, $359 (originally $449) [You save $90] 

You can now play other online players while enjoying a real, physical chess board. The Square Off Chess Set moves your opponent's pieces across the board for them, so it's almost like they're sitting right across the table from you. 



A stool that helps you do your business

Squatty Potty, $17.49 (originally $24.99) [You save $7.50]

As many of the hilarious comments point out, you won't even have time to settle into a magazine or catch up on your Instagram feed before you're done in the bathroom thanks to the Squatty Potty. Try completing the experience with another toilet game-changer — a bidet



A pillow that props your head up comfortably

Trtl Pillow Plus, $47.99 (originally $59.99) [You save $12]

The Trtl Pillow Plus is a newer version of the popular Trtl Pillow, featuring premium cushioned comfort, adjustable height, and built-in breathability. You'll settle into your 12-hour flight quickly, and maybe even have a pleasant dream or two. 



A pair of futuristic hovershoes

Segway Ninebot Drift W1 Electric Hovershoes, $299.99 (originally $469) [You save $169.01]

Zip to school and work in these motorized skates made by your favorite city tour provider, Segway. While we may be years away from flying cars, these Electric Hovershoes are pretty close to our expectations of what future transportation modes will look like. 



A kneeling chair

Dragonn Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, $95.99 (originally $119.99) [You save $24] 

If your back is killing you because you're stuck sitting in a chair all day, kneeling chairs are worth trying. The seat is angled to provide ergonomic support and is suitable for weights up to 250 pounds. 



Fake snow

SnoWonder Instant Snow, $63.70 (originally $74.95) [You save $11.25] 

SnoWonder makes it possible to enjoy the wintery holidays a few months early. Mix it with water to make about 60 square feet of one-inch snow and start a snow angel-making competition. The safe and non-toxic material feels light and fluffy, just like real snow. It can also be used to make cloud slimes



A training robot that turns you into a ping pong master

Joola iPong V300 Table Tennis Training Robot, $66.15 (originally $249.95) [You save $183.80]

The Joola iPong V300 holds over 100 balls and can shoot at a frequency of 30 to 70 balls per minute. You can also adjust side-to-side oscillation, topspin speed, and backspin speed. Cue the montage of you ascending through the ranks of the ping pong world with the help of this trainer.



A notebook you can use for an infinite amount of time

Rocketbook Everlast Executive and Mini Notebook, $33.60 (originally $48) [You save $14.40] 

Rocketbook's reusable notebooks connect with an app to send your handwritten notes to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox, so you can get the feel and convenience of physical writing as well as the practicality and security of typed notes. The set includes pens (which must be used with the notebooks) and microfiber towels to wipe your pages clean. 



A fun card game that comes in a furry box

Bears vs. Babies Card Game, $20.99 (originally $29) [You save $9.01]

Bears vs. Babies is another creative game from the makers of Exploding Kittens, and just like with Exploding Kittens, a few rounds of play could quickly devolve into screams and laughter. It's family-friendly and can be played with up to five people. 



The complete Harry Potter film collection

Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection DVD Box Set, $22.49 (originally $78.92) [You save $56.43] 

The only weird part about this deal is that it means you have to admit you don't already own all eight films and watch them at home constantly.



A book to get you adequately prepared for college

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College 7th Edition, $10.82 (originally $15.99) [You save $5.17] 

Nervous freshmen can stroll confidently into their dorms and lecture halls after diving into this collection of stories from students on over 100 college campuses. It's as necessary a back-to-school purchase as a new backpack or laptop. 



The best Prime Day deals on baby products like car seats, play mats, and monitors

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amazon baby products 2019

This year, Prime Day is a stamina-defying 48-hour event, but an avalanche of savings can be too much of a good thing. Insider Picks is helping to sift through the madness and distill it into only the best and most relevant deals for you. In this case, that's the best baby products you can find in the sales today.

To help you save time, we've rounded up the best deals and separated them into categories below, including the best strollers, cribs, bedding, toys, hygiene, under $100, under $50, and under $25.

The best overall baby deals

1.Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, $155.59 (originally $194.49) [You save $38.90]

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat has over 2,500 five-star reviews and a 4.6 average Amazon rating. It works for weights between five and 65 lbs. and converts between rear-facing infants to forward-facing toddlers. A four-position extension panel adjusts to give kids an extra five inches of legroom so kids can stay rear-facing for longer.

2.Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, $134.99 (originally $169.99) [You save $35]

The Safety 1st 3-in-1 car seat has over 2,000 five-star reviews and a 4.4 average Amazon rating and is designed to last through three of your kid's stages — from rear-facing at five-40 lbs. to a belt-positioning booster at 40-100 lbs. It has a quick-fit harness and a machine-washable seat pad. 

3.Skip Hop Explore and More 3-Stage Activity Center, $83.19 (originally $130) [You save $46.81]

Skip Hop's Activity Center was designed in collaboration with a pediatrician and should keep your kid playing with it from as little as four months to their toddler years. It has a 360-degree rotating seat that turns and stretches, a discovery window so baby can see their feet (working on spatial awareness), and has a grow-with-me feature that converts the gym into a table for coloring and playing. You can also attach toys to the side. 

4.Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible Highchair, $121.16 (originally $189.99) [You save $68.83]

Graco also makes a convertible 6-in-1 highchair with over 800 five-star reviews and an average rating of 4.6 on Amazon. It can seat two children simultaneously, has six height adjustments and three recline positions, and a one-hand removable tray with a dishwasher-safe insert. 

5. NatureBond Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump, $11.19 (originally $29.99) [you save $18.80]

The crowd-favorite NatureBond Breastfeeding Pump has amassed over 1,800 five-star Amazon reviews. It collects milk using natural suction pressure with a soft silicone design. A new, patented "dual ring" design varies silicone thickness so moms can adjust the suction force according to their comfort level. 

The best baby monitor deals

The best deals on baby monitors for Prime Day 2019:

 



The best crib deals

The best deals on cribs for Prime Day 2019:

 

 



The best bedding deals

The best bedding deals for Prime Day 2019:

 



The best car seat deals

The best deals on car seats and accessories for Prime Day 2019:

 

 



The best highchair deals

The best deals on highchairs for Prime Day 2019:



The best baby toy deals

The best deals on baby toys for Prime Day 2019:

 

 



The best stroller deals

The best deals on strollers and accessories for Prime Day 2019:

 

 



The best nursing deals

The best deals on nursing products for Prime Day 2019:



The best baby tech deals

The best deals on baby smart devices for Prime Day 2019:



The best baby registry deals

The best on a baby registry for Prime Day 2019:



Stay up to date on the latest deals beyond just baby products by checking out this page, which is where you can find all of our Prime Day 2019 coverage, or by clicking a link from this list:



The best Prime Day deals under $50 still up for grabs tonight — from Philips Hue lights to the Instant Pot

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Amazon Prime 2019 Under 50 Deals 4x3

As fun as sale shopping may be (who doesn't love a good discount?), conquering Prime Day on your own is a big task.

Now that Prime Day is a full two days long — starting on July 15, 2019 and ending at midnight on July 16, 2019— there are more deals than ever to sort through. Luckily, we've got your back. We're sifting through all the deals to bring you the best under-$50 deals we can find.

When new deals come up that we think you'd want to know about, we add them to our running list — so bookmark this page and check back often tonight for updates. When deals sell out, we'll let you know so you don't waste any time. 

From useful kitchen gadgets to Crest Whitestrips and Philips Hue lights, here are the 27 best Prime Day deals under $50 you can still get:

SEE ALSO: That viral Amazon coat with over 4,300 5-star reviews is 40% off during Prime Day

1. Trtl Pillow Plus

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P121NDS?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $47.99 (You save $12) </a>

It may look nothing like a pillow at all, but the Trtl Pillow is one of the best travel pillows you can buy. The unique design offers plenty of neck support, so you can lean whichever way you'd like and actually fall asleep on plane, train, and car rides. 



2. Echo Dot (3rd Generation)

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792R1RSN?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $22 (You save $27.99) </a>

If you're looking to get into the world of smart tech, the Echo Dot is an easy-to-use and affordable entry device. Alexa can tell you about weather and traffic, play your favorite music, and even challenge you to a game of Jeopardy.

See more Amazon devices on sale for Prime Day 2019 here.



3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074WJRNZ3?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $9.89 (You save $7.58) </a>

This LifeStraw was one of the most popular Prime Day purchases last year, with over 150,000 units sold. At less than $10 this year, it's worth giving this lightweight, portable water purifier a try this time around. Lifestraw is currently out of stock, but check back as we expect it to be back soon. 



4. Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHAWWO0?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $27.98 (You save $40.02) </a>

Professional whitening treatments can cost you hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars. Crest Whitestrips are a safe and affordable way to get whiter teeth from the comfort of your own home. 



5. Kindle Unlimited

<a target="_merchant" href="https://amzn.to/2FR24X5" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $0 (You save $29.97) </a>

We don't want to play favorites, but this may be the best deal around. You'll get unlimited access to millions of books and audiobooks, which you can read on any device through the Kindle app — and it won't even cost you a single penny!



6. Dash Rapid Egg Cooker

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDXWFY0?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $14.99 (You save $3.80) </a>

Whether you like them poached, scrambled, or boiled, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker (which has more than 8,600 5-star Amazon reviews) will cook eggs just the way you like them — and it will do so quickly, with minimal effort on your part. 



7. Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Pressure Cooker

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLYWNYQ?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $49.96)</a>

This cult-favorite kitchen replaces seven common kitchen appliances, so you can steam, saute, pressure cook, and more, quickly and easily, without taking up much counter space while you do so. 

 

 



8. Audible

<a target="_merchant" href="https://amzn.to/2l8n9og" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $14.85 (You save $30) </a>

Audible is our favorite way to "read" books when we don't actually have time to sit down with a physical copy. This deal essentially gives you three months for the price of one. 



9. Fire TV Stick 4K

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791TX5P5?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Fire TV: Buy for $14.99 (You save $25) </a>

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079QHML21?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Fire TV 4K: Buy for $24.99 (You save $25) </a>

If you're looking to cut costs and get rid of cable, this powerful streaming stick will save you tons of money and let you watch your favorite shows via Netflix, Hulu, and more, all in vibrant HD. Plus, you'll get a $45 Sling TV credit with purchase. 



10. RX Bars

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0143NQVP2?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $12.64 (You save $6.80) </a>

Great taste, clean ingredients, and transparency (the wrapper design is the ingredients list) proved to be a winning combination for RX Bars — which you can stock up on for less this Prime Day. 



11. Bella 2.6-Quart Air Fryer

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KI0Q1UY?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $39.99 (You save $40) </a>

Bella's air fryer will quickly cook and crisp up your favorite foods, and without much added oil or fat. The 2.6-quart size is perfect for small-batch cooking. 

 

 



12. Waterpik Water Flosser

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $39.93 (You save $50.06) </a>

Water flossers are easier to use than traditional string floss, and they're more effective too. One of our reporters uses the Waterpik and thinks it's a great option for those who don't love flossing or are just trying to improve their oral care routine. 



13. Fire HD 8 Tablet

<a target="_merchant" href="https://amzn.to/2lnz0yX" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $30) </a>

This is our favorite tablet under $100, and you can snag it for under $50 on Prime Day. 



14. Prime Book Box

<a target="_merchant" href="https://amzn.to/2lgcpUX" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $13.99 (You save $6) </a>

What better way to inspire your kids to love reading than a monthly subscription of books curated just for them? 



15. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9XB7G6?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $47.99 (You save $12) </a>

Getting a salon style blowout at home can be a tough feat, but the Revlon One-Step makes it much easier. It detangles, dries, boosts volume, and shine in a single step — all you have to do is brush. 

 



16. Echo Show 5

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HZLHPKP?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $40) </a>

Ask Alexa to play your favorite songs, show you the weather, or find recipes for you to cook, all on this compact 5.5-inch smart display. 



17. Blink Indoor Home Security Camera

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0172DDZ5E?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $30)</a>

Keep an eye on your home when you're not there with a Blink security camera. The built-in motion-sensor alarm will alert you of any suspicious movement and the streaming capabilities let you watch your home and pets in real time, wherever you are. 



18. Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Machine

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HD0ELFK?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $31.46 (You save $13.49)</a>

Fall asleep easier with the soothing sounds of ambient noise. This is one of the best prices we've seen on this sound machine, but just note the lower price won't show up until you add it to your cart. 



19. Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Purifier

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G2BESO?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $24.14 (You save $10.35)</a>

Clean the air inside your home with this mini air purifier — it's just seven inches tall and can be plugged into any wall outlet. 



20. Method Ginger Mango Fabric Softener

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BU6D7X4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $14.38 (You save $11.58) </a>

All-natural ingredients soften your clothes, reduce static cling, and leave them smelling fresh. Save on a four-count bundle, enough to soften up 45 loads! 

 



21. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B94BN16?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $39.99 (You save $20) </a>

Don't let a busy schedule stop you from enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals — just get a Crock-Pot. Just throw in your ingredients, set the timer, head off to work, school, or run some errands, and come home to a dinner cooked to perfection. 



22. Fitbit Alta HR

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W58QKH6?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $79.96) </a>

The Fitbit Alta HR can track activity and heart rate, but has a slim, sleek design that won't feel obtrusive in your everyday life. 

See more Prime Day Fitbit deals.



23. Amazon Echo (2nd generation)

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXM5BPP?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $49.99 (You save $50) </a>

Enjoy all the fun, and practicality, of voice control with Alexa in a bigger speaker, with crisper, richer sound thanks to Dolby processing. 

See more Amazon devices on sale for Prime Day 2019 here.



24. Amazon Music Unlimited

<a target="_merchant" href="https://amzn.to/2Xu44hW" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $0.99 (You save $30.97) </a>

Stream your favorite music from Amazon's catalog of over 50 million songs. The service usually costs $7.99 a month for Prime members (or $9.99 for non-Prime members), but as a Prime Day deal you can get four months for just a dollar. 

 



25. Tile Pro

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GLXY253?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $18.99 (You save $16) </a>

Attach this little location tracker to your valuables so you never lose them. Tile connects to your smartphone and you can use the Tile app to track down any missing belongings. 



26. Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H7Z5L8?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $29.99 (You save $19.99) </a>

Left the house but aren't sure you closed the garage door behind you? This smart garage door opener lets you open and close your garage from anywhere using your smartphone, so you never have to second-guess yourself again. It's also Amazon Key compatible— if you use the service you can opt into convenient in-garage delivery from Amazon. 

 



27. Philips Hue Smart Bulb

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YXBZP5?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Buy for $34.99 (You save $15)</a>

Use your voice to turn your lights on, off, or dim them just a bit, and create ambiance with one of the 16 million colors offered on these smart bulbs



The 53 best products on sale for Prime Day 2019 from our top buying guides

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Amazon Prime Day Buying Guide 4x3

  • Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events, and this year, for the first time ever, it spans two days.
  • From July 15 to 16, thousands of products are being discounted, from Amazon's Echo and Kindle devices to crowd favorites like Instant Pot and wireless headphones.
  • The Insider Picks team spent days poring over the deals to find the best ones.
  • This article includes deals on only the very best products that we have featured in our buying guides.

Luckily, many of the top-rated products from our more than 1,000 buying guides are on sale during Prime Day. Our buying guides feature the best products in their respective categories, which we've meticulously researched and tested.

On this page, we will be listing the best deals in various categories, from home and kitchen to tech and outdoors, and much more. Be sure to check back often during Prime Day for new deals, which we will be updating frequently. We will also be removing items that are out of stock or no longer on sale. Deals that have ended will be indicated as such but will remain on the list.

To take advantage of any of these deals you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial that lets you take advantage of Prime Day deals and dozens of other perks.

Stay up to date on the latest deals by checking out this page, which is where you can find all of our Prime Day 2019 coverage, and you can also see our list of the best competing Prime Day deals on the internet.

Keep scrolling to check out the best deals on the products in our buying guides.

Amazon device deals

1. Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, $24.99 (originally $49.99) [You save $25]

Amazon brings all the best streaming services and Alexa to your TV, all on this small device. It's the best 4K streaming stick for Alexa users.

2. Echo, $49.99 (originally $99.99) [You save $50]

The Echo isn't just the best Alexa speaker— it's the best smart speaker, period. And on Prime Day, you can get it for half-off.

3. Echo Plus, $109.99 (originally $149.99) [You save $40]

If you have a smart home outfitted with devices like smart lights and smart plugs, the Echo Plus can control them natively, without extra hubs. It's the best Echo for smart homes.

4. Echo Show, $159.99 (originally $229.99) [You save $70]

Want a smart speaker with a display? The Echo Show is our favorite best Alexa smart display and best Echo device with a big screen.

5. Echo Show 5, $49.99 (originally $89.99) [You save $40]

The Echo Show 5 may be the baby sibling to the Echo Show, but it's no slouch. Great for the bedside as an alarm clock, it's the best Echo device with a small screen and the best budget Alexa smart display.

6. Fire HD 8 with special offers, $49.99 (originally $79.99) [You save $30]

Tablets don't need to be expensive. The Fire HD 8 is the best affordable tablet you can buy, yet it still delivers a good set of features that you'll enjoy using for watching videos and running apps. On Prime Day, get one for $30 less or two for $80.

7. Kindle Oasis with special offers (9th Generation, 8GB), $174.99 (originally $249.99) plus $5 ebook credit and three months of Kindle Unlimited [You save $75]

If you're a digital bookworm, there's no better e-reader than the Kindle Oasis. It's the best ebook reader you can buy. The 32 GB version is also on sale, for $199.99.

8. Kindle Paperwhite with special offers, $84.99 (originally $129.99) plus $5 eBook credit and three months of Kindle Unlimited [You save up to $45]

We love the Kindle Paperwhite when lounging by the pool because it's waterproof. Text looks sharp, and it's the best mid-range Kindle you can buy. 

9. Kindle (new) with offers, $59.99 (originally $89.99) plus $5 eBook credit and three months of Kindle Unlimited [You save $30]

Looking for your first ebook reader? This budget Kindle is a great place to start, thanks to useful features and a low price — even cheaper on Prime Day.

10. Amazon Smart Plug and Echo, $54.98 (originally $124.98)[Deal expired]

Use your voice to control lights, portable heaters, or any device with this Amazon Smart Plug and the best Alexa smart speaker you can buy, the Echo.

11. Echo Dot, $22 (originally $49.99) [You save $27.99]

A small, compact way to add Alexa to any room. Now 70% louder than the second-generation, with a new fabric design. It's the best budget Echo device you can buy.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on all Amazon device deals.



Apple deals

1. Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 40 mm), $349 (originally $399) [You save $75]

Hands down, the Apple Watch Series 4 is the best smartwatch you can buy. No other watch comes close, and Apple products rarely get discounted. The Apple Watch Series 3, which are still great smartwatches, are also discounted.

2. Apple AirPods with Charging Case, $144.99 (originally $159) [You save $14.01]

The AirPods are one of the best wireless headphones you can buy. Lauded by expert reviewers, this deal is for the non-wireless charging case (the AirPods with wireless charging case is also for sale), and it's the cheapest we've seen.

3. Apple iPad (WiFi, 32 GB), $249 (originally $329) [You save $80]

Apple iPad Pro (10.5-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 64 GB), $579 (originally $779) [You save $200]

Apple iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 512 GB, WiFi + Cellular), $699 (originally $1,129)[Product no longer available]

No company makes tablets as well as Apple. The iPad and iPad Pro are two of our picks for the best tablets you can buy, thanks to their design, performance, and features.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on Apple device deals.



Tech deals

1. Roku Ultra, $69 (originally $99.99) [You save $30.99]

The best way to turn your TV into a smart TV is with the Roku Ultra, the best streaming device you can buy. It supports 4K, HDR, and voice search, and there are hundreds of channels to choose from, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

2. Eufy BodySense Smart Scale in white, $30.23 (originally $43.19) [You save $12.96 with 30% coupon]

Keep tabs of your weight on your phone with the Eufy BodySense Smart Scale. It's our pick for the best budget smart scale.

3. Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, $23.97 (originally $29.99) [Deal expired]

The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook is just that: When you don't need a page of notes anymore, just wipe it clean. It's the best smart notebook for traditional note takers.

4. Sonos Beam Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa, $359 (originally $499) plus $100 Amazon gift card [Product no longer available]

The best soundbar with support for Alexa voice assistant, the Sonos Beam is a beautifully designed sound system for pairing with a TV. It has awesome sound quality that Sonos is known for, and it also supports Google Assistant and Apple's AirPlay 2.

5. Sonos One, $179 (originally $249) plus $50 Amazon gift card [Product no longer available]

If you want an Alexa speaker that isn't made by Amazon, the Sonos One is the best option. It is well-designed and great sounding, and like the Sonos Beam, it is compatible with Google Assistant and Apple's AirPlay 2. Buy two as a pair to create an even better-sounding system.

6. Asus Chromebook Flip C302, $399.99 (originally $485.98)[You save $85.99]

The Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is our pick as the best Chromebook. It has a classy aluminum build, a powerful processor, and access to Android apps. As its name suggests, you can flip the keyboard all the way back to transform it into a tablet.

7. Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset (64 GB), $209 (originally $249)[You save $40]

The Oculus Go is the best budget VR headset, which is great for those who want to dip their toes into VR but don't want to spend a fortune. It has access to a huge selection of apps and games and is relatively comfortable to wear.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on best tech deals.



Kitchen deals

1. Instant Pot Duo (6 quart), $49.99 (originally $99.95) [You save $43.96]

Instant Pot Duo (3 quart), $39.95 (originally $79.95) [You save $19.96]

Instant Pot Duo (8 quart), $69.95 (originally $139.95) [You save $70]

All three sizes of the most popular multicooker are heavily discounted for Prime Day. The Instant Pot Duo is a great pressure cooker for chefs of all levels, and it's our overall favorite

2. ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide Immersion Circulator, $125.30 (originally $179) [You save $53.70]

The Joule is a high-tech immersion circulator for sous vide cooking, and it's controlled using an app on your phone. But what makes it the best sous vide machine is that it brings water to temperature quickly. 

3. AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb See Pod Kit, $79 (originally $149.95) [You save $70.95]

AeroGarden makes some of our favorite indoor herb gardens. In fact, the AeroGarden Harvest is so effective, Insider Picks's Jada Wong had to give away the dill she planted because it grew so much.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on best kitchen deals.



Home deals

1. iRobot Roomba 690, $229.99 (originally $374.99) [You save $145]

The Roomba 690 is the best robot vacuum overall that you can buy. It is affordable yet it can clean as well as Roombas that cost more. With support for Alexa and Google Assistant, you can also control it with your voice.

2. Gravity Cooling Blanket, $174.30 (originally $249) [You save $70.70]

This Gravity Cooling Blanket helps you relax and sleep better, thanks to deep-touch pressure stimulation tech. It's the overall pick in our best weighted blankets guide.

3. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer, $10.14 (originally $28.99) [You save $18.85]

To control ant infestation, the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is the best for creating a perimeter around your house.

4. The Vegetable Gardener's Bible (paperback), $14.09 (originally $24.95) [You save $10.86]

If you want to grow a garden that produces food you can eat, "The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" is the best book you can consult. It covers a wide range of topics, but it's accessible to gardeners of all levels.

5. Dyson Pure Cool Air Purifier and Fan, $329.99 (originally $449) [You save $119.01]

For those who suffer from allergies, the Dyson Pure Cool Air Purifier Fan is the best option. It's smart enough to calculate the number of pollutants in the air, and then automatically adjust the filter. Since it's connected, you can control it by app or voice via Alexa.

6. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Scented Soy Candle, $10.26 for two (originally $19.98) [You save $9.72]

The Clean Day Scented Soy Candle from Mrs. Meyer's is our favorite natural air-freshening candle because they are affordable and made with natural ingredients, and the lemon verbena is great smelling. For the price of one, you get two during this deal. Other scents are also on sale

7. Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier, $199 (originally $274.01) [You save $75.01]

If you need to purify the air in a large room, the Blue Pure 211+ is our pick to do the job. Easy to operate — just one button to control the speed — we find it particularly suited for allergy and asthma sufferers. It pulls in air from all sides and does this five times an hour.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on best home and furniture deals.



Smart home deals

1. Ring Video Doorbell Pro, $169 (originally $249) [You save $80]

Ring doesn't just make some of the most popular smart doorbells, its Video Doorbell Pro is the best for fitting on door frames, thanks to a sleek profile. 

2. Eero Home WiFi System, $299 (originally $499)[You save $200]

Eero Router, $99 (originally $199)[You save $100]

Don't suffer from Wi-Fi dead zones in your home — cover it with a mesh system. The best mesh Wi-Fi system you can buy is the Eero Home WiFi System.

3. Ecobee Smart Thermostat, $199 (originally $249)[You save $50]

With the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, you can control it remotely, or have it learn to automatically adjust the temperature to your family's liking and save money when nobody's home. With Alexa support, it doubles as a smart speaker. It's one of our favorite smart thermostats.

4. August Smart Lock Pro, $175 (originally $279.99)[You save $104.99]

The August Smart Lock Pro is the best smart lock you can buy to outfit your smart home. Lucky for you, this easy-to-use lock is on sale. Installation is a breeze, and it supports all the major smart home platforms.

5. Philips Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit, $86.69 (originally $149.99)[Deal expired]

Philips Hue Go, $57.58 (originally $79.99)[You save $22.41]

Philips Hue makes the best smart lightbulbs because they are easy to set up and use, and are the most reliable bulbs we've tested. During Prime Day, several Hue products are discounted with an additional 15% off at checkout, including the portable Hue Go light.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on best tech deals.



Outdoors deals

1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Bicycle U-Lock, $93.56 (originally $116.95) [Deal expired]

This is the new version of the best bike lock you can buy. Note that the older version is still less expensive, but if it's new you want, get it during Prime Day with a 20% discount. 

2. P.I. Auto Store Premium Air Compressor Tire Inflator, $39.97 (originally $79.97) [You save $40]

Keep your tire pressure in check with this air compressor from P.I. Auto Store, our pick for the best compact air compressor you can buy.

3. Celestron 71008 SkyMaster 25 x 70 Binoculars, $65.64 (originally $99.95) [You save $34.31]

The Celestron 71008 SkyMaster binoculars let you see beautiful night stars and other celestial objects. It's our favorite budget binoculars for astronomy.

4. First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit, $13.49 (originally $15.87) [You save $2.38]

This 299-piece set is our pick for the best first aid kit. It comes with all the basic medical supplies you would need outdoors, in the home, or in the car.

Check out our Prime Day coverage on best outdoors deals.



Personal health deals

1. Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, $27.98 (originally $68) [You save $40.02]

The Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are our top pick for the best teeth whitening kit. We like that it's recommended by dentists and are proven to be safe and effective.

2. AncentryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test, $49 (originally $99) and AncentryDNA Genetic Ethnicity + Traits Test, $69 (originally $119) [You save $50]

AncentryDNA offers the best DNA testing kit because it compares your DNA to 165 worldwide regions, helping you create an amazingly accurate picture of your heritage. Many of the best DNA testing kits are on sale.

3. Gaiam Yoga Mat, $23.98 (originally $29.98) [You save $6]

The Gaiam Yoga Mat is our favorite budget option. Not only is it affordable, but it also comes in lots of patterns. At 5 mm, it's thick, but it's also lightweight. Gaiam is also a trusted name in the yoga community.

4. 23andMe DNA Test Health + Ancestry, $99 (originally $199) [You save $99.01]



Children's deals

1. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, $159.99 (originally $199.99 [Deal expired]

The best car you can buy for an infant is the Chicco KeyFit 30. It's easy to install, and it supports the smallest of infants. The harness is easy to adjust, and the cover is machine-washable.

2. Britax Frontier ClickTight, $190.29 (originally $279.99) [Deal expired]

The Britax Frontier ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat is one of our best car seat picks. As a harnessed car seat, it accommodates kids from 25 to 90 pounds and 30 to 58 inches tall, and it has good side-impact protection. When a kid gets older, it converts into a booster seat.



The Waterpik water flosser that has over 10,000 5-star Amazon reviews is a Prime Day deal — get one for only $40 tonight

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  • The Waterpik Water Flosser is considered the most effective way to floss improving gum health and removing as much as 99.9% of plaque.

Prime Day 2019 is providing you with an easy way to finally listen to your dentist's advice to floss your teeth. For a few more hours, the Waterpik Water Flosser is on sale for $39.93, which is more than $50 off its usual price.

Accepted by the American Dental Association, the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser shoots a pulsating jet of water below the gum line and deep between your teeth to remove the harmful debris and bacteria that brushing and other forms of flossing fail to get. 

The handle of the flosser features a water on/off switch. On the main unit, you can adjust between 10 pressure settings and choose either floss or massage modes. The reservoir holds up to 90 seconds of water, and the timer keeps track of your cleaning. The Waterpik comes with seven tips: three classic jet tips, a toothbrush tip, a plaque seeker tip, an orthodontic tip, and a Pik Pocket tip. 

The Prime Day deal covers all seven colors of the Waterpik, including white, black, blue, and gray. So, you're sure to find something that matches your bathroom's decor. And, Waterpik backs this unit with a three-year warranty.

The Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser is ideal for anyone who wants healthier gums, which is important for your overall long-term health. Additionally, it's an excellent tool for individuals with implants, braces, crowns, periodontal pockets, retainers, bridges, and furcations.

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, $39.93 (originally $89.99)[You save $50.06]

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Schwinn is chopping $500 off the price of its new e-bike for Prime Day 2019

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Schwinn Monroe 250 Single Speed Electric Bike

If you've seen e-bikes whizzing around town and always thought they looked like fun, Prime Day 2019 offers you a chance to join in on the craze. For just a few more hours, Schwinn is marking its Monroe 250 Single-Speed Electric Bike down to $999.

I had the opportunity to test the Schwinn Monroe 250 for a few weeks leading up to Prime Day. I was hesitant to try an e-bike because the main reason I cycle is for exercise. Why would I want an electric motor to do all of the work for me? Well, after hours of joyriding, I'm a convert. 

The 250-watt motor only engages when you are pedaling, and using the controller by the left handle, you can adjust between five speeds of assistance or no help at all. I found I could peel out from a standstill to 20 miles an hour with a few quick pedals. And, as a 250-pound fella, I was impressed with how the bike zipped up hills at 15 mph.

Here are some of the important specs:

  • Frame material: aluminum
  • Frame sizes: 54 centimeters (small for heights 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-8), 56 cm (medium for heights 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10), 58 cm (large for heights 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-3)
  • Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc with motor cutoff levers
  • Tires: 35 millimeters wide with Rhino Skin puncture protection
  • Wheels: 700c/27.5-inch
  • Weight: about 45 pounds
  • Assist speeds: 5, or you can choose not to have any assistance
  • Battery range: up to 45 miles – depending on how much assistance you use
  • Warranty: lifetime on the frame and fork and two years on the battery and electric-assisted parts

Read my full review of the Schwinn Monroe 250.

I strongly recommend the Monroe 250 as an outstanding solution for sedentary individuals who want to find a way to get into the habit of exercising. This is a good bike to get you started. This is also a great bike if you've always considered commuting to work but were concerned about steep hills, showing up to work sweaty, or being too tired out at the end of the day to pedal home. You control how much energy you exert.

Whatever your reason, if you've ever considered giving e-bikes a try, don't let Prime Day 2019 pass you by without taking advantage of this sale.

Schwinn Monroe Single-Speed Electric Bike, $999 (originally $1,499) [You save $500]

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This tech exec quit his job so he could invest in 'sexual wellness' startups and he says cannabis investors showed him how to do it

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Roi Carthy   Intimate Capital

  • Former marketing executive Roi Carthy left corporate life to found Intimate Capital, an investment company focusing on "sexual wellness" startups.
  • Carthy told Business Insider that his new venture is structured more like a private investments company rather than a traditional venture capital firm, in part to test his investment thesis but also to get large investors comfortable with the idea of investing in vice-adjacent startups like sex toy hardware makers or lingerie companies.
  • Carthy said he is following the examples of several similarly structured firms that have invested in cannabis startups, another industry that sometimes falls under traditional vice clauses.
  • Intimate Capital is targeting $20 million in funding to begin investing in sexual wellness startups at the Series B stage, which is where Carthy says most of these companies struggle to gain traction. 
  • Click here for more BI Prime stories.

As Roi Carthy, the founder and managing partner of Intimate Capital tells it, investing in sex tech was an unplanned surprise.

The former marketing executive held senior roles across tech companies in Israel, but had been keeping an eye on a growing market he calls "sexual wellness." It includes both "leisure" and "health" verticals for men and women, and comprises everything from vibrators to erectile dysfunction and fertility treatment. He watched on the sidelines of the industry for upwards of five years before leaving his corporate role behind and starting Intimate Capital.

Carthy told Business Insider that Intimate Capital will look a lot more like a private equity fund than a traditional venture capital fund because of some of the limitations associated with a vice-adjacent industry like sex tech. This private tiered model, as he calls it, was proven successful when investing in another buzzy but controversial space: cannabis startups.

"Cannabis did open the door," Carthy told Business Insider. "It's almost as if there was a private tier moment where people were starting to think about [sexual wellness] like cannabis. We are building an outfit here that deals with this in a clear, professional manner, and it seems like it hit the right nerve at the right time."

Read More: Investors are pouring millions of dollars into fertility treatment startups. Here's how one of Silicon Valley's legendary venture firms is approaching investment in the buzzy industry

Intimate Capital is pursuing $20 million in initial funding, as first reported by Axios. Carthy told Business Insider he is looking to hire a small team based on expertise and geographic markets. Carthy explained that the private tier model allows him to be more flexible with hiring and fundraising than a traditional venture capital firm, which can be subject to vice clauses in limited partner deals that restrict investments in certain industries.

"The space is just broadly undercapitalized," Carthy said. "There are those that do get funding and played their cards right, but then there's nowhere to turn for a Series B. There's not doubt a different company in a different space with the same metrics could fundraise, but that's not the case whatsoever for sexual wellness."

Carthy said Intimate Capital will begin testing its thesis with investments in Series B rounds to help bridge the funding gap he described. Once the firm has made some successful returns, Carthy said he will start looking downstream to earlier rounds. 

"There is a Nespresso of sexual wellness, a Beats of sexual wellness, and a Lululemon of sexual wellness. We want to find them and capitalize them to create the breakthrough product that makes these brands into household names," Carthy said.

SEE ALSO: This CEO got $3 million from investors including Serena Williams’ VC firm to fix a problem with women’s healthcare that even the star tennis player has struggled with

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NOW WATCH: Watch SpaceX's 'most difficult launch ever'


How emotionally intelligent are you? Here are 11 smart ways to check where you stand.

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coworkers office

  • Emotional intelligence is more important than ever. It's one of the top 10 in-demand work skills, and it's only going to become more prominent.
  • However, many "frontline leaders" fall short on communication abilities, which usually come with high emotional intelligence.
  • You can gauge your emotional intelligence, and work on deepening it, by asking yourself these 11 questions.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

To prepare for the workplace of the future, workers should start thinking about building up their emotional intelligence now.

According to the World Economic Forum's The Future of Jobs Report 2018, emotional intelligence (EQ) is currently a top 10, in-demand work skill desired by most employers globally (coming in at No. 7).

By 2022, EQ will see a particular increase in demand relative to its current prominence today. However, not everyone is prepared. Research by Development Dimensions International (DDI) found that more than 50 percent of "frontline leaders" fell short in their communication abilities.

While a leader's cognitive ability (IQ) is required for the intellectual traits of the job, EQ paves the way for the communication skills necessary to successfully drive execution and inspire people to better outcomes. And many leaders are not ready.

The future of work is human and relational. And the bigger opportunity for leadership development lies in teaching future leaders that soft-skills are now the real hard-skills required to move forward in the age of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

11 questions to gauge your emotional intelligence

Whether you're a front-line worker in a customer-facing role or in any managerial capacity, you may want to know where you stand against the high bar of emotional intelligence.

Answer the questions below to evaluate yourself in relation to eleven chosen behaviors of high emotional intelligence.

SEE ALSO: 5 meaningful examples of emotional intelligence at work

1. Empathy

Do you have the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within his or her frame of reference?



2. Self-awareness

Do you seek honest feedback from others in a caring, trusting environment?



3. Curiosity

Are you driven to want to be your best by learning new things, growing, and improving?



4. Focus

When things around going wrong, are you able to differentiate between real problems and distractions in order to stay focused on what really matters?



5. Belief

Do you believe that the people and things in your life are there for a reason — that everything will ultimately work out for good?



6. Optimism

Do you choose to live each day by having a positive outlook and seeing the glass half-full?



7. Adaptability

Are you able to recognize when to stay the course, and when it's time for a change? In other words, when one strategy is not working, do you evaluate and determine if something else will work?



8. Servant-leadership

Besides focusing on your own success, do you also maintain a strong desire for wanting to see the people around you succeed?



9. Confidence

Are you comfortable with who you are, regardless of whether anyone is stroking your ego?



10. Forgiveness

When others have wronged you, are you able to forgive and forget, and move on?



11. Commitment

Do you keep agreements make a habit of keeping your word — in things big and small?



I'm a 36-year-old CEO who sold my first startup for $1 billion. I've learned more this year than any other year of my life because I made 5 important changes.

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justin kan atrium ceo

  • Justin Kan is a mid-30s entrepreneur who sold his previous startup, Twitch, to Amazon for $1 billion, and has raised millions in VC funding for his current project, the legal startup Atrium.
  • On Twitter, Kan explained how, on his 36th birthday, he realized that he's learned more this year than he has any other year. With his permission, we've shared his insights below.
  • Kan is recentering and putting others first, but also no longer trying to rely on external approval. Happiness doesn't come from things, but from yourself.
  • He's also trying to deeply appreciate each moment for what it is: a gift.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Today is my birthday. I've learned more in the last year than in any other year of my life.

In addition to giving up alcohol permanently and publishing my guide to Feeling Good, here are some of the things I've been working on.

Becoming comfortable in my discomfort

I used to flinch away from all forms of discomfort: pain, uncomfortable conversations, boredom. Through meditation I've become more able to notice the feelings of discomfort I experience, and much more ok with simply sitting with them. 

Justin Kan twitch

Cultivating non-attachment

Modern society is a trap that tricks us that if only we get X thing, we will finally be happy. X10,000 different things: jobs, possessions, likes, etc. Every day I re-learn that happiness doesn't come from the extrovert world, it comes from inside.

Generally I've found that when you stop desperately grasping, the thing you wanted will come more easily. I recognize that may sound like a privileged thing to say, but try it for yourself and see.

Read more:I've been an angel investor in 100 companies in 8 years, including a bunch of unicorns. Here are the most important things I've learned

Becoming the source of my own approval

I have always tried to source approval from others, desperately trying to make up for scarring from my childhood (of course, that never worked). I've been reminding myself that I approve of myself 100%, and that I am enough the way I am.

I never really got "intentionality" until I discovered it meant "do things with conscious purpose" (i.e. because you actually want to) instead of "do whatever random shit you happened to fall into."

Justin Kan birthday tweet

Being joyful

Every conscious moment is a gift. Even the ones that society has trained you to fear or avoid. I want to deeply appreciate every moment for the miracle that it is.

Joy is your birthright. You don't have to earn it or achieve it. You don't have to do anything. It is there for you when you choose it.

Putting others first in my life

I've lived the first half of my life feeding my ego's needs. I will spend the next half putting my community and family first. I now believe that true joy comes from the release of the self.

If things I've said resonates with you, that is beautiful. If they don't resonate, that is beautiful. Another person's learnings are just a mirror for you to figure out your own truth.

If the next year is as filled as this one has been with learning and deep connection to others, I have been truly blessed.

SEE ALSO: A CEO who sold his first startup for $1 billion explains how to build a company and stay happy at the same time

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NOW WATCH: Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack and Flickr, says 2 beliefs have brought him the greatest success in life

From dancers to photographers and painters, here's how much 28 jobs in the art world really pay

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art director

Being creative can pay off. 

From musicians to artists, people making a career off their creative talents can rake in good salaries each year.

Business Insider analyzed average annual salaries for 28 creative jobs using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Statistics program, which offers data on employment and wages across different occupations and industries. Three top creative jobs — actors, musicians, and dancers — did not have annual salaries published by the BLS, and so we estimated annual earnings using average hourly wages.

While some roles, like floral designers, earn under $30,000 a year, art directors, architects, and video editors earn near $100,000.

Here's what 28 creative-type jobs pay. 

SEE ALSO: From paramedics to firefighters and surgeons, here's what the average American makes in 19 life-saving jobs

28. Floral designers make $28,900 a year.



27. Craft artists make $40,490 a year.



26. Photographers make $42,770 a year.



25. Dancers make $43,056 a year.



24. Jewelers make $43,570 a year.



23. Chefs and head cooks make $52,160 a year.



22. Choreographers make $53,560 a year.



21. Graphic designers make $54,680 a year.



20. Fine artists make $58,370 a year.



19. Interior designers make $59,120 a year.



18. Music directors make $59,790 a year.



17. Set and exhibit designers make $61,020 a year.



16. Actors make $61,027 a year.



15. Camera operators make $61,750 on average.



14. General artists make $67,700 a year.



13. Designers make $68,610 a year.



12. Editors make $69,480 a year.



11. Commercial and industrial designers make $71,430 a year.



10. Makeup artists make $72,030 a year.



9. Writers and authors make $73,090 a year.



8. Web developers make $75,580 a year.



7. Musicians and singers make $78,021 a year.



6. Multimedia artists and animators make $78,230 a year.



5. Film and video editors make $86,830 a year.



4. Fashion designers make $87,610 a year.



3. Architects make $88,860 a year.



2. Producers and directors make $89,840 a year.



1. Art directors make $104,590 a year.



Meet Peggy Siegal, the NYC publicist who got Jeffrey Epstein into A-list events and has been called the 'best way' to make sure your movie wins an Oscar

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Peggy Siegal George Clooney

Peggy Siegal, one of New York's most powerful publicists, has spent over 30 years connecting New York's tastemakers to generate press and awards for the films she represents. Until two years ago, one of those influential people was registered sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. 

"I was a kind of plugged-in girl around town who knew a lot of people," Siegal told The New York Times. "And I think that's what he wanted from me, a kind of social goings-on about New York."

In 2010, a year after Epstein was released from a 13-month prison sentence for solicitation of prostitution and procurement of minors for prostitution in Florida, Siegal invited him to her events and even planned a dinner party at his house for Prince Andrew, according to The New York Times.

Read more: The famous connections of Jeffrey Epstein, the elite wealth manager charged with sex trafficking young girls

His relationship with Siegal was not the only way Epstein, who was arrested on charges of sex trafficking of minors on July 6, 2019, attempted to raise his profile during that time. Business Insider previously reported that former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew were also in Epstein's network.

Keep reading for a look inside Peggy Siegal's life — and her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

SEE ALSO: Registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein were part of a group that made a failed $45 million attempt to buy New York Magazine in the 2000s

DON'T MISS: How Jeffrey Epstein, the mysterious hedge-fund manager arrested on sex-trafficking charges, made his fortune

Peggy Siegal, 72, is a New Jersey native.

Siegal's father owned a light bulb company, according to The New York Times, and Siegal's mother wanted her to focus more on social-climbing than building a career. She gave Siegal the name "Peggy" because she "thought that name would sound great in the halls of Vogue magazine," Siegal told the newspaper, and refused to send Siegal to the same elite private high school as her son.

"Every day in high school I had to watch my brother come home in a school uniform, going to school with rich kids in New York," Siegal said, according to the Times. "I was going to school at Fort Lee High with the children of hairdressers and gas station attendants. This was beyond humiliating."

"As a Jewish princess from New Jersey, I always wanted to be a queen," Siegal told the Times in 2016.



She's hosted events for journalists and members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to promote films including "The Big Short," "Argo," and "The Revenant."

Siegal specializes in hosting lunches, teas, and dinners for filmmakers to help them promote their work. She described the events to The New York Times as "a press conference wrapped around a piece of chicken."

Vanity Fair reported that Siegel is "the engine that drives" the New York Oscar circuit. "The best way to win an Oscar is to make a great film," the magazine observed, "but the best way to guarantee it is to get Peggy to shine a light on it." 



Siegal has a directory of 30,000 contacts that includes Barbara Walters, Martha Stewart, Michael Douglas, Darren Aronofsky, and Sofia Coppola, according to The New York Times.

Siegal's vast social network is important to her work: She said she gets big names to attend her events to help draw in journalists and film critics. For example, she got Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel to attend an event for the Hungarian Holocaust film "Son of Saul," she told The New York Times, because "all Jews want to meet Elie Wiesel."

To make things easier, she told The New York Times she keeps her contacts list sorted by both nationality and profession.



For the past decade, Siegal has mailed a creative Valentine's Day card to her contacts.

Her 2019 card featured a picture of Siegal in a spacesuit imitating the movie poster for "First Man," a copy of the card obtained by The Hollywood Reporter shows.

"Happy Valentine's Day. I love you to the moon and back," the card reads.

Siegal always signs her cards and emails "XOXO Peggy," according to The Hollywood Reporter



Among those contacts is registered sex offender and multimillionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein.

"He said he'd served his time and assured me that he changed his ways," Siegal said about her reunion with Epstein after he was released from prison in 2010, according to The New York Times. The pair had been friends before his prison term, so she began to add him back to the guest list of some of her events.

Siegal planned a dinner party for Epstein at his Upper East Side home. The event was attended by Britain's Prince Andrew, Katie Couric, George Stephanopoulos, and Chelsea Handler in 2010. "The invitation was positioned as, 'Do you want to have dinner with Prince Andrew?'" Ms. Siegal said. Many of the guests didn't know who the host was or about his criminal history, The New York Times reported.

A spokesperson for Siegal told Business Insider that Siegal's relationship with Epstein was social, not professional.

Read more: Investigators say they found 'hundreds' of nude photos of girls in Jeffrey Epstein's New York City mansion

Siegal told The New York Times that she ended her relationship with Epstein at the height of the #MeToo era in 2017.



Siegal has said that she frequently goes under the knife.

"The best way to combat gender and age discrimination is to knock them out when you walk into a room," Siegal told The New York Times

At her sixtieth and seventieth birthday parties, Siegal even passed out pamphlets with her beauty secrets, according to New York Magazine. The most recent edition, entitled "How to Look Like Me at 70," lists her favorite surgeons and beauty products.



She's known for being a tough boss.

Siegal isn't the easiest person to work with, The New York Times has reported. She has been known to yell at her subordinates and struggles to remember their names.

Many of her former employees are successful, however, going on to work for the Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, 20th Century Fox, and Warner Bros., according to The New York Times.



She lives in an Upper East Side apartment that used to belong to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' father.

Siegal lives alone in a two-bedroom apartment on East 74th Street, according to The New York Times. She said that she works seven days a week and is too focused on her career for a family.



13 simple ways to get better at small talk

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Small talk

The prospect of making small talk can make people roll their eyes or shudder.

But opting out of superficial chat isn't really an option if you're ever planning on going to a conference, a cocktail party, or any place where there are other human beings you don't know that well.

Read more:16 habits of extremely boring people

To help you out, we checked out Quora, Reddit, and other resources, and highlighted some of the best tips for upping your small-talk game.

You can even make a habit of practicing with strangers you'll probably never see again, since research suggests that making conversation with fellow commuters leaves people happier.

Read on to make small talk less a burden and more an experience that's actually (gasp!) enjoyable.

SEE ALSO: 16 habits of extremely boring people

Demonstrate interest in your conversation partner.

Several Quora users said the best way to keep a conversation rolling is to show you care about what the other person has to say.

"If you don't fundamentally care about the person you are speaking with, that will show, and that may be the primary reason why you are running out of things to discuss," Kai Peter Chang wrote in a now deleted comment.

That also means letting your conversation partner share information about himself or herself.

"Let the other person speak more," Anam Gulraiz writes. "People LOVE talking about themselves."



Ask open-ended questions.

Instead of asking yes/no questions that lead to dead ends, encourage your conversation partner to share some more detail about his or her life.

"In general, open-ended questions lead to more conversational paths," Craig Weiland says.

For example, instead of asking a fellow party guest, "Are you here with your family?" you might ask, "How did you meet the host?"



Allow your conversation partner to teach you.

"If there's a subject you're not familiar with, just be honest with that person and nine out of 10 times they'll teach you about it," Michael Wong wrote in a now-deleted comment.

It goes back to that central idea of letting other people do most of the talking. Asking other people to explain what they mean might prompt them to talk for at least another few minutes.



Share anecdotes.

Don't hesitate to let your conversation partner know that you can relate to what he or she is telling you, user Ellen Vrana says.

"This forms a bond," she adds.

For example, if your partner says he or she spent time living in another country and you did as well, share a story or two about your years abroad. You'll most likely prompt the other person to tell you about some similar memories.



Boost your conversation partner's self-esteem.

Flatter people to capture and hold their interest, Joe Goebel suggests.

"Try to make everyone you talk with feel a little better about themselves after having met and talked to you," he writes.



Practice with everyone you meet.

Whether it's the doorman in your office lobby or a fellow passenger on the train, try your hand at small talk with everyone, Rohan Sinha says.

Eventually, you'll start feeling more comfortable striking up and maintaining interesting conversations.



Copy good conversationalists.

"Listen to comedians, listen to talk-show hosts, listen to real people," user Edahn Small recommends.

Try to remember the kinds of questions they ask, how they follow up on the other person's answers, and even how they make use of silence. Chances are good that they learned the same way.



Use the "ARE" format.

Andrian Iliopoulos uses a method from communications expert Carol Fleming, called the "ARE" format:

• Anchor: Find something you two have in common right now. For example, "This cocktail is really fancy — what's in it?"

• Reveal: Share something personal with the other person. For example, "I tried a similar cocktail at a beach bar in Malibu last year and it blew me away."

• Encourage: Invite them to share something personal. For example: "I can see it in your eyes that you hate cocktails. You are more of a whiskey drinker, aren't you?"



Ask a better version of, 'What do you do?'

In a 2013 blog post, best-selling author Gretchen Rubin suggests asking people you meet, "What's keeping you busy these days?"

Rubin writes: "It's useful because it allows people to choose their focus (work, volunteer, family, hobby) — preferable to the inevitable question (well, inevitable at least in New York City): 'What do you do?'"



Talk about something that just happened to you.

"Whenever I want to start a conversation with a stranger or someone I don't know well, I start talking about something that happened to me early that day," writes William Beteet.

"This doesn't put them on the spot like a question does, and gives the opportunity to either ask me a question or add what they know about the topic."

He adds: "I can't tell you how many great conversations I've had by saying, 'I just had the most amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwich.'"



Be honest.

"There's nothing wrong with just saying, 'You know, I hate small talk, so how about we talk about something big?'" Derek Scruggs writes.

Chances are, your conversation partner will feel somewhat relieved.

Scruggs recommends having on hand a few "big" questions that promote intimacy, including, "What's something that scared you today?" and "Are you happy with your current lifestyle?"



Bring up some of your past failures.

User Erick Diaz says:

"Whenever I talk about my accomplishments, people will just nod and say, 'Congrats man! That's awesome.' It's dry, ineffective, and doesn't segue into anything of substance. BUT when I talked about:

• Accidentally spilling food on people at a restaurant I worked at
• Burning the chicken at my girlfriend's house, nearly causing us to break up
• Accidentally throwing my phone away in a public trash can and having to dive in to get it back

"They always get big laughs."

What's more, Diaz says, it encourages the other person to talk about their own mishaps.



Know that other people feel weird, too.

"You are totally not alone in feeling awkward or shy," Tammy Tangerine writes on Reddit. "Other people are struggling with that as well, and these feelings are totally ok and nothing to feel ashamed about."

She adds that even people who look incredibly confident may be struggling with the same self-doubts as you.



Here's how to gain early access to Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

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nordstrom anniversary sale

  • The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially beings on July 19, but Nordstrom cardholders can gain early access from July 12 to July 18. Simply sign in and shop using your Nordstrom credit card.
  • If you're not already a cardholder, you can apply here now and get instant approval.
  • Shopping during the early-access sale rather than the public sale will give you first dibs on the best items in the sale. You won't have to worry about items being sold out or sizes being unavailable.

Everyone loves a great sale, but there are few things worse than finding out that all of the best deals have been picked over or are completely sold out because other people got to it before you did.

We've all been beaten to the punch on great deals at one point or another, but Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is not the time to let it happen again. 

Fortunately, Nordstrom is giving store cardholders early access to the Anniversary Sale from July 12-18 before it opens up to the public on July 19. The early-access window means that you'll have first dibs on all of the best deals and won't have to worry about the items you want selling out. If you're already a Nordstrom cardholder, you're all set — simply sign into your account and you can shop now.

For those who don't already have a card, getting one is easy. You can apply online here and get instant approval. 

Nordstrom Credit Card

You can expect the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to have hard-to-beat deals on clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods, and beauty products, but if you're looking to get the best of the best deals and extra savings (for new card members), signing up for a Nordstrom credit card should be an easy decision. 

You can also check out  Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals for each of the following categories, add some things to your wish-list, and shop them now if you have a Nordstrom Card.

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale now.

Apply for the Nordstrom Credit Card here

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7 surprising ways the elite are showing off their wealth around the world

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rich person.JPG

The evolution of status symbols is related to their public perception.

If enough outsiders adopt a trend, action, or brand, they can change the meaning of its signal, according to Wharton professor Jonah Berger in his book, "Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior.

Read more: The evolution of brands like Michael Kors and Abercrombie & Fitch explains the downfall of some status symbols, according to a Wharton professor

But there's more to status symbols than social influence — cultural and economic contexts also shape status symbols. For example, the cost of living in an expensive city like New York City has made the ability to raise more than two children a status symbol. In Singapore, meanwhile, where land is hard to come by, owning a house marks one's elite status.

Traditional wealth signifiers like private planes, yachts, and Rolexes may be a standard among the elite across the world, but status symbols also vary from place to place.

Here, seven status symbols from around the world.

SEE ALSO: 9 unlikely items that have become luxury status symbols among the elite

NOW READ: A rise in discreet wealth is creating a new type of status symbol, and the elite are spending their money on 5 key lifestyle choices to keep up with it

In New York City, where it's expensive to raise kids, having a big family can be a sign of wealth.

For wealthy moms in New York, where it's particularly expensive to raise kids, having a big family is seen as the ultimate status symbol, according to Wednesday Martin, Ph.D., author of the 2015 memoir "Primates of Park Avenue."

"Three was the new two, something you just did in this habitat. Four was the new three — previously conversation stopping, but now nothing unusual. Five was no longer crazy or religious — it just meant you were rich. And six was apparently the new town house — or Gulfstream," Martin wrote.

According to Martin, the kids aren't just status symbols but an opportunity for mothers to preen in front of one another and forge their own identities. Mothers on the Upper East Side, she said, wear tiny medallions engraved with their children's initials around their necks and stacking rings — one for each child — on their fingers.



Limited land in Singapore makes owning a house a status symbol.

In Singapore, limited land makes owning a house the ultimate status symbol, Business Insider's Katie Warren reported. Billionaires spend millions snapping up the island's few single-family homes in secluded, ritzy neighborhoods like Orchard Road and Holland Village.

"Owning a piece of land in Singapore is certainly a privilege, as land is the most precious resource in the city-state," Christine Li, a senior director and head of research for Singapore at Cushman & Wakefield Inc., told Yoojung Lee of Bloomberg. "Over the past five decades, land prices have appreciated significantly. This has fueled wealth creation for older generations."

The most exclusive of these homes are classified as "Good Class Bungalows," which are houses that typically have at least 15,000 square feet of living space, Lee said. There are only about 2,700 of them on the island. And only the top 5% of earners in Singapore can afford them — they tend to cost a least $1,190 a square foot, Lee reported.



India's elite show off their wealth with a house in Mayfair, London.

The Indian elite are flocking to London's high-end real-estate market to purchase houses, Sudeshna Sen reported for The Economic Times in 2011. Black Brick, London's largest independent buying agency, told Sen that Mayfair, an affluent area in London's West End, is one of the most popular neighborhoods for Indian buyers.

But owning a house in Mayfair has only become a more prominent status symbol over time. Before 2015, a family of four in India could only take $400,000 out of the country, but a change by the Reserve Bank of India that year raised the limit to $1 million, according to Isabelle Fraser for The Telegraph in 2017. Since the change, Black Brick's sales among Indian buyers increased by 13%, the company told Fraser.



Luxury cars are a big deal in Russia.

Luxury cars are a traditional status symbol in many places, but they take precedence in Russia. lya Merenzon, a businessman who splits his time between Russia and the US, told Condé Nast Traveler that he once met a deputy in the mayor's office in Russia who told him, "I never start a meeting before seeing what car the person drives. If it's less than a BMW or a Mercedes ..."

Russians view luxury cars as such prime status symbols that they're willing to pay for them even if it means spending less elsewhere, reported James Ellingworth of The Associated Press.

"Russians can allow themselves to rent a room in a shared flat on the fifth floor of a Khrushchev-era apartment building, live very poorly, but still drive an Audi," Tatiana Lukavetskaya, CEO of Rolf, a major car dealer in Moscow and St. Petersburg, told Ellingworth. "That's because everyone sees how I drive, but no one sees how I live."



In the UK, Norland nannies are favored among the UK's elite.

Nannies who attend the prestigious nanny schoolNorland College in Europe are especially sought after by high-profile families around the world, to the point where they've become the ultimate status symbol, according to Lara Pendergrast for The Spectator.

However, they're especially popular in the UK, where the school is based. According to Tal Dekel-Daks for Departures, Norland nannies are the choice child-carers among the UK elite. Graduates earn between $36,493 and $58,552 in London and between $48,793 and $84,343 outside of London,Business Insider previously reported.

You can spot a Norland nanny by their uniform — a brown dress or trousers, brown shoes, and dark tights — which acts as a status symbol in its own right, Dekel-Daks reported. Even the royals' live-in nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, is a Norland College graduate.



Falcons are a status symbol in the United Arab Emirates.

Falconry has played a central role in the United Arab Emirates and Middle Eastern culture, where nomads have long used falcons to hunt for food, Harrison Jacobs reported for Business Insider.

In the UAE, falconers train their falcons, which can cost up to $60,000 a bird, to race in the President's Cup, a national competition in which the winner can earn up to $7 million in prizes. The pricey birds have become a status symbol akin to fancy European sports cars, Jacobs wrote. 

They even get first-class treatment — the pets, which have their own passports, are allowed to fly in cabins on Middle Eastern airlines, Bianca Britton reported for CNN.



China is embracing flashy brand logos as a status symbol.

Logos from high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have witnessed a global resurgence on the runway in recent seasons. In Western cultures, the trend is seeing a revival, but in China, it's seeing particular growth, reported Yiling Pan for Quartz. Ten years ago, wearing logos evoked disdain in China, but today, they're appreciated as a marker of luxury status, according to Pan.

China's obsession with hip-hop and streetwear, Pan wrote, has helped spawn the trend. Luxury streetwear is taking hold among the elite globally, but it has different roots in China. The popular Chinese reality show "The Rap of China" sparked interest in streetwear brands and was arguably the biggest mainstream platform for hip-hop and streetwear culture in the country's history, he said.

"Ultimately whether wearing logos is aesthetically relevant and socially appropriate reflects consumers' level of economic optimism," Ray Ju, a consultant at Labbrand, told Pan. "And that's why logos of big-name brands have once again become popular among Chinese luxury consumers, who are optimistic about the future of their country and their own bank accounts."




This viral photo app that makes you look old has been all over everyone's social media feeds. Here's how to use it.

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  • FaceApp, the photo editing app that uses artificial intelligence to apply filters, has seen a resurgence of interest in recent days.
  • People have been using the app's "Old" filter to share photos of what they might look like after aging on social media.
  • Celebrities such as rapper Drake and pop group the Jonas Brothers have been using the app too.
  • Visit Business Insider for more stories. 

If you've been seeing your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds filled with photos of friends and family members that seemingly aged overnight, you're not alone.

In recent days, there's been a resurgence of interest in FaceApp, the popular photo app that uses artificial intelligence to apply filters that can make you look older or younger or swap your gender in addition to other effects. The app launched in 2017, but has been flooding social media feeds everywhere over the past several days. Celebrities from rapper Drake to famous chef Gordon Ramsay and pop group the Jonas Brothers have been using the app to see how they might age. 

But there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start uploading your photos. The app's terms give FaceApp, which is based in Russia, the freedom to use user content however the company wishes. There has also been some concern over how the app accesses a user's photo library even if that person doesn't give the app permission to do so. But, as TechCrunch has pointed out, Apple offers a tool developers can build into their apps that lets users choose one photo from their library to upload without giving that app access to the entire library. 

If you do want to try using FaceApp to see how you'll age, you can do so by following the steps below. 

SEE ALSO: Check out all the new emoji coming to your iPhone this fall

Download the FaceApp app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and decline the offer to subscribe to the app when opening it.



Take a photo of yourself or choose a photo from your image library. Tapping the "Photos" button at the bottom will let you choose a photo from your camera roll without giving the app access to your entire photo library.



Scroll over to the "Age" filter at the bottom of the screen.



Choose "Old" and wait for the photo to process.



You can also use demo photos provided by the app, or choose images of celebrities by tapping the button near the bottom of the app.



Celebrities have been taking part in the #AgeChallenge too, like actress Busy Philips.

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I mean...probs🤷‍♀️

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And comedian Sarah Silverman.

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#FACEAPP look at this cool ass granny I'll take it

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And Drake.

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Best caption wins ovo tickets

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The Instant Pot is on still on sale for $50 right now as an extended Prime Day deal — at least, until it sells out

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  • Prime Day 2019 ended last night, but there are still discounts on  Instant Pot multi-cookers and other appliances. 
  • Amazon sold a whopping 300,000 Instant Pots during last year's Prime Day when they were discounted to their then-lowest prices ever.
  • If you're looking to get one this year even after Prime Day, beware of sellouts. Below are the deals you can still get.

Prime Day 2019 ended last night, but there are still deep discounts on the cult-favorite Instant Pot available. 

Last year on Prime Day, people bought a whopping 300,000 Instant Pots, the actual Swiss army knife of kitchens across the country. The total volume of orders from the 36-hour event broke Instant Pot's previous sale records. Back in 2017, it also broke the list of Amazon's top five best sellers on Prime Day.

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?node=13887280011&hvadid=357656494295&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4811143097770052267&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=kwd-297861118695&ref=pd_sl_mdpvw3y7d_e&linkCode=sl2&tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkId=b526a275fc9de74a4095a0930e12906f&language=en_US" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Shop Prime Day Deals</a>

If you're only going to buy one kitchen appliance, or you can only bring one hypothetical tool to a kitchen on a desert island, it would be difficult to find one more useful than this.

The Prime Day 2019 deals on Instant Pots that you can still get right now:

Why buy an Instant Pot?

TheInstant Pot can do more things — and make more food — than you would believe possible in a comically small amount of space. Depending on the model you get, you can feed families of six or more in one fell swoop, and it can replace 10 common kitchen appliances with one: It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté pan, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer.

The real beauty of theInstant Pot, aside from its efficiency, is its total convenience. It removes barriers both to cooking at home and eating healthy foods. Instead of babying dry black beans with an overnight soak and four hours of patient simmering, you can toss them into the Pot and pressure cook them for 30 minutes while you catch up on a Netflix show.

It's popular with our readers, but also with our team. Our tech guy has sworn by it as well as an Insider Picks editor, and it topped our list of the best instant cookers. It also has over 30,000 five-star Amazon reviews. If you're looking for a new do-anything kitchen gadget, prioritize this one.

Here's what the Instant Pot deals were on Prime Day 2019: 

Want to stay updated on everything Prime Day 2019? Bookmark this pageandour master guide to the best deals of Prime Day.  

Join the conversation about this story »

30 exclusive skin-care and beauty deals you can only get during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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  • If you're looking to expand your beauty collection, you're in luck. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here and it's filled with more beauty, skin-care, and haircare deals than you can imagine. 
  • This year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will run from July 19 to August 4. But, Nordstrom cardholders get early access starting July 12 to shop all the deals. 
  • We'll be sifting through the thousands of deals to help you sort through the noise so you can focus on the fun stuff. Below, find 30 of the best beauty deals you won't want to miss at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale this summer.

Nordstrom's huge Anniversary Sale is finally here. As the store's biggest sale of the year, it's a much awaited event — drawing even more sales than the holiday season, if you can believe it.  

Now through July 18, only Nordstrom cardholders can take advantage of the discounts. The sale will open to the public on July 19 and will last until August 4, giving you plenty of time to find whatever's on your list.

In this list, you'll find everything from Anniversary Sale-exclusive skin-care and beauty sets by brands like MAC, Trish McEvoy, NARS, and Bobbi Brown, to exclusively sized bottles of cult-favorite products like Kiehl's Creme de Corps lotion and Philosophy'sPurity cleanser.

Shop the Early Access Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom here

Apply for a Nordstrom credit card to shop the Early Access Anniversary Sale here

Check out our picks for the best deals in beauty and skin care, below:

Mario Badescu The Essentials Set

$23 (valued at $33)[You save $10]

Mario Badescu has a cult following, particularly when it comes to their Drying Lotion. This set includes the favorite for drying out pimples and spots, plus the brand's refreshing facial spray and nourishing lip balm.

See all Mario Badescu skin-care deals



Kiehl's Ultra Healthy Skin Favorites Set

$62 (valued at $108)[You save $46]

In addition to this value set from Kiehl's, the brand is also offering a jumbo bottle ofCreme de Corps (and plenty of other favorites) in a 33.8-ounce size.

See all Kiehl's skin-care deals



NARS Motu Tane Face Palette

$42, valued at $56 [You save $14]

This palette from NARS, featuring a peachy blush, champagne highlighter, and golden bronzer, is inspired by the Polynesian island of Motu Tane and gives you a sun-kissed summer glow.

See all NARS beauty deals



La Mer The Soothing Collection

$360 (valued at $475)[You save $115]

La Mer is notoriously pricey, but if you've been dying to try it, this value set is a great way to test the waters. It may still be expensive as far as skin care goes, but it's a relative bargain when it comes to the brand's usual prices.

See all La Mer skin-care deals



Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Peel Like a Pro Set

$130 (valued at $197)[You save $67]

We're huge fans of Dr. Dennis Gross, so you can imagine the audible gasps heard around our office when we found out the brand created an exclusive pack of 60 Alpha Beta Daily Peels, plus a sneak preview of the new Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, for Nordstrom. This is an incredible value, especially for loyal fans of their most popular product.

Read my review of these Alpha Beta Daily Peel facial treatments.

See all Dr. Dennis Gross skin-care deals



Diptyque Floral Candle and Eau de Toilette Set

$72 (valued at $105)[You save $33]

Best known for their candles, Diptyque also offers a selection of body and home fragrances. This set comes with three of their best-selling candle minis and corresponding roll-on perfumes.

See all Diptyque fragrance deals



Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo

$25 (valued at $43)[You save $18]

Makeup lovers don't need me to tell them, but if you're new to the world of beauty products, Anastasia Beverly Hills is the gold standard as far as brow care goes. This duo will keep yours looking perfectly groomed.

See all Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty deals



MAC Eye & Face Kit

$45 (valued at $82)[You save $37]

Most people have no idea that MAC actually launched inside of Nordstrom when it first came to the US from Canada. The two companies have a longstanding relationship, so MAC has created quite a few exclusives for the Anniversary Sale — including this warm neutrals palette filled with eyeshadows, highlighter, and blush.

See all MAC beauty deals



Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow & Face Palette

$85, valued at $267[You save $182]

Bobbi Brown created a palette that's valued at almost $200 more than what you pay for it. It features six eye shadows, three highlighter and bronzer shades, and a mascara to finish any look. 

See all Bobbi Brown beauty and skin-care deals



Trish McEvoy Power of Makeup Planner Set

$250 (valued at $575)[You save $325]

Every year for the Anniversary Sale, Trish McEvoy creates a few of these "planners" full of beauty essentials. This one features nearly $600 worth of her luxury makeup for a major discount.

See all Trish McEvoy skin-care and beauty deals



Charlotte Tilbury Gift of Magic Miracle Skin Set

$75 (valued at $102)[You save $27]

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is beloved by celebs and makeup artists alike — and so is the Wonder Glow, a brightening primer than can be worn on its own or under makeup.

See all Charlotte Tilbury skin-care and beauty deals



Jo Malone London Miniature Fragrance & Body Set

$47 (valued at $68) [You save $21]

Nothing is classier than Jo Malone London's richly layered fragrances — of which you can get two plus a body cream with this deal (hint: these make great holiday gifts).

See all Jo Malone fragrance and body-care deals



Stila Liquid Eyeshadow Set

$35 (valued at $72)[You save $37]

Stila is probably most known for its liquid liners and eyeshadows. This set includes three full-sized liquid eyeshadows in shimmery, neutral shades that last all night long.  

See all stila beauty deals



BeautyBio R45 The Reversal 3-Phase Retinol Treatment Set

$99 (valued at $188)[You save $89] — currently unavailable

BeautyBio may not be the most well-known brand, but they sure do make some high-quality skin care. I'm a fan of their SPF moisturizer, but you can find their patented retinol treatment, brightening rosehip oil, and hydrating eye balm as part of this deal.

See all BeautyBio skin-care deals



Lancôme Lash Must-Haves Set

$59.50 (valued at $98)[You save $38.50]

If you're a Lancôme loyalist, this set of all its best mascaras and eye-makeup remover should be enough to make you giddy.

See all Lancôme skin-care and beauty deals



Laura Mercier Trés Chic Face Palette

$52 (valued at $86) [You save $34]

About two years ago I got a Laura Mercier Illuminator highlighter, and have used it at least four to fives times a week since. It has lasted me longer than I ever could have imagined — so if you're wondering whether or not this palette is worth it, the answer is a very firm yes. You'll also get some blushes and bronzers for the ultimate glow. 

See all Laura Mercier beauty deals



Too Faced Pretty Rich Makeup Set

$49 (valued at $97)[You save $48]

Too Faced is probably best known for its palettes — this one is filled with an array of shimmery shades, neutral mattes, and applies dreamily. Plus, it includes the brand's High Shine Sparkling Lip Gloss and a tube of Better Than Sex mascara — a major fan favorite for sky-high lashes.

See all Too Faced beauty deals



Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Kit

$48 (valued at $94) [You save $46]

A bottle of Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray, along with a travel-size and an application sponge work to make sure your makeup looks never fall out of place. 

This is the only deal from Urban Decay.



Le Labo Santal 33 and Rose 31 Travel Spray Duo

$98 (value not listed)

Le Labo's fragrances are making waves right now in the form of their gender-neutral sprays and all-around delicious candles. This set contains two of their best sellers, AnOther 13 and Santal 33.

See all Le Labo fragrance deals



Drybar Brushin' & Crushin' Set

$165 (valued at $238)[You save $73]

There's nothing like a fresh weekend blowout and style from Drybar, but this set featuring their best sellers and a heated straightening hairbrush is the best option when it comes to daily hairdos.



Clinique Big Genius Little Genius Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Duo

$39 (valued at $53.50)[You save $14.50]

This lotion by Clinique has been around forever, and it's not going anywhere any time soon considering how many people swear by it. Clinique products rarely go on sale, so this is a great time to stock up on the basics.

See all Clinique skin-care and beauty deals



Jack Black Skin Care Essentials Set

$35 (valued at $56)[You save $21]

Jack Black (unrelated to the actor) makes men's skin-care and beard-care products that smell great and work well. This set of essentials is a wonderful product for guys who are just getting into taking care of their skin, or looking for an upgrade from their drugstore usuals.

See all Jack Black men's skin-care and body-care deals



NeuBrow Brow Enhancing Serum Duo by NeuLash

$100 (valued at $200)[You save $100]

NeuLash makes serums that improve the rate of growth for lashes and brows. You can find both on sale at Nordstrom, but I've personally used the brow serum and found it to be effective.

See all neuLASH growth serum deals



Oribe Space.Nk.Apothecary Magic Styling Set

$61 (valued at $92)[You save $31] — currently unavailable

Oribe's dry shampoo is the best in the business, but it's notoriously pricey. You can get a bottle of it plus their texturizing spray (also amazing) for $30 off during this sale — but don't expect to find it discounted anywhere else.

See all Oribe hair-care deals



OUAI to Glow Set

$38 (valued at $56)[You save $18]

Yes OUAI — your favorite trendy hair-care brand actually has a deal at Nordstrom right now (rare, we know). Try out the brand's scalp and body scrub, and a travel-sized rose hair and body oil before you go for the full-size version.

This is the only OUAI deal.



GLAMGLOW Super Duo Clear + Renew Set

$79 (valued at $124)[You save $45]

GLAMGLOW's skin care is good for more than just Instagram. This duo packs a complexion-clearing punch with the Supermud pore-clarifying treatment and Superserum exfoliating serum.

See all GLAMGLOW skin-care deals



Viktor&Rolf FlowerBomb Eau de Parfum Set

$140 (valued at $228)[You save $88]

Viktor&Rolf's foray into feminine fragrances was a hit — FlowerBomb is loved for its addictive floral scent. This set gives you all the FlowerBomb you need — it includes a full size, travel size, and mini of the Eau de Parfum — so you never have to be without your favorite scent. 

See all Viktor&Rolf fragrance deals



NuFace White Trinity Facial Toning Kit

$217.75 (valued at $325) [You save $107.25]

If you're looking to amp up your skin-care routine, try the NuFace Trinity Device — it uses a microcurrent treatment to contour and tone your face. This exclusive Anniversary Sale set is perfect for beginners who want to try the treatment for less. 

See all NuFace device deals



Slip for Beauty Sleep Caramel Queen Pillowcase Duo

$119 (valued at $170) [You save $51]

This may seem like more of a home purchase, but makeup artists, hairstylists, dermatologists and more swear by silk pillowcases as a secret to better skin and hair. Slip is beloved for their silk beauty products, but their undeniably pricey. This Anniversary Sale exclusive gives you two slip pillowcases for a much more affordable price. 

See all slip silk deals



Fresh Dream On Lip Set

$32 (valued at $50) [You save $18]

With its array of luxurious lip balms and polishes, Fresh is the go-to when it comes to perfecting your pout. This set has everything you need to give your lips some extra love. Inside you'll find an exfoliating lip polish and two lip treatments — they may look like your average lip balms but they provide an ultra hydrating punch to keep your lips looking plump.

See all Fresh skin-care deals



10 quotes from ancient thinkers that show they figured life out 2,000 years ago

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  • There's a reason ancient philosophy fascinates us thousands of years later: Messages from the earliest recorded history still ring true.
  • Aristotle offered advice on avoiding greed, Socrates knew how to live a meaningful live, and Confucius understood the difference between satisfaction and achievement.
  • Here are some wise words of advice from the greatest philosophers to ever sit down and think.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Modern humans have been around for about 200,000 years. 

For those last 2,500 years or so, we've had philosophers, sages, and deep thinkers to help us guide and understand our behaviors. 

Philosophers like Socrates, Seneca, Confucius, and Siddhartha Gautama offered solutions to problems such as suffering, greed, love, and living a worthwhile life.

Here's a highlight reel of the finest in ancient wisdom. We're confident they're just as applicable to the modern life in Manhattan or Hong Kong as they were to the plains of the Ganges or the mountains of Greece.

SEE ALSO: Are you a fox or a hedgehog? Here's what an ancient saying reveals about your leadership style

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." — Heraclitus, lived circa 500 BCE in Ephesus, modern-day Turkey.

Heraclitus of Ephesus was born wealthy in Ionia, a city on the Greek coast, but lived in the woods to contemplate the universe.

About 2,300 years ago, he had an insight that would reverberate down intellectual history — that the universe is in a constant state of flux. As the above quote asserts, so are our very identities.



The sage "is ready to use all situations and doesn't waste anything. This is called embodying the light." — Lao Tzu, alive circa 600 BCE in China.

Lao Tzu established the tenets of Taoism 2,500 years ago in China. Scholars say he's semi-legendary, since Lao Tzu just means "Old Man" and nobody knows his real identity.

More importantly, he left us the inscrutably playful text, the "Tao Te Ching." It's full of zingers, such as the above observation, which basically says that every situation you find yourself in, no matter how bad it seems, is fundamentally workable.



"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power." — Seneca, died 65 CE in Rome.

The Roman Seneca was a Stoic philosopher and an advisor of the emperor Nero. 

He's beloved by contemporary philosophy nerds like the investor Nassim Taleb and marketing whiz Ryan Holiday.  

Seneca anticipated what psychologists today call "locus of control." People with an external locus of control think that the events in their life stem from factors outside themselves, like fate or a deity. People with an internal locus of control think they are in charge of the events in their lives, and are more likely to turn the lemons of life's tragedies into the lemonade of wisdom — which is precisely what Seneca exhorted the reader to do. 

 



"Suffering exists." — Siddhartha Gautama, lived circa 500 BCE in the plain of the Ganges, modern India.

Often mistranslated as the much less hopeful life is suffering, Siddartha Gautama's observation that suffering simply exists is the bedrock of the religion built around his teachings: Buddhism

When you recognize that suffering exists, it's a lot easier to face it.



"The unexamined life is not worth living." — Socrates, lived in Athens circa 450 BCE.

Socrates embodied the fundamental spirit of Western thought: that the individual has the responsibility of being the author of their own life.

To do that, he said, you must examine everything, including yourself. Ever since he was put to death by the Athenian court for impiety and corrupting the city's youth, he has been an enigma. Despite writing nothing, he remains one of the most important Western philosophers.



"To rank the effort above the prize may be called love." — Confucius, alive in China circa 500 BCE.

Confucius is one of the most influential figures in Chinese history — at least as much as Socrates is in the West, according to philosophers.

The country — and the entire East Asian region's — emphasis on familial relationships and duty to the state can be traced back to this sage.

He emphasized what we today may call grit: finding the value in trying to achieve, and not in attaining actual achievements. 



"The life of money-making is one undertaken under compulsion, and wealth is evidently not the good we are seeking; for it is merely useful and for the sake of something else." — Aristotle, alive in ancient Greece circa 300 BCE.

Not only was Aristotle one of the first people to lay out ideas about the natural world that we might now call scientific, but he gave a critique of living a capitalistic life 2,000 years before Karl Marx was born. 

Living for money wasn't good, Aristotle observed, since money was only useful when leveraged as a tool to gain something else — like security or status.



"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds." — Patanjali, alive in India circa 100 BCE.

Patanjali put together the yoga sutras, the philosophy underlying the sun salutations you might start the day with. 

The above quote continues: 

"Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."



"Although you may spend your life killing, you will not exhaust all your foes. But if you quell your own anger, your real enemy will be slain." — Nagarjuna, India, alive circa 200 CE.

Nagarjuna was one of the most important Buddhist philosophers since Siddartha Gautama. The above quote speaks to his emphasis on being intimate with one's own interior world.

He was a rigorous logician who argued that any statement you make can be in some way falsified — so if you're looking for truth, it's probably not going to come in words.

Rather, it will be through direct experience. Like — as you may expect from a Buddhist saint — through meditation.



"The wealth required by nature is limited and is easy to procure; but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity." — Epicurus, alive in ancient Greece circa 300 BCE.

In contemporary use, the name of the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus tends to refer to the pleasure-obsessed: An Epicurean night out almost certainly entails a hangover. 

But Epicurus the philosopher was much more well-measured. As the above quote suggests, he thought living well was a matter of having command of one's own desires, so that you don't spend your time on earth chasing after things you'll never be able to attain. 



11 things real-estate agents wish they could tell you — but won't

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  • Business Insider surveyed real-estate agents around the country about what it's really like working in their industry.
  • Many said they wished their clients knew all the behind-the-scenes work they do beyond showing homes.
  • Others said they wished their clients would stop assuming all real-estate agents are rich.
  • Here are 11 things real-estate agents wish they could tell their clients, from how much money they really make to "your home isn't selling because you have no taste."
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Life as a real-estate agent probably isn't as glamorous as you'd think.

Business Insider surveyed real-estate agents around the country about what it's really like working in the industry, the best and worst parts of their jobs, and what they wish they could tell their clients.

While some agents chose to remain anonymous, all were independently verified by Business Insider.

From how much money they really make to "your home isn't selling because you have no taste," here are 11 things real-estate agents wish they could tell their clients.

SEE ALSO: A California developer is building a super-luxe gated community in Malibu with only 5 houses that cost up to $100 million each, and Jeff Bezos' top security guy is helping make the compound 'paparazzi-proof'

DON'T MISS: Take a look inside Mark Zuckerberg's secret $22 million Lake Tahoe estate

1. "It's far less lucrative (per transaction) than you think."

Being a real-estate agent isn't as glamorous or lucrative as you might think, according to those in the industry.

Brian Suico, a realtor in Vancouver who sells homes priced at about $700,000 on average, said he wished he could tell clients "how much we pay in real-estate fees and marketing."

"Everyone thinks we are rich," Suico said. "Some of us are, but like every business, we spend money to make money, and we take risks, and some of us are very talented at our jobs."

An agent based in Washington added that most agents earn only "a small fraction of the gross commission paid, and we have to pay all of our expenses and taxes from that."

"It's far less lucrative (per transaction) than you think," the agent said.



2. "I would never want to tell a client that they are unappreciative, but at times it definitely feels that way."

Many agents said they wished clients knew how much work they do behind the scenes.

"We don't just open doors, and we wear many hats," said Spencer Cutler, a Corcoran real-estate broker in New York City. "Yes, part of our job is to show expensive properties in Manhattan, but we're also a transaction coordinator, marketer, therapist, salesperson, telemarketer, CFO, CEO, accountant, analyst, negotiator, teacher, etc."

Claire Groome, an agent at Warburg Realty who sells homes that cost between $1 million and $20 million in New York City, said that brokers do a lot of work that goes unnoticed and that she wished clients knew "how hard (yet rewarding) our jobs are."

"It's an expertise," Groome said.

Scot Dalbery from REAL New York, who deals with rental properties in New York City, expressed similar sentiments.

"Especially in the era we live in now where people think everything can be done instantly and for free through a website or app, clients don't realize the amount of hours spent researching listings, calling agents, making appointments, verifying information, all while answering every text or email from the clients themselves," he told Business Insider.

He added: "I would never want to tell a client that they are unappreciative, but at times it definitely feels that way."



3. "You have no taste."

Mary Hall Mayer, an agent at Warburg Realty in New York City, said she wished she could sometimes tell her clients one harsh truth: "You have no taste, which is why your property can't achieve that price."



4. "If you want to use your sister-in-law or a friend because they have a license, don't do it."

"Don't listen to relatives, friends, Zillow, or Redfin," a real-estate agent based in Washington state who sells homes that cost an average of $400,000 told Business Insider.

Butch Haze, who specializes in homes in the $3 million to $10 million range in the San Francisco Bay Area, added that there's a big difference between top real-estate agents and part-time agents.

"If you want to use your sister-in-law or a friend because they have a license, don't do it," Haze told Business Insider. "You would be better off paying for their friendship, pay them $10,000 because you love them, rather than risk the money you would be leaving on the table by using someone without the knowledge and experience of the very best. There is a reason most top agents are top agents."



5. "Most of my clients wind up increasing their budget by 50% or more."

Adam Feinberg, an agent at Anchor NYC who sells homes with an average price of $725,000, said he wished clients understood that they will often miss amazing opportunities if they're not ready to increase their budget early in the search.

"Most of my clients wind up increasing their budget by 50% or more," he said.



6. "Homeownership isn't for everyone."

"Homeownership isn't for everyone," David Tortolini, a realtor at Keller Williams in Virginia, told Business Insider. "Unless you can afford to take care of large problems when they arise, you probably shouldn't own a home."



7. "Sellers have a hard time accepting that their home needs an alternate look to get maximum results."

Noemi Bitterman, an agent at Warburg Realty who sells homes in Manhattan and Brooklyn, told Business Insider she wished she could tell clients that their furniture "won't showcase their property nicely" and that they need to properly stage their home if they want to get top dollar for it.

"It has been proven over and over again that staging a property gets it sold faster and at a premium price," Bitterman said. "Sellers have a hard time accepting that their home needs an alternate look to get maximum results."



8. "They would be shocked to know just how many people we actually work with at the same time."

Greg Cooper, a broker at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty in Austin, Texas, told Business Insider that he doesn't keep much from his clients but that "maybe they would be shocked to know just how many people we actually work with at the same time."

Cooper sells both residential and commercial real estate in the $300,000 to $8,000,000 range.



9. "You won't find your dream home."

Jason Tsalkas, an agent at Compass who sells homes primarily in Brooklyn for $650,000 to $2 million, told Business Insider that he wishes he could tell excited first-time homebuyers that "you won't find your dream home (yet)... AND THAT'S OK! Some properties just don't exist under a certain price range. But it's alright, we'll check all the boxes we can and eventually, as you grow professionally, you'll get to your dream home."



10. "We hesitate to tell our clients ... that we're taking the weekend off to spend time with our families."

"We hesitate to tell our clients that we are going away on vacation or that we're taking the weekend off to spend time with our families," said Smitha Ramchandani, a broker-associate at SR Real Estate Group at Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty who sells homes in New Jersey and California.



11. "It will all work out."

Robin Kencel of The Robin Kencel Group at Compass in Connecticut, who sells homes between $500,000 and $28 million, said she wished she could tell clients that hurdles and disappointments are part of selling and buying.

"'It will all work out,'" she said. "Whether a buyer or seller, things come up during the process at every stage that can be overwhelming, disappointing, confusing, or just plain annoying. I try to be both a problem-solver and a positive-energy infuser into the transaction."



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