• High-quality toilet paper is gentle on your sensitive regions, easy on your plumbing, and it cleans up messes without leaving anything behind.
• Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper is our top pick because it's easy to tear from the roll, stays strong when wet and dry, and it's incredibly soft.

Everyone seems to have a toilet paper brand that they remain loyal to. After all, if you're going to apply the TP "where the sun don't shine," you want it to treat you right. This guide is for the lost or disillusioned. It's for those of you who haven't found the right toilet paper yet or have given up on your go-to brand, whether it changed, you changed, or you can no longer find it easily. Below, we will help you find the tissue that is right for your comfort, budget, and shopping preferences.

How to compare toilet paper prices

There is no standardization of toilet paper square or roll sizes, so words like "mega roll" or "double roll" don't mean much. Instead, if you want to compare prices, look at the cost per square foot and the number of "ply," or layers of thickness. This scary-looking yet simple equation should do the trick: 

(Price in dollars x 14400) ÷ (width of each sheet in inches x length of each sheet in inches x number of sheets on a roll x number of rolls) = cost in cents per square foot

And, when looking at costs, you should keep in mind that you will use fewer sheets of three-ply toilet paper on your bathroom trip than you'll need of one-ply because of the superior cleaning and absorbing abilities.

Less toilet paper is better

All toilet paper is paper. In order to make paper, you need trees. Although there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives on the market, for the sake of forests and our environment, the less toilet paper you use, the better.

One way to use less toilet paper is to install a bidet. We have a helpful guide on the best bidets, but basically, you can get a decent bidet on Amazon for less than $100 and install it yourself in about half an hour. You'll still need TP to spot check the bidet's work and to dry off, but you will use much less.

A note about buying toilet paper online

As we were doing our research, we found that there were a lot of buyer complaints about the rolls they ordered not being the same size as what they were used to. For this reason, when buying online, pay special attention to the sizes of the sheets, how many sheets are on a roll, and how many rolls you are getting.

If you do find a TP you like on Amazon, we recommend trying the "Subscribe & Save" service. This allows you to save up to 15% off the regular price. Plus, you don't have to remember to reorder TP. It automatically comes to your home at regular intervals.

We examined hundreds of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of many toilet paper brands and styles. The ones we chose to include in our guide have the ability to clean you up down there, are septic and sewer system safe, and have an adequate level of softness.

Here is the best toilet paper you can buy: 

• Best toilet paper overall: Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper
• Best toilet paper for the environment: Seventh Generation Unbleached Toilet Paper
• Best toilet paper on a budget: Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper
• Best toilet paper for sensitive skin: Cottonelle Ultra GentleCare Toilet Paper
• Best three-ply toilet paper: Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme Toilet Paper

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides. 

The best toilet paper overall

Soft, strong, easy to tear, and ultra-absorbent, Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper has built a faithful following with its consistent quality.

You might recognize Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper from the series of commercials featuring bears with comfortable butts. As the name suggests, Ultra Strong is positioned as Charmin's strongest two-ply toilet paper. Charmin advertises it as having washcloth-like cleaning abilities with four times the strength of "the leading bargain brand" when wet.

A durable and absorbent toilet paper is useful when your digestive system is having an off day and trips to the bathroom are frequent. If you are concerned about a hardy TP wreaking havoc on your plumbing, you may take comfort in knowing that Roto-Rooter has approved Ultra Strong as septic- and clog-safe.

The testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute rated Charmin Ultra Strong as the softest toilet paper. And, when wet or dry, it stayed strong. However, they did note that since it took a while to dissolve in their tests, it may not be the best TP for finicky plumbing. Wirecutter had similar findings in their tests and added that the tissue ripped cleanly from the roll and was one of the softest rolls they tested.

More than 1,100 Amazon buyers have posted five-star ratings of Charmin Ultra Strong. One lifelong Charmin buyer registered his frustration with the sheet size decreasing from 4.5" by 4.5" to 3.92" by 4". This led the reviewer to try several other options, but they ended up coming back to Ultra Strong because of the quality and value.

Another reviewer remarked that this is the only toilet paper they use because a roll lasts a long time since they only need a fraction of what they would use with other options. They also have not had any clogging issues with Ultra Strong.

Pros: Soft, strong when wet and dry, rips cleanly from the roll

Cons: Slow to dissolve

The best toilet paper for the environment

If you are looking for an affordable toilet paper that gets the job done and is excellent for our planet, Seventh Generation Unbleached Toilet Paper is your best option.

Seventh Generation generally does an excellent job of producing eco-friendly household items that won't break the bank, and the company's Unbleached Toilet Paper is no exception.

This two-ply, minimum 80% post-consumer recycled fiber toilet paper is free from fragrances, inks, and dyes so it works well for sensitive skin. Plus, it's safe for sewer systems, septic systems, and low-flow toilets, like those found in campers and RVs.

Happy Simple Living's reviewer recommended Seventh Generation because of the "dingleberry-resistance" and comfort. And, the reviewer at My Plastic-Free Life commented that this roll has the highest percentage of post-consumer content that they could find, but they would have liked it if it were softer.

About 77% of the buyers who reviewed Seventh Generation Unbleached Toilet Paper on Amazon gave it four or five stars. The most helpful reviewer, C.J. Hulbert, had a chronic vaginal issue that was improved by using this chlorine-free, unbleached product.

Other reviewers with skin issues echoed this sentiment. One buyer liked that it was free of formaldehyde, which is commonly used to make other toilet papers thicker.

Pros: Good for the environment, doesn't leave behind lint, unbleached

Cons: Not as soft as other options

The best toilet paper on a budget

Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper is ideal for people who want to save money, care about the environment, and hate being left with lint.

Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper is what we use in our house. However, we are a house divided when it comes to toilet paper. I am for the economical, lint-free Scott 1000, while the rest of my family accuses me of "hating butts" due to its somewhat abrasive design. Consequently, the rest of the family has their separate TP, which is usually Scott Extra Soft. Compared to two-ply and three-ply varieties, I definitely have to use more sheets of Scott to get a good wad.

Despite its one-ply stature and quick-to-dissolve design, this TP stays strong, and left-behind lint is a rarity. Another benefit of this product is that it's one of the few toilet papers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This means Scott uses sustainable practices in their manufacturing process. So, it's better for our planet.

Good Housekeeping's testers considered Scott 1000 to be among the rougher toilet papers they tested, but they also noted that the sheets are thicker than some two-plies. Plus, Scott 1000 dissolved quickly and easily while maintaining strength while wet. Your Best Digs recommends Scott 1000 for people with RVs and sensitive septic tanks who are not looking for luxury since the reviewer found it broke down quickly but is still rough on the skin.

Over 1,200 buyers have posted positive reviews of Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper on Amazon. The most helpful review is from a buyer who purchased the compressed rolls. These are like the normal Scott rolls only they are squished so that the interior is flattened. The buyer can then squeeze the roll to make it round again. It's meant for people who need to save space in small quarters.

However, the reviewer noted that this made the rolls very wobbly on the roller. Despite this, they still gave Scott 1000 four stars because it didn't leave butt lint, didn't clog, was long-lasting, and the price is right.

Pros: Affordable, eco-friendly, dissolves easily, minimal lint

Cons: Somewhat abrasive

The best toilet paper for sensitive skin

If most toilet papers leave a burning sensation in your rear after a thorough cleaning, consider treating yourself with Cottonelle Ultra GentleCare Toilet Paper, which contains aloe and vitamin E.

Cottonelle Ultra GentleCare Toilet Paper has a unique wavy rippled texture, which is supposed to clean better while remaining comfortable, strong, and soft. This TP incorporates aloe and vitamin E, and the topical application of aloe has been shown to help wounds heal faster. But, there is less empirical research into the skin benefits of applying Vitamin E topically.

Approximately 66% of the people who rated Cottonelle Ultra GentleCare on Amazon gave it four or five stars. Buyers appreciate how soft it is, as well as the fact that it doesn't leave lint behind. Plus, it doesn't cause an "uncomfortable feeling" down there.

The biggest complaints are about tearing, and some buyers feel that the "mega rolls" don't exactly live up to their name. A number of one-star reviews can also be attributed to a pretty major price hike on Amazon, which took place a few years back. People who were ordering this TP through the site's Subscribe & Save program were understandably miffed by this since they were automatically charged the higher rate.

We recommend always reviewing your subscriptions each month to look for price increases since this is a common problem for an array of items.

Pros: Soft, keeps your behind from burning, minimal lint

Cons: Expensive, some feel the rolls are too small

The best three-ply toilet paper

Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme Toilet Paper is the ideal tissue when softness is your top concern.

Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme Toilet Paper is the only three-ply TP on our list. Why is three-ply tissue better than other options? All other variables equal, the more layers there are, the more absorbent and softer the toilet paper will be.

However, the added thickness comes at a cost: Quilted Northern is one of the more expensive options on our list. On the plus side, this toilet paper is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

In Good Housekeeping's testing of dozens of brands, the reviewers found that Quilted Northern was among the softest and thickest. It absorbed water well and remained strong while doing so. The only drawback was that it did not dissolve easily, which could be a problem for weak plumbing.

The Wirecutter's reviewer described the Ultra Plush Supreme as "pillowy soft." However, of the toilet paper they tested, Quilted Northern fell in the middle for cleaning power and strength. Also, they noted it produced a lot of lint.

More than 6,300 people have left positive reviews of Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme Toilet Paper on Amazon. The positive comments all seem to be along the lines of this TP providing a good balance of comfort and strength without causing undue strain on the plumbing.

Reviews from about five years ago complain about the rolls being too small, and several buyers mentioned that the "double rolls" were no bigger than standard. But, a more recent review noted that the rolls were now too large to fit the buyer's holder without the use of an extender. Quilted Northern now guarantees that their rolls will fit your holder. If the rolls don't fit, the company will send you a free extender.

Pros: Incredibly soft, three-ply, thick

Cons: Produces a lot of lint, not the best for weak plumbing

Check out our other great guides to bathroom products

The best hand soap 

Hand washing is the single best way to prevent the spread of viral illnesses like colds and the flu, and it's the best way to keep bacteria from entering your body. With the right hand soap, washing your hands will also be a pleasure. These are the best hand soaps you can buy: 

• Best hand soap overall: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
• Best low-cost hand soap: Softsoap Coconut and Warm Ginger Liquid Hand Soap
• Best moisturizing hand soap: Jergens Extra Moisturizing Cherry Almond Hand Wash
• Best antimicrobial hand soap: Dial Original Gold Antimicrobial Soap
• Best foaming hand soap: Method Foaming Lemon Mint Hand Soap
• Best natural hand soap: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil-Scented Liquid Hand Soap

The best bath towels 

Whether you like them overly large, made of organic cotton, in a waffle-weave, or just thick, soft, and luxurious, we've got your new favorite bath towel in our guide. These are the best ones on the market: 

• Best towel overall: Fieldcrest Spa Towel
• Best big towel: Utopia Bath Sheet
• Best lightweight towel: Crane & Canopy Fouta Towel
• Best waffle weave towel: Waffle Towel from Parachute
• Best organic cotton towel: Organic Bath Towel from Boll & Branch
• Best colorful towels: Wamsutta's Hygro Duet Bath Towels
• Best textured towel with a fun pattern: West Elm's Dashed Lines Sculpted Towels

The best shower heads 

Shower time should be relaxing, and your choice of shower head plays a huge role in making your shower more soothing. Some people love a rain-style shower, while others want a strong, pulsing jet to massage sore muscles. Whatever your preference, we have the perfect shower head for you. These are the best shower heads you can buy: 

• Best overall: Moen Two-Function Rain Shower Head 
• Best rain shower head: WaterPoint 8-inch Rain Shower Head
• Best high-pressure shower head: Speakman Signature High Pressure Shower Head
• Best low-flow shower head: High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head
• Best handheld showerhead: ShowerMaxx Detachable Handheld Shower Head
• Best budget shower head: Delta Single Function Shower Head
• Best LED shower head: DreamSpa Color Changing LED Shower Head
• Best combination shower head: Hydroluxe 24 Function  3-way 2 in 1 Combo Shower Head

• High-quality popcorn makers produce delicious popcorn within minutes, have a high yield with few unpopped kernels, and are easy to clean up.
• The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper is our top pick because it is simple to use, has a compact design, and costs less than $20.

If you've ever worked in an office environment, you've been tantalized by the smell of microwave popcorn. There's always someone who pops a bag for an afternoon snack. Even at home, many of us simply prefer the convenience of throwing a bag in the microwave, punching in a few numbers, and waiting for the popping to slow.

However, from the cost to the potential for contracting "popcorn lung," microwave popcorn is inferior to the from-scratch alternatives for several reasons, and it's only marginally more convenient. If you are a frequent popcorn eater, we recommend investing in a popcorn maker.

Unless you buy a commercial unit, you'll have a hard time finding a popper that costs more than $50. One of the most popular makers for kicking the microwave bag habit is fittingly the microwave popcorn popper. These poppers usually cost less than $20, are made of silicone, are incredibly easy to use (just put your ingredients in the bowl and put it in the microwave), and fold up for compact storage. Their biggest downfall is that they only make about 12 cups of popcorn at a time.

Air poppers continue to be a favorite option because they don't use oil. However, we didn't include any of these in our guide because it's hard to create a flavor-packed snack without oil. And, seasoning tends not to stick after popping. Plus, each of the models we looked at had a laundry list of buyer complaints.

Stovetop and electric popcorn makers both use metal stirrers and oil to evenly heat kernels. With stovetop models, you control the stirrers with a crank. This task is automated with the electric version. These poppers tend to cost a bit more, but they also produce more popcorn per batch.

When making popcorn at home, it's all about the seasoning and oils. Coconut oil is your best bet for tasty popcorn, but you might also consider canola oil if you are looking for a cheaper alternative. Avoid olive oil, which burns quickly, and vegetable oil, which can increase your levels of bad cholesterol.

In our research, we found the best seasoning for your popcorn is Flavacol. Go light with it because Flavacol tends to be a bit strong. If you want to spice things up, buy a good Cajun seasoning at your local market. My favorite combination in my microwave popper is coconut oil, Cajun seasoning, and a little salt. When feeling adventurous, I open it up to the entire spice rack. What happens when you invite dill to the table? Well, I wouldn't recommend that one to anyone but the biggest dill fans.

While researching the best popcorn makers, we examined thousands of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of dozens of models. Our guide features poppers that have demonstrated their user-friendliness, durability, and ability to pop fluffy, delicious popcorn.

Here are the best popcorn makers you can buy:

• Best popcorn maker overall: Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper
• Best stovetop popper: Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper
• Best electric popcorn machine: West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper Machine
• Best affordable popcorn maker: Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper
• Best high-end popcorn maker: Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best popcorn maker overall

The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper takes up very little space and produces small batches of popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels or mess.

At about the size of a cake pan when collapsed upon itself, the Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popperis the most compact option in our guide, which makes it ideal for apartment dwellers.

It also works quite simply: Fill the bowl to the line with popcorn kernels, drizzle a little oil (or no oil at all), add seasoning of your choice, put the lid on, and pop the bowl in the microwave for two to three minutes.

The bowl is made of BPA-free platinum silicone, which is known for its nonstick properties that allow for easy cleanup. The popper comes with a variety of recipes that were developed by the Alicia Foundation and inspired by various film genres.

The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper is the top popcorn maker according to Your Best Digs. The reviewer found that after popping 4 ounces of unpopped kernels for 2.5 minutes, there were only 10 unpopped kernels left. He also appreciated the simple setup and cleanup. However, he didn't like how small the batches were. The reviewer at Cookistry recommends this popper because it produces nice, fluffy popcorn with its simple venting.

More than 1,000 Amazon buyers have left five-star reviews of the Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper. People report that they were able to produce batches in under two minutes using higher-watt microwaves. Whether using the dishwasher or just swirling around some hot water and soap, several buyers report that cleanup is effortless. There are also many reports that this popper leaves few unpopped kernels.

One buyer appreciates that the bowl collapses to 2.25 inches high, but she warns that you need to stop the microwave as soon as the popping slows to prevent burning.

Pros: Easy to use, compact storage, effortless cleanup, minimal unpopped kernels, cost-effective

Cons: Small, potential for burnt popcorn

Buy the Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper on Amazon for $19.99

The best stovetop popcorn maker

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a popcorn connoisseur, pick up the Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper to make fast, delicious batches.

The Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper is unique in that it uses a combination of your stove and physical cranking to produce excellent popcorn.

You simply add oil and kernels to the pot and turn the crank to agitate the unpopped kernels. Once it becomes too hard to turn to the crank, you know the popcorn is ready. This kit comes with kernels, buttery salt, and popping oil. Wabash Valley Farms backs the popper up with a 25-year warranty.

New York Magazine recommends the Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper because it produces fluffy, light, "fully-realized" popcorn. The reviewer also noted that it is easy to clean by wiping it down with a paper towel after each use. Serious Eats recommends purchasing the aluminum version over the stainless steel because the thinner, more-conductive pan will pop the popcorn faster and reduce the chance of burnt popcorn. 

The Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper has more than 4,400 positive reviews on Amazon. The most helpful reviewer is a serious popcorn lover who had tried just about every home-use popper and one commercial brand. He found this stainless-steel popper worked great on his induction cooktop and produced perfect popcorn while cleaning up easily.

This seems to be the consensus among other self-described "popcorn lovers." The biggest complaint is that the gears may start to catch over time.

Pros: Produces high-quality popcorn, doesn't require electricity, durable construction, 25-year warranty

Cons: Requires a stove and cranking, reports of the gears catching, pricey

Buy the Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper on Amazon for $38.99

The best electric popcorn machine

With the West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine, all you need is to do is add popcorn and oil then plug in the unit, and you'll have a large batch of popcorn in four minutes.

The West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machineis different from the poppers in the previous slides because it doesn't require another appliance, like a microwave or stove, to use. You just plug it into your wall outlet and let it do the rest.

The Stir Crazy stirs the unpopped kernels with an agitator in the base to keep the popcorn from burning. Also, it produces up to 27 cups of popcorn at a time. When it's done popping, you flip the unit over and use the top as a bowl. The base also fits in the top for easy storage.

Top Ten Reviews tested the West Bend popper and found that 1.25 teaspoons of unpopped kernels remained after adding a cup of kernels to the machine. That works out to about 2.6% waste. However, the reviewer still recommends this unit because there was not burnt popcorn, and it produced a higher capacity of popcorn than any other model they tested. 

More than 1,500 Amazon buyers have left four- or five-star reviews of the West Bend popper. C. G. King, the most helpful reviewer, compares this Stir Crazy model to previous ones and prefers this because it has a smaller footprint and is easier to turn over once finished popping. They also liked that there were few unpopped kernels.

Another buyer noted that you have to make sure you put enough oil in the unit for it to work, but once it does, the flavor is superior to microwave bag popcorn. People recommend using coconut oil or sunflower oil and avoiding vegetable oil.

Pros: High yield, minimal waste, excellent flavor, doesn't require the use of other appliances

Cons: Requires oil

Buy the West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine on Amazon for $29.99

The best affordable popcorn maker

The Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper provides a simple, affordable way to make small batches of popcorn.

The Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper works similarly to our top pick but is made of different materials. Nordic Ware notes that the bowl is made of an unbreakable, melamine- and BPA-free proprietary material that is similar to white clay.

The curing process makes the bowl oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. And, the lid is made of plastic. With or without oil, after 4 minutes in the microwave, the bowl produces 12 cups of popped corn.

The Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper came out on top in Cook's Illustrated's tests of the best microwave popcorn poppers. The reviewer was impressed with how simple it was to use and clean. However, they did note that the bowl gets hot so it may not be the best serving bowl. Good Housekeeping found that the Nordic Ware performed well in most of their tests, except the bowl stained badly after just a couple uses.

About 85% of the people who reviewed the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper on Amazon gave it a positive rating. The most helpful review links to a YouTube tutorial on how to make theater-style popcorn using this popper. The buyer found the tutorial incredibly helpful and noted that the bowl was easy to clean.

Another buyer only gave it four stars because she believed she received a used unit, and it started to show burn marks after just one use. However, this was not a common problem.

Pros: Easy to use and clean, affordable, serves multiple purposes

Cons: Complaints of the bowl staining, only makes 12 cups of popcorn

Buy the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper on Amazon from $12

The best high-end popcorn maker

If you want a popper that makes you feel like you're in the movie theater, consider the Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine.

If you went to a movie theater and the concession stand was using any of the popcorn makers in the previous slides, you'd probably turn around and leave. When going for the movie theater feel in your home theater, you need a popcorn machine like the Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine. This popcorn maker gives you the commercial experience at a relatively affordable price and without taking up a lot of space.

You simply add up to 2.5 ounces of kernels and oil to the kettle (the popper includes a measuring spoon and cup) and plug in the machine. The kettle stirs the kernels until they pop to facilitate the popping process and to keep burning to a minimum. You can eat right out of the slide-out popcorn serving tray. The popcorn maker also has a 10-watt bulb that keeps the popcorn somewhat warm.

Leelalicious recommends the Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine because it has the benefits of a larger commercial popper while fitting on your kitchen countertop. They found it can produce up to 16 cups of popped corn in a single batch, and the warming light did a good job of keeping the popcorn fresh. 

The Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine received four or five stars from approximately 70% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed it. A. Comte, the most helpful reviewer, appreciates that the popper fits on her counter, where space is limited. She noted that while the amount of popcorn it makes in a single batch isn't much, it's easy and fun to make second or third batches.

The main complaints are that it can be hard to clean, fitting the kettle into place requires a bit of force, and pouring in the ingredients can be cumbersome.

Pros: Attractive look, easy to use, cooks batches quickly, fits on most countertops

Cons: Expensive, hard to clean

Buy the Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine on Amazon for $54.90

• School lunches are very often mediocre, and for office workers, it costs a lot of money to buy food every day. So why not pack your lunch in a great lunch box?
• We've rounded up the very best lunch boxes for preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and professional life.

Whether your child is heading back to school, you are going back to school, or you've just grown tired of buying your lunch from the food truck outside your workplace each day, there's no denying that a new lunch box makes the midday meal just a little bit tastier.

After all, you have to tote your sandwich and beverage in something, so why not make that something a reusable lunch box that looks good on the lunchroom table and keeps your sandwich from getting smashed, rather than wasting money and resources on use-them-and-toss-them paper bags?

Here at Business Insider, we take our lunch breaks seriously. That's why we set out to find the best lunch boxes available for every age from pre-school right through adulthood. Honestly, any of these picks could be good for any person, no matter their age. 

We visited the top consumer websites to check out the research, and listened to buyer feedback on what owners love — and don't love — about their purchases. So if you're ready to eat, forget about that crumpled paper sack, and read on. Here are the five lunch boxes that we most recommend.

Here are the best lunch boxes you can buy:

• Best for preschool: Bentgo Kids Bento Box
• Best for elementary school: PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag
• Best for middle school: L.L. Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box
• Best for high school: L.L. Bean Insulated Lunch Box
• Best for outdoor workers: Ramaka Solutions Insulated Lunch Bag
• Best for office workers: PackIt lunch bags

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Connie Chen: Updated prices and links. 

SEE ALSO: The best water bottles you can buy

The best lunch box for preschoolers

The Bentgo Kids Bento Box is divided into perfectly sized compartments for your child's preschool-sized appetite and comes in three bright colors.

The first day of pre-school is a day of tears across the country, but it's not usually the little ones who are crying. Instead, they are the bittersweet tears of moms watching their babies spreading their wings in preparation for the inexorable flight out of the nest. These little birds are just as likely to forget their lunch boxes on the playground as they are to bring them home, so it's a good idea to choose a box in one of the bright colors most favored by this age group. It's harder to overlook something colorful.

The Bentgo Kids Bento Box delivers: It comes in three happy colors, including purple, blue, and green that are bright enough to be remembered. But best of all, this pre-school and daycare-friendly lunch box performs a trick that is very important to many youngsters: it keeps foods separate in their own compartments, so different foods don't "touch."

The sturdy plastic box is made without BPA, vinyl, lead, or PVC. It has rubber edges, so it won't crack if dropped, and the two clasps are easy for little hands to open and close. The inner tray lifts out and is microwave and dishwasher safe. It's also portioned into five compartments that are just the right size for the appetites of the pre-school crowd.

This preschool-perfect lunch box is a hit on Amazon, where it has more than 5,600 reviews and an average of 4.1 stars. Parents love that the box is leak-proof and easy for preschoolers to carry and open. However, many commented that the compartments are much smaller than they expected, so be aware that this lunch box is truly intended for very young kids or those with small appetites.

Pros: Sized right for kids in preschool and first grade, bright colors, compartments, easy to wash, durable

Con: Compartments are small, so your child's appetite will likely outgrow the box by first grade

The best lunch box for elementary school

The PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag keeps your elementary kid's lunch cold for hours, and it comes in more than 40 different fun designs.

For the majority of kids, the elementary-school years are good ones. Toddlerhood is firmly in the rearview window, the pangs and perils of puberty are still far ahead, and for most children in this age group, it's all about family, friends, and fun.

When it comes to a lunch box, elementary school children generally gravitate toward bright colors, favorite animated characters, popular movie themes, cutesy animals, or wacky-but-fun designs. There's still a fair chance your kid will forget to bring the lunch box home, but when it's as colorful as the PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag, it's a lot less likely to be left behind on the school bus.

There's no need for separate gel packs or ice packs in this lunch bag. Its patented cooling technology is built right into the bag, so just pop it into the freezer overnight, and in the morning, it's chilled enough to keep lunch fresh for hours. Of course, you don't have to freeze the Packit lunch box. If you prefer, just pack lunch the night before and store it in the fridge until it's time to head out the door.

The soft PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag is made of poly canvas, with a food-safe, water-resistant lining. It zips shut at the top and also has a Velcro tab for extra security. Plus, a buckle handle makes it easy to clip onto handlebars or a backpack. When lunchtime is over, the bag folds up to easily fit in a locker or backpack.

With more than 25 colors and designs to choose from, your child is sure to find a Packit Freezable bag he or she loves. Camouflage, bright geometrics, polka dots, tie-dye, treasure maps, owls, and many more designs are available. These lunch bags are fun.

The PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag is Good Housekeeping's overall favorite. There are more than 4,400 customer reviews of the bag, with an average of 4.1 (out of 5) stars. Parents appreciate the way the bag stays cold for hours and holds plenty of food for your hungry elementary-age child. On the downside, many buyers commented that the Velcro tab quickly wore out, although the bag still closes with the zipper.  

Pros: Many child-appealing designs and colors, stays cold a long time, buckle handle.

Cons: Velcro tab doesn't hold up to regular use.

The best lunch box for middle school

The L.L. Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box hits the sweet spot between grown-up style and kid-friendly design.

Ah, middle school. The in-between years are the hardest. Preteens are filled with yearnings to look, feel, and act more grown-up. And yet at the same time, they long to stay in the ease and comfort of childhood. You can't easily solve all of the angst that comes with junior high, but you can at least make lunchtime a little bit brighter with a lunch box that both reflects the desired maturity of its carrier and yet retains the memory of the little-kid years they've so recently left behind.

The L.L. Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box hits that sweet spot for this age group. It's available in a wide range of bright solids and equally bright and fun prints, yet it has a simple, "grown-up" design that proclaims the owner is no longer a little kid.

The rugged outer fabric is strong enough to take just about anything your child dishes out. The inner insulation keeps food cold for hours, is easy to clean, and resists leaks and stains. There's a handy mesh pocket on the top of the lunch box (the part that flips open) to hold sandwiches, chips, utensils, snacks, or ice pack, and there's plenty of room in the lower section for drinks, fruit, sandwiches, or plastic containers of food. An adjustable shoulder strap makes the bag easy to carry.

It's not one of Wirecutter's picks, but it does recommend the L.L. Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box if you're looking for something larger. The site's only quibble is that it won't fit inside other bags, like a backpack.

Pros: Lots of great colors and designs, durable and classic design

Cons: None to speak of

The best lunch box for high school

The L.L. Bean Insulated Lunch Box has a sturdy construction, comes in teen-friendly colors, and it boasts two mesh pockets.

High school is a busy time. The class load — and accompanying homework — is high, the pressure is on to figure out a life plan, hormones kick into overload, and for many kids, there's also a part-time job, an intensive sport team schedule, or an overly-busy social life to attend to. To top it all off, many teens feel immense amounts of pressure to fit in and yet show individuality. It can be confusing, for sure.

But one thing that is generally blessedly simple during these four hectic years is the preferred lunch box. To-the-point, colorful, and absolutely not babyish, the L.L. Bean Insulated Lunch Box is a winner.

This well-designed lunch box sports an outer mesh pocket for utensils or small snacks, an inner mesh pocket on the box's lid for sandwiches, chips, or other goodies that might otherwise be easily smashed, and a roomy lower section that's big enough for drinks, plastic food containers, fruit, sandwiches, or whatever else your kiddo enjoys at lunchtime.

The box comes in a wide range of solid colors that will appeal to teens and an even larger selection of prints. Some of the prints are too childish for high school, but several are very suited to the older age group.

The L.L. Bean Insulated Lunch Box is the top pick of Wirecutter, which loves how sturdy this lunch box is even though it's on the smaller size.

Good Housekeeping also likes this lunch box, praising its smooth plastic interior that easily wipes clean and resists staining.

Pros: Great selection of colors, two mesh pockets, classic design

Cons: If your child is extra-hungry, this lunch box might not be big enough

The best lunch box for outdoor workers

If you like to pack a big lunch or you need to carry food for the whole day, the Ramaka Solutions Insulated Lunch Bag is a great choice.

Maybe you're in college, maybe you're just starting your first job, or maybe you've been on the job for years. Whatever your situation, you want a lunch box that gets the job done with a touch of panache, yet won't draw negative attention in the lunchroom. Well, you've met your match with the Ramaka Solutions Insulated Lunch Bag.

This is the LBLB (little black lunch box) of the noon-day meal. It's just about perfect for every lunch need. Not to say that it only comes in black, because it's also available in blue, gray, red, and purple. But what makes this bag so great is that not only is it roomy enough to hold a large lunch plus a few snacks for your morning and afternoon breaks, it's also well designed and easy to carry.

There's a padded, adjustable shoulder strap, two large mesh side pockets that hold 20-ounce water bottles, an inside zipped mesh pocket for utensils or small snacks, and a large outer zipped pocket for even more snacks, small plastic food containers, fruit, or veggies. Plus, the interior is very roomy. Go ahead and pack in a few plastic food containers, drinks, and pieces of fruit — it'll fit.

Amazon buyers like this lunch box. It has more than 1,000 reviews and an average of 4.1 stars. Customers praise the Ramaka Solutions Insulated Lunch Bag for its hefty size. Many say they use the outer pockets to hold keys, phone, wallet, and similar items. Buyers also love how well it is insulated. One owner says, "This bag is like a mini-refrigerator. It keeps my food cold even in the hottest weather."

Of course, there are always naysayers to every product, although surprisingly, the characteristic many customers like most about the Ramaka Solutions bag — its large size — is the very thing others complain about, saying it is just too big (there's actually an even bigger version). Undoubtedly, this is a lunch box for those with hefty appetites, or who like to bring a full day's worth of food, instead of relying on the lunchroom or vending machine for snacks. If you prefer something smaller, you might be better pleased with the L.L. Bean Insulated Lunch Box listed above.

Pros: Big, roomy lunch box with multiple compartments, several colors to choose from, well insulated.

Cons: If you only pack a small lunch, this might be too big for your needs

The best lunch bags for office workers

PackIt makes lots of lunch bags, and they're all great, but we like the new Traveler and Hamptons styles for people on the go who want to keep their food cold.

PackIt's lunch bags are unique because you can freeze them and they'll keep your food cold for hours. The company has lots of cute designs and shapes available, so you're sure to find one you like.

We tested the Traveler and Hamptons styles recently for summertime picnics, and they worked perfectly. Our food stayed cold for hours even though it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

The Traveler is good for everyday scenarios where you want a smaller lunch bag that holds the essentials, while the Hamptons bag is great for when you need to carry more food with you or a small group of people.

Pros: Cute designs, affordable, keep food cold, good amount of storage, designed for travel

Cons: Nothing major from our testing, although a few buyers complained about sealing and construction

Shop all PackIt lunch bags

• Though your cat does most of their grooming themselves, it's still a good idea to have a high-quality cat brush on hand.
• We did the research and testing to find the best cat brushes and grooming tools you can buy.
• The Furminator Deshedding Tool is our top pick because it reaches into your cat's undercoat to remove hairs before they fall.

The average cat spends anywhere from 15% to 50% of his day grooming himself. While this may seem excessive to you, it is completely normal for your cat and it is very important that he does it. In addition to removing dirt, dust, and dander from his coat, grooming also distributes your cat's saliva over his fur to create a protective layer that aids in thermoregulation. Grooming also helps to stimulate the production of natural oils in your cat's skin, which keeps his skin lubricated and his coat healthy.

Even though your cat does most of his grooming himself, you should still brush him at least once a week. Regular brushing helps to prevent mats and tangles, plus it will reduce the amount of fur your cat sheds. The more frequently you brush your cat, the better — especially if your cat has a long or thick coat. There are different types of cat grooming tools for different purposes and for different coat types, so you'll need to choose the one that best suits your cat.

After reading the reviews and testing some of the top cat grooming tools ourselves, we've chosen the FURminator deShedding Tool for cats as our top pick. Below you'll find our favorite cat grooming tools in four other categories.

Here are the best cat brushes you can buy:

• Best cat brush overall: FURminator Deshedding Tool for Cats
• Best slicker brush for cats: Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
• Best curry brush for cats: Kong Zoom Groom
• Best de-matting comb for cats with long hair: GoPets Dematting Comb
• Best full cat-grooming kit: Catit Grooming Kit

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, formatting, and links. Added related guides.

SEE ALSO: The best elevated pet feeders you can buy

The best cat brush overall

The FURminator Deshedding Tool reaches deep into your cat's undercoat to capture loose hair before it falls.

Cats are fastidiously clean animals, so they spend a decent portion of their day grooming. While constant grooming helps keep their coat clean and soft, it does come with one negative side effect: hairballs.

While hairballs may be unavoidable, there is a simple way to help reduce their frequency. Brushing your cat with a deshedding tool can help remove loose hairs from your cat's undercoat so he doesn't accidentally ingest them during grooming. It also comes with the added benefit of reduced shedding, so less clean-up for you! Our top pick for the best grooming tool for cats is the FURminator Deshedding Tool.

The FURminator Deshedding Tool is the last deshedding tool you'll ever need to buy. It features a stainless steel dehhedding edge that gets deep into your cat's undercoat to remove loose hairs, reducing shedding by up to 90%. Not only is it highly effective in removing hair, but it has an eject button that makes the hair fall from the brush into the trash easily. 

The brush has an ergonomic handle for comfort and ease of use, plus, it comes in two versions: one for short-hair cats and one for long-hair cats.

We tested the Furminator on our cats, and we were amazed by how effective it is in removing loose hair. In our review, Steven John explained what makes it so great: "Unlike most cat brushes, the FURminator can reach down into the undercoat and remove loose hairs there, thus capturing much more of the hair that was destined for your floor or couch."

A detailed review from Ask the Cat Doctor confirms that this tool removes a shocking amount of hair — more than double the amount removed by other cat brushes. All About Cats gives the short hair FURminator deShedding Tool its award for the best budget cat brush, commenting that the size is perfect for cats and the self-cleaning mechanism makes it easy to use.

With more than 7,400 reviews on Amazon and a 4.7-star average rating, it is easy to see that the FURminator Deshedding Tool is a popular choice among cat owners. Cat owners love the sturdy construction and the FURejector button, though some people commented that their cats disliked the brush.

Pros: Quality construction, ergonomic handle for comfort, stainless-steel shedding edge, reduces shedding by 90%, self-cleaning FURejector button, for long or short hair

Cons: Some cats disliked the teeth, may irritate cats with sensitive skin, more expensive than other options on the market

Buy the FURminator Deshedding Tool for Cats on Amazon for $12.12 and up

The best slicker brush for cats

With fine, needle-like pins to get deep into your cat's undercoat, the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a highly effective grooming tool that self-cleans.

A slicker brush has a wide head with very thin teeth so it can remove dirt and dander from your cat's coat as well as dead or loose hairs. These brushes typically work best for medium- to long-haired cats and, when used regularly, this kind of brush can help to prevent matting. Our top pick for this type pf brush is the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush.

The Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is designed to remove loose fur and reduce shedding in cats with all coat types. With a rubberized comfort grip handle and a curved head, this slicker brush gets deep into your cat's undercoat to remove loose hairs before they can be shed. When the tool fills up with fur, simply use the self-cleaning feature to retract the pins and remove the accumulated fur.

In our own testing, we found that it worked well on both short-hair and long-hair cats, though one test cat with very fine fur disliked the needle-like pins against her skin.

Kitty Catter gives the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush an A+ rating for its self-cleaning feature and the fact that the pins are set in a curved head to reduce pull and maximize hair removal. The Cat Digest likes the comfort grip handle and the fact that it works well on cats with all coat types.

With more than 1,300 reviews on Amazon and a solid 4.6-star rating, the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a top choice among cat owners. Not only is it affordable, but it is well made and easy to use. 

Pros: Quality construction, fine stainless-steel pins, curved head for thorough grooming, easily removes loose hairs, self-cleaning feature, ergonomic handle for comfort, removes mats and small tangles

Cons: Some cats dislike the feeling of pins against their skin, may not work as well on short-haired cats, fine pins may bend easily, some users found it to be too large

Buy the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush on Amazon for $10.84

Buy the Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush on Chewy for $10.84

The best curry brush for cats

The KONG Zoom Groom is a curry comb that massages your cat while it picks up loose hairs, dirt, and dander.

Though it may not look like a traditional cat grooming tool, a curry comb is a great option to have in your arsenal. These tools are typically made from soft rubber with flexible teeth and designed to remove dirt, dander, and loose hairs from your cat's coat. In addition to removing hair, curry combs give your cat a gentle massage, which helps stimulate the production of natural oils in your cat's skin that helps keep his coat shiny and smooth. Our top pick for the best curry comb for cats is the KONG Zoom Groom.

The KONG Zoom Groom features a cute cat-shaped design and is made from soft but durable rubber. It fits comfortably in your hand and is loaded up with flexible needles designed to reach deep into your cat's coat, drawing out loose hairs like a magnet while giving him a gentle massage. The KONG Zoom Groom is a great option for cats who dislike other brushes and it helps stimulate healthy circulation and oil production in your cat's skin.

In testing this product ourselves, we found that our cats enjoyed the massaging action of the KONG Zoom Groom, though it was a little messy because the rubber teeth don't collect hair as well as more closely set wire pins.

A review by Cat Overdose comments that the KONG Zoom Groom is the ideal combination of cute and effective. The reviewer praises the comb's sturdy, durable design as well as its affordable price. A more detailed review from Love Meow notes that the comb untangled hair easily and the teeth were soft enough for use in sensitive areas like a cat's stomach and face.

With over 1,400 reviews on Amazon and a 4.3-star average rating, the KONG Zoom Groom is one of the top cat curry combs. Cat owners love the design and the gentle massaging action, though there are many comments that the comb doesn't trap hair as well as cat brushes with pins or metal teeth.

Pros: Made from durable materials, lightweight and comfortable to use, cute cat-shaped design, flexible rubber teeth, removes loose hair and massages skin, good for sensitive areas, affordable price

Cons: Doesn't collect hair as well as some brushes, limited efficacy in removing large mats or tangles

Buy the Kong Cat ZoomGroom on Amazon for $4.95

Buy the KONG Cat ZoomGroom on Chewy for $3.99

The best de-matting comb for cats with long hair

The GoPets Dematting Comb gently works through mats and tangles while also removing loose hair to reduce shedding in cats with all coats.

All cats are prone to mats and tangles, but these problems are more common in cats with medium to long coats. While frequent brushing is important to reduce shedding, some cats need additional attention to work through mats and tangles. A dematting comb is a grooming tool designed just for this purpose. It features curved, widely spaced teeth that gently work through the mat. For professional quality and dual-sided grooming action, the GoPets Dematting Comb is our top pick for long-hair cats.

Made from professional-grade materials with a dual-sided head, the GoPets Dematting Comb is perfect for cats with all coat types and lengths. One side features 12 widely-spaced teeth for working through tough mats and tangles while the other has 23 teeth spaced closely together for general grooming and deshedding. This tool features an ergonomic comfort grip handle and it is guaranteed safe and gentle.

Petsho says that the GoPets Dematting Comb is perfect for pets of all sizes with all coat types. The reviewer notes the ergonomic design and ease of use as well as its ability to gently remove tangles. The Cat Digest notes the convenience of the dual-sided comb with a larger head for use on long-haired cats as well as a smaller head to work through tough mats.

The GoPets Dematting Comb has more than 3,300 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4-star average rating. Cat owners love the comfort grip handle and the dual-sided comb, though there are some comments that the blunted teeth don't dig as deep into the undercoat as sharper teeth. In testing the product ourselves, we didn't find this to be a problem and we can confirm that the dual-sided comb works well for all coat types.

Pros: Professional quality, two-sided for use with all coat types and lengths, ergonomic grip handle for comfort, blunted teeth for gentle grooming, gets deep into the undercoat, works through tangles and mats, helps reduce shedding

Cons: May pull with very matted or tangled hair, fur may stick to the gel grip handle, blunted teeth may not get as deep into the coat as sharper teeth, fairly expensive compared to other models

Buy the GoPets Dematting Comb on Amazon for $25

The best full cat grooming kit

The Catit Grooming Kit includes all the tools you need to groom your cat, no matter the type or length of his coat.

Grooming your cat can be messy work, especially if he has a long coat or if it's been a while since you last brushed him. When you need to do some heavy-duty grooming, it pays to have an assortment of tools on hand to handle hairy messes, tackle tangles, and manage mats.

Why pay extra to purchase your grooming tools separately when you can buy an all-in-one grooming kit tailored to your cat's coat type? Our top pick for the best cat grooming kit is the Catit Grooming Kit which comes in a shorthair and long-hair version, each complete with five high-quality cat grooming tools.

For an all-in-one cat grooming solution, we recommend the Catit Grooming Kit. Complete with five grooming tools packed in a convenient storage canister, this kit comes with everything you could possibly need. Catit has a kit for long-hair cats and short-hair cats.

In testing the grooming kiton our cats, we found the tools are of excellent quality and the hair collection bin is large enough for a multi-cat household.  

A detailed review from Fully Feline confirms that the tools are sturdy and well made. The reviewer says the rubber grips are comfortable and the handles are perfectly sized, even for people with small hands. A review from Sweet Purrfections goes into detail about each of the tools, noting the quality of the design and their ease of use. 

Although it only has 30 reviews on Amazon, the Catit Grooming Kit has a 4.8-star average rating and carries an Amazon's Choice award. Though there are some complaints about the price, cat owners love the quality of the tools. 

Pros: Two versions for short and long hair, comes with 5 grooming tools, grooming comb to detangle hair, pin brush to remove dirt and small tangles, slicker brush to remove loose hair, slicker brush to smooth coat, rubber palm brush to massage skin, high-quality nail clippers, ergonomic grips, comes with storage unit that doubles as a hair collection container

Cons: Tools cannot be purchased separately, more expensive than other options

Buy the Catit Grooming Kit on Amazon for $39.99

Check out our other great cat gear guides

The best indoor cat entertainment products

Indoor-only cats tend to need extra entertainment and incentive to stay physically active. Here are the best products to keep your indoor cat entertained:

• Best cat complex: CatastrophiCreations Cat Mod Garden Complex
• Best cat window perch: K& H Kitty Sill Deluxe with Removable Bolster
• Best cat playground for outside: Outback Jack Kitty Compound

The best cat litter you can buy

Cats are picky about the litter in their boxes, so it's important to choose a formula that's healthy for your cat and easy to clean. Because there are so many different types of cat litter out there, it can be a challenge to make the right choice. Here are the best cat litters you can buy:

• Best cat litter overall: Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra-Premium Clumping Litter 
• Best clumping cat litter: World's Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula
• Best newspaper cat litter: Purina Yesterday's News Unscented Litter
• The best natural cat litter: Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter
• The best multi-cat litter: World's Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Clumping Formula

The best cat harness and leash

Most cats won't let you get a harness anywhere near them, but some do like a stroll in the park. For those special cats, you need a cat harness and leash. There are several types of cat harnesses available, from basic to vest-style. Here are the best cat harnesses and leash you can buy:

• Best cat harness overall: Kitty Holster Cat Harness
• Best budget cat harness: PupTeck Adjustable Cat Harness
• Best cat harness for indoors: PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness
• Best cat harness for large cats: Best Pet Supplies Voyager All-Weather Harness
• Best cat leash: Flexi Vario Cord Leash

The best cat food

Cats need lots of protein and fat in their diets to be healthy, so it's important that you feed them the best cat food. Whether you're shopping for wet cat food or dry cat food, we've researched many cat food brands to give you high-quality options. Here are our top picks:

• Best cat food overall: Ziwi Peak wet cat food
• Best dry cat food: Acana dry cat food
• Best wet cat food: Nature's Variety Instinct wet cat food
• Best grain-free cat food: Wellness grain-free cat food
• Best organic cat food: Castor & Pollux organic cat food

The best medicated cat shampoo

Shampoo for cats is easy to find online, but the sheer volume of options can make it difficult to choose. Lucky for you, we've done the research to bring you our top picks for the best medicated shampoo for cats. 

• Best cat shampoo overall: Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
• Best cat shampoo for skin allergies: Earthbath All Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo 
• Best cat shampoo for bacterial skin infections: PetMD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo
• Best cat shampoo for fungal infections: Curaseb Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo
• Best cat shampoo for fleas and ticks: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

• Obtaining an MBA involves a considerable investment of time and money — but the payout can be worth it.
• If you're trying to decide if now is a good time to apply to business school, or if you're weighing the pros and cons of even applying in the first place, or if you're not sure how to create a stellar application, we've got you covered.
• Here you'll find links to Business Insider's extensive coverage of business school programs. You can read it all by subscribing to BI Prime.

Business school applications are declining as a whole, but salary numbers remain strong. If you're thinking about business school in any capacity, the following list of Business Insider articles will help you navigate that journey:

Weighing the pros and cons of going to business school

• The ultimate guide to whether you should go to business school or not, according to successful CEOs, founders, and execs who've had to make the choice
• Here's how to decide when to go to business school, according to 5 graduates who went at drastically different times in their lives
• A 32-year-old CFO chose to stay at work instead of getting an MBA. Here's how she made the decision — and why she doesn't regret it.
• Harvard and Stanford MBA grads reveal the most important benefits they got from business school, besides their education
• 22 pieces of career advice you're bound to get from business school, according to successful MBA graduates
• A founder who spent 6 years working at Facebook gives 3 reasons why it was a better education than an MBA — and why he'd rather hire someone with tech experience
• MBA grads of Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and more share the unique career paths they took after business school — that didn't end in finance or consulting
• 95% of Stanford MBA students take a nonrequired course nicknamed 'Touchy Feely.' Here's why alumni say it's been voted the most popular elective for 45 years.
• 10 grads from America's top MBA programs reveal the best advice they picked up from professors, classes, and mentors — and how those lessons led to successful careers

Applying successfully to business school

• An MBA admissions expert who's helped students get into Stanford, Wharton, and London Business School explains exactly how to nail the personal essay
• Harvard, Stanford, Kellogg, and Wharton business schools all prize the personal essay — here's how alums say to ace it
• Here is the personal essay that got an MBA grad into the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business
• I got into Stanford Graduate School of Business. Here's the personal essay that helped me seal the deal.

Financing your MBA

• How to ask your company to pay for your MBA — and get them to say yes
• MBA programs are boosting financial aid offerings to stay competitive. These are the top ways business schools are helping students pay their skyrocketing tuitions.

Alternatives to a full-time MBA

• Here's what you need to know about a master's in business analytics, a one-year program that could lead to MBA-level earnings at half the cost
• You can opt out of business school but still get the networking perks — here's how 6 people did it
• Harvard Business School offers online classes that run parallel to its MBA program — for a fraction of the cost. 3 career-changers who took the courses explain why they don't regret skipping out on a degree.
• You can get an online MBA on your own time. Here's how to choose the right program for you.
• The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon has one of the top online MBA programs in the US. Here's why — and how to get in.
• Required reading: These are the books top professors at the best business schools in the country are having their MBA students read

SEE ALSO: BUSINESS SCHOOL PREP: The ultimate guides to getting into the top MBA programs in the US

READ MORE: PITCH-DECK LIBRARY: The pitch decks that helped hot startups raise millions

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Regular brushing and grooming is an important part of dog ownership, so make sure you have the right dog brush.
• When it comes to choosing the best dog brush for your dog, it all comes down to their coat type and length.
• Our top pick for most dogs is the Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush because it is versatile, effective, and affordable.

Brushing your dog on a regular basis isn't just about helping them look their best. When you brush your dog's coat, you are removing dead and loose hairs before they can fall on their own which may reduce shedding. Brushing your dog's coat also helps distribute the natural oils produced by glands in his skin which keep their coat soft and their skin moisturized. It may also help remove mats and tangles before they grow in size and cause your dog any discomfort.

When it comes to choosing the best dog brush for your dog, it all comes down to their coat type and length. We've reviewed the best dog grooming products in every category and have brought you our top picks for combo brushes, curry combs, slicker brushes, deshedding tools, and grooming gloves.

Here are the best dog brushes you can buy:

• Best dog brush overall: Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush 
• Best curry brush for dogs: Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush 
• Best slicker brush for dogs: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush 
• Best deshedding tool for dogs: FURminator Deshedding Tool
• Best grooming glove: Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, formatting, and links. Added related guides.

SEE ALSO: The best gear to keep your dog warm on cold winter walks

The best dog brush overall

The Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush is the only brush you need for everyday grooming because one side removes dead hair and the other gets rid of dirt and dander.

Dogs with short, smooth coats do best with a traditional bristle brush with soft to medium bristles spaced close together. For dogs with medium-length and longer hair, a wire-pin brush may be a better option. If your dog's coat falls somewhere in the middle, or if you're looking for a versatile grooming tool, a combo brush might be the best option. Our top pick for the best combo brush that has a bristle brush on one side and a wire-pin brush on the other is the Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush.

Generously sized, theOster 2-in-1 Combo Brush works well for even the largest dogs with the thickest coats. One side of the brush is covered in widely-spaced wire pins to detangle your dog's coat and remove dead hair while the other side features patented quill-like bristles that remove dirt and dander while also stimulating the production of natural oils in your dog's skin. As an added bonus, the handle is ridged for comfort and ease of use.

In a thorough review from Bulldogology, the Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush is described as a product that "won't hurt your budget and can take care of most of your grooming needs." It may not be perfect, but it is very versatile and easy to use. Petsho includes the brush in its top 10 list of the best pet grooming brushes.

With almost 800 reviews and a steady 4.2-star rating on Amazon, the Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush is a popular choice for dog owners everywhere. Buyers love the solid build and convenience of the dual sides, though some say that it can be difficult to clean the hair out of the brush.

Pros: Double-sided to accommodate most coats, large enough for even large-breed dogs, wire-pin side removes hair, bristle side removed dirt and dander, stimulates natural oil production in the skin, ridged handle for comfort, very inexpensive

Cons: May be too large for very small breeds, may not be ideal for dogs with very curly fur or thick undercoats, can be somewhat tricky to clean

Buy the Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush on Amazon for $6.57

The best curry brush

Perfect for bath time or gentle everyday grooming, the Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush is our top pick for the best curry brush.

Typically made from rubber, a curry brush is designed less for removing dead or loose hairs from your dog's coat and more for removing dirt and dander. With soft rubber teeth, curry combs penetrate through the top coat to the skin where gentle massaging action stimulates the production of natural oils in the dog's skin to keep the coat sleek and shiny. Curry combs can also be used for sensitive areas like the ears or to work shampoo deep into the coat during a bath. Our top pick for the best curry brush is the Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush.

The Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush is made of heavy-duty rubber, so you can rest assured that it will last for a long time. Featuring flexible rubber bristles, this curry brush can be used for everyday brushing and detangling or during bath time. It helps to remove loose hair as well as dirt and dander, plus it can be used for any coat length or texture.

Dog Guide Reviews praises the brush's ability to clean the dog's skin while also removing dirt, dust, and loose hair. Train Your GSD also recommends this curry comb for both grooming and shampooing, noting that the rubber bristles attract hair like a magnet and that using the brush in a circular motion will stimulate capillaries and boost oil production in the skin.

With more than 300 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4-star review, the Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush also holds an "Amazon's Choice" award. Buyers love the ergonomic grip and the way it helps to lather shampoo during bath time. There are some comments, however, that it might not work for tough tangles and it may produce some static electricity during brushing.

Pros: Ergonomic grip for comfortable use, flexible rubber bristles remove hair and stimulate oil production, can be used for shampoo during bath time, good for use on sensitive areas, inexpensive

Cons: Not ideal for tough mats and tangles, may produce some static electricity during brushing, may not stand up to heavy chewing

Buy the Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush on Amazon for $13.50

The best slicker brush

With an ergonomic handle for comfort and a self-cleaning feature, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is our top pick for the best slicker brush.

A slicker brush has very fine wire bristles, often set in a wide or rectangular head. This kind of brush is particularly useful for removing mats and tangles from a dog's coat, though it can also be used for daily brushing in dogs with fine or delicate coats. Our top pick for the best slicker brush is Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush.

The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush features sturdy construction with a wide head for maximum coverage and an ergonomic handle for comfort. Covered in fine bent wires, this brush gets deep into the dog's undercoat to remove dead and loose hairs without affecting the top coat. The bristles capture and remove loose hair as well as dirt and dander without pulling on your dog's fur or scratching his skin. Plus, with a push-button, it self-cleans.

Dog Struggles describes the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush as a great buy due to its versatility for different coat types as well as the convenience of the self-cleaning function. Best Reviews calls this brush the "Best Bang for the Buck", commenting that it is an all-purpose brush that removes dead hair as well as mats and tangles.

With more than 9,700 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6-star review, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush also received an "Amazon's Choice" award. Buyers love the ergonomic handle and self-cleaning function, though there are some comments that it may not be best for dogs with very fine coats.

Pros: Sturdy design with ergonomic handle for comfort, wide head for maximum coverage, bent wire pins go deep into the undercoat without scratching the skin, removes loose hair as well as dirt and danger, helps remove mats and tangles, push button for self-cleaning option, inexpensive

Cons: Not ideal for dogs with very fine or thin fur, may be too large for puppies and very small dogs, self-cleaning button may get stuck sometimes, can only be used dry

Buy the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush on Amazon for $15.99

The best deshedding tool

With its ergonomic handle and push-button cleaning feature, the FURminator Deshedding Tool is easy to use on dogs of all sizes with all coat types.

Dogs shed, there is no way to avoid it. Some dogs shed more than others, but most dogs need to be brushed at least once if not several times per week. Even if you brush your dog on a daily basis, however, he is likely to keep shedding unless you use a deshedding tool. Deshedding tools help to remove loose and dead hair from a dog's undercoat before it can be shed. It can also help to remove mats and tangles. Our top pick for the best deshedding tool is the FURminator Deshedding Tool.

Designed to reduce shedding by up to 90%, the FURminator Deshedding Tool is a must-have for every dog owner. This tool features a stainless-steel edge that easily reaches through the topcoat to the undercoat beneath, removing dead and loose hairs as well as dirt and dander. When the tool becomes full of loose hair, simply press the FURejector button to clear it. This tool comes in a variety of different sizes for dogs of all breeds and, while it may be a little more expensive than other deshedding tools, the convenience and function is well worth it.

Experts from Top Dog Tips and Best Reviews give this brush high marks and say it's very effective.

The FURminator Deshedding Tool has more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.7-star rating. Buyers love how well it works to remove hair from the undercoat without affecting the top coat. There are some comments, however, that it may pull on knots and tangles which could be uncomfortable for your dog.

Pros: Comes in different sizes for any breed or coat type, ergonomic handle for comfort, stainless-steel teeth cut through topcoat to remove undercoat hairs, won't scratch or cut the skin, push-button FURejector to clean the brush

Cons: Not ideal for dogs with very fine or delicate coats, may be too large for very small dogs, may pull on knots and handles, can only be used dry, more expensive than other deshedding tools

Buy the FURminator Deshedding Tool on Amazon for $20.99

The best grooming glove

The Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove is a great alternative to traditional dog brushes.

While some dogs react to brushing as they would to a day at the spa, others never really get used to being groomed. If you're looking for a simple way to remove loose and dead hairs from your dog's coat without spending an hour brushing them, consider a grooming glove.

Grooming gloves fit over your hand, and they are covered with soft rubber bristles. You simply run your hand over your dog's coat like you were petting him and the glove will collect loose hair. Our top pick for the best grooming glove is the Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove.

The Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove slips easily over your hand with an adjustable wrist strap for comfort. With evenly spaced rubber bristles, the glove glides easily through your dog's topcoat to remove dead and loose hairs from the undercoat to reduce shedding. Perfect for daily grooming, this grooming glove works for short, medium, and long coats and it is gentle enough for puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. It also has a dual-sided feature with a velour back to remove fur from upholstered furniture.

Best Reviews says you can remove hair from your dog with one side and hair from furniture using the other side. Top Dog Tips says the rubber tips on the underside of the glove provide a "relaxing rubdown" as it untangles and removes dead hair from the undercoat.

Not only is the Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove one of the most affordable options on the market. Buyers love the two-sided feature, but some note that it doesn't work as well for very thick fur.

Pros: Slips comfortably over your hand, adjustable wrist strap, soft rubber bristles for relaxing massage, works for all coat lengths, removes dead and loose hair from under coat, velour side removes fur from furniture, gentle enough for puppies and sensitive skin

Cons: May not work as well for very thick fur, not designed to penetrate mats and tangles, only comes with one glove

Buy the Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove on Amazon for $8.99

Check out our other great dog gear guides

• A Los Angeles mega-mansion once listed for $250 million has finally sold for $94 million— a 62% discount, The Los Angeles Times reported.
• When it first hit the market in January 2017, the Bel Air home was the most expensive listing in the US.
• Almost three years and several price chops later, it's the third-priciest home to sell in Los Angeles County in 2019.
• The extravagant property includes a helipad, five bars, a bowling alley, a 40-seat movie theater, an 85-foot infinity pool, and a massive candy wall.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A Los Angeles megamansion in Los Angeles that was once the most expensive listing in the US has finally sold after three years on the market — at a whopping 62% discount.

Originally listed for $250 million in 2017, the expansive property sold to an unknown buyer for $94 million, as The Los Angeles Times reported.

The Bel Air mansion, nicknamed "Billionaire," got its first price cut 15 months after it hit the market, in April 2018, when it was relisted for $188 million. The price was cut again in January 2019 to $150 million.

"Billionaire" includes 38,000 square feet of indoor living space and 17,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment decks. It has two master suites, 10 VIP guest suites, and 21 bathrooms.

"The goal with 'Billionaire' was simple; every inch of the property in the home had to be innovative, flawless, and meticulously curated," Makowsky wrote on the property's website. "The budget was there is no budget."

Other over-the-top amenities include a non-functional rooftop helipad, an 85-foot infinity pool, a 40-seat movie theater, a massage studio and wellness spa, a bowling alley, and a massive candy wall.

The Bel Air home was listed by Branden Williams and Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland and Shawn Elliott of Nest Seekers.

Here's what it looks like.

SEE ALSO: A Mega Millions lottery winner is selling his California mountain estate for $26 million — and the massive property comes with a buffalo ranch, steakhouse, and saloon

DON'T MISS: Shaq is selling his lakeside Florida mansion for $22 million, and it comes with a 17-car garage and a 6,000-square-foot basketball court — here's a look inside

A four-level Los Angeles mega-mansion once listed for $250 million has finally sold for $94 million — a 62% discount.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.,Business Insider,Los Angeles Times

When the home was first listed for $250 million back in January 2017, it was the most expensive home for sale in the US. It's nestled in the hills of Bel Air, a "lush private oasis" that's "home to the most affluent people in the world" according to developer Bruce Makowsky.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.,Business Insider

The house, nicknamed "Billionaire," got several price chops since 2017 before finally selling to an unknown buyer in October 2019. From the master deck, the home has unbeatable views of Los Angeles.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

The mansion has 17,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment space, including an 85-foot infinity pool.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

Several outdoor lounge areas overlook the city.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

The interior is decorated in an eclectic yet glamorous style.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

Glass walls throughout the home provide unobstructed views of mountains, ocean, and the Los Angeles skyline.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

In addition to its two master suites, 10 VIP guest suites, and 21 bathrooms, the house includes lavish amenities such as a four-lane bowling alley and lounge ...

Source: Nest Seekers

... and a 40-seat home movie theater.

Source: Nest Seekers

Downstairs is a car gallery with vehicles worth a combined $30 million.

Source: Nest Seekers

The home also comes with a massive wall of assorted candy.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

The home comes fully furnished and stocked with art. A penthouse office on the upper level has a view of the helipad (not functional) and the purely decorative helicopter. The helicopter is not functional, but it was refinished with a luxury interior.

Source: Business Insider

There are two fully stocked Champagne and wine cellars ...

Source: Nest Seekers

... and more than 100 curated art installations.

Source: Nest Seekers

Five bars and several lounge areas are scattered throughout the property.

Source: Nest Seekers

The house comes with a full-time staff of seven people.

Source: Nest Seekers

Beyond entertainment spaces, the home has a state-of-the art fitness center ...

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

... as well as a massage studio and wellness spa.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

The listing claims that 924 Bel Air Road has the most advanced home technology system in the country.

Source: 924 Bel Air Rd.

Despite its exorbitant sale price of $94 million, the house is only the third most expensive to sell in Los Angeles County this year, after a Malibu mansion sold for $100 million in August and a historic Holmby Hills manor went for $119.75 in July.

Source: Los Angeles Times

The most expensive home for sale in the US is now a 40,000-square-foot, Georgian-style mansion owned by financier Gary Winnick. Known as Casa Encantada, the Bel Air estate just hit the market this week for $225 million.

Source: Business Insider

• Katie Porter is the Democratic representative for Orange County, California.
• After growing up on a farm in Iowa, she went to Yale and Harvard, and decided she would pursue teaching and bankruptcy law after taking a class from former law professor Elizabeth Warren.
• Until Donald Trump became president, she had never considered running for office.
• Since she was elected in the 2018 midterms, she's shown how effective she can be with her no-nonsense questioning of bank chief executives, elected officials, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Democrat Rep. Katie Porter is a fighter.

The professor-turned-congresswoman isn't a typical politician. She's a minivan-driving mother of three, inspired by consumer protections, housing fairness, and women's rights.

She's a bankruptcy expert and law professor, who never thought she'd run for office. But the night President Donald Trump was elected, she changed her mind.

And while it was no easy victory, in a county that had never been won by a Democrat, she had the backing of two powerful Democrats — Elizabeth Warren, her former teacher, and Kamala Harris, her former boss.

Since entering Congress, Porter's been using skills she picked up from her years as a professor and researcher to hold some of the most powerful people in the country to account. American Banker called her the "fiercest disruptor in Congress" since Warren.

Here's a look at Porter's life so far, in photos.

SEE ALSO: The life of Elijah Cummings: how a sharecropper's son rose to become one of the most fierce Democrats who took on Trump

DON'T MISS: Elizabeth Warren is running for president in 2020. Here's everything we know about the candidate and how she stacks up against the competition.

Katie Moore Porter was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1974. When she was two, her family moved to a farm in the southern part of the state. Her family lived through a farming crisis in the 1980s, when commodity prices plunged. She saw bankruptcies and reeling communities that never fully recovered. It was the worst depression in the Midwest, since the Great Depression.

Sources: Elle, Orange County Lawyer, Mother Jones

For the last two years of high school, she ended up at Phillips Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts, which she said was a "huge culture shock."

She didn't get in in the typical fashion. She ended up in a class of gifted students, being studied by a psychologist at Iowa State University, after acing the SATs in seventh grade. The psychologists did experiments about careers and social skills on her class. One career test said she should be a vending machine repair person.

Regardless of that, she loved the experience and applied for Phillips, thinking it would be a similar summer school experience, not realizing she had applied for an entire year of tuition. But she got in, on scholarship, and stayed on the following year.

After high school, Porter broke away from a family tradition of going to Iowa State University, instead attending Yale University, where she majored in American Studies. But even then the focus on her studies was understanding economic hardships. Her thesis was called "The Effects of Corporate Farming on Rural Community."

Sources: VOA News, UCI Law, Orange County Lawyer, NBC News, Iowa Informer

In 1997, after graduating from Yale, she traveled the world for six months and taught English to eighth graders in Hong Kong. She was 22.

Source: NBC News

She returned to the US and studied law at Harvard University. Porter had an "inkling" she might want to be a teacher. But during those years she didn't know what sort of law she wanted to do, even after working for a US attorney one summer, and for several firms in another. While she was at Harvard, Alan Dershowitz gave her a B, and she's still bitter about it.

Sources: VOA News, UCI Law, Orange County Lawyer, NBC News

In 2000, in her third year of law school, Porter had a pivotal moment when she read an article in Time magazine about bankruptcy legislation. The article quoted Elizabeth Warren, who said the law would be a "death by a thousand paper cuts." She thought Warren "sounded interesting," so she dropped tax law and took her 8 a.m. bankruptcy class instead. It took one class for Porter to realize the subject was for her.

Sources: VOA News, UCI Law, Orange County Lawyer, Mother Jones, NBC News

But she wasn't a perfect student right away. Early on in the semester, Warren asked Porter a question, which Porter failed to answer. After class she sought Warren out. Warren expected Porter to plead with her to not ask her anymore questions, as other students had in the past. But Porter didn't. "I didn't give a great answer today," she said, adding, "So please call on me again."

Source: Mother Jones

After graduating magna cum laude in 2001, Porter got a job as a project director at a collaboration between several universities, called the Consumer Bankruptcy Project. Her role was to study and document bankruptcy's causes and outcomes. She flew around the country and gathered data, which Warren would later use to write about bankruptcies.

Sources: Mother Jones, NBC News, UCI Law

In 2005, she got a job at Iowa College of Law teaching bankruptcy and commercial law. In the first bankruptcy class she taught each semester, she gave a version of the first class Warren taught her. Warren has been a big part of her life, and it's no coincidence that Porter's daughter is named Elizabeth.

Sources: Mother Jones, NBC News

In 2006, a year into her job, she started looking into mortgage fraud. Porter wanted to know if banks were following the law, so she and a colleague studied 1,733 bankruptcy cases across 24 states. What they found was "systematic fraud," she told Mother Jones.

Sources: The Sacramento Bee, Mother Jones

Years later, when she was running for Congress, she told The Sacramento Bee that she was one of the first people to "sound the alarm" about the Wall Street housing market crisis. "It was tough to get people to listen when I started that, but when the housing market crashed, everyone kind of took notice and realized the banks had been engaging in widespread fraud," she said.

Sources: The Sacramento Bee

In 2011, Porter was hired as a professor at the University of California Irvine. She taught business and consumer law and bankruptcy.

Sources: The New Yorker, UCI

Kamala Harris, who was then California's attorney general, appointed Porter as a watchdog to oversee how banks distributed a $25 billion mortgage settlement. She performed the role from 2012 to 2014, and continued teaching law at the same time.

Sources: The New Republic, American Banker, Katherine Porter

Through that work, Porter saw firsthand the damage FHA loans had done to families. "We were still trying to help some families save their homes, but to be frank, by 2013, 2014, especially 2014, a lot of the damage was done," she told The New Republic.

Source: The New Republic

Her life changed the day Trump became president. Before that she had never considered a career in politics. After he won, she thought to herself she'd wait another four years for someone like Warren or Harris to take Trump on. Then she could work for them, and make a difference.

Source: NBC News

But her boyfriend wasn't having it. He asked why she had to wait for someone else, before she could make a difference. She realized he was right. And at that point she started to Google her potential competitor.

Source: NBC News

In early 2017, Porter announced she was running for Congress in Orange County. "When I launched my campaign, I set out to win," she told Elle. "I knew it would be a tough race, but as a consumer protection advocate, I'd taken on tough things before, like standing up to the big banks and calling them out for cheating people."

But she wasn't entirely comfortable with it, at least at first.

She told NBC: "It wasn't that I didn't think I was good or talented or hadn't worked hard, it was just that there's a kind of declarative aspect of being a candidate that I think can be kind of culturally uncomfortable for women. And I think we're pushing back at that a lot or understanding more. But we know for women that most women don't run unless they're asked to run, unless they're told to run."

Her main Democrat competitor was Dave Min, another Harvard law graduate who also taught at the University of California, after Porter had recruited him. Things didn't get any easier for Porter when Min won the Democrat Party's endorsement by one vote.

Source: HuffPost

During her run for congress, several insiders thought Min was spreading rumors that Porter was not up to the job, because of her divorce with her abusive ex-husband.

In 2013, she had taken out a protective order against her husband, alleging he'd smashed a window and threatened to kill himself if she left him. Porter said people were describing her as "shady", so she took her story to HuffPost and explained the situation.

"I'm the most boring person in America. I'm a mom of three kids, I protected my family, I ended a marriage that was troubled," she told HuffPost.

And even without the Democratic endorsement, "the most boring person in America" won. It was one of two improbable victories. She was also the first Democrat to ever win the district since it was created in 1983.

Sources: Los Angeles Times, NBC News

On her 45th birthday, she was sworn in as California's 45th district's US Representative. The "minivan driving" mother swore to serve her country beside her two sons and daughter.

Sources: VOA News, Elle, HuffPost, Twitter

She told Elle that what she brings to Congress is the understanding and perspective of a single mother of three, with kids in public schools. She knows how it feels "to be of a middle class family trying to save for retirement, thinking about paying for college."

Source: Elle

And she's hit the ground running. The New Republic described her approach as "the languid menace of a coiled python." Using her allotted five minutes of speaking time, she's already called out heads of banks and the government, including the chief executives of JPMorgan Chase, Equifax, and Wells Fargo.

Sources: CNN, The New Republic, American Banker

Her style is professorial — she often uses whiteboards and textbooks to get her point across. She's also very good at breaking down complex financial concepts and connecting the dots.

Sources: CNN, The New Republic, American Banker

In March, she used her own law text book, "Modern Consumer Law," to quiz Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Kathy Kraninger. She asked her to do some math and when Kraninger couldn't, she said it highlighted the fact that calculations on loans can be difficult. She offered to send Kraninger a copy of her book, too.

Sources: CNN, Huff Post

In March, she grilled then-Wells Fargo chief executive Tim Sloan at a financial committee. She asked why the public should trust his company, when his lawyers were saying a rebranding campaign was "hyperbolic marketing", and he was telling Congress to trust him. Two weeks later Sloan was out of a job.

Sources: CNN, NBC News

In May, Housing Secretary Ben Carson took the brunt of it as she asked him about REOs, a term used in real estate, which he confused for Oreo cookies. She told The New Republic it was like a student in one of her law classes "who just cannot get it."

Source: The New Republic

She wasn't impressed when he later laughed it off by sending her a note and a packet of the cookies. She said he could eat all the Oreos he wanted, but then he needed to learn his material, because she needed answers.

Source: The New Republic

On June 17, she announced her support for Trump's impeachment. She was the first Democrat in a formerly Republican area to do so.

Source: Santa Barbara Independent

In October, Porter held Mark Zuckerberg to the fire. She asked him whether he'd be willing to spend an hour a day for the next year as a Facebook content monitor, watching graphic videos of murders and stabbings, and only have access to the same benefits that his employees get. He tried to answer in a roundabout way, and finally she answered for him: "Okay, then you're saying you're not willing to do it."

Source: Business Insider

It's too early to know whether Porter will get reelected if she runs again. But she'll definitely have competition. By April, eight Republicans had already launched campaigns to take the Orange County seat back from her. But if she keeps up her measured and probing questions, which she thinks "the American people would want," she'll not be unseated easily.

Sources: The Orange County Register, Huff Post

• If your iPhone is not sending messages, first make sure your phone has service, as the issue may be with the Wi-Fi or cellular network, not your device itself.
• Check in your iPhone's Settings app that various messaging options are turned on so that your phone can dispatch texts if iMessage fails.
• Turning your iPhone off and back on again can usually refresh the software and restore better signal connections, enabling your messages to send once again.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are few sadder phrases than those two little red words your iPhone displays when a message fails to send: "Not Delivered." Those words, along with that exclamation point in a circle, mean your charming photo or witty comment didn't go through.

Fortunately, as in life, with the iPhone: the simplest answer is usually the correct one. If your iPhone is not sending messages, first make sure you have a connection to either a Wi-Fi or cellular network, and make sure your phone is not set to Airplane Mode.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

How to troubleshoot your iPhone if it isn’t sending messages

If these quick fixes below don't do the trick, the solution will be a bit more involved, but you can usually get messages sending again without support from Apple.

Try these fixes to get your iPhone messages sending smoothly again.

But, first, of course, try just tapping that exclamation point beside your failed message and then tap "Try Again."

Check your network settings

1. Check your network connection. If you don't have good cell coverage or Wi-Fi service (assuming you use Wi-Fi calling) you won't be able to send messages, even if your phone is working fine.

2. Make sure you're not in Airplane Mode by swiping up from your iPhone and making sure the airplane icon in the upper-left corner is not enabled (highlighted orange). 

3. Then, check your iPhone's Messages settings. In the Settings app, scroll to and tap Messages, then make sure the switches next to iMessage and Send as SMS are toggled on (to green).

Check the phone number

Confirm that you are texting the right number. If you entered the number wrong or the intended recipient now has a new number, you may be prevented from sending the text.

Restart your phone

Restart your iPhone by holding down the power button then swiping to power down. When you turn it back on, it may well be able to send messages again.

Reset your network settings

1.Resetting your network settings is a last-ditch attempt before seeking help from Apple, but it might be your last chance for getting those messages out. 

2. Navigate through the Settings app to the "General" tab, then click "Reset", then click "Reset Network Settings."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to turn off text message previews on your iPhone, to help keep your private conversations private

• How to mute messages on a Mac computer using its Do Not Disturb feature

• How to make a new, additional Memoji on your iPhone, and send a variety of customized, moving emojis

• How to send a voice message on your iPhone to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac

• The Raise to Wake feature on your iPhone will wake your device's screen when you lift it from a flat surface, causing it to light up. 
• It's easy to turn Raise to Wake on or off in the Display and Brightness section of Settings. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Raise to Wake is what allows your iPhone to become active when you lift it from a flat surface. 

This setting is especially useful if you have to use your iPhone in an area with little to no light, as it will immediately light up when you lift it.  

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy

What Raise to Wake is on your iPhone, and how to turn it on or off

However, sometimes you might not want a simple motion to be able to turn your phone active.

This can be particularly true if, for example, you put it in your pocket and don't want it to turn on when you move. 

Either way, you should know how to turn your iPhone's Raise to Wake function on and off. 

Here's how: 

1. Open Settings.

2. Scroll down to and tap on Display and Brightness. 

3. Raise to Wake is the middle item in the menu. If it's on, the button next to it will be light green.

4. To turn it off, tap on the toggle so it doesn't show green.

When Raise to Wake is off, you will have to hit the home button (the button on the bottom of your iPhone) to awake your iPhone so you can use it.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to use Do Not Disturb on an iPhone to silence notifications and limit distractions

• iOS 13 lets you automatically close tabs in the Safari browser on an iPhone after a set period of time — here's how to do it

• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• How to copy and paste using gestures on an iPhone with iOS 13, and edit text in an instant

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You can change the font size in Windows 10 to make text on the screen easier to read in just a few steps using the Settings menu. 
• The option to change the font size in Windows 10 was temporarily removed in 2017, but restored again with the October 2018 update. 
• If you don't have the ability to adjust text size, make sure you update to the latest version. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While the default font setting in Windows 10 may be suitable for some people, others may prefer to make the text on their computer screen larger or smaller. 

Whether you're trying to read a lengthy article on a news website or attempting to write a report in a word processing program, sometimes adjustments need to be made to the font size.

Luckily, Windows allows you to customize the font size to your personal preferences, making it possible for everyone to read and write comfortably on their PC's.

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to change the font size on Windows 10 

1. Click on the Windows icon and type "Settings." 

2. The first option that appears should be the Settings app. Click it to open. 

3. Click on the "Ease of Access" menu option. 

4. Under "Display," use the slider under the "Make text bigger" to adjust the text to the size you want it. As you adjust the slider, you will see a preview of the new text size above. 

5. When you've adjusted the text to your preferred size, click "Apply." 

Once done, this should change the text size across the entire Windows system and all programs and apps on your computer. 

Note that you can change the text size again at any time by following the same steps as above. 

It should also be noted that if you don't see the option to adjust text size in Windows 10, it may be that you need to update to the latest version. Text size adjustment was taken away for Version 1709, but then reintroduced for Version 1809 and later. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the icon size of your files, folders, or applications on a Windows 10 computer

• How to speed up your Windows 10 computer in 7 different ways

• How to find your stored Wi-Fi passwords on a Windows 10 computer, and use them to connect another device

• How to properly uninstall programs on Windows 10, to protect your computer and free up space

SEE ALSO: The best all-in-one PCs you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The abandoned Bannerman Castle sits on Pollepel Island in New York's Hudson River. 
• Once a fortress for weapons, the castle is only accessible by private boat.
• The castle was built by Francis Bannerman, a 20th-century Scottish arms trader, but was abandoned in the 1950s. 
• In the early 1990s, the Bannerman Castle Trust led efforts to restore the castle and island to make it safe for the public to visit. It's been accessible since 2004.
• Today, the facility hosts tours and as used as a theater venue. Here's what it looks like.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: There's a $200 million abandoned village of Disney-like castles in Turkey. Take a look inside.

SEE ALSO: Inside the 'monstrosity,' a gritty, mostly-abandoned bus station in Tel Aviv that’s become an oasis for artists and urban explorers

Bannerman Castle is on Pollepel Island, which is about 60 miles north of New York City.

The abandoned castle is visible from Metro-North Railroad's Hudson train line.

To get to the castle, I took a Lyft from the Manitou train station to Donahue Memorial park in the town of Cornwall, New York.

The park sits on the west side of the Hudson River. There, I met up with guides from the Bannerman Castle Trust, the group that oversees the preservation and maintenance of the castle.

A boat waited at the park's public dock.

I crammed into the boat with two guides and a handful of volunteer gardeners who do landscaping work on Pollepel Island.

It took less than 20 minutes to get to the castle. From the dock, its beautiful, sturdy-looking walls made the building appear almost functional.

But my guide told me that I absolutely could not go inside.

From the dock, we climbed 72 stairs to reach the island.

Closer up, I understood why it's not safe to enter the castle. My guide explained that the towers of the castle require external beams for support.

The braces are made of steel. Each individual section weighs 250 pounds.

But even with this support, there's still a risk that the walls could fall.

So all visitors must stay at least 100 feet away from the castle. "Observation decks" are set up around the castle at picturesque vantage points.

A history of accidental explosions and weather damage at Bannerman Castle have left it in this decrepit state.

Francis Bannerman VI, an arms dealer who lived in Brooklyn, bought Pollepel Island in 1900. He wanted a place outside the city to store an arsenal of munitions, according to the New York Times, so he built the fortress and an accompanying harbor.

Source: New York Times

Bannerman's sons took over the business when he died in 1918. But in 1920, a room full of gun powder exploded, shattering some of the windows.

Forty-seven years later, the Bannerman family sold the island to New York State, according to the New York Times. It eventually became part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Sources: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, New York Times, Business Insider

In 1969, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it unusable.

Source: New York Times

After that, Pollepel Island was deemed unsafe and declared off-limits by the State of New York.

Source: New York Times

But in 1992, Neil Caplan, a resident of nearby Beacon, New York, formed the Bannerman Castle Trust. The group raised money to restore the island; Caplan is now its executive director.

Source: New York Times, Bannerman Castle Trust, Business Insider

The Trust teamed up with New York's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to open the island to the public in 2004.

Source: New York Times, Bannerman Castle Trust

Today, it serves as a theater, museum, and historical site.

Source: Bannerman Castle Trust

Although the main castle is inaccessible ...

Source: Bannerman Castle Trust

... the Trust has stabilized the structure that served as the Bannerman family residence. That's now the island's visitor center.

The facade of the building also serves as the backdrop for the theater's stage.

Inside, visitors can find information about the island's past.

Modest exhibits explain the site's history before Bannerman built the castle there ...

... and describe the castle's construction.

Drawings and documents about the castle and the Bannerman family are framed on the building's distressed walls.

Visitors can also see preserved fixtures from the castle, like this bathtub.

Props for plays at the island's theater venue get stored inside the residence as well.

In September, the theater was showing "Dracula" ...

... so the furniture and decor in the visitor center had a spooky theme.

The center also has a gift shop that sells art and t-shirts.

Although the trust has restored parts of the castle since the '90s ...

... weather has still taken a toll on the structure in recent decades.

Source: The New York Times

Much of the castle's shell collapsed one night in December 2009.

Source: The New York Times

Then more walls fell just a month later, during a January storm in 2010.

Wear and tear from the elements is visible on the walls that still stand.

On the way back from the castle, the boat took a spin around the island's perimeter.

From the water, we caught glimpses of other pieces of the abandoned fortress ...

... including its deteriorated harbor.

From afar, it was especially clear that nature has already taken over many parts of this mysterious piece of history on the Hudson River.

• With so many different hair dryers to choose from, it's hard to know which ones won't lead to dried out hair, sore muscles, and buyer's remorse.
• The Rusk CTC Lite is our top pick because it dries hair quickly without damaging it while still being lightweight and easy to hold. It also has seven different heat and speed settings to ensure that your hair looks like it's in a commercial.
• But we have other options as well from Remington, Panasonic, BaByliss, and Dyson.
• See more: The best shampoo to buy

No matter how many curling wands or straighteners you have in your arsenal, you need to have a quality blow dryer in the mix as well. It dries hair quickly, can tamp down frizz better than any styling product, and depending on your dexterity, can also help straighten or curl your hair. Hair styling aside, we bet it can also probably make a grilled cheese pretty quickly. 

However, finding a good hair dryer can be easier said than done — especially with all the beauty buzzwords surrounding it. If you're searching for a new hair dryer, you're likely running into words like "ionic," "infrared," and "tourmaline," and you may be wondering if you're participating in a scientific discovery rather than finding a simple beauty tool that'll just dry your hair in a few minutes.

Before you throw up your hands in frustration, we've picked out five of our favorite hair dryers so you don't have to worry about making the wrong choice. We've also broken down some terms that are helpful to know along with all the things you should really be looking for in a hair dryer that go beyond the buzzwords on the packaging. 

Hair dryer terminology

You'll come across a lot of different words when it comes to the marketing of a hair dryer. The trick is to know which ones are legit, which are marketing buzzwords, and which are up for debate when it comes to effective hair styling.

An ionic hair dryer shoots out negative ions that break up the positive ions in water more quickly, preventing frizz and speeding up drying time. Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that also produces negative ions, though it's n normally used to coat the interior of a hair dryer barrel or grills. This one is potentially tricky — The Wirecutter found little difference in their tester's hair when testing hair dryers that claimed to be "ionic." However, some hair stylists swear by this feature, saying that an ionic dryer does reduce frizz and even makes the hair shinier. 

If a hair dryer is called "infrared," it means that it uses long energy wavelengths to penetrate the hair deeply, making for a faster drying time compared to non-infared dryers. Similarly, ceramic and porcelain dryers are designed to do the same, but these materials can also result in more even heating for a more consistent temperature to protect your hair from damage.

And what about fancy terms like "conditioning beads" and "silk proteins" that claim to be housed in the barrel of some dryers? Some things really are too good to be true. The more outrageous the terms, the more likely they are to be marketing hype. 

The features that matter

All the marketing mumbo jumbo aside, there are features that you'll want in a hair dryer, especially if you plan on using it often.

• Design and weight: You want a dryer that's comfortable to hold, avoiding awkwardly placed buttons if possible. A lightweight dryer is best — especially if you have thick hair that may take a little more time to dry. No one wants to feel like they've just gotten done with a strength training routine after blow drying their hair.
• Multiple speed and heat settings: These are a must because they'll give you more control over the style of your hair as well as help to protect your hair from heat damage (though you should definitely use a heat protectant every time you use a heat tool). While not a necessity, a hair dryer that also has a cool air feature is also a plus, as it helps seal your hair cuticle once your hair is dry, giving your desired style a smooth finish.
• High wattage: A higher wattage motor will have more power and can cut down on the time that you're exposing your hair to heat, which can be damaging over time. That being said, most hair dryers hover around 1,875 watts, so this is a good ballpark number.
• Cord length: To power up your hair dryer, a longer cord length anywhere from 6 to 9 feet is is ideal. You want it to be able to reach from the outlet to wherever you dry your hair whether it's in your bathroom or in front of your vanity. A cord that's too short will restrict your movement, and it's even worse if the cord isn't long enough to reach where you're standing.
• Attachments: Hair dryers that come with extras like a concentrator attachment or a diffuser are especially useful for achieving different looks and styles.
• Warranty: As with any product that you're paying a little more for, a hair dryer with a good warranty will provide you with peace of mind that if something breaks. The manufacturer will be able to fix the issue, or if the brand is really nice, even replace lost or broken attachments. Once you find your favorite hair dryer, you'll definitely want to be able to use it for as long as possible.

The stress of finding the right hair dryer may make the price of beauty seem like a real beast, but not to worry — we've done the research for you. After combing through tons of reviews, we've found five notable hair dryers that stand apart from the rest, so you can choose the hair dryer that best fits your needs and budget.

Here are the best hair dryers in 2019:

• Best hair dryer overall: Rusk CTC Lite
• Best affordable hair dryer: Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology
• Best hair dryer for thick hair: Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer
• Best hair dryer for fine hair: BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer
• Best high-tech hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

Updated 10/25/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.

The best hair dryer overall

The Rusk CTC Lite is a lightweight hair dryer that works on all hair types and dries quickly, leaving you with salon quality results.

If you want to save money with a salon quality blowout at home, or you just want an all-around reliable hair dryer to get the job done, the Rusk CTC Lite is for you.

It can tackle all different hair types. It especially excels at drying thick hair quickly, and its titanium and ceramic coating allows for even heating, drastically cutting down on drying time. If you consider yourself a bit of a control freak, you'll definitely appreciate the seven different heat and speed settings.

Having multiple settings not only gives you control over how you want to style your hair, but you can also choose how much heat you're using. Using the lower settings can help prevent heat damage, especially if you use your hair dryer often. The hair dryer also comes with a diffuser, which is great for drying curly hair, and a concentrator if you're going for a super sleek look.

At 1,900 watts, this hair dryer packs a lot of power. Because it does have more power than the average, some reviewers did find it almost too strong for short hair styles. If you have short hair or fine hair that dries quickly, you may want to lower both the heat and speed settings.

Another reviewer loves how the dryer works overall and found the handle extremely comfortable, but did find the button placement to be slightly awkward if they're switching settings — it's actually possible to accidentally turn off the dryer while you're using it. If you're used to a different type of button, it may take some getting used to.

The Wirecutter put the Rusk CTC Lite to the test and especially appreciated the thought that was put into its design. Out of all the hair dryers the reviewer tested, the Rusk CTC Lite had one of the most comfortable handles. Its comfortable design and light weight are important features too, especially in an appliance that you'll be using often.

While styling your hair should be optional after a workout, it should never be the workout. A hair dryer that gets the job done quickly without leaving you feeling like you've been lifting weights instead of styling your hair is a definite plus.

It's moderately priced and has a decent two-year warranty. Many reviewers found this hair dryer to be worth every penny, and a big step above the typical "drug store" hair dryer. One particular reviewer loved how quickly it dried their hair compared to other hair dryers they've used in the past, as well as the 8.5-foot cord and lightweight design, which is ideal for travel.

Pros: Lightweight, long cord length, ergonomically designed for comfort, seven heat and speed settings, fast drying time, comes with additional attachments

Cons: Some reviewers found it to be too powerful for short hair, slightly awkward button placement

The best affordable hair dryer

The Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology costs less than $20, but it boasts a ton of features, including a high-end ceramic and tourmaline interior.

While there are many cheap hair dryers out there that are likely to break long before their more expensive salon-quality counterparts, there's a sector of hair dryers that'll give you a decent blowout without sucking your bank account dry. The Remington D3190 is one of those excellent budget hair dryers.

It has a decent amount of power at 1,875 watts, which is nearly as high as our top pick. The ceramic coating on its grill allows for more efficient heating, so your hair will dry quicker and won't have to be exposed to heat for long. It also has a negative ion design, which helps reduce frizz. While the true effectiveness of negative ions in a hair dryer can be debatable, many reviewers have noticed less frizz since they've started using it.

Aside from the damage control features, it also comes with a diffuser attachment for curly or wavy hair textures, as well as a concentrator if you want a straight style. Additionally, the cool shot feature will help seal your style in place after your hair is dried, and the filter is removable for easy cleaning.

Even though the dryer is super affordable, it also comes with a two-year warranty. But because it is a lower price, there are some noticeable differences between this hair dryer and some of the more expensive ones that are available. The cord is on the shorter side at about five feet long. There are also fewer heat and speed settings than you might find on a more expensive hair dryer.

However, most reviewers on Amazon were extremely happy with their purchase, saying the Remington Damage Control hair dryer is an excellent product for the price.  

Pros: Infused with ceramic for even heating, reduces frizz, quick drying, comes with diffuser and concentrator attachments, many features for the low price

Cons: Shorter cord, limited heat and speed settings

The best hair dryer for thick hair

The Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer uses a unique technology to keep more moisture in your hair, reducing heat damage and frizz.

While it may look like a strange weapon from a bad sci-fi movie, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer shouldn't be overlooked — especially if you have thick hair that seems to take eons to dry.

The nanoe technology in the name refers to this hair dryer's ability to take the moisture in the air and turn it into particles small enough to penetrate the shaft of your hair. These particles prevent your hair from drying out and help prevent the heat damage that many hair dryers can cause. While we're not sure about the science behind all of this, the reviews speak for themselves. Most users have found that this hair dryer does exactly as promised, making thick hair feel silkier and shinier.

High-tech features aside, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer comes with plenty of other perks that make it worth the price. It comes with three different nozzle attachments — one for quick drying, a concentrator for precision styling, and a diffuser for curly and wavy hair. It also has a removable filter for easy cleaning, and a cool-shot button to set your style.

While it doesn't have as many settings as other more high-end hair dryers, it still gives you some control with three heat settings and two different speed settings. While it's great for drying thick hair quickly, those with fine hair also liked this dryer, appreciating the volume and shine it added.

Some reviewers didn't like the awkward shape and found the hair dryer on the heavier side. At a little over one pound, it's slightly heavier than some of the lighter weight hair dryers out there. However, its efficient drying time means you won't have to be holding it for long.

Its long nine-foot rotating cord also ensures that it will reach wherever you need it to and it won't get tangled. At 1,875 watts, you won't be lacking for power, and the two-year warranty is also a plus.

If you don't mind a little futuristic-looking addition to the rest of your bathroom appliances, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer is a worthy purchase for anyone blessed with a thick mane of hair.

Pros: Moisture-infusing technology, fast drying, tames frizz and adds shine, comes with three nozzle attachments, long cord length

Cons: Awkwardly shaped, on the heavier side, not as many heat or speed settings as higher end hair dryers

The best hair dryer for fine hair

With six different heat and speed settings, and infrared heat provided by ceramic coils, the BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer reduces heat damage and pumps up thin hair. 

The BaByliss name is well-known in the world of professional hair stylists, but compared to many professional hair dryers, it's still affordable for most.

Despite its popularity at salons, there's no beauty school needed to learn how to use the BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer in the comfort of your own home. This model features a soft-touch rubberized housing for maximum grip, as well as a super long 10-foot cord so you can dry your hair with ease.

While it works well on thick hair, this hair dryer is especially great if you have fine hair that is prone to damage. The infrared technology and ceramic interior make for efficient and even heating, so you won't have to expose your hair to heat for a long time to get a sleek, frizz-free style. The Pro Carerra2 also utilizes negative ion technology with some reviewers saying that their hair did seem to have less static and frizz after switching to this hair dryer.

The Pro Carerra2 comes with a concentrator attachment for precision styling, as well as a cool-shot button to set your style. It also has a lengthy three-year warranty. Some reviewers have had trouble with the concentrator attachment coming off too easily, which can be annoying and dangerous if it pops off during styling.

This is a 1,900-watt professional hair dryer that packs a lot of power, and as a result, the nozzle can become hot to the touch very quickly, so use caution if you are utilizing the highest heat setting.

Between the ceramic and infrared technologies, it doesn't come as a surprise that The Straight Hair Club has dubbed this hair dryer one of the least damaging hair dryers. The site's experts note how it excels at giving you sleek and straight hair that also has bounce.

If you have fine hair — especially straight fine hair — you're likely familiar with the daily battle of trying to give your hair a little extra "oomph" in the volume department. Think of the Pro Carrera2 as an ally that will have bad hair days waving the white flag of surrender.

Pros: Ceramic and infrared technology for even and efficient heating, multiple heat and speed settings, long cord length, three-year warranty

Cons: Concentrator attachment comes off easily, the nozzle of the hair dryer can become very hot

The best high-tech hair dryer

It may be pricey, but if you're looking for a high-tech hair dryer that actually lives up to the hype, the Dyson Super Sonic may be for you.

It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that Dyson — the company best known for its vacuum cleaners — has come close to creating the perfect hair dryer. The price is steep, and there are plenty of hair dryers out there that are effective enough for a fraction of the price, but it's worth taking a step back and admiring all the thought and engineering that went into the creation of the Dyson Supersonic.

Those who have taken the plunge have found this dryer worth the high price. For starters, you won't be in danger of exposing your locks to any heat damage. While you're drying your hair, there's a lot taking place inside this futuristic-looking styling tool. The air temperature is measured 20 times every second to keep the temperature under control, and the high-velocity air flow also makes it possible to dry your hair in a fraction of the time.

Gizmodo put the Dyson Supersonic to the test to see if it was worth the money. The tester was impressed not only with how quickly their hair dried but also with how quiet the hair dryer was, thanks to the motor being housed in the noise-silencing handle.

With more weight in the handle, the hair dryer becomes less top heavy and more ergonomic so there won't be any more aching arms as you're drying your hair. In addition to the high-tech specs, the Dyson Supersonic has four heat settings and three air flow settings.

It also comes with three different attachments — a smoothing nozzle, concentrator, and diffuser. There's no danger of any attachments falling off as these attachments connect magnetically and the connection is quite powerful. For the high price, it would be a major miss if this hair dryer lacked a long cord or a cool shot button but luckily it has both, along with a two-year warranty.

Pros: Dries hair quickly, light weight, quiet, comes with three attachments, long cord length, good warranty

Cons: High price point

• Most of America's millennial millionaires live in California ZIP codes, according to a new report by Coldwell Banker.
• These ZIP codes mostly stretch across Silicon Valley, highlighting the relationship between tech and wealth.
• Only two ZIP codes aren't in California — one in Maryland and one in Michigan.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Nothing says rich like your ZIP code.

A new report by Coldwell Banker looked at the top 10 ZIP codes where America's 618,000 millennial millionaires live.

The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program worked with wealth intelligence data and research firm WealthEngine to analyze the lifestyles of millennial millionaires, from wealth creation and property investments to spending trends. It defined millennial millionaires as those ages 23 to 37 with a net worth of more than $1 million.

Read more: The top 10 states where America's wealthiest millennials live, ranked

With nearly half of America's millennial millionaires living in California, it makes sense that all but two ZIP codes on the list are in the state: Namely those in Silicon Valley, from Cupertino to San Jose. This indicates the relationship between the tech industry and wealth creation.

See below for the top 10 ZIP codes where America's millennial millionaires live.

SEE ALSO: The top 18 states rich millennials are moving to

DON'T MISS: There are 618,000 millennial millionaires in the US, and they're on track to inherit even more wealth from the richest generation ever

10. 90275: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates is located on the coast in southern Los Angeles County, California.

Ranchos Palos Verdes is one of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, according to Curbed. Jefferson Graham of USA Today called it Los Angeles County's "hidden, rural, coastal gem."

9. 20854: Potomac, Maryland, is about a 45- to 50-minute drive from Washington DC.

Potomac, Maryland, is one of the wealthiest towns in the US with an average household income of $248,189, according to Bloomberg.

8. 94010: The Burlingame/Hillsborough/San Mateo area in California is located between San Francisco and Palo Alto.

Hillsborough and San Mateo are among some of the wealthiest areas in Silicon Valley, reported Business Insider's Madeline Stone.

7. 95125: San Jose, California, is a little over an hour drive from San Francisco.

A household in San Jose, California, needs to earn $204,347 a year to be considered wealthy.

6. 94087: Sunnyvale/Cupertino, California, is about a 15- to 20-minute drive from San Jose.

Sunnyvale was ranked as the 17th best place to live in America and 15th best place for young professionals by Niche, reported Sue Wood for Patch.

5. 95124: The San Jose/Cambrian Park area is about 30 minutes from Palo Alto in California.

Cambrian Park is a neighborhood in San Jose, and is known for its "quality education" according to San Jose Real Estate Los Gatos Homes. 

4. 95120: The New Almaden/Englishtown/Twin Creeks area os located south of San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County.

New Almaden was known for its mercury mines in the 19th century. According to the National Parks Service, it produced more than $70 million in quicksilver.

New Almaden is considered to be one of the most valuable mines in California. It is now a historic landmark. 

3. 95014: Cupertino, California, is in California's Silicon Valley, situated west of San Jose.

Cupertino is home to Apple's headquarters. According to Best Places, the median income in Cupertino is $134,872, with a median home price exceeding $2 million. 

2. 94539: Fremont, California, is about an hour away from San Francisco and 30 minutes from San Jose.

According to Zillow, the median home price in Fremont is over $1 million. 

1. 49685: Traverse City, Michigan, is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is noted for its natural beauty.

Steve Reddicliffe of The New York Times reported that the area is known for its wineries, sandy beaches, and food. Its second-home market sees luxury homes that typically start at $500,000, according to the Coldwell Banker report.

• Mineral sunscreens are highly effective, and far less toxic to small aquatic creatures that can metabolize chemical-based sunscreens, but they usually leave a streaky white mess.
• We'll never stop searching for the perfect solution, but Thinksport's SPF 50+ Sunscreen is the best trusty, eco-friendly, and almost-sheer option.
• For the face, Raw Elements' Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is on the greasier side, but it blends in better than any others we've tried (though does tend to stain clothes, and most people won't have any problem with Face & Body formula).
• See more: The best sunscreen you can buy

"Eco-friendly" may be a relative term, but Hawaii and Mexico have signed bills into legislation banning two reef-toxic and potentially human-toxic active ingredients found in chemical sunscreens. According to recent research conducted by ecotoxicologists in Hawaii and the Virgin Islands published in the journal "Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology," these ingredients are "bleaching" — that is, killing — coral reefs by damaging their endocrine and immune systems to a point at which they're left with an even lower threshold for globally-warming waters.

Chemical sunscreens work well, which is why most of us who wear sunscreen have been using them since their inception. But how, exactly, do they work? They soak into our skin, where they then absorb UV rays by using one or more of the following "active," or sun-screening organic compounds: avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate.

These chemicals have proven toxic to small marine and possibly other aquatic animals, and even if you're not spending the day by the sea, will enter watersheds when you rinse them off in the shower. They also might be toxic to you, but the scientific jury's still out on that as of yet.

Mineral-based sunscreens, on the other hand, almost exclusively use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which mostly remain on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays. This is why it's so difficult to get these heavy metals to rub in, because, as a matter of principle, they don't. We've found several great options that blend in better than other mineral sunscreens without sacrificing protection.

Plus, there are a couple of ways to reduce the streaky mess mineral sunscreens tend to leave on our skin and clothes. For one: Apply this paste well before you step outside, but also before you get dressed, and let it soak in as much as possible. This seems to help reduce staining on clothes. And secondly, though tinted mineral-based sunscreens will still stain your clothes, they seem to blend surprisingly well with most skin tones, despite being an alarming pale orange in the tin.

We've tested several mineral sunscreens to find the best ones that are effective, look good, and won't hurt the environment.

SEE ALSO: The best sunscreen you can buy

The best mineral sunscreen overall

All Good sunscreens are all waterproof and made a small selection of high-quality, all-organic inactive ingredients on top of a generous (but not gloppy) 25% concentration of zinc oxide.

All Good is clean, inoffensive smelling (no strawberry daiquiri scents here), and has a short list of high-quality, easy-to-pronounce inactive ingredients in addition to the (active) zinc oxide. Not too gloppy, not too dry, this is a mineral sunscreen that doesn't take much effort to apply, and leaves a minimal cast, and as an outdoors enthusiast outside of the office, I tend to rely on All Good most often.

Apart from blending well, it has a minimal ingredient list, and a healthy helping of zinc oxide (25%) to ensure that you get full coverage (about 20% is the recommended amount according to The Sunscreen Doc, but a bit more doesn't hurt).

Except for All Good's kids' spray sunscreens, the brand receives a top rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) based on their ingredient list. While it's important to note that the EWG doesn't test sunscreens for consistency or applicability, they do account for every ingredient listed, rating them based on scientific research findings (from within and without the organization) relating to toxicity and other potential health and environmental hazards. We use this as a guideline, but not a definitive recommendation.

The secondary concern we have as consumers is, of course, whether or not a sunscreen will make us look like Casper the Friendly Ghost, or the proverbial zinc-oxide-clad snout of a lifeguard on their tower. (For a truly cosmetic-friendly sunscreen, you might consider Beatycounter's Countersun sunscreen, which we reviewed.)

Apart from its EWG endorsement, All Good also receives praise from Goop, Mother Jones and Organic Authority, with the latter emphasizing that it's long-lasting and works exceptionally well on little ones, though it does leave a slight cast.

While all mineral sunscreens are going to leave a little trace, at least at first, some blend in better than others. The issue we find over and over again in our research is that many products are too quick to set, and almost impossible to rub in; All Good has, even after incessant exposure to elements, held consistency and remained highly applicable in our experience. Our favorite is the Organic Sunscreen Butter, which doesn't quite rub in as well (at least not as immediately) as All Good's Tinted SPF 30, but includes a healthy 25% concentration of zinc oxide as opposed to 12%, and comes in a compact one-ounce (plastic-free) tin. — Owen Burke, Senior Reporter

Pros: Wide variety of sunscreens, many come in eco-friendly/non-plastic containers

Cons: None, but we wish all of All Good's products come in eco-friendly containers

Buy a two-pack of All Good's Organic Sunscreen Butter in one-ounce tins from Amazon for $20.99 (originally $19.94)

Buy a three-ounce tube of All Good's Tinted SPF 30 from Thrive Market for $11.99 (price adjusts after adding to your cart)

The best affordable mineral sunscreen

Thinksport's SPF 50+ Sunscreen offers optimal but affordable protection without any potentially harmful chemicals.

Zinc oxide and purified water are the main ingredients in Thinksport's Sunscreen, which is a great option for the hypoallergenic and eco-conscious buyer alike. Although it can leave you a bit pasty — as practically all mineral-based sunblocks do — it does eventually blend while still managing to offer superior UVA and UVB protection.

Amazon buyers gave it an average of 4.2 stars out of nearly 350 reviews, complimenting it on everything from its ability to blend, its high rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and its affordable price per ounce. Some complain that it dries their skin out too much, which zinc oxide tends to do, and many others had trouble rubbing it in.

If you find blending zinc oxide into your skin to be a nuisance, you might go for Thinksport's Everyday Face, which comes with a natural tint and blends with most complexions. Just take care around clothes, car seats, or anything else you want to avoid staining, and to that end, it probably won't do too well in water.

We're also a big fan of Badger's array of sunscreens, especially for watersports — and the SPF 34 Anti Bug Sunscreen is my personal favorite, though I have no qualms about going outside looking like a streaky white mess.

Badger's sunscreen becomes especially handy where tropical, disease-ridden mosquitoes abound, but it's probably not for everyone. We're looking into other options, but this is a wonderful, industrial-strength option for deeper, buggier expeditions.

Pros: Affordable, superior protection, plastic-free container

Cons: Requires some effort to rub in

Buy Thinksport's SPF 50 sunscreen at Amazon for $17.99

Buy Badger's SPF 34 Anti Bug sunscreen on Amazon for $12.21 (originally $13.80)

The best spray-on mineral sunscreen

Supergoop's Mineral Sunscreen Mist isn't the best protection you'll get with mineral sunscreen, but it's the best spray-on one we've found yet. It goes on cleanly, smoothly, and evenly.

Generally speaking, spray-on sunscreens aren't the best because we tend to spray them on too thinly and miss spots entirely. Mineral sunscreens are even more troublesome because they don't tend to spray well in the first place, and often dry out to the point of becoming impossible to use.

Supergoop's Mineral Sunscreen Mist works fairly well, but it's light-duty, and while it rubs in with hardly any residue, it only contains 12% zinc oxide, which falls short of the recommended 18% (or more). Still, it's the best we've found.

Our previous pick, from Bare Republic, had a combination of 15% zinc oxide and 4.3% titanium dioxide, which seems just right, and spreads evenly, but still left a white cast. Then, over time, our samples suddenly began to thicken to the point of being nearly solid, and we couldn't get it to spread or rub in.

What you can do with Supergoop's Mineral Sunscreen Mist is vigilantly apply it frequently (maybe every hour) to make up for the lower SPF rating.

In the end, most of us aren't trying to look pasty on the plage, and we get that. Supergoop strikes a happy medium between how much people care about protecting their skin and putting themselves at risk for skin cancer, how much they don't want that white cast, and, of course, how much they want to look tan. The Huffington Post, The Strategist, and Glamour all love Supergoop for this reason. Give Supergoop a go, but make sure to reapply often.

Editor's note: We're in the process of testing and reviewing Supergoop's Play sunscreen, too, which comes with ample zinc oxide and a touch of titanium dioxide. We like it so far, and will report back soon. Read more about our findings so far at the bottom of this page.

Pros: Applies easily and cleanly, works fairly well

Cons: Expensive, not quite the recommended amount of active ingredients in most sunscreens

Buy Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen Mist from Sephora for $34

The best tinted mineral sunscreen

Raw Elements' Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 can be worn for just about any occasion under the sun. 

I haven't found any mineral-based sunscreens that apply sheerly, but I have, however, found a few options that come naturally tinted and seem to blend pretty well with a variety of skin tones, and my favorite so far is Raw Elements' Tinted Facial Moisturizer.

While it is definitely on the greasier side, it blends in better than any I've tried to date, so it ought to accommodate those who are understandably averse to showing up at the beach looking like The Friendly Ghost, but who still have an interest in keeping sunburn at bay. It also seems to serve as a decent foundation for makeup for some, but you'll want to apply it well ahead of anything you're planning on putting over it.

And, if tinted sunscreen isn't your thing, and you don't mind having a bleach-white face for a few minutes until your sunscreen soaks in (maybe about 20-40 minutes), I'd go with the Face & Body formula. I found that if you're not terribly careful with the tinted stuff, it can be quite messy.

As with most mineral-based sunscreens, this stuff clogged my pores and eventually made me break out, which, of course, is all part of a day or week in the life of testing an endless slurry of products on your behalf, dear reader.

But in all seriousness, as long as you make sure to wash mineral-based sunscreens off thoroughly — though it might require a brillo pad — you should be fine, and if you have especially sensitive or oily skin, a simple facial mask should take care of you. I like Mario Badescu's Drying Mask, which, ironically enough, is a tan-hued mineral-based paste not unlike the sunscreen you'd be asking it to remove.

I also went ahead and used Raw Elements' tinted paste on my neck, arms, and legs, and my skin might have taken on a sort of ashy-grey-orange tone at first, but it faded in short order, and I didn't burn at all.

Pros: Affordable, plastic-free container

Cons: Oily, can stain clothes, especially before it soaks in

Buy Raw Elements' Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 on Amazon for $16.49

Buy Raw Elements' Face & Body Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 on Amazon for $17.49

The best mineral facial sunscreen for swimming and surfing

Manda's SPF 50 Organic Sun Paste with Thanaka is about as stripped down as sunscreen gets with eight very basic and natural ingredients

Most sunscreens, even the ones that claim water-resistance, wash off pretty quickly in the water, and especially in the surf. Surfers and swimmers need something that water won't ablate. Manda doesn't wash off, and to that point, doesn't run at all, so you shouldn't find it burning your eyes. 

It also will not rub in, and if it does, you've probably spread it too thin, or at least beyond its optimal efficacy. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend it for running about town, but it works wonders for aquatic enthusiasts, as well as perspiring, landlubbing athletes who spend prolonged periods of time in intense and/or direct sunlight.

The short list of early Amazon reviews for this somewhat new product sing its praise for withstanding the harshest of equatorial climes, and surf-centric blog The Inertia raved about it too.

And while khaki/beige might not be the most flattering hue to smear over any shade of human flesh, it sure beats ghost white or atomic orange. Although Manda's 20% concentration of zinc oxide can simultaneously dry out your skin and clog your pores, Manda has taken the unique step to include what might be the oldest sunscreen known to humankind.

Thanaka, the mustard-yellow paste that gives Manda its tint, is made from a small, shrubby, southeast Asian tree by the same name, and was made popular over two millennia ago in Myanmar for a bevvy of dermatological reasons.

Apart from being a mildly effective natural sunscreen, thanaka is a regenerative antioxidant and an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal moisturizer that is also regularly used by the Burmese to treat acne. Further, it's likely that it inhibits the enzyme tyrosine's production of melanin, which might help reduce the development of melanoma and even brighten your complexion — not that it needs brightening.

This sunscreen — weirdly — is also entirely food-safe. I personally tested that claim, and may or may not have reached for seconds.

Pros: Familiar, all-natural, and food-safe ingredients

Cons: Expensive (but not bad if you only use it on your face)

Buy Manda SPF 50 Organic Sun Paste with Thanaka on Thrive Market for $28

How to choose a mineral sunscreen that's safe for the environment

While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been researched, tested, and mostly endorsed as reasonably safe sunscreen ingredients for many decades, the jury is still largely out on the active organic compounds used in chemical sunscreens, which are considerably younger.

Although mineral-based sunscreens are preferable because they have been tested extensively and deemed largely safe for people and the environment, they are not entirely free from controversy, either.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are powders that can be manufactured as ultra-fine nanoparticles (measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter), which allow these thick sunscreens to go on sheerly without leaving a white residue, and appear to be harming reefs, too. Plus, as with most powders, they're also potential respiratory toxins in high enough concentrations.

NPR reported in 2015 on a study published in the journal "Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology," which estimated that some 6,000-14,000 tons of sunscreen end up lathering coral reefs worldwide every year. This past year, forensic ecotoxicologist Craig Downs, Ph.D., told Vogue to look for products with "non-nano" ingredients larger than 150 nanometers, at which size their toxicity level to sea creatures — and you, as a respiratory threat in spray-ons — becomes minute.

Navigating the retail market with this information can be tricky. Terms that suggest environmental and social responsibility like "reef-safe" and "non-nano" are largely, if not entirely unregulated, so take them with a grain of salt, and do your best to find brands that support these claims. We will, too.

• A $98 million penthouse in New York City is the most expensive home for sale in the city, according to the listing agent and listing databases Trulia, Zillow, and StreetEasy.
• Dubbed "Le Penthouse," the five-story condo in midtown Manhattan is just a block away from the Empire State Building.
• It comes with a nearly 3,000-square-foot wraparound private roof deck with a pool and a hot tub. 
• While "Le Penthouse" is the priciest home publicly listed, it's possible there are more expensive homes for sale in the city via "whisper listings" that you'll only discover by word-of-mouth.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A New York City penthouse that spans five floors and sits just a block from the Empire State Building has is for sale for $98 million, making it the most expensive publicly listed home in the city.

Called "Le Penthouse," the midtown Manhattan condo hit the market in June and has 19,000 square feet of interior space as well as about 4,500 square feet of outdoor space. 

"To my knowledge, 'Le Penthouse' at 172 Madison Avenue is the most expensive home for sale in the current NYC market," listing agent Raphael Sitruk of Keller Williams NYC told Business Insider.

Business Insider cross-checked the listing across sites including Zillow, Trulia, and StreetEasy and was not able to find any other listings that exceeded Le Penthouse's $98 million price tag. The real-estate appraiser and market analyst Jonathan Miller confirmed in June that it's the most expensive active listing in the city.

While "Le Penthouse" is the priciest home publicly listed, it's possible there are more expensive homes for sale in the city via "whisper listings" that you'll only discover by word-of-mouth.

Here's a look inside the priciest public listing in New York City.

SEE ALSO: I spent an afternoon in NYC's richest ZIP code, where celebs live in a 'paparazzi-proof' building and the average income is $879,000. Here's what the trendy neighborhood looks like.

DON'T MISS: Take a look inside the pair of twisting glass towers in NYC that's drawing attention from international billionaire buyers, from Jeff Bezos to New Zealand's richest person

A $98 million penthouse on Madison Avenue is the most expensive home for sale in New York City.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

The condo is in midtown Manhattan, just a block from the Empire State Building.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

172 Madison Avenue is a 33-floor luxury tower with 69 homes that comes with amenities including a full-time doorman, a spa and gym, a 67-foot lap pool, a Jacuzzi, a yoga room, and a lounge complete with a billiards table.

Source: 172 Madison Avenue

The condo spans five full floors at the top of the tower, with ceiling heights reaching up to 23 feet.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

It has more than 19,000 square feet of interior living space and 4,500 feet of outdoor space, including terraces and a private roof deck.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

The apartment will come as a "white-box" unit, which means it comes unfurnished and without any finishings or appliances so that the buyer can customize everything to his or her tastes.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

"It's like having an infinite white canvas and designing the unique apartment you're dreaming about," listing agent Raphael Sitruk of Keller Williams NYC told Business Insider.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

Renderings of the apartment show what could be done with the space, like installing an expansive wine room.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

The condo comes with a nearly 3,000-square-foot wraparound private roof deck with a pool and hot tub.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

According to the listing agent, the condo's sky-high price tag is justified because of its "super-central location," the 360-degree views, and the private roof deck. "This space is unique and never seen anywhere before," Sitruk told Business Insider.

Source: Keller Williams NYC

• London Business School (LBS) is the No. 6 business school in the world and turns down three-quarters of its applicants.
• Below, seven successful applicants discuss what worked for making the leap to the UK capital — and what didn't.
• Do your homework when it comes to understanding what makes LBS' international community different. And focus on preparing for personal interviews, but don't brag about your achievements.
• The school's admissions director explained that applicants should "want and need" a global MBA, be prepared to leverage the school's location, and should have a clear idea of their post-program career goals.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

About three-quarters of those who apply to London Business School (LBS) fail to gain admission, reported the MBA website Poets & Quants. This isn't surprising, considering it's ranked No. 6 as one of the top business schools in the world, according to education specialists Quacquarelli Symonds' 2020 Global MBA Ranking report.

"The biggest challenge is the fact that applications to top US schools are down, so it's even more competitive to get into LBS and other top programs in the UK [or] Europe," explained Barbara Coward, an MBA admissions consultant who's advised applicants who have successfully been accepted to LBS.

This begs the question: What can MBA hopefuls who have their heart set on LBS do to increase their chances of joining the 25% of accepted candidates?

Your approach to applying to LBS shouldn't be the same as it is for applying to other MBA programs, said Susan Roth, a former director of recruitment and admissions at LBS who is now a senior consultant at Stacy Blackman Consulting, which offers MBA admissions counseling. 

"I think because LBS is a top-tier school, applicants think that all the top-tier b-schools are 'one size fits all' in terms of needing high GPAs, high GMATs, and a great career trajectory," said Roth. "Of course those things are important, but LBS is different because it really wants more well-rounded students." 

To help break down exactly what LBS is looking for, Business Insider gathered behind-the-scenes insights from the people who best know the answer: students who got in, as well as the school's current and former MBA admissions directors. 

Consider your fit within the program, the student body, and the city of London

David Simpson, the school's admissions director for the MBA program (as well as for the master's in finance program), told Business Insider that prospective MBA students should consider the following three questions before applying to LBS:

• "Are we the right fit for you?" Simpson emphasized that much of the school's admissions process "is about relating your aims to our offering and establishing if we are a good fit." The "Is it right for me" page on the LBS website can get you started on this.
• "Do you want and need a global MBA with a diverse student body?" Simpson stated that your answer here is critical, since LBS "is an incredibly diverse community; [the] MBA Class of 2020 alone comprises 64 nationalities." As Mathias Keller, LBS MBA class of 2019 and now an associate at McKinsey's Berlin office, said: "If I had to sum up my experience at LBS in one word, I would say 'diversity': diversity of educational backgrounds, diversity of thought, diversity of cultural heritage and origin. LBS is a beautiful 'salad bowl' in which students mix, collaborate, and learn together, taking on the mutual LBS culture while remaining distinct individuals."
• "Will you leverage our London advantage?" Simpson pointed prospective students to the LBS website, which explains more about "The spirit of London" and why it's important to determining fit for the MBA program. "Our location in the heart of the UK capital is the oxygen that breathes life and dynamism into our people and ideas," the website states. "Our campus surroundings are home to world-leading business and culture, offering limitless exploration and inspiration on the doorstep of our students." Keller added that you should ask yourself, "Can you see yourself studying in London, one of the major business hubs of the world with all its opportunities, distractions, and temptations, or do you prefer spending your MBA in a small town like Fontainebleau, allowing you to fully focus on the academics?" 

The LBS admissions director wants to see that prospective MBA students have done their due diligence when applying to the program, and that they thoroughly understand and appreciate what makes LBS special. 

"Research LBS (and your other school choices) well," recommended Simpson. "We like to see that candidates have carried out specific research on LBS, preferably through students and alumni. We're not like other schools; we are unique in terms of the package of our location, student body, and program structure." (You can read more about their structure here and here.)

He added that students should be clear on their career goals for attending LBS' MBA program. 

"That doesn't necessarily mean having one target company and role, but we want you to have thought about your options and the likelihood of achieving them with our MBA," said Simpson. You can check out these sections of the LBS website on "Career Impact" and "Flexibility and Customisation" to aid your career goal-setting process.

Expect an application process complete with personal interviews and video submissions

Figuring out whether LBS is right for you is half the battle — the other half is actually applying and convincing the admissions team that you are right for the school.

You can dig into the nitty-gritty about how to properly apply on the LBS website here and here.

Simpson added that applying consists of "a thorough multi-part admissions process that includes an application, a personal interview with alumni — which can be held locally for candidates in more than 60 countries — an impromptu presentation, and a video submission."

That said, "the entire process was incredibly simple, and supportive," explained Smruti Sriram, who is the CEO of Supreme Creations and a member of the LBS MBA class of 2018. "I could not have been treated more personally, and kindly."

Keep your ego in check, and showcase an ability to overcome adversity

Sriram's biggest piece of advice is to match your tone and how you present yourself to the more modest style that LBS favors. "Ego will not get you anywhere," she said.

With this in mind, she advised showcasing your passion, not bragging about your performance. "Don't think you have to be ticking all sorts of skills and career boxes," Sriram said. "Display passion, an ability to learn, and a care for the school community." 

She added that you should avoid "being too boastful" about your achievements. "Everyone is very accomplished in the LBS community, but they are not as brash or loud about it," she said.

Roth, former director of recruitment and admissions at LBS, agreed with taking a low-ego, "be humble" approach that avoids "presenting yourself as perfect." She noted that LBS is interested not just in an applicant's accolades, but "in mistakes or failures that candidates have experienced and how they have grown from those experiences."    

"When I'm working with applicants, they tend to focus on all the high points of their backgrounds," explained Roth. "My job is to help them weave the low points into their narrative, but in a self-awareness, learned-from-their-mistakes, context … I try and show them that adversity in one's background shows character."

Connect with alumni and students and "dive into" club networks to gain insight into LBS' culture

Keller admitted that he found it very challenging to understand the intricate cultural nuances of LBS, and therefore "struggled" to make his application as specific to LBS as possible. To help overcome this challenge, he "tried to talk to as many current students or alumni as possible … visited the LBS campus several times, [and] attended a lecture and an information session."

Recent LBS grad Brady Dearden, who graduated in 2019 and now serves as a cyber intelligence analyst at Lockheed Martin, took an additional step when confronting this obstacle. Dearden served in the US Army as a company commander prior to attending business school, and found that he was able to leverage his background to discover the school's true culture. 

"I overcame this challenge by diving into the networks of the school's clubs, particularly the Military-in-Business Club," said Dearden. "LBS has a strong culture of inclusion and my efforts, coupled with the student response, gave me a positive and insightful understanding into life at LBS."

He suggested that other applicants could use the same tactic to link with others at LBS. But he stressed the importance of taking the initiative at the application stage, rather than waiting for something to happen.

"[You] must do [your] homework to connect with students and faculty and go the distance to do video chats and visit events at which the school is presenting," said Dearden. "Although time intensive, this effort is what eventually led me to LBS. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed the LBS community the more I researched and learned about it."

Shoot for a high GMAT score, but know that there's a chance to get in if you're not in range

Caitlin Attal — who graduated with her MBA from LBS in the summer of 2019 and started working at Google in London as a revenue lead in August — was originally waitlisted from the school before getting in.

"I have always struggled with standardized tests, so unsurprisingly the GMAT was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome in terms of the LBS application," admitted Attal. "I applied in the first round with a very low score and was waitlisted with the caveat that my application would only be reconsidered if I agreed to retake the GMAT to improve it." 

Knowing that her admission to LBS hinged on receiving a slightly higher GMAT score, Attal said she was "very diligent" in her preparation to retake the exam. She enrolled in an online course, met with a tutor, and established a regimented study routine. 

"I set aside two hours before work every morning to study and would do a practice exam every weekend," she recalled. Her hard work paid off: Attal managed to raise her GMAT score by 20 points, which was enough for an acceptance. 

Don't think you can't apply if you're weak in one area. If you can show the admissions committee that you're willing and able to improve, you just may get in.

But, added Simpson, "don't expect to ace the GMAT or GRE [the] first time and with no prep. It takes practice to become familiar with the material and format — and to maximize your scoring." According to the LBS website, the average GMAT score for the class of 2020 was 707.

Demonstrate an international outlook

Class of 1999 LBS alum Kaihan Krippendorff is the CEO and founder of growth strategy firm Outthinker. He's also the author of five business strategy books including "Driving Innovation from Within: A Guide for Internal Entrepreneurs."

On his path to career success, Krippendorff attended two other top business schools in addition to LBS, receiving an MBA from Columbia Business School and his bachelor's degree in finance from Wharton School of Business, where he is now also a lecturer in the Wharton Executive Education program.

Krippendorff said that he has "found LBS to be unique in ways that [are] critical to consider and show you understand in your application."

"The cases you cover in class and the backgrounds of your peers and professors is more international than you can expect at a US school, so it's helpful if you have and demonstrate a truly international (instead of US-centric) outlook," said Krippendorff. 

The CEO added that although LBS is a European school when it comes to outlook, it's "American in structure."

"[U]nlike most European business schools, LBS adopts a US-style, two-year program,'" he said. "This creates an exciting opportunity for you to have a degree that US companies and firms understand." 

To strike the right balance, Krippendorff made two specific recommendations for your application.

First, "don't talk only about Wall Street or Silicon Valley in your application when describing what you have learned or where you want to direct your future career," he explained. Second, he said, "Show a truly global outlook rather than a US, European, or even Western-leaning [one]. Show you are and want to be a citizen of the world."

Prepare talking points for the interviews and video component

Javiera Amunategui, a 2019 LBS MBA grad and a consultant at Bain & Company, pointed to the video component — which Amunategui explained was introduced for the first time for the 2019 MBA class — as one of the most challenging parts of the application process for her.

"Not only didn't [we] have references on what to expect, but also for one of the two videos that we had to record, the question was going to be random and we could only do it once," she recalled.

So Amunategui focused her attention on preparing for the first video where the question was known. "I made a plan on what to say and a summary with the most important points I wanted to make just in case," she said. 

For the second video, with an unknown question, Amunategui explained that she tried her best to prepare more broadly on possible topics: "I had to think about any miscellaneous thing I could think about: the last book I read, my hobbies, sports, people who inspired me, the best things about London, etc.," she said.

The Bain consultant recommended that applicants be prepared to provide a response that is cohesive with other application materials that they may have submitted earlier in the process.

"I believe the interview is structured a bit different than other schools," Amunategui said. "You have a specific set of questions that the school provides to the interviewer that includes also some 'fit' aspects and a practical case [that] you are expected to solve or plan based on your experience; so you really need to be very thoughtful about everything you submitted [previously]."

Understand and address what's unique about the LBS essay questions  

Abraham Daniel Hajjar, LBS MBA class of 2019 who started his new job as a strategy consultant at Accenture in Dubai in July, remembers finding it "very challenging to crack what the LBS MBA was all about, and then how to reflect that in [the] application." 

He felt particularly concerned about how he would be able to communicate everything needed in the short word count allotted for the one required essay and one optional essay. "There was this big debate in my head to decide on what to talk about and what not," he said.

Hajjar noted that while some MBA programs "require multiple themed essays, including ones on topics [not] related to the candidate just to get an idea how they think," LBS focuses mainly on post-MBA goals under a very broad theme, which he described as "a real challenge considering candidates must cram many past experiences along with future goals into a short essay."

The required 500-word essay question currently on the LBS site is: "What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School [program] contribute towards these?" The optional 500-word essay is: "Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?" 

Despite his reservations, Hajjar took a stab at the first essay, and ended up dissatisfied with the results. "My first application draft seemed like it would be applicable to any university … and that's when I realized that there was a lot more work to be done," he said.

So he stepped up his game and attended multiple recruitment events, where he connected with several alumni to better understand their experience and how LBS helped them progress with their careers. 

"I was advised to understand the offered courses, read up on professor profiles, and link that back into my application. There was an emphasis by everyone to focus on the program's flexibility and how that would support [or] impact my career ambitions, which is what I also reflected." 

Alumni advised Hajjar to focus his required essay on his past and how LBS would help, then divide his future career into a short- and long-term goal with "clear themes" describing where he saw himself. For the second essay, he was advised to focus on three to four traits about his personality and working style, with "clear, quantifiable examples" to prove his point. 

"The MBA's one mandatory essay asks about career goals, experience that will help you to achieve your aims, and how the program will support with those goals," said Jamie Wright, who worked at LBS managing recruitment and admissions for Early Career Programs from 2009 to 2017 and is currently an admissions consultant with Accepted. "The question is very clear, but the simplicity of it may cause applicants to overthink. They're not trying to catch anyone out with this question. In addition to relevant skills, experience, and knowledge, they're saying two things are important to them: (1) career plans and (2) knowledge of the LBS program (being an indicator of genuine interest)."

Wright added that admissions wants to know whether applicants:

• Are willing to take responsibility for their career journey
• Whether this journey is realistic given their experience
• How motivated they are to take advantage of the program and school's resources, as well as the London location 

She emphasized that your essay answers need to be very specific in these regards. "What they don't want [are] general platitudes about things they already know — the location is great, the brand is top-notch, the faculty and peer group are inspirational," said Wright. "They know all of this, and they're not looking for the program to be sold to them." 

Collect your references early

On the school's FAQ page, LBS notes that two referees, or references, are required in your application — defining acceptable references as "people who know you well" — and asks for one reference from "your current employer" and one from "someone who knows you in a professional capacity, such as a former employer, client, or peer."

Simpson advised prospective students to "give plenty of notice to referees and brief them well. They need to understand us and what we do, as well as [know] you well." 

SEE ALSO: An MBA admissions expert who's helped students get into Stanford, Wharton, and London Business School explains exactly how to nail the personal essay

READ MORE: BUSINESS SCHOOL PREP: The ultimate guides to getting into the top MBA programs in the US

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Ray Dalio shares what he's learned from his succession plan at the world's largest hedge fund

• Natural toothpaste formulas don't have to be lacking in powerful ingredients or great flavor.
• Take our top pick, Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste, for example. It cleans teeth and keeps breath fresh, thanks to naturally occurring tea tree oil, neem, baking soda, and sea salt.
• Editor's Note: The British Dental Journal has released new research that says there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove the cosmetic and health benefits of activated charcoal toothpastes and powders, and that they may cause decay.
• We are doing our best to keep up with recent news as well as try each and every one of our picks for you. We'll update this article accordingly when we learn more. You can read more details in this Business Insider article that summarizes the study.

Brushing your teeth is an intimate thing. And yet, we don't tend to give our toothpaste selection careful thought. Most of us just go to the drugstore, pick up whatever is on sale, and go on our merry way. Can you even tell me what brand is in your medicine cabinet right now?

Now more than ever, buyers interested are interested in ingredients. They want to know what's in their products, and why. Although there is a significant amount of debate about what really counts as "natural" and whether "natural" is automatically preferable to synthetic formulations, more and more people are making the switch to products that use all or mostly natural ingredients.

Maybe you're here because you've already overhauled your skin care, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and deodorant to include only natural products, and toothpaste is just the next item on your list. Or perhaps you simply want to learn about the alternatives to whatever is currently sitting on the shelf in your bathroom.

But first, a note about fluoride: Though some people prefer to avoid it, there are several options in our guide that do include the ingredient. As Allurepoints out, "contrary to what many believe, fluoride is natural." It's "found throughout the earth's crust, in rainwater, in plants, and it's the only ingredient that is proven to reduce cavities," as dentist Caroline Barsoum told the publication.

Still, some people don't want fluoride in their toothpaste, so if you prefer to do without fluoride, there are some options for you in our guide, too. However, before you go the natural route, make sure you discuss with your dentist on whether a natural toothpaste is right for you.

Here is the best natural toothpaste:

• Best overall: Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste
• Best for sensitive teeth: Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste
• Best fluoride-free: Tom's Antiplaque Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
• Best for kids: Hello Kids Fluoride-Free Natural Watermelon Toothpaste
• Best with activated charcoal: Schmidt's Activated Charcoal Tooth and Mouth Paste
  

Updated on 10/25/2019 by Connie Chen: Updated prices and links.

SEE ALSO: The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth

The best overall

Thanks to its natural ingredients, Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste keeps your mouth clean and healthy.

Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste appears on tons of "best natural toothpaste" lists and has racked up tons of rave reviews on Amazon. Why? Because it's effective but lacks most of the ingredients you probably came here to avoid.

This toothpaste is mentioned all over the internet as a top natural toothpaste — it has more than 1,500 Amazon reviews (77% of which give the product 5 stars) and earns high marks from experts as well.

Tea tree oil is the hero ingredient, and it's said to be antibacterial and freshen your breath. Good Housekeeping did note that its testers didn't love the flavor of this toothpaste, so if you're really sensitive to taste, you may want to read on for other options.

In a review, Anna Hoffman of Apartment Therapy writes, "Overall, I really liked this toothpaste — it tasted pretty good and was effective at keeping my mouth as fresh and non-swampy as my normal drugstore toothpaste."

Evita Ochel, a holistic nutritionist, writes, "Given this and the quality of ingredients, I can definitely recommend this toothpaste as a good option for the natural-oriented and health-conscious consumer." She recommends avoiding commercial toothpaste in general.

Pros: Natural ingredients, contains antibacterial tea tree oil

Cons: No fluoride, "earthy" flavor

The best for sensitive teeth

Got sensitive teeth? Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste is packed with soothing ingredients and lacking in dye, artificial flavor, parabens, and SLS.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth doesn't tend to inspire medicine cabinet envy — the packaging is often clinical and unattractive. But Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste is the exception. The metallic pink tube looks great next to all your fancy face creams, while the formula delivers soothing ingredients and a fresh, minty taste.

There's so much to love about Hello Sensitivity Relief that it's hard to know where to start. It has all the great benefits you get from the brand's other formulas, like teeth-whitening and cavity-fighting, plus the addition of desensitizing ingredients like aloe vera, xylitol, and coconut oil (commonly used in a dental care technique called oil pulling).

Then, there are all the things this toothpaste doesn't have: parabens, artificial dyes or flavors, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), gluten, preservatives, etc. Additionally, all Hello products are cruelty-free, vegan, and packaged in boxes "made from 100% recycled paperboard and printed with soy inks."

Allurenamed Hello Sensitivity Relief as a great pick in an article on natural toothpaste, and it has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon based on more than 500 customer reviews.

Pros: Contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients for sensitive teeth, cruelty-free, comes in recycled packaging, no SLS, contains fluoride

Cons: Contains fluoride

The best fluoride-free

If you really want to avoid fluoride, try Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, which uses naturally derived silicas to whiten teeth and comes in a variety of great flavors.

While mostexpertsagree that fluoride is safe in small doses — and recommend for its teeth-protection properties — Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste is a good option if you prefer to avoid the ingredient.

This toothpaste helps brighten your smile and prevents plaque buildup thanks to naturally sourced ingredients like zinc citrate and hydrated silica. There's also a comprehensive breakdown on the Tom's of Maine website that shows you exactly what's included in the toothpaste, why it's there, and how it was sourced.

Tom's of Maine toothpastes are highly recommended by experts and reviewers, including us— we love it as a great natural option for people with sensitive teeth. Good Housekeeping listed the entire brand among some of the best natural toothpastes on the market, and Best Products named the Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free formula the "Best Organic Toothpaste." The product has more than 2,600 Amazon reviews and a 4.4 rating.

Pros: Great taste, fluoride-free, antiplaque and whitening properties

Cons: Contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which some people prefer to avoid, fluoride-free (could be a pro or a con, depending on preference)

The best for kids

For a natural toothpaste that kids will love, consider Hello Kids Fluoride-Free Natural Watermelon Toothpaste. 

It's hard enough for me to make myself brush my teeth after a long day, so I can only imagine what that experience is like with children. A lot of natural toothpastes are known for tasting a little, well, different, but Hello Kids Fluoride-Free Natural Watermelon Toothpaste's fruity flavor is bound to be youngster-approved.

Parents, on the other hand, will love that it's formulated without "dyes, sls/sulfates, artificial sweeteners/flavors, microbeads, triclosan and gluten," just like all of the Hello Oral Care toothpastes. This variety is sans fluoride, but the brand carries some kid-friendly options that do contain fluoride, in other flavors like "Bubblegum" and "Blue Raspberry."

Pros: Great taste, BPA-free packaging, cruelty-free and vegan, made without artificial ingredients like dyes and flavorings

Cons: Fluoride-free (but brand carries fluoride options if you prefer)

The best with activated charcoal

Don't let the color of Schmidt's Activated Charcoal Tooth and Mouth Paste fool you. This is an excellent whitening toothpaste that tastes minty fresh.

Editor's Note: The British Dental Journal has released new research that says there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove the cosmetic and health benefits of activated charcoal toothpastes and powders, and that they may cause decay. We are doing our best to keep up with recent news as well as try each and every one of our picks for you. We'll update this article accordingly when we learn more. You can read more details in this Business Insider article that summarizes the study.

Don't be alarmed: Schmidt's Activated Charcoal Tooth and Mouth Paste comes out of the tube a disconcerting shade of dark gray, but it's worth overlooking the initial shock because of the whitening benefits. It is part of a lineup of natural toothpaste from Schmidt, which is known for its natural deodorants. Of the Schmidt's natural toothpaste flavors I tested, my favorite is the Activated Charcoal.  

I get bad stains on my teeth, which are partially due to the texture of my tooth enamel and partially due to my insistence that water and coffee are interchangeable substances. This toothpaste lessened the impact of those stains so much that my mom noticed without me even mentioning it, which is pretty much the highest compliment I can give it.

My teeth stayed even noticeably lighter after I moved on to using a formula without the activated charcoal. Schmidt's Activated Charcoal Tooth and Mouth Paste is formulated with COQ10, vitamin E, and goji berry and pomegranate extract, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

Fast Company writer Rina Raphael gave it a mostly positive assessment, though she was initially put off by the grey color of the activated charcoal toothpaste. Best Products listed it as one of the activated charcoal toothpastes you should buy.

Editors' note: According to a recent study released by the British Dental Journal, activated charcoal toothpaste was found to be ineffective at whitening teeth. Researchers also found that it could damage teeth and gums. Activated charcoal toothpaste isn't approved by the ADA, and there isn't a consensus among dentists on whether it works. If you have concerns, you should consult your dentist before trying. Click here to read more.

Pros: Nice minty flavor, whitening activated charcoal

Cons: Toothpaste is dark gray and will stain your sink if you don't rinse thoroughly after brushing

Check out our other great oral health product guides

The best toothbrushes you can buy

• You can set a default printer for your Windows 10 computer so that it's easier and quicker to print documents.
• While you can still change printers for an individual job, changing the default printer on your preferred Windows computer can save you from having to set it every time.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Windows will automatically set your printer to be the last one you used at your current location. However, you can turn this function off to manually set your printer to a preferred one, so it doesn't change every time you move.

You can also re-enable that default setting later, if that's your preference.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to set a default printer in Windows 10

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen, and search for "Printers." 

2. Select "Printers and Scanners" from your search results.

3. Uncheck "Allow Windows to manage my default printer" at the bottom of the screen by clicking the check box.

4. Select the device you want to make your default from the list of printers and scanners. Click on it, then click "Manage."

5. On the new screen, select "Set as default." This should now be your default printer.

6. To re-enable the default printer settings, recheck the "Allow Windows to manage my default printer" button.

This can be really helpful if you have a laptop that switches printers a lot. Changing the default printer manually like this still allows you to change your printer on a case-by-case basis if you choose to, whenever you print from an application. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the font size on a Windows 10 computer, to make it easier to read text displayed on your screen

• How to change your account username on a Windows 10 computer without getting lost in menus

• How to turn off the password feature on Windows 10 for quicker access to your computer

• How to log off a Windows 10 computer in 4 different ways

SEE ALSO: The best all-in-one PCs you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Dog shampoos are formulated to be gentle on your dog's sensitive skin, and they are generally free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
• There is an array of options out there, but some dog shampoos are simply better than others.
• The Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo is the best of the best with its all-natural formula that cleans and deodorizes without irritating your dog's sensitive skin.

Dogs have a knack for getting into trouble and some dogs seem to always be followed by a cloud of dust and dirt. Unfortunately, dogs are not like cats in grooming themselves — you have to do it for them including brushing and bathing them. While many dog owners use human shampoo on their dogs, frequent use of these products could be harmful and might compromise the quality of your dog's coat. The better option is to purchase a shampoo designed specifically for dogs. These products are formulated to be gentle on your dog's sensitive skin and they are generally free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Keeping your dog's skin and coat clean is important, but you can have too much of a good thing. Shampooing your dog's coat too often could strip it of the natural oils that keep his skin healthy and moisturized. So, not only is it important to avoid bathing your dog too often — unless your veterinarian advises otherwise — but when you do wash him, you need to use a quality product. 

There is an array of options out there, but some dog shampoos are simply better than others. We've read the reviews and done the research to bring you our top picks for dog shampoo in different categories. Keep reading to see what we've chosen.

Here are the best dog shampoos you can buy:

• Best dog shampoo overall: Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo 
• Best dog shampoo for puppies: Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo
• Best dog shampoo for fleas and ticks: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
• Best dog shampoo for sensitive skin: 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo 
• Best heavy-duty dog shampoo: SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo 
• Best hypoallergenic dog shampoo: Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo

Updated 10/25/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides.

SEE ALSO: 

The best dog shampoo overall

The Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo is safe and gentle, plus it will leave your dog's skin and coat soft and moisturized. 

When shopping for dog shampoo, you want to look for a product that will clean and deodorize your dog's skin and coat without irritating his sensitive skin. Our top overall choice for dog shampoo is Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo. This formula is safe, gentle, and effective, which is all you can really ask for in a dog shampoo. 

This Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo features natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe to soothe skin irritation, relieve itching, and moisturize your dog's skin. It is a soap-free, pH-balanced formula that effectively cleans and deodorizes to leave your dog's coat softer than ever with a pleasant vanilla almond scent. Not only is this product all-natural, but it is 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free. It won't wash away flea and tick control products, either.

Named among Labrador Training HQ's top three picks for natural, organic dog shampoos, this formula doesn't contain any parabens, phosphates, synthetic dyes, or perfumes. The shampoo also makes it onto Heavy's top 15 list for the best dog shampoos and it is the number-one pick for Top Dog Tips. Top Dog Tips notes that, of the products tested, this formula was the most effective in relieving itching and it was the best smelling product as well.

With more than 2,900 user reviews on Amazon, Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo has a consistent 4.4-star rating. Users love how well the formula works to soothe itching without any harsh ingredients as well as the fresh vanilla almond scent.

Pros: Made with all-natural ingredients, 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free, soap-free formula, safe and gentle, relieves itching and soothes dry skin, promotes healing and moisturizes skin, pH-balanced to clean and deodorize, won't wash away flea and tick products

Cons: May not lather well enough for dogs with thick double coats, may not be recommended for dogs with allergies and extra-sensitive skin, some users find the scent overpowering, may not be powerful enough for very strong odors

The best dog shampoo for puppies

To gently cleanse your puppy's sensitive skin and coat, we recommend Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo. 

Even at a fraction of their adult size, puppies can make some big messes. It pays to be prepared by keeping a powerful dog shampoo on hand. The thing you need to keep in mind is that your puppy's skin is extra sensitive, so you need to choose a formula that is strong enough for deep cleaning but gentle enough not to irritate or damage your puppy's skin. Our top pick for a puppy-safe shampoo that cleans and deodorizes without the use of harsh chemicals or fragrances is Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo.

Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo is a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo made with gentle cleansers safe for your puppy's sensitive skin and coat. It is a tearless formula that won't irritate your puppy's eyes if you use it as a face wash, and it leaves behind a gentle orchid scent. This puppy-safe shampoo contains natural odor-neutralizing ingredients for long-lasting freshness.

An in-depth review from My Dog Likes speaks to the benefits not only of this tearless puppy formula, but of the fact that Isle of Dogs offers a complete line of professional-quality shampoos and conditioners. The review also mentions that Isle of Dogs offers complete transparency about its ingredients, which gives you peace of mind as a dog owner. This product also receives favorable reviews as a top pick in puppy-safe shampoos from Pawsome Talk.  

Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo has more than 240 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6-star rating. Users love the quality of the ingredients and the gentle orchid scent, though some dog owners find it to be too strong. Overall, however, the product is considered safe and effective for puppies.

Pros: Free from sulfates and parabens, gentle enough for puppies and as a face wash, gentle orchid scent, contains natural odor-neutralizing ingredients, lathers well for deep cleaning, doesn't contain any synthetic ingredients or harsh fragrances

Cons: Some users find the orchid scent overpowering, may not be powerful enough for strong odors

The best dog shampoo for fleas and ticks

The Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo is made with natural pyrethrins and an insect growth regulator to kill fleas on contact and provide 28 days of protection.

A flea infestation is every dog owner's worst nightmare. Not only can fleas cause your dog's skin to become irritated and inflamed, but these tiny pests can make their way into your pet's bedding, your furniture, and even your carpet. A high-quality flea shampoo is the first step in eradicating fleas and our top pick is Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo. This highly effective formula kills fleas in all life stages and it is also effective against ticks and chewing lice. Simply put, it is a powerful weapon against insect pests.

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo contains natural pyrethrins to kill adult fleas, ticks, and lice as well as Precor, an insect growth regulator to prevent eggs and larvae from developing into biting adults. In addition to powerful active ingredients, this formula also contains natural ingredients like coconut extract, oatmeal, and aloe to help soothe and moisturize your dog's dry, irritated, and itchy skin. The gentle formula works into an easy lather to cleanse your dog's coat, leaving it softer, shinier, and cleaner than ever. It also provides a full 28 days of protection.

My Sweet Puppy names Adams its top pick for flea shampoos, praising it for its efficacy in killing insect pests while also cleansing your dog's coat and moisturizing his skin. A review from WiseBread speaks to the benefits of a concentrated, lathering formula and Ready Set Dogs notes that natural pyrethrins (the active ingredients in this formula) are generally safer and more effective than permethrins, the synthetic version.

With more than 1,000 ratings on Amazon, Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo has a solid 4.1-star rating. Customers note that the product has a fairly strong odor and some dog owners report needing multiple applications for maximum efficacy but, for the most part, this shampoo is safe, inexpensive, and highly effective.

Pros: Made with natural pyrethrins instead of synthetic permethrins, contains Precor insect growth regulator, kills fleas and ticks in all life stages, protects for a full 28 days, contains natural ingredients to soothe and moisturize skin, gently cleanses and softens coat, safe for puppies over 12 weeks

Cons: May not be recommended for puppies under 12 weeks, some users find the odor to be too strong, needs to be worked into a thick lather for maximum efficacy  

The best dog shampoo for sensitive skin

The 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is free from the synthetic and harsh chemical ingredients that might irritate your dog's skin.

If your dog has sensitive skin, you need to be very careful about the type of grooming products you use. All-natural shampoos are generally the safest option for dogs with sensitive skin and seasonal allergies because they don't contain harsh chemical ingredients. There are many all-natural dog shampoos on the market, but not all natural dog shampoos are organic. Our top choice for organic dog shampoo is 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo because it is USDA-certified organic, hypoallergenic, and completely free from synthetic and chemical ingredients that might irritate your dog's skin.

4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is one of the best USDA certified organic dog grooming products on the market. This shampoo is all-natural, hypoallergenic, sustainably sourced, and biodegradable. Free from synthetic ingredients, this shampoo gently cleanses and moisturizes your dog's skin and coat, leaving him smelling fresh and clean. Safe for dogs in all life stages, this is not only one of the best organic dog shampoos, but also one of the most popular and veterinarian- and groomer-approved dog shampoos on the market.

One of Rover's top picks for dog shampoo, 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is hypoallergenic and safe for dogs with seasonal allergies or sensitive skin. It is also easy to lather and rinse, plus the same essential oils that give it a pleasant scent also act as a natural repellent for fleas.

4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo has more than 800 reviews on Amazon as well as a 4.5-star rating. Users love how gentle the shampoo is on dogs with sensitive skin as well as the mild scent.

Pros: Contains no synthetic or chemical ingredients, completely natural and hypoallergenic, no detergents or sulfates, completely biodegradable and cruelty-free, gently cleanses and moisturizes your dog's skin and coat, safe for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin, mild but pleasant scent, safe for dogs and puppies of all ages

Cons: Some users find the scent to be too strong, may not be strong enough for dogs with thick double coats, some users found the consistency too thin

The best heavy-duty dog shampoo

With three times the cleansing action of ordinary dog shampoos, this SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo tackles even the toughest dirt and odors.

There will be times when a regular dog shampoo simply isn't enough to clean heavy dirt or strong smells out of your dog's coat. Choosing a heavy-duty shampoo can be tricky because you want something strong enough to tackle the dirt and odor but not so harsh that it irritates or causes damage to your dog's skin. For a shampoo to take on even the dirtiest, smelliest of dogs but gentle enough to soothe and moisturize his skin, our top choice is SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo.

The Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo contains three times more active cleansing ingredients than the average dog shampoo to clean and deodorize even the smelliest, dirtiest of dogs. Free from harsh chemicals and irritating fragrances, this formula contains a variety of foaming agents as well as natural ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter to leave your dog's skin healthier and his coat cleaner than it's ever been. This shampoo also offers an exclusive "dirt repel" formula to keep your dog's coat cleaner longer.

An in-depth review from Labrador Training HQ names this formula one of the two top picks for heavy-duty dog shampoo, praising the product's concentrated formula and its light but refreshing scent. This product is among PetCareRx's top choices for heavy-duty dog shampoos and Canine's Delight remarks upon the product's refreshing scent of green apple mixed with white tea. The formula is enriched with soothing natural ingredients and wheat protein to moisturize your dog's skin.

This product has a solid 4.1-star rating on Amazon and users love the concentrated formula that doesn't require premixing. Many users report that the product cleans thoroughly and doesn't leave behind a residue, though the fresh scent sometimes wears off quickly.

Pros: Contains three times the cleansing power of ordinary shampoos, lathers well for a deep clean, made with an exclusive "dirt repel" formula, contains natural ingredients to soothe and moisturize your dog's skin, doesn't leave behind a sticky residue, concentrated formula that doesn't require mixing

Cons: Triple strength formula may be too strong for dogs with very sensitive skin, bottle may leak when not stored or handled properly, green apple scent sometimes wears off quickly

The best hypoallergenic dog shampoo

The Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo uses a soap-free, tearless formula that works fast to soothe dry and irritated skin.

Many dog owners do not realize that dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just as any person can. Some dogs also have extra-sensitive skin that requires the use of a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo. Our top pick for a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that gently cleanses while relieving itching and soothing dry skin is Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo. This soap-free, tearless formula won't interfere with your dog's flea and tick control products, either.

Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo features natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe itching, relieve allergies, and moisturize dry and brittle coats. It won't irritate your dog's sensitive skin or leave behind a sticky residue and it will leave your dog smelling clean and fresh.

PetCareRx names Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo its top choice in hypoallergenic dog shampoos because it is a soap-free, tearless formula that relieves itching and soothes dry skin. It is also safe to use with flea and tick control products. K9 of Mine gives this shampoo 4.5 stars, praising the shampoo's ability to soften dry, brittle coats while also relieving seasonable allergies. Dog Struggles notes that this product is not only hypoallergenic, but also free from soap, detergents, artificial fragrances, and harsh alcohols.

Though Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo has 275 reviews on Amazon, it has a solid 4.4-star rating. Users love how quickly this formula works to relieve allergies as well as its cleansing power and light, pleasant scent. Some users dislike the scent and others report that the shampoo wasn't completely effective against itching caused by severe allergic reactions.  

Pros: Hypoallergenic formula is soap-free and tearless, cleans and moisturizing sensitive skin and coats, helps to relieve itching and dryness, does not interfere with flea and tick products,

Cons: Some users find the scent too strong, may not be effective against severe allergic reactions, not recommended for nursing or pregnant dogs

Check out our other great dog guides

The best puppy gear to make your new dog feel at home

Bringing a new puppy home is an important moment, so make it memorable and stock up on the right gear before it arrives. From a training collar to a bed and chew toy, here are the best items to buy to welcome your new dog.

• Best collar for leash training: Blueberry Pet Personalized Martingale Collars
• Best leash for puppies: PetSafe Nylon Leash
• Best crate for puppies: MidWest Life Stages Folding Dog Crate With Divider
• Best bed for puppies: Majestic Pet Suede Dog Bed
• Best chew toy for puppies: Kong Puppy Toy
• Best at-home monitoring system for puppies: Furbo Dog Camera

The best dog collars you can buy

Every dog needs a good collar. It lets you attach a leash for outdoor walks and it's a place to hold an ID tag. While our overall pick is suitable for most dogs, there are some collars that may be better suited for your best friend. Here are the best dog collars you can buy:

• Best dog collar overall: Lupine Original Dog Collar
• Best budget dog collar: Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog
• Best leather dog collar: Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar
• Best Martingale dog collar: If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar
• Best head collar: PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar

The best dog brushes

Regular brushing and grooming is an important part of dog ownership, so make sure you have the right dog brush. Here are our top picks for the best dog brushes:

• Best dog brush overall: Oster 2-in-1 Combo Brush 
• Best curry brush for dogs: Kong Zoom Groom Grooming Brush 
• Best slicker brush for dogs: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush 
• Best deshedding tool for dogs: FURminator Deshedding Tool
• Best grooming glove: Pat Your Pet 2-in-1 Pet Glove