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I started using a $28 facial steamer to clear my pores and my whiteheads are completely gone

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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  • Aestheticians and facialists frequently rely on facial steaming to remove toxins from the skin.
  • At-home facial steamers like the $28 ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer I bought from Amazon make it easy to utilize the technique on your own.
  • Steam softens the skin and opens the pores, releasing the built-up bacteria, sebum, and impurities that often lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Facial steaming also boosts circulation to give you a natural glow, and adds much-needed hydration to dry winter skin.
  • These at-home steamers run on filtered water, making them an easy addition to any skincare routine, even for those with sensitive skin.

As a sensitive-skinned beauty editor, I sometimes feel like I'm leading a double life.

It's my job to stay on top of the latest skin-care products, buzzy ingredients, and at-home tools, but I can't actually use many of them myself. I long to take a mini microdermabrasion machine to a few lingering acne scars, or at least try the LED light therapy masks taking over Instagram. My reactive skin requires a gentler approach, though. To avoid irritation and unnecessary breakouts, I rely on a handful of simple, natural ingredients… like, really simple. Water, pure jojoba oil, and the occasional application of aloe vera kind of simple.

I had all but accepted a life devoid of trendy skin-care devices when I came across something called a facial steamer: A gadget not unlike a clothing steamer; except instead of releasing wrinkles from fabric, it releases gunk from pores. And considering the fact that facial steamers utilize a single ingredient — water — the tool seemed safe enough to test on even the most delicate skin (i.e., mine).

If you've ever had a facial before, you've likely experienced the benefits of a good steam.

"Steaming the face softens the pores, helps enhance the penetration of products, and increases circulation in the skin," Sharon Holtz, the spa director at Terranea Resort in Southern California, tells Business Insider. Aestheticians usually begin each facial treatment with a professional-grade steamer, thereby guiding dirt and impurities out of the pores and prepping the skin for product application.

But who says you need to shell out for a fancy facial to experience the #postfacialglow that comes from steaming?

I scooped up the ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer for $28 on Amazon, and it's quickly become my favorite skin-care must-have for a couple of reasons.

For one, it's incredibly easy to use. The back of the device features a removable water cartridge that you fill with filtered water (that's important — you don't want to treat your pores with any of the bacteria or minerals found in tap water) and pop back in place. It takes less than a minute for the water to get steamy, at which point you simply hold the tool about six inches away from your face and allow the steam to do its job. A full cartridge typically lasts for 10 minutes or so.

The second reason I'll never give up my at-home skin saunas? I swear my blackheads and whiteheads are almost non-existent after two months of consistent use. That might sound like an exaggeration considering there are no acne-fighting ingredients or cutting-edge creams involved here, but facial steaming proves that a little bit of water goes a long way.

As Holtz says, steaming softens the skin — and this seemingly small action sets off a chain of skin-saving events. As the skin softens, pores open and loosen their grip on any substances that may be "clogging" them, like excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. These impurities are then gently released from the skin.

At the same time, steaming provides hydration to dry skin while heat dilates the blood vessels in the face, aiding in circulation and oxygenation. With fresh oxygen and nutrients flowing through these blood vessels, the face appears fresh and glowing.

Finally, steam moistens the skin, transforming it into the perfect canvas for product application. Since skin cells are more permeable when they're damp, your favorite serum or moisturizer will penetrate more deeply when applied directly after a steam session and thus, deliver better results.

I'll let you in on my dirty little steaming secret, too: It's the perfect first step for safely popping a pimple. I know, I know— you're never supposed to pop a pimple! But we all do it at some point, right? All I'm saying is that if you do your popping after a steaming session, it's so much easier: Whatever is clogging your pores is drawn closer to the surface of the skin, and your pores are primed to release it quickly and painlessly.

All of that being said, steaming does have its risks.

"It is very important not to overdo it," Holtz says. Holding the steam too close to your face or steaming too often can aggravate sensitive skin, and even lead to burns or flare ups of rosacea and eczema. "You would not want to do it too often, perhaps once or twice a week," the aesthetician recommends.

Holtz suggests making an at-home spa day out of it by following your facial steaming with a clarifying or hydrating face mask. The result? The kind of fresh, clear skin and next-level radiance previously only found in your aesthetician's office — all thanks to a $28 Amazon find and plain old water.

Buy the ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer for $27.99

SEE ALSO: I'm using this unexpected pantry item to wash my face — and my skin has never looked better

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This $11 reusable K-cup filter saves me more than $1,000 a year on coffee

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Keurig K Cup Coffee

  • After a year of using plastic, single-use K-cups, I bought an $8 reusable filter. It's saved me more than $1,000 on coffee.
  • It can be used with all Keurig-brand coffee makers, so you literally don't have to think about whether it fits with your own machine.
  • You can use any ground coffee you'd like instead of being forced to choose from Keurig's offerings.
  • It's also so small and inexpensive that you can buy a second to keep at your office desk.

Coffee is life. But when you start adding up those morning and mid-afternoon coffee runs, it can cost a lot — like more than $1,000 a year. And that's only if you get basic hot black coffee; iced coffee can set you back more than $1,500.

So after years of waiting in line for my misspelled cup of coffee, I finally decided to get an at-home machine. My Keurig was great— it made OK-ish coffee (I'm not picky, I just need caffeine) whenever I wanted and the cost of the pods were really cheap compared to how much money I'd spend on coffee every year.

But once I realized just how many cups I was drinking now that I could make unlimited amounts of coffee at home and actually added up how much the pods were costing me (not to mention how much space they took on my counter), the savings weren't that much. The effect that plastic single-use pods have on the environment was also a huge problem for me. Then I found the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Ground Coffee Filter.

It's a reusable coffee filter that fits any Keurig-brand at-home coffee machine, so you can use it however many times you want without guilt or coughing up more money. You just fill the gray filter up to one of two fill lines with whatever ground coffee you want, pop it into the plastic black canister, lock the lid, and brew. There's an adapter attachment that latches onto the side of the canister depending if your machine is part of the Classic or Plus series, but it comes with the filter so you don't need to hunt down the extra piece.

Did I mention the filter costs $8?

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Compared to the $1,000 spent on coffee a year, this is a serious life-changing, budget-saving item. If you feel like splurging, get a second one to keep at the office for a mid-afternoon cup, as long as it's an at-home style and not an industrial one.

I've had mine for a year now and it's still going strong — the filter hasn't broken, leaked, or gotten misshaped even after several hundred uses. I also keep the empty filter in my Keurig machine when I'm not using it so I haven't lost any of the pieces either. There's no real con to the filter; if anything, having to fill up the filter myself is a tiny annoyance but one that stems from years of paying money for something I could've made — and made better — at home.

Buy My K-Cup Universal Reusable Ground Coffee Filters on Amazon for $7.68

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides, in one place

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

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Justin Kan twitch

  • Justin Kan is a mid-30s entrepreneur who sold his previous startup, Twitch, to Amazon for $1 billion, and has raised millions in VC funding for his current project, the legal startup Atrium.
  • On Twitter, Kan explained how he manages to stay happy while doing the stressful work of building a company. With his permission, we've shared his advice below, in full and in his words, as well as some of the reactions from his followers.
  • Among other things, he explains that you should make a point every day to recognize that even if you achieve your goal, you won't be any happier than you are right now.
  • You should also continue to audit your calendar over time to take things off your plate that aren't in your Zone of Genius —  the things you love to do that give you energy.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Here's how to build a company — or really do anything challenging — while being happy.

Realize that if you achieve your goal, you actually won't be any happier than you are right now. This is easy to say but hard to do. Set a reminder to meditate on this every day.

justin kan atrium ceo

Explicitly write out the list of responsibilities. Divide them up so that as much as possible you only do the ones in your Zone of Genius: the things you love to do that give you energy. Don't get trapped doing things you are good at but hate.

Continue to audit your calendar over time to take things off your plate that aren't in your Zone of Genius. Often new things can creep up that you feel compelled to do; defend your time!

Make sure to give yourself time for exercise; maintaining a healthy lifestyle will enable you to keep doing this for a long time.

Invest in building relationships with the people around you. If you like the people you are on the journey with, you'll be happier to stay on the journey.

Remember: everything hard will be painful, but just because there is pain doesn't mean you have to suffer. Good luck!

What Twitter had to say

After publishing the initial thread, Kan received plenty of reaction on Twitter — and even reacted to some of the responses.

One user asked, "Do you have any tips or insights on how to internalize or accept this? Any specific questions or concepts you visit during meditation?"

Kan responded: 

"'If I accomplish X, I actually won't be any happier"; I try to visualize what it will be like to accomplish it, and then what I'll feel like the next week. Generally it is easy to map back on to past accomplishments and the resulting return to baseline."

Another user disagreed with his position, writing, "I beg to differ..you have to put your ego, happiness on that goal. It's brutal but has personally worked for me at every stage of my life. I would have been super miserable if I failed."

Kan's response? "This seems very unhealthy!"

Many people were appreciative his overall sentiment. As one user commented, "I'm with Justin on this one. No single goal makes you Happy in the ethereal sense. Not even a massive monetary outcome. Happiness and sustained energy comes from doing what you love with the people you like, every day, achieving goals every day."

 

 

SEE ALSO: A CEO who built the skills that helped him sell his first startup for $1 billion explains how he got there from starting at 'absolute zero'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Taylor Swift just dropped a new single. Here's how she spends her money, from her $84 million real-estate portfolio to a customized private jet.

Capital One cardholders can get a 20% bonus when they transfer miles to Air France-KLM's frequent flyer program — here's what they need to know

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Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Air France Airbus A380

  • Capital One Venture and Spark Miles users can transfer their miles to Air France/KLM's frequent flyer program — "Flying Blue" starting June 1.
  • For the month of June, Capital One will offer a 20% bonus on top of the usual 2:1.5 transfer ratio, meaning that for every 1,000 Capital One miles you transfer, you'll get 900 Flying Blue miles.
  • If you're looking to earn more transferable Capital One miles, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card currently offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
  • The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers 50,000 miles when you spent $4,500 in the first three months.

The most valuable kind of credit card reward is transferable points— points that can be transferred to hotel and airline partners.

At the very end of last year, Capital One brought its travel rewards program in line with long-time top contenders like Chase and AmEx by introducing transfer partners to the Venture and Spark Miles cards. Every mile you earned with the cards — which earn 2x miles on every dollar spent — could still be redeemed to "erase" travel purchases, but can now also be transferred to any of 15 airline frequent flyer partners.

Miles typically transfer to airline partners at a 2:1 or 2:1.5 ratio — an example of the latter would be converting 1,000 Capital One miles to 750 Air Canada Aeroplan miles.

Transferable credit card rewards programs sometimes offer transfer bonuses to specific partners, and since upgrading its program, Capital One has been aggressive in offering bonuses. A week-long promotion in March offered a bonus on miles transferred to Emirates' Skywards frequent flyer program, while a month-long bonus on transfers to JetBlue ends today, May 31.

Friday, Capital One announced its latest promotion: a 20% bonus on transfers to Air France/KLM's Flying Blue program. The bonus is available for the month of June, ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30.

In effect, the transfer ratio will be 2:1.8, meaning 1,000 Capital One miles will convert to 900 Flying Blue points.

Flying Blue can be a useful program for booking flights to Europe on either Air France or KLM, or flights on any SkyTeam Alliance member, including Delta, Korean Air, and many more.

Flying Blue also offers monthly discount promotions, which can be paired with the transfer bonus to get a significantly cheaper flight than normal.

According to Capital One, Flying Blue's June discount promotions will feature a number of routes from North America:

For the month of June, FlyingBlue promos include a 50% discount on standard economy reward bookings for routes between Atlanta (ATL) and Europe and Houston (IAH) and Europe. There will also be a 25% discount on standard business class reward bookings for routes between Chicago (ORD) and Europe, Montreal (YUL) and Europe, Edmonton (YEG) and Europe, and Calgary (YYC) and Europe. These FlyingBlue promo flights must be booked in the month of June and travel must be completed in the month of August or September.

Even if you don't live in one of those cities, it could be worth finding a cheap positioning flight to get you there in order to take advantage of a great deal (should one be available that works with your schedule).

Also worth noting: American Express, which along with Chase is also a Flying Blue transfer partner, periodically offers bonuses on transfers to the program, meaning there is often a chance to get better rates than normal.

Keep in mind that miles transfers only work one way, so you should generally have a specific redemption in mind before moving miles from Capital One to Flying Blue — otherwise, you might end up stuck with Air France/KLM miles you don't plan to use. Be sure to check availability for the flights you want, too, to know for sure that you can book them with miles. You can find availability on line, but it's typically a good idea to call the Flying Blue reservations desk to confirm it before you make the transfer.

The Capital One Venture is a formidable rewards card, offering 10x miles per dollar spent at Hotels.com (when the reservation is made through Hotels.com/Venture), and 2x miles per dollar on everything else.

Plus, you can earn a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Capital One miles when you spend $3,000 in your first three months with the card.

If you own a small business — or even if you have a solo side gig — the Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers 50,000 miles when you spent $4,500 in the first three months.

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Spark Miles from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

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The best men's workout clothes you can buy

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

best mens workout clothes

  • The right workout clothes may just convince you to hit the gym more often.
  • Vuori makes our favorite workout gear for men that is not only high performance but very comfortable, too.

The ladies aren't the only ones who need workout clothes that are comfortable, functional, and look good at both the gym and on the go. After all, how's a guy supposed to impress a date either at spin class or out on the town without a nice pair of shorts and a well-fitted tee? If part of your strategy in selecting workout gear is as much fashion as it is function, there are plenty of options these days that will help you look good at the gym.

Some of our favorite men's workout gear is capable of taking guys on a wide range of activities. After all, your exercise regimen isn't one-dimensional (and neither are you) so why should your clothes be any different?

We've come a long way from our high school gym rooms, and so too have the wardrobe options available to us. The new wave of men's workout gear wants to help you perform your best by keeping you cool and comfortable. And while your gym clothes certainly ought to be ready for even the most strenuous of exercise regimens, they also need to be presentable enough for you to wear outside of your workout environment.

When determining what kind of workout gear you need to accommodate your lifestyle, you'll need to consider the type of exercise you do most often. Clothes, after all, are just another tool that can either help or hinder you, so be sure you're buying the right gear for the right activity.

Ability to withstand cycles in the washing machine will also be key to quality in terms of workout gear. Chances are, you'll be sweating through these clothes a lot, and (hopefully), putting them in the laundry quite often. If you're buying flimsily made clothing, you'll have to replace them a lot more often.

Finally, you might want to consider how multi-purpose you want your clothes to be. Are you only going to wear those joggers to the gym, or are they also for lounging around? Is that long sleeve tee just as good for your run as it is for running errands on the weekend?

Today's active gear ought to double as gear for an active lifestyle, so be sure that whatever you're buying is capable of as many reps as you are. That said, regardless of what workout gear you choose from the following options, you'll be in good hands.

Here are the best men's workout clothes in 2019:

  • Best men's workout clothes overall: Vuori
  • Best men's workout clothes for runners: Wolaco
  • Best men's workout clothes on a budget: MPG
  • Best men's workout clothes for dispelling odors: Rhone
  • Best men's workout clothes for comfort: Olivers

Updated on 05/31/2019 by Malarie Gokey: Updated prices and formatting.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best workout clothes for women

The best workout gear overall

Vuori's clothing is both lightweight and comfortable, which makes it a breeze to work out inside or outside during summer.

It's obvious that Vuori takes its inspiration from the beach that's just a stone's throw away from its headquarters in Encinitas, California. The workout gear from this company may just make you think that you're on the West Coast, what with its comfortable, lightweight fit.

In particular, we (which is to say my boyfriend, who served as my guinea pig for testing the shorts, and I) loved the Trail Short, an opinion that appears to be quite widely held by folks across the web and happy customers.

The Trail Short is the lightest weight all-purpose pair of shorts from Vuori. The shorts have an elastic waist, supportive Coolmax anti-odor liner, and an athletic fit. The shorts also come with front pockets and a back zip pocket, as well as an iPhone holder in the liner.

Running NW noted that the "fit and cut are definitely made by athletes," pointing to the "construction and wear of [the] trail short" as evidence. Indeed, these did seem to be comfortable shorts to run in, as the soft material didn't give way to chafing or any other unpleasantness. Reviewers on Vuori's website called the shorts "all around great," and one went so far as to say that they were "hands down the best running shorts I've ever worn."

Also beloved in the Vuori line are the Tradewind Performance shirt and the company's perennially popular joggers. The Tradewind Tee is the company's "most technical" in the lineup, featuring micro perforation for ventilation, flatlock seams, and a front chest pocket. The shirt promises to wick moisture and dry quickly, making it perfect for a run, a hot yoga session, or anything in between.

Delta Grade noted that the fit is "flattering" without being too "form-fitting," and calls it a "very comfortable and subtle activewear shirt that can be worn to the gym or on any casual day."

Pros: Supreme comfort, quick drying material, great for a wide variety of workouts

Cons: Some customers found that the shorts could be a bit restrictive due to narrow leg holes

Buy the Trail Short for $68

Buy the Tradewind Performance Tee for $48 

Shop Vuori workout clothes



The best workout gear for runners

If you're a runner or into tight workout gear, it doesn't get much better than Wolaco.

While guys hitting the gym may want easy, breezy shorts with plenty of room, the same can't be said for distance runners. And that's where Wolaco comes in. The brand has long been a crowd favorite — it did, after all, get its start from the crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Wolaco ultimately raised more than $120,000 from 1,465 backers and has since become a mainstay in the compression wear game.

Now, just three years later, Wolaco's clothes are available at the luxury gym Equinox. Its availability in gyms also gives people the opportunity to feel the fabric and check out the design firsthand, rather than relying on photos and testimonials.

Speaking of testimonials, we can't sing Wolaco's praises enough. Multiple Business Insider folks have tried and loved these compression shorts and pants, lauding both the availability of pockets and the durability of the material. And aesthetically, I have to say that the Wolaco compression shorts and tights alike look pretty damn good. They're by no means obscenely tight, but do exactly what compression wear is supposed to do — keep everything in place while you get your exercise on.

Happy buyers have noted that the "quality of the materials and the workmanship [are] excellent." And the folks over at Confessions of an Amateur Athlete noted that they "loved the color, fit, and even more, the convenient pockets."

Wolaco offers its compression wear in four lengths: the North Moore short in a 6- or 9-inch inseam, or the Fulton pant in three-quarters or full length. If you're looking to cover up even more, the High Line Hood is an excellent option. Supremely comfortable and clearly designed for running on cold days, this hooded long-sleeve shirt boasts  4-way-stretch as well as water, wind, and sweat-repellent construction.

Pros: Great for runners, durable fabric, moisture-wicking and fast-drying design

Cons: Some users reported fit issues, so be careful when reading the sizing guides

Buy the High Line Hood for $98, the North Moore Shorts for $50, and the Fulton pant starting at $75

Shop Wolaco workout clothes



The best budget-friendly workout gear

MPG Sport understands that working out shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, and is creating gear that helps you live a financially responsible lifestyle.

Your gym membership is expensive enough, so your gym clothes don't have to be. Luckily, MPG Sport agrees. Short for Mondetta Performance Gear, MPG offers a wide range of clothing and workout gear that won't break the bank. 

Take, for instance, the Defender Performance Cashmere Shirt. This shirt feels like luxury without the luxury price tag. But it's not just the softness of the shirt that's important — It's the benefits it gives you during your workout.

The mix of tencel, a recyclable and environmentally-friendly material derived from wood pulp, and cashmere helps you adapt to different temperatures. That means that you'll be warm in the winter but remain cool and dry in the summer. Plus, with colors like Port and Navy Sky, this shirt can transition well from the gym to just about anywhere else.

Also noteworthy is the Premier 1/4 Zip Stink-Free Seamless Pullover, which is made from NILIT fibers to protect against bacteria build-up and sweat stench. Well-fitted and nicely tailored, this was another piece that looks great. And the best part? It's on sale for $24.

If you're looking for shorts or pants, MPG has you covered as well. The Hype 3.0 Essential 7-inch Short promises plenty of flexibility as well as moisture-wicking properties. A recent happy buyer noted that he loved the length "and how they fit for hard run workouts [and] gym leg workouts."

Alternatively, if you need something a bit longer, you might consider the Industry Essential Fleece Joggers, which are surprisingly warm given how light they are. A happy customer noted, "When I look at my leisure wear I require two things: comfort and fit. These check both boxes. Great for heading into town; just as awesome for laying on the couch."

Pros: Affordable prices, wide selection of products, fabric that is soft yet ready for a hard workout

Cons: The sheer amount of product might be overwhelming for someone shopping online

Shop MPG workout clothes for men



The best workout gear for the sweaty workout

It's all about the GoldFusion technology with Rhone, which makes good on its promise to keep you stink-free.

Back in 2016, Rhone managed to raise nearly $113,000 to bring its GoldFusion technology to its line of activewear. And now, that proprietary formula can be found in a wide range of activewear.

Rhone has long been one of my favorite makers of men's workout gear (again, it's great to look at). And judging from the reactions of the men in my life, they're huge fans, too. Much of it is indeed due to the company's GoldFusion technology, a proprietary, eco-friendly fabric treatment that leverages real gold particles to help fabrics dry up to three times faster. In addition, it's UV protective, and promises to permanently control odor.

These claims have been put to the test by folks like David Mason of DFit Junkie, who noted that "even after five consecutive workouts and washes, the GoldFusion Technology continues to live up to the hype." Mason reported no body odor despite his intense workout regimen, and I can attest to the same results. While I generally don't want to be around men right after they've hit the gym, there's no such issue for folks wearing a Rhone GoldFusion shirt.

Two new additions to the Rhone GoldFusion line include the 7-inch Swift Lined short and the Glacier Delta tank. The shorts, meant for running, feature a perforated venting system for cooling, as well as two side zipper pockets to hold essentials during a jog. Plus, a soft performance liner promises exceptional fit. As for the Glacier Delta tank, this workout shirt features an evaporative cooling Polartec fabric that helps you cool down as you sweat.

Of course, Rhone also has pieces that don't necessarily have precious metals embedded into them, but are no less effective at getting the job done. Take, for instance, the new Mako Unlined short. Available in both 7- and 9-inch lengths, this short is made of a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric with plenty of pockets so you can wear them at the gym or anywhere else, too.

Forbes lauds Rhone workout gear for combining "classic cuts and designs with elevated technology," while happy customers note that they wear Rhone gear "more than any...I have."

Pros: Stink-free technology, comfortable fabric, and great fit  

Cons: Some reviewers note that the shirts can be a bit longer than anticipated

Buy the Swift Short for $88, the Mako Unlined Short for $34, and the Glacier Delta Tank for $54 

Shop Rhone workout clothes



The best workout gear for all day wear

Workout clothes don't have to feel like workout clothes, and that's why Olivers has created some of its gear with merino wool.

Merino wool is unlikely to be the first material that comes to mind when you think of workout gear, but that's just the sort of innovative thinking that makes Olivers' clothes so comfortable. Dubbed "one of the most comfortable gym shirts" by Men's Fitness, the highly breathable gear from Olivers is so comfortable that you may never want to take it off.

While Olivers' first well-known article of clothing was the All Over Short, the brand has proven that it's capable of creating a wide range of comfortable, functional gear. The Terminal Tech Tee is a favorite of mine and the Business Insider team's. The merino tech mesh tee not only keeps you cool and dry, but also fits well. As Insider Picks' Amir Ismael noted, "the Terminal Tech Tee..fits exactly as a T-shirt should."

While you can certainly work out in the naturally odor resistant shirt, it's also just as appropriate for a day full of errands or a casual date night.

GQ has called Olivers' clothes "subtle" yet "premium," and has, of course, lauded the All Over Short, made of a lightweight nylon spandex blend whose 4-way stretch and water repellent qualities make it ideal for all scenarios. Plus, the shorts have an inner pocket for you to securely stow and carry keys, phones, and other essentials. Men's Journal is also a fan of this short, lauding the "techy material in a simple design."

Olivers is also particularly noteworthy for its plethora of good reviews. If you check out the company website, the vast majority of its products boast five-star ratings from happy buyers (which certainly isn't always the case).

And if you don't believe reviews on Olivers' website, you can also check out the consensus on Amazon, where the Terminal Tech Long Sleeve Tee also boasts five stars. Buyers note that it may just be the "last moisture wicking long sleeve shirt you'll ever buy."

Oh, and by the way, Olivers promises that your clothes will last for at least a year with its Olivers guarantee. The company will replace or repair any product "with a fault outside of normal wear and tear for up to 12 months" after your initial purchase.

Pros: Superior comfort, great fit, great style without being ostentatious

Cons: Some reviewers noted that the sizing could be a bit different from the website's suggestions.

Buy the All Over Short for $68 and the Terminal Tech Tee for $58 

Shop Olivers workout clothes



The world's biggest luxury cruise ship suite will have a $200,000 bed and will start pricing at $11,000 per night — here's what it will look like

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Regent Suite

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises plans to introduce what it says will be the largest suite in luxury cruise ship history in February 2020.
  • The Regent Suite starts at $11,000 per night.
  • The suite will feature a $200,000 bed with a mattress that requires 18 months and over 300 hours to make.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises plans to introduce what it says will be the largest suite in luxury cruise ship history in February 2020.

Read more: Royal Caribbean just opened a $250 million private island for its cruise passengers that has a 135-foot-tall waterslide — here's what it looks like

The 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite will debut on the Seven Seas Splendor and will feature a sauna, steam room, 1,300 square-foot veranda, $200,000 bed, and unlimited spa treatments.

The suite starts at $11,000 per night. Here's what it will look like.

 

SEE ALSO: A former Royal Caribbean employee reveals the one question you should always ask cruise ship workers

The 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite will be almost twice as large as the average US home, according to Regent Seven Seas.



The suite's interior will measure over 3,000 square-feet and feature Italian marble and golden chandeliers.



The suite will also have a 1,300 square-foot veranda.



Passengers will have access to unlimited spa treatments, in addition to a sauna and steam room.



The master bedroom will have a $200,000 king-sized bed made by Hastens. The bed will have a mattress that requires 18 months and over 300 hours to make.



The suite will also come with a personal butler who can make drinks and arrange for on-shore transportation in a private car.



The Regent Suite will be able to hold six passengers and starts at $11,000 per night.



But the suite has already sold out for many of the Seven Seas Splendor's 2020 cruises, Regent said in January.



The rest of the Seven Seas Splendor will also be luxurious.



It will have a total of 375 suites.



The ship will set sail in February 2020.



Johnston & Murphy's new waterproof shoe collection is great for business-casual dress codes — here's how 3 different styles feel

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Johnston & Murphy

  • 169-year-old footwear brand Johnston & Murphy is best-known for traditional dress shoe styles, but it's proving that it can make modern shoes just as well. 
  • The Johnston & Murphy XC4 Collection is designed to tow the line between business-casual and athleisure — a style that appeals to modern professionals who commute or are constantly on the go. 
  • Starting at $129.99, the shoes range from performance-styles sneakers to classic loafers and oxfords.
  • We tested out the XC4 Collection and found them to be comfortable all day long and much more protective from rain compared to similar styles.

The sentiment that Johnston & Murphy is strictly a traditional dress shoe brand is rooted in its very origin. 

Founded in Newark, NJ in 1850, Johnston & Murphy was originally named The William J. Dudley Shoe Company after its founder. It began as a small, house-made brand, but quickly gained popularity after fitting shoes for President Millard Fillmore that same year. Going on to make shoes for every succeeding president thereafter, and consistently offering similar classic styles to the public, have stamped tradition into the ethos of the brand. 

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but the nearly 170-year-old brand is completely disproving that with a new line of business-casual footwear. The new Johnston & Murphy XC4 Collection is breaking the tradition of classic dress shoes by adapting to the popularity of casual dress codes and athleisure style. 

Johnston & Murphy

Designed to fuse sportswear comfort and functionality with business and workplace-appropriate styles, each shoe in the XC4 Collection features advanced comfort technology, waterproof sock liners, and other function-minded attributes. The combination of materials and technology make them great for professional men who live life on the go. With silhouettes ranging from performance-style sneakers to true loafers and oxfords, there's a pair for every guy's style.

The men of Insider Picks fit right in the category of guys who value comfort on commutes and the ability to transition between casual and business casual environments, so we gave them a try. We found them to be more comfortable than traditional dress shoes, dependable for traveling in the rain, and an overall solid buy.

Shop the Johnston & Murphy XC4 Collection now starting at $129.99 or keep reading to keep find out our full thoughts.

Amir Ismael Insider Picks reporter: XC4 Prentiss U-Throat

Johnston & Murphy XC4 Prentiss U-Throat, $159.99, available in five colors

I decided to go with the XC4 Prentiss U-Throat because it was the most sneaker-like shoe in the XC4 Collection. While its dark brown leather upper is rich and supple like any solid dress shoe should be, its perforated pattern, sock-like liner, lacing system, and reflective accents are distinctly sporty.

Beyond simply looking like a sneaker, the XC4 Prentiss U-Throat has features that make it perform like a sneaker, so you won't have to sacrifice an ounce of comfort for that versatility. It has a comfortable insole with memory foam cushioning and arch support that's rather impressive. You can remove it to bring the shoes to the same dimensions as a wide shoe or to insert your own orthotics. They were a little hard to slip on at first, but such is the case with most sock-like sneakers. Once you're in, you'll be comfortable until you decide to take them off. I could feel them starting to break in after just one wear, so I know they'll get more comfortable with time.

What I like best about this shoe is that it's versatile in style. I wore them with a button up shirt and a pair of jeans and didn't feel like I was forcing them to be more casual than they actually are. They can also be worn with more formal apparel like slacks.

Compared to some shoes I've worn from Cole Haan, probably the biggest purveyor of business casual/athleisure footwear styles, the XC4 Collection is generally less expensive and each shoe is cut wider — something guys with average or wider-than-average feet will appreciate. 

The waterproof attribute is also a wonderful addition for commuters who face unexpected weather changes. Granted, they're not rain boots and can't stand to be fully submerged in water, but its waterproof bootie handled some pretty heavy downpours and puddles when I wore them.



Danny Bakst, Insider Picks content producer: XC4 Prentiss Moc Toe

Johnston & Murphy XC4 Prentiss Moc Toe, $129.99, available in two colors

My first impression of the Johnston & Murphy XC4 Prentiss Moc Toe was that they were incredibly squeaky. Each step I took walking on the hardwood floors of my apartment sounded like a Donald Duck allergy attack. Once I got past the noise, the shoes were really comfy from the first time I wore them. Unlike most sneakers, I didn't have to wear them in because of the ultra-cushioned pad that lays under your heel.

The next thing I noticed was that the waterproofing was totally legit — I poured some of my water bottle onto my foot and it literally bounced off the shoe. Plus, there's no tongue, so you don't have to worry about any seepage coming in from the top of your shoe. The XC4 Prentiss Moc Toes are now my definitive go-to shoes on any rainy day.



Les Shu, Insider Picks guides editor: XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe

Johnston & Murphy Prentiss Plain Toe, $129.99-169, available in seven colorways

Normally I would walk right past the Johnston & Murphy shop — the traditional styles are a bit too, well, traditional for me. But on a recent trip to the mall, my eyes were immediately drawn to a pair of XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe sneakers. When did Johnston & Murphy get so Cole Haan, and why didn't anybody tell me?

When we got the opportunity to try the new line for Insider Picks, I chose the black XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe, which has a brown back for nice contrast and subtle details like two-tone shoelaces — features that are a bit more fun and youthful.

But I also like that it's based on traditional styling, so I can dress them up with a blazer, or down with joggers. The shoes don't have a typical tongue, and it's worth noting that some people might be turned off by the stretch collar design. 

The full-grain leather and sheepskin lining are incredibly soft, but the initial brand-new smell reminded me of cheaper synthetic-leather kicks. It will be interesting to see how these hold up, but they feel very well made.

When I put them on, it was the most trying experience — it's so tight, you really have to shove your feet into them with some force. At first, I thought I had chosen the wrong size or they run a bit small. However, once I'm wearing them, they do feel comfortable when I walk, as the leather is stretchy, but there is some discomfort from the tight pressure placed on the top of my feet. It turns out that the footbed is removable to accommodate wider feet, so that was a problem solved. However, after removing the footbed, I found the shoes a bit loose and less supportive. I can't tell if the shoes will break-in over time, but if you want the footbed, I recommend going up half a size if you have wide feet.

The XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe is waterproof and provides thick cushioning and support, and I was able to test out both features during a downpour. As I was running to catch my train, I was very surprised by how comfortable the shoes were, even more so than many of actual running shoes. I definitely felt the cushioning as my feet hit the pavement. And the pair was a champ during the heavy rain: I ran through puddles without ever getting water inside, and the shoes dried pretty quickly and there are no signs of blemishing.



American millennials have an average net worth of $8,000 — and it's part of a bigger financial problem the generation is facing

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millennial

American millennials are financially worse for the wear.

They have an average net worth of less than $8,000, Abha Bhattarai of The Washington Post reported, citing a new Deloitte study. According to the study, the net worth of Americans ages 18 to 35 has decreased by 34% since 1996, making them "dramatically financially worse off" than older generations, Business Insider's Kate Taylor reported.

These findings underscore previous research indicating that millennials are financially behind.

Millennials are less wealthy than previous generations were at their age at any point between 1989 and 2007, according to The Economist, which cited a recent paper by the Brookings Institution. Median household wealth was roughly 25% lower for those ages 20 to 35 in 2016 than it was for the same age group in 2007.

Meanwhile, a report by the Federal Reserve published in November found that millennials have much less money than Gen Xers and baby boomers had at their age: "Millennials are less well off than members of earlier generations when they were young, with lower earnings, fewer assets, and less wealth," the study said.

Read more: American millennials have less money than other generations did at their age — but studies show an alarming amount of them have delusional ideas about their wealth

Living costs and debt make it hard for millennials to save

According to the Deloitte study, compared from 2007 to 2017, millennials are spending 16% more on housing, 26% more on food costs, 21% more on healthcare costs, and 65% more on education.

The latter is a particularly big burden. Student debt has increased 160% since 2004, the study found. And college tuition has more than doubled since the 1980s, according to Student Loan Hero. Consequently, millennials have taken on at least 300% more student debt than their parents, according to Michael Hobbes of HuffPost.

As of 2019, student-loan debt is at an all-time high, with a national total of $1.5 trillion. The average student-loan-debt burden per graduating student in 2018 who took out loans was a whopping $29,800.

But student loans are just one form of debt millennials are juggling. According to a recent Merrill Lynch Wealth Management report, 81% of early-adult households carry a collective debt of nearly $2 trillion, which includes car loans and mortgages but mainly consists of student loans and credit-card debt. Those who carry the latter have an average balance of $3,700, and more than half said they're struggling to pay it off.

Various debt and soaring living costs ultimately make it more difficult for American millennials to adequately save. More than half of millennials don't have a retirement account, and more than half of them also have less than $5,000 in their savings accounts, according to an INSIDER and Morning Consult survey.

Coupled with the ongoing fallout of the Great Recession, these financial problems are creating an affordability crisis for American Millennials.

SEE ALSO: Millennials have been called the 'brokest' and the 'richest' generation, and experts say both of those are true

DON'T MISS: 2019 is the final class of millennial college graduates. Next stop: The Great American Affordability Crisis.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: See inside the $2.8 million 'Flintstones' house in California that sparked a viral following and a lawsuit


Save up to 40% on summer suits at Brooks Brothers — and 7 other sales and deals happening now

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on Brooks Brothers summer suits, Dyson vacuums, and Bear mattresses. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Brooks Brothers

1. Save up to 40% on summer suits at Brooks Brothers

If you have to wear suits on a daily basis, Brooks Brothers is having a sale that'll help keep you looking sharp and cool during the warmer months of the year. Until June 2, you can save up to 40% on summer suits. Prices are as marked, so you won't need a promo code to save. For more deals and savings at Brooks Brothers, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Brooks Brothers sale now

Dyson Ball

2. Save up to 50% on Dyson vacuums at Best Buy

Dyson's vacuums are designed to have more powerful suction than standard brands and to be easier to maneuver, which is why they tend to be expensive — but right now, they're on sale at Best Buy. For a limited time, you can save up to 50% on select Dyson vacuums including ball-style and handheld stick-style vacuums.  For more deals and savings at Best Buy, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Dyson sale at Best Buy now

Ralph Lauren

3. Save 30% on orders of $150 or more at Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is home to timeless styles for people of all ages — and the brand is having a huge sale the entire family can take advantage of. Now through June 5, you can save 30% on orders of $150 or more by using the promo code " TAKE30" at checkout. With everything from classic polos and chinos, to swimwear, shorts, and formal attire, the sale has pretty much anything you could want or need for the summer.  To potentially save more at Ralph Lauren, visit Business Insider Coupons.

Shop the Ralph Lauren sale now.

Boll & Branch

4. Save 20% on bath essentials at Boll & Branch

Luxury bedding startup Boll & Branch typically only has one sale a year during Black Friday, but its four-day May Event sale is breaking that tradition. For the fourth and final day of the sale, you can save 20% on bath products by using the promo code "BATH20" at checkout. The sale includes towels, washcloths, and robes.

Shop the Boll & Branch sale now.

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5. Save $150 on a 55-inch Sharp 4K Ultra HDTV with Roku at Best Buy

The Sharp 55-inch 4K Ultra HDTV is a wonderful addition to any living room, family room, or bedroom. It has a rich 4K display, a built-in Roku HDR streamer for recording and watching your favorite shows, and access to all of your favorite streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Now. Today only, you can save $150 on the TV when shopping at Best Buy. You can have it delivered to your home or you can pick it up in-store. For more deals and savings at Best Buy, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Sharp 55-inch 4K Ultra HDTV with Roku Built-in, $299.99 (Originally $449.99) [You save $150]

Gap

6. Save an extra 50% on sale and 40% on everything else at Gap

While Gap regularly has sales, you won't want to miss the one that's going on now. Until tomorrow, June 1, you can save an extra 50% on already reduced sale styles by using the promo code "FIFTY" and 40% automatically on everything else. From business-casual essentials like chinos and button-ups to warm-weather pieces like bathing suits and sundresses, Gap has everything you need for work and weekends. For more deals and savings at Gap, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Gap sale now

Wayfair

7. Save up to 65% on living room essentials at Wayfair

Wayfair is having a massive sale on all things living room. For a limited time, you can save up to 65% on living room furniture and decor. The sale includes sectionals, coffee tables, books shelves, TV stands, recliner chairs, accent furniture, and so much more. No matter if you're completely redesigning your living room or simply need to make a few small additions, this is a great time to shop. For more deals and savings at Wayfair, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Wayfair sale now

Bear Mattress

8. Save 20% on Bear Mattresses and get two free pillows

Named the best mattress for hot sleepers in our buying guide, Bear Mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. The mattresses feature Celliant, a material that converts heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells and relieve aches and pains. During the extended Memorial Day sale, you can save 20% sitewide by using the promo code " MDW20" at checkout. Plus, you'll receive two free pillows with the purchase of any mattress.

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Man Booker Prize is the UK equivalent of America's Pulitzer Prize for books — these are all the finalists from the past 5 years

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Man Booker finalists 4x3

  • The Man Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards.
  • The prize is awarded to what is, in the judges' opinion, the best novel of the year written in English and published in the UK. There's also an international award for books translated into English.
  • It's a great way to find the best books of the year, without having to read through hundreds of titles on your own. Below, you'll find the five winners of the past five years, as well as the six titles shortlisted each year.

The Man Booker Prize is one of the literary world's most prestigious awards, and perhaps the best to help you find your next great read.

To win the Man Booker Prize is to be declared the best fiction book of the year written in English and published in the UK and Ireland by a panel of judges meant to represent every side of the book world. In the past, that means that judges haven't been confined to "any in-group of literary critics, authors, and academics," but purposefully handpicked for a tribunal that more accurately represents the "common man" at large — including poets, politicians, journalists, broadcasters, and actors.

Such an endorsement — and the £50,000 prize money awarded to first place — transforms an author's life and career. It correlates with a worldwide audience, drastically increased book sales, and something closer to financial freedom.

For readers, it's also a great place to find your next great read. Instead of thumbing through stacks of books on your own to figure out the top 1%, you can leave the work up to the professionals and reap the benefits of their consensus: the best book of the year, and the six shortlisted titles falling closely behind it.

Below, you'll find the 30 titles shortlisted or ranked number one in the past five years. The 2019 selections will be released later this year: the long list on July 24, the short list on September 3, and the winner on October 14.

Captions provided by Amazon and edited for length.

2018 winner: "Milkman" by Anna Burns

Buy it here

In an unnamed city, middle sister stands out for the wrong reasons. She reads while walking, for one. And she has been taking French night classes downtown. So when a local paramilitary known as "the Milkman" begins pursuing her, she suddenly becomes "interesting," the last thing she ever wanted to be. Despite middle sister's attempts to avoid him ― and to keep her mother from finding out about her maybe-boyfriend ― rumors spread and the threat of violence lingers.

"Milkman" is a story of the way inaction can have enormous repercussions, in a time when the wrong flag, wrong religion, or even a sunset can be subversive. Told with ferocious energy and sly, wicked humor, "Milkman" establishes Anna Burns as one of the most consequential voices of our day.

Shortlisted:



2017 winner: "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders

Buy it here

February 1862. The Civil War is less than a year old. The fighting has begun in earnest, and the nation has begun to realize it's in for a long, bloody struggle. Meanwhile, President Lincoln's beloved 11-year-old son, Willie, lies upstairs in the White House, gravely ill. In a matter of days, despite predictions of a recovery, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. "My poor boy, he was too good for this earth," the president says at the time. "God has called him home." Newspapers report that a grief-stricken Lincoln returns, alone, to the crypt several times to hold his boy's body.

From that seed of historical truth, George Saunders spins an unforgettable story of familial love and loss that breaks free of its realistic, historical framework into a supernatural realm both hilarious and terrifying. Willie Lincoln finds himself in a strange purgatory where ghosts mingle, gripe, commiserate, quarrel, and enact bizarre acts of penance. Within this transitional state — called, in the Tibetan tradition, the bardo — a monumental struggle erupts over young Willie's soul.

Shortlisted:



2016 winner: "The Sellout" by Paul Beatty

Buy it here

A biting satire about a young man's isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court, Paul Beatty's "The Sellout" showcases a comic genius at the top of his game. It challenges the sacred tenets of the US Constitution, urban life, the civil rights movement, the father-son relationship, and the Holy Grail of racial equality — the black Chinese restaurant.

Shortlisted:



2015 winner: "A Brief History of Seven Killings" by Marlon James

Buy it here

On December 3, 1976, just before the Jamaican general election and two days before Bob Marley was to play the Smile Jamaica Concert to ease political tensions in Kingston, seven gunmen stormed the singer's house, machine guns blazing. The attack wounded Marley, his wife, and his manager, and injured several others. Little was officially released about the gunmen, but much has been whispered, gossiped and sung about in the streets of West Kingston. Rumors abound regarding the assassins' fates, and there are suspicions that the attack was politically motivated.

"A Brief History of Seven Killings" delves deep into that dangerous and unstable time in Jamaica's history and beyond. James deftly chronicles the lives of a host of unforgettable characters – gunmen, drug dealers, one-night stands, CIA agents, even ghosts – over the course of thirty years as they roam the streets of 1970s Kingston, dominate the crack houses of 1980s New York, and ultimately reemerge into the radically altered Jamaica of the 1990s. Along the way, they learn that evil does indeed cast long shadows, that justice and retribution are inextricably linked, and that no one can truly escape their fate.

Shortlisted:



2014 winner: "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan

Buy it here

August 1943: Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans is haunted by his affair with his uncle's young wife two years earlier. His life in a brutal Japanese POW camp on the Thai-Burma Death Railway is a daily struggle to save the men under his command. Until he receives a letter that will change him forever.

It's a savagely beautiful novel about the many forms of good and evil, of truth and transcendence, as one man comes of age and prospers only to discover all that he has lost.

Shortlisted:



25 Father's Day gifts for the outdoorsy dad — that he doesn't have yet

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yetibackpack

  • Father's Day 2019 falls on Sunday, June 16. 
  • You only have a couple weeks left to procure a gift for dad, but there's no need to get overwhelmed, especially if he considers himself an outdoorsman, since this list is rife with ideas. 
  • If you're looking for more gift ideas for dad, you can check out all of Insider Picks Father's Day gift guides for 2019 here.

There's an endless number of outdoor gifts to give Dad this Father's Day, but there's no need to get overwhelmed. After having testing a good bit of these gifts ourselves, we've got a list of gear and gadgets to adorn most any outdoorsy dad, from the itinerant wave junky to the venerable beach bum and the alpine adventurer to the campfire cook. Whatever Dad's into, we've got something for just about any expedition, big or small.

But if the garage is full, or your dad is already too kitted out with coolers, kayaks, and everything in between, maybe a $20 lifetime membership to REI's Co-op initiative is in order — 70% of proceeds go to protecting the future of the great outdoors. After all, what could make him happier than to have a little more piece of mind that it will be there for future family members to enjoy?

Looking for more gift ideas? Find even more cool and unique Father's Day gifts here. For the interesting and out-of-the-ordinary, try one of these personalized gifts. If there's a new dad in your life, he'll appreciate theseuseful gifts geared for new fatherhood. Andgood, old-fashioned flowers are never a bad choice.

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' Father's Day gift ideas for 2019, in one place

A two-in-one koozie and cooler cup.

Hydro Flask 12 oz Insulated Cooler Cup, available at Hydro Flask, $24.95

Because plastic Solo cups are, once and for all, out, Dad.



A waterproof, drop-proof, and dirt-proof case for his iPhone.

Lifeproof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case for iPhone X, available at Amazon, $44.15

Whether he's starting to get clumsy or he always has been, this might save him a few hundred dollars or more for a phone replacement.



A lightweight, bounce-free, and rechargeable headlamp.

BioLite HeadLamp 330, available at BioLite, $49.95

This is the headlamp I use for almost everything, especially outdoors activities where the weight of a battery pack in front becomes painfully burdensome. Also, he can finally ditch the AA batteries.



A waterproof, roll-top backpack fit for the fly-fishing expedition of his dreams.

Grundéns Gage Tech Rum Runner Backpack, available at Amazon, $84.97

This will take Dad and his most precious of possessions (save for, like, you) from the high seas to the High Sierra and back, dry as can be. I like this one because, if he's a thrifty enough packer, he can latch a sleeping bag, tent, and mess kit to it for a longer overnight trek.



A new take on an ancient, but refined reel-free fly rod.

Patagonia Simple Fly Fishing Tenkara Fly Rod 10'6", available at Patagonia, $225

Patagonia Simple Fly Fishing Kit for 10'6" and 11'6" Rods, available at Patagonia, $75

Fly fishing is an expensive habit. Help Dad scale things back a little with this simplistic, if spartan, little kit.



A stainless-steel pocket knife with a rosewood handle and corkscrew.

FlyingColors Laguiole Folding Pocket Knife, available at Amazon, $16.99

Help him keep it classy in the field.



A bouquet of salami to take along on the trail.

Olympia Provisions 6-Stem Salami Bouquet, available at Amazon, $95

Meeeeaaaaat. 'Nuff said.



A chart-plotting, way-finding GPS marine watch for the aquatic dad on the move.

Garmin Quatix 5, 1.2 Inches, available at Amazon, $399.99

Lest he get lost.



An inflatable, stand-up paddle board.

Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable SUP, 9'10", available at Amazon, $679

If he's getting a little lazy in retirement, try tricking him into staying spry. All the kids are doing it.



A lightweight, folding kayak.

Oru Beach LT Folding Kayak, available at Amazon, $1,299

Now that he doesn't have to heave a 45-pound boat onto the roof of his car, he's got no excuses.



A regenerative, organic sun paste that'll keep him looking young.

Manda Organic Sun Paste, available at Amazon, $28

It's probably not skin cancer that'll get him, but one or two less wrinkles wouldn't have Mom complaining. With restorative Burmese thanaka, this is the best of the best for his face.



A stainless-steel, vacuum-sealed mug with a magnetic lid.

Yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler with MagSlider Lid, available at Amazon, $29.99

Whether he's on or off the juice or joe, this will serve him well wherever he may roam.



A small but powerful waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

UE Wonderboom Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, available at Amazon, $58.99

We'd like to see him try and trash this one. What is it with dads and tech, anyhow?



A brand-new, 21-tool Leatherman.

Leatherman Free P4, available at Leatherman, $139.95

It's only so often that Leatherman updates its arsenal, and when it does, consider it high time to tell Pops to chuck that rusty old thing on the shelf for a new and improved one, your treat.



A packable, quick-drying microfiber towel.

PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel, available at Amazon, $9.50-$49.95 (prices vary by size)

Lightweight, packable, and easy to wash, clean, hang and dry. No more moldy towels coming home with him after three-day camping trips.



A soft-sided cooler backpack.

YETI Hopper BackFlip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack, available at Amazon, $299.99

There are many great backpack coolers out there that do everything the YETI Hopper does and more, but this one is, in our experience, the most likely to survive an arduous trek.



A cast-iron skillet and Dutch oven for campfire cooking.

Lodge Cast-Iron Combo Cooker with Scrapers, available at Amazon, $37.89

All he'll ever need to cook and camp. It's heavy, but it's great for car camping, and might even work its way into the home kitchen.



A breathable, llama-fiber knit-mesh sweater.

Cotopaxi Libre LT Unisex Sweater, available at Cotopaxi, $65

This ought to cut down on his stench when he gets home from a trip, too.



A lightweight and fisher-friendly life vest to bring him home safely.

NRS Chinook Fishing PFD, available at Amazon, $73.60-$149.99

Only if he's been good, and you want him coming back from his next kayaking adventure.



Polarized fishing glasses made from recycled fishing nets.

Costa Pescador Untangled Collection 580g Polarized Sunglasses, available at Amazon, $169.76

Save his eyes and the environment (or the coastal waters of Chile, at least) while you're at it.



An instant film camera.

Leica Sofort Instant Film Camera, available at Amazon, $281.64

Maybe he's struggling a little too much with the new DSLR or full-frame. Take him back to the basics.



A heavy-duty, full-tang, non-slip-grip steel fillet knife.

Bubba Blade 9" Tapered Blade Flex Fillet Knife, available at Amazon, $47.96

So he can stop butchering all those beautiful fish he brings home.



A stainless-steel flask for two.

Firelight Flask 750, available at Huckberry, $99.98

It's never too late to learn that sharing is caring. Especially if Mom's along on the adventure.



A UPF-treated adventure hat.

Sunday Afternoons Hats, available at Amazon, from $27.95 (various styles)

Because nothing says "dad" like an adventure hat. And, he might have a little less cover atop his dome these days (no thanks to you).



A pull-start fire starter.

Pull Start Fire Starter (3-Pack), available at REI, $17.95

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. And they're probably right.



23 cool and useful Father's Day gifts from Walmart, from BBQ gear to car accessories and smart TVs

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Deluxe 12 in 1 Arcade Machine with Riser

  • Walmart has a huge selection of Father's Day gifts that are on Rollback prices and eligible for free shipping and Next Day shipping. 
  • We've rounded up 23 Father's Day gifts from car accessories to fashion to tech that any dad would love.
  • If you don't see a dad-worthy gift below, check out our other Father's Day 2019 gift guides here.

Father's Day is quickly approaching, but there's still time to search for a gift for the man, the myth, the legend at Walmart. There's a huge selection of affordable and splurge-worthy gifts ranging from car accessories to fashion and cookware to tech that any dad would love.

On top of its huge gift selection, Walmart features thousands of products on Rollback prices that are hard to compete with, and your gift will be shipped free of charge for orders over $35. If you spot the NextDay flag on a gift you love, your order over $35 is also eligible for Free NextDay Delivery, so be on the lookout.

We've rounded up 23 Father's Day gifts that are currently available at Walmart — can you say favorite child?

Here are 23 Father's Day gifts available at Walmart now:

A backyard smoker

Oklahoma Joe Highland 879 sq in Smoker, available at Walmart for $269.99

Cook low and slow with this outdoor smoker. Dad can add wood whenever needed through the fire door and he can control the heat and smoke via multiple dampers too. 



A handy car jack for safety

Pro-Lift B-S2OD Grey Hydraulic Bottle Jack, available at Walmart for $31.70

For the dad who can't stop working on his car, this 20-ton hydraulic jack is just what he needs to streamline his work while staying safe. 



A sound bar that can fill an entire living room

VIZIO 36" 2.1 Channel Soundbar System, available at Walmart for $148

Instantly upgrade Dad's M*A*S*H rerun experience with this soundbar and subwoofer.  



A pair of sweatpants he can lounge in

Fruit of the Loom Men's Dual Defense EverSoft Elastic Bottom Sweatpants (S to XL), available at Walmart for $7.29

Fruit of the Loom Big Men's Dual Defense EverSoft Elastic Bottom Sweatpants (2Xl to 4 XL), available at Walmart for $7.99

Comfort never felt so good with these cotton and polyester pants. Dad won't be able to complain about the waistband due to the adjustable elastic cord that won't dig into skin.

 



A 100+ piece tool kit

Black + Decker 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill-Driver With 128-Piece Project Kit, available at Walmart for $99.97

This set is filled to the brim with all the tools your dad needs for any project, like a drill-driver combo, screwdriver heads, pliers, a hammer, leveler, and more.



A work backpack

iFLY X Series by iFLY Business Backpack, available at Walmart for $69.99

From work to travel, this backpack will keep Dad organized and ready to go with its electronic sleeve organizers, RFID pocket, USB port, and more. Plus, the leather trim makes this bag look more like a briefcase and less like a duffle bag so it'll fit in with more formal work environments.

 

 



A grill he can use inside

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Multifunctional Grill, available at Walmart for $59.99

Even when it rains, Dad can still get his grilling on. This non-stick tool works as a contact grill, panini press, flat grill, and griddle with its removable and reversible plates so his cooking techniques are never restricted.



An old-school arcade machine

Arcade1UP Deluxe 12-in-1 Arcade Machine with Riser, available at Walmart for $299.99

Bring him back to his childhood with an old-school arcade game so he can recreate his all-time high score. Games included are Asteroids, Centipede, Major Havoc, Missile Command, Lunar Lander, Crystal Castles, Tempest, Millipede, Gravitar, Liberator, and Asteroids Deluxe.



A new pair of swim trunks for the beach

George Men's Novelty 6-inch Swim Short (S to 5XL) (12 patterns), available at Walmart for $9.98

These quick-drying swim trunks can be matched to his personality and allow him to be comfortable at the beach. Plus, the back pocket contains a Velcro seal so his wallet stays safe on the boardwalk.



For the dad who loves BBQ but hates grilling

Nostalgia Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster, available at Walmart for $19.76

Bring back the taste of ball park hot dogs on a summer day with this hot dog toaster. Keep it in the kitchen or put it in the man-cave so Dad will have access to a mouthwatering frank whenever he wants.  

 



A steel-toe work boot

Nautilus Safety Footwear Men's N9546 Steel Toe Boot, available at Walmart from $49.49 to $109.95

Made from leather and steel, this work boot is as tough as the man who wears it. Dad can go out back and do yard work or wear them on the hiking trails — either way, his feet will thank you.



A 4k smart TV so he can stream his favorite shows

TCL 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV, available at Walmart for $528.99

Dad can now stream all of his favorite shows via Roku from one impressively clear 4k TV. He can even talk into the remote for a hands-free experience. 

 



A cologne that smells of citrus with notes of wood

Christian Dior Sauvage Cologne, available at Walmart for $119.05

This cologne is for the dad who likes to smell nice even as he's getting his hands dirty in the garage. With top notes of citrus and base notes of woody elements, this scent is a good mix of fresh and earthy.



A strong truck hitch

Reese Towpower Tri Ball Draw Bar, available at Walmart for $29.64

Made to resist rust and corrosion, this three-ball hitch is made to safely pull a variety of weight capacities from 2,000 to 10,ooo pounds towing weight. Basically, there's nothing Dad won't be able to tow. 



A tool to inflate tires

Campbell Hausfeld 12V Rechargeable Inflator, available at Walmart for $48.09

You don't need to bug your dad to take you to the gas station to fill your tires with air anymore — you just need to bug him to go outside to the driveway. This device can help him monitor tire pressure and add or release air as needed.



An apron with pockets to hold all his grilling tools

Chefs Kitchen Outdoor 7-Piece BBQ Apron and Utensil Set, available at Walmart for $20.49

He'll never ask you where the spatula is again with this apron. It has all the pockets to hold essential utensils, which come included. You'll get a slotted turner, tongs, forks, and more so it's a great value.



A classic watch

Fossil Men's Townsman Chronograph Luggage Leather Watch, available at Walmart for $135

This classic, minimalistic design can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The leather band and stainless steel watch face are waterproof, and the watch can be worn while swimming in a shallow pool.



A recliner he might let you sit on

Serta Push-Button Power Recliner, available at Walmart for $259

This recliner is designed with plush cushions so Dad's afternoon snoozes can be more comfortable than ever.  



A personalized street sign

Personalized Street Sign, available at Walmart for $21.99

Perfect for the backyard or garage, this personalized sign can feature any name up to 20 characters long plus the words "Street," "Lane," or "Avenue" as if it were a real street sign.



A polo he can wear on and off the golf course

Hanes Men's EcoSmart Short Sleeve Jersey Golf Shirt (S to XL), available at Walmart for $6 to $22

Hanes Big Men's EcoSmart Short Sleeve Jersey Golf Shirt (2XL to 6XL), available at Walmart for $6 to $22

Whether he's hitting up the golf course or just doing yard work, he'll appreciate a lightweight jersey polo that'll keep him cool and dry all day long.



A car-wash mitt that's safe on all surfaces

Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Mitt, available at Amazon for $8.38

If your dad is obsessed with his car, he'll be impressed knowing you got him a scratch-free mitt that's gentle on his paint job yet tough on dirt. The mitt is extra plush and absorbent so he'll be able to get the job done quickly. 



A gadget to help him catch fish

Lowrance Fishfinder with Transducer, available at Walmart for $99

Give your dad the gift of plentiful fish with this Fishfinder. He'll be able to read from two different sonar scans so that he spends more time fishing and less time searching.



A smart lamp to help him start and end his days

Xiaomi Mi Smart Bedside Lamp, available at Walmart for $44.99

Dad can control his lamp with the touch of his hand or the use of his smartphone to set color patterns or even a slideshow of his favorite photos. He can also set wake and bedtime timers so the light simulates the rising and setting of the sun.



A Hamptons mansion on a 58-acre estate just sold for more than 50% off, and it's a sign of the area's flailing luxury real-estate market

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three ponds farm hamptons

A mansion that sits on a 58-acre estate in the Hamptons just sold for more than 50% off, the New York Post reported.

The property in Bridgehampton, called Three Ponds Farm, went into contract for about $35 million — $40 million less than its original 2003 asking price of $75 million.

In addition to the eight-bedroom, 25,000-square-foot main residence, the estate includes a 75-foot pool, pool pavilion, grass tennis court, an 18-hole golf course, and a clubhouse. The buyer is reportedly Arbor Realty Trust CEO Ivan Kaufman, according to the Post.

hamptons mansion

Three Ponds Farm is not the only Hamptons mansion to get a massive price chop lately. The 42-acre Jule Pond estate in Southampton recently got a $30 million discount, now asking $145 million instead of $175 million.

News of the heavily discounted Three Ponds Farm sale comes at a rather grim time for the luxury real-estate market in the Hamptons.

Read more: Trump's tax overhaul is taking a serious toll on the Hamptons real-estate market

The New York Times reported earlier this month that home prices are plummeting in the favored summertime playground of New York City's wealthiest residents. The median sale price of a Hamptons home has fallen to a seven-year low of $860,000, according to a report from Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

The real-estate slump can be linked to President Trump's 2016 federal tax reform, which makes it more expensive to own luxury homes.

And more and more buyers who might've otherwise snapped up homes in the Hamptons are instead looking north to areas like the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.

SEE ALSO: Ralph Lauren just bought a charming Hamptons home for $16 million. Here's a look inside the 4-bedroom house — and its 200 feet of oceanfront.

DON'T MISS: An unnamed Saudi buyer spent $52.2 million on a 20,000-square-foot Los Angeles mansion and a neighboring house for his staff. Take a look inside the compound.

Join the conversation about this story »

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The best makeup setting sprays you can buy

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Insider Pickswrites about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

best makeup setting spray

  • If you want your makeup to last longer and look exactly the same hours after you applied it, you need to invest in a good makeup setting spray.
  • Our top pick is the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray because it's weightless and will help your makeup last for up to 16 hours.

We've all had those days where we've left the house with our makeup looking flawless only to notice by lunchtime that our foundation or eyeshadow has started to smudge or fade.

Thankfully, a makeup setting spray is the perfect solution to this problem. Much like hairspray, a setting spray is applied at the end of your beauty routine to lock in the makeup and help it last longer.

But unlike setting powders that just protect makeup like foundation, blush, and concealer, a setting spray can be applied to your entire face to help keep eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick from smudging, caking, creasing, and settling into fine lines.

Not only will the right setting spray help keep your makeup in place, but it can also help improve the look and health of your skin. Some feature ingredients that help brighten and hydrate skin, while others help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and boost your skin's elasticity.

Like most makeup products, the number of setting sprays on the market can be overwhelming. So we did the research to find the best options available. Whether you're looking for a setting spray that works best for your skin type or one that features SPF, your makeup will look great all day and night long with any of these picks.

Here are the best makeup setting sprays you can buy in 2019:

Updated on 5/31/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated copy, pricing, links, swapped in Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist as our best clean makeup setting spray and Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 as our best makeup setting spray with SPF pick as the original products were discontinued.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best makeup setting spray overall

The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a cult-favorite setting spray because it keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day.

The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray has been one of the most popular makeup setting sprays for years. Not only does it keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours, but it can also make your skin look smoother. Plus, it works on all skin types and prevents makeup from cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines.

Unlike other setting sprays that can feel sticky when first applied, this spray goes on as a microfine mist that you will barely feel. It's made with a patented technology that actually lowers the temperature in your makeup to help keep it in place even in hot, humid, or windy conditions.

The setting spray is an Allure Best of Beauty winner and has been recommended by both InStyle and Elle magazines. It has more than 460,000 likes on Sephora with more than 9,100 reviewers giving it a 4.4-star average rating.

One Sephora shopper wrote, "I love wearing makeup but have always had a problem with it fading and/or smudging (especially eyeliner). I've tried probably everything on the market to prevent this. This spray is unbelievable. I can put on my makeup at 6:00 AM before work and when I get home after 7, it still looks perfect — hasn't smudged or faded at all! SO happy to have finally found a product that works for me!"

The spray may be on the pricier side, but it comes in a mini size as well so you can test it before splurging on the standard-size bottle.

Pros: Fine lightweight mist, helps keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours, helps make skin look smoother, works on all skin types and in all climates

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray at Sephora for $32



The best makeup setting spray for oily skin

If oily skin makes your makeup melt or run, try the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray.

The NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray helps your makeup last all day and night. If you have oily skin, you'll no longer have to worry about looking shiny, as the spray will leave your makeup with a gorgeous matte finish.

Fans of the product say that not only does it keep their makeup in place for hours, but the matte setting spray also stops excess oil from breaking through. Multiple reviewers said they'd normally have to use blotting papers to remove excess oil by midday but they no longer have to thanks to this handy spray.

The affordable setting spray went viral in 2017 after a shopper named Sofia left a 5-star review on Ulta saying, "I was hit by a car and through the hit itself, the rain, the ambulance ride, and the hours in the hospital my makeup stayed completely intact the entire time. When I was discharged from the hospital I had to take off my makeup and none of it had moved. if this setting spray can survive being hit by a car then that's all the proof I need and I'll definitely be buying it again."

A few shoppers did note that the spray has a strong smell at first but that it wears off after a minute once the spray sets in.

Pros: Keeps makeup in place for hours, prevents excess oil, matte finish, affordable

Cons: Strong smell at first

Buy the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray at Ulta for $8.50 (originally $8.49)



The best makeup setting spray for dry skin

Looking for a setting spray that hydrates and moisturizes skin? Try the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray.

The Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray is a multitasking mist that works three ways. It can be used as a primer before putting on makeup, setting spray to lock makeup in place, and refreshing spray whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up.

It's specially formulated with coconut water, aloe leaf juice, and more to smooth, hydrate, and brighten skin, while at the same time helping to promote skin's elasticity and tone.

The setting spray has a 4.5-star rating on Influenster with more than 2,500 reviews, and a 4.3 on Sephora with more than 1,000 reviews. One reviewer wrote, "I have extremely dry skin and this is AMAZING. It hydrates and refreshes and I use it throughout the day. Without it, my makeup usually gets flaky but this fixes the problem. Love this spray and will always get more."

A few people said the spray bottle's spritzer was very powerful and can drench your skin if you spray too close to your face, so they recommend holding the bottle at least six inches away when applying.

Pros: 3-in-1 product, keeps makeup in place for hours, hydrating and refreshing

Cons: Can get drenched if sprayed too close

Buy the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray on Sephora for $32



The best clean makeup setting spray

Hydrate your skin while keeping makeup from getting dry and cakey with the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.

If you're looking for a spray that you can use several times a day without messing up your makeup, the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is your new go-to. It's a super-fine mist that you can use before, during, and after makeup application without drenching your face. Like the name implies, the mist makes your skin look dewy and glowy — think of it as a natural highlighter. 

The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist also has a "Clean at Sephora" seal which means it's made without a whole host of questionable ingredients like sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and more. Instead, it's formulated with red algae, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and 20% botanical oils to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

I won't use this on special occasions like weddings when I need a heavier-duty one like Urban Decay's, but I definitely use this several times a day to keep my makeup from getting dry and cakey. There's nothing worse than seeing that my foundation has cracked around my cheeks like a stock photo of a desert several hours later. 

It's definitely a splurge at $48 a bottle and using it multiple times a day will use up the product faster than others, but it's one of my favorites for the moisture and glow it adds to my everyday look. It holds a 4.5-star rating on Influenster with more than 9,000 reviews and comments all very similar to this one by a major fan, "OMG this product is A-MA-ZING!!!! The mist is super fine and the product is super hydrating and has a dewy finish JUST like their Dewy face cream, which I am OBSESSED with!!!" — Jada Wong

Pros: Clean at Sephora seal, made with clean ingredients, preps skin before makeup, prevents makeup from caking, works on all skin types

Cons: Expensive, strong initial smell 

Buy the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist at Sephora for $48



The best makeup setting spray with SPF

For additional SPF protection that won't ruin your look, try the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30

If you're going to be out for a while, work the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 into your routine stat. It has SPF 30 for additional sun protection and dries down to a matte finish — great for summer when I look like a greaseball before I can finish my coffee. 

I use sunscreen daily underneath makeup but forget to reapply on most days, so this one comes in really handy before I head out to grab lunch or on weekends when I'm out and about. After all, you can never really have too much sun protection.

The 1.7 ounce is on the small size considering the $36 price tag (Urban Decay costs $32 for a 4-ounce bottle), but I actually find the size more convenient to carry around in my bag than with other sprays. And since it's meant to be used to set my makeup while offering SPF, I'm only using a spritz or two each time so a bottle can last a few months.

Some shoppers complain of the nozzle getting jammed and not spraying a fine mist but rather an uneven spritz, which is a common issue with many plastic pump sprays. It's happened to me once or twice, but I work around the situation by running the nozzle under warm water before using it. — Jada Wong

Pros: Additional SPF protection, made without oxybenzone, keeps makeup in place for hours, vegan, 70% organic, cruelty-free 

Cons: Nozzle can get clogged, spray might be uneven depending on how close it is used

Buy the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 at Sephora for $36



Check out our other makeup buying guides

The best mascara you can buy

If there's one thing many women never leave home without, it's mascara. It makes your eyes pop and brightens up your face in an instant. We tested dozens of mascaras to find the best, and Chanel Le Volume Mascara is our top choice because it delivers long, lush lashes that last all day. 

Here are the best mascaras you can buy in 2019:


The best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy

One of the major grievances I have with lipstick is that you apply it only to find your lips are bare the next time you look in the mirror. The solution is to amp up your beauty arsenal with a long-lasting lipstick that will stay put all day or night long.

In this guide, you'll find everything from cult favorites to drugstore steals. For luscious lips that last all day, read on in the slides below to discover our top picks.  

Here are the best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy:


The best blush you can buy for any skin tone

Blush can add some color to your cheeks no matter your skin tone. These are the best blushes we've tried.

The right blush can help bring an entire makeup look together, wake up your face on tired mornings, or reinstate some life on your cheeks after you've blotted out your natural color with foundation.

Here are the best blushes you can buy:


The best makeup setting powder you can buy

A good makeup setting powder must cut down on shine without caking, look natural but last for hours, mattify but enhance luminosity, and remain undetectable on most skin tones.

The right formula will lock your makeup into place and cut down on shine without mattifying you within an inch of your life or making you look cakey and overdone.

Hopefully this list of my five favorites will help you cut through the noise and find the one that's right for you.

Here are the best makeup setting powders you can buy:


The best concealer you can buy for any skin tone

Finding your ideal concealer shade is tricky, so we tested a bunch to find the best concealer you can buy.

The best formulas can make you look airbrushed with very little product required. I put a bunch of highly rated concealers to the test over several weeks. This list features my top five favorites.

Here are the best concealers you can buy:



10 unexpected takes on Father's Day gift baskets that Dad will be happy to receive

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Insider Pickswrites about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

bluebottle

To some, gift baskets are a cop out. But, let's face it, most of us don't have the time, energy, or design know-how to curate and beautifully wrap a box full of trinkets and tchotchkes. Plus, while getting one gift is great, getting more than one gift is even better right?

Luckily, there are plenty of awesome gift baskets online that cater to Dad's passions, needs, and interests. The best part is they're already all curated and wrapped for you. But, it'll still feel just as great when Dad opens the box to find a bunch of things he loves.

Keep reading for 10 great Father's Day gift baskets Dad will be happy to receive.

If he's a sports fanatic

Fanchest Gift Box, from $45

Whether he's loyal to all teams from the city in which he grew up, his alma mater, or has a family allegiance to a team all the way across the country, Dad probably loves representing his favorite team with cool gear. Fanchest makes supporting your favorite teams with fun merchandise and apparel easier, and more affordable, than going to an online team shop. Choose from Dad's favorite NHL, NFL, or college team, and gift him a box filled with fun items like T-shirts, hats, beer koozies, and more — so he's all decked out before the game day. Fanchest even has a special Father's Day box with pieces specially made for Dad.

 



If he's hard to shop for

Breo Box, $159

If you can't decide what to get Dad, go for a Breo Box — a seasonal gift set full of high-end and brand-name products in a nice wooden box. Each season you'll find an assortment of five to eight products ranging from everyday essentials, fitness/health products, and tech gadgets, all curated to go with the time of year. You can opt in for the subscription service, which will send him a new box every three months, or just make a one-time purchase. If Dad's a sucker for surprises, or trying new products, he'll love this fun box filled with unique luxury goods. 

 

 



If he's a kid at heart

Hangry Kit Essentials, $29.99

Just because he's all grown up doesn't mean Dad can't indulge in his favorite childhood treats every now and then. Bring his taste buds back to the good old days with this box loaded with all the fruit snacks, popcorn, pretzels, and chips Dad could ever want. With 40 snacks, you can be sure Dad will never be hangry again. 



If he's all about his grooming routine

Dollar Shave Club The DadBod Bundle, $50

Dad deserves the best, so upgrade his morning routine with this gift set filled with ten luxurious personal-hygiene essentials. A sharp razor, rich shave cream, and gentle face and body wash are just some of the standouts. Even if he doesn't care much about his bath and body products, Dad can't argue with a gift this practical. 



If he's a chocolate lover

Mouth Chocolate-Covered Deliciousness, $83.50

Satiate Dad's sweet tooth with a box full of yummy, chocolatey goodness. Mouth has all kinds of foodie gift sets with small-batch, handmade products from all over the United States. This box is filled with unique chocolate-covered bites, ranging from dark chocolate-covered malt balls to chocolate-covered cheerios. Hopefully he'll share!



If he's a self-proclaimed geek

Loot Crate, from $12.99

Loot Crate makes gift boxes filled with fun collectibles and merch, all centered around a common theme in the realms of pop culture, film, gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy. If Dad loves to geek out on Marvel, "Harry Potter," the latest video game franchise, or anything of the sort, he'll appreciate this playful gift basket. Loot Crate is run by fans, so you can be sure Dad will approve of all of the products they choose. 



If he loves beer

Gourmet Gift Baskets Beers for Dad, $69.99

If there's nothing Dad loves more than cracking open a cold beer after a long day, this might be the gift for him. Pair a few microbrews with some gourmet snacks and throw them in a bucket — which Dad can easily turn into his own personal cooler — and you've got Dad's summer nights already set out for him. 



If he's the grill master

King of the Grill Gift Basket, $123.88

Father's Day means summer, and summer means barbecues. If Dad will be handling the grill for the rest of the season, don't let him do it alone — give him this basket filled with everything he needs to get his grill on. A collection of rubs, marinades, barbecue sauces, recipes, and a beer can chicken roaster are just some of the goods included, and they're sure to get Dad pretty excited about leading the next family cookout. 



If he's a coffee connoisseur

Blue Bottle Coffee Essentials Kit, $59

Revitalize Dad's routine with a fresh way to get his morning brew. With a custom dripper, filters, coffee carafe, holiday-blend coffee, and a pour-over brew guide, this kit has everything he needs to make delicious cups of pour-over coffee. And, if he doesn't like the grounds included, he can just swap in his favorite beans instead. 

 



If he's a fisherman

Gone Fishing Father's Day Gift Basket, $84.99

If Dad loves to fish, chances are he is already set for the summer with a rod of his own. But that doesn't mean he won't appreciate this fishing-themed gift basket, which has both thoughtful additions for his next fishing trip, like hooks and bobbers, and some items that are just for fun, like a mug and some potato chips. 




The best cloth diapers you can buy

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  • Cloth diapers are easy to use, offer money-savings, and are nothing like the ones your grandma used to use.  
  • The GroVia Hybrid Reusable Baby Cloth Diapers are our top pick because they are economical, earth-friendly, and super cute.

If there's one thing new moms will have to do every day, it's to change diapers. When it comes to cloth diapers, you become overwhelmed by the array of choices and acronyms. What is a prefold? What is an AIO? Will it handle a big blowout? Do they smell after you wash them?

These kinds of questions make cloth diapering confusing. Yet, today's cloth diapers are super-absorbent, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly. But not all cloth diapers are created equal. When you get down to finding the perfect cloth diaper, it comes down to four factors: cost, sustainability, absorbency, and cuteness (your baby has to look good, after all).

As for a baby's health, is there an advantage to using cloth diapers over disposable versions? Not really, says Dr. Dominica Wood, a pediatrician and a mother of two. But, every baby reacts differently. Ultimately, it's a matter of preference.

"It's fine to use [cloth diapers] if you time on your hands," Wood says. "Your baby could have less exposure to chemicals used in disposable diapers, but then again, even with cloth diapers, the chemicals in detergents used to wash them is also something a parent might need to worry about."

To narrow down our selection to five great options, I researched hundreds of reviews, consulted other moms, and used my own experience to find the absolute best cloth diapers.

Here are the best cloth diapers you can buy in 2019:

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best overall

GroVia Hybrid Reusable Baby Cloth Diapers are inexpensive, earth-friendly, and totally cute. They handle big blowouts, fight diaper rash, and dry fast.

When my two little ones were infants, I used these simple-yet-flexible cloth diapers every day for a few years. The system combines a soft outer shell with a combination of soaker pads. Shells come in vibrant and fun designs with either snap or loop closures. You'll want the snap to keep toddler hands from taking off the diaper.  

At night, you can snap-in extra soakers to prevent accidents. Some parents even use the cotton soakers to clean the house or wipe up finger marks long after their little one is out of diapers — I know I still do. If you don't want to add soakers, GroVia has anOrganic All-In-One (AIO) Cloth Diaper with no cover, stuffing, or folding.

As a working mom, I loved that I could use the shells three to four times before washing. Some cloth diapers take a long time to dry, but GroVia makes laundry a breeze.One Amazon reviewer said GroVia cloth diapers"are crazy absorbent, are lined with fleece to keep baby dry (which means no rashes), and typically dry in one cycle (some diapering options do not)."

The best part is the cost savings. Disposable diapers cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500 per year. The entire GroVia Hybrid cloth diaper system costs roughly $400, and that's from newborn to potty training. You can even use cloth diapers for multiple kids.

GroVia cloth diapers are also made with eco-friendly organic cotton. Swaddle your baby in a chemical-free product that doesn't clog up the landfills. Sure, you're using water and soap to wash them, but when you compare cloth diapers to disposable, GroVia Hybrid cloth diapers are way better for the environment.

Pros: Super affordable and absorbent, landfill friendly, toddler proof, impossibly cute, less diaper rash, make potty training easier

Cons: Bulky baby bottom, some daycares won't accommodate cloth diapers

Buy GroVia Hybrid Reusable Baby Cloth Diapers from GroVia starting at $15.95



The best budget cloth diaper

OsoCozy Prefolds are high-quality, super absorbent, and cost-effective. You can use them long after your baby is out of diapers.

Prefold diapers are layers of 100% cotton, bamboo, or hemp woven together in a durable square. These cloth diapers have maximum soaking capacity down the center, with thinner edges for easier folding. In the past, prefold was the luxury diaper.

When you purchase OsoCozy Prefolds, you will also need waterproof covers and fasteners.Thirsties Duo Wrap Cloth Diaper Cover is by far the best choice. The covers work seamlessly with OsoCozy and come in super-cute designs and colors. You can use the covers three to four times before washing. All you have to do is wipe clean between changes. The covers are breathable with an adjustable rise, making them fit well from newborn to toddlerhood. For fastening,Snappismake securing the prefolds easy and secure. I used Thirstie covers with OsoCozy for three years and never did one cover come apart or tear.

From newborn to potty training, the OsoCozy and Thirsties combo system cost about $225. The cost-savings make this cloth diaper system a smart choice. You can even use prefolds as burp rags or a water overflow catcher during bath time. The use lasts way after your kiddo is out of diapers.

OsoCozy Prefolds come in two different sizes and fabrics. As far as size goes, you'll need to start with size 1 for newborns to six months (6-18 pounds) and size 2 for bigger babies, although this will depend on the prefold fabric. Moms tend to purchase the bleached cotton, but the unbleached, 100% organic cotton is bigger and softer, and hides stains easier.

OsoCozy proclaims it's the best-selling cloth diaper on the internet. On oneAmazon product page alone, OsoCozy has more than 800 reviews (average 4.4 out of 5 stars). One reviewer says, "I found that prefolds are the most consistently reliable — no leaks, rarely a blowout." I definitely agree: I used OsoCozy Prefolds with my babies, and you can't beat the cost savings, durability, and softness.

Pros: Low cost, super absorbent, soft, durable, multipurpose (baby and cleaning), less leakage, easy to clean

Cons: Folding makes quick changes harder, bulky baby bottom

Buy a six-pack of OsoCozy Prefolds on Amazon for $12.93-$13



The best high-end cloth diaper

Charlie Banana One-Size Diaper is eco-friendly, innovative, and high-quality. The award-winning cloth diapers are highly-absorbent, easy to take care of, and last from newborn to potty trained.

The hybrid cloth diaper system comes with soft covers and organic cotton and hemp inserts. At night, add an extra insert for added protection. The earth-friendly materials are snug and can withstand big blowouts. For those concerned about the cleanup, you can addbiodegradable bamboo liners between the baby's bottom and cloth diaper to collect the waste.

Charlie Banana cloth diapers come in fun and bright colors. For those who adoreSophie La Giraffe Baby Teether, you'll love that they've partnered with Charlie Banana to create aSophie Classic One Size Hybrid and AIO. The cuteness factor is out of control with this design.

As with most cloth diapers, fewer chemicals touch your baby's skin, and some reviewers report fewer diaper rashes with Charlie Banana cloth diapers. ATarget customer says, "Its super absorbency is what amazed me the most. It's rash-free, eco-friendly, and so affordable at the same time."

While diaper rash happens regardless of whether you use disposable or cloth, it's important to change diapers regularly and wash cloth diapers with natural laundry detergent likeRockin' Green Natural Laundry Detergent Powder. Cloth diapers need special soap to help the cloth retain their absorbency and skin-protective qualities. Reusable cotton cloth wipes with essential oils help too.

Charlie Banana cloth diapers are on the more expensive side. Usually, a six-pack runs between $115 on sale to $130 on the high end. Target sometimes offers promotions for $15 gift cards when spending $75 or more for baby products.

Pros: High quality, eco-friendly, super soft, vibrant colors and designs

Cons: Small pockets make it hard to stuff extra inserts, not great for overnight, more expensive

Buy a six-pack of Charlie Banana One-Size Diaper at Target for $124.99 (6-pack)



The best for toilet training

Super Undies Pull-On Undies 2.0 act like underpants with potty-training superpowers. Toddlers dislike the feeling of wetness from soggy diapers and will potty train earlier with these super absorbent pull-ons.

For some parents, potty training is easy, and for others, you need a helping hand. In comesSuper Undies Pull-On Undies 2.0 to the rescue. Super Undies makes potty training easier with its pull-on sides and stretchy fabric. You can start using them right before you start potty training, to help your little one get ready for big-kid land (life without diapers).

Most babies don't like the feeling of wetness from a soggy diaper, and wearing cloth undies accentuates this irritation. Wearing Super Undies Pull-On Undies protects your growing toddler like a diaper, but be careful when your kid has a blowout — pull-ons smear the poop when pulled down.

But the point of these undies is, you can teach a child from going to the bathroom in the undies by reminding her to tell you when she needs to go potty. Once this happens, you place them on the potty, and hopefully, she will go to the bathroom — without getting the undies dirty.

At night, your kiddo can wear them like bedwetting underwear, further preparing her for letting go of diapers or needing night diapers at all. Long after your child is out of diapers, she could still require a night diaper. Kids slowly learn how to control their bladder at night; this may take some time.

Super Undies come in fun designs shaped like big-kid underwear. Since you can use these overnight undies from toddlerhood to preschool (and beyond) the price is affordable too.

Pros: Best for potty training and overnight accidents, easy to pull on and off, cute designs, transitional pants (between diapers and underwear)

Cons: Smeared poop accidents, only for the transition between diapers and underwear

Buy Super Undies 2.0 Pull-Ons on Amazon for $24.95



The best all-in-one cloth diaper

BumGenius Freetime All-In-One Snap Closures are quick to dry, clean, and put on, making them the best all-in-one cloth diaper.

When it comes to cloth diapers, sometimes you want ones that look and act like a disposable diaper. BumGenius is an all-in-one (AIO) cloth diaper that mirrors a disposable diaper: The butterfly closure system makes it easy to put on and secure. Most moms love that there's no added stuffing, extra inserts, or liners. Inside the shell is an extra layer of microfiber already sewn to protect against accidents. When you have a lot to do, adding something extra, even as small as a liner, might be too much.

One drawback to AIO cloth diapers is how long they take to dry. But BumGenius doesn't take as long as other cloth diapers in this category. Another consideration is the big baby bottom.One Amazon reviewersays that "since these diapers have been washed more, they have also lost their bulk. They are not as bulky and fluffy as they used to be. They are still [very absorbent and very soft]."

The cost of AIOs are usually higher than other types of cloth diapers, but since there's no stuffing, you have your entire diaper system streamlined. The average cost of one BumGenius Freetime All-In-One Snap Closure is $20. You'll need around 20 or so to last until potty training. Even so, this system still beats disposable diapers by a landslide.

Pros: All-in-one cloth diaper (no stuffing), easy to put on, absorbent, soft, durable, dries faster than other AIO brands

Cons: Bulky baby bottom, runs small, air dry

Buy BumGenius Freetime All-In-One Snap Closure on Amazon for $21.95 and up (price varies based on style)



We tried Google’s new augmented reality feature for Maps that’s currently available only on its Pixel smartphones, and we don’t know what we’d do without it. (GOOG, GOOGL)

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Google Maps

  • At Google's I/O conference earlier this month, the company announced that its new augmented reality (AR) feature for Google Maps was now available on its Pixel smartphones.
  • Business Insider tried out the feature earlier in the year, and found it incredibly helpful. 
  • Using your phone's camera, Google Maps identifies your location and places signs and arrows on your screen to show you where you need to go.
  • Below, we describe what it was like to use the new Google Maps AR feature on the streets of San Francisco. 
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Anyone visiting a new city knows the confusion of emerging from a subway station and trying to figure out in which direction to turn. Even with your maps app open, orienting yourself in an unfamiliar place can be difficult and lead to some missteps.

That's why Google's new augmented reality (AR) feature for Maps is so helpful. Using your phone's camera, Google Maps identifies your location and places signs and arrows on your screen to show you where you need to go.

At Google's I/O conference earlier this month, the company announced that the Maps AR feature was now available on its lineup of Pixel smartphones. Google has not yet said when the feature will be rolled out more broadly, but its now in the hands of real people, using real Pixel smartphones. 

In February, the Google Maps team gave Business Insider the chance to try out its new AR feature, and ever since, we've been eagerly awaiting its arrival on more devices. 

Here's what it was like to use the new Google Maps AR feature on the streets of San Francisco: 

SEE ALSO: I know I am part of Apple's iPhone problem but even after doing all my research, I still don't feel the need to upgrade

We met members of the Google Maps team at Rincon Park, which is right near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. We decided we could all use some caffeine, so to test out the new AR feature, we headed to Blue Bottle Coffee on Sansome Street.

We plugged the destination into Google Maps to begin the journey.



This is where the AR magic happens. When you hold your phone up to eye level, the standard map shrinks into a small circle at the bottom of the screen. The majority of your screen shows you the real world that's directly in front of you, as if you were looking through the camera.

But this is an "augmented" version of the real world. After a couple of seconds to process my location, the screen displayed big arrows, layered on top of the view, that pointed me in the right direction to start my walk. 



But I wasn't able to hold the phone up for too long. For safety purposes, an alert pops up after a few moments of using the AR feature, telling users to put their phones down while they walk.

 

And it's a good thing that I did. My path was filled with electric scooter riders — an AR accident waiting to happen! 

Google said it purposely only displays the arrows during "moments of confusion" so that users don't walk around with their phones in the air, oblivious to those around them.

Those moments of confusion can include when users first start on their journey (like when exiting the subway), when a turn is approaching, or when arriving at a destination.



Still, it was hard not to hold up the phone to check out the new feature and graphics. I did sometimes notice, depending on the angle I held the phone, the arrow animations got a little wonky.



But for the most part, the arrow graphics worked quite nicely.

Rachel Inman, user-experience lead on the project, told me that her team went through multiple iterations before deciding on the arrows graphics. At one point they tried using a blue line, similar to what is used on the 2D maps, but projected onto the view of the real path in front of the user (think Follow the yellow brick road). However, tests found that users would try to stand on the blue lines exactly while walking along their path. 

Arrows seem to offer the right amount of guidance. 



The "proper" way to use the feature is to walk with your phone down when you know you're on the right path. This will result in the standard Maps view.



When you need to decide where to turn next, you can tilt the phone upwards. Google Maps then tries to understand your location based on the imagery around you.

That's right. Along with the fancy new AR feature, Google is also trying to improve the accuracy of your location by using Visual Positioning Service (VPS), Street View, and machine learning. 

Google calls this technique "global localization." 

Today, the company relies on GPS and compass tools, but it says that both have limitations, especially in urban environments where there's a ton of metal and other phones in a dense area.

The technicalities of how Google pinpoints your location can be confusing, but the team says if you've ever struggled with the "blue dot" problem — where the blinking blue dot on a map is across the street or on a different block from where you actually are — then you understand the problem they're trying to solve with imagery and machine learning. 



The feature works best if you point the phone towards more permanent structures, like office buildings or cafes, rather than shrubs or bushes that change their shape and color based on the season.

The multicolor dots around the building are meant to let you know that Maps' visual recognition system is busy trying to identify the object in front of it. 



Once Google knows exactly where you are, it displays arrows on your screen to make sure you're on track and heading in the right direction.



Once you arrive at your destination, a pin-drop will appear with a fun animation to accompany it. Since we were heading to grab a coffee, Google Maps also pulled up information about Blue Bottle in case we wanted to check out photos and reviews before walking in.

After picking up a cappuccino, I turned in the Android demo phone, thanked the Google team, and headed back to the Business Insider office. 

Not knowing exactly where I was in San Francisco's Financial District, I felt myself longing for the AR maps feature.

Seriously! 

Even though I knew I was generally heading in the right direction, the AR feature made it so easy to get a quick "sanity check" that I was correct.  

 

 

 



I got my teeth straightened through an online service called Candid for under $2,000 — here’s how it works

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  • I tried straightening my teeth with Candid, an online company that sends you a personalized treatment plan and sets of plastic aligners for a flat price of $1,900. 
  • The process consists of a few main steps and mostly ran smoothly for me. And even when it wasn't, Candid's helpful support team got me back on track. 
  • You either order its $95 starter kit (now $47.50 through a site promotion) or visit a Candid Studio to create a teeth scan, then you receive an individualized plan from an orthodontist in Candid's network, wear the aligners for the recommended period of time, and then finish the treatment off with a set of free retainers. 
  • You'll like Candid's services if you want to straighten your teeth with subtle, non-obtrusive aligners and without spending an exorbitant amount of money or time.  

Traditional braces are too expensive. You wore braces as a kid but can't find your retainers anymore so your teeth have shifted again. Taking the time to find and regularly visit an orthodontist just doesn't fit into your already packed schedule. 

Many people want to improve their smiles, but thanks to reasons like those above, they haven't been able to. 

Founded in 2017, Candid is an online company that's offering a convenient, affordable, and effective solution, making teeth-straightening aligners at a fraction of the cost of traditional braces and aligners. 

Candid and similar companies like earlier entrant to the scene SmileDirectClub are challenging the notion that you have to step into an orthodontist's office in order to get straighter teeth. With photos and impressions of your teeth on hand, Candid creates orthodontist-approved, 3D-printed, and BPA-free plastic aligners to correct mild to moderate imperfections in your bite. 

Most remarkable of all, the whole treatment costs less than $2,000 and it's a surprisingly easy process. Though Candid does give the option to visit one of its nationwide physical locations, you can also get started right at home by requesting its starter kit. I tried out the Candid aligner treatment last year to straighten my teeth, and it was truly a unique experience. 

Read on to learn about how Candid is different from competitors such as SmileDirectClub, what to expect from the treatment from beginning to end, the cost of Candid's aligners, and more. 

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How Candid is different

A few key features sets Candid apart from other online "teledentistry" services: 

  • It only works with orthodontists — doctors who specialize in straightening teeth — not just general dentists. The orthodontists in its network have an average of 20 years of experience. 
  • It sends you all the aligners in your treatment plan at once, instead of only once you need a new set.
  • It gives back. For every aligner kit sold, Candid donates $25 to Smile Train, a charity that provides safe and free cleft palate treatments to children around the world. 

Who should get aligners through Candid

Before doing anything, you should see if you're an eligible candidate for the Candid process. You can take its short survey, which asks about concerns you want to correct (e.g. gaps, crowding), any previous history with braces and retainers, and more. 

The company is upfront about whether Candid is the best treatment for you. 

There are three main reasons why you may not be eligible for Candid: your case falls outside of mild to moderate imperfections and would be better served by in-office orthodontic treatment; you have not been to the dentist recently to treat your teeth and gums for cavities and decay; or you currently use a permanent retainer. This last point differs from SmileDirectClub, as their 3D imaging technology lets them to create aligners based on what your teeth would look like without retainers. That means you can get your aligners before getting your permanent retainer removed.

How Candid works: modeling, treatment, and post-treatment

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If you're a fit, congrats — you're ready to get started through one of two options. You will take photos and impressions of your teeth either at home, or at a physical Candid Studio location near you. The at-home option is a $95 starter kit (now $47.50 through a site promotion), while the free Candid Studio experience has a specialist that will scan your teeth for you.

Either way, the process should take 30 minutes and will yield the info needed to create your treatment plan. If the orthodontist ultimately determines Candid isn't right for you after receiving the results of your starter kit, you'll receive a full refund. 

I used the starter kit to send in photos and impressions at the beginning of my treatment and visited a Candid Studio in New York to get a final teeth scan at the end, so I can speak to both experiences. The at-home kit has you mix putty, stick it in five trays, and take your own impressions of your teeth. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, this part can be tricky to manage on your own, and it might be useful to have a friend nearby to assist.

You'll also take photos (you'll definitely need a friend for this one) of various angles of your bite, with the help of a cheek stretcher to get a clear shot.  

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While I didn't have difficulty making impressions, I did have to go back and forth with the Candid support team for good photos. It was a little frustrating that I couldn't get the photos right the first time, but the support team was very patient and helpful in moving the process forward, and even hopped on a call with me to clarify confusion about what they were looking for in the photos.

Overall, the at-home option is best for those who want to take photos and impressions on their own time and in the comfort of their own home, who can't make it to a Candid Studio during regular business hours, or don't live near a Candid Studio. 

Meanwhile, if you make an appointment at or walk in to a Candid Studio, you'll enter a nicely designed facility that feels more spa-like than dentist-like and work with an experienced specialist. They use an optical laser scan to sweep over all areas inside your mouth and create a digital model of your teeth. Since you're in the hands of an expert here, the studio option could be faster and less frustrating, but only if you do happen to live near a Candid Studio. 

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The results are sent to an orthodontist in Candid's network, who then creates an individualized treatment plan for you. It typically takes three to four weeks to receive your treatment plan, which includes an interactive 3D preview of the step-by-step results you can expect. 

All treatments cost $1,900, which you can pay upfront or through a monthly payment plan. That's significantly cheaper than traditional braces, which on average cost $3,000 to $6,000, and Invisalign, which on average costs $3,000 to $7,000. SmileDirectClub is a tiny bit cheaper than Candid: its treatment costs $1,895. 

Candid accepts FSA and HSA, but doesn't work in-network with any insurers. Still, you can submit your insurance information to the company, which will file a claim on your behalf. If you are eligible for orthodontic benefits, your insurance company will reimburse you directly. 

The treatment plan consists of a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth. The length of the plan depends on your specific needs, and Candid says most of its customers complete treatment in an average of six months. 

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Before Candid, I wore braces about 10 years ago, for one year. They fixed the small gaps in my teeth and my slight overbite, and I moved onto a retainer thereafter. Like many irresponsible teens, I stopped wearing my retainer (I couldn't even tell you where it is right now) and my teeth have shifted again as a result. I remember my brace face days well — getting food stuck in my braces, going in to the orthodontist for painful tightenings — and hated them, so I was excited to try Candid's affordable and convenient approach. 

My personal plan lasted four months, and consisted of seven sets of aligners. I wore each set of aligners for two weeks before moving onto the next. Candid sends you all the aligners at once, organized by step, along with a carrying case and a whitening foam that both keeps your aligners clean and brightens your teeth. 

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The aligners look like plastic molds of your teeth and fit tightly over them. Each new aligner hurts initially, but they become more comfortable to wear over time, and for the most part, wearing the aligners didn't affect my day-to-day life significantly. I had a slight lisp with them on, which never completely disappeared throughout my treatment, but no one ever pointed it out, and I was probably more self-conscious than necessary about it. I only took them off to eat and brush my teeth, and otherwise wore them all day and night long. 

Candid sent me text and email reminders whenever it was time to move on to my next aligner, so I never had to keep track of the timing myself, and before long, my four months of treatment had flown by. 

Here was the final result following completion of the Candid treatment. I have small teeth and my teeth were mostly straight pre-treatment, so it might be difficult to see a distinct difference with photos of my face. The digital model scans below make the transformation more evident.

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After you complete the aligners portion of the treatment, Candid sends you a free retainer and case. For the first two weeks, you need to wear the retainer 22 hours a day, after which you only need to wear it at night. The retainers look and feel very similar to the aligners, but they're just a little thicker. Candid recommends changing retainers every six months, and each new set costs $99 each. 

Other than the initial hiccup with the starter kit photos, my experience with Candid aligners was smooth and surprisingly easy to manage. 

Every person I encountered, from the support team to the Candid Studio specialist, was friendly and professional, making me feel like I was in good hands during what can be a nerve-wracking process (these are your one and only set of teeth, after all).

Since Candid only works with orthodontists, not just dentists like some other aligner companies do, I could trust the recommendations and treatment design fully. The results clearly reflected their expertise and the quality of Candid's aligner fabrication — the treatment actually worked and my teeth were re-straightened after my reckless abandonment of my old retainers. 

See if you're a candidate for Candid and get started with your teeth-straightening treatment here.

Join the conversation about this story »

25 fishing gifts to fuel Dad's favorite hobby this Father's Day

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  • If Dad's a fisherman, Father's Day could be a whole lot easier than you've ever realized.
  • Fishing isn't a cheap hobby, and there's always something he needs for the tackle box or the boat.
  • From rods and reels to pliers and coolers, there's surely something of which he's in dire need below.
  • Check out all of our Father's Day gift ideas for 2019 for more inspiration.

If Dad fancies himself a fisherman, chances are good that he's got one expensive hobby. But this makes your chore of finding him the perfect Father's Day gift a breeze. You see, fishing, seemingly, requires more and more gadgets and apparel each year. Who knew he needed a wireless, castable fish camera? (He doesn't.)

There's an endless list of things that need replacing, updating, fixing, or scrapping. Cross one or two items off that list and you're home safe till next year. Fishing, and gearing up for fishing, is an endless obsession, a never-ending procession of new lures, pliers, nets, rods, reels, electronics, safety equipment, apparel, and, well, you get the idea. That's why a fishing gift is always a safe bet.

Sift around through the recommendations below, and if you want to dig a little deeper, have a look at our full fishing rod and reel buying guide for more ideas.

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' Father's Day gift ideas for 2019, in one place

A fully submersible waterproof ditty bag for tackle and more

Yeti Sidekick Dry, available at Yeti, $49.99

Tell Dad to toss the flimsy, brittle old plastic boxes for something a little sleeker and handier on the water.



A fisher-friendly inflatable SUP

Bote Board Rackham 12'4" Inflatable Fishing Standup Paddleboard, available at Amazon, $1,699

If your checking account isn't quite big enough to buy him a boat yet, this is the next best thing, and, better yet, he'll be fooled into getting a bit of exercise on the way to his favorite fishing holes.



A cool, breathable, UPF-treated fishing shirt

Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt, available at Columbia, $29.90 (16 colors)

Sunproof, lightweight, and breathable. No matter how many of these shirts he has, he can still use another.



A classy, stainless-steel flask with a magnetic, double-walled cup

Highcamp Flask, available at Bespoke, $69

Goodness only knows what's living in his decades-old flask, and he's old enough to drink from a proper cup by now anyhow.



An easy-to-sharpen fillet knife

Bubba Blade 9 Inch Flex Fillet Knife, available at Amazon, $50.55

If his fillets aren't coming out too hot, this might help.



An electronic fish smoker

Masterbuilt Front Controller Electric Smoker, available at Amazon, $279.29

You'll thank yourself for this one. Trust me.



An oyster shucking tool, in case the fishing doesn't always go so well

Dexter-Russell New Haven-Style Oyster Shucking Tool, available at Amazon, $12.72

The fish aren't always biting, or maybe Dad's just a little at a loss with his fishing skills. Oysters, on the other hand, have nowhere to run. As a one-time oyster shucker (and general bivalve enthusiast), I can say this is one of the most favored tools of oyster shuckers in the US of A, and my personal favorite; I don't go out on the water without one in my tackle box.



Polarized shades made from recycled fishing nets

Costa Del Mar Recycled Fishing Net Polarized Glasses, available at Amazon, $193.87

Help clean the waters off Chile and protect Dad's precious, if dwindling, eyesight. A win-win, no?



A monthly tackle subscription box

Mystery Tackle Box subscription or gift boxes, available at Mystery Tackle Box, from $14.99

Mystery Tackle Box offers all sorts of gift boxes and subscriptions, so no matter what your dad's angling pursuits may be, you'll find something for him here. Plus, if you pick the wrong box, he can always change it out.



Heavy-duty fishing pliers with a line cutter

Bubba 7.5 Inch Fishing Pliers, available at Amazon, $45.13

This is about the only fishing tool he'll need on the boat.



Fishing bibs for a messier day at sea

Grundens Balder 504 Bib Pants, available at Amazon, $159.98

Bib pants will catch all the blood and gore before it works its way home and into the washing machine. Someone will appreciate that. It'll also keep dear old Dad warm out on the high seas in the shoulder seasons.



A humane fish-killing tool

Svord Ike Jime Tool, available at Amazon, $12.13

It looks barbaric, but what Pops does to euthanize your dinner is likely tenfold.



A focal magnifier for knot tying

Flip Focal Magnifier, available at L.L.Bean, $19.95

Everyone but Dad knows his eyesight is starting to go. Give him a hint (and a hand).



A fishing-line welder so he can stop tying (or trying to tie) knots altogether

Tauten Linewelder, available at The Grommet, $139.99

We all know his knot game is remiss; save him the agony of losing the catch of his life (that is, second to Mom, of course).



A humane and corrosion-resistant fishing net

Bubba Corrosion-Resistant Landing Net, available at Amazon, $120.63-$194.95 (prices vary by size)

Lest he harm a fish he was planning to let go.



A new fly rod and reel outfit

Orvis Clearwater V Fly Rod and Reel Outfit, available at Orvis, from $311

That old bamboo cane pole he has is cute and all, but it's heavy, and his casting shoulder is not as strong as it once was. Bring him up to date and lighten his load with some newfangled technology.



A LifeProof phone case

Lifeproof Frē Series Waterproof Phone Case, available at Amazon, $52.01

Next time your dad drops his phone into the drink, he'll actually have a chance at recovering it.



A fly-tying starter kit

Orvis Premium Fly-Tying Kit, available at Orvis, $198

Flies are expensive, and if your father's tucked into retirement, maybe the budget is a little tight. This will not only keep him occupied (and out of yours and Mom's and everyone else's hair), it'll take a little sting out of this oh-so-pricey hobby.



A fully submersible waterproof backpack

Yeti Backpack 28, available at Yeti, $299.99

If he's still venturing out above the waist, or likely to soak his camera, this waterproof backpack should spare him a small tragedy or two.



State-of-the-art, lightweight, and packable waders

Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders, available at Patagonia, $349

Chunky, heavy neoprene can be nice for the winter, but get him something he can hike with up to the rivers less fished.



A UPF-treated adventure hat

Sunday Afternoon Hats, available at Amazon, from $19 (prices vary by style)

Whether he's bald or balding, he can never have enough hats. And unlike his ratty old straw hat, these are made to take a little abuse.



A folding chair with compartments and backpack straps

ONIVA Picnic Time Folding Chair, available at Amazon, $57.30 and up

ONIVA Picnic Time Fusion Folding Chair, available at Amazon, $85.99 and up

It's light, easy to carry (with backpack straps), and if he's a thrifty packer, he can forego the heavy cooler and beach cart and not break his back hauling everything out to the beach.



A brand-new spin-fishing rod

Tsunami Slimwave White, available at Amazon, $116.38-$124.98

It doesn't matter how many fishing poles are gathering up cobwebs in the garage, he'll always appreciate a new one. (Pro tip: If you're not sure which size or kind of fishing rod to buy, go look at his gear, find the oldest, most used, and abused fishing rod he has, or his most popular, and match it).



... and a spinning reel to go with it

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel, available at Amazon, $74.99-$262.74

Fishing reels have come a long way. And probably a really long way since he last purchased one. Catapult him into modernity with this ultra-light, smooth-as-can-be piece of machinery. (Pro tip: As with a fishing rod, if you're not sure which size or kind of fishing rod to buy, go look at his gear, find the oldest, most used and abused reel he has, or his most popular, and match it).



Sunscreen with bug spray

Badger Anti-Bug Sunscreen, available at Thrive Market, $14

A two-in-one accessory to keep the sun and bugs at bay, which he'll more than likely thank you for, repeatedly. Reef-safe, non-coated, non-nano, mineral-based sunscreen.



Nordstrom has a free rewards program called The Nordy Club — here are the best perks for members

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nordstrom anniversary sale

As of October 2018, Nordstrom has rolled out a new rewards program — The Nordy Club— which rewards members with more and better perks the more they spend. With the new program, you earn points just for shopping at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and subscription service Trunk Club (which you can find a woman's review of here and man's here).

 Current rewards members and cardholders will automatically be enrolled. If you're not one of them, you can enroll for free here and put your fall or holiday shopping to work toward better perks.

What perks come with the new Nordy Club rewards program?

The new rewards program gets better the more you spend, unlocking a new status and new accompanying benefits, like access to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and being the first to shop select brands.

In workshops, stylists help you curate your look using your budget and the diverse range of brands Nordstrom has access to. Curbside pickup means you can buy online and stop by a participating store, where a Nordstrom employee will walk the order out to your car.

All members and cardholders can also reserve items online to try at their favorite participating Nordstrom store — within two hours, you'll be alerted that your items are ready. You can also get free basic alterations at Nordstrom on regular priced items you bought from either Nordstrom or Trunk Club. Learn more about the perks here.

You earn one point per dollar, and you can unlock Nordstrom Notes with those points (Nordstrom Notes are essentially Nordstrom gift cards you earn). 

The membership levels are based on annual spending, and follow this model — each with unique perks:

  • Member ($0-$500)
  • Insider ($500+)
  • Influencer ($2,000+)
  • Ambassador ($5,000+)

If you're a member with Ambassador+ status, you get access to one yearly visit from a Nordstrom Stylist to your home. The stylist will edit your closet with you, and offer expert styling advice and tailoring services. If you have a favorite stylist, just call them when you're ready for a spring cleaning. 

Ambassador+ Status members also get priority access to style events and invite-only events and First to Shop Clear the Rack events (plus 25% off red-tag clearance items), alongside cardholders. 

Why the Nordy Club is better for Nordstrom cardholders:

Carholders automatically get a $40 "Bonus Note" from the company when they make a purchase at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack with the new card on the day they're approved. They also automatically get access to Insider Benefits and earn three points per dollar spent (triple what a non-cardholder earns). In addition to all the great member benefits, they also get early access to the Anniversary Sale and Clear the Rack events, plus $100 in alterations benefits, and all alterations made at Nordstrom stores will be reimbursed in the form of Nordstrom Notes equal to the exact dollar value of the charge on your Nordstrom card (up to the benefit amount listed).

Either way you participate, Nordstrom's new rewards program is a great value if you take advantage of it — a cohesive addition to the brand that gets a good portion of its fanfare for its customer service, free shipping, and ambiguous but uniquely lenient return policy. The program is better for cardholders, but the average member can achieve benefits and perks just by shopping.

Sign up for the free Nordy Club rewards program here and start earning.

Sign up for the Nordstrom Card here.

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