• Whether it's a party or just the demands of everyday life, there are times when disposable drinkware is indispensable. But which cups and glasses are the best choices?
• We've chosen the best disposable drinkware for your budget, the environment, and your hot and cold beverages.

Have you ever opened the kitchen cabinet, only to find there are no clean glasses or cups to be found? Or, been given the responsibility for planning a party on a budget, a picnic for a hike, or late-night supper on the beach? These are the times when disposable drinkware is your best option.

My very "favorite" moment happened at about 10 p.m. one night when my then-teenage son casually mentioned he had volunteered me to provide drinks for his school's chorus program practice the next day. "Mom, I said you would bring hot chocolate for 50." Where would I have been without disposable coffee cups and a really big insulated dispenser?

Through the years there have been many occasions where disposable cups and glasses saved the day for me. While no disposable product is really great for the environment because most add to the huge solid waste disposal problem, disposable drinkware is convenient and portable, eliminates the need to hand-wash glasses for hours, portable, and can even add a festive flair to an event.

As part of my research, I recently put together an anniversary celebration with disposable dinnerware, silverware, and drinkware. I scoured the internet and party supply stores to find the best prices, quality, and a cohesive look for the event. Using disposables was easier on the budget than renting everything for the meal, made the clean-up very simple, and was quite attractive. There are so many choices available, you can find just about any look you desire.

Here is the best disposable drinkware you can buy:

• Best disposable cup on a budget: Hefty Disposable Cups
• Best disposable drinkware for the environment: Repurpose Compostable Cold Cups
• Best disposable coffee cup: Avant Grub Disposable Coffee Cups and Lids
• Best disposable cold drink glass: Munfix Gold-Rimmed Plastic Cups
• Best disposable champagne flute: Precisely Plastic Champagne Flutes 

The best disposable cup on a budget

For any casual gathering, Hefty Disposable Cups are still the easiest on a budget.

Red party cups may be a cliché, but you can't beat Hefty Disposable Cups for cold drinks when you're working with a tight budget for a casual gathering. Surprisingly sturdy, they will hold up well for many hours of refreshment.

The cups have ridges that provide a good grip, come in several colors, and are offered in both 16- and 18-ounce sizes. While they are not recyclable in most home pick-up, they can be recycled in some commercial centers.

Clearly best for cold or room temperature beverages, they don't hold up well for coffee or hot chocolate. And don't even try them in the microwave unless you want a highly-distorted mess.

I always provide a permanent marker on the drink station so that guests can add their names to them — this helps identify who's cup is who's and cut down on cup usage (each guest can drink out of the same cup). The cups are also great for holding candy, popcorn, or making "gift bags" to take home.

Pros: Available in several sizes and colors, easy to grip, made in the US

Cons: Not recyclable in all areas, doesn't hold hot beverages

The best for the environment

Repurpose Compostable Cold Cups are made from plant-based "plastic" that will compost within 180 days.

If you prefer a sustainable option, Repurpose Compostable Cold Cups are an excellent choice. The cups are molded from polylactic acid resin — which is extracted from corn grown in the United States to form clear "plastic" cups — vegetable-based ink on the outside.

The cups are offered in both 12- and 16-ounce sizes, are BPA-free, and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). The cups can be composted at any BPI-certified commercial recycling center. At an average cost of around $0.21 per cup, they are an affordable eco option.

The cups are more flexible than hard-plastic cups. They should only be used for cold or room temperature beverages. The cups will actually distort if left in direct sunlight or near direct heat for a period of time.

I have used these cups for Earth Day programs and my kids used them to sell lemonade at one of our yard sales. Amazon reviewers give these cups 4.4-stars and appreciated the reduced carbon-footprint of plant-based product over petroleum-based plastic cups.

Pros: Plant-based plastic cups, composts in 180 days

Cons: Not compostable in all home recycling bins, can distort in high heat

The best disposable coffee cup

With a convenient lid, the Avant Grub Disposable Coffee Cups are sturdy when on the go, compostable, and biodegradable.

Avant Grub Disposable Coffee Cups and Lids aren't just great coffee cups, but they are another eco-friendly option. I find them to be sturdy and thick enough to protect hands from very hot coffee. The cups are lined with a plant-based starch to help with insulation. The paper cup and lids are BPI-certified as biodegradable and compostable. Each cup is printed with leaves in shades of brown if you're looking for a theme.

More important is that the lid stays on securely thanks to a rolled rim on the cup that the lid fits over snuggly. The price is reasonable enough that I use them regularly when I have hot beverages to serve to a crowd. The company even offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

A few purchasers on Amazon commented that the cups were uncomfortable to hold if the beverage was extremely hot. I didn't find that a problem, and with a 4.9-star rating I don't think it deterred too many from purchasing again.

Pros: Biodegradable and compostable, tight-fitting recyclable lid, sturdy enough to be refilled several times

Cons: Some buyers report cup is uncomfortable to hold if the beverage is exceptionally hot

The best disposable cold drink glass

Munfix Gold-Rimmed Plastic Cups add a touch of class to more formal gatherings at a reasonable price.

When I was tasked with hosting an anniversary party on a very small budget, I wanted everything to look as nice as possible. So, even though we decided to use disposable dinnerware and glassware, I chose Munfix Gold-Rimmed Plastic Cupsfor the added elegance.

The cups are perfect for cold drinks. The 10-ounce size works well for mixed drinks, wine, or punch, and are sturdy enough to hold up throughout an entire event. While we chose gold-rimmed, the cups are also offered with silver and rose gold bands. Munfix also offers matching 9-ounce cups, plates, cutlery, and paper goods available.

At around $0.22 per cup, they are a bit more expensive than regular clear plastic cups, but the quality and design are worth it. Buyers on Amazon rated the cups 4.5 stars after using them for teas, receptions, and wedding showers.

Pros: Sturdy plastic cup, decorative edge available in three metallic colors, matching dinnerware and paper goods available

Cons: Plastic can crack if handled roughly

The best disposable champagne flute

For a champagne toast, mixed drink, or an ice cream sundae, Precisely Plastic Champagne Flutes are a perfect choice.

When it's time for that special toast at a party or ringing in the New Year, Precisely Plastic Champagne Flutes work beautifully at a budget price. The flutes hold 5.5-ounces, large enough for a toast but sized to keep portions under control.

I've used the flutes for Bloody Mary cocktails at brunch, sparkling cider for a New Year's celebration, and parfaits at a ladies' lunch. They arrive wrapped in six-count packages so you can use just what you need and store the rest. Each flute is 6.25-inches tall with a base that snaps on easily but securely. The clear plastic is sturdy enough to be rinsed and used again if you desire.

These are a great choice for outdoor events where broken glass could pose a problem. To meet your needs, the company sells the flutes in 42-, 84-, and 126-count packages. If you aren't pleased with the flutes, Precisely Plastic offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

With nearly 900 reviews on Amazon and 4.5 stars, my favorite part is seeing how creative buyers are. The flutes have held everything from candy to banana pudding and sangria.

Pros: Sturdy plastic, easy to store packaging, versatile, comes with a satisfaction guarantee

Cons: Plastic can crack if handled roughly

• When it comes to getting divorced, many concerns come to mind — one at the forefront, however, is exactly how much the process is going to cost. 
• According to a recent survey by Bankrate, the average cost of a divorce in the United States is around $15,000 per person.
• However, it can be much higher, as many factors can impact the overall cost of divorce — including the length of time it takes for your divorce to go through, the people you hire, and whether you and your spouse settle in or out of court. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The divorce rate is going down in the US — in 2017, the CDC reported an average of 2.9 divorces per 1,000 Americans, compared to 4 divorces per 1,000 Americans in 2001. Of the more than 2 million marriages that occurred in 2017, exactly 787,251 ended in divorce — resulting in a divorce rate of 35%. Although fewer couples are getting divorced in recent years, the dissolution of marriages is still an issue on many peoples' minds. When it comes to getting divorced, many concerns come to mind— one at the forefront, however, is exactly how much getting a divorce is going to cost. 

One thing to keep in mind when researching the average price of getting a divorce is that costs operate very much on a case-by-case basis. The overall cost of the process depends greatly on where you live, whether you and your spouse have children or not, whether you own property together, and many more factors. In general, divorces become increasingly expensive depending on three main factors: how long the process takes, who you hire, and how much you or your spouse are willing to fight to get what you want out of the divorce. 

However, if you're looking for the average expenses of each element of divorce, they are out there. According to a recent survey by Bankrate, the average cost of a divorce in the United States is around $15,000 per person. This figure takes into account the following expenses associated with getting a divorce — court filing costs, attorney fees, parent education classes, mediation fees, costs for evaluations such as psychiatric evaluations or counseling, "guardian ad litem" fees, and other expenses that may pop up depending on your situation. 

Read more:Spending $20,000 On A Divorce Is Actually Worth It

Bankrate also looked at the costs involved if the couple getting divorced owned property together. This included refinancing costs, government recording fees, and any additional hourly attorney fees. 

In order to determine how much it actually costs to get divorced, we broke down each expense and included the cost estimates of each element of getting divorced. We also sought the advice of Jacqueline Newman, Managing Partner at Berkman Bottger Newman and Schein, LLP in New York City, who specializes in litigation. 

SEE ALSO: 5 simple divorce mistakes that can have a serious impact on your money

Court filing costs

Divorce is classified as a civil matter. When you file for divorce, it effectively works almost like a lawsuit — one person must file the suit, and another must be served. The cost of filing for divorce varies by court and by state. However, LegalZoom reports that the average cost of filing a divorce is around $300. 

Attorney fees

According to Thumbtack, attorneys charge a minimum of $1,000, on average, for an uncontested divorce. However, attorney fees are often relative to exactly how long it takes for the divorce to go through, from filing until completion. Uncontested divorces tend to go through at a much speedier rate. Nolo reports that the average length of time it takes to get divorced is around 11 months — if your divorce takes less or more time, this may affect the cost. 

Business Insider spoke to Jacqueline Newman, Managing Partner at Berkman Bottger Newman and Schein, LLP in New York City. Newman specializes in divorce law, especially in regards to prenuptial agreements and high-income divorce settlements and proceedings. 

She explained that the longer it takes for a divorce to go through, the higher your attorney fees will be. 

"Divorce as a whole is really expensive. Then, when you're dealing with counsel fees, that's a whole new level of expense. It depends on how much people want to fight. A line I use to clients when they come in and they tell me they want to fight is, 'Would you rather pay for your kid's college or mine?'" 

Hiring an attorney to help you fight a contested divorce can cost anywhere from about $2,500 to several thousand dollars, on average, or more. Going to court almost always adds costs and time to divorces. Nola reports that while divorce cases that settled out of court took an average of 9 months to complete, cases that went to court on any issues lasted an average of 17.6 months. 

Newman also explained that most cases settle. In fact, more than 90 percent of divorce cases settle prior to going to trial. "It's just a question of whether it will settle now before you spend tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands in legal fees, or if it's going to settle later," she says. 

Mediation fees

Mediation can save you money or add costs to your divorce, depending on how you use it. Mediators can sometimes be used in place of an attorney so you and your partner can civilly decide how you want to split up your assets and come to a settlement agreement without going to trial. Depending on where you live, a professional mediator may charge $100 to $200 per hour— this can end up costing roughly half of what an attorney would charge. 

However, if the mediation proves unsuccessful and you still need to hire an attorney or go to trial, mediation fees can simply become an added expense. 

Other added expenses can highly increase the overall average cost of divorce

Divorce comes with a laundry list of added expenses you may have never considered. Parent education classes, counseling sessions or psychiatric evaluations, and other added costs can dig you into a hole of financial turmoil. The average cost of a parent education class could range anywhere from $85 to $350. The cost for private counseling or therapy can range from $50 to $240 for a one-hour session. 

If you and your spouse own property together, the cost of divorce can rise even higher

Many couples struggling to either cover the cost of their divorce or change the home's ownership or mortgage moving forward will choose to refinance their home. Lenders can charge anywhere between $100-$300 for a loan application fee, plus other fees to appraise the home. You should also expect to pay document fees ($200-$400), title search fees ($200-$400), recording fees in order for the refinance to appear in public records ($25 to $250), home inspection fees ($300-$500), and the cost to perform a home survey ($100-$300), which documents the boundaries of the property. You may also need to hire an outside attorney in order to refinance your home during a divorce. This will cost an average of $300-$1200.

The average closing costs to refinance a standard mortgage loan in 2017 was 1.5%. Two factors that affect this cost can be your credit score and the type of loan you're trying to get. According to The Lenders Network, on a $200,000 mortgage, the average closing costs will come out to 1.5%, or $3,000.

Other couples going through a divorce may choose to sell their house and buy two separate homes. This can end up being extremely expensive, as buying and maintaining two homes may be more expensive than owning one larger family home. In the end, you may not break even after selling your home once you have to purchase two other properties. 

Make sure you have all the available financial information and arm yourself with a financially-knowledgeable team

When it comes to getting divorced and handling the financial burdens and pitfalls of the process, experts will tell you that knowledge is power. 

"I'm a big advocate of being as educated as you can be going through a divorce. If you're dealing with somebody who is not necessarily financially savvy or has lived the marriage in the financial dark — has no idea what's going on — I think it's very important to involve financial advisors early on in the process," Newman said. "Seek the advice of accountants and other professionals to create your own financial team. This will allow you to be in a place where you understand what you're agreeing to and what the [financial] ramifications would be after the divorce."

Another way to equip yourself with as much information as possible prior to getting a divorce is to have a prenuptial agreement set in place. Prenuptial agreements are a way to know what you would receive or give up if you and your partner were to get a divorce. Jacqueline Newman explains that while prenups are not ideal for every marriage, they can be extremely beneficial if, down the line, a divorce happens. 

"Most often in prenuptial agreements, you will deal with the financial ramifications of a divorce. Asset distribution will be determined, sometimes spousal support will be determined, so that can absolutely streamline a divorce," she explains. "Things that are not addressed in prenuptial agreements are anything related to the children, such as child support and custody."

Newman also explains that prenuptial agreements can potentially alleviate anxiety surrounding how a divorce will play out financially.

"A lot of people want prenuptial agreements, even if they don't have a lot of money, just to have as much certainty as possible upon a divorce. Part of the reason that many people don't get divorced is because of just not knowing what's going to happen. If you are in a financial situation where things are laid out outside of any child issues, you're in a better position to anticipate what a divorce would look like if you did decide to move forward with one."

Divorce costs don't end after you sign on the dotted line

The costs associated with divorce don't end after the divorce is finalized. Whether it be through alimony payments, the costs associated with dividing a household, or the financial ramifications of the divorce itself, many individuals still find themselves paying years down the line. 

Alimony payments are largely based on income, as well as how the assets and children were divided during the divorce. In divorce law, alimony is provided in order to maintain "the standard of living established during the marriage," oftentimes when individual income after the divorce will differ greatly from income during the marriage. For instance, if a man earns $5,000 and his spouse earns nothing, she will most likely be awarded alimony and child support from his income after the divorce. In the end, approximately half of your monthly income could potentially go to your ex-spouse. 

Dividing one household into two also comes with its own hidden costs. Divorced individuals will be paying for everything separately — two homes, two cars, two sets of furniture, two insurance plans, multiple phone bills, etc. Taxes also differ greatly, and may be harder on your wallet, explains Jacqueline Newman. 

"Divorce is very expensive. Beyond the fact that it's obviously more expensive to have two households than one, you add onto that," says Newman. "Filing jointly is usually the best tax bracket, and now you're going to be filing separately, which is expensive. Tax deductions are different. You don't get certain exclusions from capital gain. Divorce as a whole is really expensive...When you think about the cost of divorce, it's not just about legal fees. It's about all the differences in how your lifestyle is going to be."

When it comes to your and your family's future happiness, however, the cost of divorce is usually well worth it in the end.

• Read more:
• Jeff Bezos' divorce could rank among the most expensive of all time — here are the 10 most expensive divorces ever
• The 12 biggest money-related reasons people get divorced
• Couples who go into wedding debt are more likely to consider divorce
• Why are millennials abandoning divorce? Sex, money, and their parents

• A wealth tax like the one proposed by presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren would make ultra-wealthy Americans pay the federal government a small percentage of their net worth each year.
• Former Rep. John Delaney criticized the proposal as unrealistic during the second round of Democrat primary debates on July 30.
• Tax experts and billionaires alike have said the revenue from a wealth tax could be used to fight climate change and repair the country's infrastructure — if the IRS can find a way to enforce it.
• Despite popular support, a wealth tax bill would have to overcome opposition in both Houses of Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court before becoming law.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Income inequality in America is a serious problem, and all indications say it's only getting worse.

Since 1989, the wealthiest 1% of Americans have added $21 trillion to their combined net worths, while the poorest 50% of Americans have seen their combined net worths drop $900 billion, an analysis of Fed data reported in New York Magazine found.

A federal wealth tax is one potential solution that has been touted by presidential candidates and hedge fund billionaires alike. And the idea has support among Americans: An INSIDER poll shows that more than half of Americans support Senator Elizabeth Warren's wealth tax proposal.

Warren's proposal became a topic of debate during the second round of primary debates when Former Rep. John Delaney was asked if he thought it was a fair way to fund education and childcare by CNN's Don Lemon. According to Lemon, Delany has a net worth of $65 million and would be subject to the tax. "I think I should pay more in tax," Delany said, according to CNN. "I think wealthy Americans should pay more in tax, but we have to have a real solution," citing questions over the constitutionality of Warren's proposed tax.

In addition to legal challenges, the revenue raised by the proposed wealth tax would likely be much lower than its advocates expect, former Department of Justice tax attorney James Mann, who is now a tax partner at law firm Greenspoon Marder, told Business Insider. 

What is a wealth tax?

Today, ultra-wealthy Americans pay taxes on things like superyachts and fine art when they purchase them — but not after. A wealth tax would change that, making them pay taxes on their wealth every year.

One of the most frequently cited proposals, Elizabeth Warren's "Ultra-Millionaire Tax," calls for a 2% annual tax on households with a net worth between $50 million and $1 billion and a 3% annual tax on households with a net worth over $1 billion.

The US has never had a wealth tax, but other countries have implemented them with mixed success. France introduced a wealth tax in 1988 that resulted in a massive capital flight, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to replace the wealth tax in 2017. The tax's repeal was unpopular and helped spark the country's yellow jacket protests, according to the Washington Post.

What would the benefits of a wealth tax in the US be?

Introducing a wealth tax is one of the few issues that a majority of Americans agree on.

An INSIDER poll from February shows that 54% of Americans support Warren's plan, while only 19% disapprove of it. Warren's wealth tax even has the support of some of the billionaires who would be paying it. That includes George Soros, Abigail Disney, and members of the Pritzker and Gund families, who signed an open letter on June 24 outlining their request. Real estate magnate Eli Broad had also separately spoken up in favor of a wealth tax.

Read more: A majority of Americans approve of Elizabeth Warren's new tax on the wealthy, according to a new poll

The June 24 letter was signed by 19 ultra-wealthy Americans who noted that the revenue raised by the tax could be used to fund environmental initiatives, fuel economic investment, and reduce the cost of health care. 

Elizabeth Warrenhas said that the wealth tax could generate $2.75 trillion in revenue in a decade. She claims that a wealth tax could also help limit growing economic inequality by funding programs that would benefit the poorest Americans, but doesn't say by how much it will reduce inequality — or how quickly.

What are the drawbacks?

The biggest problem with a wealth tax would be figuring out how to enforce it, Deutsche Bank Managing Director of Wealth Management Blanche Lark Christerson told Business Insider. It's easy for the IRS to figure how much to tax a billionaire's investment portfolios, Christerson said, but the value of other assets like yachts and fine art are up for interpretation.

Appraising is more of an art than a science, Christerson said, and the IRS would have to verify those appraisals. Neither Christerson nor Mann believes that the IRS is currently equipped to do that.

To make matters worse, ultra-wealthy Americans are so good at finding ways to reduce their tax bill that they would likely be able to find a way around any anti-evasion measures, Eric Hananel, a tax principal at UHY Advisors focusing on high net worth individuals, said. Hananel also said that billionaires might be motivated to move their money outside the country to avoid the tax, hurting the economy in the process.  

Read more: The IRS pursues fewer cases of tax evasion than it did 10 years ago — and experts fear more people will get away with tax fraud

Mann, Christerson, and Hananel agree that it's unlikely that a wealth tax would raise as much revenue as its proponents hope, though they did not specify an alternate estimate as to how much it would actually raise. Mann, for his part, noted that it's impossible to estimate exactly how successful a wealth tax would be without more data.

"These are the people who obviously have access to the most sophisticated financial planners and lawyers and accountants," Mann said about the ultra-wealthy people who the wealth tax would target, "and I think it's naive to think that they wouldn't plan to minimize their wealth tax burden."

"It's just when you look at the practical application of how would this really work, it's hard to imagine that it would work successfully," Christerson said.

How would a wealth tax change my taxes?

Warren estimates that her "Ultra-Millionaire Tax" would only affect the wealthiest 75,000 households in the US. For those families, even figuring out how much they owe will be a massive headache, according to Christerson.

Multi-millionaires and billionaires would need to enlist the help of appraisers to put a price on hard-to-value assets like yachts and jewelry, and then file separate documents with the IRS to pay the tax on them. The whole process would be independent of the current income tax system and likely run on a different schedule, Mann said.

"It would really be like filing an annual estate tax return," Christerson said. 

This could pose a problem for Americans who have inherited most of their wealth. Many heirs and heiress inherit their fortunes in the form of real estate and fine art, not liquid assets like cash or stocks, according to Christerson. A new tax bill could force them to liquidate.

Little would change in the tax bills for Americans who fall in or below the middle class, Christerson said.

When could we see a wealth tax?

A "pretty seismic change in the political landscape" would be required to add a wealth tax to the tax code, Christerson said. Progressive Democrats would have to gain control of both Houses of Congress and the White House. The constitutionality of such a tax would likely end up debated in front of the Supreme Court as well, according to Mann. 

Alongside her proposal, Warren released a letter from professors at leading law schools arguing that a wealth tax is constitutional based on a clause in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution that allows the federal government to "collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises" as long as they are "uniform throughout the United States." However, Article I Section 9 prohibits a "capitation, or other direct tax ... unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken."

Constitutional scholars disagree about which clause a wealth tax would fall under, Mann said. To Mann, Warren's plan has one major fault: The letter fails to mention the Supreme Court's most recent discussion of which taxes are constitutional.

"They talk a lot about Supreme Court cases from 100 years ago. They don't talk about the most recent one," Mann said, referencing the 2012 case that briefly upheld Obamacare by classifying it as a tax. However, that decision still doesn't define how the Supreme Court decides whether or not a tax is constitutional. 

Ultimately, Mann and Christerson agree: The chances of a wealth tax before 2025 are essentially zero.

SEE ALSO: Meet the 18 ultra-wealthy Americans begging for a wealth tax, from a Facebook cofounder to a Disney heiress

DON'T MISS: A billionaire who built 2 Fortune 500 companies just joined the chorus of ultra-wealthy Americans begging to be taxed more

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came from

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings at Nike, Backcountry, Twillory, and Leesa. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

1. Save $30 off orders of $150 or more at Nike

Nike periodically has added discounts on its sale section, but the sportswear giant is currently running a sale that applies sitewide. Now through August 8, you can save $30 off orders of $150 or more by using the promo code "PLAY30" at checkout. You can use the promotion to buy one full-price item like the new Nike Air Max 270 React (pictured above) or to stock up on multiple less expensive items like apparel and apparel.Visit Business Insider Coupons for more deals and sales at Nike. 

Shop the Nike sale now. 

2. Save up to 50% on select styles at Backcountry

Backcountry is having its biggest sale of the summer season right now. For a limited time, you can save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, and more. Its a good chance to fill your wardrobe with warm-weather apparel for the rest summer and to stock up on cold-weather apparel for the upcoming fall and winter. Visit Business Insider Coupons for the latest sales and deals at Backcountry. 

Shop the Backcountry sale now. 

3. Save up to 50% on dress shirts at Twillory

Twillory makes modern performance dress shirts along with casual weekend button ups that are cut to be untucked. While the brand's shirts are pretty affordable year round, the ongoing summer clearance sale makes them an even better deal. Originally priced at $99 each, you can now get two for $109.99, three for $159.99, or four or more for $49.99 each.

Shop the Twillory sale now. 

4. Save $100 when you buy two Fire HD 10 Tablets on Amazon

Featuring a 10.1-inch 1080p screen, the Fire HD 10 is the largest and highest resolution tablet made by Amazon. The screen's big size makes it perfect for streaming movies, playing games, browsing the internet, or reading books. With Alexa built in, you can use your voice to pause and play music and videos, open apps, check the weather, set timers, and thousands of other Alexa skills. Right now you can get two for $199.98, saving $100 in the process.

Amazon Fire HD 10 2-Pack, $199.98 (Originally $299.98) [You save $100]

5. Save 25% on Orgain Kids products

Orgain is an organic alternative to artificial and genetically modified nutrition supplements. Much like the original line of products, Orgain Kids can give your little ones the added nutrition they need in the form of shakes and bars. Now through August 5, you can save 25% on all Orgain Kids protein products by using the promo code "KIDS25" at checkout. 

Shop the Orgain sale now. 

6. Save $100 on teeth aligners at Smile Club Direct 

Smile Club Direct is a convenient and affordable alternative to straightening teeth. Instead of using unsightly metal braces, Smile Club Direct uses subtle clear aligners that can be worn at night. For a limited time, you can save $100 on aligners by using the promo code "SAVEINAUG" at checkout. 

Shop the Smile Club Direct sale now. 

7. Save up to 70% on thousands of items on eBay

EBay is ending summer with a huge sale on home, garden, and fashion items. For a limited time, you can save up to 70% on thousands of items from brands like Black & Decker, Adidas, Dyson, Puma, Steve Madden, J.Crew and plenty more. With deals on everything from lawnmowers and pool accessories to sneakers, heels, and clothes, you'll find many things worth buying.

Shop the eBay sale now. 

8. Save 15% on your entire order at Leesa

We named Leesa's hybrid mattress the best-overall mattress you can buy for its superb comfort and great value (mattress prices start at just $595). But right now, you can save 15% on your entire order, making its mattresses an even better deal. Simply use the exclusive promo code "BUSINESSINSIDER" at checkout to receive the discount. In addition to mattresses, you can also save on accessories like pillows, sheets, and blankets.

Join the conversation about this story »

• It's easy to save Instagram videos to your iPhone or Android. 
• The process to save Instagram videos will slightly differ depending on if you want to save your own video post, someone else's video post, or your own video story. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you take a video through the Instagram app, it's housed within the app, rather than saved to your phone. 

So if you want to have the video backed up on your iPhone or Android, you'll have to manually save it to your camera roll.

But before you start backing up all of your Instagram videos, keep in mind that saving videos to your phone means they'll take up space on your device.

If you're short on room, for example, you may want to move some things to the cloud or use another backup method to keep your data intact while saving space before going forward.

Here's what you'll need to do to save Instagram videos on your iPhone or Android, whether they were recorded within the app, added to your story, or if they belong to someone else.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to save your own Instagram videos

If you recorded a video within the app and want to save it to your phone's camera roll, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.

2. Toggle over to your profile by tapping your profile photo icon in the bottom toolbar.

3. Tap on the video you want to save to your phone's camera roll.

4. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.

5. Select "Save" or "Save Video."

How to save Instagram videos posted to your story 

Here's how to save any Instagram story video you've posted to your phone:

1. Open Instagram.

2. Tap the Stories bubble in the top-left corner of the screen.

3. When you see the video you want to save, tap the three dots.

4. In the pop-up menu, select "Save" or "Save Video" (iOS users will be given the option to save the entire story).

After completing the process, you should get a quick confirmation that your video has been saved to your device's camera roll.

How to save Instagram videos posted by someone else

If you want to save someone else's Instagram video, you could do so by recording your phone screen.  

Those with an iPhone are in luck — screen recording is built into the device. 

However, Android users will have to use an app, like AZ Screen Recorder, EZ Screen Recorder or Screen Recorder with Audio and Facecam, Screenshot, to get it done.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to go live on Instagram, to broadcast video in real time to your followers

• How to make your Instagram private and hide your account from everyone except the followers you approve

• How to get your account verified on Instagram using the mobile app

• How to save videos and photos you've taken on Snapchat, and one way to save videos from others

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

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• Instagram has a phone number and support email address, so it's technically possible to contact Instagram, but it's unlikely you'll get a human response.
• The Instagram Help Center can be accessed via the iPhone and Android apps, or through the desktop website, and has answers to most questions a user will have.
• You can also report specific issues, such as a potential copyright violation or a hacked account, through Instagram's reporting feature, which is more likely to earn a response.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

At the time of this writing, Instagram has more than one billion active users every month. Assuming the number were exactly one billion, and that every user only reached out to Instagram for help once per year, that would still mean 2,739,726 inquiries per day.

So it's not that surprising that Instagram doesn't have a customer support team ready to actively engage with users; that would require an army. 

They do have a direct phone number and email — their contact phone number is (650) 543-4800, and their contact email is support@instagram.com— but it's unlikely you'll get a human response through these channels.

Instead, Instagram offers a robust help center that can help answer most questions, and they make it easy for you to report issues with content you see on the site.

These functions are available for both the iPhone and Android apps, as well as through the desktop website.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to get Instagram support through the app

1. Open the app and then tap your icon in the bottom-right corner.

2. Tap the parallel bars in the top-right corner.

3. Tap "Settings" at the bottom of the menu.

4. Tap "Help" on the next screen.

5. Select "Help Center," and from there you can browse by topic, narrowing in on the issue at hand.

How to get Instagram support through the website

You can navigate through most of the same steps as above via your Instagram account on a computer, but the fastest way to get to the help center is simply entering https://help.instagram.com into your navigation bar. 

From there, you can search for your answer.

How to report an issue to Instagram

If you see a post you think breaks the rules, be it spam or inappropriate, just tap the three little dots at the top right of the post, hit "Report," and then select the reason.

You can also report issues through the Help Center. The best way to get active support from Instagram is to report a specific issue, but make sure you have a legitimate grievance before taking these steps.

1. Go to the Help Center as described above.

2. Click "Privacy and Safety Center" on the left-hand menu.

3. Click "Report Something" on the left-hand menu.

4. Select the type of issue, then follow the steps Instagram lays out to report the issue.

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

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NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

• Porsche has received 30,000 reservations for the electric Taycan sports car, Porsche human-resources manager Andreas Haffner told the German publication Handelsblatt.
• In March, Porsche said it was increasing production of the Taycan due to high demand.
• Deliveries for the Taycan, Porsche's first all-electric production vehicle, will begin near the end of this year.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Porsche has received 30,000 reservations for the electric Taycan sports car, Porsche human-resources manager Andreas Haffner recently told the German publication Handelsblatt.

"There are 30,000 orders for the Taycan," she said.

Read more:Tesla needs to redesign the Model S sedan — here are 9 changes I'd like to see

Handelsblatt reported that the reservations require a deposit of around $2,800. A Porsche representative told Business Insider that over 20,000 people worldwide have shown "serious interest" in buying a Taycan, but noted that those people have only put themselves on a list of potential customers through a Porsche dealership. Putting your name on the list does not require a deposit, the representative said.

In March, Porsche said it was increasing production of the Taycan due to high demand. Deliveries for the Taycan, Porsche's first all-electric production vehicle, will begin near the end of this year.  

Here's what we know about the vehicle.

SEE ALSO: 40 electric cars you'll see on the road by 2025

The Taycan will be Porsche's first all-electric production vehicle.

Porsche has said it will have over 600 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.

The Taycan will have a range of over 310 miles per charge and the ability to get over 60 miles of range from a four-minute charge, according to Porsche.

Porsche has said the interior will have a number of high-tech features, like a digital instrument panel that mirrors the driver's movements and a dashboard drivers can control with gestures through a holographic display.

The Taycan's lithium-ion battery will run along the entire length of the car to create an even distribution of weight, Porsche has said.

Deliveries for the Taycan will begin near the end of 2019. It's expected to start around $90,000, according to The Drive.

Source:The Drive

• A graphic designer has now created a gerrymandering-themed font to raise awareness about fair maps. 

• The font, which you can download at uglygerry.com, has one or combinations of multiple gerrymandered districts for each letter of the alphabet from A-Z.
• Gerrymandering occurs when legislatures draw districts to benefit one political party over the other.
• The Twitter account associated with the Ugly Gerry font posted about every congressional district used to create the font, and encouraged users to tweet at their representatives about the issue.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Gerrymandering of legislative districts has received significant attention in the courts and in the public, and one graphic designer has now created a gerrymandering-themed font to raise awareness about fair electoral maps. 

The new font, which you can download at uglygerry.com, has one or combinations of multiple gerrymandered congressional districts for each letter of the alphabet from A-Z.

The Twitter account associated with the Ugly Gerry font posted about every congressional district used to create the font, and encouraged users to tweet at their representatives about the issue.

The practice of gerrymandering occurs when legislatures draw districts to benefit one political party over the other by strategically drawing the boundaries of a district to include or exclude certain groups of voters. 

The two main methods of gerrymandering are "packing," which refers to groups of people being concentrated in one district, and "cracking," when districts are drawn to deliberately spread out certain populations so they can't vote as a bloc. 

Read more: Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan warns AI-powered gerrymandering could undermine US democracy

While many of Texas' congressional districts — including the 15th and 12th districts used to make the letters I and Q in the font —  are drawn to make sure Republicans are elected in some suburban areas, Maryland's third and seventh districts are drawn to optimize the chances of a Democrat being elected.

The new Ugly Gerry font isn't the first novelty product released to raise awareness about gerrymandering. One group of Texas siblings who grew up in a gerrymandered district in the Austin area created a board game called Mapmaker in which players simulate politicians from different political parties drawing maps, with the object of the game being to draw as many favorable districts as possible. 

Two court cases related to fair electoral maps came before the Supreme Court in the past term, one from Virginia and the other from North Carolina.

In the case surrounding North Carolina's maps, the Court's conservative majority ruled 5-4 in a landmark decision to let the maps stand, deciding that the case surrounded a fundamentally political and not legal question. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that "partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts."

In a scathing dissent, liberal Justice Elena Kagan blasted politicians that draw gerrymandered districts as having "debased and dishonored our democracy" and warned that the court had gone "tragically wrong" in not striking down the maps, writing, "for the first time in this Nation's history, the majority declares that it can do nothing about an acknowledged constitutional violation."

Read more:

Supreme Court rules 5-4 to allow partisan gerrymandering in congressional maps in landmark case

The Trump administration added a citizenship question to the 2020 census to help Republicans win elections, according to new evidence

Gerrymandering is rampant across the US — here's why it has gotten worse in the last 20 years

SEE ALSO: The Supreme Court just rebuked Virginia Republicans, ruling they cannot defend a racially gerrymandered district map in court

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Millionaire men are picky when it comes to dating, according to five elite matchmakers I spoke to for Business Insider's monthlong series, "Dating Like a Millionaire."
• Millionaire men primarily seek attraction in a male or female partner, but they also look for intelligence.
• Ultimately, millionaire men want the whole package.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millionaire men may take their dates on private jet trips to Paris and pick them up in sports cars, but they also have pretty high expectations of the people they date.

In Business Insider's monthlong series, "Dating Like a Millionaire," five elite matchmakers divulged what men look for in a partner. The matchmakers work with clients locally and globally, from royals and celebrities to entrepreneurs and CEOs, who have net worths ranging from the low millions into the billions.

According to Janis Spindel of Janis Spindel Serious Matchmaking Inc., rich men are very picky about what they want in a partner. Here's what they look for.

Men are visual and seek attraction

"First and foremost [men] need beauty and if they are not attracted, it's a moot point and not evolving to date two," Amy Andersen of Linx Dating in San Francisco told Business Insider. "Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

"It really all comes down to human nature and what we as animals seek in a partner," April Davis of New York City-based Luma Search told Business Insider. "The number one thing males look for in a female is attraction. This may be because attraction signals 'healthy,' and healthy people can reproduce."

Read more: The 3 biggest mistakes millionaires make when dating, according to 6 elite matchmakers who help the ultra-wealthy find love

"Men are visual creatures," Spindel said. "It's in their DNA ... They want beauty inside and out."

She and her daughter Carly said men look for the four Bs: beauty, body, brains, and balance. Half of that equation lies in visual appearance. The same is true of men seeking men — they want a hot man and a fit body, Carly said.

Men look for an intelligent partner

The third element of the Spindels' four Bs — brains — signals that men seek intelligence in a partner. They want a woman who can teach them something, Carly said.

"Beyond looks and physicality, men need smarts," Andersen said. "They like the idea of someone who will challenge them in the most respectful, yet provocative in nature. They need someone who has a job, likes or loves what they do, and has passion in life. It could be passion for anything — but just something that motivates and excites them."

Mairead Molloy of Berkeley International, who is based in London, seconded this. She told Business Insider her male clients want someone who is well-educated and smart.

Read more: The era of the private jet is very much alive in the world of millionaire dating, where flying to Paris for a night is a rom-com reality

Men want the whole package

If there was one theme the matchmakers reiterated, it was that men want it all.

"With money, your brain thinks differently," Janis said. "They call the shots, they want the whole package."

"Men want the whole package and are absolutely not going to settle," Andersen said. Men, she said, also look for independence and happiness. "In other words, she has her 'own thing' going on and doesn't need a man to fulfill some void," she said. "She is content and a man will only add a new dimension to her already full, interesting life."

Men also need a woman who can hold her own socially, Andersen said, likening it to being a first lady: "If a millionaire or billionaire is taking her to one of his industry events, he needs her to look classy (not trashy), be friendly and contribute interesting things to the conversations — to have social awareness and be a good representative of his brand."

As Carly put it, "Men want someone who enriches their life and makes it even more fantastic."

SEE ALSO: I talked to 6 elite matchmakers, and they said the biggest difference between dating as a millionaire and an average Joe is also the most obvious one

DON'T MISS: From yacht trips to Dubai to charity events with Prince William, 6 elite matchmakers share the wildest dates their millionaire clients have gone on

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NOW WATCH: Nxivm leader Keith Raniere has been convicted. Here's what happened inside his sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• Most tote bags are bottomless sacks that lack organization for large items like laptops, and security for small items such as keys and wallets.
• Accessories brand Bellroy makes a Classic Tote ($89) with multiple pockets and compartments that keep even the smallest of items secure in its place.
• I was able to carry a ton of stuff from New York to New Jersey via public transportation easily, and didn't have to dig through it all to find my phone, keys, or wallet. 

All of the tote bags I've bought in the past have been deep bottomless pits that lack structure and organization. They're perfect for the beach or an overnight trip where you just throw everything in and call it a day.

But like clockwork, every time I pack a tote bag, I'll get to the last few (very important) items like my keys, phone, and wallet, and have to figure out a nook where they're least likely fall out. If I bury them at the bottom of my tote, they most likely won't fall out, but I also won't be able to easily access them either. If I place them in the outer pockets, I can grab them easily, but so could anyone else. It ends up being a lose-lose game.

Surely, I can't be the only person who wants an organized tote that straddles fashion and function. Knowing that our Insider Picks team loves the accessories brand Bellroy and its thoughtful designs, I tested out its Classic Tote ($89) to see if it would live up to the hype. 

It's a 15-liter tote with double shoulder straps, and five different compartments and pockets designed with ergonomic accessibility and durability in mind. The Classic Tote comes in seven colorways — five solid colors (Ash, Ink Blue, Black, Olive, and Red Ochre) and two color combinations (Blue Neon and Desert Ochre). 

I used the tote to go to my parent's place in New Jersey recently for Father's Day, and as always, I had a ton of random things that I needed to bring. My haul included a stud finder for my dad, athletic bands and lacrosse balls for my sister, and supplements for my mom. On top of that, I was returning a bunch of my mom's Tupperware, and needed to bring my laptop too so my parents could help me with my finances after dinner. 

Somehow, the multiple pockets helped maximize space and gave me much-needed organization without looking bulky. 

Read more: We took another look at Bellroy, the maker of our favorite wallet, and we remain impressed

The main compartment is pretty roomy, so I was able to toss in all of my stuff without needing to worry about space. The Classic Tote also has a 15-inch zippered laptop compartment so I was able to store my work laptop without worrying that it would get scratched or broken. 

In addition to these two big compartments, the interior also has two more interior pockets — one of which has a handy zipper. I tossed my wallet in the zippered pocket with plenty of room to spare, and my Father's Day card and sunglasses in the adjacent open pocket. 

The best part of the Classic Tote is the zippered exterior pocket where I can safely put my phone. It's roomy enough to fit my iPhone X and right on the edge of the tote where your hands can easily access — no more digging around pockets that are always in the center of the bag and impossible to reach without taking the bag off your shoulders.

There's also a key leash inside that same pocket, which I gladly use to avoid digging through the depths of my tote — and to avoid that tell-tale jingle of loose keys.

Overall, the Bellroy Classic Tote has two major factors that most of my other totes do not — organization and security. 

I needed a bag that could carry a wide assortment of random things and essentials alike, but also needed them to be secure and organized. This tote had a ton of pockets that helped group things together, along with zippered pockets that kept valuables like my wallet, keys, and phone secure — and easy to reach. 

While I definitely trust Bellroy's durability after taking this tote all the way to Jersey via public transportation, know that it does come with a three-year warranty that covers the bag for defects related to materials and workmanship, which is a fair amount of time for any item let alone a tote bag. 

Buy the Classic Tote from Bellroy for $89

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm leader Keith Raniere has been convicted. Here's what happened inside his sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• If you suspect that you've been blocked on Instagram, there are several things you can check to see which accounts have blocked you.
• Instagram does not send any notifications when an account is blocked, so you may be blocked from following someone without ever knowing it.
• Searching for the specific account that you think blocked you in the Instagram app for iPhone and Android is the easiest way to tell if you have been blocked, but there are other steps you can take as well.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you block someone on Instagram, the blocked party gets no notification, so they won't even know you have taken any action against them.

But what if you're the one who has been blocked? If you notice that you haven't seen a certain person's posts in your Insta feed in a while, it's possible they simply haven't posted anything in a while, or they may have blocked you. 

If you think you have indeed been blocked on Instagram, it's not hard to find out for sure. There's an easy way to find out, no matter which version of the Instagram app you have, iPhone or Android.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to tell who has blocked you on Instagram

First, simply search for the account that you think has blocked you in the app. 

• If the account is private and you can't find it, you've likely been blocked. 
• If the account is public, and when visiting their page you can't see their profile image, post count, follower count, or following count, and the photo grid area reads "No Posts Yet," you have definitely been blocked.

On a computer, if you type in the link Instagram.com/username (replacing the word "username" with their Insta handle, of course) and get a page reading "Sorry, this page isn't available," then you have likely been blocked, assuming they didn't delete their account.

To confirm whether their account has been deleted, you need to do some detective work. Head to an Instagram account you know the person follows and look for comments or likes they've left; if you find any, it confirms that they haven't closed their account, and have indeed blocked you.

You could also always use a friend's account, or even create a new Instagram account, and look for the person you suspect blocked you. If this other account can find their profile, see their photos, and the like, you've been blocked. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to block or unblock someone on Instagram, using either the mobile app or desktop website

• How to post on Instagram from your phone or a Mac computer

• How to make your Instagram private and hide your account from everyone except the followers you approve

• How to delete a comment on Instagram from your computer or mobile device

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

• Snapchat has filters and lenses which can be used to augment your photos and videos.
• In essence, the difference between filters and lenses is that lenses are augmented reality animation, whereas filters are static image overlays.
• Here's what you need to know to enable and use Snapchat filters, as well as lenses, in both the iPhone and Android apps.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Snapchat's various features can be confusing to the uninitiated. The difference between filters and lenses, for example, may not be clear. 

But here's a quick social-media lesson: Snapchat filters are static, and sit on top of your image or video. Snapchat lenses, on the other hand, are augmented reality animations that can change the sound of your voice, in addition to your appearance on the screen.

Here's what you'll need to do to enable Snapchat filters and use them, as well as how to use lenses through the app on iPhone or Android.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to enable Snapchat filters

Before you can start using filters on Snapchat, you'll have to enable them. Here's how:

1. Open your Snapchat app.

2. Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen.

3. Tap the gear icon in the top-right to open your Settings.

4. Under "Additional Services," tap "Manage."

5. Tap the slider at the top to turn on filters.

How to use Snapchat filters

Remember: Filters are static, while lenses (discussed below) are animated. Here's how to activate and use your filters:

1. Open your Snapchat app.

2. Take a photo by tapping the circle in the bottom-center of the screen, or take a video by tapping and holding it down.

3. Swipe right or left over the photo or video you just took to cycle through your filters.

4. Tap the blue-and-white button in the bottom-right corner of the screen to send the Snap to friends or add it to your story.

If you wanted to use more than one filter, you can do so by using one finger to tap and hold the filter, and one another finger to swipe left or right through additional filters. 

Depending on what version of Snapchat you're using, you can also press the filter locking button, which looks like three squares stacked on top of each other. It's at the bottom of the tools column on the right side of the screen.

How to use Snapchat lenses

1. Open your Snapchat app.

2. Tap the screen. A carousel of icons will appear at the bottom of the screen.

3. Swipe through the assortment of lens options at the bottom of the screen (it may take a moment for each one to load).

4. When ready, select the lens you want and tap its icon to capture a quick photo (or tap and hold for video).

Although Snapchat gives you an array of preset lenses, you can add more by opening the Lens carousel and pressing the icon that looks like two heads, one in front of the other, at the bottom of your screen. This will open up the Community Lenses page, where you can add more.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Snapchat display name - since you can't change your username

• How to find and add someone on Snapchat on iPhone or Android, in 3 different ways

• How to delete or deactivate your Snapchat account, which you can only do from a desktop browser

• How to delete or block friends on Snapchat on an iPhone or Android

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel is one of the best Android phones you can buy — here's where you can get one

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the ways Amazon is taking over your house

• The Mississippi River has been flooding since February 2019, making it the second longest-lasting flood in the region in 92 years.
• President Donald Trump has declared emergencies for over a dozen states that have had major flood-related disasters.
• Some soybean and corn farms have been unable to plant any crops since their land is underwater.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The divide between the Mississippi River and land is no longer so clear.

Since February 2019, parts of the Mississippi River have been flooding for months due to heavy snow, rain, and Tropical Storm Barry. It's now the longest-lasting flood since "the great flood" of 1927.

By the end of July, President Donald Trump declared major flood-related disasters in several states.

Entire towns have been submerged, and boats have become the preferred mode of transport. Some soybean and corn farmers won't plant any crops this year due to their land being under water.

These 30 photos show how dire the flooding has been, especially compared to what the area usually looks like dry.

SEE ALSO: Hurricanes and typhoons are becoming 'sluggish' — and that makes them more destructive

DON'T MISS: The 6 deadliest hurricanes in US history

This might look like a lake, but until earlier this year, it was a soybean farm in Vicksburg, Mississippi, owned and farmed by by Randy and his daughter Victoria Darden. Videographer Nathan Willis visited the area for an episode of "Business Insider Today".

Source: Business Insider

Randy has lived in the area for about 50 years, but this is the first time he won't be planting at all. Here they're gliding towards what is usually fields of soybean crops. Instead, it's 6 feet of water.

Source: Business Insider

That means the Dardens won't be bringing in any income this year, when they usually grow about $600,000 worth of crops.

Source: Business Insider

The floodwaters swallowed up tractors on farmland near the Mississippi River.

And submerged this truck.

Boats or four-wheel-drive vehicles have been necessary to get around.

Towns situated right beside the Mississippi River, like Grafton, Illinois, are especially prone to flooding.

This residential area in Grafton looks completely different from normal.

Typically, the lighthouse seen in the previous photo isn't actually in the water.

Here a man cuts his lawns just up from one of Grafton's main roads, which is entirely submerged.

This is what it normally looks like.

In May, water similarly covered the streets of Davenport, Iowa.

And it surrounded businesses, like the Half Nelson and Bootleg Hill Taproom.

But it hasn't always been like that. Here are the roads before the floods.

In June, barriers dividing the road from the Mississippi River in West Alton, Missouri, are no longer so clear.

This is what it was like when the divide still existed.

In June, floodwaters rose and submerged parts of Alton, Illinois.

Normally, it's a busy arterial road.

And what looks to be a scene from a post-apocalyptic film is actually ....

... just a mill beside a flooded main road.

After the floods, a boat is the best way to get home in West Alton, Missouri.

Before the floods, the local shops were merely a drive away.

In June, much of Foley, Missouri, was overtaken by the Mississippi River.

Things looked so different on the dry ground before.

In 1941, Congress approved a plan called the Yazoo Backwater Project, to deal with these floods. It was meant to build pumps, levees, and canals to drain flooded areas.

Source: Business Insider

But the pumps never eventuated due to delays. And in 2008, the EPA vetoed the pumps, because of fears it would threaten wetlands and wildlife.

Source: Business Insider

In April, the EPA said it was reconsidering. But there have been no further developments.

Source: Business Insider

Parking lots in Barnhart, Missouri, are no drier than the roads.

It's usually a good place to park for a meal.

Floodwaters are receding in the Midwest, but it could take months before many areas are completely back to normal. Until then, boats may remain the favored method of transportation.

• You can change the screen color on your iPhone in a few different ways. 
• In Display Accommodations under Accessibility, you can invert the colors and reduce the white point on your iPhone, and even change the color filters and tint depending on your needs. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple has always made the iPhone's display user friendly. 

Depending upon your specific sight needs, you can invert the colors on the phone – making it easier to read the screen if you have low vision or sensitivity to certain bright colors – dim the white point, or apply color filters and tint the screen to accommodate color blindness. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Best Buy)

How to invert the colors on an iPhone

If you have light or color sensitivity, you can invert the colors on your iPhone's display to reduce eye strain. 

Apple includes two kinds of color inversion: Classic and Smart Invert. 

Classic Invert inverts all colors, regardless of context, while Smart Invert doesn't affect images and video, so you can continue to see media the way it was intended, while the rest of the phone's interface adapts to your color preferences. 

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General," and then tap "Accessibility."

3. On the Accessibility page, tap "Display Accommodations."

4. Tap "Invert Colors." 

5. On the Invert Colors page, choose Classic or Smart Invert by swiping the appropriate button to the right.

How to dim the white point on an iPhone

If the bright colors on your iPhone are too bright and bother your eyes, you don't need to dim the screen with the brightness slider, which makes everything uniformly darker and potentially harder to see. 

Instead, you can dim just the white point, which affects only the brightest colors on the screen.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General," and then tap "Accessibility."

3. On the Accessibility page, tap "Display Accommodations."

4. Turn on "Reduce White Point" by swiping the button to the right. 

5. Use the slider to choose the white point that best suits your vision. 

How to change color filters and tint on an iPhone

You can adjust the colors on your iPhone to adapt to color blindness and light sensitivity. 

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General," and then tap "Accessibility."

3. On the Accessibility page, tap "Display Accommodations."

4. Tap "Color Filters."

5. Turn on "Color Filters" by swiping the button to the right. 

6. Choose the color filter best suited to your sight needs. There are several options:

• Users with protanopia should tap the "Red/Green Filter."
• Users with deuteranopia should tap the "Green/Red Filter."
• Users with tritanopia should tap the "Blue Yellow Filter."
• Users with specific light or color sensitivities should tap "Color Tint."

7. After making the choice, you can use the "Intensity" slider at the bottom of the screen to customize the color effect.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to invert the colors on your Mac computer's display, and change your display settings with keyboard shortcuts

• How to save cellular data on your iPhone in 6 easy ways

• How to fix a frozen iPhone in 3 simple ways

• How to stop iCloud storage alerts on your iPhone in 5 easy ways

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 5 things wrong with Apple's lightning cable

• If your default home address is wrong in Google Maps or Apple Maps on an iPhone, it's easy to change either app with just a few taps.  
• You can change your default home address in Google Maps by opening the menu and going to "Your places." 
• To change your default home address in Apple Maps, you can tap the "i" button and then go to "Report a problem," or edit the address from the navigation screen. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The iPhone's two popular mapping apps — Google Maps and Apple Maps — make it easy to find your way around town and back home again when you're done. 

And nothing's more convenient than telling your map app to take you home with a single click — unless the app has you registered at the wrong home address. 

Here's how to fix that by changing your home address for both apps on your iPhone.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Best Buy)

How to change your home address in Google Maps on an iPhone

1. Start Google Maps on your iPhone.

2. Tap the three horizontal lines at the top left of the screen (often called the hamburger menu).

3. In the menu, tap "Your places."

4. If you need to change the address that's already saved as your home address, tap the three dots to the right of your home address and tap "Edit home" in the pop-up menu. 

5. Type your home address and then choose it in the search results.

If you've never set your home address before, you won't see those three dots. Instead, tap "Set once and go" under Home and then enter your home address on the next screen. 

How to change your home address in Apple Maps on an iPhone

1. Start Apple Maps on your iPhone.

2. Tap the "i" in the upper right corner of the screen. 

3. In the Map Settings window that appears, tap "Report an Issue."

4. On the Report an Issue page, tap "Home."

5. On the Home page, swipe your home address to the left and tap "Remove."

6. Tap "Add a Place or Address."

7. Type your home address and then tap it when you see it in the search results.

8. Tap "Add" 

If you've never set your home address before, when you tap "Home," Apple Maps will immediately take you to the page where you can type and search for your home address. 

There's another (and faster) way to change your Home address in Apple Maps as well:

1. Start Apple Maps on your iPhone.

2. On the main map screen, type "Home" in the "Search for a place or address" field. 

3. Tap "Home" in the search results. 

4. In the navigation window, tap "Edit Location."

5. You can now change your home address, tap "Next," and "Done." This will update not just your current destination, but also your default home address. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to add your business to Google and get it displayed on Google Maps for customers to find

• How to share your location on an iPhone in 4 different ways

• How to stop your iPhone from tracking your location, and manage each app's location-tracking

• How to change the 'Significant Locations' saved on your iPhone, or delete the list

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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• You probably eat and enjoy fruits and vegetables for their many nutritional benefits. Filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they also have many benefits for your skin and hair. 
• A thick avocado mask, for example, makes for a highly effective moisturizer, while eye gels that contain cucumber help reduce under-eye puffiness. 
• These 15 products contain extracts from fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, pomegranate, and mushroom, to improve the health of your skin and hair. 

Fruits and vegetables are more than just delicious foods that give your body the vitamins, minerals, and healthy energy it needs. They also make excellent and powerful ingredients in skin care and hair care and are another way you can enjoy their benefits without having to eat them (though you should still eat them). 

The use of nature's crops to treat our bodies goes back to the days of our ancestors, and while we may have more advanced skin-care techniques now, the basics of natural skin-care and beauty aren't any less effective. 

15 skin-care and hair-care products containing fruits and vegetables: 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist

Buy it here: Sephora, $28 | Amazon, $41.05

The fruit or vegetable: Watermelon 

What it does: Watermelon contains vitamins A, C, and B, as well as potassium, giving your face a fresh dose of nutrients. It also soothes and hydrates irritated skin. 

Briogeo Apple Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner

Buy it here: Sephora, $48

The fruit or vegetable: Kale, spinach, broccoli, apple, cucumber, lemon, grapefruit, beet, orange, seaberry

What it does: The greens your parents were always pushing you to eat do wonders for your hair, strengthening the roots and hair shaft and supporting a healthy scalp. The health drink-inspired products cleanse, nourish, and hydrate hair without stripping it of moisture. 

Fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

Buy it here: Sephora, $33 

The fruit or vegetable: Strawberry, black currant 

What it does: Real strawberry juice is mixed with sugar crystals to immediately remove your skin's impurities and help your complexion look healthier. The berries also make the face wash smell amazing (like candy or jam), which is a nice wake-up call as you wash your face in the morning. 

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

Buy it here: Sephora, $80 | Amazon, $94.95

The fruit or vegetable: Pumpkin, pomegranate 

What it does: The pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme work together to dissolve dead surface skin cells. This product has a "reservoir effect," meaning it'll be active on your skin for up to 72 hours. 

Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

Buy it here: Amazon, $36 | Sephora, $36 | Nordstrom, $36

The fruit or vegetable: Kale, spinach 

What it does: These leafy greens deliver phytonutrients and vitamins C, E, and K to strengthen, cool, and condition the skin. Combined with the antioxidant-packed green tea, they make a gentle and powerful daily cleanser. 

Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser

Buy it here: Sephora, $33 | Macy's, $35

The fruit or vegetable: Reishi, cordyceps, fermented chaga mushrooms

What it does: The most important ingredient to know here is reishi, a mushroom often used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote longevity. It calms and reduces visible redness on the skin and protects against environmental stressors. 

Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream

Buy it here: Amazon, $26 | Sephora, $40

The fruit or vegetable: Blackberry, strawberry leaf 

What it does: The cream's Alpine Berry Complex is made up of naturally moisturizing wild strawberry sprouts and hydrating, environmental damage-protecting blackberries. 

Origins Dragon Fruit Brightening Superfruit Mask

Buy it here: Sephora, $27

The fruit or vegetable: Dragonfruit, tangerine, black currant, lemon

What it does: The antioxidants in the dragonfruit help your skin look brighter and more clear while the other fruits refresh and hydrate your face. 

Herbivore Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment

Buy it here: Sephora, $58 | Amazon, $58

The fruit or vegetable: Prickly pear, goji berry, red raspberry, orange, papaya, lemon 

What it does: The first half of the ingredient list above offer antioxidant benefits, while the second half, present in enzyme form, exfoliate and resurfaces the skin. The night cream must be fully massaged into the skin, not just applied on top, for full effects

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

Buy it here: Sephora, $45 | Kiehl's, $45

The fruit or vegetable: Avocado 

What it does: Whether in your salad and toast or your nightly face mask, rich and creamy avocado is an indispensable ingredient. The thick mask moisturizes and softens skin while also preventing water loss. 

Estee Lauder Super-Pomegranate Moisture Crème

Buy it here: Sephora, $68 | Macy's, $68

The fruit or vegetable: Pomegranate 

What it does: Harvested from the Mediterranean, the pomegranate has been found to have three times the antioxidants as red wine and green tea. It's anti-inflammatory and it helps detoxify your skin. 

Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

Buy it here: Sephora, $34 | Amazon, $48

The fruit or vegetable: Blueberry 

What it does: The blueberries in this bouncy and hydrating cleanser protect against environmental damage and make it smell delicious. You can even see tiny remnants of blueberry floating around inside. 

Glamglow Berryglow Probiotic Recovery Face Mask

Buy it here: Sephora, $49 | Amazon, $49 | Bluemercury, $49

The fruit or vegetable: Blueberry, cranberry, goji berry 

What it does: This berry blend feels soothing on the skin and is combined with a probiotic that supports a healthy skin microbiome. 

Sephora Collection Pineapple Face Mask

Buy it here: Sephora, $6

The fruit or vegetable: Pineapple

What it does: The enzymes in pineapple revive and restore radiance to dull skin in this affordable and efficient sheet mask. 

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Buy it here: Sephora, $52

The fruit or vegetable: Cucumber 

What it does: Remember the classic spa treatment of putting cucumbers over your eyes? These eye patches containing cucumber extract have the same idea, using cucumber to reduce under-eye puffiness. 

• You can easily change the keyboard on your iPhone via the Settings app to incorporate another language keyboard or an alternate layout. 
• Your iPhone comes with about 80 foreign language keyboards and is compatible with many more third-party alternatives.
• After enabling additional keyboards, you can switch among them using the globe icon in the bottom left corner of the keyboard. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While the basic iPhone keyboard is adequate for most people, you have a lot of additional options. 

The iPhone comes with dozens of foreign language keyboards, which you can enable and use any time you need to type in a different language. 

And that's not all – you can install third-party keyboards and use them instead. Some keyboards feature alternate key layouts, additional emoji, or even "swipe" style input where you slide your finger around the keyboard instead of tapping specific keys.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to change the keyboard on an iPhone

The iPhone offers you access to more than 80 foreign language keyboards. Here's how to enable and use them.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General." Then tap "Keyboard."

3. Tap "Keyboards."

4. On the Keyboard page, tap "Add New Keyboard…"

5. Find the keyboard you want to use and tap it, then tap "Done." You should see it appear on the list of keyboards, along with your default keyboard and the Emoji keyboard. 

For more information, read our article, "How to change the language on your iPhone, and separately change the language that Siri speaks and understands." 

How to change to a third-party keyboard on an iPhone

There are a lot of keyboards available in the App Store which give you a ton of options for how you can interact with your iPhone. Here's how to enable and use them.

1. Download a keyboard from the App Store. (If you don't know what to look for, search for "keyboard" and browse the results.)

2. Start the app for your newly installed keyboard and follow any instructions it offers. In some cases, you need to find the keyboard in the Settings app and enable features.

3. Start the Settings app.

4. Tap "General." Then tap "Keyboard."

5. Tap "Keyboards."

6. On the Keyboard page, tap "Add New Keyboard…"

7. In the Third Party Keyboards section, find your new keyboard and tap it. 

8. In the list of keyboards, tap the new keyboard entry and, if needed, grant it access. 

How to use a new keyboard on an iPhone after you've changed to it

Start an app that you can type in, like Messages or Mail. You should see a new button shaped like a globe at the bottom left of the screen. You can use the button in two ways:

• Tap it. Every time you tap the button, it will cycle you through the available keyboards, from the default to Emoji, to the newly added keyboard, back to the default, and so on. 
• Tap and hold. If you tap and hold the globe, you'll see a pop-up menu from which you can choose the keyboard you want to use with a tap.

How to change your default keyboard on an iPhone

If you find you prefer a particular keyboard to the iPhone's default, you can easily tell the iPhone to always use that new one by default. 

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General." Then tap "Keyboard."

3. Tap "Keyboards."

4. On the Keyboard page, tap "Edit."

5. Rearrange the order of the keyboards. You can drag them using the "handles" – the three horizontal lines – on the right side of the screen. Drag the one you want to be the default to the top of the list. 

7. Tap "Done."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to stop robocalls and other spam calls from reaching your iPhone

• How to change the default keyboard on a Samsung Galaxy S10 by installing a new one

• How to clear the cache on your iPhone to free up storage space and help it run faster

• How to record the screen on your iPhone

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Most swimwear companies use fit models to design and tailor their bathing suits, but Helen Jon fits all of its styles on their employees who provide feedback to get a supportive fit that works for more women.
• Their suits aren't particularly cheap, but they're not outrageous, either — most one-pieces retail for around $140 to $170 when not on sale. 
• Five women from the Insider Picks team tried bathing suits from Helen Jon and found that they fit exceptionally well and offered great support and coverage (plus, they're cute!). 

It's happened to nearly all of us; we await with excitement the arrival of a newly ordered swimsuit, only to try it on and realize "this was definitely not designed with my body type in mind." That's because, in the most literal sense, it likely wasn't. 

Most swimsuit companies use what are called "fit models" to measure and tailor the way their suits lay on the body. A fit model generally has the perfect proportions for a given size, is slightly taller than most women, has a cup size that errs on the smaller side, and doesn't have any particular quirks about her shape like most of us do. She offers feedback to brands about what adjustments need to be made to the fit. Swimsuits are literally made to fit her body, but not so much ours. 

It's a strange concept. Don't brands want more women to feel comfortable in their clothes? Wouldn't they seek out the opportunity to design swimwear that fit more people? Between fashion and undergarments, it seems that concept has just evaded most designers and manufacturers.  

Which is exactly why we need more brands like Helen Jon. 

If you've never heard the name, you wouldn't be alone. When I first received their pitch, I wasn't familiar either. Sure, I'd probably seen the brand's suits while scrolling around online, but I never knew what made it special until they reached out to tell me.

It says a lot about the industry that I was honestly amazed to hear that Helen Jon actually measures the fit of its suits on the employees that work there. "We are fitting women's swimwear on real figures, not models. If a suit is (or is not) sitting properly on our bodies, we know what to add, adjust, or revamp." 

That's not to say that fit models and the women who are proportioned similarly don't have "real" figures — they are still human women, after all — but it is to say that the company clearly understands how using those bodies exclusively to fit their suits may not always be the best approach. So they came up with a different one, and one that seems to really work. 

I put the ladies of the Insider Picks team to work by asking them to each try on and go swimming in a different suit from Helen Jon (it's a hard job, I know!). All five of us have different body shapes and very different considerations in terms of fit, but each of us has a high standard for what makes something truly great.

Spoiler alert: We loved them. All of us agreed that Helen Jon's suits are stylish, relatively affordable, universally flattering, and exceptionally comfortable. You can read our personal reviews below, but if you're ready to start shopping for a trusty suit that you can wear for everything from lounging around by the pool to snorkeling in the ocean, we recommend Helen Jon hands down.

Shop all Helen Jon suits here>>

Read on to see what we each thought about our Helen Jon bathing suits:

SEE ALSO: The best women's swimsuits you can buy

DON'T MISS: We tried the $95 designer swimsuits that you’re going to see at beaches everywhere this summer — here’s what we thought

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor: High-Neck One-Piece

High-Neck One-Piece, $162

I generally have a really hard time with swimsuits. Aesthetically, I'm drawn to the one-piece styles that have very little support, like low scoop-backs or super low-cut fronts. Not great for someone with a DD chest, to be honest. I was attracted to this style because it was just sexy enough while still promising a good amount of support thanks to the seam under the bust.

I got the "fatigue" green color for something different since I usually opt for black. Wearing it on the beach, I felt covered and secure, but not at all suffocated or overly conservative. When I got home, I actually lounged around in it for a few more hours because it was just that comfortable! I would literally never do this with any other bathing suit I own.

The one thing I would have appreciated was the option to buy petite sizes because the torso was a tiny bit long for me (I'm just over five feet tall), but that definitely wasn't a deal-breaker given how well everything else about the suit fit. 

Mara Leighton, Insider Picks editor: Lace-Back Bralette top, Reversible Tunnel Hipster bottom

Lace-Back Bralette, $109
Reversible Tunnel Hipster, $92

When I look for swimsuits, I look for support that doesn't come in something that looks like a waterproof balconette bra; it helps maintain the illusion that swimwear is different from underwear, and — most importantly — it impedes my movements less.

I picked the Lace-Back Bralette in the "indochine" print and Reversible Tunnel Hipster with braids in the "fatigue" green color. While not all the prints fit my aesthetic, I did like the indochine a lot. The real standout for Helen Jon, though, is how well the suit ticked off my concerns. It managed to feel sporty (i.e. you can climb around in it at the cabin), and it was supportive without adding bulk or staying lodged in place (i.e. it moves with you).

All in all, I really liked Helen Jon. The style I tried was comfortable, cute, and supportive without being bulky or restrictive — something I actively search for and rarely find to my satisfaction. The "laced" detailing on the back added just enough personalization and support, and I like that the bottoms will see many uses thanks to being reversible, even if I do wish there were more color options.

Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor: D/DD Cup Twist Underwire top, Slimmer Hipster bottom

D/DD Cup Twist Underwire top, $118
Slimmer Hipster bottom, $74

Buying swimsuits online is fraught with peril for any woman, but if you have a large cup size like I do, it's even harder. Helen John's swimwear collection made it super easy for me to choose a swimsuit that would fit because there are tops specifically designed for D/DD women like me.

The D/DD cup twist underwire bra bikini top fits me perfectly, offers excellent support, and looks exactly like a normal bra under clothing when you're en route to the beach. The Slimmer hipster bottom I chose also fit perfectly and was comfortable. I swam in the Atlantic Ocean and ran around on the beach in this swimsuit without any problems. Plus, the suit dried fairly quickly afterward.

Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter: Lace-Back Bralette top, Double Tab Hipster bottom

Retreat top, $104
Fold-over hipster-navy, $79

It's truly unfortunate how few bathing suit brands actually take into consideration the fact that the average US woman's cup size is a 34DD. I'm only a 34C and often don't feel properly supported in bathing suit tops, but that certainly wasn't how I felt in Helen Jon's Retreat top (which I also got in the "fatigue" green color). In fact, it was quite the opposite. I could really move around in this top without fear of it wriggling out of place and revealing too much for my liking. Plus, I'm all about a good V-neck silhouette. 

The Retreat top paired with the Tab-Side Hipster bottom is the perfect mix of style, support, and comfort for the beach this summer. I echo the sentiments of my fellow testers entirely — the icing on the cake is that these cute one-pieces and bikinis aren't overly expensive. 

Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor: Retreat top, Tab Side Hipster bottom

Retreat top, $104
Tab-Side Hipster bottom, $73

It's truly unfortunate how few bathing suit brands actually take into consideration the fact that the average US woman's cup size is a 34DD. I'm only a 34C and often don't feel properly supported in bathing suit tops, but that certainly wasn't how I felt in Helen Jon's Retreat top (which I also got in the "fatigue" green color). In fact, it was quite the opposite. I could really move around in this top without fear of it wriggling out of place and revealing too much for my liking. Plus, I'm all about a good V-neck silhouette. 

The Retreat top paired with the Tab-Side Hipster bottom is the perfect mix of style, support, and comfort for the beach this summer. I echo the sentiments of my fellow testers entirely — the icing on the cake is that these cute one-pieces and bikinis aren't overly expensive. 

• West Skincare is a gender-neutral skin-care brand making clean skin care for active people.
• Its formulas rely mostly on plant-based ingredients, and only contain "proven ingredients at effective dose levels" to deliver the best possible results.
• I tested the entire line of skin care and while I do find it a bit expensive (products range from $22-$55) appreciated the no-frills branding, the quality ingredients, and most importantly, the results on my skin.
• Read on for an overview of West Skincare and my personal review of each product. My absolute favorite was the Recovery Cream ($55).

The world of skin care is a complex one. There are countless brands that rely on the use of masculine or feminine scents, catchy packaging, exaggerated health benefits, and maybe even a celebrity endorsement to make sales, rather than honest and thoughtful ingredients. There are also an immense number of trendy and unnecessary products, ingredients, regimens, and techniques that can complicate the process of finding what works for you.

To put things plainly as possible, there's a lot of BS on the market. 

I've tested a good number of these products out (mostly skin-care products aimed specifically and unnecessarily at men), and I'll just say that given how many bad ones I've come across, it takes a lot to impress me. So, when it does happen, I have to share it.

Such is the case with West Skincare.

Founded in 2019 by Matthew Ankeny, West Skincare is a clean skin-care brand designed for active people. The brand is gender neutral (there are no distinctly masculine or feminine scents or branding) and it uses a handful of natural. plant-based, and mineral-based ingredients to hydrate, restore, and protect skin from normal everyday life and the rigors of active living. That includes everything from sun, heat, and sweating to natural changes in skin from aging.

Ankeny, who leads an active lifestyle, told Business Insider that the most important considerations when developing the products were the use of quality, effective ingredients, and making skin-care that was accessible to everyone. "If you're going to put your skin through the ringer, you should be using the best," he said of the ingredients they prioritize. "This is 2019. We can move on from gender-based marketing — especially when it's inaccurate. There are differences in men's and women's skin, but the skin-care ingredients that work, work for all."

In addition to its thoughtful formulas, West Skincare is also thoughtful about its environmental impact. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free, sustainably packaged and shipped, and made locally in Southern California (rather than overseas) to reduce their carbon footprint.

West Skincare sent me their entire product line including the Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturizer, Recovery Cream, Facial Mask, and Facial Scrub ($25-$55). After using them for about two weeks, I really feel that they have the right approach to skin care. From its no-frills branding and quality ingredients to the results on my skin, I was impressed.

If you're looking for a simple new skin-care regimen that works for your active lifestyle I recommend West Skincare. 

Shop West Skincare products now. 

Keep reading to check out my review of each product in the collection:

West Skincare Cleanser

West Skincare Cleanser, $25

The cleanser does a wonderful job ridding your skin of everything you don't want on or in it — like dead skin cells and excess oil build-up — without on being too harsh. It's especially great after a long gym session or run when I'm sweaty and my skin is feeling dull.

Oftentimes, facial cleansers strip away everything, including natural oils, giving your face a raw, damaged, and dry sensation. This one doesn't do that. The best way for me to describe the Cleanser is that it gave my skin a clean but not dry slate.

It's also fragrance-free (as are all of its formulas), which is an overall good thing. Most fragrances are made synthetically and can irritate your skin.

West Skincare Recovery Cream

West Skincare Recovery Cream, $55

The Recovery Cream is easily my favorite product from the collection. A little bit goes a very long way, and it's noticeably effective as a nourishing moisturizer for daytime or nighttime use.

The cream uses ingredients like sea whip extract, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and rosemary leaf extract to hydrate and restore skin. After washing my face with the Cleanser, I apply a small amount of the Recovery Cream and my skin stays hydrated and smooth all day long.

Although it is thick, it's not uncomfortable to wear. It soothed my skin and didn't clog my pores. Most heavy creams make my face feel irritated (or at the very least like it will become irritated if I leave it on all day), but I didn't experience any irritation at all with the Recovery Cream.

West Skincare Facial Moisturizer

West Skincare Facial Moisturizer, $35

Compared to the Recovery Cream, the Facial Moisturizer is much lighter. Since it dries quickly, it doesn't make your skin greasy or shiny. While I typically like the feeling of formulas with a creamier texture and more intense moisture, I enjoyed using this lightweight one in the summer heat. It didn't feel like I had an extra layer of products caked onto my skin (which is usually uncomfortable in the heat or when you're sweating), but at the same time, I didn't feel dried out.

Even though I enjoyed using the Recovery Cream more, the Facial Moisturizer serves a different purpose as a lighter option for hot days. If you're looking for a lightweight moisturizer, this one will do the trick. If you want something heavier, go for the Recovery Cream instead.

West Skincare Facial Mask

West Skincare Facial Mask, $45

I can't say that I'm the type of person who swears by facials masks and heavily relies on them for clear and healthy skin, but I've used enough of them to know a good one — and this is a good one. It's dark grey/black color comes from two main ingredients: activated coconut charcoal and black mud. The charcoal is used to absorb and remove toxins on the surface of your skin and inside your pores, while the black mud nourishes your skin with minerals and vitamins. 

Much like the other products, I found the Facial Mask to be gentle, yet effective. As instructed, I left it on my face for 15 minutes and washed it off. My face didn't feel excessively dry, so I followed it with the lighter facial moisturizer instead of the Recovery Cream. The brand says says you can use it up to three times a week, but once a week served my skin well.

At $45, this isn't something I can see myself paying for since I hardly use masks, and this one, in particular, is so similar to the scrub (in the next slide). However, if you use masks routinely, you might find value in it.

West Skincare Facial Scrub

West Skincare Facial Scrub, $45

As good as they may feel, not all facial scrubs are beneficial to your skin. In fact, many of them can damage your skin if used too vigorously. West Skincare definitely kept that in consideration when formulating their Facial Scrub. It features charcoal, which makes it similar in consistency to the mask, and volcanic microcrystals to purify and exfoliate dead skin without disrupting the healthy layers.

Compared to super gritty and highly abrasive facial scrubs that use ground-up walnut shells or small plastic beads (neither of which has any real benefit for your skin, the latter of which often end up in our waterways), this formula is a testament to the brand's thoughtfulness about both skin health and environmental impact of its products.

The $45 price might seem high, but the peace of mind knowing that you're not scraping your skin to oblivion is well worth it. 

• Lo & Sons is known for its high-quality, travel-friendly bags. 
• I was gifted the O.G. Overnight Bag ($295) for my college graduation last spring, and it's one of my most practical and most-used bags.
• The O.G. has a travel sleeve to fit over a suitcase handle, plenty of pockets, a laptop compartment, a key leash, and many other functional features that make it perfect for traveling and beyond.
• I've been using the bag during my commutes in and out of New York City, and now I understand why it has such rave reviews.

I always love the idea of getting out of New York City for the weekend, until I'm standing at the subway trying to maneuver myself and my carry-on through the turnstile simultaneously. Airports are made for suitcases — they have auto-walks and an abundance of escalators to lessen the burden of lifting heavy luggage. As for train stations, I can't say they are so suitcase-friendly. 

After a few weekend trips out of New York to visit my parents in the suburbs and tired arms from lugging my carry-on up and down the many staircases on subway and train platforms, I searched my room for some alternate, easier-on-the-commute travel bags. 

I found something wrong with just about every bag I could find — that one's too big, that one's too small, that one has no zipper, and the list went on. Then, I came across the Lo & Sons O.G., which I had only used once before, and in true Goldilocks fashion I realized it was just right. Since, I've been using this bag for pretty much every trip I take, either as my sole carrier for weekend trips, or as an added carry-on paired with my suitcase for longer vacations.

Specs for the Lo & Sons O.G. Overnight Bag

The Lo & Sons O.G. bag is sturdy, filled with tons of convenient pockets to hold all of your essentials, and has a surprising amount of space inside. 

From the outside, the O.G. looks more like a structured tote than an overnight bag, likely due to it's sturdy build, as compared to the classic slouchy duffel style most overnight bags have. It's made of durable nylon — which is water-resistant — and adorned with some hardware (in either silver or gold, depending on the model) that adds a little sophistication.

It's definitely a nice-looking bag, but it's the functionality and multi-purpose utility that make this bag well worth the money. It has a travel sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle and a messenger strap for easy carrying, and then of course you can just wear it as a regular shoulder bag, so you have a few different options of how you can tote it around. 

The outside of the bag has two zipper compartments; one filled with smaller open pockets sized to fit pens, journals, and other small essentials; the other with space to fit shoes, toiletry bags, a wet umbrella, or anything you'd like to keep easily accessible and separate from the rest of your belongings. This is a feature I've never really seen before, but one I really appreciate as I usually have to pack my shoes in canvas bags to keep them separate from my clean clothes.  

Then, there's the inside of the bag. There's a padded laptop sleeve that has a closure to keep your device secure, plus plenty of internal pockets and a long leash that ensures you'll never have to dig around to find your loose keys again. If you want to see all the specs in action, check out this video from Lo & Sons.

While pricey, I think it's worth the $295 investment.

The bottom line

With all of all the smart features, I've found I'm able to fit just about everything I need for a weekend away in this one bag, unless it's winter (because sweaters and coats are just too bulky). Even though the bag is so structured, it's really lightweight, making it really easy to carry, even when loaded with clothing and toiletries. 

This bag is a major upgrade from the overnight bag you probably randomly acquired through some promotional event back in high school. The aesthetic appeal is definitely a draw, but beyond style, this bag is extremely practical. If you're the kind of person who's constantly jetting around to and from — whether your destinations include the office, the gym, the airport, or anywhere else — this singular bag is likely all you need to seamlessly transition from place to place throughout your day, looking sophisticated all the while.

Get the O.G. Overnight Bag, $295, available at Lo & Sons

Join the conversation about this story »