• Cats need to scratch, so to save your sofa and your curtains, you need a sturdy cat scratching post or scratcher.
• Scratching posts may be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, and some of them can be wall-mounted. Each cat has their own unique preferences, of course.
• In our research, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is the best of the bunch because it offers the ideal combination of functionality and durability without detracting from your home decor. 

A good scratching post is essential for a happy and healthy cat. Not only does a scratching post give your cat an outlet for their natural desire to scratch, but it also serves as a form of exercise. Most importantly, it will also save your furniture from destruction. 

When it comes to choosing a cat scratcher or scratching post, there are many different models to consider. Some scratchers are made from corrugated cardboard, an inexpensive but functional material, while others are made from more durable sisal rope or fiber. Scratching posts may be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, and some of them can be wall-mounted. Each cat has their own unique preferences, so don't be afraid to try out a few different options before you make your choice.

If they haven't started to already, don't wait for your cat to start clawing at your furniture— invest in a quality cat scratcher or scratching post now to avoid problems down the line. There are many options to choose from in cat scratchers, but don't worry: We've done the hard work for you in comparing the options to bring you our top picks. 

Here are the best cat scratching posts you can buy:

• Best cat scratching post overall: Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
• Best cardboard cat scratcher: Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher
• Best cat scratcher lounge: PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge
• Best wall-mounted cat scratching post: 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post
• Best combination cat scratching post: SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher

Updated on 11/01/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, formatting, and text.

The best cat scratching post overall

With a sturdy base and a 32-inch height, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post allows your cat to achieve a full stretch while also satisfying their need to scratch.

The ideal cat scratcher would be made from durable materials with a design that is both attractive to your cat and functional. Our top pick for cat scratchers and scratching posts is the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. Not only does this scratching post satisfy your cat's need to scratch, but it allows for a full stretch and it won't topple over under his weight.

Measuring 32 inches tall, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post allows for even the largest cats to achieve a full stretch, while the sturdy wooden base prevents the post from tipping. The post is wrapped in durable sisal mats to encourage scratching, and it offers more long-lasting durability than sisal ropes or carpet. This scratching post features an attractive, neutral-colored design and it is quick and easy to assemble.

Listed among its top ten picks for cat scratching posts, Heavy notes that this cat scratcher is tall enough that even the largest cats can achieve a full stretch and praises the durability of the sisal mat versus sisal rope or carpet. This scratching post is the number-one pick for Petslady in a review that speaks to the post's easy assembly, stability, and functionality. The post also receives favorable ratings from Thoroughly Reviewed and Conscious Cat.

Pros: Made from durable materials, 32-inch length allows for full stretch, sisal mat is more durable than rope or cardboard, sturdy base prevents wobbling and tipping, provides mental and physical stimulation, simple design and neutral color to suit home décor, quick and easy assembly

Cons: May tip over if the cat jumps on it, some cats don't like the sisal mat material (some cats prefer rope), some users have trouble with assembly

Buy the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post on Amazon for $49.99

Buy the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post from Petco for $49.99

The best cardboard cat scratcher

With a unique wedge-style design to encourage both scratching and stretching, the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher is a great scratcher for any cat. 

Cardboard is one of the least expensive materials used in cat scratchers, but many cats prefer corrugated cardboard to rope or carpet. A cardboard cat scratcher offers your cat an enjoyable experience because it shreds easily and makes a satisfying sound. Our top pick for cardboard cat scratchers is the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher with its unique wedge-style design and its no-mess construction that is sure to capture and keep your cat's attention.

The Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher features an incline design that encourages both stretching and scratching. It is made from all-natural and recycled materials in a two-sided design for twice the use. This cat scratcher comes infused with catnip and you can purchase replacement pads so your cat never has to go without their favorite scratcher. You'll also love the fact that shredded cardboard residue is trapped inside the scratcher instead of making a mess on your floor. To recharge the scratcher, simply spritz on some Kong Natural Catnip Spray.

We're All About Cats also named this the best cardboard cat scratcher, saying that the "angled scratching pad provides a great stretch and is reversible and replaceable for years of use." This scratcher also receives positive ratings from Petslady, particularly for its eco-friendly and ergonomic design.

Pros: Made from natural and recycled materials, incline design encourages scratching and stretching, comes with American-grown catnip, features unique no-mess pads, eco-friendly and ergonomic, scratch pads are reversible for twice the use

Cons: May not last as long as other scratchers, glued-on label may be difficult to remove, may not support the weight of very large cats, not the most attractive design

Buy the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher from Chew for $7.99

The best cat scratcher lounge

Durably constructed and thoughtfully designed, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge combines the comfort of a lounge and the functionality of a cat scratcher.

For a product that combines the comfort of a lounge and the functionality of a cat scratcher, our top pick is the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge. This scratcher lounge is durably constructed from recycled cardboard and made with a thoughtful curved design to encourage scratching while also providing your cat with a comfortable place to nap. Covered by a six-month warranty and double-sided for maximum longevity, this cat scratcher is a must-have. We like it so much, we also named it the best overall in our buying guide for the best cat beds.

Made with a unique curved design, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge appeals to your cat's senses and feeds their instincts while satisfying their need to scratch and stretch. This scratcher lounge is durably constructed from premium cardboard that outlasts most cardboard scratchers on the market while also minimizing mess. With an attractive modern shape and neutral coloration, this cat scratcher will fit perfectly with your existing home décor scheme as well.

The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge receives rave reviews from pet owners and pet review sites alike. Green Little Cat calls it the "best recycled cardboard cat scratcher and lounge," praising it for its generous size and long-lasting durability. This cat scratcher is a top choice for Fluffy Kitty, and a review from Conscious Cat makes note of its two-sided design which doubles the usability. Best Reviews gives this scratcher their Best of the Best award for cat scratching posts as well. 

Pros: Modern design, dual function as a lounge and scratcher, made from premium cardboard that lasts, quality construction for long-lasting durability, stimulates the cat's natural instincts and curiosity, neutral colors work well with home décor, reversible for twice the use, comes with a six-month warranty

Cons: More expensive than some cardboard cat scratchers, may be larger and heavier than other cat scratchers on the market, some cats prefer rope or carpet to cardboard

Buy the Pet Fusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge on Amazon for $49.95

The best wall-mounted cat scratching post

Why you'll love it: Made from premium pressed cardboard with a tall vertical scratching surface, the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post offers better durability and stability than many cat scratching posts on the market. 

If you're looking for a simple scratching post that takes up minimal space and satisfies your cat's need to stretch and scratch, we recommend the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post. This scratching post has a space-saving design and it mounts directly to the wall for added stability. Made from 100% recycled cardboard materials, this scratching post is a great option for cats of all ages.

The 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post is made from recycled premium pressed cardboard so it appeals to your cat's natural desire to scratch. With its tall vertical design, this scratching post also allows your cat to achieve a full stretch and it has a curved bottom which allows your cat to scratch their rear claws as well as their front claws. It comes with stainless steel mounting hardware for hassle-free installation as well as durability and sturdiness.

Cat Overdose names this scratcher one of its top five picks, noting that it can be used horizontally as well as vertically according to your cat's preferences. This wall mount cat scratcher also receives positive reviews from Heavy.

Pros: Vertical surface encourages scratching and stretching, mounts directly to the wall for stability, comes with mounting hooks and installation guide, made from premium pressed cardboard, space-saving design

Cons: Mounting hooks may damage the wall during removal if caution isn't taken, some cats prefer rope or carpet to cardboard, cardboard material may not hold up as well as sisal rope, may not be big enough for very large cats

Buy the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post on Amazon for $29.99

The best combination cat scratching post

With its unique 3-in-1 design the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher offers the ideal combination of versatility, durability, and stability for your cat.

Each cat is unique in their preferences for scratching. Some cats like to stretch as high as they can when they scratch while others prefer a horizontal scratching surface. No matter what your cat's individual preferences, the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher is a great option. This scratcher features a unique 3-in-1 design for vertical or horizontal use, and it can also be leaned against a wall to create an inclined surface.

Durably constructed for long-lasting performance, the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher comes with hardware for a wall mount as well as rubber feet to prevent slipping. The scratching surface is made from durable woven sisal fiber which naturally appeals to your cat's desire to scratch and outlasts cardboard and other more traditional scratching post materials. This scratching post measures 24 inches tall so your cat can stretch out, but its slim profile saves space in your home.

A review from Cat Overdose speaks to the long-lasting durability of the sisal fiber scratching surface as well as the stability of the design. As one of its top ten picks for cat scratching posts, Heavy describes this cat scratcher as an affordable, durable, and versatile post that can be hung on the wall, mounted on a door, or placed on the floor. Meowtee also gives this scratching post positive ratings, speaking to the product's resilient and durable scratching surface as well as its natural appeal for cats.

Pros: Unique 3-in-1 design for three mounting options, features a durable woven sisal scratching surface, rubber feet provide stability and prevent slipping, comes with an easy wall-mounting system, 24.5-inch height encourages stretching as well as scratching

Cons: May not be big enough for very large cats, some cats simply don't like the sisal scratching surface, some users find that it has a chemical smell at first that wears off over time, not double-sided

Buy the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher on Chewy for $19.99

Check out our other buying guides for the best cat gear

Best cat beds

There are many different kinds of cat beds, and cats, fickle creatures that they are, will all like different beds for special, mysterious cat reasons. Here are the best cat beds you can buy:

• Best cat bed overall: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
• Best budget cat bed: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Cat Bed
• Best covered cat bed: Armarkat Cave Cat Bed
• Best heated cat bed: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed
• Best window perch cat bed: Original Kitty Cot World's Best Cat Perch
• Best natural cat bed: Twin Critters KittiKubbi Handcrafted Cat Cave
• Best outdoor cat bed: K&H Outdoor Kitty House

Best cat carriers

Travel makes many cats nervous. To keep your cat safe and secure, you need to invest in a high-quality cat carrier. Cat carriers come in all shapes and sizes with different designs depending on the intended use. Here are our top picks for the best cat carriers:

Best cat carrier overall: Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier  

Best budget cat carrier: Necoichi Ultra Light Portable Cat Carrier 

Best cat carrier for air travel: Pet Magasin Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier 

Best hard shell cat carrier: Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel 

Best cat carrier backpack: Pet Gear 1-GO2 Plus Traveler Rolling Backpack Carrier

Best automatic cat feeders

Some automatic cat feeders are simple and easy to use, while others are more complex with a companion app and many special features. Here are the best automatic cat feeders you can buy:

• Best cat feeder overall: PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed
• Best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats: Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder
• Best microchip cat feeder: SureFlap Microchip Pet Feeder
• Best gravity cat feeder: Bergan Petite Gourmet Feeder

The best cat collars

There are a wide variety of different cat collars out there, many of which you may not have ever heard about. Because there are so many cat collars on the market, it can be difficult to make the right choice. We've done the research, and here are our top picks for the best cat collars:

• Best cat collar overall: Rogz Catz Breakaway Cat Collar
• Best customizable cat collar: GoTags Custom Embroidered Cat Collar 
• Best breakaway cat collar: Blueberry Adjustable Breakaway Cat Collar 
• Best flea collar for cats: Bayer Seresto Cat Flea Collar 
• Best GPS cat collar: Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker

The best cat harness and leash

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

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

The best cat food

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

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

The best medicated cat shampoo

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

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

The best cat bowls

Some cats are picky about their food bowl. That's why it's important to choose the right one for their needs. When it comes to choosing the best cat food bowl for your cat, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are our top picks for the best cat bowls:

• Best cat food bowl overall: Dr. Catsby's Whisker Relief Cat Bowl
• Best affordable cat food bowl: OurPets Durapet Stainless Steel Cat Dish 
• Best double cat food bowl: URPOWER Stainless Steel Pet Feeder 
• Best interactive cat feeder: Northmate Catch Interactive Feeder for Cats 
• Best elevated cat food bowl: Necoichi Raised Cat Bowl 
• Best gravity feeder cat bowl: Bergan Petite Gourmet Feeder

• Each month, Amazon's book editors select a number of new titles to join the Best Book of the Month section.
• This November, the list features a variety of great reads, including "NVK" by Temple Drake, "The Great Pretender" by Susannah Cahalan, and other imaginative and poignant stories.
• Check out this month's top picks, with short synopses provided by Amazon's book editor, Erin Kodicek.

Winter's arrival is looming, but it's not all grey and dismal. While low temperatures bring gloom for many, there's something about frosty air that makes reading all-the-more cozy. As a chronically freezing person, I live to enjoy a good book under a mountain of quilts. Add a sheet mask to the mix, and I'm golden.

To kick off the season, the Amazon Books team has selected their favorite new books of November. This month's curation spotlights an array of new titles — from romantic narratives and fantastical adventures to more informative reads. This time around, the team has returned to their typical 10-book format.

If you're looking to indulge in some new literature, check out this month's book selection below. And if you plan to create a blanket-mountain of your own, we got you covered. 

Captions have been provided by Erin Kodicek, editor of books and Kindle at Amazon.

"The Starless Sea" by Erin Morgenstern

Buy it here >>

In this fantastical ode to storytelling, the bestselling author of Night Circus takes us where pirates lurk and doors lead forward and backward in time, where crowded ballrooms collapse into oceans, and a young man must piece together clues to uncover and protect his life story.

"NVK" by Temple Drake

Buy it here >>

In this spare supernatural thriller set in Shanghai, executive Zhang Guo Xing encounters a beguiling woman at a nightclub and they begin a torrid affair. Naemi proves to be a bit of an enigma, however, and the more Zhang unravels the mystery of her, the more dangerous their union becomes.

"The Great Pretender" by Susannah Cahalan

Buy it here >>

The bestselling author of "Brain on Fire" does a deep dive into an infamous 50-year-old experiment, whereby sane individuals were institutionalized to vet the veracity of psychological diagnoses. What she gleaned from this experience has ramifications for the quality of mental healthcare going forward.

"Nothing to See Here" by Kevin Wilson

Buy it here >>

In Kevin Wilson's weird and wonderful fifth novel, the erstwhile friend of politician's wife is called upon to care for her children, twins that spontaneously combust when stressed. "Nothing to See Here" is a poignant and laugh-out-loud tribute to the trials and treasures of being a parent.     

"Find Me" by André Aciman

Buy it here >>

"Find Me" picks up decades after André Aciman left off in his beloved novel (and movie), "Call Me by Your Name." In it, we learn the disparate directions Elio and Oliver's lives have taken, and whether their love will ultimately stand the test of time.

"Blue Moon: A Jack Reacher Novel" by Lee Child

Buy it here >>

In the latest installment of Lee Child's popular Jack Reacher series, our hero discovers that no good deed goes unpunished when he comes to the aid of an elderly couple who have gotten mixed up with a seriously bad crowd. 

"In the Dream House" by Carmen Maria Machado

Buy it here >>

Short chapter after short chapter act like puzzle pieces as Carmen Maria Machado deconstructs the psychologically abusive relationship she had with a girlfriend. An indelicate but riveting read. 

"Acid for the Children" by Flea

Buy it here >>

The bassist and co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers details his origin story, one that sees him fleeing a fraught family life to forge a better one with a motley crew of mischief-makers and musicians.

"Little Weirds" by Jenny Slate

Buy it here >>

"Little weirds" is what actor and comedian Jenny Slate is calling her latest collection of eclectic writings that veer from the funny, to the heartbreaking, to the profound (and yes, the deeply odd).

"User Friendly: How the Hidden Rules of Design Are Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play" by Cliff Kuang with Robert Fabricant

Buy it here >>

Cliff Kuang's "User Friendly" is a fascinating treatise on something many of us take for granted: Good design. From fly swatters to iPhones, our lives have been made infinitely easier by inventions we didn't know we needed, but now can't imagine living without. 

• You can create a shortcut in Windows 10 to access a file or program from the desktop, or another folder.
• Shortcuts are usually created automatically when you install a program for the first time, but can be done manually for any file or folder on your Windows 10 computer. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When using Windows 10, it can be very difficult to navigate through all your computer's folders, and annoying to have to search for a program every time you want to use it. This is when shortcuts can come in handy.

Shortcuts in Windows 10 allow you to go from one area of your computer, like your desktop, straight to what you need opened. When you install a program, it usually gives you the option to create a shortcut on your desktop and Start Menu for exactly this purpose.

You can manually create shortcuts for an application, which will launch that program as soon as you click it, or shortcuts that will bring you to a specific folder.

Here's how you make shortcuts in Windows 10.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to create a shortcut to a file or folder in Windows 10 in two ways

1. Navigate to the folder you want to make a shortcut to. In this example, we'll use the Steam games folder called "common," which can often be hard to get to. I'll then add a shortcut to it on my desktop.

2. Right-click the folder icon you want to make a shortcut of, and select "Create shortcut" from the right-click menu. This will create a "shortcut" file that can be placed anywhere — for example, on your desktop. All you need to do is drag it there.

3. Alternatively, you can right-click and hover your mouse over the "Send to" option. If you select "Desktop" from this menu, it will automatically create a shortcut for you, and place it on your desktop.

How to create a shortcut to an application in Windows 10

Applications work in much the same way, but require you to create a shortcut to the program's executable or .exe file. This is the file you'd usually click to open the program.

1. To find the program's executable file, either press the Windows logo on your keyboard or press the icon at the bottom left of your screen, and search for the name application you want to make a shortcut of. In this case, I'll use Steam.

2. Once the program appears in your search results, right-click the icon and select "Open file location."

3. This should open the file's folder, with the .exe file already highlighted. Right-click it and select "Create shortcut" to make a shortcut which can be placed anywhere. You can also send a shortcut automatically to the desktop, like you did for a folder.

4. Double-clicking the shortcut will open the application, no matter where the shortcut is placed.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to turn Narrator on or off on a Windows 10 computer, for an accessibility feature that reads text aloud

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

• How to invert or change the colors on your Windows computer, to make icons and links easier to see

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

SEE ALSO: The best keyboards you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

• You can change your Windows 10 computer's name to make it more recognizable on your network.
• Most computers bought from manufacturers have generic names, but it is possible to make your computer's name more personalized.
• Here's how to change your computer's name on Windows 10.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Like any other piece of technology today, your computer has a name. This is to make it more recognizable on your network, and make it easier for others who may want to connect with your device. 

Most computers bought from manufacturers have generic names like "user-pc" or random strings of numbers and letters, but it is possible to change your computer's name to make it more recognizable or personal to you. 

On older operating systems, doing so is a bit more complex and difficult, but the Windows 10 update has made it relatively easy. Here's how to change your computer's name in Windows 10.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to change your Windows 10 computer's name

1. Click on the menu option on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. The icon looks like the Windows logo.

2. Scroll down the menu until you find the option for "Settings" and click on it.

3. On the new menu, click the first option, "System," with a picture of a laptop on it.

4. Click "About" at the bottom of the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.

5. On the new menu, under "Device Specifications," click the button that reads "Rename this PC."

6. A box will pop up telling you the current name of the PC above an entry field. Type your desired PC name into the entry field, then click "Next." Note that you can only use letters, numbers, and hyphens — no spaces.

7. After you click "Next," a new box will pop up prompting you to restart your computer. You can either choose "Restart Now," or, if you have items that need to be saved or other business to finish on the computer, select "Restart Later." Note that the name change will not take effect until after a restart.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change the language on your Windows 10 device

• How to set a default printer in Windows 10 so that it's easier and quicker to print documents

• How to turn off the touch screen on certain Windows 10 devices, or turn it back on

• How to invert or change the colors on your Windows computer, to make icons and links easier to see

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

• Walmart is always eager to share competitive discounts on Black Friday. It usually opens store doors on Thanksgiving and releases its online Black Friday deals early. 
• Expect deals on brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, KitchenAid, Instant Pot, Cuisinart, Ninja, Breville, Xbox One, and Playstation 4 during Walmart's Black Friday 2019 sale. 
• To potentially save more on Black Friday deals this year, visit Business Insider Coupons to find the most up-to-date Walmart coupons and promo codes.

Black Friday may feel like it's still ages away, but for some retailers like Walmart, the big holiday sales event is just around the corner. 

Online and offline, Walmart is one of the most popular retailers to shop during Black Friday. This year, you can once again expect great deals on all the products you need for gifting and personal use. 

Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving?

Walmart will be open on Thanksgiving, with stores operating at regular hours. Check your local Walmart store's hours to see what time it opens on Thanksgiving. 

When does Walmart's Black Friday sale start? 

Last year, Walmart opened its doors at 6 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving (November 22), but online deals on products like LED TVs and laptops began showing up as early as November 8. The bulk of official Black Friday deals went live one day before Thanksgiving. 

This year, Black Friday officially falls on November 29, but Walmart's Black Friday deals will likely be available early again.

This week, it already launched its "Early Deals Drops," which you can shop below. We'll be showing you more of all the best deals here as we learn about them. 

What should you buy?

According to shopping experts, the best deals will be on the following products: TVs, smart home devices, gaming consoles, video games, and kitchen appliances. 

Here's where you can find the top brands in each of those categories on Walmart's website: 

• TV deals:Samsung, Sony, LG
• Smart home device deals:Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit
• Gaming console and video game deals:Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4
• Kitchen appliance deals:KitchenAid, Instant Pot, Cuisinart, Ninja, Breville

Walmart Black Friday deal predictions

Many of the same products go on sale every year, so you can use the following as a cheat sheet to Walmart's deals this year. Note: the information reflects last year's prices. 

• Samsung 65" 4K Smart LED TV, $748 (originally $1,300) [You saved $552]
• Google Home Mini, $25 (originally $49) [You saved $24] 
• Nest Thermostat, $179 (originally $249) [You saved $80]
• Xbox One X 1TB Console, $399 (originally $499) [You saved $100]
• Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones, $199 (originally $299) [You saved $100]
• Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi (64GB), $524 (originally $649) [You saved $125]
• Instant Pot 8-Qt. Pressure Cooker, $59 (originally $99) [You saved $40] 

Learn more about Black Friday deals and shopping tips: 

• The 5 best things to buy and 6 things you should skip on Black Friday
• When Black Friday deals start and end in 2019
• The best tech deals and sales to expect on Black Friday 2019
• Everything you need to know leading up to the biggest sales holiday of the year

Shop the best of Walmart's Early Deal Drops:

Early Black Friday laptop and tablet deals at Walmart

• Lenovo ideapad S145 15.6" Laptop, $199 (originally $149) [You save $50] 
• HP 14 Slim Ryzen 3 3200U, $269 (originally $380) [You save $111] 
• Apple iPad (6th Gen) 128GB Wi-Fi, $299 (originally $430) [You save $131] 

Early Black Friday headphone and speaker deals at Walmart

• Apple AirPods with Charging Case, $144 (originally $159) [You save $15] 
• Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones, $200 (originally $250) [You save $50] 
• Bose SoundSport In-Ear Android Headphones, $39 (originally $99) [You save $60] 
• JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $90 (originally $100) [You save $10] 

Early Black Friday kitchen deals at Walmart

• Farberware 3.2-Quart Digital Oil-Less Fryer, $39 (originally $69) [You save $30] 
• Ninja Foodi 8-Quart XL TenderCrisp Pressure Cooker, $189 (originally $279) [You save $90] 
• Ninja Coffee Bar System, $99 (originally $179) [You save $80] 
• KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $200 (originally $260) [You save $60] 
• The Pioneer Woman Vintage Speckle 24 Piece Cookware Combo Set, $99 (originally $160) [You save $61] 

Early Black Friday home deals at Walmart

• Shark Ion Robot Vacuum Cleaning System, $269 (originally $449) [You save $180] 
• Mainstays Traditional Loveseat Sleeper , $299 (originally $399) [You save $100] 

Early Black Friday smart home deals at Walmart

• Google Home Mini, $39 (originally $49) [You save $10] 

Early Black Friday video game deals at Walmart

• NBA 2K20, 2K, PlayStation 4, $39 (originally $60) [You save $21] 

• You can clear your cookies on your Windows 10 computer to free up space and remove the browser activity from your hard drive.
• Cookies are the saved files your browser makes as you visit websites to remember information and load quicker. 
• Deleting cookies removes them from your browser history and from your hard drive. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The personal ads you see have started getting a little too personal, and it's making you uncomfortable. 

You're worried about what someone might see over your shoulder if you type certain letters into your address bar and it autocompletes. 

Or maybe you just played too many games on your browser and the saves are bloating your hard drive.

Different browsers store their own cookies, so if you use multiple browsers you'll need to do this multiple times. Alternatively, you may only need to clear the cookies from one browser.

There are many reasons you might want to get rid of cookies. Here's how.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to clear cookies on your Windows 10 computer using Microsoft Edge

1. Microsoft Edge is the pre-installed browser that comes with Windows 10, and is Microsoft's updated version of what used to be Internet Explorer. You can open it by searching "Edge" in the start menu, pressing the Windows logo on your keyboard, or  clicking the blue "e" symbol at the bottom-left of your screen.

2. With Edge open, click on the three horizontal dots at the top-right of the screen. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

3. Select the "Privacy and security" tab. Then select "Choose what to clear."

4. This will lead to a series of checkboxes about what you want to clear. Cookies will be filled in by default, but you can clear as many or as few of these as you'd like. You can also set Edge to clear these by default.

5. Select "Clear" to erase the information you've selected.

The steps for other browsers are very similar.

How to clear cookies on your Windows 10 computer using Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Press the three vertical dots at the top-right corner of your window, and select "Settings."

3. Select "Advanced" from the menu on the left.

4. "Clear browsing data" will be at the bottom of the "Privacy and Security" section. Click it, and check off the boxes that are relevant to your needs.

How to clear cookies on your Windows 10 using Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.

2. Press the three horizontal bars at the top-right of the window, and select "Options."

3. Select "Privacy & Security" from the menu on the left, and then find "Clear Data" from this menu.

4. Check off the boxes that are relevant to your needs and then select "Clear."

There are many other browsers not listed here, like Opera, that also store cookies. Usually they will follow a very similar set of steps to those listed here. A general rule of thumb is to find your browser's security options and look through them.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

• How to get out of Safe Mode in Windows 10, so you can use your computer normally

• How to change the language on your Windows 10 device

• How to turn off the touch screen on certain Windows 10 devices, or turn it back on

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• You can stream on Xbox One by downloading the Twitch app in the Xbox Live Store. 
• Twitch is a free service that allows you to stream live content and gameplay to viewers around the world.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

You might have heard of Twitch before, but are you still wondering what exactly is it?

Twitch is an online platform that allows people from around the world to watch content live via the internet or an app, similar to how baseball fans might watch their favorite team on TV. This process is known as "streaming."

Many internet personalities have found attention and success by streaming gameplay of popular video games on Twitch— you might have heard of Twitch Plays Pokémon back in 2014. 

Follow this guide and you'll be able to stream to Twitch from your Xbox One just like your favorite streamers.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Xbox One S All-Digital Console (From $249.99 at Best Buy)

How to get Twitch on an Xbox One

Before you start streaming to Twitch, you'll need to download the Twitch app on your Xbox One.

1. From your Xbox One's Home screen, use the controller to navigate to the "Store" tab on the upper-right portion of the screen. Once there, navigate to the bar labeled "Search", then press the "A" button on your controller.

2. Use the controller to type in "Twitch" and after a moment, the Twitch app will appear on the screen. Select the Twitch app and press "A" on your controller.

3. Select "Get" and press A again. The Twitch app should begin installing automatically.

How to stream on an Xbox One using Twitch 

Once you've downloaded the Twitch app, you can begin streaming.

1. Select the game you want to stream and press the "A" button on your controller to launch the game.

2. Once you want to begin streaming, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Then, select the Twitch app and press "A" again to launch it.

3. On the Twitch app, navigate to the "BROADCAST" tab and press "A" on your controller. From there, select the "Enter a title…" field on the left side of the screen and press "A" again. Use the controller to type in a name for your broadcast.

4. Once you're ready to start streaming, navigate to the "START STREAMING" button and press "A" on your controller. Then, reopen the game you were playing before, and you'll begin streaming momentarily.

5. As you play, you can view some information about your stream on the bottom-right corner of your screen, including the amount of time you've been streaming and the number of viewers currently watching your stream. 

There are many different ways to stream content. Now that you've mastered the basics, try exploring the different options that are out there to see which methods you like best. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to record Xbox One gameplay in 2 different ways, for short clips or longer game footage

• How to gameshare on your Xbox One to share your Xbox Live account and game library with friends

• How to clear the cache on your Xbox One to make your system run faster

• How to appear offline on an Xbox One, and adjust who can see your online status

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• Daylight-saving time in the US ends on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 2 a.m.
• That morning, most phones and computers will automatically fall back one hour, and we'll gain an hour of sleep.
• The interruption can kill people: Incidents of heart attacks, strokes, and fatal car accidents all spike around the start of daylight-saving time each year.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Daylight-saving time is a killer.

The annual ritual in which we "gain" an hour of sleep each November by pushing the clocks backwards may seem like a harmless shift.

But each March, on the Monday after the springtime lurch forward, hospitals report a 24% spike in heart-attack visits around the US.

Just a coincidence? Probably not. Doctors see an opposite trend in the fall: The day after we turn back the clocks, heart attack visits drop 21% as many people enjoy a little extra pillow time.

"That's how fragile and susceptible your body is to even just one hour of lost sleep," sleep expert Matthew Walker, author of "How We Sleep," previously told Business Insider.

On Sunday, November 3, instead of the clock turning from 1:59 to 2:00 a.m., it will repeat the hour, ticking back to 1:00 a.m. again. (Shift-workers, worry not: federal law mandates you will still get paid for that extra hour of moonlit work.) That extra hour of rest may seem like good news this weekend, but over the long haul, the interrupted sleep schedules that result from shifting the clocks back and forth may be bad for our health.

For those of us who will be asleep in bed, researchers estimate that each spring we deprive ourselves of an extra 40 minutes of sleep because of the change. Our bodies may not fully recover from the shift for weeks, though the tragic heart attack trend only lasts about a day.

We're also prone to make more deadly mistakes on the roads: Researchers estimate that car crashes in the US caused by sleepy daylight-saving drivers likely cost 30 extra people their lives over the nine-year period from 2002-2011.

Walker said daylight-saving time, or DST, is a kind of "global experiment" we perform twice a year. And the results show just how sensitive our bodies are to the whims of changing schedules: In the fall the shift is a blessing; in the spring it's a fatal curse.

In addition to the heart-attack trend, which lasts about a day, researchers estimate that car crashes caused by drivers who were sleepy after clocks changed likely cost an 30 extra people in the US their lives over the nine-year period from 2002 to 2011.

"The brain, by way of attention lapses and micro-sleeps, is just as sensitive as the heart to very small perturbations of sleep," Walker explains in his book.

The problems don't stop there. DST also causes more reports of injuries at work, more strokes, and may lead to a temporary increase in suicides. Our bodies may not fully recover from the springtime bump for weeks.

Why we 'save' daylight for the later hours of the day

Daylight-saving time was originally concocted as a way to save energy in the evening, and was implemented during World War I in Germany. But more recent research suggests it's probably not saving us any megawatts of power at all. There is some evidence, however, that extra evening light can reduce crime and increase the time people spend exercising, at least in certain climates.

Worldwide, fewer than half of all countries participate in this biannual clock-changing ritual.

Not everyone in the US follows it either. Hawaii and Arizona ignore DST, since it makes less sense to shift the clocks when you live near the equator, where the sun rises and sets at roughly the same time every day.

Residents and lawmakers in California and Florida are also trying to ditch the switch. Voters in the Golden State opted to get rid of the annual clock change in the 2018 midterm elections, and Florida lawmakers enacted the "Sunshine Protection Act" aimed at doing the same thing last March.

Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Idaho have all angled to do the same recently, with proposed legislation. But the shift to a permanent daylight-saving-time plan isn't something states can decide for themselves: The measures require a green light from Congress to take effect, something both California and Florida have yet to receive.

So while you might enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, be mindful that the tradition inevitably costs some people their lives.

• Read more about daylight-saving time and sleep:
• Why we have daylight-saving time and why 7 states have gotten rid of it or are trying to
• You are probably not getting enough sleep, and it is killing you
• Daylight-saving time is one of humanity's dumbest rituals, and you should be furious it still happens
• Here's what sleeping less than 7 hours per night does to your body and brain

SEE ALSO: Daylight-saving time is dumb and we should get rid of it

Join the conversation about this story »

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• If your Samsung Galaxy S10 won't update properly, there are a few ways you can fix the issue and update your phone. 
• You should make sure you're installing the update on a reliable Wi-Fi network and then try restarting your Galaxy S10 to refresh device. 
• If the problem persists, you can try to install the update from Samsung's Smart Switch app or by wiping the cache partition on the phone.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When your Samsung Galaxy S10 is working properly – which, hopefully, is most of the time – it should automatically install system updates. 

Sometimes, though, a glitch on your phone prevents an update from installing.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Samsung Galaxy S10+ (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

SEE ALSO: The best Wear OS smartwatches you can buy

Why your Samsung Galaxy S10 won't update, and how to fix it

There are any number of possible reasons for this issue, but you can generally troubleshoot your Galaxy S10 and get the update installed without too much trouble. 

Try these methods to fix your Galaxy S10, and if none of them work, you may want to contact Samsung support to update your device.

Make sure you're using Wi-Fi

One of the first things you should do is ensure that your Galaxy S10 is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. 

Updates might not download over a cellular connection, and if your Wi-Fi is spotty (or if you're using public Wi-Fi) it might fail as well. Go home or to the office and try again with a stronger Wi-Fi connection. 

Restart your Galaxy S10

When your computer is misbehaving, the first thing a support technician will tell you is to turn it off and turn it back on again, because restarting a computer can clear out glitches and corrupted software. 

The same is true for your phone. Restart your Galaxy S10 and try to install the update with a freshly rebooted phone. To do that, follow the instructions in "How to 'soft' reset a Samsung Galaxy S10, or reset it to its factory settings" to perform a soft reset.

Install the update from Smart Switch

Smart Switch is a Samsung app that makes it easy to back up, restore, and transfer files on your Galaxy phone. It also can perform system updates. 

To try this, install Smart Switch on your Galaxy S10 from the Google Play store, and also install the desktop version on your PC or Mac. 

After it's installed, connect your Galaxy S10 to your computer and start Smart Switch. If there's an update available, you'll be able to install it with a click.

Wipe the cache partition

If nothing so far has worked, you can clear the cache partition to see if corrupted data is keeping the phone from performing an update.

1. Turn off your phone by pressing the Power button on the side and tapping "Power off," then tapping "power off" a second time. 

2. Press and hold the Volume Up and the Bixby keys, then press and hold the Power button. Hold all three buttons until you see the Android logo.

3. After the menu appears, use the Volume Down button to choose "Wipe cache partition" and then press the Power button to select it.

4. Use the Volume Down button to choose "Yes" and then select it with the Power button.

5. When the cache wipe is completed, press the Power button to select "Reboot system now."

After the phone restarts, try installing the update again. If it still does not work, you may want to contact Samsung technical support for additional help.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to find the serial number on your Samsung Galaxy S10, which you'll need if you ever have it serviced

• 'Can a Samsung Galaxy S10 get viruses?': Here's what you need to know, and how to troubleshoot an infected device

• How to remove the SIM card from your Samsung Galaxy S10 to replace it or perform troubleshooting

• 'Why won't my Samsung Galaxy S10 charge?': 7 ways to fix your Galaxy S10 if it isn't charging properly

• You can move apps on a Samsung Galaxy S10 by tapping and holding the icon until it starts to wiggle.
• When it starts to wiggle, if you move the icon you can reposition it on the current page. If you continue to hold it, it'll make a copy on the Home screen.   
• Moving apps on your Galaxy S10 is a great way to customize your homescreen and Apps screen, so your most used apps are right where you need them.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your Samsung Galaxy S10 won't feel like "home" until you've rearranged the app icons to suit your needs and preferences. 

After all, why settle for the default arrangement when you can easily put your favorite apps on the homescreen, and organize the Apps screen just the way you like? 

You can move apps on your Galaxy S10 with a simple gesture. Here's how.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to move apps on a Samsung Galaxy S10

Moving, arranging, and managing app icons all starts with a single gesture: Tap and hold the app for about a second. But what you do next depends on how you want to interact with the app.

Place an app on the homescreen

Tap and hold an app on the Apps screen. If you keep your finger on the icon, after a moment it'll appear on the homescreen for fast and easy access. 

The app hasn't really "moved" — a copy of the app is now on the Home screen, but you can still find the app where it used to be on the Apps screen as well. 

If you do this to an app that's already on the homescreen, it'll simply open the app icon menu.

Move an app on the App or Home screen 

Tap and hold an app, but the moment that it starts to wiggle, move it by dragging your finger away. You can position the app icon anywhere on the page. 

If you drop it on top of another icon, you'll create a folder that contains both icons. You can then drag and drop additional apps into that folder as well.

See the app icon menu 

Tap and hold an app, but the moment it starts to wiggle, release it. You'll see a pop-up menu appear, with options to add it to the homescreen, uninstall the app (if it can be uninstalled), and more. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to use the flashlight on your Samsung Galaxy S10, and rearrange your icons to make it easier to find

• How to add an email account to your Samsung Galaxy S10, and check all of your email in one integrated inbox

• How to keep your Samsung Galaxy S10's screen on all the time, or whenever you're looking at it

• How to properly clean a Samsung Galaxy S10 without damaging your device

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Join the conversation about this story »

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• Influencers have turned into household names in recent years, and the industry is now worth up to an estimated $8 billion.
• However, people still struggle to understand what the non-traditional career consists of, so I followed an influencer around New York City for a day to offer people a better idea.
• In a day with style influencer Courtney Seamon— one of the two women behind Mimosas & Manhattan— I attended events for bedding and shoes, gained insight into how she makes a living, and learned what she does in her day-to-day life as a full-time influencer. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When your entire career is based off of content on Instagram and social media, it's difficult for others to realize the full story that goes behind that one picture.

The wild world of influencers is still a relatively new industry that people struggle to understand, but that hasn't stopped it from growing into something worth an estimated $8 billion this year. While it's not a typical 9-to-5 job, being an influencer is more than just posting a photo and watching the money roll in, says Courtney Seamon, a full-time influencer who runs the blog Mimosas & Manhattan and its associated Instagram account alongside her cousin.

It's why I decided to shadow Seamon for a day in her life. Like many entrepreneurs, Seamon is in charge of communicating with brands, organizing event appearances, and managing her own expense reports. We attended brand events and networked with public relations representatives, and recorded Instagram Stories and walked around New York City. 

Here's what it was like. 

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This is Courtney Seamon, a 26-year-old who runs the Instagram account CourtandKelly alongside her cousin. Although their following of 62,000 puts them solidly in the category of "microinfluencers," Seamon runs the account and their blog, called Mimosas & Manhattan, as a full-time job.

Seamon originally comes from a small town in Indiana, but found herself in New York in the summer of 2013 working as an unpaid intern alongside her cousin, Kelly McFarland. On a whim, they bought the domain mimosasmanhattan.com and created a matching Instagram account to document all the various brunch places they went to that summer.

"Blogging was a thing. Instagram was just starting to make a splash," Seamon told me. "We were also 20 years old. We had to find places that didn't ID."

The Mimosas & Manhattan venture was short-lived at the beginning, as both had to return to their colleges. But after Seamon graduated in 2015 and moved back to New York for work, they started to gain traction. Seamon still remembers how they made their first dollar in January 2016, with a following of 15,000: a lip gloss campaign that netted them $150 in exchange for one blog post and two Instagram photos.

It wasn't until September 2018 that Seamon figured out she could afford quit her job at Macy's and become an influencer full-time. That same year, McFarland got offered a job to move out to Los Angeles, and the duo rebranded their Instagram account to CourtandKelly to reflect their bi-coastal presence.

"We started at 0 followers. We weren't reality stars," Seamon said. "We've had to work our a---- off to get to this position ... You have to have those humble beginnings."

First up in Seamon's day is a breakfast at La Mercerie, a trendy restaurant in the just-as-trendy New York neighborhood of SoHo. The restaurant was flooded with light and is completely photo-ready, just like the influencers and magazine editors seated around us. In my normal work outfit of jeans and a t-shirt, I felt completely out of place.

The event is hosted by Bed Bath & Beyond, a company Seamon says she has worked with before and that often works with influencers. That history of working with influencers is something that Seamon looks for in brands that reach out to her, explaining that there are many retailers and companies who don't quite understand the influencer industry and business model.

Seamon recognized a few of the women seated around us from past events and past interactions, pointing out a former "Bachelor" contestant and the two women behind the popular fitness Instagram, Sweats & the City.

We were seated at a long table filled with pastries, jams, and fruit, and were immediately offered a selection of espresso-based drinks and fresh juices. The breakfast selection was nothing short of a multi-course meal — something way different than the oatmeal Seamon said she usually eats for breakfast.

While I may usually feel the need to sneak a photo of something like a menu at a restaurant, I was far from the only one snapping away at this breakfast. The photogenic influencers around me were carefully adjusting their place settings and thrusting their phones high in the air to capture the best bird's-eye image, posing with their drinks for photos across the table, and taking careful panorama videos of the scene — many, surely, to be posted in Instagram Stories.

Bed Bath & Beyond was hosting the breakfast to show off its sleep products, and had brought in its chief brand officer for a nearly half-hour presentation. Each attendee was given a trendy sleep mask reading "Wake up happy," and given a form to fill out to get a full set of sheets and blankets to be sent to them in the mail.

The event yielded a copious of free products for attendees, especially considering Seamon is under no obligation to post anything online in exchange for the invite. Seamon said she gets invited to lots of events around New York, and decides which ones to actually go to by thinking about how it could positively impact her business. 

Like any professional, not every move Seamon takes is for an immediate payoff. Some events are for showing face and making connections, and others are to work on longer-term campaigns and partnerships in the future.

"You have to think of everything as a business move," Seamon said. "You have to ask yourself, 'Is it going to pay off in the long run?'"

When we got the main dish of our breakfast, it was, as expected, picture-perfect.

The dishes were served during the presentation, and the clank of silverware and clicks of cameras snapping shots of the $22 crepe were clearly audible.

The rest of the event was spent mingling with other attendees, and guests were given the opportunity to ask questions about Bed Bath & Beyond's products. Seamon actually went around to each set-up to read up on the products, more than many of the other attendees.

Seamon seemed cognizant about going around and talking with nearly everyone at the event. She didn't shy away from sharing details about her life as she recounted stories and struck up conversation.

Seamon is responsible for promoting her brand, which is really just selling herself and her personality. Because of that, Seamon is open about who she is, both with me and her followers. While her blog posts revolve around fashion, style, and beauty, Seamon said some of the most popular posts are ones where she talks about mental health and the "bad days."

"Consumers understand when they're being fed s---," Seamon says. "They like that you're honest and when you're real."

After leaving the Bed Bath & Beyond event, we headed over to a nearby pop-up store for shoe designer Sarah Flint. Expectedly, the store was adorned in stylish patterns and flowers, an aesthetic meant to draw in passersby.

Sarah Flint is a relatively small online-only shoe designer, but the brand's claim to fame is being the regularly cited favorite shoe brand of Meghan Markle. The pop-up store in New York is the brand's first brick-and-mortar location, and an employee told me it's designed based off of Sarah Flint's "dream board."

At the store, Seamon met up for a one-on-one consultation to try on some of the shoes, with the prior understanding she was getting a free pair of shoes out of the event.

Seamon snapped photos of her shoes and other activities throughout the day, which she usually saves to post to her Instagram Stories later in the day after having a chance to edit them.

When in a profession where aesthetic is everything, photos aren't posted without being carefully edited. Seamon's editing software of choice is Tezza, an app created by a fellow Instagram influencer. She pulled up the app on her phone in the Uber after the pop-up store to post her photos from this morning's activities.

Seamon is unique in that she actually shares her daily schedule with her followers each morning on her Instagram Story. Seamon says doing this offers transparency in her day-to-day life, something that many influencers don't share and most people don't understand.

We then took an Uber — free, thanks to a comped code from one of the morning events — over to Madison Square Park to meet up with her boyfriend, who she was having take pictures of her outfit during his lunch break. She had him meet us in front of a massive tree she had had her eye on for a while because its leaves are already changing colors for fall.

Seamon pulled out a DSLR camera from her bag and handed it to her boyfriend, who snapped photos from various angles and with different backdrops. He was obviously a pro, and confirmed to me that he had done this before for Seamon.

Hiring a professional photographer for her daily Instagram posts is out of the question for Seamon — she says that photographers in the influencer space can charge $175 to $200 an hour.

Instead, Seamon usually leaves the photo-taking to her friend and fellow Instagram influencer Lex Dieck. They met after getting seated next to each other at an influencer brunch event, and often travel around the city together to capture photos and help each other out.

"Influencers are like coworkers to me, because I don't have any," Seamon says. "There's none of those mean-girl situations. I do feel like I'm genuine friends with the girls."

Like any good Instagram boyfriend, Kyle knew the angles at which to capture the pictures that Seamon likes to post. The two spent around 20 minutes discussing placement, snapping photos, and checking that they got a shot good enough for Seamon's Instagram.

Seamon and her boyfriend, Kyle Moore, have been dating for four years now. Moore works at a sports betting startup near Madison Square Park and is currently experimenting with intermittent fasting, a trendy diet popular in Silicon Valley and startup culture.

Seamon's openness about her personal life continues to her relationship with her boyfriend. The two of them have a podcast where they bring on guests to discuss sex and relationships. They record the podcast right in the middle of the living room in their shared apartment, and Seamon said they spent close to $800 on podcasting equipment.

While the podcast is a fun thing that the couple can do together, Seamon also said it opens up her work to "another avenue of revenue" beyond Instagram, which she says is "super saturated" with influencers already.

"The Instagram bubble won't be around forever," Seamon says. "If Instagram blows up tomorrow, it'll be hard to market yourself for a new job."

We next headed over to Seamon's midtown Manhattan apartment, where she said she spends the majority of her time. Like anyone who runs their own business — Mimosas & Manhattan has been turned into a registered LLC — Seamon has to take care of her own email, expense reports, invoices, and business deals for sponsorships and partnerships.

Seamon said that McFarland, her cousin and partner behind Mimosas & Manhattan, comes from a public relations background that proved vital when the two first started growing their presence as influencers. The two of them had to learn as they went to run their account like a business, which includes negotiating brand deals, pitching companies, tracking analytics, and writing up reports and invoices properly for taxes.

"There is no guidebook to do what we're doing," Seamon said. "There's no major on how to do it. We had to figure it out as we go."

Home is also where Seamon will post her blog posts and sponsored photos for Instagram. For @courtandkelly, they charge usually anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for an ad-sponsored Instagram post. To keep their feed feeling "authentic," Seamon aims to flood their Instagram with only about 20% sponsored posts, while the other 80% is "organic content" from their lives.

Fashion makes up the majority of what Mimosas & Manhattan posts on their blog and Instagram, and that's evident by Seamon's apartment. Her bedroom has two closets filled with her clothing, while her boyfriend's items are banished to the hallway closet.

One of Seamon's biggest pet peeves is the mistaken assumption the breadwinner is her boyfriend, and that he's the reason they can afford her lifestyle and their nice apartment. Looking around her apartment, nearly half of the furniture was "gifted" thanks to Seamon's work: Allswell gave her the mattress and bedding; the couch was a result of a partnership; the rug and artwork were in exchange for blog and Instagram posts.

"I have to be extremely open about my financials to make my friends take me seriously," Seamon says. "I've never asked my friend at Ernst & Young how much she makes. Nobody's coming from a mean place, people just don't understand."

Seamon declined to disclose exactly how much she makes, but said she makes more now than she did at her previous job as an associate product manager at Macy's — which, according to Glassdoor, makes an average of $70,000 a year.

Before we left her apartment, Seamon laid out outfits for a video she was filming the next day for a blog post. Despite being so fashion-oriented, Seamon rarely buys clothes, and usually buys vintage and secondhand clothing when she does. She said she knows that her followers aren't spending thousands on clothes, and she wants her looks to resonate with them.

Her upcoming video is meant to show followers how to transition your closet from fall outfits to warmer winter wear. With five to six outfits selected, Seamon estimated it can take a few hours to produce a one-minute long video in the end, between set-up, makeup, multiple takes, and editing.

After Seamon changed into outfit No. 2, we then headed over to a trendy nail salon called Paintbox where Seamon was meeting two PR representatives who she had previously worked with on brand campaigns. We were immediately offered champagne flutes and lookbooks of intricate nail design options, with names like Post Malone and Tonya Harding.

As everywhere else we had been that day, the nail salon oozed an aesthetic of modern and trendy. Paintbox looked more like a hip clothing store than a nail salon, and it got increasingly crowded as young people headed in after work hours.

This wasn't Seamon's first time at Paintbox — she was here for nail studio's event to celebrate the launch of its newest line of nail polish.

Talking over manicures was not a traditional meeting setup for me, and Seamon said it's not normal for her either — she'll usually meet over drinks or lunch with brand representatives. Over the course of the nail appointment, Seamon and the PR reps chatted mostly about their personal lives, as well as upcoming ad campaigns Seamon would fit well into.

Despite the style-oriented Instagram presence, Mimosas & Manhattan does partnerships that extend way beyond clothing and fashion. Given the blog's name, it's not surprising that their biggest campaigns come from alcohol brands like Bacardi and Angry Orchard. They've also worked with brands like McDonald's, Equinox, and Head & Shoulders, for which they filmed social media ads in their biggest campaign to date.

This past weekend, Seamon and her boyfriend took a trip to the Catskills in a Jeep, thanks a partnership with the car company. They've also taken free trips to Bermuda and Jamaica, and are soon heading to Puerto Rico.

Seamon and the two PR reps each got gel manicures, which go for $60 to $75 at Paintbox. Fittingly, the manicurist asked to take a picture of Seamon's nails for the Painbox Instagram.

We then headed over to the nearby Crosby Hotel, where beauty and fashion brand Jill Stuart was holding an event for influencers. The event space was, as expected, beautiful and colorful, with a stocked open bar, hors d'oeuvre brought around on silver platters, and stylists offering free makeovers (Seamon declined and said it would be wasted on her because she was just heading home).

We stuck around the event long enough to grab a drink and few bites to eat, as well as some videos and pictures of the makeup that Seamon planned to post later on her Instagram Story. Seamon said that this is the type of event she would usually skip, since there was no event with company reps or little benefit to her brand.

Seamon and I left the event and parted ways around 6 p.m. I finished the day with lots of quotes, lots of photos, and even a cameo on the @courtandkelly Instagram Story.

Seamon told me she hoped this story will help others take her job more seriously, since she still finds herself and other influencers having to prove themselves on a daily bases.

"Nobody gets what we do," Seamon said. "They just see the pictures. But people don't know all the work that went into it."

• It's easy for a dog to get fleas, so you'll want to protect your pup with the best flea treatment and prevention products.
• When it comes to flea control products, the options are nearly limitless, and there are many different types to consider.
• Of all the flea treatment pills, sprays, shampoos, and collars out there, Frontline Plusis the best. It's easy to apply and offers a full 30 days of protection to kill both fleas and ticks.
• Before starting your dog on any flea treatment or prevention, it's always best to consult your veterinarian.

You have probably heard the saying that where there is one flea, there are likely hundreds or thousands more. It doesn't take long for a few fleas to multiply into a major and fast-spreading infestation. Though fleas may not be quite as dangerous as ticks when it comes to transmitting diseases, your dog could still develop an allergic reaction to flea bites and an infestation could cause significant itching, irritation, and even hair loss. Luckily, there are many flea control and protection products on the market that are specifically designed to protect your dog against these pesky pests.

When it comes to flea control products, the options are nearly limitless, and there are many different types to consider. Fortunately for you, we've done the hard work in scouring the reviews to bring you our top picks for the five best flea control products for dogs. For other products to keep your dog's coat and skin healthy, check out our guides to the best regular shampoo and medicated shampoo you can buy for your dog.

Here are the best flea treatment and prevention products for dogs:

• Best flea control product overall: Frontline Plus
• Best flea shampoo for dogs: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
• Best flea spray for dogs: Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray
• Best flea collar for dogs: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
• Best flea pills for dogs: Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets

Updated on 11/01/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, text, and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

The best flea control product overall

Frontline Plus is effective at killing both fleas and ticks in all life stages and it's very easy to use.

While there are many different forms of flea control for dogs, topical flea treatments tend to be the most fast-acting and long-lasting products on the market. These treatments typically come in liquid form and need to be applied directly to the dog's skin once a month for maximum protection. Our top pick for the best flea control product for dogs is Frontline Plus because it kills both fleas and ticks in all life stages and protects against re-infestation for a full 30 days.

Frontline Plus is made with two powerful active ingredients – fipronil and s-methoprene – which work together to kill fleas and ticks in all life stages, including eggs and larvae. This product comes in several formulas for dogs of different sizes and it offers continuous protection for 30 days. Available in an easy-to-use, waterproof formula, Frontline Plus is one of the most comprehensive and effective topical flea control products on the market.

Entirely Pets names Frontline Plus one of the top ten flea treatments overall, noting that the formula's dual active ingredients provide comprehensive protection against fleas in all life stages. DogFood notes that Frontline Plus is the top-selling and top veterinarian-recommended flea product on the market, plus it is highly effective against all species of ticks.

Though Frontline Plus may be a little more expensive than other topical flea preventives on the market, it is generally considered to be one of the safest options and it is by far one of the most effective. An in-depth review from Top Dog Tips confirms all of these points.

Pros: Dual active ingredients for maximum efficacy, kills both fleas and ticks in all life stages, provides a full 30 days of protection, waterproof, easy-to-use 3-step application process, available in multiple formulas for dogs of different sizes, safe for pregnant and nursing dogs

Cons: More expensive than other topical preventives, not recommended for dogs and puppies under 5 pounds or less than 8 weeks of age, bathing within 24 hours of application may wash away some of the product, may not prevent ticks from attaching (but will still kill them)

Buy a six pack of Frontline Plus on Amazon for $57.75

The best flea shampoo for dogs

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor kills fleas in all life stages and offers a full 28 days of protection.

If you have already found fleas on your dog, you may want to give him a nice bath with a flea shampoo. Flea shampoos are a type of medicated shampoo that can help to kill fleas and cleanse your dog's coat. Keep in mind that some flea shampoos only kill adult fleas while others kill eggs and larvae as well. Our top pick for a dog flea shampoo that kills fleas in all life stages and provides a full 28 days of flea prevention is Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor.

Flea shampoos are made with various active ingredients but the two main types are pyrethroids and pyrethins. Both are powerful insecticides, but pyrethrins are natural while pyrethroids are synthetic. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor contains natural pyrethrins to kill fleas, ticks, eggs, larvae, and lice upon contact. Meanwhile, Precor, an insect growth regulator, prevents eggs from developing into biting adults. This formula also contains natural ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, and coconut extract to soothe your dog's dry and irritated skin.

Totally Goldens names this flea shampoo its top pick, noting that while it may have a somewhat unpleasant odor, it lathers easily and works to remove dandruff and scales while also cleansing and softening your dog's coat. This product receives an A+ rating from Peanut Paws, and Ready Set Dogs praises the shampoo for killing fleas in all life stages for long-lasting protection.

Pros: Made with natural pyrethrins as the active ingredient, kills fleas in all life stages, protects against ticks and lice, contains an insect growth regulator for 28 days of flea prevention, contains soothing natural ingredients, removes dandruff and scales while cleansing coat, safe for puppies and adults

Cons: May not be recommended for puppies under 8 weeks of age, has a somewhat strong odor, must be worked into a thick lather for best penetration

Buy Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor on Amazon for $9.79

The best flea spray for dogs

Why you'll love it: The Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray provides all-over protection against adult fleas, flea eggs, and ticks in a non-staining, pleasant-smelling formula.

If you're looking for an all-in-one solution for adult fleas and their eggs, a flea spray might be the best option. Not only can you use a flea spray on your dog, but you can also use it on his bedding and other household surfaces. Many flea sprays offer limited efficacy or they are made with dangerous chemicals. Our top pick for a safe and effective flea spray for dogs is the Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray.

While many flea sprays are made with toxic chemicals, Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray contains natural key ingredients like peppermint oil and clove extract. In a non-staining formula, this spray kills both adult fleas and their eggs, plus it protects against ticks and repels mosquitoes. Simply spray the formula directly onto your dog's coat until damp, and then massage it in until it reaches the skin. Repeat as necessary.

Named the number one flea and tick spray for dogs by Heavy, Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray kills fleas and their eggs and kills ticks on contact. It also repels mosquitos to some degree. Top Dog Tips notes that this spray is safer than most flea treatments and that it can also be used to treat carpets, furniture, and bedding. It is also much more affordable than many flea preventives on the market.

Pros: Made with natural active ingredients, safe for use around pets and children, non-staining formula, easy to apply, can be used outdoors and on home surfaces, kills adult fleas and eggs and ticks, repels mosquitos, manufactured in the USA, pleasant scent

Cons: Not recommended for puppies under 12 weeks of age, needs to be massaged into the coat for maximum efficacy, may cause irritation or allergic reaction in humans with prolonged contact, may induce sensitivity in some dogs, not recommended for cats

Buy Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray on Amazon for $10.49

The best flea collar for dogs

The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar from Bayer offers eight months of protection against both fleas and ticks without the hassle of monthly application.

If you're looking for long-lasting protection against fleas that you don't have to reapply month after month, a flea collar might be the best option for your dog. Though there are many flea collars on the market, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar from Bayer is far and away the best option. 

The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar offers a full eight months of protection from both fleas and ticks. Made from a unique polymer matrix with two powerful active ingredients, this odorless flea collar kills fleas and ticks on contact — they don't have to bite your dog for it to work. This collar is non-greasy and easy to use, plus it has a two-way release safety feature in case your dog gets it caught on something. It is also water-resistant so it can be worn through monthly bathing and occasional swimming.

Whereas most flea collars deposit low-dose insecticides into your dog's skin to poison fleas as they bite, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar utilizes a unique delivery system that distributes the active ingredients in low concentrations over your dog's hair and skin. As the active ingredients wear off, the collar continuously replenishes them for hassle-free, long-lasting protection. No other flea collar works in quite the same way or offers the same degree of protection.

A review from HerePup names the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar the best flea and tick collar for small dogs and Top Dog Tips gives it the highest A+ rating. Heavy names this collar among its top five picks for flea prevention in general, commenting that it is very similar in price to a six-month course of topical flea preventive but offers an extra two months of protection. No other flea collar receives such consistently high ratings or as many positive user reviews.

Pros: Offers a full eight months of protection from both fleas and ticks, insects do not have to bite for the collar to work, odorless and non-greasy, two-way release safety feature, comfortable and easy to wear, water-resistant for monthly bathing and occasional swimming

Cons: Not recommended for puppies under seven weeks of age, not recommended for dogs under 18 pounds, should not be combined with other forms of flea prevention, effective duration may lower to five months if worn frequently during swimming

Buy the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar on Amazon for $56.99 and up

The best flea pills for dogs

To stop an existing flea infestation in its tracks, Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets are our top choice for oral flea medications. 

If you don't like the idea of using a topical flea preventive and you aren't sure your dog will tolerate a flea collar, there is still another option — oral medications or flea pills. Flea pills can kill adult fleas in as little as 30 minutes, making them a great solution for dogs with flea allergies. Our top pick for oral flea medications is Novartis Capstar Tablets. Available in two formulas for dogs under and over 25 pounds, these flea pills are fast-acting and highly effective.

Safe for use as a daily treatment, Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets start killing adult fleas within 30 minutes and will kill more than 90% of adult fleas within four hours. These tablets contain the active ingredient nitenpyram, an insecticide that interferes with nerve transmission in fleas but has no adverse effect on dogs or cats. This treatment is available without a prescription and is approved for dogs over 2 pounds in body weight and over 4 weeks of age.

Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets are frequently compared to Comfortis Flea Tablets, a prescription flea medication. Both medications begin killing adult fleas in as little as 30 minutes but Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets do not require a prescription for purchase. A review from Consumer Search also notes that Comfortis Flea Tablets are much more likely to cause negative side effects.

Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets do not offer month-long protection like their competition, but they can be given in repeated daily doses to manage severe infestations.

Top Dog Tips names these tablets its top pick for oral flea medications, noting that they are safe for use on a daily basis and that they are the most effective when combined with thorough household cleaning to remove eggs and larvae.

Pros: Kills existing adult fleas in as little as 30 minutes, does not require a prescription to purchase, available in two formulas for dogs of different sizes, can be given as a daily dose as needed, safe for pregnant and lactating dogs, can also be used for cats

Cons: Dogs over 25 pounds may need a higher dose, may not kill flea eggs or larvae, not recommended for puppies under 4 weeks of age or under 2 pounds, may require repeated treatment for optimal results, may cause negative reactions or side effects in some dogs

Buy Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets on Amazon for $28.99

For more of the best dog products, check out our other great buying guides

• Windsor Castle's Inner Hall is finally open to the public. 
• The Inner Hall was originally built by King George IV in the 1820s as a place to greet guests, but was closed by Queen Victoria in 1866 after she requested that a smaller State Entrance Hall be built, the BBC reports.
• However, a new hall was never built. Instead, the Inner Hall remained idle, soon taking up use as a storeroom. 
• Now, over 150 years later, the hall has been fully restored and officially reopened. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

After over 150 years, the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle has finally reopened to the public. 

According to the BBC, Inner Hall was originally built in the 1820s by King George IV. He used it as a State Entrance Hall, a place where to greet his guests. 

But it was Queen Victoria, who, in 1866, closed the Inner Hall, hoping to build a smaller State Entrance. Ultimately, her intention never came to fruition. Instead the Inner Hall remained closed and was used as a storage room throughout the following decades. 

Now, the Royal Collection Trust has announced that the Inner Hall has reopened. The project is part of the Future Programme, a series by the Trust to "enhance the visitor experience at Windsor Castle," per a press statement released by the Royal Collection Trust. 

The Inner Hall is in a part of Windsor Castle that dates back to the 14th century, when King Edward III transformed the castle from a military fortress into a Gothic palace. Since then, it has been in use as one of many British royal residences.

Here's what the Inner Hall looks like today.

SEE ALSO: One of Napoleon's heirs just married an Austrian countess, who is descended from Napoleon's second wife. Check out the lavish reception in the medieval palace where the French emperor himself once lived.

DON'T MISS: Princess Diana's former butler says seeing Meghan Markle battle with British tabloids is like 'witnessing history again'

Windsor Castle has been in use for over 900 years. It was first established as a royal residence in 1110 by King Henry I.

Source: Royal UK, Royal Collection Trust 

The Inner Hall is in a part of the castle which dates back to the mid-14th century, when King Edward III had turned Windsor into a palace. Here's what it looks like today, post-renovations:

Source: Royal Collection Trust 

In the 1820s, King George IV used the Inner Halls as a State Entrance to welcome his guests.

Source: Royal Collection Trust 

In 1866, Queen Victoria closed the Inner Hall, hoping to build a smaller State Entrance. But her intention never came to fruition, and the existing hall remained idle for 150 years.

Source: Royal Collection Trust 

The Inner Hall can be seen as visitors take the near-three mile walk, which was created by Charles II in the 1680s. The Royal Collection Trust also announced that a new path will be opened to the hall, allowing the public to see it for the first time since it was closed over a century ago.

Source: Royal Collection Trust 

In another press statement, the Royal Collection Trust also announced that they will open up Windsor's first permanent cafe next year, further enhancing the overall visitor experience at the castle.

Source: Royal Collection Trust 

• Verishop is a new e-commerce site that sells a curated selection of women's and men's fashion, home goods, and beauty products. 
• Convenience and customer experience are central to shopping at Verishop. It offers free one-day shipping (with no minimum) across most of the site, as well as free returns and 24/7 customer service. 
• Verishop also doesn't allow third-party sellers, in order to establish higher degrees of customer trust. 

There's a new online shopping site in town, and it's ready to take on Amazon. 

Verishop is an e-commerce site with all the convenience and customer service that Amazon is known for, plus the trusted shopping experience, curated brands, and discovery opportunities that Amazon can lack and is often criticized for. 

Under an executive team that includes the former chief strategy officer at Snap, Inc., vice president of engineering at Dollar Shave Club, and vice president of retail at Amazon subsidiary Quidsi is further proof of a company that not only has experience in retail, but wants to take retail to the next level. Verishop's other founders and employees are former buyers at places like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, which are known for selling quality brands, but might now be considered part of the "old guard" of retail. 

Verishop breaks past this guard and fills in the gaps, addressing the sweet spot where millennials want to 1) find and shop smaller, innovative brands in one place and 2) receive their purchases in a smooth, quick fashion. 

Brand curation is a major way Verishop wants to differentiate itself from other shopping sites that also prioritize convenience. Along with brands like Rebecca Minkoff and Levi's, it carries up-and-coming names, particularly in the digitally native space, like bedding startup Boll & Branch and kitchenware startup Potluck. Across the site, Verishop sells women's and men's fashion, home goods (kitchen, decor, bed, bath), and beauty products (including grooming and wellness spaces).

Knowing that its target customer is interested in influencer recommendations and sustainable or natural products, Verishop features two special sections to address these niche interests. In its Tastemakers shop, you can see picks from fashion and beauty bloggers, interior designers, chefs, and more. Meanwhile, The Responsible Store focuses on natural beauty from brands like Kora Organics and sustainable fashion from brands like Citizens of Humanity. 

All the products sold on Verishop are hand picked, and third-party sellers aren't allowed on the site, giving the company a greater degree of quality control and customers the peace of mind that they will always receive the exact product they're expecting to. 

Verishop's shipping policy is also very enticing. Shoppers get free one-day shipping, with no minimum order value required, on most orders made in the US (excluding Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico). The only exception to this rule are hazmat items like hairspray or nail polish, which can take longer to ship due to inspection regulations. 

Other aspects of shopping at Verishop you should know about include a 30-day free return and exchange policy, competitor price matching within 30 days of purchase, and 24/7 customer service via call or text. 

All in all, Verishop is a great new place to check out for a seamless shopping experience from start to finish — from the strong selection of curated, high-quality brands to the quick and trusted shipping expectations. 

We explored the site and picked out our own favorites across the fashion, home, and beauty categories. Find our top 10 picks from Verishop below. 

Shop all fashion, home, and beauty at Verishop

Leggings made from recycled plastic

Girlfriend Collective Compressive High Rise 7/8 Leggings, $68

The stretchy, supportive leggings are both comfortable and eco-friendly. Read our review here.

An under-$100 Dutch oven

Milo Classic Dutch Oven (5.5-quart), $95

A hardworking Dutch oven is an essential piece of cookware to own. Milo's Dutch oven gives you the performance and premium construction of legacy brands at a fraction of the cost. Read our review here.

Sheets made from an eco-friendly material

Ettitude Organic Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set, $168-$198

Once you've experienced the comfort of bamboo lyocell, you won't be able to go back to any other fabric. It feels silky soft, and it's breathable and thermoregulating so you'll stay cool in bed regardless of the season. Read more about Ettitude here.

A set of kitchen tools and utensils that will actually last

Potluck Utensil Set, $80

It's time to replace your utensil drawer with these professional-quality basics. The 12-piece set includes mixing bowls, spatulas, measuring spoons, and other small tools. Read our review here. 

A more convenient form of eyeshadow

Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow, $28

This water-based eyeshadow spreads evenly and smoothly over your eyelids to leave behind highly pigmented, crease-resistant color. It comes in eight shimmery colors. 

Natural deodorant with a bright and fresh scent

Wildist Tangellow Deodorant, $16

For fresh-smelling armpits without the chemicals, pick up a stick of Wildist's deodorant. The safe formulation and fresh scent, not to mention the nice packaging, make it a bathroom product worth displaying on the counter. Read our review here.

A pair of supportive and stylish socks

Far Afield Multi-Color Block Crew Socks, $35

Far Afield is a 3-year-old brand dedicated to using ethical suppliers to make its menswear. In addition to soft cotton-blend socks, you can shop shirts and outerwear from the company. 

Apple cider vinegar capsules

Tonik Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules (120-count), $30

Consuming apple cider vinegar may help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar. Tonik's comes in the form of a portable gel capsule. 

Hair spray that makes you look like you just left the beach

Playa Endless Summer Spray, $24

Summer might be over, but you can still get the look of effortless, beachy waves with this spray containing southern-California sea salt. 

A versatile denim jumpsuit

DL1961 Hepburn Jumpsuit, $229

The focus at DL1961's denim is not only on style and fit. Sustainability is core to its business: The manufacturing process takes half the amount of dye, water, and energy of traditional processes. 

Shop all fashion, home, and beauty at Verishop

• Allbirds just debuted a new, limited-edition color for its classic Wool Runners. 
• The Wisteria Wool Runner ($95) was inspired by one of Allbirds' most liked photos on Instagram. 
• Starting today, November 1, this pretty purple will be available for a limited time. If you love the color as much as we do, we recommend putting your order in as soon as possible.

Great brands are customer-obsessed. They engage with their customers on social media, listen to their feedback, and sometimes even use their ideas to develop new products. Constantly releasing new styles and colorways to keep its fans on their toes, Allbirds is clearly a brand that values what its shoppers have to say. The latest Allbirds launch, the Wisteria Wool Runner, is a prime example of this.

After a flood of DMs, comments begging for the colorway, and a ton of traction on a picture of a flowering purple tree, Allbirds got the hint that its customers wanted something purple. So it made it. Enter: The Wisteria Wool Runner. 

This limited-edition of the "world's most comfortable shoe" has everything you love about the classic version, but in a bright purple color that stands out. The purple knit, laces, and details are balanced out by a simple cream sole. This fun colorway is the perfect pop of color to introduce to your otherwise neutral fall wardrobe. 

Based on all the purple hype that ensued before these shoes were even released, we have a feeling these won't last long. So, we suggest you head over to Allbirds now to get your own pair of Wisteria Wool Runners before they're gone. 

Get the Men's Wisteria Wool Runner at Allbirds for $95

Get the Women's Wisteria Wool Runner at Allbirds for $95

Join the conversation about this story »

• Day of the Dead is a tradition that has been going on for more than 3,000 years.
• It's a Mexican celebration of the deceased that begins on October 31 and lasts until November 2.
• Each year families and loved ones use a special flower called cempasúchitl to honor the loved ones who have passed on.
• The Telésforo family in Mexico City grows and sells this flower every year and has made a successful business out of it. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: Photos show why holidays can be the actual worst sometimes

DON'T MISS: Photos show what holidays look like around the world

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebration for those who have passed on.

Source: Insider, Business Insider Today

It's a tradition that has been going on for nearly 3,000 years.

Source: Insider, Business Insider Today

In Mexico, a particular flower plays a big role in the celebrations.

Source: Business Insider Today

The flowers are called cempasúchiles.

Source: Insider, Business Insider Today

Over hundreds of thousands of cempasúchiles are sold this time of year.

Source: Mexican Government, Business Insider Today

Cempasúchiles are placed on altars and tombstones.

Source: Business Insider Today

Female dancers, often dressed as the skeleton la catrina, also sometimes wear crowns made from cempasúchitles.

Source: Popsugar, Business Insider Today

The flowers are meant to guide the spirits back to their homes to be reunited with their loved ones.

Source: Business Insider Today

For the past 30 years, the Telésforo family has grown and cultivated these flowers in Mexico City.

Source: Business Insider Today

The family business has seen a spike in flower sales recently, as the Day of the Dead has transformed from a religious holiday to a popular worldly celebration.

Source: Business Insider Today

This holiday's celebrations start at the end of October and continue through the first week of November.

Source: Business Insider Today

During this time, the streets are filled with music and ornate costumes...

Source: Business Insider Today

...and the markets are flooded with flowers.

Source: Business Insider Today

The Telésforo family starts preparing two months before the holiday begins.

Source: Business Insider Today

Preparation involves planting over 150,000 seeds.

Source: Business Insider Today

Less than 15 employees spend about eight hours a day watering the land.

Source: Business Insider Today

It's a job that involves the entire family.

Source: Business Insider Today

"On a normal day the sun rays wake us up," Rodolfo Telésforo told Business Insider. "We come, then we sow, we work, we water…"

Source: Business Insider Today

"...and the sun itself tells us when we should go to rest at home," he said.

Source: Business Insider Today

The Telésforo family has tried to increase their production by around 20% every year.

Source: Business Insider Today

"Year after year we exceed expectations, the production is increasing. Every year we sow a little more," Martin Telésforo said.

Source: Business Insider Today

Last year, the family sold over 230,000 flowers.

Source: Business Insider Today

This year, the Telésforo hopes to sell more than 300,000.

Source: Business Insider Today

Over 72,000 tons of cempasúchiles were produced in 2018, which is an increase of 380% from the previous year.

Source: Business Insider Today

Experts say that sales of the flower have increased as migration shifted from rural areas towards more metropolitan areas.

Source: Business Insider Today

Locally, the flowers in Mexico City's flower markets sell for around $1.31 (25 pesos).

Source: Business Insider Today

But in Ciudad Juarez, a city just south of El Paso, Texas, the flowers are $5 (50 pesos).

Source: Business Insider Today

The government estimated in 2016 that Mexicans spent more than $47 (900 pesos) on the Day of the Dead decorations.

Source: Business Insider Today

In addition to cempasúchiles, people celebrating the Day of the Dead also buy pecked paper, sugar skulls, tequila, and the traditional pan de muertos, which is a traditional sweet bread.

Source: Office of the Federal Prosecutor, Business Insider Today

The celebration of the Day of the Dead allowed the Telésforo family to turn their small farm into a profitable business.

Source: Business Insider Today

"What makes me the proudest is that I've been able to elevate my family into a more affluent way of life,” Telésforo told Business Insider.

Source: Business Insider Today

In addition to profit, it's also a source of pride for the family that Mexicans around the country will honor their loved ones with the flowers they grew.

Source: Business Insider Today

And they hope the next generation follows in their footsteps.

Source: Business Insider Today

The Insider Picks team reviews thousands of products every year, and a good number of products that cross our desks are women's clothes and accessories. Whether you're looking for a cashmere sweater, winter coat, pair of winter boots, or pair of tights, our highly discerning reporters and editors have you covered with recommendations.

Keep reading for 21 of our favorite cold-weather wardrobe staples for women that we swear by for our own closets during fall and winter.

A $100 cashmere sweater that comes in tons of different colors

Everlane Cashmere Crew, available at Everlane, $100

Sweater weather is the best weather, and cashmere is the way to go for staying warm and cozy when it's cold outside. Everlane's cashmere crew is ethically made and affordable at $100. Each fall, I have to actively restrain myself from buying more of these sweaters in different colors. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Extremely comfortable tights from an emerging startup

Heist Tights, available at Heist, $38

One of my favorite pairs of tights are these soft, comfortable, and durable ones from a new brand called Heist. I like that it comes in both low and high waistbands, neither of which roll or twist into my skin and make me regret putting on tights that morning. You can also say goodbye to the gusset, which is usually poorly designed and doesn't fit well anyways — it turns out tights, like these ones, can be perfectly comfortable without it. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

These tights have been my go-to pair since I first put them on. They're durable enough to withstand my none-too-gentle handling and soft enough to be worn all day comfortably. I've always had the peculiar misfortune of getting a stomach ache when wearing tights — no matter the size — thanks to the pressure around my waist. These still have a very subtle control (really more like smoothing) top, but they remain one of the only pairs that I can wear all day without pain. Love them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

A cozy sweater to keep at your desk

M.M.LaFleur Morandi Sweater, available at M.M.LaFleur, $265

The Morandi Sweater is just the garment to have on hand when I need an extra layer ... which is all the time because our office is an icebox. It's made of a super-soft and machine-washable Merino wool and comes in five nice, neutral colors. It has a subtle shawl collar that lends it more structure and a kimono-inspired silhouette that looks good whether you wrap the tie around your waist, leave it undone, or tie it up in the back. I tend to wear mine open.

It's a lot more than I typically spend on a single sweater, but I did the math and if I wear the sweater three times per week for 49 weeks out of the year, it comes out to $1.80 per wear after a year. After two years, its cost per wear drops to $0.90. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

*Sponsored by M.M.LaFleur

Inexpensive shearling insoles that can turn any pair of boots into winter boots

Abusa Shearling Insoles, available at Amazon, $12.99

Shearling insoles are my secret hack for transforming any pair of boots into winter boots. I especially like adding them to my Hunter rain boots — which I often wear on snowy days — to keep my feet warm and cozy. They also fit perfectly inside of Doc Martens. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Warm, waterproof boots that aren't clunky

Sorel SlimPack II Lace Boots, available at Sorel, $145

Sorel's SlimPack II Lace Boots are comfortable, cute, warm, and waterproof. They're not heavy or clunky, so they work perfectly for cold fall rain, sleet, or early snow. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

$70 jeans that sculpt your legs and don't bag out

Everlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny, available at Everlane, $68

Let me begin by saying that I am extremely picky when it comes to jeans, and that I didn't want to like Everlane's Authentic Stretch denim. (People loved Everlane's debut denim line, I did not). However, I've come to rely on my own black pair more than any other in my closet for work, weekends, and even plane rides— I could perform an Olympic gymnastics routine and they would retain their shape. Plus, they look amazing on — sculpting and slimming. I fluctuate between a size 26 and 27 and I'm glad I got the 26 in these. For $70, they're one of the best discoveries I've made.— Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

A light, warm jacket that packs down well for travel

Patagonia Silent Down Jacket, available at Patagonia, $249

I'm not always in the mood for a heavy, overbearing coat. That's when this light jacket made from 100% recycled down swoops in for the rescue and bundles me up in its soft, extremely warm embrace. The ease with which it packs down also makes it ideal for winter travel. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

Thick, warm socks that are still breathable

Bombas Hiking Calf Socks, available at Bombas, $16

Bombas' hiking socks are thick and warm, but they don't trap your sweat and leave you with stinky feet, so they're perfect for cold weather days when you transition from bitter cold outside to flaming heat inside. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Comfortable, walkable ankle boots that feel like leather gloves

Everlane Day Boot, available at Everlane, $225

I wear these boots multiple times per week. They look great and go with pretty much anything, but it's their mix of all-day comfort and style that make them my default pair. The leather is buttery soft and fitted like a glove, the block heel low and walkable enough for my 40-minute walk over tough city concrete, and the sleek center seam is modern and lengthening. I wish they weren't $225, but they are worth the price, and I'd rather buy these than two inferior $100 pairs. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

These are straight up the most comfortable boots in all the land. I have a pair in the cognac color, and I've worn them every day of this week and all throughout the fall — which is saying something, considering that I have approximately ten other pairs of ankle boots to choose from. They're as comfortable to walk in as sneakers. I kid you not.— Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

A warm but lightweight beanie that's universally flattering

Neff Beanie, available at Amazon, $13.99

On cold days, a hat can change everything. This one isn't particularly heavy, so it keeps your head warm without making it too hot. It's thin enough to tote around with you, whether it's in your pocket or bag, and can be layered under a hood for double the warmth on those really cold days. The simple style is universally flattering, something that can be hard to find in hats, so I always have a few of these on hand.— Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

The best black tights that don't rip

Spanx Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights, $28, available in 4 colors at Spanx and Nordstrom

Spanx makes my all-time favorite tights. The Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights are a true workhorse in my fall and winter wardrobe since they never rip, never pill, and hold me in in all the right places, without suffocating me in the process. I wear and wash them many, many times throughout the season and am consistently impressed by how well they hold up compared to tights from other brands. I buy two new pairs at the beginning of every fall — it is $56 incredibly well spent. (Spanx makes a very similar pair of tights for expecting moms too.) — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

A sleek work dress that looks great with tights

M.M.LaFleur Etsuko Dress, available at M.M.LaFleur, $195

I've lost track of how many times M.M.LaFleur has sold out of and restocked this dress, and I get why. The Etsuko is a workhorse. It's figure-flattering, seasonless, and has gone from being wedged in the middle of my suitcase straight to the office without needing ironing.

It's wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, and flexible enough to run five long blocks in (trust me). Plus, a three-quarter-length sleeve is both warm and flattering. I wear it with tights in the winter and a simple pair of Everlane Day Glove flats during the summer. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

*Sponsored by M.M.LaFleur

An ultra-warm cashmere scarf that doesn't itch

Everlane Cashmere Rib Scarf, available at Everlane $150

$150 is a lot of money to spend on a scarf, but the Cashmere Rib Scarf from Everlane has a lot going for it: it provides a lot of warmth, it's the perfect length, and because it's made of 100% Mongolian Grade-A cashmere, it never itches or irritates my neck. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

No-break-in ankle boots with a pointy toe

Marc Fisher LTD Yale Pointy Toe Chelsea Bootie, available at Marc Fisher and Nordstrom, $179

Marc Fisher LTD's Yale Chelsea Bootie is my all-time favorite ankle boot. It's comfortable and fashion-forward thanks to its low block heel and dramatic pointy toe with subtle gunmetal trim. You can pick up a pair in smooth black leather, rich black suede, glossy black patent leather, and seven other colors, for a third of the price of similar-looking boots, which is a pretty fantastic deal if you're looking for high style on a budget.

Elastic side panels relax the 4.5-inch shaft of these boots so they're easy to put on and take off. The panels also increase the flexibility of the boot so that it moves with the natural motion of your feet when you walk. I can easily put in 12-hour days in these boots with absolutely no pain or discomfort. I was initially concerned that the boot's pointy toe would result in a narrow fit, but that wasn't the case for me. The boots fit true to size and had no painful break-in period. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Shearling-lined Timberlands that everyone doesn't already have

Timberland Courmayeur Valley Shearling-Lined Boots, available at Timberland and Zappos, $179.95

If you don't want to get the same pair of Timbs that everyone has but still love the brand's classic, rugged style, here's your alternative. Other than its stylish look, I'm in love with how comfortable and supportive they are. The cushion-y insoles are made from OrthoLite comfort foam, while the shearling lining provides a little additional warmth and softness. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

A slimming cocoon coat that works well with layers

MPG Sport Granville Fleece Cocoon Coat, available at MPG Sport, $98

I've had friends accuse me of wearing this minimalist, lightweight coat too often, but I can't help it — it's warmer than you'd expect and a cozy oversized shape that's friendly to layering underneath. Features like the venting holes under the armpit and the thumb-hole cuffs are thoughtful touches that make me like it even more. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

The perfect black ankle boots

M.Gemi Corsa Boots, available at M.Gemi, $348

These are the perfect black ankle boots for fall and winter. The heel height is pretty minimal so they're extremely walkable, but the shaft is slightly taller than your average ankle boots, which meals a little more coverage from the cold. The leather is also extremely soft so you won't end up with any sort of chafing or blisters. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Warm snow boots with good traction

Sorel Caribou Boot, available at Sorel, $160

These boots are everything a winter boot should be — super warm, plenty of traction, cute in a snow bunny kind of way, and very durable. The leather is quality, and the price isn't bad either. — Grace High, senior analyst 

Sorel 1964 Cvs Boot, available on Zappos, from $149.95

These are really heavy duty winter boots that aren't for everyday wear, but if you're trudging through snow, they're great. They have a thick, removable lining so you can adjust warmth levels depending on how you feel, a grippy sole, and are all-around waterproof. They're not high-fashion, but they're cute in a wintry way. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

A Patagonia pullover for lounging, running errands, or hitting the slopes

Patagonia Men's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover, available at Patagonia, $119

I also have a women's version of this pullover, but I find myself wearing the men's version far more often. My dad gave me his Patagonia from the '80s and since then, I wear my vintage version all the time. It's oversized and so cozy — which is pretty impressive considering it's been through decades of washings. Whether it's lounging around the house, running errands, or even wearing while skiing, this pullover works for pretty much every occasion. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

Thick, wrinkle-resistant pants that work for petite women

Aella High Waist Flare Short Inseam, available at Aella, $245

Aella's Flares are my favorite fall work pants for many reasons — they're not too long for shorties like me, they don't wrinkle, and they're made of thick material that keeps you warm. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Slouchy leather boots that can handle tougher weather

Frye Veronica Short Slouchy Boot, available at Zappos, $197.90

This pair of booties has made it through more than five Northeast winters, so I'm confident saying they're really durable. They're not snow boots, and they're not going to keep your feet as warm as snow boots, but the supple leather creates a cute, slouchy look and an outer that can handle serious weather. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

• Netflix's original movies range from ones that have won Oscars to ones with a 0% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
• We turned to Rotten Tomatoes to rank Netflix's notable original movies from best to worst, according to critic reviews.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

With the likes of "The Irishman" and "Marriage Story," Netflix is entering the Oscar race with a a handful of potential contenders this year. 

But the streaming giant is still committed to putting out a bevy of original movies outside of the awards arena. For instance, the thriller "Bird Box," starring Sandra Bullock, is the company's most watched movie ever (according to Netflix). Adam Sandler's "Murder Mystery" isn't far behind.

Netflix has a ton of original movies, but to figure out which are actually worth watching, we turned to the reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes to rank each release by its composite critical reception. We excluded documentaries and any film that didn't have enough reviews to receive a designation of "Rotten" or "Fresh," and we used audience scores to break ties. A few of these are in theaters and haven't yet hit the streaming service.

John Lynch contributed to an earlier version of this post.

Here are 112 of Netflix's original films, ranked from worst to best, according to critics:

SEE ALSO: All 103 of Netflix's notable original shows, ranked from worst to best

112. “The Ridiculous 6” — 0%

Critic score: 0%

Audience score: 33%

Netflix description: "When his outlaw dad is kidnapped, Tommy 'White Knife' Stockburn sets off across the West on a rescue mission with five brothers he never knew he had."

111. “The True Memoirs of an International Assassin” — 0%

Critic score: 0%

Audience score: 43%

Netflix description: "After his publisher markets his crime novel as a memoir, a novice author finds himself forcibly recruited into a deadly political plot in Venezuela."

110. "Father of the Year" — 0%

Critic score: 0%

Audience score: 52%

Netflix description: "A drunken debate between two recent college grads about whose father would win in a fight leads to mayhem."

109. “The Do-Over” — 10%

Critic score: 10%

Audience score: 42%

Netflix description: "The life of a bank manager is turned upside down when a friend from his past manipulates him into faking his own death and taking off on an adventure."

108. "Sextuplets" — 14%

Critic score: 14%

Audience score: 38%

Netflix description: "When a dad-to-be learns he's actually a sextuplet, he sets off on a wild journey to meet his long-lost family. Marlon Wayans stars as all six siblings."

107. "The Kissing Booth" — 17%

Critic score: 17%

Audience score: 61%

Netflix description: "When teenager Elle's first kiss leads to a forbidden romance with the hottest boy in high school, she risks her relationship with her best friend."

106. "The Outsider" — 17%

Critic score: 17%

Audience score: 68%

Netflix description: "A frontier sheriff tries to protect his sadistic son from a Chinese railroad worker hellbent on revenge."

105. "The Cloverfield Paradox" — 18%

Critic score: 18%

Audience score: 43%

Netflix description: "Orbiting above a planet on the brink of war, scientists test a device to solve an energy crisis and end up face-to-face with a dark alternate reality."

104. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” — 19%

Critic score: 19%

Audience score: 38%

Netflix description: "Renowned warrior Yu Shu-Lien comes out of retirement to keep the legendary Green Destiny sword away from villainous warlord Hades Dai."

103. "Mute" — 20%

Critic score: 20%

Audience score: 47%

Netflix description: "When his girlfriend vanishes, a mute man ventures into a near-future Berlin's seamy underworld, where his actions speak louder than words."

102. “Brain on Fire” — 22%

Critic score: 22%

Audience score: 60%

Netflix description: "Struck by a mysterious, mentally devastating illness, a young reporter searches for answers while battling psychosis, catatonia and memory loss."

101. "The Open House" — 23%

Critic score: 23%

Audience score: 8%

Netflix description: "Following a tragedy, a mother and her teen son move to a relative's vacant vacation home, where eerie and unexplained forces conspire against them."

100. "Otherhood" — 26%

Critic score: 26%

Audience score: 58%

Netflix description: "Feeling forgotten on Mother's Day, three best friends leave the suburbs and drive to New York City to surprise their adult sons."

99. "The Week Of" — 27%

Critic score: 27%

Audience score: 34%

Netflix description: "Two fathers with clashing views about their children's upcoming wedding struggle to keep it together during the chaotic week before the big day."

98. "Bright" — 28%

Critic score: 28%

Audience score: 84%

Netflix description: "In an LA rife with interspecies tensions, a human cop and his orc partner stumble on a powerful object and become embroiled in a prophesied turf war."

97. "Step Sisters" — 29%

Critic score: 29%

Audience score: 44%

Netflix description: "With her Harvard Law dreams on the line, a black sorority leader agrees to help a rhythmically challenged sisterhood win a step dance championship."

96. "The Red Sea Diving Resort" — 30%

Critic score: 30%

Audience score: 81%

Netflix description: "Undercover agents open up a fake hotel to real tourists as a cover to help smuggle thousands of Ethiopian refugees to safety. Inspired by true events."

95. "IO" — 31%

Critic score: 31%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "As a young scientist searches for a way to save a dying Earth, she finds a connection with a man who's racing to catch the last shuttle off the planet."

94. “Sandy Wexler” — 32%

Critic score: 32%

Audience score: 40%

Netflix description: "When a hapless but dedicated talent manager signs his first client who actually has talent, his career finally starts to take off."

93. "In the Tall Grass" — 38%

Critic score: 38%

Audience score: 42%

Netflix description: "After hearing a boy's cry for help, a pregnant woman and her brother wade into a vast field of grass, only to discover there may be no way out."

92. "Extinction" — 39%

Critic score: 39%

Audience score: 48%

Netflix description: "Plagued by dreams of an alien invasion, a family man faces his worst nightmare when an extraterrestrial force begins exterminating Earth's inhabitants."

91. "The Dirt" — 39%

Critic score: 39%

Audience score: 95%

Netflix description: "In this unflinching biopic based on Mötley Crüe's best-selling book, four LA misfits navigate the monster highs and savage lows of music superstardom."

90. “Death Note” — 40%

Critic score: 40%

Audience score: 25%

Netflix description: "Light Turner finds a supernatural notebook and uses it to mete out death, attracting the attention of a detective, a demon and a girl in his class."

89. "Point Blank" — 41%

Critic score: 41%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "To save his pregnant wife, an emergency room nurse unwillingly partners with an injured murder suspect in a race against time and renegade cops."

88. "The Laundromat" — 42%

Critic score: 42%

Audience score: 45%

Netflix description: "When a widow gets swindled out of insurance money, her search for answers leads to two cunning lawyers in Panama who hide cash for the superrich."

87. “ARQ” — 43%

Critic score: 43%

Audience score: 46%

Netflix description: "Trapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity."

86. "When We First Met" — 43%

Critic score: 43%

Audience score: 57%

Netflix description: "A lovesick guy keeps traveling back in time to win the girl of his dreams."

85. "Tall Girl" — 44%

Critic score: 44%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "After years of slouching through life, 6-foot-1 teen Jodi resolves to conquer her insecurities and gets caught up in a high school love triangle."

84. “The Most Hated Woman in America” — 44%

Critic score: 44%

Audience score: 43%

Netflix description: "This drama follows the controversial life of outspoken atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair, from her landmark court battles to her infamous abduction."

83. "Murder Mystery" — 45%

Critic score: 45%

Audience score: 39%

Netflix description: " On a long-awaited trip to Europe, a New York City cop and his hairdresser wife scramble to solve a baffling murder aboard a billionaire's yacht."

82. "Like Father" — 46%

Critic score: 46%

Audience score: 46%

Netflix description: "After she's left at the altar, a workaholic advertising executive ends up on her Caribbean honeymoon cruise with her estranged father."

81. "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" — 47%

Critic score: 47%

Audience score: 28%

Netflix description: "A year after helping Richard secure the crown, Amber returns to Aldovia to plan their wedding. But her simple tastes clash with royal protocol."

80. “The Discovery” — 47%

Critic score: 47%

Audience score: 44%

Netflix description: "A scientist whose proof of an afterlife caused a rash of suicides forges ahead with his research, while his disapproving son falls for a troubled woman."

79. “Sand Castle” — 47%

Critic score: 47%

Audience score: 41%

Netflix description: "After the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a reluctant soldier's platoon is dispatched on a dangerous mission to repair a hostile village's water system."

78. "Eli" — 48%

Critic score: 48%

Audience score: 46%

Netflix description: "With his desperate parents in tow, an 11-year-old boy with a debilitating illness checks into an isolated clinic to undergo experimental therapy."

77. "American Son" — 50%

Critic score: 50%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "Time passes and tension mounts in a Florida police station as an estranged interracial couple awaits news of their missing teenage son.

76. “Mascots” — 50%

Critic score: 50%

Audience score: 35%

Netflix description: "Eager contestants don big heads and furry suits to vie for the title of World's Best Mascot in this offbeat, comic romp from Christopher Guest."

75. “War Machine” — 51%

Critic score: 51%

Audience score: 34%

Netflix description: "When a proud general is tasked with winning an unpopular war, he takes the challenge head-on, not knowing that hubris may be his own worst enemy."

74. "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" — 52%

Critic score: 52%

Audience score: 53%

Netflix description: "An orphaned boy raised by animals in the jungle seizes his destiny while confronting a dangerous enemy — and his own human origins."

73. “Shimmer Lake” — 57%

Critic score: 57%

Audience score: 59%

Netflix description: "Unfolding in reverse time, this darkly comic crime thriller follows a local sheriff hunting three bank robbery suspects, one of whom is his brother."

72. "The Highwaymen" — 57%

Critic score: 57%

Audience score: 74%

Netflix description: "Two steely former Texas Rangers are tasked with tracking and killing infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde in this crime drama based on real events."

71. "Fractured" — 58%

Critic score: 58%

Audience score: 43%

Netflix description: "After his wife and injured daughter disappear from an ER, a man conducts a panicked search and becomes convinced the hospital is hiding something."

70. "Christmas Inheritance" — 60%

Critic score: 60%

Audience score: 31%

Netflix description: "To inherit her father's company, socialite Ellen must first visit his small hometown, where she learns the value of hard work and helping others."

69. “iBoy” — 60%

Critic score: 60%

Audience score: 40%

Netflix description: "When shards of a cell phone get lodged in a teenager's brain, he discovers he can control electronic devices and uses his newfound power for revenge."

68. “The Siege of Jadotville” — 60%

Critic score: 60%

Audience score: 71%

Netflix description: "Besieged by overwhelming enemy forces, Irish soldiers on a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Africa valiantly defend their outpost in this true story."

67. "Sierra Burgess Is a Loser" — 61%

Critic score: 61%

Audience score: 32%

Netflix description: "A wrong-number text sparks a virtual romance between a smart but unpopular teen and a sweet jock who thinks he's talking to a gorgeous cheerleader."

66. “Small Crimes” — 62%

Critic score: 62%

Audience score: 29%

Netflix description: "After serving a six-year prison sentence, an ex-cop tries to rebuild his life in his hometown, but gets caught up in the fallout from his past."

65. "The Polka King" — 62%

Critic score: 62%

Audience score: 57%

Netflix description: "Determined to make it big in America, Polish-born bandleader Jan Lewan draws his fans into a Ponzi scheme in this comedy based on a true story."

64. "Outlaw King" — 62%

Critic score: 62%

Audience score: 67%

Netflix description: "Outmanned. Outmatched. Outlawed. For freedom, honor and family, a rebel king takes on the mightiest army in the world."

63. "Velvet Buzzsaw" — 63%

Critic score: 63%

Audience score: 36%

Netflix description: "A feared critic, an icy gallery owner and an ambitious assistant snap up a recently deceased artist's stash of paintings — with dire consequences."

62. "Bird Box" — 63%

Critic score: 63%

Audience score: 58%

Netflix description: "Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a survivor and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety." 

61. "A Futile and Stupid Gesture" — 63%

Critic score: 63%

Audience score: 72%

Netflix description: "In a brief life full of triumph and failure, 'National Lampoon' co-founder Doug Kenney built a comedy empire, molding pop culture in the 1970s."

60. "Wine Country" — 66%

Critic score: 66%

Audience score: 30%

Netflix description: "When longtime friends meet up for a wine-soaked birthday getaway in Napa Valley, their perfectly planned weekend turns messier by the minute."

59. “To The Bone” — 66%

Critic score: 66%

Audience score: 64%

Netflix description: "Ellen, a 20-year-old with anorexia nervosa, goes on a harrowing, sometimes funny journey of self-discovery at a group home run by an unusual doctor."

58. "Come Sunday" — 68%

Critic score: 68%

Audience score: 59%

Netflix description: "A crisis of faith sets renowned fundamentalist preacher Carlton Pearson on a new spiritual path that jeopardizes everything he holds dear."

57. "The Christmas Chronicles" — 68%

Critic score: 68%

Audience score: 78%

Netflix description: "After accidentally crashing Santa's sleigh, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save Christmas with a savvy, straight-talking St. Nick."

56. "The Perfect Date" — 69%

Critic score: 69%

Audience score: 38%

Netflix description: "To earn money for college, a high schooler launches an app offering his services as a fake date. But when real feelings emerge, things get complicated."

55. "Roxanne Roxanne" — 70%

Critic score: 70%

Audience score: 61%

Netflix description: "She grew up in a tough New York neighborhood in the '80s and made history with 'Roxanne's Revenge.' The story of teen battle rap champ Roxanne Shanté. 

54. “XOXO” — 71%

Critic score: 71%

Audience score: 53%

Netflix description: "The lives of a budding DJ, his loyal pal, a hopeless romantic, a jaded has-been and a troubled couple intersect at an electronic dance music festival."

53. "Hold the Dark" — 72%

Critic score: 72%

Audience score: 31%

Netflix description: "In the grim Alaskan winter, a naturalist hunts for wolves blamed for killing a local boy, but he soon finds himself swept into a chilling mystery."

52. “A Very Murray Christmas” — 73%

Critic score: 73%

Audience score: 36%

Netflix description: "Bill Murray rounds up an all-star cast for an evening of music, mischief and barroom camaraderie in this irreverent twist on holiday variety shows."

51. "Triple Frontier" — 73%

Critic score: 72%

Audience score: 55%

Netflix description: "Loyalties are tested when five former special forces operatives reunite to steal a drug lord's fortune, unleashing a chain of unintended consequences. "

50. "The King" — 72%

Critic score: 72%

Audience score: 85%

Netflix description: "Wayward Prince Hal must turn from carouser to warrior king as he faces hostilities from inside and outside the castle walls in the battle for England."

49. "The Perfection" — 73%

Critic score: 73%

Audience score: 58%

Netflix description: "In this twisty horror-thriller, a once-promising music prodigy reconnects with her former mentors, only to find them taken with a talented new pupil."

48. "The Princess Switch" — 75%

Critic score: 75%

Audience score: 48%

Netflix description: "When a down-to-earth Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look like twins, they hatch a Christmastime plan to trade places."

47. “The Babysitter” — 75%

Critic score: 75%

Audience score: 60%

Netflix description: "When Cole stays up past his bedtime, he discovers that his hot babysitter is part of a satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet."

46. "Between Two Ferns: The Movie" — 77%

Critic score: 77%

Audience score: 42%

Netflix description: "Armed with awkward questions and zero self-awareness, Zach Galifianakis hits the road to find famous interview subjects for his no-budget talk show."

45. “The Fundamentals of Caring” — 77%

Critic score: 77%

Audience score: 83%

Netflix description: "In this inspirational buddy comedy, a young shut-in and his caregiver take a road trip in search of landmarks, but end up finding hope and friendship."

44. “Spectral” — 80%

Critic score: 80%

Audience score: 51%

Netflix description: "When an otherworldly force wreaks havoc on a war-torn European city, an engineer teams up with an elite Special Ops unit to stop it."

43. "Apostle" — 80%

Critic score: 80%

Audience score: 54%

Netflix description: " In 1905, a drifter on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped sister tangles with a sinister religious cult on an isolated island."

42. “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” — 80%

Critic score: 80%

Audience score: 62%

Netflix description: "A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger points Pee-wee toward his destiny — and his first-ever holiday!"

41. "Juanita" — 80%

Critic score: 80%

Audience score: 65%

Netflix description: "Burdened by troubles in life and love, a mother of three grown children searches for hope and healing on an impromptu trip to Paper Moon, Montana."

40. "22 July" — 80%

Critic score: 80%

Audience score: 69%

Netflix description: "After devastating terror attacks in Norway, a young survivor, grieving families and the country rally for justice and healing. Based on a true story. "

39. “Barry” — 81%

Critic score: 81%

Audience score: 53%

Netflix description: "A young Barack Obama forges his identity while dealing with race, divergent cultures and ordinary life as a New York City college student."

38. "Someone Great" — 82%

Critic score: 82%

Audience score: 64%

Netflix description: "She's moving across the country ... and her boyfriend is officially moving on. Let the boozy bestie debauchery begin."

37. "A Christmas Prince" — 83%

Critic score: 83%

Audience score: 49%

Netflix description: "Christmas comes early for an aspiring young journalist when she's sent abroad to get the scoop on a dashing prince who's poised to be king."

36. "The Other Side of the Wind" — 83%

Critic score: 83%

Audience score: 57%

Netflix description: "On the last day of his life, a legendary director struggles to complete a new project and contemplates his legacy in this layered film by Orson Welles."

35. “Tallulah” — 84%

Critic score: 84%

Audience score: 69%

Netflix description: "While searching for her ex-boyfriend, a young drifter impulsively kidnaps a baby from a neglectful mother and pretends the child is her own."

34. "The Land of Steady Habits" — 86%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 48%

Netflix description: "After leaving his wife and his job to find happiness, Anders begins a clumsy, heartbreaking quest to reassemble the pieces of his fractured life."

33. "6 Balloons" —86%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 54%

Netflix description: "A loyal sister struggles to stay afloat while driving her heroin-addicted brother to a detox center and looking after his 2-year-old daughter."

32. “1922” — 86%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 57%

Netflix description: "A farmer pens a confession admitting to his wife's murder, but her death is just the beginning of a macabre tale. Based on Stephen King's novella."

31. “Burning Sands” — 86%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 63%

Netflix description: "Promising student Zurich opens his eyes to some hard truths when his fraternity's violent hazing escalates into a disastrous hell night."

30. “The Incredible Jessica James” — 86%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 67%

Netflix description: "Burned by a bad breakup, a struggling New York City playwright makes an unlikely connection with a divorced app designer she meets on a blind date."

29. “Okja” — 85%

Critic score: 86%

Audience score: 81%

Netflix description: "A gentle giant and the girl who raised her are caught in the crossfire between animal activism, corporate greed and scientific ethics."

28. “Wheelman” — 88%

Critic score: 87%

Audience score: 67%

Netflix description: "The getaway driver in a botched robbery puts his skills and smarts to the test when he receives shocking orders from an unknown caller."

27. "Cargo" — 88%

Critic score: 88%

Audience score: 66%

Netflix description: "Amid a terrifying pandemic, a father searches the wilds of Australia for someone willing to protect and care for his infant daughter."

26. “I Don’t Feel at Home In This World Anymore” — 88%

Critic score: 88%

Audience score: 77%

Netflix description: "A timid nursing assistant gets a new lease on life when she and a neighborhood loner track down the degenerates who broke into her house."

25. “Little Evil” — 89%

Critic score: 89%

Audience score: 41%

Netflix description: "In this horror-comedy, a recently married man who wants to bond with his stepson begins to fear that the boy is a demon."

24. “Win It All” — 89%

Critic score: 89%

Audience score: 56%

Netflix description: "After losing $50,000 that wasn't his, gambling addict Eddie starts to rebuild his life. But an unwelcome surprise pushes him toward his old ways."

23. “First They Killed My Father” — 89%

Critic score: 89%

Audience score: 81%

Netflix description: "A 5-year-old girl embarks on a harrowing quest for survival amid the sudden rise and terrifying reign of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia."

22. "The Night Comes For Us" — 89%

Critic score: 89%

Audience score: 84%

Netflix description: "After sparing a girl's life during a massacre, an elite Triad assassin is targeted by an onslaught of murderous gangsters."

21. "The Two Popes" — 90%

Critic score: 90%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce star in this intimate look at a historic turning point in the Catholic Church."

20. "Always Be My Maybe" — 90%

Critic score: 90%

Audience score: 82%

Netflix description: "Reunited after 15 years, famous chef Sasha and hometown musician Marcus feel the old sparks of attraction but struggle to adapt to each other's worlds." 

19. "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie"

Critic score: 90%

Audience score: 82%

Netflix description: "Fugitive Jesse Pinkman attempts to outrun his past. Written and directed by 'Breaking Bad' creator Vince Gilligan, starring Aaron Paul."

18. . “Gerald’s Game” — 91%

Critic score: 91%

Audience score: 71%

Netflix description: "When her husband's sex game goes wrong, Jessie — handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house — faces warped visions, dark secrets and a dire choice."

17. "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" — 91%

Critic score: 91%

Audience score: 77%

Netflix description: "Ranging from absurd to profound, these Western vignettes from the Coen brothers follow the adventures of outlaws and settlers on the American frontier."

16. “Beasts of No Nation” — 91%

Critic score: 91%

Audience score: 92%

Netflix description: "When civil war tears his family apart, a young West African boy is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transform into a child soldier."

15. "High Flying Bird" — 92%

Critic score: 92%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "When an NBA lockout sidelines his big rookie client, an agent hatches a bold plan to save their careers — and disrupt the league's power structure."

14. “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train” — 92%

Critic score: 92%

Audience score: 57%

Netflix description: "With their mother in jail and bills piling up, ambitious small-town teens Deidra and Laney plot a series of train robberies to keep themselves afloat."

13. "Set It Up" — 92%

Critic score: 92%

Audience score: 69%

Netflix description: "In desperate need of a break from the office, two beleaguered assistants team up to trick their workaholic bosses into falling in love."

12. “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)” — 92%

Critic score: 92%

Audience score: 73%

Netflix description: "Grudges and rivalries abound as three adult siblings converge in New York to contend with their prickly artist father — and his fading legacy."

11. “Imperial Dreams” — 92%

Critic score: 92%

Audience score: 83%

Netflix description: "A young father returns home from jail eager to care for his son and become a writer, but crime, poverty and a flawed system threaten his plans."

10. "Cam" — 93%

Critic score: 93%

Audience score: 55%

Netflix description: "After a look-alike takes over her account, a cam girl with a growing fan base sets out to identify the mysterious culprit and reclaim her own identity."

9. "Private Life" — 94%

Critic score: 94%

Audience score: 76%

Netflix description: "Struggling to conceive, a couple in their 40s are almost out of options — until a sliver of hope arrives in the form of their visiting step-niece."

8. "See You Yesterday" — 95%

Critic score: 95%

Audience score: 30%

Netflix description: "They're geniuses on the brink of solving time travel. But when tragedy strikes, they'll only have so many chances to outwit fate."

7. “Tramps” — 95%

Critic score: 95%

Audience score: 74%

Netflix description: "Pulled into a shady briefcase swap for different reasons, young strangers Danny and Ellie spend an eventful night together when the deal goes wrong."

6. "The Irishman" — 96%

Critic score: 96%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "Martin Scorsese's epic saga of organized crime in postwar America, as told by a hit man, stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci."

5. "Roma" — 96%

Critic score: 96%

Audience score: 71%

Netflix description: "Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón delivers a vivid, emotional portrait of a domestic worker's journey set against domestic and political turmoil in 1970s Mexico."

4. “Mudbound” — 96%

Critic score: 96%

Audience score: 86%

Netflix description: "In racially divided post-World War II Mississippi, two men — one black and one white — forge a friendship based on their shared war experiences."

3. "Marriage Story" — 97%

Critic score: 97%

Audience score: N/A

Netflix description: "Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach directs this incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together."

2. "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" — 97%

Critic score: 97%

Audience score: 87%

Netflix description: "Five intense crushes. Five soul-baring love letters. She never planned to mail them. Now they're out. Life, as she knows it, is over."

1. "Dolemite Is My Name" — 97%

Critic score: 97%

Audience score: 91%

Netflix description: "In 1970s LA, struggling comedian Rudy Ray Moore hits it big with his raunchy alter ego, Dolemite, then risks it all to take his act to the big screen."

• Zac Posen is shuttering his fashion label, WWD reported on Friday.
• The celebrity-beloved designer's nearly 20-year-old line "ran out of time" in the midst of sales negotiations.
• This news comes the same day Barneys New York sold to Authentic Brands Group, with the new owner intending to close down most of its remaining department stores.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Zac Posen's namesake fashion label is no longer.

WWD's Bridget Foley reported on Friday that Posen is shuttering his business, which he established in 2001, and that his roughly 60 employees had been informed earlier in the morning that they were out of jobs.

"The board made a difficult decision," the designer told WWD. "We were in a sale process and we ran out of time."

In a lengthier interview with Vogue's Nicole Phelps, Posen explained that his "House of Z" had been in the midst of sales negotiations as one of its investors, Yucaipa Cos, was attempting to offload its shares in the label since at least April. Per a press release provided to Vogue, the fashion label "determined to cease business operations and carry out an orderly disposition of its assets."

"The Board of Managers made this difficult decision following a comprehensive strategic and financial review of the businesses ... The Board of Managers is disappointed with this outcome but can no longer continue operations and believe an orderly disposition at this stage is the best course of action, under the circumstances," the press release continued.

The celebrity-beloved fashion icon, who also designed Princess Eugenie's wedding reception dress, expressed to Vogue that he's "very sad" about this turn of events and intends "to reflect and regroup" before taking any next steps in his career.

WWD also reported that the designer's Spring 2020 collection, shown in September, would not be shipped amidst the abrupt shutdown.

The shuttering of Zac Posen represents the latest casualty in the fashion industry. Earlier today, legendary upscale department store Barneys New York was sold to Authentic Brands Group, with the new owner intending to close down most of its remaining stores.

Read the full interview with Zac Posen over at Vogue >>

SEE ALSO: Target is resurrecting its collaborations with Lilly Pulitzer, Zac Posen, Hunter, and other designers, and it's taking precautions to avoid the massive frenzies that plagued past events

DON'T MISS: Designer Zac Posen shares his secret to success

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Traditional Japanese swords can take over 18 months to create — here's what makes them so special

• Puffer jackets are comfortable outerwear with plenty of insulation to keep bodies warm in the outdoors, during late fall or winter.
• The best puffer jacket is the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, which combines comfort and style in an eco-friendly package. 

Once worn almost exclusively by the outdoors crowd, the humble puffer jacket has become a mainstream favorite for when conditions turn chilly. The name comes from the use of a quilted pattern and thick insulation, which gives it a "puffy" look. In the past, these jackets were generally seen as being bulky and unfashionable, but, nowadays they are thinner and more attractive while still managing to maintain a high level of performance — keeping the body warm, repelling water, being breathable, etc.. This evolution is what made the puffer both utilitarian and fashionable.

The classic puffer is built for winter outdoor activities, such as hiking or snowshoeing in the backcountry or hitting the slopes. But the modern, sleeker versions of these coats are equally useful when heading out to run errands around town, meeting friends for dinner, or just taking the dog for a walk. Many are lightweight, compressible, and resist water, and that's achieved through the use of high-tech insulation and fabrics.

Our favorite puffer jackets come from familiar names in the outdoors industry and for good reason. These companies have been making winter gear for a long time and are continually looking for innovative ways to improve performance while at the same time reducing bulk and weight. The result is an outstanding lineup of jackets that have demonstrated their warmth and comfort. 

Here are our top picks for the best puffer jacket:

• Best overall: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
• Best for outdoor pursuits: The North Face Summit L3 Hoody
• Best budget puffer jacket: REI Co-op 650 Down 2.0 Jacket
• Best ultralight puffer jacket: Mammut Broad Peak Light
• Best for boys: Patagonia's Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody

Updated on 11/01/2019 by Kraig Becker: Updated all recommendations. We are also looking into the West Rib Parka from Marmot, which uses its new WarmCube technology for its puffer design.

The best puffer jacket overall

The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is warm, comfortable, sustainable, and stylish — ticking all the right boxes.

The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is exactly what most people are looking for when it comes to a puffer jacket. Not only is this garment warm and comfortable when worn, it also happens to be good looking too.

Patagonia uses 800-fill goose down to ensure that the jacket maintains a good balance between warmth and bulk. The result is plenty of protection without making it impossible to move. 

One of my favorite things about this jacket is its versatility. The Down Sweater Hoody can be worn on the trail all day and then used around town or at the lodge at night. Perfect for travel or as an extra layer while backpacking, it even slips nicely under a shell for added warmth on the ski slopes. Whether you wear it on its own or as part of a larger layering system, this is a jacket that delivers good performance. 

The Down Sweater Hoody's outer-fabrics and inner-lining are all made from 100% recycled materials. Patagonia has long been a leader when it comes to protecting the environment and that extends into the garments the company manufactures. This makes the Down Sweater one of the more eco-friendly down jackets on the market today, which is something that certainly appeals to Patagonia's core customer. 

There aren't many faults to be found in this particular coat, although at 15.1 ounces, it is on the heavy side when it comes to puffer jackets. Switchback Travel noticed the same thing in its review, although it rightfully lauded the Down Sweater for being very durable. Outdoor Gear Lab gave the jacket high marks for its stylish and simple design, but it called out Patagonia for not using hydrophobic down, which can be helpful in keeping the jacket's insulation dry in wet conditions. 

Pros: Versatile and warm, not overly bulky, eco-friendly

Cons: On the heavy side, doesn't use hydrophobic down

The best budget puffer jacket

Affordable, lightweight, and well-made, the REI Co-op 650 Down 2.0 Jacket is a ridiculously great bargain.

REI's Co-op 650 Down 2.0 Jacket will appeal to the masses, thanks to the approachable price. Yet, the outdoors gear retailer managed to create a lightweight, comfortable, and good-looking garment. The Co-op 650 offers solid, all-around performance, while also significantly undercutting the price of the competition.

In order to reach a low price point, it's clear REI had to make a few compromises when it comes to construction and design. This is most notable in REI's choice to use 650-fill down as an insulator, which means the jacket isn't as warm or compressible as jackets that use a higher fill count. REI's designers also used nylon as an outer shell, which isn't as durable.

That said, in reality, the Co-op 650 is still a great option for winter hikers and skiers who are looking for an inexpensive mid-layer to add to their kit. Its DWR coating works reasonably well in light rain and snowstorms, while the nylon shell is surprisingly adept at protecting the wearer from cold winds, too. Because of the actual performance, we can overlook the jacket's deficiencies.

One of the best features of the jacket is its ability to compress down to actually fit into its own left-hand pocket, despite using a lower-fill down. This makes it incredibly easy to store in a backpack or luggage, making the Co-op 650 a good choice for travelers; it also helps that it weight only 11 ounces.

Switchback Travel liked the "impressive warmth-to-weight ratio," but didn't like that there is no way to adjust the hem, allowing cold wind and snow to sometimes reach the interior. Outdoor Gear Lab lamented that the jacket didn't come with a hood and it didn't find it to be very warm either. But almost everyone agrees that for the money, this down jacket out-performs expectations.

Pros: Incredibly affordable, lightweight, good looking

Cons:  Not as warm as jackets with higher-fill counts

The best for outdoor pursuits

If you're an outdoors enthusiast who is into winter camping, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or other cold-weather sports, The North Face Summit L3 Hoodie is made for you.

When you're climbing, hiking, camping, and dogsledding during the cold winter months, your demands from a puffer jacket are a bit different. Sure, you need something that will keep you warm and is comfortable to wear, but you also want a jacket that is athletic and formfitting but doesn't restrict your movement too much either. That's exactly what you get with The North Face Summit L3 Hoodie, which was built with winter outdoor athletes in mind.

For use in alpine environments, this jacket offers protection from both the wind and snow. It is also amongst the warmest jackets that The North Face offers and yet, it still manages to remain fairly lightweight at just 13.4 ounces. Add in a fit that hugs the body nicely, while still providing a surpassingly full range of motion, and you get a jacket that will make the active outdoors enthusiast extremely happy during the long, cold winter months.

Other nice features include a warm, protective hood, deep hand pockets, and an adjustable hem to help keep the wind and snow at bay. The 800-fill down is used as an insulator, but curiously it is not hydrophobic as The North Face relies on its durable water repellent (DWR) coating to help prevent moisture from reaching the interior of the jacket. The Summit L3 Hoodie is also listed as being "packable/stowable," although it does take a bit of effort to get it into its stuff pocket.

Gear Patrol is a big fan of this jacket as well, listing Summit L3's soft and stretchable cuffs as a favorite feature, along with its wide range of motion. Meanwhile, Outdoor Gear Lab gave it a coveted "Editor's Choice" award for its great fit and outstanding warmth. It is on the more expensive side, said Outdoor Gear Lab, which is something I definitely agree with as well.

Pros: Warm, lightweight, comfortable, built for spending extended periods of time in the outdoors

Cons: High price, no hydrophobic down

The best ultralight puffer jacket

The Mammut Broad Peak Light is so lightweight that you'll forget you're actually wearing it.

Even though most modern puffer jackets aren't particularly heavy, there is always someone looking to shed a few extra ounces in order to go faster and lighter in the outdoors. For these folks, the Mammut Broad Peak Light is the jacket of choice. At 8.6 ounces, it is one of the lightest down jackets on the market, yet its performance in cold conditions is uncompromising.

The Broad Peak Light is made with water-repelling Pertex fabrics on the exterior and 850-fill goose down insulation on the inside. This gives it an extremely impressive warmth-to-weight ratio while offering durability and compressibility. With zipper pockets, elastic cuffs and hem, and a form-fitting, athletic cut, you end up with a jacket that hits all the right notes when it comes to pursuing your favorite outdoor adventures.

The Broad Peak Light offers an excellent range of motion, which is much appreciated while climbing, skiing, or even hiking. The jacket's low-profile design also allows it to fit nicely under a shell jacket and over a base layer to create a lightweight yet effective layering system.

Due to its light weight, this jacket isn't quite as warm as our other top performers. Designed for active pursuits, the Broad Peak Light is actually very good while you're on the move, but if you slow down or stop for a break, the chill just might catch up to you, which is why it's great for people who are constantly on the move.

Pros: Incredibly lightweight, built for outdoors athletes, form-fitting cut

Cons: Not as warm as some other jackets due to light weight, expensive

The best puffer jacket for boys

Patagonia's Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody takes everything that was great about the adult version and shrinks it down for kids.

Much like the adult version of this jacket, the kid's Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater is a high-quality garment for keeping youngster warm in the outdoors. Its outer shell is made from water-resistant fabrics and it uses 600-fill down as an insulator. It even comes with a three-panel hood with a spandex binding to help keep the wind and snow at bay. That same spandex binding is used around the cuffs as well, while two zippered hand pockets provide some extra warmth too. 

Patagonia's eco-friendly approach to making its apparel extends to the kid's version of the Down Sweater as well. This jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester, as well as 100% recycled down.

Other nice touches include an internal chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a zipper garage to help protect the chin, and reflective webbing used along strategic points. A tag allows parents to write their child's name in the jacket to make it more distinguishable from others, while a distinctive quilted pattern provides warmth in all of the important places. 

Some customers said the jacket isn't as durable as they would like, while others were disappointed by Patagonia's decision to go with matte colors.

Pros: Wind- and waterproof fabrics, warm and comfortable, included hood, made from recycled materials

Cons: Expensive

About insulation

Today's puffer jackets are generally lightweight, highly compressible, and made from water-resistant fabrics. Their insulating properties are provided by either hydrophobic down (down that is treated to absorb less water) or a synthetic equivalent, which is integrated into the quilted design to provide a maximum level of warmth across the wearer's core section. Even the style of the jacket's stitching can have an impact on performance, with the quilted regions designed to hold the thickest insulation in the places where it is needed most. 

When it comes to down insulation, manufacturers often tout their level of "fill power," sometimes hinting that the higher the fill power, the warmer the jacket will be. That isn't necessarily always the case, however, although fill power and warmth are somewhat related. Put simply, fill power is a way of measuring the ability of down to expand after it has been compressed. In other words, a jacket that has a higher fill power rating will be more likely to expand back to its previous levels of loft, even when it has been shoved into a backpack or suitcase. In doing so, it continues to provide warmth over the life of the product, keeping the wearer more comfortable as a result.

Check out our guide to the best winter coats for men

The best winter coats for men

A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too.

Here are the best men's winter coats you can buy:

• Best winter coat overall: Patagonia Topley Jacket
• Best waterproof: Columbia OutDry Ex Gold Down Hooded Jacket
• Best for working: Caterpillar Heavy Insulated Parka
• Best for extreme cold: Mountain Hardware Absolute Zero Parka
• Best versatile parka: Fjällräven Kyl Parka
• Best classic wool coat: Woolrich Classic Peacoat

Check out more of the best winter gear on Insider Picks