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Buzz Feed
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
28 High-Maintenance Products That'll Let You Stay Low Maintenance
A paraben-free self-tanner in case you feel your best with bronzed, sun-kissed skin — in just one hour, you'll have just that so you can ~thrive~ in your sundresses and shorts for well over a week before having to apply again. This lightweight mousse applies evenly and leaves a golden hue (so no worries about looking like a patchy orange Oompa-Loompa). AND!! You can even use this to contour your face instead of applying makeup every day! A Wonderskin long-lasting lip stain that's smudge-proof, waterproof, of the things you want a lippie to be when you don't have time for touch-ups. With just a little prep (leave it on for 10–30 seconds, marvel at the masque's unique blue color, then wipe away), you'll be good to go for the rest of the day! For an even bolder color, just reapply with a second coat. A multipurpose dermaplaning tool designed to safely exfoliate your face and remove peach fuzz if desired. It doubles as an eyebrow razor, so you can shape your brows and easily remove any stray hairs. Now, you'll have a flawless base for makeup and perfectly shaped brows to help you fly through your routine later! A henna eyebrow tint kit that'll fill your brows with vibrant color for 1–2 weeks (according to most reviewers, though for some, it lasted longer!) so you can skip the daily hassle of filling them in. This uses plant-based ingredients rather than chemical dyes, so it's also better for your hair while still resisting fading! Stainless steel Tweezerman slant tweezers to expertly pluck even the tiniest of stray hairs around your brows (and upper lip, chin, wherever you need it) with precision. White brow mapping string as a crucial step in making your brows look good for the long haul. It'll leave thin but visible lines on your skin that'll look kinda wild once you're all done, but trust the process — it'll leave you with a precisely marked shape for your brows, which you can then use to thread, tweeze, and tint to your heart's content. A tin of Cirepil blue wax to save you time shaving or tweezing hairs every day. This wax melts into a smooth gel texture for precise application. It can remove both coarse and fine hairs, leaving the skin on your legs, armpits, between your brows, or ~anywhere else~ you fancy waxing sooooo smooth. A satin bonnet if you're tired of waking up with a truly scary case of bedhead every morning. The buttery soft satin reduces friction on your hair to prevent frizz and breakage, and it's double-layered to prevent any hair dye or products from soaking into your sheets. Bonus: The elastic band is adjustable, so you can make it just tight enough to prevent slippage without it being *too* tight. Lilac St. Original Lashes, which are meant to be worn for up to 10 (!) days — they're way less effort and more budget-friendly than professional lash extensions and have converted many reviewers! These vegan, cruelty-free silk lash fibers have an ultra-thin band, adhere well, and look *super* wispy and natural. Or a lash-lifting kit if you're ready to go the DIY route (because getting it done professionally is NOT in the budget rn). Put an hour or so aside for this, and you'll have dramatically longer-looking and curlier lashes for the next 4–6 weeks! Finally, freedom from the salon, falsies, and your dreadful eyelash curler. A 47-pack of foam curling rods that make curling your hair *so* easy. All you have to do is wrap your hair around the rods into your desired shape and size, then wait a few hours while you do chores or watch TV (some folks even wear them to bed). You'll be rewarded with gorgeous curls that you can enjoy for the next few days without any extra effort! Or a Kitsch heatless hair curler covered in satin to help lock in moisture and reduce frizz and split ends. Rather than using different individual rods, your hair gets wrapped around this single long rod, kind of like a headband. It's comfortable enough to sleep in and even cute enough to wear out as a hairstyle, and you'll have gorgeous ringlets for the next several days after removal! A coconut body scrub here to deliver the soft, silky-satin skin of your dreams, the kind that'll have you running your hands up and down your legs in amazement for DAYS. This ultra-fine sea salt scrub removes dead skin cells while also moisturizing with plant-based oils and aloe vera. Goddess status, here we come. ✨ And a Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It'll buff away dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it'll help your moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness. A set of Glamnetic's press-on nails in case you don't have the time or money to invest in regular salon visits, but still want that polished look. Whether you're going for chic subtlety or cute designs, these make it ridiculously easy, *plus* they're reusable for up to two weeks per wear! Or a beginner-friendly gel nail polish kit if you prefer the feel and ~ritual~ of applying polish but can't deal with the kind that chips in two days. Reviewers say these last around 2–3 weeks on your hands, and even longer on your toes (one reviewer said their toe polish lasted 1.5 months)! The kit comes with 32 gorgeous colors and everything you need to get the job done, including a UV light that allows the gel to harden. *Or* a gorgeous set of nail wraps to spice things up with some fun designs (if you're not comfortable doing them yourself)! You just peel, stick, and file them for a look that's both fresh and natural-looking, and reviewers say they stick on for weeks at a time! If you prefer to keep things simple but neat: Some nail concealer designed to illuminate nails while concealing any yellowing or staining, coating them in a milky shade that looks natural and gorgeous. Yeah, it costs more than cheaper nail polish, but it gives a professional look without the hefty price tag, and reviewers say it lasts up to two weeks! An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil if you're ready to enter your glass skin era, because this K-beauty staple will do the trick. It'll dissolve makeup residue and pull blackhead-causing gunk out of your pores. Reviewers say you can actually see the yuck that's come out, which is both gross and satisfying — but not as satisfying as how good your skin will look after. A Solawave red light therapy wand in case giving yourself a professional-level facial at home sounds appealing to you (🙋♀️). This cute tool looks simple, but it's packing some highly effective technologies inside: red light therapy to help reduce dark spots and fine lines, microcurrents that stimulate and lift the skin, facial massage to reduce puffiness, and therapeutic warmth to promote product absorption. A derma roller designed with teensy-tiny needles that are painless. Its superpower = helping serums and other skincare products penetrate your skin deeper for *maximum* effectiveness. With weekly use, it can also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and large pores — and at a fraction of the price of a professional microneedling appointment. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that'll transform your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type! (And take it from me: These results last for DAYS.) Psst — they might reach for Redken at your local salon, but this has the same ingredients as that brand's lamellar treatment for way less. And an Elizavecca hair treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as 5–20 minutes, then rinse it out for hair that'll look *and* feel silky soft for the next several days. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! With this under-$50 option, dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap (or even $100 on the Drybar version) suddenly less appealing. An elongating curling gel helping you achieve spirals that are soft and defined without losing any length. Plus, for under 10 bucks, you're getting a ton of product in this generously sized tub (and reviewers like it as an alternative to the pricier Kinky-Curly brand). Some illuminating under-eye gels you can plop on while making dinner, reading a book, meditating, or just watching TV. They'll give your tired under-eyes some much-needed pampering and help reduce dark circles and puffiness, and you'll feel totally refreshed afterward! Dentist-recommended Crest whitening strips that work over time to remove YEARS of stains and visibly whiten your teeth when you use them for just 30 minutes a day. You should get to a point where you can just use them periodically to maintain the whiteness! Or a teeth whitening kit if you've tried the strips and just don't like the feeling of them on your teeth. This (lowkey futuristic-looking) device uses LED light with 35% carbamide peroxide gel to whiten your teeth if years of drinking coffee or smoking have done a number on them. The kit comes with 20 treatments — all you need is a free half hour to sit (and maybe catch up on some TV) while it works its magic, with no uncomfortable sensitivity to deal with either.
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
29 Beauty Products For A Low-Maintenance Routine
A paraben-free self-tanner in case you feel your best with bronzed, sun-kissed skin — in just one hour, you'll have just that so you can ~thrive~ in your sundresses and shorts for well over a week before having to apply again. This lightweight mousse applies evenly and leaves a golden hue (so no worries about looking like a patchy orange Oompa-Loompa). AND!! You can even use this to contour your face instead of applying makeup every day! A Wonderskin long-lasting lip stain that's smudge-proof, waterproof, of the things you want a lippie to be when you don't have time for touch-ups. With just a little prep (leave it on for 10–30 seconds, marvel at the masque's unique blue color, then wipe away), you'll be good to go for the rest of the day! For an even bolder color, just reapply with a second coat. A multipurpose dermaplaning tool designed to safely exfoliate your face and remove peach fuzz if desired. It doubles as an eyebrow razor, so you can shape your brows and easily remove any stray hairs. Now, you'll have a flawless base for makeup and perfectly shaped brows to help you fly through your routine later! A henna eyebrow tint kit that'll fill your brows with vibrant color for 1–2 weeks (according to most reviewers, though for some, it lasted longer!) so you can skip the daily hassle of filling them in. This uses plant-based ingredients rather than chemical dyes, so it's also better for your hair while still resisting fading! Stainless steel Tweezerman slant tweezers to expertly pluck even the tiniest of stray hairs around your brows (and upper lip, chin, wherever you need it) with precision. White brow mapping string as a crucial step in making your brows look good for the long haul. It'll leave thin but visible lines on your skin that'll look kinda wild once you're all done, but trust the process — it'll leave you with a precisely marked shape for your brows, which you can then use to thread, tweeze, and tint to your heart's content. A tin of Cirepil blue wax to save you time shaving or tweezing hairs every day. This wax melts into a smooth gel texture for precise application. It can remove both coarse and fine hairs, leaving the skin on your legs, armpits, between your brows, or ~anywhere else~ you fancy waxing sooooo smooth. A satin bonnet if you're tired of waking up with a truly scary case of bedhead every morning. The buttery soft satin reduces friction on your hair to prevent frizz and breakage, and it's double-layered to prevent any hair dye or products from soaking into your sheets. Bonus: The elastic band is adjustable, so you can make it just tight enough to prevent slippage without it being *too* tight. Lilac St. Original Lashes, which are meant to be worn for up to 10 (!) days — they're way less effort and more budget-friendly than professional lash extensions and have converted many reviewers! These vegan, cruelty-free silk lash fibers have an ultra-thin band, adhere well, and look *super* wispy and natural. Or a lash-lifting kit if you're ready to go the DIY route (because getting it done professionally is NOT in the budget rn). Put an hour or so aside for this, and you'll have dramatically longer-looking and curlier lashes for the next 4–6 weeks! Finally, freedom from the salon, falsies, and your dreadful eyelash curler. A 47-pack of foam curling rods that make curling your hair *so* easy. All you have to do is wrap your hair around the rods into your desired shape and size, then wait a few hours while you do chores or watch TV (some folks even wear them to bed). You'll be rewarded with gorgeous curls that you can enjoy for the next few days without any extra effort! Or a Kitsch heatless hair curler covered in satin to help lock in moisture and reduce frizz and split ends. Rather than using different individual rods, your hair gets wrapped around this single long rod, kind of like a headband. It's comfortable enough to sleep in and even cute enough to wear out as a hairstyle, and you'll have gorgeous ringlets for the next several days after removal! A coconut body scrub here to deliver the soft, silky-satin skin of your dreams, the kind that'll have you running your hands up and down your legs in amazement for DAYS. This ultra-fine sea salt scrub removes dead skin cells while also moisturizing with plant-based oils and aloe vera. Goddess status, here we come. ✨ And a Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It'll buff away dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it'll help your moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness. A set of Glamnetic's press-on nails in case you don't have the time or money to invest in regular salon visits, but still want that polished look. Whether you're going for chic subtlety or cute designs, these make it ridiculously easy, *plus* they're reusable for up to two weeks per wear! Or a beginner-friendly gel nail polish kit if you prefer the feel and ~ritual~ of applying polish but can't deal with the kind that chips in two days. Reviewers say these last around 2–3 weeks on your hands, and even longer on your toes (one reviewer said their toe polish lasted 1.5 months)! The kit comes with 32 gorgeous colors and everything you need to get the job done, including a UV light that allows the gel to harden. *Or* a gorgeous set of nail wraps to spice things up with some fun designs (if you're not comfortable doing them yourself)! You just peel, stick, and file them for a look that's both fresh and natural-looking, and reviewers say they stick on for weeks at a time! If you prefer to keep things simple but neat: Some nail concealer designed to illuminate nails while concealing any yellowing or staining, coating them in a milky shade that looks natural and gorgeous. Yeah, it costs more than cheaper nail polish, but it gives a professional look without the hefty price tag, and reviewers say it lasts up to two weeks! An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil if you're ready to enter your glass skin era, because this K-beauty staple will do the trick. It'll dissolve makeup residue and pull blackhead-causing gunk out of your pores. Reviewers say you can actually see the yuck that's come out, which is both gross and satisfying — but not as satisfying as how good your skin will look after. A Solawave red light therapy wand in case giving yourself a professional-level facial at home sounds appealing to you (🙋♀️). This cute tool looks simple, but it's packing some highly effective technologies inside: red light therapy to help reduce dark spots and fine lines, microcurrents that stimulate and lift the skin, facial massage to reduce puffiness, and therapeutic warmth to promote product absorption. A derma roller designed with teensy-tiny needles that are painless. Its superpower = helping serums and other skincare products penetrate your skin deeper for *maximum* effectiveness. With weekly use, it can also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and large pores — and at a fraction of the price of a professional microneedling appointment. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that'll transform your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type! (And take it from me: These results last for DAYS.) Psst — they might reach for Redken at your local salon, but this has the same ingredients as that brand's lamellar treatment for way less. And an Elizavecca hair treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as 5–20 minutes, then rinse it out for hair that'll look *and* feel silky soft for the next several days. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! With this under-$50 option, dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap (or even $100 on the Drybar version) suddenly less appealing. An elongating curling gel helping you achieve spirals that are soft and defined without losing any length. Plus, for under 10 bucks, you're getting a ton of product in this generously sized tub (and reviewers like it as an alternative to the pricier Kinky-Curly brand). Some illuminating under-eye gels you can plop on while making dinner, reading a book, meditating, or just watching TV. They'll give your tired under-eyes some much-needed pampering and help reduce dark circles and puffiness, and you'll feel totally refreshed afterward! Dentist-recommended Crest whitening strips that work over time to remove YEARS of stains and visibly whiten your teeth when you use them for just 30 minutes a day. You should get to a point where you can just use them periodically to maintain the whiteness! Or a teeth whitening kit if you've tried the strips and just don't like the feeling of them on your teeth. This (lowkey futuristic-looking) device uses LED light with 35% carbamide peroxide gel to whiten your teeth if years of drinking coffee or smoking have done a number on them. The kit comes with 20 treatments — all you need is a free half hour to sit (and maybe catch up on some TV) while it works its magic, with no uncomfortable sensitivity to deal with either. And finally, a hair thinner and cutter to save you time and money on frequent salon appointments — people swear by this little tool for everything from trimming bangs and maintaining short haircuts to styling wigs. A quick "baby trim" here and there will keep you looking so fresh!
Buzz Feed
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
41 Beautiful, Budget-Friendly Amazon Finds
A timeless tennis bracelet made with 14K gold plated cubic zirconia that's sure to look like you put down some serious $$$ on Swarovski, which can stay our little secret. A sweetheart neckline bodysuit so comfortable you'll wonder if Amazon somehow snagged the secret to Skims' "cloud" fabric. This is available in a handful of bold colors and chic neutrals, so you might as well get them all and be *covered* with the perfect top for every occasion. Lilac St. Original Lashes — you're sure to wanna join the reviewers who have saved *thousands* of dollars by replacing their expensive lash extension appointments with these silk lash fiber lashes. These have an ultra-thin band, they adhere well, and they're meant to last up to 10(!!!) days. look at these review photos! They look more natural than my *actual* lashes. A *folding* corduroy sofa bed with plush tufted details and an expert dose of laid-back luxury that says, "I belong in a New York City loft." If you, too, deserve that luxe loft life but don't have the bank account to shell thousands on high-end furniture, this sofa is the secretly inexpensive piece you'll be thrilled to have discovered. You'll soon find yourself basking in that satisfying city style from the comfort of suburbia while cozying up in your expertly designed space. A stunning minimizer bra with the power to basically give you a surgery-free breast reduction with some ultimate seduction. The comfortable sheer mesh and lace details are oh-so-sexy that, despite the impressive results when worn under shirts, you may find yourself too distracted looking at your gorgeous shelf (oops, I mean, self) to wanna put clothes on over it. Reviewers rave about the bra's ability to support breasts while minimizing bulk without the awkward separating and squishing that often result from lesser bras. A plush embroidered duvet cover that'll be equal parts practical and pleasant. The bedding has inner ties so your duvet doesn't end up bunching inside the cover, and it has a small zipper closure (which is way easier to use than versions with buttons). If you love the beachy-chic vibes of coastal boutiques but don't have the dough to drop on designer bedding, this duvet cover is gonna be your dream come true. A brushed nickel toilet paper holder to help reduce clutter and dust on the bathroom floor. This a lovely way to have extra TP on display and at the ready without taking up floor space. It's also really easy to mount: you can either use the provided hanger to place it over the toilet tank or mount it to the wall. Easy peasy and pretty! A ceramic incense dish for folks who prefer a minimal aesthetic with products that are equal parts functional and beautiful. A longline sports bra so your outfit can say "Lululemon" even if your bank account is saying "no new clothes at all." This top-tier top is a hit with reviewers because it's suitable for so much: outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* casual wear. Its lightweight design is breathable but sturdy and supportive without being too compressive, making it a stunning staple both at work and working out. And a pair of palazzo pants to fully embrace the lighter layer aesthetic of spring. Pair these with a crop top and long trench coat, toss on your favorite shades, and then (even with your hair unwashed and in a bun) you're runway-ready. A wooden digital alarm clock/wireless phone charger so you can enjoy the comforts of modern technology while keeping the soothing, neutral vibes you've worked hard to cultivate in your home. This has adjustable volume and brightness settings, can be scheduled for different weekend and weekday wake-up calls, and has a spiffy little snooze button. A paper incense tin to add a little pocket-sized luxury to your life. Inside the wrapped tin is a decorative paper envelope filled with 48 teeny tiny incense papers. To use, just clip one paper to the tin and wait as it burns (for about five minutes). After that, the soothing smell should fill your space up to a few hours. A pickleball set with two paddles, two balls, a net bag, AND a Little-Women-worthy pair of patterns so darn darling you may find yourself too dazzled to hit anything with them. The set works great for the game, but feel free to skip the exercise and just enjoy picnicking with your buds beside a beautiful pair of paddles. The Endless Art Challenge, a deck of 90 cards that'll combine to make over 25,000 prompt variations. The challenge is intended for artists of all sorts, whether seasoned sketchers or folks who'll love the chance to up their stick figure game. A plush diaper caddy basket with a wipeable surface (which is, to be frank, unnervingly necessary) that's so surprisingly stylish you just might forget the terrible purpose it serves. Just kidding new parents, diapers aren't THAT bad. Particularly if you have a caddy this cute. This can create a warm, earthy, and inviting space for your child without turning them into a sad beige baby. Bless. A pair of stylish teardrop earrings that'll look like the golden version of the tears streaming down your face when you get overwhelmed by how ravishing they look. Too much? Not enough! These are practically the Bottega Veneta ones, minus the $$$ — both are even gold-plated. P.S. Reviewers say they're super lightweight and don't affect their sensitive ears! Uh oh, here come those tears again. An electric can opener/knife sharpener — if you're into cooking with canned goods, this *treasure* deserves a spot of honor on your counter. This lovely gadget is about to become the very best sous chef. A personalized pennant for highlighting the MVP in your life with a snazzy handmade flag that's all their own. Support Small on Amazon is a game-changer when it comes to finding gorgeous, high quality products from small businesses — and this one is a personal favorite of mine! A framed canvas painting sure to create a cozy, lived-in touch in empty nooks and crannies that could use a little somethin' special. A wooden peacock toy for folks who know the best way to shop for littles is by buying aesthetic toys that'll look good even when they're left on the floor. I bought this for my toddler and *love* using it to teach her color theory! Thanks, Professor Peacock. A four-pack of scalloped shelves — a particularly charming set that'll give your record collection something to brag about. A midi-length satin dress with a cowl neck — wear this to a wedding and spend all your time post-ceremony taking photos that look like a staged shoot for your very own custom couture. A bug rug made with soft wool so comfortable you and your family may find yourselves crawling around with these creepy crawlies all the time! This already has a rubber backing, so it'll be g2g the moment it gets to your door. The best part? It's machine washable! A heart-shaped Paris Hilton cast-iron Dutch oven so darn darlin' it's gonna be worth keeping on your stove top 24/7. If you believe food tastes better when a little extra love is added in, just *imagine* how good your meals are gonna taste when they're made in this dreamy Dutch oven. Kitsch's iconic claw clip, made famous for its impressively strong hold despite such a dainty design (it's suitable for all hair types) and rounded teeth that'll hold your style together all day without damage or breakage. A sling rack bookshelf with four tiers of "shelving" and enough room to store a hearty collection of tiny board and picture books. The speckled material is positively popping with personality *and* the frame, though lightweight, is balanced enough to handle kiddos climbing all around it. And it's not just for kids! This is sure to be a unique and awe-worthy way to display comics, magazines, cookbooks, and more. A pair of plush velvet pillow covers that'll look straight off the shelves of Anthropologie. The large ruffled edges and rich jewel tones are going to add depth and interest to your cozy reading room. Plus plush materials like velvet are gonna organically complement the dark, romantic aesthetic you've embraced since getting on that romantasy bandwagon. A hand-embroidered bookmark you can have personalized with your first initial, so your favorite novels can sport a charming new accessory. An ultra soft faux-fur rug sure to feel luxurious every time you get out of bed and have this fancy fuzz between your toes instead of the cold wood floors beneath your feet. A wireless library light you can use to highlight favorite books or pieces of art in your home. It has both warm and cool light settings, so it can easily match your seasonal aesthetic shift. A pair of linen café curtains reviewers use both over their windows as a way to create privacy (while still getting light!) *and* as a gorgeous upgrade to unsightly storage spaces. If you find yourself glaring down at the cereal boxes and mismatched dishes you have underneath your kitchen island, set these curtains up and hide that all away *while* making your kitchen look chic-as-can-be! A cheerful fruit bowl with a spiffy secret — it's also a colander — for keeping your produce on display. Fresh produce on the counter looks so lovely *and* reminds you to eat your rutabagas before they go bad. Stained glass window film that'll create privacy (while keeping sunlight!!) and make your home look positively regal. If your place is old but lacking that charming "old home" character, this film is about to completely transform it. A magnetic cat eye gel nail polish kit for those of us who know most things can be fixed with a killer manicure. Not only will you get an onslaught of compliments but you'll also be able to say, "Why thank you, I did them myself!" to boost that cool kid ego up even higher. Hot. A Java Sock that'll do the two most important things for our beloved iced coffees ( drinks. I know people drink other drinks!) 1) It'll keep that caramel almond milk cold brew cold for ages — hours, according to reviewers — and 2) It'll keep your drink from sweating into your cupholder or all over your desk. It's a cruel twist of fate that iced coffee sweats as much as we do in the summer. A mini squiggle mirror to add some cheeky fun to a gallery wall, shelf, or bathroom. If you've started to tire of your straight-edge aesthetic, give yourself a little wiggle room and try decorating with something a little more quirky. A pair of lovely silicone trivets with a soft, bendable design — making them great for placing hot dishes down *and* for taking those very dishes out of the oven before your meal. In a world where kitchens are already filled with gadgets and gizmos yourself a tool that does more than its fair share! An elevated laptop tote bag so *dang* good looking you might feel like you should be working for it and not the other way around! A stainless-steel statement ring with a bold black glass crystal. This statement piece is perfect for gaudy goths who believe giant cocktail rings are an everyday staple. A pack of rainbow fire packets so stunning you may actually convince your kids to put their phones away and enjoy sitting by the fire when you accidentally booked a campsite with *yikes!* cell service. A portable retro-style radio for folks who love modern music and an old-school aesthetic. The radio has built-in speakers and a handle, which makes it the perfect tech to bring along on picnics, days at the beach, and on camping trips.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From Fake Eyelashes to Care Bears, U.S.-Bound Goods Are Stuck in Tariff Limbo
Just after the Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% this month, a truck full of fake eyelashes came to a screeching halt in Mexico, just shy of the U.S. border. The lashes, made in China and shipped to a Mexican port, were on their way to U.S. customers of Lilac St., a company founded by Seattle businesswoman Alicia Zeng. One of Zeng's employees had phoned the company's warehouse in Mexico and told them to 'send humans to flag down that truck,' because Lilac St. couldn't afford import tariffs higher than the value of the cargo itself, Zeng said. The Oil Patch's 'Manhattan Project': How to Fix Its Gargantuan Water Problem Why It's So Difficult for Robots to Make Your Nike Sneakers Trump Is Everywhere Except in the Economic Data FTC Sues Uber, Alleging Deceptive Billing, Cancellation Practices Crypto Knocks on the Door of a Banking World That Shut It Out 'If we pay 145% tariffs we would lose a significant amount of money on every product we send in,' she said. Many U.S. companies are making similar hard calls as they try to adjust to President Trump's new trade war with China. Some are halting imports as they hope for a trade truce that will result in lower tariffs. A few interviewed by The Wall Street Journal are trying to move their production from China to the U.S., but most are considering other Asian countries, saying U.S. production of their goods doesn't exist. Many are reluctant to make big changes if the new rules are just going to get overturned by a tweet. 'When they make a decision, they change their mind, and when they change their mind, they change it again,' said Clifton Broumand, whose company, Man & Machine, assembles waterproof keyboards and mice in Maryland, from Asian and domestic components. He is considering moving that assembly to Malaysia to escape some of the tariff burden, but the uncertainty makes it hard to plan. The goods these U.S. companies sell are often the kind of whimsical or niche products that have thrived in an era of e-commerce and low-cost Asian manufacturing. Golf practice nets. Smartphone mounts that stick to a dashboard. Toy trucks and eyelash glue. Zeng started her company during the pandemic, figuring she would provide an alternative for women who couldn't go to the salon for lash extensions. She spent the summer of 2020 boxing up lashes on her living-room couch. Five years later, she has annual revenue of $15 million and 15 U.S. employees who work remotely in Michigan, Ohio, Texas and other states. The company's success hinges on the delicate, feathery lashes churned out by a supplier in the fake-eyelash capital of the world: Qingdao, China. Factories there buy ultra thin plastic fibers from South Korean suppliers, which they cut and curl into faux lashes. Then the really hard work begins: Workers use tweezers to lift single fibers and arrange them into small clusters resembling human lashes, Zeng said. 'It's so, so delicate and you couldn't just turn on a machine somewhere and do this,' she said. The production 'just does not exist in the United States, for reasons you can imagine,' she added. Lilac St. sells the lashes for $6 to $11 a package. Zeng, for now, is holding her truck at the Mexican warehouse, hoping for some resolution to the trade war. Several other shipments that are halfway across the ocean will soon join the truck. Zeng has two to three months of inventory in the U.S. that she can continue selling. 'I think we're trying to hold out for at least one more month to see what happens. But then we'll have to make some hard choices,' she said. She has asked her Chinese suppliers about moving production elsewhere in Asia, but she says they aren't ready to commit. Basic Fun, a Boca Raton, Fla.,-based seller of children's toys, has also halted shipments from China, hoping that tariffs recede to more manageable levels. The company has about two months of inventory of Lincoln Logs, Care Bears and other items in U.S. warehouses, Chief Executive Jay Foreman said. 'Basically, what we're doing is eating our inventory and hoping that it will last us until this gets settled,' he said. 'If it doesn't, we'll be out of business.' Toy manufacturing was one of the first industries that took root in China, decades ago. 'Even if you wanted to make things here, the components all come from China,' Foreman said. Some shipping companies are so concerned about U.S. importers abandoning their cargo and declining to pay shipping fees that they are asking for full payment upfront. Hong Miller, owner of Wincity Trade, an import-export company in Grosse Pointe, Mich., said her longtime shipping company usually requires only a deposit upfront but recently asked for full payment. Many entrepreneurs are scrambling to move production out of China. Bob Brammer's company in Traverse City, Mich., sells aluminum handrails and other accessories that get installed in recreational vehicles. He started reshoring some of the production from China to Michigan a few years ago and moved other production lines to India. New tariffs are now prompting him to move the remainder of his China-based manufacturing. His company, Stromberg Carlson Products, found a Michigan aluminum supplier to sell him the raw materials to make one of his handrails—no small matter, as Trump's 25% tariff on imported aluminum has created a search for domestic sources. 'They said, 'Bob, we'll support that. You're bringing it home from China? We'll support that,' ' Brammer said. He just had a machinery supplier, Haas Automation, come by to estimate the cost of new manufacturing equipment and he needs to have eight molds made to produce hardware for the rails. Brammer said he supports the tariffs overall and is glad to bring more production back to the U.S., but he wishes the Trump administration had given companies more time to prepare. 'I've got to get this stuff made soon to keep my inventory flowing smoothly. I've got to get it up and running in eight weeks,' he said. Trump's tariffs during his first administration prompted many U.S. companies to reduce their reliance on China. Roger Alves, chief executive of Scosche Industries, a consumer-electronics company in Oxnard, Calif., said the company has reduced its production in China from 90% of its goods to 30% since 2018, shifting to other suppliers in Southeast Asia. The company has constantly tried to move the remaining production out, but it has been hard to find manufacturers elsewhere that can do the work as well, at such a good price, Alves said. Bringing the work to the U.S. isn't realistic, he said, because the U.S. doesn't produce many types of electronics. With the new tariffs, Scosche has halted imports from China and is redoubling its efforts to leave the country. Some of Alves's employees just returned from a trade show in Hong Kong, where manufacturers from across Southeast Asia were marketing their services. Alves said tariffs during the first Trump term ate up half of the company's profits for two years, until Scosche could move production and squeeze price increases out of its big-box retailer customers. It is again pressing retailers to accept price increases, but it is a tough process, Alves said. 'That takes time, which is something the White House doesn't understand. You just don't raise Walmart the next day.' Write to Jeanne Whalen at and Bob Tita at Justice Department Urges Tough Action to Break Google's Search Dominance Trump's Trade Offensive Threatens America's Financial Primacy Trump Renews Call for Rate Cut, Slams Fed Chair Fed, Tariff Fears Send Dow Down More Than 900 Points How Long Will Big U.S. Banks Continue to Lead the World? Sign in to access your portfolio
Wall Street Journal
22-04-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
From Fake Eyelashes to Care Bears, U.S.-Bound Goods Are Stuck in Tariff Limbo
Just after the Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% this month, a truck full of fake eyelashes came to a screeching halt in Mexico, just shy of the U.S. border. The lashes, made in China and shipped to a Mexican port, were on their way to U.S. customers of Lilac St., a company founded by Seattle businesswoman Alicia Zeng. One of Zeng's employees had phoned the company's warehouse in Mexico and told them to 'send humans to flag down that truck,' because Lilac St. couldn't afford import tariffs higher than the value of the cargo itself, Zeng said.
