Latest news with #UVB
The South African
a day ago
- Climate
- The South African
WEATHER: Heavy rainfall and flooding set to slam South Africa
Struggling to decide what to wear? Here's what today's weather has in store for South Africa's nine provinces. Your daily weather, UVB forecast and temperature updates around South Africa. Temperature: Morning fog patches in the south and central, otherwise partly cloudy and cold but cool in the north. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: High Where does Gauteng rank in size among South Africa's provinces? Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 18 178 square kilometres. Where does Gauteng rank in population among South Africa's provinces? Gauteng is the biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 16 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Gauteng? The administrative capital of the province is Johannesburg, which is situated at 25°44′46″S 28°11′17″E. Temperature: Morning fog patches along the escarpment, otherwise Partly cloudy and cold but cool in places in the east with isolated showers except in the extreme west. Where does Mpumalanga rank in size among South Africa's provinces? Mpumalanga is the second smallest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 76 495 square kilometres. Where does Mpumalanga rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? Mpumalanga is the sixth most populous, with an estimated 4.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Mpumalanga? The capital and largest city in the province is Mbombela (formerly known as Nelspruit), which is situated at 25°27′57″S 30°59′07″E. The daily weather forecast and temperature updates around South Africa. Temperature: Morning fog patches along the escarpment, otherwise partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers in the east where it will be cool. Where does Limpopo rank in size among South Africa's provinces? Limpopo is the fifth largest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 125 754 square kilometres. Where does Limpopo rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? Limpopo is the fifth most populous, with an estimated 5.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Limpopo? The capital and largest city in the province is Polokwane, which is situated at 23°54′00″S 29°27′00″E. Temperature: Partly cloudy and cool, with isolated showers and thundershowers over the western parts. Where does the North West rank in size among South Africa's provinces? The North West is the sixth largest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 104 882 square kilometres. Where does the North West rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? The North West is the seventh most populous, with an estimated 4.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the North West? Its capital is Mahikeng (formerly known as Mafikeng), which is situated at 25°51′56″S 25°38′37″E. Temperature: Cloudy with morning fog patches over the eastern parts at first, otherwise partly cloudy and cold to cool, with isolated showers and thundershowers except over the northern parts. Where does the Free State rank in size among South Africa's provinces? The Free State is the third largest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 129 825 square kilometres. Where does the Free State rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? The Free State is the second smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 2.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Free State? Formerly known as the Orange Free State, its capital and biggest city is Bloemfontein, South Africa's judicial capital. It is situated at 29°07′S 26°13′E. Northern Cape Temperature: Cloudy with morning fog along the northern parts of the coast, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers and thundershowers in the east and central in the afternoon. Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh south-easterly. Where does the Northern Cape rank in size among South Africa's provinces? The Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa's nine provinces at 372 889 square kilometres. Where does the Northern Cape rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? The Northern Cape is the smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Northern Cape? Its capital is Kimberley, which is situated at 28°44′18″S 24°45′50″E. Temperature: Partly cloudy with morning mist or fog patches over the northern and south-western parts, otherwise fine and cool to warm. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected over the extreme north-eastern parts in the afternoon. Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly, but light to moderate north-easterly along the south coast in the morning. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Low Where does the Western Cape rank in size among South Africa's provinces? The Western Cape is the fourth largest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 129 449 square kilometres. Where does the Western Cape rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? The Western Cape is the third most populous, with an estimated 7.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Western Cape? The capital city is Cape Town, which is situated at 33°55′31″S 18°25′26″E. The Western half: Morning fog in places over the interior, otherwise fine and cool, becoming partly cloudy with isolated afternoon thundershowers in the north. The Western half – wind: The wind along the coast will be light north-easterly, becoming south-westerly by afternoon. The Eastern half: Morning fog in places over the interior, otherwise fine and cool, becoming partly cloudy with isolated afternoon thundershowers in the north. The Eastern half-wind: The wind along the coast will be light to moderate north- easterly. Where does the Eastern Cape rank in size among South Africa's provinces? The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa's nine provinces at 168 966 square kilometres. Where does the Eastern Cape rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? The Eastern Cape is the fourth biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 6.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Eastern Cape? Its capital is Bhisho, which is situated at 32°50′58″S 27°26′17″E. Temperature: Morning fog in places over the interior, otherwise partly cloudy and cool but cold in places in the west. Isolated showers and rain are expected but scattered along the north coast. Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-westerly but north-easterly in the extreme south, spreading to Richards Bay by late afternoon. It will become south-easterly in the north from late morning. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Low Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in size among South Africa's provinces? KwaZulu-Natal is the seventh largest of South Africa's nine provinces, with an area of 94 361 square kilometres. Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in population size among South Africa's provinces? KwaZulu-Natal is the second most populous, with an estimated 11.5 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal? The capital city is Pietermaritzburg, which is situated at 29°37′S 30°23′E. A. Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive rainfall resulting in localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements or roads, low lying areas and/or bridges, slippery roads leading to minor vehicle accidents, and difficulty in driving conditions on dirt roads along the north coast of KwaZulu Natal. NIL NIL Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Weather forecast data provided by the South African Weather Service
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Understanding hyperpigmentation: Causes, types, prevention tips and more
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where certain areas become darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin production. It can appear as spots or patches in shades of brown, black, gray, or even red, depending on skin tone. While it affects all skin types, it tends to be more persistent in medium to darker complexions. Common types include freckles, age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Its causes range from sun exposure and hormonal changes to medication use and genetic factors. Fortunately, various effective treatments, including topical creams, and advanced dermatological procedures, can help restore a more even and radiant complexion. What is hyperpigmentation and its common types Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes (melanin-producing skin cells) produce too much pigment. This excess melanin collects in areas of the skin, forming dark spots or patches. These spots may appear brown, black, gray, red, pink, or purple, depending on your skin tone. Common types: Freckles – Small, tan spots often caused by sun exposure. Age (sun) spots – Flat, brown patches that develop after prolonged sun exposure, usually on areas like the face, hands, or shoulders. Melasma – Irregular, blotchy patches commonly triggered by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control use) and sun exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks that appear after skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, cuts, burns, or eczema. Key causes of hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin tones but may be more noticeable or persistent in individuals with medium to darker complexions. Some of the most common causes include: Hormonal changes: Especially during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, which can trigger melasma (also called the 'mask of pregnancy'). Medications: Certain drugs like antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, or antimalarials can cause pigment changes as a side effect. Medical conditions: Addison's disease and other endocrine disorders can influence melanin production. Genetics: Some people are more prone to pigment changes due to inherited factors. Exposure to environmental pollutants: Pollution and chemicals can cause oxidative stress, which may lead to uneven pigmentation over time. Tips to prevent hyperpigmentation While hyperpigmentation isn't always preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by protecting your skin from sun exposure: Use sunscreen daily. Opt for a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours. Choose sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Wear protective clothing , wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. Consistent sun protection is one of the most effective ways to help prevent dark spots and maintain an even skin tone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Treatment options for hyperpigmentation According to TheClevelandClinic, depending on the cause of your hyperpigmentation, your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle adjustments and treatments: Lifestyle changes may include: Minimising sun exposure by staying indoors during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. Discontinuing any medications that may be contributing to pigmentation changes (under medical supervision). Taking specific vitamins to support skin health. Topical treatments, either prescription or over-the-counter, might include: Azelaic acid Corticosteroids Glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) Hydroquinone Kojic acid (helps reduce melanin production) Salicylic acid Skin-lightening agents or bleach Tretinoin Vitamins C and B3 (niacinamide) Other treatment options may involve: Chemical peels Cryotherapy Laser skin resurfacing Pigmented lesion laser therapy When to consult a doctor It's important to see a healthcare provider, like a dermatologist, if your skin shows any of the following signs: Redness Warmth or heat to the touch Itching Pain Discharge of blood, pus, or other fluids These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition or infection that requires medical attention. Also read | Tea tree oil for hair growth: Benefits, precautions, and how to use it
NBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
The best mineral sunscreens for dark skin, tested by our editors
For a long time, I'd given up on mineral sunscreens — as someone with dark skin, it felt impossible to find options that didn't leave a white cast. This problem exists for some chemical sunscreens too, but mineral ingredients are harder to blend out, in my experience. Thankfully, some mineral formulas have improved, and the range of options has expanded, so we decided to put some to the test. Check out our favorite picks below as well as expert advice for choosing one of your own. How I picked the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin Mineral sunscreens all contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are the active ingredients that help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays (more about these ingredients below). Besides avoiding the dreaded white cast, I kept a few other things in mind while compiling this list: Minimum SPF of 30: SPF, also known as sun protection factor, measures a formula's protection level against the sun's rays — the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. The SPF number indicates the amount of time the sunscreen will prevent UV damage compared to the amount of time with no sunscreen; for example, while wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen at all. Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide: These are the key active ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Water-resistant options: Water-resistant sunscreens are great for workouts, swimming, and any other activities where you may be sweating or getting wet. I included options that provide a water resistance of at least 40 minutes. How we tested the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin Our NBC Select staff tested over 100 sunscreens for six weeks to find the very best formulas for summer (and beyond). While testing, we tried dozens of mineral sunscreens and of those, we found some brown skin-friendly formulas for different skin types and activities. We tested on a range of brown skin tones and skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin, and wore the sunscreens to work, to the gym, outdoors, and more. Here is some of the key criteria we kept in mind while testing: Consistency: What's the sunscreen's texture like? Is it invisible? Which skin type does it work best for? Appearance: Is there any white cast upon application? If so, how long does it take to absorb/fade? Does it reappear when sweating? Usage: How often did you use the sunscreen? What did you do while wearing it? Which activities are the sunscreen best suited for? Wear over time: Did the sunscreen drip or melt throughout the day? Did it get greasy as the day went on? Price: Would we rebuy these formulas with our own money? Would we purchase them at full price, on a discount, or not at all? Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best mineral sunscreens for dark skin in 2025 Below I gathered our favorite mineral sunscreens for dark skin, including tested picks from NBC Select staff, products from previous coverage, and top-rated options from bestselling brands across the web. Best overall When a sunscreen claims to have a 'universal tint', my guard automatically goes up, but Herbivore's Star Seed sunscreen proved my doubts wrong. It's formulated to work with all skin types, hydrates the skin's moisture barrier with prebiotics, and evens skin tone with vitamin C, according to the brand. It has a creamy texture that feels more like a primer than sunscreen, and a light, orange-ish tint. Although I can't speak to exactly how universal the tint is, the sunscreen absorbs within minutes and gives me zero white cast while blending really well into my skin. I also love how well it holds up on my oilier skin — even on my shiniest days, the most I'll get is a soft glow as my oil starts to break through after a few hours of wear. The sunscreen can also double as a primer. This sunscreen is another one of my mineral favorites, but fair warning — you may need to wait a little bit for this one to absorb. NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez was also initially worried by the sunscreen's subtle tint, but says it blended into his skin and around his facial hair perfectly within a few minutes, sans white cast. It has a very fluid, lightweight texture that sits on your skin without feeling too heavy, and is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Fernandez, who has combination skin, likes that it doesn't cause irritation or burn his eyes while walking outside. I especially recommend this sunscreen for anyone with drier skin, since it's full of hydrators, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Both NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman and NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi were pleasantly surprised by how well this sunscreen worked for their skin tones. 'It has a purple or pink colored hue and I thought it would leave a noticeable white cast as I applied it to my face, but it blended in fairly easily,' says Bowman. He also likes that it didn't leave much of a cast over his facial hair, which he says has been an issue with other formulas he's tried, and that the sunscreen didn't run white during his sweaty, intensive tennis games. Alabi, who's used and loved Dr. Loretta's products in the past, says the sunscreen's light, moisturizer-like texture is one of the few American formulas that doesn't leave her greasy. It has ectoin, for added hydration, and antioxidants to shield your skin from free radical damage, and protects against UVA, UVB, and HEV blue light rays, according to the brand. Cerave is an NBC Select-favorite brand brand — this sunscreen comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry in our roundup of the best sunscreens for dark skin. The sunscreen has a blend of yellow, red and black iron oxides, which together create a tint that blends out on all skin tones, according to the brand. It's also noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin, and uses ceramides to hydrate and plump the skin. Alabi first saw this Good Weather Skin option in an ad starring one of her favorite Black models, which instantly made her curious about the sunscreen's effectiveness on darker skin. She has since tried it, and says the sunscreen's fluid texture and dewy finish is 'perfect for summer.' She also loves that it blends in quickly. The sunscreen is made with niacinamide and seabuckthorn oil to help improve the texture and appearance of your skin, and squalane for hydration, according to the brand. As someone who prefers a very matte look, Alabi says she likes to use a bit of setting powder over this sunscreen to help diffuse the shine a bit. This sunscreen has a tinted finish that's designed to seamlessly absorb into skin of all tones, according to the brand. Along with the usual mineral active ingredients, Dr. Few's formula includes green tea to reduce free radical damage and avocado oil to add moisture to the skin. It has a lightweight cream texture and is also great for oily skin, with reviewers saying it helps to reduce shine as the day goes by. Good Molecules' Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a hydrating formula that uses hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil and tucuma seed butter to lock moisture into the skin, according to the brand. Although its lightweight, non-greasy formula may take a few minutes to fully absorb, it dries down into a dewy finish that former NBC Select reporter Bianca Alavarez says sits well under makeup. It's also noncomedogenic, making it a solid and affordable option for acne-prone skin. How to shop for mineral sunscreens for dark skin As with any other skin care product, it's important to keep your skin type and concerns in mind when picking a mineral sunscreen. Here are a few more tips to consider while shopping for one: Choose sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, which the Skin Cancer Foundation says protects against 97% of the sun's rays. For oily or acne-prone skin, be sure to check for 'noncomedogenic' labels, which means the product doesn't contain ingredients that are more likely to clog pores, like mineral oil or petroleum. For dry skin, keep an eye out for hydrating formulas that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera and more. If you'll be swimming or sweating, choose sunscreens labeled as water-resistant, with at least 40 minutes of resistance for good measure. Lastly, to avoid a white cast, look for lightweight, sheerer formulas that are more likely to seamlessly absorb into your skin (and always check reviews). Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care and wellness topics like sunscreens for dark skin and acne spot treatments. For this piece, myself and the NBC select staff tested dozens of mineral sunscreens to find the formulas that work best for dark skin.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: What's the real difference in sun protection?
CHICAGO (WGN) — When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun's rays, not all sunscreens are created equal. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is made up of two main types of rays that can damage your skin. UVB rays cause sunburn and UVA rays penetrate deeper and lead to skin aging, wrinkles and long-term damage. The SPF, or sun protection factor, mainly measures UVB protection. It indicates how much longer it would take for your skin to burn compared to if you weren't wearing any sunscreen at all. For example, with SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you had no sunscreen on at all. The Skin Cancer Foundation says SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. While the difference may seem small, the Skin Cancer Foundation says SPF 30 allows 50% more UV radiation to reach your skin than SPF 50, which can make a big difference if you're in the sun for a long period of time. But even when using a higher SPF, extra precautions should still be taken. The Skin Cancer Foundation stresses the importance of: Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure Reapplying every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses For those who are at high risk of skin cancer, SPF 50 may not even be enough. In these cases, layering protection and seeking shade when possible becomes even more crucial. For any extended outdoor activity, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
25 Target Products That Are Useful And Affordable
A jar of E.l.f. Holy Hydration! face cream with SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen and hyaluronic acid because reviewers say they would recommend this more than expensive, fancy-pants moisturizers. Being hydrated as heck and saving some money? Literally, name a more iconic duo. Note: Based on the AAD Guidelines all sunscreens should have an SPF of at least 30 and protect against UVA and UVB review: "I recently purchased this out of curiosity after reading several reviews as I'm still trying to find my perfect fit moisturizer for my skincare routine. I love this one for daytime use! The texture is so creamy it glides on easily, and my skin feels soft and moisturized for most of the day. It has a light fragrance, but I find it very pleasant and doesn't irritate my senses or skin. I also love that this has SPF in it. I have used many different high-dollar brand-name moisturizers, and I would absolutely repurchase and recommend this one above them all at this point." —veitah1Price: $13 A minimalist belt bag for folks looking for a chic way to cart around their phone, wallet, and lip balm. If you carry a traditional bag that seems to accumulate junk until it feels so heavy, you're worried your shoulder will get pulled out of its socket (~guilty~); this is a good way to strip down to basics — and give your poor shoulder a break. Promising reviews: 'This bag is very cute and holds so much! Definitely a good quality and easy to clean. Highly recommend for any age.' —L"The tan color looks sophisticated without being expensive. Another great product by Target!" —CPrice: $10 (available in five colors) A dry-erase calendar that is going to make you wonder how you lived without it. Its thin gold frame makes it look like part of your gallery wall, and it's magnetized, so you can attach important invitations and receipts — or just photos of extremely cute dogs to keep your energy up throughout your workday. Promising review: "This is a nicely sized dry-erase board to write in my family's monthly schedule. Helps keep us organized at a glance; we use a different color for each person. I enjoy using it!" —JennyNHPrice: $12.99 A Kristen Ess deep conditioning hair treatment for folks struggling with dry or damaged hair who would like a salon-level deep conditioning treatment, but here's the twist! — I would like it to not cost one bazillion dollars. Reviewers say this mask is salon-grade, and a whole jar costs about the same as one fancy salad. Promising reviews: 'Works really well! I've only ever bought salon grade - and this is right up there! Left my hair super soft and shiny. Smells really good, too! Has lasted me a long time.' —Carlee"I really love this hair mask! I use it once per week after shampooing, and it leaves my hair so soft and smooth like I just left the salon! The smell is so nice too. Not too strong, which I love." —Dear Katy Price: $14.99 A Dash mini waffle maker, because waiting for an hour for brunch in a super-crowded restaurant, where someone will inevitably end up putting their elbow in your latte? Why live that life when you could still be in your jammies, whipping up delicious mini waffles cooked to your exact specifications? Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things about this little waffle maker. It may be small, but it's mighty. It doesn't take up much room, is easy to store/clean, and makes fresh waffles for my family on busy mornings super fast. I just keep some waffle batter in my fridge throughout the week and use a few servings each morning. I never thought I would get as much use out of this as I do." —TeddyOatsPrice: $10.99 (available in two colors) A pack of Pixi + Hello Kitty sheet masks that aren't just printed with adorable images of your fave cartoon kitty — they're soaked with vitamins A and C, and reviewers say they make their skin feel plump and ultra-hydrated. Promising reviews: "Hands down, the best sheet mask I've ever tried! Leaves skin plump, hydrated, and glassy. I put mine in the fridge to chill before I applied and it just added to the overall rejuvenating effect. Go buy it!!" —Anonymous"I bought these just because they were Hello Kitty… ended up making my skin so soft and glowy for 24 hours. Evens helped the look of acne scarring." —kaitlynn jPrice: $10 for a pack of three A can organizer, because you are playing a dangerous game when you just stack your La Croix and Olipops all willy-nilly in your fridge. This organizer works for mini and full-size cans and takes up less room than the big cardboard crate that they came in. Promising review: "Great organization item! Sturdy. Holds up to three rows of cans. Regular size and mini cans both work." —BrittncourtPrice: $14 A mini enameled cast-iron Dutch oven for anyone who's heard a ton about Dutch ovens but isn't sure they're ready to commit to one. This mini version can help you give them a test run — and it's great for making dips, desserts, and small baked goods. Promising review: "I made s'mores dip in this mini Dutch oven, and it came out great. Surprisingly, it was easy to clean, keeping my s'mores dip warm after taking it out of the oven. I wish there were more colors." —RaveenPrice: $14.99+ (available in two sizes) A three-piece tropical print gardening set, because who says doing household chores can't be an incredibly glam experience? Prune those petunias in style, my friend. Kit includes a spade, cultivator, and bypass $25 A Physicians Formula face palette packed with bronzers, highlighters, blush, and powder, so you can create new looks whenever your thrifty little heart desires. Promising review: 'Yes, yes, yes!!! Absolutely love, love, love! This palette! I bought it, and it's AMAZING! It smells so good, too! The highlight and bronzer are perfect shades! I love everything about this palette so much! It does last long and for the price! It's a steal! The price of what it is should be higher, in my opinion! This palette is absolutely incredible!' —Mascara + AllergiesPrice: $15.49 A vacuum wine preserver, because there are few kitchen tragedies on par with pouring a nice glass of wine, only to find that it has turned... skunky. Oxygen is the thing that turns wine from "full-bodied, with notes of caramel" to "YIKES." This handy tool pumps oxygen out of your bottle, and the stoppers seal it, helping your wine stay delicious for longer. Promising review: 'Wonderful wine pump! Works beautifully. Where have you been all my life? Highly recommend it. Worth it. Just a few dollars more than an ordinary wine pump.' —Mickey Price: $18.99 A vintage-inspired trinket tray that looks like it came from a pricey homewares store — your friends will not believe it cost less than $5 and came from Target. Hey, I can't believe it, and I'm the one writing this article! Promising review: "This trinket dish has quickly become one of my favorite decorative pieces. The design is both charming and elegant, featuring intricate patterns that add a touch of sophistication to any space. It's the perfect size for holding small items like rings, earrings, and other jewelry, keeping them organized and easily accessible. What I love most about this trinket dish is how it combines practicality with aesthetic appeal." —Monica77Price: $4.99 A three-pack of '80s-style striped crew socks for anyone who's looking to work a few vintage vibes into their summer looks. These will look extremely cute pulled all the way up and paired with short-shorts and Converse. Promising review: "I think these socks are great. I don't like thick socks, so they are perfect for me. They run a little big in the foot for me, but not at all a deal breaker for what ends up being less than $3 per pair. They also stay up nicely." —MplsMamaPrice: $10 (available in two color sets that fit women's shoe sizes 4–10) A jar of Aquaphor healing ointment you can use for everything from fading scars to soothing diaper rashes, treating chapped lips to "slugging" your skin to lock in your serums at night. It's kind of like a Swiss Army knife, but for your skin, so it always pays to have some on hand. Promising review: "Aquaphor is great for dry skin during the fall and winter. A little goes a long way. It's not like lotion; it's more concentrated and does a better job than just lotion." —LuluPrice: $4.49+ (available in two sizes) A 2-quart Crock-Pot, because it's time you let someone else cook you dinner... and yes, that someone is this lovely appliance. You can fill it up with ingredients before you leave the house and come home to a magically cooked stew, chili, pot roast, or butter chicken... it's great that some of your kitchen appliances are finally pulling their own weight over here. Promising review: "Perfect size. I take this to Bunco potlucks often and it holds just the right amount of food and it's easy to travel because it's not massive. I love this thing." —CCPrice: $17.99 A Bentgo two-tier snack cup that isn't just for kids — this is perfect for bringing two equally delicious (but totally incompatible) snacks to work. Pretzels and apple slices? Hummus and blueberries? Don't fear — the cup's two airtight compartments are totally separate, so there's no leakage (or spilled pretzel dust). Price: $19.99 (available in five colors) A faux-leather padfolio with organizational pockets and a built-in pad for anyone who likes to take old-school notes at their job (or whose job is constantly giving them tons of papers to deal with). It's way more chic than a manila folder, and will 100% make you feel like A Grown Up Doing Very Important Business (even if you're eating Dunkaroos while you do it). Promising review: 'Love this padfolio! Love this for meetings. The neutral color goes with everything.' —JenaPrice: $15 A hydrating facial cleanser that wasn't just developed with dermatologists — many (including mine!) recommend it over the extremely expensive stuff you'd buy at a beauty store. And if you opt for this big ol' 16-ounce bottle, it will help you clean off impurities without stripping away your skin's natural moisture for a long, loooong time. Promising review: "I have tried every face wash, spot treatment, acne medication, birth control, and professional facial service under the sun, and I have had acne since I was 17. I bought this, and my skin cleared up completely in three months, so much that I was able to completely stop all other topicals and oral dermatologist medications. I use the a.m. and p.m. moisturizer, too; this was really a godsend." —Ks97Price: $6.49+ (available in four sizes) A fold-up camp chair, because every year, summer arrives, and you realize that you need more outdoor chairs for camping, beach trips, concerts, and having guests chill in your backyard while you serve them burgers (but they must address you as "The Barbecue Wizard" while you do it). This model is about as affordable as they come, but reviewers say it's still ultra-comfy. Promising review: "We've bought three of these chairs now because they're the perfect size—especially for adults, including men. They're not flimsy or too small like some others we've tried. Super easy to fold up and take to our kids' sports events. Comfortable, lightweight, and reliable. A great value!" —KathyPrice: $9.99 A hanging organizer for anyone starting to feel like the only way to deal with their closet mess is to leave under cover of darkness and start a new life across state lines. With three or six shelves, this organizer has room to store extra sweaters, pants, bags, hats, and even shoes. It's time to breathe a sigh of relief... and then finally deal with whatever is going on inside your bathroom cabinet. Promising review: "Very good quality product and size. I was afraid it would not last very long, but I have had it for several months and it's still holding up. I do fill it with a lot of things. It is heavy and still has not torn or come apart. Good product." —StrangePrice: $15+ (available in two sizes) A three-pack of drain cleaner snakes because this isn't just cheap — removing your gross hair clogs with this for a few bucks now will save you a plumber's enormous bill later. Promising review: "Cleared the hair clog in my pop-up shower drain immediately, without having to remove the drain cap." —SSPrice: $6.99 A stainless steel Hamilton Beach two-slice toaster with extra-wide slots, so that even the thickest slices of sourdough can get just as crispy as you like 'em. Promising review: "It doesn't take up much space and can accept thick slices of toast or bagels. It looks great too!" —Ken VPrice: $19.99 (originally $23.99) A pair of over-ear wired headphones that I personally cannot believe are this affordable, because their Y2K-inspired translucent design makes them look like you bought them at one of those expensive home goods stores where, like, a pen costs $15. Promising review: "You can't beat the price, exceptional value. Good quality too, work great. Love all the fun colors they come in. Good size for kids and adults. My 5yr old loves them! Got some for her in the peach and some for myself in the blue." —TsailboatPrice: $9.99 (available in four colors) A firm, cool-touch pillow, because I know what you're thinking: it only costs $15?? Is this pillow made from old socks and sawdust?? HARDLY. This medium-firm pillow is made with quilted firm-density fill, so it can hold its shape and support your head as well as some much pricier models. Promising review: "Works very well I love the cooling feature and they feel like they will last. I got a good nights sleep on these pillows." —Cherrywolf24Price: $15+ (available in standard and king sizes) A cotton and jersey Diet Coke baseball cap that will keep that blazing summer sun off your noggin, let your head breathe in this heat, and let everyone know what beverage you consider to be the nectar of the gods. Promising review: "Such a great price for a soft and comfortable hat!" —SocalMamaPrice: $15
