It is just past 10 p.m., and Aaliyah Arnold, the 20-year-old founder of BossUp Cosmetics, is selling to the TikTok universe. As she livestreams from a Culver City, California, filming location, about 750 people worldwide watch her announce a flash sale for a mystery box containing six to eight BossUp products. Typically priced at $101.96, the bundle is now 49% off - for the next few minutes only. On viewers' smartphone screens, a countdown timer and a red "Buy" button appear, alongside a flurry of heart emojis. "Make sure you're shopping, shopping, shopping till you can't shop no more!" Arnold says, wearing a light pink Santa Claus sweatshirt and a full face of makeup. She speaks into one of several cameras arranged around her. Nearby, members of a production crew, fueled by energy drinks and fast-food deliveries, prepare the next group of products. Arnold is 10 hours into a marathon selling spree, with two more hours to go. Like a Gen Z version of QVC, TikTok Live shopping events combine mobile commerce's convenience, the urgency of limited-time deals and interactive entertainment. By the time her livestream ends at midnight, Arnold will have generated $70,000 in sales and gained 10,000 new followers. TikTok launched TikTok Shop - a feature enabling in-app purchases - in the U.S. last year. Since then, small-business owners, celebrities and major retailers have used the livestreaming function to boost sales and engage with customers in real time. Brands use Lives to unveil products, demonstrate tools or answer viewers’ questions. While anyone with at least 1,000 followers can livestream, TikTok has been recruiting influential users like Arnold, who have large followings and proven selling skills, for its TikTok Shop Partner program. In exchange for a cut of sales, TikTok offers professional services to help sellers grow their businesses. This includes producing "huge mega livestreams" in studios, event spaces and homes around Los Angeles, as Arnold described them. TikTok's push into e-commerce comes amid uncertainty over the app's future in the U.S. The platform faces a nationwide ban, scheduled to take effect Jan. 19 unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, divests its U.S. operations. Online live selling has been a phenomenon in China for years but has been slower to catch on in the U.S., where it accounts for a small fraction of e-commerce revenue. This is despite the 1990s popularity of QVC and the Home Shopping Network and more recent efforts by companies like Amazon. Facebook and Instagram shuttered their live-selling features in 2022. Livestreaming e-commerce was estimated to total $31.7 billion in the U.S. last year, according to Coresight Research. "This pales in comparison to China's livestreaming market, valued at $512 billion in 2022," the firm said, highlighting the growth opportunity in the U.S. With 170 million American users, many of them young adults familiar with mobile shopping, TikTok aims to make watch-and-shop mainstream. Live selling is "redefining the future of shopping on TikTok Shop," said Nico Le Bourgeois, head of U.S. operations for TikTok Shop. He said the number of Live shopping sessions hosted monthly has nearly tripled in the past year. Longer, high-quality Lives drive more sales, benefiting sellers and TikTok, which takes a 6% cut of sales as a referral fee. Le Bourgeois declined to disclose revenue but noted that monthly TikTok Shop shoppers have nearly tripled since its 2023 launch. TikTok Lives have become a cornerstone of brands' holiday sales strategies. Between Nov. 13 and Dec. 2, nearly half a million TikTok Live shopping sessions were hosted, totaling over 660,000 hours. On Nov. 24, rapper Nicki Minaj hosted a two-hour livestream for her press-on nails line, drawing 80,000 concurrent viewers - the most for a TikTok Shop Live. Days later, Canvas Beauty Brand founder Stormi Steele set a record with $2 million in Black Friday livestream sales. The pivot to e-commerce marks a shift for TikTok, known for frothy short-form videos. "It's not just entertainment - it's a retail accelerator," Oliver Chen, a retail analyst and Columbia Business School professor, wrote last month. Arnold started BossUp at 14 and joined TikTok in 2019. She grew her fan base by hosting spontaneous livestreams from her iPhone, promoting her cosmetics brand. Before TikTok Shop, Arnold directed viewers to her website to buy products. Many didn’t follow through. After TikTok Shop's 2023 introduction, her sales surged, and TikTok invited her to join its partner program, connecting her with Yowant, a Los Angeles agency for online creators. Arnold now flies from Houston to L.A. regularly for professionally produced livestreams. Yowant provides producers, engineers, lighting, cameras and monitors to display viewer comments in real time. TikTok Shop employees help plan sales strategies, including dates, soundtracks, discounts and affiliate products Arnold can sell for commissions. During a recent Live in Culver City, Arnold shouted, "Deals and sales and giveaways - you don't want to miss it, join in, join in, join in!" as cameras rolled. Viewers quickly snatched up discounted items, and orders poured in. "Tap, tap, tap, shop, shop, shop!" Arnold said during a flash deal for $5 lip oil. She reminded viewers of free shipping before moving to the next product. In an interview with The Times, Arnold said TikTok Shop "has built me up like crazy." While declining to share exact figures, she noted BossUp sales increased nearly 500% in the year following TikTok Shop's launch. The growth enabled her to buy a house, hire family members, purchase a truck for her grandfather and invest in a packaging warehouse. Despite TikTok's uncertain future, entrepreneurs continue hosting marathon livestreams ahead of Christmas. Magdalena Peña, founder of Simply Mandys, hosted three TikTok Live sessions totaling 29 hours over six days during Thanksgiving week. Her first session brought in $1 million in sales. Initially skeptical of TikTok’s request to stream for 12 hours, Peña reconsidered after TikTok offered perks like free advertising and subsidized discounts. Peña, 37, films Live sessions in Culver City and West Hollywood, covering her own travel expenses. Recently, she and her husband bought a small plane to facilitate the trips. Simply Mandys’ revenue has quadrupled year-over-year, which Peña credits to TikTok Live. "It’s a total game-changer," she said. The adrenaline of watching sales figures climb motivates her during long filming days. "I do everything possible to hit the goal," Peña said. "I tell my team, 'I'm not leaving here until I hit that number.'"
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton point guard Steven Ashworth likely won't play Tuesday in the No. 21 Bluejays' game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday, and coach Greg McDermott said he didn't know how long he would be out. “He stepped on a guy's foot on a 3-point shot and you're defenseless in that situation," McDermott said after the game. "He torqued it pretty good.” An athletic department spokesman said Monday that Ashworth's status was doubtful for the game against the Aztecs. Ashworth is Creighton's second-leading scorer with 16 points per game and leads the team with 6.4 assists per game. He also is 23 of 23 on free throws. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Mangalore University will organise a two-day international conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence from Monday. The conference is being organised under the MoU signed between Mangalore University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK under the Karnataka Wales Partnership Programme, A.M. Khan, convener of the conference, said via a release on Sunday. There will be six keynote speakers. Thirty research papers will be presented at the conference in hybrid mode. In all, six papers from abroad and 23 papers from across India will be presented during the conference. The conference will be inaugurated at 10 a.m. by S.R. Niranjana, Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Bengaluru, and will be presided over by P.L. Dharma, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University. Principals and faculty from cluster colleges will be present at the programme. Key principles In the era of deep fakes and use of AI in all fields it is necessary to use AI efficiently. It is necessary to implement responsible AI. The six key principles for responsible AI include fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability, the release said. Mangalore University and Cardiff Metropolitan University have made a cluster of higher educational institutions to conduct studies and research and have collaborative projects to prevent misuse of AI technology and promote safe, secure and responsible use of AI technology. This collaboration is called REACHED, implying Responsible AI Cluster for Higher Education in India and Wales. The cluster aims to conduct research studies in the areas of AI and Cyber Security. The collaboration is set up under the Karnataka Wales Partnership Programme which the Government of Karnataka has explored with Universities in Wales (Welsh states). A few other institutions like Raichur University, Raichur; Presidency University, Bengaluru; Canara Engineering College, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, PA College of Engineering and Beary’s Institute of Technology, all in Mangaluru, are under this cluster. Under this collaboration, a team of two scientists from Cardiff Metropolitan University visited Mangaluru for five days from March 25, 2024, and conducted workshops and seminars on Artificial Intelligence, Flipped Learning Practices, problem based learning / research, AI usage in teaching and learning, AI usage for net-zero and sustainable initiatives, etc., at Mangalore University campus, Canara Engineering College and Sahyadri College of Engineering. This was followed by a webinar during September 2024 and now the international conference. During the second phase, two scientists from Cardiff Metropolitan University are visiting Mangalore University for six days from December 15. They will conduct workshops and research seminars on global data protection policies and regulations, cyber security architectures, cyber security education, use of advance tools and technologies, challenges in delivery of cyber security curriculum, next generation cyber security technologies and grant writing workshops. The team will also visit the cluster colleges during the visit, Prof. Khan said. Published - December 15, 2024 09:03 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Karnataka / Mangalore / Artificial Intelligence / university / United Kingdom / Bangalore / researchWith Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. No Shame.Morrisons.Easter eggs.Boxing Day. December 26th.Peace on Earth pic.twitter.com/slGoIjOpRq — Gary Evans (@GaryEva04679693) December 26, 2024 Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” @Morrisons It's not even a full 2025 and you're already stocking for easter.Kindly get in the bin pic.twitter.com/kLS7DGSRXt — Joseph (@stokegoblin) December 27, 2024 Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” Easter is for life, not just for Christmas(Photo today in Morrisons!) pic.twitter.com/VmdJ31La9r — Mike Chalmers (@realMChalmers) December 27, 2024 “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. Christmas isn’t even over, and Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Say what you want about it—but big brands don’t wait. They plan ahead and act fast. Are you doing the same? Your future self will thank you pic.twitter.com/Sl9qd7sOGS — andrewwallis (@andrewwallis) December 27, 2024 “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”DOHA: Qatar’s prime minister met a Hamas delegation in Doha on Saturday to discuss a “clear and comprehensive” ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, a statement said. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks with a Hamas team led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, the foreign ministry statement said. It is unusual for Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Qatar’s foreign minister, to be publicly involved in the mediation process that has appeared deadlocked for months. “During the meeting, the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations were reviewed, and ways to advance the process were discussed to ensure a clear and comprehensive agreement that brings an end to the ongoing war in the region,” the statement said. Earlier this month, the sheikh expressed optimism that “momentum” was returning to the talks following Donald Trump’s election victory in the United States. “We have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back,” he said at the Doha Forum political conference. The incoming Trump administration had given “a lot of encouragement in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office,” the premier added. The Gulf emirate, along with the United States and Egypt, has been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release. In November, Doha announced it had put its mediation on hold, saying that it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed “willingness and seriousness.” But Doha then hosted indirect negotiations this month, with Hamas and Israel both reporting progress before again accusing each other of throwing up roadblocks.Elon Musk defended his support for Germany’s far-right AfD party in an opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper on Saturday, prompting a senior editor to resign. The world’s richest man doubled down on his comments from December 20 that “only the AfD can save Germany”, writing that the anti-immigration AfD was the “last ray of hope for the country” at the “brink of cultural and economic collapse”. Despite various branches of the AfD being labelled “extremist” by Germany’s domestic security agency, Musk said the AfD’s classification as far-right was “clearly false” as party leader Alice Weidel “has a partner from Sri Lanka”. With Musk set to play a key role in US President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, the billionaire’s interventions have triggered accusations of meddling in Germany’s democracy. The country is set to head to the polls on February 23, with the AfD polling at around 19* of the vote. Musk’s guest opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag provoked outraged reactions and the resignation of the conservative title’s opinion editor. “Today a piece by Elon Musk appeared in the Welt am Sonntag. Yesterday I handed in my resignation after it went to print,” Eva Marie Kogel wrote on the X social media platform Musk owns. Meanwhile the Greens’ campaign director Andreas Audretsch wrote: “We must not allow the Elon Musks of this world, the Chinese state or Russian troll factories to undermine our democracies in Europe.” The Association of German Journalists (DJV) protested against the “election advertising” allowed by the newspaper’s editorial staff. “The German media must not allow itself to be manipulated into acting as a mouthpiece for autocrats and their friends,” said DJV leader Mika Beuster. Even the *Welt’s new editor-in-chief Jan Philipp Burgard was compelled to disagree with Musk in the opinion piece, writing: “Even a genius can be wrong”. Arguing that the AfD “is a danger to our values and our economy”, Burgard pointed out that Bjoern Hoecke, the AfD’s leader in Thuringia state, “has been convicted several times for using a banned Nazi slogan”. *Die Welt belongs to Axel Springer, Germany’s most influential press group. Its lineup includes the Bild tabloid, the country’s most-read newspaper. Related Story German teachers pushed out for calling out 'far-right' pupils
Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury
1. A deep waver hot tool made with ~tourmaline ceramic technology~, which helps reduce frizz while providing some extra shine. It includes three heat settings, and reviewers say it's so simple to use. Consider this the upgrade to the Y2K-era crimped hair you never knew you needed. Promising reviews: "I love this product! I have 4c hair and I use this when my hair is straight. Even semi straight is fine so you don’t put to much heat on your hair. As some said before it 'can' be time consuming but that’s only if your not taking advantage of the entire space they give you to use! I made that mistake, only using small sections, in the beginning and even though I loved the results it was too time consuming. After using it about 4 times I’ve mastered cutting the time down a lot. Just do big sections and separate with your fingers!" — Burke "OK so I found out about this life changing device on TikTok. I've always wanted these kind of beach wave curls but no matter what I did or what I tried, my hair would never look how I wanted. Well, let me tell you, this thang does exactly what it should. It is seriously the best hair tool ever, so if you're looking for the absolute perfect beach waves, then do yourself a favor and just get it ." — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two colors). 2. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream , because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta Get it from Amazon for $11.80 . 3. A nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It strengthens nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done. Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." — reviewer22 "Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I’m guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I’m nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." — Andi Get it from Amazon for $4.48 . 4. Bio-Collagen's Real Deep sheet mask — it works overnight to refresh your skin. No, really, it's designed to be worn while you sleep — it's transfer-resistant, so it won't leave a mess on your pillow! It's infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, collagen to maximize absorption and minimize the appearance of pores, and probiotics to strengthen the skin's barrier. Best of all, it turns transparent when your skin is done absorbing the serum, so you'll know when it's ready to take off. See it in action on TikTok . Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. Promising review : "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" — Nala Get a set of four from Amazon for $19 (available in two formulas). 5. A wildly popular rosemary mint hair-strengthening oil that'll coat your scalp in 30 essential oils and biotin. The rosemary and mint can help provide a stimulating, refreshing effect on your scalp, while biotin has been known to help with hair fullness. This oil is designed specifically for 3A-4C hair types. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Learn more on TikTok . Promising review: " I started using this oil on my hair after watching TikToks about it. They did not lie. This product works great! I have been using it for about a month now, and I have nothing but good things to say. I like to lather it on my scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before showering. This helps your hair to produce those natural oils, which makes your hair grow healthier. It has made my hair grow faster and stronger." — Alexis Jacobus Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in a "light" formula for low-porosity hair). 6. A hydrating Cosrx repairing essence with 96% snail secretion filtrate, which provides a gentle dose of moisture that won't overwhelm skincare newbies. Reviewers mention seeing a reduction in dark spots and acne, and even people with oily skin find that it absorbs quickly and doesn't clog their pores. Who knew snails had the secret to glassy, glowy skin this whole time?! New to essences? Try applying this after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Applying it to clean skin and under you moisturizer will help lock in all that snail mucin goodness! Promising review: "This is a product that works for anybody! I apply it once I have washed my face on damp skin. It can be slightly slimy, once again it is snail mucin, but you only really feel it when you apply it to dry skin. I usually allow it to dry for a bit until it becomes slightly tacky before I put a moisturizer on. I have combination skin. My forehead and chin tend to be oilly but my cheeks dry and this has really evened that out. I really recommend this because it isn't harsh to the skin and perfect for beginners." — Nelita H. Get it from Amazon for $19.45 . 7. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that's specifically designed to help regulate your sebum production and break down blackheads, making it a great option for all my fellow oily-skinned peeps. It also helps break down makeup, so you can finally stop wasting money on makeup removing wipes! Promising review: "I used to have oily, acne prone skin as a teen and into my 20's. As I've gotten older I went from combo to a little more on the dry side. I also have eczema on my eyelids and cheekbones. I decided to try this cleanser, but I was afraid that it would cause breakouts or leave my skin feeling dirty. It absolutely does neither . It removes all the makeup and dirt, but it leaves the skin feeling so soft and smooth and not with that tight, dry feeling that most cleansers do. I use this at night before bed to remove my makeup and apply my skincare over it... This oil cleanser has made my skin much less dry, and most importantly does not irritate my sensitive eczema prone skin." — Ellen B. Get it from Amazon for $17.69 . 8. An eye cream from mega popular K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon — it features retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and niacinamide to brighten. Dab it on as part of your night routine, or swipe some on before applying your go-to concealer for an even base. Promising review: "I didn't think that anything would help my under eye bags. I was born with them. However, after a few months of using this, I have noticed a huge difference in my coloring and fine lines. If you are on the fence, get it. A tube last me two months using it twice a day." — Kate F. Get it from Amazon for $16.10 . 9. A set of YSE Beauty eye masks that solve one of the biggest problems with typical eye masks — THEY ACTUALLY STAY IN PLACE! They're also formulated with vitamin C to help brighten dark circles, glycerin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. I've tried tons of eye masks in my day — they always seem like such a fun and easy way to brighten and hydrate my under-eyes while going about the rest of my routine. Unfortunately, I find that most of the ones I've tried tend to slip off my face unless I'm lying down, which makes them much less convenient. Fortunately, these eye masks from YSE Beauty actually stay in place! I'm not sure what kind of magic these are made of (actually, the brand says the non-slip texture is due to the ~hydrogel technology~), but these adhere to my skin flawlessly and don't fall off — even when I'm looking straight down! No more eye masks falling into my coffee... not that I've had that happen before 😬. Best of all, they provide a cooling sensation that feels great on rough mornings and add a brightening effect that looks great on its own or under concealer. These will now be a staple in my routine before any and all Zoom meetings. Psst! The painting on my wall is by Lucia Heffernan ! You can grab the canvas on Amazon . Get a box of six pairs from YSE Beauty for $36 . 10. A wildy popular Olaplex repairing treatment , which is meant to help rebuild the bonds in your hair (which can become damaged due to chemical treatments, color processes, and heat styling) and help prevent further damage. It's helped revive the tresses of more than 98,000 reviewers! Note: This is a repairing treatment, NOT a conditioner! To use, apply it before your shampoo to damp, towel-dried hair, let it sit for at least 3 minutes (up to 10 for maximum results), then follow it up with your go-to shampoo and conditioner. It's designed for all hair types. Promising reviews: "This tiny little magical oil has done everything it promotes, plus much, much more! I can’t live without this now! I've been using it on my very thin, dried-out, frizzy curls — it solves it all! My hair after one use was noticeably different but now it looks thick, healthy, shiny, and after six weeks of using it twice a week. It looks like I got a fresh haircut! My hair is noticeably healthier, and other people see a difference! Don’t hesitate to get this! I wish I had it sooner!" — Katie "I'm transitioning to natural, and Oplalex is great for restoring moisture and helping with breakage. I have 4c delicate hair, and this product is perfect. Especially great in restoring my hair nutrition when coming out of protective hairstyles. " — Jeanette Get it from Amazon for $30 . 11. A Bolden Skin-Brighting toner to help banish dark spots, breakouts, and enlarged pores before your very eyes. It's also super simple to add to your routine: Just swipe some on with a cotton pad after cleansing, then let the witch hazel, niacinamide, and licorice root work their magic while you move on to the other steps in your routine. Promising review: "I have oily skin and honestly have never used toner until now. About a month ago I started to break out so I decided to use it after washing my face. The results have been kind of amazing." — Jasmine Bolden is a Black-owned, woman-owned small business. Get it from Amazon for $22.49 . 12. A Revlon volcanic stone face roller , which was one of the first beauty products to go viral on TikTok — and for good reason! It mops up excess oil in just a few swipes (without disturbing your makeup)! It's way less wasteful and easier to carry around than a pack of oil blotting sheets — just pop out the stone roller to give a quick wash before reusing! Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." — Kelsey B. Get it from Amazon for $8.31 . 13. A tub of dual-textured toner pads from K-beauty brand Medicube that uses the power of lactic and salicylic acid to wipe away dead skin cells and help reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. After cleansing, use the textured side for a deep exfoliation, then flip to the smooth side to soothe and mop up any excess oil. Check it out on TikTok . Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk . I even apply it to my neck and chest area. The product is soothing, gentle on my skin (I have extremely sensitive skin), has no strong smell, the cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." — Ee El Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $17.90 (also available in four other styles). 14. A bottle of Lottabody's super fluffy mousse — just scrunch some of this through your towel-dried hair and let the blend of coconut oil and shea butter add some extra moisture and bounce to your curls. Reviewers say it's super lightweight and never leaves behind a greasy or sticky residue. Check it out on TikTok . Promising review: "First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price vs. its quality. Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced product...well, let's say you get what you pay for, so usually you're left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew bout this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok. " — Angelia Taggarrt Get it from Amazon for $3.98 (also available in a pack of two). 15. The Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer , because it's time to leave the days of limp, lifeless hair behind. Just a few pumps of this applied to damp hair can help add volume without leaving behind a sticky residue. Promising reviews: " This stuff really works. My hair is pretty thin, and most products that advertise as volumizing don't do much for me. I have 3A curls, and all I had to do was scrunch this into wet hair and go to sleep. I woke up hair that looks about 50% more volumized. Will definitely be purchasing again" — Rebecca " If you are looking for extra volume, look no further. You apply a bit of this product on different sections of damp hair and it will do the trick. You then blow dry your hair and your hair will have such volume! I love it!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26 . 16. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener , which will have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 on those busy mornings when you need to look like you got a full eight hours of sleep. It's meant to blend seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: " I used to use the Becca under-eye product and this one is way better. You can sheer it out and warm it up on your hand. Don't need to use a lot and it adds a lot of brightness under concealer." — Ariel O "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades). 17. A creamy E.l.f. color corrector to help counteract redness, dark circles, and any other hyperpigmentation you're looking to camouflage. Reviewers especially love the green for neutralizing redness before applying foundation and concealer. The yellow shade works to brighten dullness in fair to medium skin tones, the peach shade masks dark spots in fair to medium skin tones, the orange shade masks dark spots in deep skin tons, green neutralizes redness for all skin tones, and blue can be mixed with foundation to offset overly warm tones. See it in action on TikTok . Promising review: "So I was in a car wreck on the third of June 2024, and in the first picture [above], you can see a lot of the markings that are on my face. I just got this concealer in the mail today, and not a moment too soon, because I have an important Zoom meeting. You want to talk about coverage!!!! Now, purple is a really hard color to cover, but this product did it, and I took a picture [above] just to show how well! I am super impressed. Plus, the price point is amazing, and it's just as effective as any high-end product. It went on silky smooth! Thank you, E.l.f. cosmetics, you saved me!" — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $2.93 (available in five shades). 18. And Maybelline's Dark Circles Treatment Concealer for even more coverage. It proves you don't have to keep spending a lot of money for high-end results. The lightweight formula is infused with Haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin. Many reviewers say it's easy to blend with just your fingers, so you can ditch the brush if you want to! Promising reviews: "I have some discoloration/hyperpigmentation, and I am not usually good at using concealer. This is easy to use and perfect for beginners and amateurs like me." — Marie "I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I sit with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag. " — Brittney Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 21 shades and various pack sizes). 19. A pomade hair wax stick — it'll be a major timesaver on those days when you want to smooth down flyaways, cowlicks, or set baby hairs into place. Just swipe it over any targeted areas you want to smooth and it'll provide some seriously strong hold without any sticky residue. You'll wish you had this back in the day when getting ready for school, but now your hair will finally hold up in windy weather! Promising reviews: "I saw this on YouTube and immediately wanted to try it. I have curly hair which I love but sometimes I just want to put it in a ponytail and go on with my day. This is a time saver for all those little hairs that tend to stick up or don't want to stay in place. I’m not a fan of hairspray, and this even smells nice. I believe it’s a light coconut smell. Overall satisfied, and you don’t need to use much. I took it with me on vacation, and it saved me time in the evening from having to deal with bad hair days." — Blanca Perez Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks). 20. Or an edge control gel for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to lay their edges. This can be used on wet and dry hair, and it even has beeswax and castor oil to hydrate and help strengthen. Oh, and laying your edges is not a necessity and isn't everyone's cup of tea! For more on this, check out " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna ." Promising reviews: "Definitely works with no residue left behind and lasts ALL DAY ! The only product that won’t get greasy and lift after a few minutes!! I love it! Will be buying again." — Ms. T "My curls are very stubborn. No matter how much Eco styling gel I used when putting my hair in a puff or ponytail the curls would still pop out. This edge control looks nice and sleek while giving my hair shine and holding my curls down all day !" — Brandi Bask and Lather is a Black woman-owned biz that specializes in natural products made from 100% organic ingredients. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 21. A lightweight tinted hydrator that gives you a perfect hint of coverage while also improving your skin over time — your current foundation can't do that! It goes on just like a normal moisturizer, but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized. Promising reviews: "This is a sheer coverage and buildable foundation perfect for beginners." — Fee fee mcgee "I’ve tried so many tinted moisturizers, and hated every single one. I was very surprised when I used this one, and it went on flawlessly. I used to love a heavy matte foundation with powder to finish it. However being a teacher, I need to just be able to get ready for work and go and I needed something that would stay on all day especially on hot days. This tinted moisturizer is easy to apply, it only takes a minute, you can top with powder if you need to, but it literally has great coverage it stays on all day and I believe that it’s actually making my skin look better because of the hyaluronic acid , I’ve been using it for almost a year now and my skin looks great." — Allison K. Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two). 22. A deeply conditioning TGIN hair mask with castor oil and biotin to help promote hair growth and papaya to reduce shedding. You can leave it on for up to an hour for maximum results, so go ahead and throw on a sheet mask while you're at it. The mask is designed to work for both low-porosity and high-porosity hair types, so it's a great choice for anyone experiencing breakage and dryness. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Tgin (aka Thank God It's Natural) is a Black woman-owned business in Chicago. Promising review: "My scalp felt invigorated after applying. I left the masque on overnight, and when I rinsed the next morning, my scalp felt refreshed and clean. I actually think this product also aided in elongating my curls. Hair looks hydrated as well! I plan to use it every two weeks." — Dawn M. Get it from Amazon for $17.89 . 23. The best-selling Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream — it not only smells like caramel and pistachio deliciousness (pair it with the matching body mist to make the fragrance last even longer) but also can help tighten and firm the skin with repeated use thanks to the inclusion of caffeine-rich guarana extract. You'll be sad you didn't have this over the summer, but you can always prepare for next year ☀️. Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits, including brightening and temporarily reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that's something you're looking to do! You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "I am 60, and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in three sizes and a refill tub). 24. Or a retinol body lotion , because the magic of retinol is not just for your face! This retinol in the creamy formula helps promote skin cell turnover, while the ferulic acid firms skin for a tighter appearance. Reviewers also note that this works wonders on rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms and legs after consistent use. Promising review: "I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion... After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational... It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers." — TickTokAlice Get it from Amazon for $19.99 . 25. L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion you can use under your foundation to add some radiance, or use by itself on the days when you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body, because the glass skin look isn't only for your face! Promising review: "I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow, without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin." — Jessica Giles Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in six shades and various packs). 26. A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars packed with tons of vitamin C and tumeric — aka the ultimate superhero ingredients for potentially brightening and reviving dull skin. Reviewers have had luck using this on both the face and body — but we recommend giving it a patch test first on a small area to see how your skin reacts. All good? Then start sudsing away! Promising review: "So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I’m usually a 'full face of makeup at all times' kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even. " — Adrienne Jerkins Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in various pack sizes and bundles). 27. A sleek and ultra-portable facial shaver that'll remove the pesky peach fuzz that's stopping your foundation from seamlessly gliding on. It's also great for tackling that one stubborn chin hair that even the best tweezers can't seem to tackle. It's become a must-have gadget for more than 98,000 reviewers. Promising review: "I had very annoying, thick chin and upper-lip hair. I used Nair Facial Cream which didn't really work well, I plucked, and I used a small 'personal' electric razor which left stubble. None of them gave satisfactory results. I purchased this to give it a try...and I was amazed at how great it worked. No more stubble, no more annoying plucking, my skin is smooth and was not irritated. If you are bothered with facial hair, buy this, you won't be disappointed." — Red Ryder Get it from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in six colors). 28. A ridiculously popular serum from L'Oreal featuring the magic of hyaluronic acid — which is a must for anyone with dry skin. It's designed to attract moisture and even has vitamin C to help brighten your skin the more you use it. Promising review: "I was very skeptical of this as I've tried so many products to help my skin and they never work. This was the last one before I would be forced to accept that I look 10 years older than I am. After about two weeks of using this regularly, as directed, my skin is so much smoother and less oily. The lines and dark bags under my eyes have significantly lessened. I've started receiving compliments on how I'm 'glowing' and how my skin tone is even. For the price, it’s definitely worth it especially when combined with the other products in the line." — Sheryce Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes). 29. An exfoliating glove with immediate results you can actually see. Seriously, the dead skin just clumps up and rolls right off of your body. It's somehow satisfying and gross at the same time. Plus, removing all that excess dead skin can help with everything from preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs before shaving, smoothing away bumps caused by Keratosis pilaris, and prepping your skin for the perfect streak-free self-tan. Promising review: "I have very thin and light body hair, so any form of removal (shaving, waxing, etc) usually leaves me with a lot of ingrown hairs. I've tried body scrubs and washcloths, and neither really does a great job. I saw this product recommended by a dermatologist on TikTok and thought I'd try it; it's amazing! I also have very sensitive skin, and this mitt doesn't leave my skin irritated at all." — Kat Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in two-pack). 30. An OGX air-dry leave-in cream , which is a must-have for anyone who is constantly running late since you can just throw in your hair after a shower, head out the door, and finally be on time for once!!! Where was this when we were in college?!! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls. According to reviewers, this cream will add a slight bit of volume to thin, fine hair or enhance the waves in those with thick, curly hair. Promising review: "I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" — mich0610 Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (also available in a pack of two). 31. An E.l.f. camo liquid blush — its results will turn you into a rare beauty, if you catch my drift. 😉 Reviewers say the pigment is super strong with a glossy finish but is still easily blendable and buildable. Promising review: "This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn’t be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" — oscar Julian zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in nine shades). 32. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant , which has become a holy grail for people with keratosis pilaris and other bumpy skin-related issues. The mix of chemical and physical exfoliators will slough away dead skin and have you feeling silky smooth in just a few uses. Check out a dermatologist reviewing this magical product on TikTok ! Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and Instagram. I decided to try it, and it really works. I used it on my thighs and upper arms. I noticed a difference the first time and even more the second time!!! Fabulous product. Worth every penny." — Launa Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes and two-packs). 33. Mane Club One Hit Wonder , a 10-in-1 spray that conditions, detangles, provides heat protection up to 445 degrees F/230 degrees C, prevents breakage, hydrates, smooths, softens, controls frizz, strengthens, and boosts shine. The cannabis sativa seed oil will help add some extra luster, while glycerin pulls in moisture from the air to help reduce frizz! Check out how one user transforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok ! And check out our Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for more deetz! Promising reviews: "My hair when wet tangles so easily. I couldn’t tell you how many knots I’ve tried to rage comb out, nor could I tell you how many different brands I’ve tried. I have fine, dense hair and this product doesn’t weigh it down at all. This stuff works like magic and as a bonus, it’s so affordable! I just got my new shipment today and rushed to write this as the difference between combing my wet hair yesterday and today is profound." — Mary S. Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products. Get it from Amazon for $9.95 . 34. The multifaceted, mesmerizing, and multitalented Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment to help instantly reduce redness and brighten your skin tone thanks to the light green tint, and protect you from the sun with SPF 50. Check it out on TikTok here . Promising review: " I have a really uneven skin tone, which is always accentuated in the morning. I don’t like putting makeup on when I wake up, and after seeing this on TikTok (I know I’m not alone in that), I bought it to see if it works, and OMG, it’s amazing. A little goes a long way, I put on sunscreen and dab this on my face and like magic, my skin looks even... even lessening [my] puffy under-eye! I never write reviews but I had to for this. It will forever be a part of my daily routine!" — Sara R. Get it from Amazon for $23.75+ (available in two sizes). 35. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! See it in action on TikTok . Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it the first time. I liked it enough to buy it again. Leaves my hair super hydrated and soft. If you have issues with oily hair, maybe not for you. But those with dry or curly hair needing moisture — yes yes yes! Keep the box for directions because you can’t read the ones on the bottle if you don’t understand the language." — Kandyce D. Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for." Get it from Amazon for $7.40 . 36. TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum to give you that coveted ✨ glowy but not greasy ✨ look. It's packed with vitamins C and E and botanical hyaluronic acid to help fade dark spots and add a radiant sheen to your skin. It has 94,000+ rave ratings, with many reviewers saying it instantly brightens and absorbs quickly. This serum is vegan and cruelty-free. Promising review : " Best vitamin C serum I've used . Including the dermatologist office and department store brands. Takes very little product to cover face, neck, chest . After the second bottle, twice daily use, my jawline tightened, and smile lines plumped. My skin feels and looks softer. Foundation smoother. Their customer service is top-notch. I've never had a single problem. Good product. The price is incredible! I hope everyone else has the same experience. (And...I have age 50+ skin complete with effects of sunbathing before we knew it was deadly)." — Love My Lab Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes). 37. O'Keeffe's overnight lip repair cream — yes, it's from the brand behind the iconic Working Hands cream that thousands of reviewers swear by! Its blend of beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil works while you sleep to soften dead skin and add a nice dose of hydration. Prepare to get rid of your car, bedroom, bathroom, and purse lip balms — this one is all you need. Promising review: "I started taking medication that dried my skin, including severely drying my lips to the point that my lips were peeling and cracked. I bought this lip repair balm based on the reviews, and after the first night, I started noticing my lips healing! I apply the lip repair to my lips every night, and it keeps my lips moist throughout the night. I just ordered my second order! Highly recommend!" — Delia K. Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in a two-pack). 38. And an exfoliating lip scrub because applying your favorite lip balm on top of dead skin is basically pointless. The sugar granules will help buff away any crusty flakes, and the kukui oil will leave behind a touch of moisture. Promising review: "I usually suffer from chapped lips in the winter, to begin with, but now having braces makes it 100x worse. I have tried all kinds of different lip balms and moisturizers, and nothing was helping. I have used this product once (and followed up with their lip treatment ), and the dryness and peeling are gone. I wish I had tried this a lot sooner. It would have saved me from weeks of dryness and soreness! "— Kathleen M. Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii. Get it from Amazon for $16.75 . 39. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that 34,000+ reviewers swear by. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands, while rosemary and coconut oil are known to nourish and moisturize the scalp. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Promising reviews: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever." — Diane J. Huff "This shampoo is like NOTHING I've ever tried in the past. The way my 4C hair comes out after using this is INCREDIBLE. Soft, easy to comb, and super manageable. I've been using it for two years!" — Jae Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in four scents and five sizes). 40. A luxuriously rich night cream — it puts in serious work while you get some shut-eye. The protein peptides can help stimulate collagen production to make your skin feel firmer and increase its elasticity, while the niacinamide helps with dark spots and discoloration. Promising review: "Feels fantastic on your skin. It spreads nicely and soaks right in as if your face has just been cleansed rather than having put a moisturizer on. Your face feels clean, not suffocated like so many other creams. Similar to a gel, yet even more lightweight. It feels like it belongs there, not like a foreign body clinging to your skin. The improvement of the texture, the tone, the moisture, the elasticity, the blotches and pores — ALL OF IT — major improvement! I can't believe I did not take pictures! I definitely will be getting more of these products, and I am super excited to try them all! So glad I found this stuff, just wish I had done so sooner!" — L Eight Saints is a woman-owned small business that uses only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products. Get it from Amazon for $34 . 41. NYX's extreme hold eyebrow gel that'll keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours. Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day! Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows and throughout the day I would sweat through it and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great and I’m glad I did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder and this does NOT affect the look of the powder nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." — Shelby Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in nine shades). 42. A K-18 leave-in mask to help bring overprocessed and color-damaged hair back to life. Unlike other repairing treatments like Olaplex , this one doesn't need to be rinsed out: Just smooth this through your clean, towel-dried hair (but skip the conditioner!) wait four minutes, and then style as usual. (OK, now you can use leave-in conditioner!) Promising reviews: "I am an older woman who has dry, chemically treated 4A hair. I take good care of my hair, going to the hair salon regularly, and using the best products. I tried Olaplex previously but did not like it. I decided to try K-18. I was skeptical so I only bought the $29 container. I used it and it left my hair soft, shiny, and easy to comb . It l eft it in better condition than most of the other conditioners I have used. I will definitely buy it again." — Tammy T. Carter "Seriously, this is the best hair repair product I have used in years. So much better than Olaplex . It is ridiculously pricey, but so worth it. My hair was destroyed by bleach and the unforgiving iron but it has come back to life after using this five or six times. I was skeptical to not use conditioner at all and only use three pumps of this (I usually use conditioner twice), but I am a believer now. My hair hasn’t looked this healthy in months . I used to apply three different leave-in conditioners before. Now, I just use 3–4 pumps of K-18. It’s really amazing. Just try it." — OneStopWit Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Article content It’s a new year, a fresh start, and with that many of us vow to improve something about ourselves. Perhaps this is the year you finally lose the spare tire, kick the smoking habit, or cut down on alcohol consumption. Or maybe it’s time to better manage your finances, stress, or work-life balance? Regardless of what your New Year’s resolution is, as the expression goes, there’s an app for that. A healthier lifestyle could mean a clearer head at home and work, more energy, and increased happiness. And so, the following are a few recommended – and free – health-related downloads for your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android). Some of these include an optional “pro” (paid) option for more advanced features or extra content. LOSE WEIGHT Log your food intake and exercise, wherever life takes you, so you can keep track of your fitness goals. This is the idea behind the free MyFitnessPal . More than 14 million foods and restaurant dishes are in the database – and you can scan the barcode of millions of packages to automatically log the info – therefore you can expect an accurate look at your caloric intake for each meal. The company says your info is securely synchronized with the web version, too, should you want to log in on a computer. A similar free app is Lose It! . Use your fingertip to set a goal – such as a modest goal of losing five pounds in one month – and then the program will calculate what should be your caloric intake each day. Tap in what you’ve been eating (by food, such as “one medium apple,” or even by brand, like one bowl of “Kraft Macaroni and Cheese”) and it will calculate the calories for you (and even fat, sodium, and so on, if you like). Exercise is also factored into your daily routine. Your info can be also synched to the LoseIt.com website . GET FIT MapMyFitness lets you easily calculate the impact of your physical activity – whether it’s a walk, jog, runs, hike, bike rides or rock-climbing excursion. Heck, even vacuuming can be tracked. Your workout is analyzed – including your time, pace, and estimated calories burned – so you can see you progress and stay motivated. The app can also connect you with other users in your area to join a group. If you like, you can even share your fitness goals and results with your social network. Devices, like activity trackers, smart watches and heart rate monitors, are also supported. For some fun fused with your fitness, the free Zombies, Run! lets you hear a terrifying tale in your headphones about a zombie-infested future, and you’ll need to run faster to get away from the flesh-eating undead as they get closer. You’ll automatically collect supplies to build up your base, such as ammo and medicine for other human survivors. Part of the larger ZRX app, Zombies, Run! features include more than 100 missions, a “Zombie Chase” interval training mode, the ability to run with your own music and optional synchronization with a password-protected website to track your progress on a map. QUIT SMOKING Overcoming an addiction, like nicotine, can be extremely difficult. But tech may be able to help. The free Smoke Free app might be able to help motivate you to reach your goal in 2025. The app creates a personalized plan to help you quit smoking, and you can choose whether you want to go cold turkey or wean off the nicotine. It’s up to you to keep track of the cigarettes you smoke, but you’ll see progress rings that keep track of your smoke-free streaks, money saved, unlock goal-based achievements as extra motivation, and access to a robust community for additional support, filled with likeminded people. Over 40 different techniques will help you become (and stay) smoke free. Get tips on dealing with cravings, add notes to see what patterns can be identified, and use the graph to see how temptations are diminishing. DRINK LESS Ideal for quitting drinking – but also smoking, vaping, eating junk food or gambling – Quitzilla: Quit Tracker lets you track actions you want to curb and help work towards you beating them. If you quit “cold turkey,” add the exact day of the occasion and read daily facts and stats about it, along with a running tally of the money saved, which you can put towards a healthy reward for yourself. Quitzilla also features a motivation tab in which you can add your own reasons to quit – and let them serve as motivation for when you feel a temptation. The app also displays a “Quote of the Day” from various famous authors. For Android, there’s also Sobriety Counter, which lets you view the number of days you’ve spent without a drink. This could serve as a powerful motivating tool, along with how much money you’re saving through sobriety. The app also includes a journal to help you record your progress and experiences, plus there’s a distracting memory game, nearly 30 themes to personalize the look of the app (along with optional home screen widgets), and 64 badges that virtually reward you for not drinking. – Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and the author of the book, Apple Vision Pro For Dummies (Wiley)
Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet," has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, "peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones," a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. "Romeo and Juliet" won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time. Decades later, Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film. They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup, and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late. Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. "Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote. Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series "Jesus of Nazareth," as well as in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile" and horror movies "Black Christmas" and "Psycho IV: The Beginning." She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.Piscataway rolls past Woodbridge in Woodbridge Holiday tourney - Girls basketballWade Taylor IV helps No. 13 Texas A&M rout Abilene ChristianMercedes-Benz has unveiled a , enabling users to interact with their vehicles directly from their wrists and further integrating cars with connected devices. Previously, offered a mobile app that provided various functions for owners, such as remote locking and unlocking, checking vehicle status, and even sending navigation destinations to the car's infotainment system. However, the new Apple Watch app optimizes these features for on-the-go access. The new app is accessible on Apple Watches running watchOS 9 or later. It requires the Mercedes-Benz mobile app to be installed on the connected iPhone. The features you'll get on the Apple Watch app depend on the model of your car. Like the mobile app, it is only compatible with Mercedes-Benz models from 2019 onward. The Apple Watch app offers functionalities like finding your parked car and receiving turn-by-turn navigation right on your watch. This can be particularly useful in unfamiliar areas or when navigating tight parking lots. The app also allows users to remotely lock and unlock their vehicles, a handy feature for quick errands or when you forget your keys. However, there are questions about the long-term impact and limitations of such technology. While the convenience factor is undeniable, some may wonder if relying on a smartwatch for car functions could pose security risks. For instance, what happens if your Apple Watch is lost or stolen? Does this compromise the security of your vehicle? Mercedes-Benz has likely implemented security measures within the app, but it's a concern some users may have. Additionally, the app's functionality might be limited compared to the full-fledged mobile app. It's unclear if features like climate control or pre-heating the car will be available on the Apple Watch version. Despite these potential limitations, the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Apple Watch app represents a growing trend in the automotive industry. As car manufacturers prioritize in-car technology and connectivity, we can expect to see more wearable device integration in the future. This could expand to controlling features like music and climate directly from your wrist.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome that’s a critical counterweight to climate change. A warming climate fed drought that in turn fed the worst year for fires since 2005. And those fires contributed to deforestation, with authorities suspecting some fires were set to more easily clear land to run cattle. The Amazon is twice the size of India and sprawls across eight countries and one territory, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise warm the planet. It has about 20% of the world’s fresh water and astounding biodiversity, including 16,000 known tree species. But governments have historically viewed it as an area to be exploited, with little regard for sustainability or the rights of its Indigenous peoples, and experts say exploitation by individuals and organized crime is rising at alarming rates. Residents look out at the Madeira River, a tributary of the Amazon River amid a drought in Humaita, Amazonas state, Brazil, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Residents look out at the Madeira River, a tributary of the Amazon River amid a drought in Humaita, Amazonas state, Brazil, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More “The fires and drought experienced in 2024 across the Amazon rainforest could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point,” said Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest. “Humanity’s window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open.” RELATED COVERAGE Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas The internet is filled with fake reviews. Here are some ways to spot them There were some bright spots. The level of Amazonian forest loss fell in both Brazil and Colombia. And nations gathered for the annual United Nations conference on biodiversity agreed to give Indigenous peoples more say in nature conservation decisions. “If the Amazon rainforest is to avoid the tipping point, Indigenous people will have been a determinant factor,” Miller said. Wildfires and extreme drought Smoke from wildfires fills the air in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Smoke from wildfires fills the air in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon — home to the largest swath of this rainforest — dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The improvement under leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva contrasted with deforestation that hit a 15-year high under Lula’s predecessor, far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritized agribusiness expansion over forest protection and weakened environmental agencies. In July, Colombia reported historic lows in deforestation in 2023, driven by a drop in environmental destruction. The country’s environment minister Susana Muhamad warned that 2024’s figures may not be as promising as a significant rise in deforestation had already been recorded by July due to dry weather caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Illegal economies continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation. “It’s impossible to overlook the threat posed by organized crime and the economies they control to Amazon conservation,” said Bram Ebus, a consultant for Crisis Group in Latin America. “Illegal gold mining is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring global prices, and the revenues of illicit economies often surpass state budgets allocated to combat them.” A boat navigates the Negro River amid smoke from wildfires in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) A boat navigates the Negro River amid smoke from wildfires in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More In Brazil, large swaths of the rainforest were draped in smoke in August from fires raging across the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland and the state of Sao Paulo. Fires are traditionally used for deforestation and for managing pastures, and those man-made blazes were largely responsible for igniting the wildfires. For a second year, the Amazon River fell to desperate lows , leading some countries to declare a state of emergency and distribute food and water to struggling residents. The situation was most critical in Brazil, where one of the Amazon River’s main tributaries dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who lives in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, said he believes people are becoming increasingly aware of the Amazon’s fundamental role “for the survival of society as a whole.” But, like Miller, he worries about a “point of no return of Amazon destruction.” It was the worst year for Amazon fires since 2005, according to nonprofit Rainforest Foundation US. Between January and October, an area larger than the state of Iowa — 37.42 million acres, or about 15.1 million hectares of Brazil’s Amazon — burned. Bolivia had a record number of fires in the first ten months of the year. “Forest fires have become a constant, especially in the summer months and require particular attention from the authorities who don’t how to deal with or respond to them,” Ipenza said. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana also saw a surge in fires this year. Indigenous voices and rights made headway in 2024 People from the Tikuna Indigenous community walk to receive aid from an NGO amid a drought near the Amazon River in Loma Linda, on the outskirts of Leticia, Colombia, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia, File) People from the Tikuna Indigenous community walk to receive aid from an NGO amid a drought near the Amazon River in Loma Linda, on the outskirts of Leticia, Colombia, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More The United Nations conference on biodiversity — this year known as COP16 — was hosted by Colombia. The meetings put the Amazon in the spotlight and a historic agreement was made to give Indigenous groups more of a voice on nature conservation decisions , a development that builds on a growing movement to recognize Indigenous people’s role in protecting land and combating climate change. Both Ebus and Miller saw promise in the appointment of Martin von Hildebrand as the new secretary general for the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization, announced during COP16. “As an expert on Amazon communities, he will need to align governments for joint conservation efforts. If the political will is there, international backers will step forward to finance new strategies to protect the world’s largest tropical rainforest,” Ebus said. Ebus said Amazon countries need to cooperate more, whether in law enforcement, deploying joint emergency teams to combat forest fires, or providing health care in remote Amazon borderlands. But they need help from the wider world, he said. “The well-being of the Amazon is a shared global responsibility, as consumer demand worldwide fuels the trade in commodities that finance violence and environmental destruction,” he said. Residents transport drinking water from Humaita to the Paraizinho community, along the dry Madeira River, a tributary of the Amazon River, amid a drought, Amazonas state, Brazil, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Residents transport drinking water from Humaita to the Paraizinho community, along the dry Madeira River, a tributary of the Amazon River, amid a drought, Amazonas state, Brazil, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Next year marks a critical moment for the Amazon, as Belém do Pará in northern Brazil hosts the first United Nations COP in the region that will focus on climate. “Leaders from Amazon countries have a chance to showcase strategies and demand tangible support,” Ebus said. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .