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32 Genuinely Lovely Products That Will Elevate Your Everyday Life

32 Genuinely Lovely Products That Will Elevate Your Everyday Life

Buzz Feed19-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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You're going to fall so in love with this hydrating, luxurious hand sanitizer that you'll want to gift one to everyone you know.
1. A tear-off daily self-care calendar for a gentle way to start your day and still keep it productive and fulfilling — this has space not just for a to-do list, but affirmations, things you're thankful for, reflections, meals, and plans for self-care.
Amazon
Bliss Collections is a family-owned, Wisconsin-based business established in 2012 that specializes in stationery, planners and pads, and drinkware.
Promising review:"I got this for my mental health when I was in a really bad place mentally, and I was trying to figure out why I was having so many panic attacks. This made me feel on top of stuff and gave me something to look forward to. Super cute, super cheap, and it makes me happy." — katelyn
Get a 50-sheet pad from Amazon for $8.49.
2. A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning — reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I have a toddler I have to cut everything up for, and these scissors have made my life INCREDIBLY easier. I cut PB&J into perfect squares and grapes into three pieces effortlessly with these scissors. It cuts chicken and other meats simply. They're sharp, safe, and so affordable too. Don't look elsewhere; these are the best!" — Adrian
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in seven styles and four sizes).
3. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents.
Amazon
Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers.
Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R.
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options).
4. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~!
I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry.
Promising review:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. Kitsch's iconic claw clip, well-known for its delicate style and strong, sturdy clamp suitable for all hair types. Yes, it's more expensive than the cheaper sets you can get out there, but this is actually built to last and has specially rounded teeth to prevent hair damage.
Kitsch is an LA-based, self-financed, woman-owned established in 2010 that specializes in hair accessories.
Promising review:"Love that you can dress this up or down! It is my go-to accessory for working in preschool to put my hair up quickly. It is elegant and classic. It is amazingly durable, even in getting thrown in the bottom of my heavy work bag! I am amazed by this clip. I have coarse, medium thick hair, and it is a perfect size." — Niki
Get it from Amazon for $5.83 (available in four styles and multipacks).
6. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price.
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point.
Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five colors).
7. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey you're definitely going to want to stock up on *now*, before TikTokers go feral again (guilty as charged). This cult-classic, lightweight, slightly glossy shade is beyond "holy grail" status — it matches skin tones so beautifully that I'm personally starting to suspect witchcraft, after seeing so many TikToks of it subtly transforming entire beauty looks with just a few swipes.
Amazon
I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about "expensive" beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? I love watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick.
Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks, because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart.
Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in pink honey!).
8. A ridiculously high quality oversized cropped puffer jacket reviewers are not only obsessed with, but compare to the Aritzia version for a fraction of the price. This insulated, cozy, trendy puffer is perfect for anyone whose winter motto is "Go go go!!! ... As cutely as possible, of course."
www.amazon.com, Amazon
It even features an adjustable drawstring at the bottom for a personalized fit!
Promising review: "I had no idea I would love this as much as I do. First of all, the cut is superb. Cropped yet oversized. It's super warm and cozy. I literally grab this five out of six times. Today I ordered it in red! You need this. You want this. You shall have it!" — Cassidy Barbeau
Get it from Amazon for $51.09 (available in women's sizes XS–L and 16 colors).
9. The "Becoming Unstuck Journal," Oprah Daily's thoughtfully designed prompt journal to help challenge your limiting beliefs and encourage you to find your strength and motivation to overcome both small and large obstacles in your life.
Amazon
Each book is divided into "lessons," which include writing prompts, visual exercises, and reflections from Oprah, and close with reflective journal prompts.
This was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2024 — check out more of Oprah's picks on Amazon's gift shop!
Promising review:"I love all of Oprah's journals and this one is no exception. The journal is beautiful and really hits on the issues of being stuck. It provides helpful exercises. The quotes and photography are beautiful. I highly recommend this journal." — L. Doctor
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
10. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume any fans of YSL's $95 bottle of Black Opium will want to snap up, FAST. This compelling, subtly layered blend of mandarin, vanilla, pink pepper, jasmine, and cedarwood is a beautiful all-season signature scent that reviewers can't stop raving about — especially because it has such great staying power throughout the day.
www.amazon.com
Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront!
Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I'm super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." — Amazon Customer
11. A stainless-steel "see-through" knife set with a transparent block that lets you admire your blades even when they're stashed away, so they become part of the "minimalist, but never, ever boring" aesthetic of your kitchen space. Bonus: there's a knife sharpener built into the block!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the floating knife set in action.
Promising review: "I ordered the pink set, and I love the color. It's a soft pink, not too bright, and just the right amount of subtle, fun color. The knives themselves were impressive, the handles are matte, making them safe and easy to use when you're cooking. I was shocked at how well the knives worked for the price paid; I meal-prepped for the week and used them on meats, veggies, and herbs with ease! The built-in sharpener is a great touch, and it comes with a cleaning cloth, which was an unexpected bonus. I love the container, it's a much more modern aesthetic compared to the solid wood box that's been around since the '80s. This provides everything you need in a knife set at a great price!" — Kelly Dumais
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
12. A gorgeous mirror glass tray you can use to serve yourself meals, snacks, and fancy drinks like your own personal butler. This one gets bonus points for also being a *lovely* focal point for your decor.
Wayfair
Promising review: "It is a lovely tray and works great on the ottoman for serving or displaying trinkets. Definitely recommend." — Wayfair Customer
Get it from Wayfair for $48.99 (available in four styles).
13. A set of affordable lavender shower steamers so you can have a dose of ~calm~ to cap off a long day of capitalism and help your poor overworked brain getting into de-stressing mode.
Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review: "Hubby bought these for me because I work full time and just decided to go back to school full time, and he figured I'd be a little stressed, haha. They all smell wonderful, they work great, they'll definitely help me calm down especially during exam time at school or budget season at work." — Tyleena Gloeker
Get a set of six from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two styles).
14. A luxe reversible satin sleeping bonnet for anyone who wants the best in comfort, use, AND aesthetic. This not only protects your curls and hairstyles overnight, but features an adjustable strap and soft elastic, so not only does it STAY PUT, but it doesn't leave creases on your forehead in the morning. Hats off to this bonnet!!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Best bonnet ever! Cute, comfy, practical, and good quality. I had this very same one six years ago. When it wore down I replaced it with the same one. My other bonnets had straps that dangled awkwardly on my forehead. This one has a seamless strap and it adjusts well. And not once has it fallen off my head in the middle of the night. Get it!" — Shalimar
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 15 styles).
15. A darling set of bow-shaped straw toppers so you can make your hydration goals as cute and coquette as possible.
Promising review: "Great quality. I have gotten so many comments on this! So cute." — alea horne
Get a set of four from Amazon for $5.64 (available in 12 other styles and colors).
16. L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion designed to enhance your skin's natural glow ✨ — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra low-effort, ethereal shimmer in their lives.
Promising review:"Love love love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. Can be worn alone to put some glowy life to skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base where you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It's not oily feeling at all and it doesn't dry out skin either. Just a total package. Can't beat the price either." — Figgy08
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in six shades).
17. A dreamy dimmable candle-warmer lamp so you can waft your favorite candles throughout your space in the most aesthetically pleasing (and safe!) way possible.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this on a whim, and I'm hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn't put out a lot of heat and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $25.11+ (available in 10 styles).
18. A sophisticated laptop tote bag so you can easily (and chicly!) carry not just your tech, but the whole arsenal of I'm A Very Busy Business Person things you need to get through the day. Reviewers compare this to the $$ Beis version, and especially love the unexpected depth and pockets included.
Promising review: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and I find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you see carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome. The bag does sag a bit after use. But has held up to wear and tear. I would recommend." — Su
Get it from Amazon for $27.89 (available in nine styles).
19. A lightweight, expandable bamboo bathtub caddy to turn your boring bathroom into a veritable spa. Pinot? Poured. Candle? Lit. Netflix? Queued. Now, all you have to do is calmly explain to their loved ones that you live in a tub now.
www.amazon.com
Bambusi is a small business that specializes in quality made home products.
Promising review:"Surprisingly sturdy and well made. Assembly and construction is excellent, and the accessories are quite clever. On balance, the tray is impressive and well worth its cost. A thoughtful gift, especially for anyone who likes to relax in the tub, but not without their accessories and a glass of wine." — Barry
Get it from Amazon for $28.49 (available in five colors).
20. A set of luxe, reviewer-beloved Le Gushe "24K Gold" under-eye masks so you can *truly* pamper yourself — these soothing (ridiculously pretty??) masks are infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and aloe to help hydrate and refresh the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. The self-care vibes are *immaculate*.
Promising review:"I have used these a few times and they have been fine. However, the other day I hadn't slept well and had some bags under my eyes. These little miracles suddenly were amazing! After twenty minutes, my eyes looked less sunken and tired and more natural in color with the right amount of puffiness. I even forgot about them for six months so imagine my surprise that they were still good to go and worked perfectly. They leave my skin feeling smooth and happy." — Angela I
Get 15 pairs from Amazon for $9.95.
21. A set of vintage-style botanical wall art prints to bring all the timeless beauty of a well-loved garden into your home without actually having to maintain one.
Amazon
Dream Big Printables is a small business that specializes in wall art and decor.
Promising review: "Absolutely love these prints. They are more beautiful in person and of great quality. They are sturdy and not just a piece of thin paper. I will definitely buy from this seller again." — Sherry Wagner
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Psst — you can snag four 8 x 10 frames to fit them on Amazon!
22. A decorative rainbow window film that says, "Yes, I want my privacy, but I also want to be extremely glamorous about it." Not only does this refract beautiful rainbows in your space, but reviewers mention that it's handy for pet owners whose dogs love to bark at things outside, and that they also used them to outfit the sunroofs of their cars to prevent glare.
Promising review:"I had no privacy in the evenings and was looking for an alternative solution that was not only effective but that would look good, too. After putting these up, I finally have some really effective privacy. It's so nice without everybody being able to see into my windows whenever they please at night. The amazing amount of rainbow effect that happens during the daytime when the sunlight streams through is so neat! My place is flooded with rainbows everywhere. It is better than I pictured!" — Sally Skeleton
Get it from Amazon for $7.43+ (available in 12 sizes)
23. Tree Hut's TikTok-beloved Sugarlips Original Lip Butter with all the hydrating relief of brands like Aquaphor, but all of the ~~pizzazz~~ of a satisfying shea butter texture and rosehip oil flavor. This balm also has subtle, nonsticky shine that plays well with other lip products.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Sugarlips Lip Butter in action.
Promising review: "This isn't a gloss — it's slightly glossy, but it's more of a really hydrating balm. It sinks in and really softens and heals your lips which is what I was looking for. I've wasted money on a lot of lip products but I ordered more of this and I'll continue buying always." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
24. A set of wildly popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets with a softness so luxurious that you'll be like, "Cotton whomst??" Reviewers especially love that the "cooling" effect of these is no joke, particularly for people in hot climates or people experiencing night sweats and hot flashes.
LuxClub is a small business that specializes in soft, durable, luxury-style sheets.
P romising review: 'LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ' — Shannon Warfel
"Super soft, great quality, good price. Saw these advertised on TikTok and had them sitting in my cart for months. My sister bought a set and when I felt how soft, I immediately bought them." — Donna Baker
Get it from Amazon for $27.96+ (available in sizes Twin—California King, with deep pockets, and in 40 styles).
25. A sophisticated, airtight ribbed storage canister you can use to elevate everything from coffee grounds to laundry beads to cotton balls — the sky is your very chic limit.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are so versatile. Right now I have different teas in them, but in the fall I have other ideas. The size is perfect for me. The quality is great and the lids fit well. The material is glass glass with wooden like lids." — Darlene Hohn
Get it from Amazon for $10.94+ (available in two shapes and two sizes).
26. A sleek time-marked water bottle that says "hydration, but make it chic." Reviewers love this bottle not just for the chic frosted, minimalist look, but because it's super lightweight, leakproof, and motivational re: keeping yourself fully watered.
Promising review:"Saw it on TikTok and thought it would be a great bottle for work. It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. I love the modern look and cleans very easily! The time increments really do motivate, definitely ordering again for myself and gifts. Fast delivery and very nice packaging." — Rosa
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors).
27. A vintage-style lipstick designed to be a replica of the most popular lipsticks of old Hollywood, from the "Fairest Red - 1937" inspired by Snow White to the "Besame Red - 1920" as a tribute to flapper girls in the 1920s. These richly pigmented, hydrating lipsticks are cult faves for serving retro glamour designed with modern formulas for all-day wear.
www.amazon.com, www.instagram.com
Besame is a small business that specializes in classically-inspired beauty products.
Psst — you may have spotted these shades on Lily Collins in Emily in Paris!
Promising review: "I have been wearing this brand of lipstick since the '90s. I love the historic colors. The texture and shape of the lipstick allows me to do perfect lips! The formulation stays on well but doesn't chap my lips — even in hot weather! I would strongly recommend this lipstick for anyone who wants a luxurious red lip." — Not so Tech Savvy
Get it from Amazon for $23.20 (available in 10 shades).
28. A pair of ~dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these.
Amazon
I bought these on Prime Day, which is the only day I will buy leggings because I hate wearing leggings with a burning passion. My "I'm not like other girls" bit is that for some reason I am always comfier in jeans than leggings. BUT NOT THESE!!! They slide on. The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that it feels like a whisper. The band is so deceptively comfortable that sometimes I'm like, "Am I still wearing them??" I use them to run outdoors because that is the only circumstance I'll wear a legging, and I'm happy to report after several washes, they are durable and compressive enough to withstand workouts. They would be excellent for lounging if I weren't wired in this odd anti-legging way. I have already bought two more pairs and made my friends buy them, too.
Promising review:"Super comfy. I usually don't write reviews, I tried this first before buying Lulu, and these are the most comfortable leggings for every day and even for workouts. Highly recommended!" — Criselle Johnson
Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 styles).
29. A set of super absorbent pastel waffle weave dishcloths, because it's high time someone looked around and said, " Hey, what if we made the thing we use the most often in the kitchen actually LOOK good??" Thank you for your aesthetic service!!!!
Amazon
Promising review: "Great set of kitchen towels, and I love the colors! They are easy to wash and hold their quality after several washes. They absorb water and mess very well. Would recommend to anyone looking for great quality kitchen towels for an affordable price!" — Lunita Co
Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.39 (available in 16 styles).
30. An adorable cherry-inspired bedside carafe with a pretty pink pitcher and lil' stem cup that will add the loveliest touch to your nightstand and keep you hydrated as cutely as possible.
www.amazon.com
Ban.do is a US-based small business that specializes in quirky accessories, home products, and stationery.
Get it from Amazon for $38.95.
32. An oh-so-luxe, absurdly soft pajama set you can mix and match to wear as elevated loungewear out in the human world, or wear as pajamas all winter long while curled up on the couch like a sentient teddy bear.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"BEST PAJAMAS EVER! These are the softest, coziest pajamas I have ever put on. I love them SO MUCH. They are pricey, but I never want to take these off." — Rachel Riggs
Get it from Amazon for $37.49 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 14 styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Takeaways from AP's report on the business interests of Trump's surgeon general pick
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Takeaways from AP's report on the business interests of Trump's surgeon general pick

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Donald Trump's pick to be U.S. surgeon general has repeatedly said the nation's medical and food systems are corrupted by special interests and people out to make a profit at the expense of Americans' health. Yet as Dr. Casey Means has criticized scientists, medical schools and regulators for taking money from the food and pharmaceutical industries, she has promoted dozens of products in ways that put money in her own pocket. The Associated Press found Means, who has carved out a niche in the wellness industry, set up deals with an array of businesses. In some cases, she promoted companies in which she was an investor or adviser without consistently disclosing the connection, the AP found. Means, 37, has said she recommends products that she has personally vetted and uses herself. Still, experts said her business entanglements raise concerns about conflicting interests for an aspiring surgeon general, a role responsible for giving Americans the best scientific information on how to improve their health. Here are some takeaways from the AP's reporting. Growing an audience, and selling products Means, 37, earned her medical degree from Stanford University, but she dropped out of her residency program in 2018, and her license to practice is inactive. She said she saw firsthand how 'broken and exploitative the healthcare system is" and turned to alternative approaches to address what she has described as widespread metabolic dysfunction driven largely by poor nutrition and an overabundance of ultra-processed foods. She co-founded Levels, a nutrition, sleep and exercise-tracking app that can also give users insights from blood tests and continuous glucose monitors. The company charges $199 per year for an app subscription and an additional $184 per month for glucose monitors. Though scientists debate whether continuous glucose monitors are beneficial for people without diabetes, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted their use as a precursor to making certain weight-loss drugs available to patients. Many companies, including Amazon, have affiliate marketing programs in which people with substantial social media followings can sign up to receive a percentage of sales or some other benefit when someone clicks through and buys a product using a special individualized link or code shared by the influencer. Means has used such links to promote various products sold on Amazon. Among them are books, including the one she co-wrote, 'Good Energy"; beauty products; cardamom-flavored dental floss; organic jojoba oil; sunglasses; a sleep mask; a silk pillowcase; fitness and sleep trackers; protein powder and supplements. She also has shared links to products sold by other companies that included 'affiliate' or 'partner' coding. The products include an AI-powered sleep system and the prepared food company Daily Harvest, for which she curated a 'metabolic health collection.' On a 'My Faves' page that was taken down from her website shortly after Trump picked her, Means wrote that some links 'are affiliate links and I make a small percentage if you buy something after clicking them.' It's not clear how much money Means has earned from her affiliate marketing, partnerships and other agreements. Daily Harvest did not return messages seeking comment, and Means said she could not comment on the record during the confirmation process. Disclosing conflicts Influencers who endorse products in exchange for something of value are required by the the Federal Trade Commission to disclose it every time. But most consumers still don't realize that a personality recommending a product might make money if people click through and buy, said University of Minnesota professor Christopher Terry. While Means did disclose some relationships like newsletter sponsors, the AP found she wasn't consistent. For example, a 'Clean Personal & Home Care Product Recommendations' guide she links to from her website contains two dozen affiliate or partner links and no disclosure that she could profit from any sales. Means has said she invested in Function Health, which provides subscription-based lab testing for $500 annually. Of the more than a dozen online posts the AP found in which Means mentioned Function Health, more than half did not disclose she had any affiliation with the company. Though the 'About' page on her website discloses the affiliation, that's not enough, experts said. She is required to disclose any material connection she has to a company any time she promotes it. While the disclosure requirements are rarely enforced by the FTC, Means should have been informing her readers of any connections regardless of whether she was violating any laws, said Olivier Sylvain, a Fordham Law School professor, previously a senior advisor to the FTC chair. 'What you want in a surgeon general, presumably, is someone who you trust to talk about tobacco, about social media, about caffeinated alcoholic beverages, things that present problems in public health,' Sylvain said, adding, 'Should there be any doubt about claims you make about products?' Potential conflicts pose new ethical questions Past surgeons general have faced questions about their financial entanglements, prompting them to divest from certain stocks or recuse themselves from matters involving their business relationships for a period of time. Means hasn't yet gone through a Senate confirmation hearing and has not yet announced the ethical commitments she will make for the role. Emily Hund, author of 'The Influencer Industry: The Quest for Authenticity on Social Media,' said as influencer marketing becomes more common, it is raising more ethical questions — like what past influencers who enter government should do to avoid the appearance of a conflict. 'This is like a learning moment in the evolution of our democracy,' Hund said. 'Is this a runaway train that we just have to get on and ride, or is this something that we want to go differently?' ___ Swenson reported from New York.

Takeaways from AP's report on the business interests of Trump's surgeon general pick
Takeaways from AP's report on the business interests of Trump's surgeon general pick

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Takeaways from AP's report on the business interests of Trump's surgeon general pick

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Donald Trump's pick to be U.S. surgeon general has repeatedly said the nation's medical and food systems are corrupted by special interests and people out to make a profit at the expense of Americans' health. Yet as Dr. Casey Means has criticized scientists, medical schools and regulators for taking money from the food and pharmaceutical industries, she has promoted dozens of products in ways that put money in her own pocket. The Associated Press found Means, who has carved out a niche in the wellness industry, set up deals with an array of businesses. In some cases, she promoted companies in which she was an investor or adviser without consistently disclosing the connection, the AP found. Means, 37, has said she recommends products that she has personally vetted and uses herself. Still, experts said her business entanglements raise concerns about conflicting interests for an aspiring surgeon general, a role responsible for giving Americans the best scientific information on how to improve their health. Here are some takeaways from the AP's reporting. Growing an audience, and selling products Means, 37, earned her medical degree from Stanford University, but she dropped out of her residency program in 2018, and her license to practice is inactive. She said she saw firsthand how 'broken and exploitative the healthcare system is" and turned to alternative approaches to address what she has described as widespread metabolic dysfunction driven largely by poor nutrition and an overabundance of ultra-processed foods. She co-founded Levels, a nutrition, sleep and exercise-tracking app that can also give users insights from blood tests and continuous glucose monitors. The company charges $199 per year for an app subscription and an additional $184 per month for glucose monitors. Though scientists debate whether continuous glucose monitors are beneficial for people without diabetes, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted their use as a precursor to making certain weight-loss drugs available to patients. With more than 825,000 followers on Instagram and a newsletter that she has said reached 200,000 subscribers, Means has a direct line to an audience interested in health, nutrition and wellness. Many companies, including Amazon, have affiliate marketing programs in which people with substantial social media followings can sign up to receive a percentage of sales or some other benefit when someone clicks through and buys a product using a special individualized link or code shared by the influencer. Means has used such links to promote various products sold on Amazon. Among them are books, including the one she co-wrote, 'Good Energy"; beauty products; cardamom-flavored dental floss; organic jojoba oil; sunglasses; a sleep mask; a silk pillowcase; fitness and sleep trackers; protein powder and supplements. She also has shared links to products sold by other companies that included 'affiliate' or 'partner' coding. The products include an AI-powered sleep system and the prepared food company Daily Harvest, for which she curated a 'metabolic health collection.' On a 'My Faves' page that was taken down from her website shortly after Trump picked her, Means wrote that some links 'are affiliate links and I make a small percentage if you buy something after clicking them.' It's not clear how much money Means has earned from her affiliate marketing, partnerships and other agreements. Daily Harvest did not return messages seeking comment, and Means said she could not comment on the record during the confirmation process. Disclosing conflicts Influencers who endorse products in exchange for something of value are required by the the Federal Trade Commission to disclose it every time. But most consumers still don't realize that a personality recommending a product might make money if people click through and buy, said University of Minnesota professor Christopher Terry. While Means did disclose some relationships like newsletter sponsors, the AP found she wasn't consistent. For example, a 'Clean Personal & Home Care Product Recommendations' guide she links to from her website contains two dozen affiliate or partner links and no disclosure that she could profit from any sales. Means has said she invested in Function Health, which provides subscription-based lab testing for $500 annually. Of the more than a dozen online posts the AP found in which Means mentioned Function Health, more than half did not disclose she had any affiliation with the company. Though the 'About' page on her website discloses the affiliation, that's not enough, experts said. She is required to disclose any material connection she has to a company any time she promotes it. Representatives for Function Health did not return messages seeking comment. While the disclosure requirements are rarely enforced by the FTC, Means should have been informing her readers of any connections regardless of whether she was violating any laws, said Olivier Sylvain, a Fordham Law School professor, previously a senior advisor to the FTC chair. 'What you want in a surgeon general, presumably, is someone who you trust to talk about tobacco, about social media, about caffeinated alcoholic beverages, things that present problems in public health,' Sylvain said, adding, 'Should there be any doubt about claims you make about products?' Potential conflicts pose new ethical questions Past surgeons general have faced questions about their financial entanglements, prompting them to divest from certain stocks or recuse themselves from matters involving their business relationships for a period of time. Means hasn't yet gone through a Senate confirmation hearing and has not yet announced the ethical commitments she will make for the role. Emily Hund, author of 'The Influencer Industry: The Quest for Authenticity on Social Media,' said as influencer marketing becomes more common, it is raising more ethical questions — like what past influencers who enter government should do to avoid the appearance of a conflict. 'This is like a learning moment in the evolution of our democracy,' Hund said. 'Is this a runaway train that we just have to get on and ride, or is this something that we want to go differently?' ___ Swenson reported from New York.

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