logo
29 Products That Are So Good, You'll Climb Out On Your Rickety Fire Escape Just To Shout About Them To Strangers

29 Products That Are So Good, You'll Climb Out On Your Rickety Fire Escape Just To Shout About Them To Strangers

Buzz Feed28-03-2025
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.
Shopping
·
This is basically just a list of top-tier products. Get ready to add all of these to your cart.
1. An under-eye brightener that's gone super viral super quick and FOR GOOD REASON! This awesome stuff contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and brighten the area under your eyes. Your new holy grail for concealing dark circles hath arrived!
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "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." — Placeholder
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
2. A stainless-steel water bottle you can bet will put any other water bottle on the market to shame. You may be asking why, and the first reason is that it comes with a double-spout built-in straw (a smaller opening for sipping and a large one for swigging). Unlike other popular bottles, this one allows you to cover the straw when you're not drinking from it, thanks to the leak-proof push button opening! Did I mention it'll keep your drinks cold for 24 hours and features a carry loop for easy transport?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out the Owala FreeSip water bottle on TikTok!
Promising review:"This is the second one I have purchased. I love this water bottle for the ease of drinking. The built-in sipping feature is a game changer, and I appreciate being able to close the top and keep the mouthpiece clean, unlike bottles with exposed straws. Don't ever change the design!" — Jill
Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in various colors).
3. A mascara to give you lashes so dramatic, no one will believe you when you tell them you bought it for less than $5 on Amazon. No need to spend hours wrestling with falsies to get the long lashes of your dreams. Reviewers also rave that this lasts all day. Thank goodness! You have better things to do than re-apply throughout the day.
Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed
Check out the Lash Princess mascara on TikTok!
Promising review: "Mascaras always make the same claim...but my short, straight lashes have never looked thicker or longer! And I don't have to bother with false lashes. Seriously, this mascara is a game changer." — CoCust
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review — check it out!
4. A set of antimicrobial toothbrushes featuring "floss" bristles that are designed to reach between your teeth (bye-bye, little food bits hiding in there) and are formulated with nano-silver, which may help kill off microbes left on the bristles. Your other toothbrushes simply cannot relate!!!
Mouthwatchers is a small biz that sells antimicrobial toothbrushes, which are also available in bundle sets and travel-sized options!
I started using this toothbrush a few months ago and I'm not exaggerating when I tell you my mouth feels cleaner post-brushing with this toothbrush than any other ones I've used. I will say the floss bristles at first can be a little rough, but I very quickly got used to it and now I'm a fan of these for life.
Promising review:"Like most people, I've tried any number of toothbrushes (electric and manual) and can't say I've ever experienced an appreciable or memorable difference. Until this one. This one's approach to gum care got my attention. And they deliver. I can't remember the last time my mouth felt so clean without any torture involved. Highly recommend." — Emma Hunter
Get two from Amazon for $9.99.
5. A cleansing oil designed to clean makeup residue, potentially clear up blackheads and sebum, and help minimize the appearance of pores and acne. It's hypoallergenic and the gentle formula plays well with sensitive and acne-prone skin, and many reviewers actually use it as a step in their double cleansing routine. Double cleansing = using an oil-based cleanser (like this one) and then a water-based cleanser afterward!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
If you're looking for a water-based cleanser to go with this one, reviewers love this pore-deep cleansing foam from the same brand for their double-cleansing routine!
Promising review:"I don't usually leave reviews, but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER!!!!! It worked flawlessly after the first try, and I could actually see the results immediately!! My gosh, it's lightweight and smells relaxing. Massage it to your skin for 5–10 minutes, and you can see the magic. I will definitely add this to my skincare routine. JUST GET IT!!!!!" — Vince
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
6. A set of double-sided shower rings for hanging your liner on one end and your curtain on the other. Now if you need to change either of these, you don't have to disassemble the whole thing.
Promising review:"This is one of those items you didn't know you needed, and once you get it, you can't help but wonder how you ever managed before. I absolutely hate taking the shower curtains off because of the whole open and close for several shower curtains. I know you're like, 'It's just shower curtain hooks.' And it is. But when you have to change out the creepy shower liner that likes to attack you, and you dread doing so, this just adds seconds to your life. No more unsnapping. Simply take out the liner, place the liner on the appropriate hook, and presto." — Nardsbaby
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 13 colors).
7. A jar of The Pink Stuff, a TikTok-famous cleaning product you can use to restore so many things (both indoors and outdoors) back to practically new condition. It's so good, you may just be tempted to part ways with every other cleaning product you own.
www.amazon.com
It shouldn't be used on plastic or acrylic surfaces, highly polished stainless steel, or hot/warm surfaces. You can use it on cooktops and grills, but just be sure to do so once they've cooled down! Plus, this is vegan!
Promising review:"Oh my gosh — this stuff is a life-changer! Used it to get my fiberglass shower totally clean. Nothing else would get it done, and this stuff brought my shower back to near-new in one use. We've since cleaned a weird, chalky film off our garage door, removed wall markings, and cleaned my storm door. We'll never be without a jar (or three) of this stuff. Worth every penny." — Nancy F.
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
8. A callus-removal gel so you can experience the baby-soft feet you not only want but truly deserve. Soak your feet for two to three minutes in hot water, dry them, and apply a generous layer of the gel to your calloused feet. Then let it sit for three minutes, wipe it off, use a foot scrubber of your choice, and bam — dead skin be gone.
If you're looking for recs for a good foot file, we adore this one that you can get from Amazon for $9.99!
Promising review:"Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love." — Cheri whisker
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three scents).
9. Teeth-whitening pens for brightening up those pearly whites with a quick swipe. No yucky gel, bright lights, or dentist trips required!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This pen is amazing! I saw results after the first application. I am a coffee drinker, and this pen is a game changer! Will definitely be buying again!" — K.S.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.95.
10. A Snuggle Puppy that's basically a miracle solution to helping ease your pup's loneliness and separation anxiety. It's especially perfect for those crate-training their furry bbs.
Back in 2020, my family made a wonderful decision to get an adorable Havanese puppy named Bailey (pictured left as a puppy in 2020, pictured right in December 2023). He slept like an absolute angel the first night we brought him home, so when he kept us up for six. whole. hours the night after and wouldn't stop crying the next day, we knew we needed to try something fast. A family friend recommended the Snuggle Puppy. Within a half hour of putting the little heart ticker into the stuffed toy and putting it in Bailey's crate, he was quiet and fast asleep while cuddling up to his new toy.
Almost five years later, the Snuggle Puppy is still Bailey's favorite toy — we just don't keep the heart ticker in there anymore. He has an entire crate of toys he BARELY touches solely because he loves the Snuggle Puppy so much. It is on the pricey side for a dog toy, and he's currently on his fourth Snuggle Puppy because he's chewed off the ears and noses on the other ones, but seeing how attached he is to the puppy and how happy it makes him, it's 100% worth it. Truly cannot recommend this enough.
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in five colors).
11. A pack of warming foot masks formulated with Epsom salt, shea butter, and lavender and peppermint essential oils to help bring some potential relief (and warmth) to achy feet.
My colleague Emma Lord loves these! Here's her review:
I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!
Get it from Amazon for $14.67.
12. Wet & Forget, a super simple cleaner you just spray in your shower/tub once a week. The best part? You don't have to scrub...like...at all. Just rinse it the next day, and you're good to go. I know, I know, I'm crying tears of joy, too.
www.amazon.com
Check out Wet & Forget on TikTok!
Promising review:"I have back problems and really struggle to keep my tubs clean! This is a game changer, and I'm going to tell EVERYONE to buy it! Amazing product I will be buying again!" — Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two scents).
13. An internet-famed Sol de Janeiro lotion made with guarana and cupuacu butter to bring smoothness and hydration to your skin. Best of all, it has a delish pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla scent and is gonna have everyone you talk to commenting on how darn good you smell.
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 reviews: "This stuff is magic. I've tried a lot of products, and this one works the best out of everything I've tried. I love the scent. Sol de Janeiro makes a body spray of it, and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it." — Stephanie
"Where has this been all my life? I have been using this for maybe three days now, and putting it on in the morning and evening are the best parts of my day. The description of the scent as 'pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla' does not even begin to describe the incredibly decadent smell of this cream on my skin. My skin feels like velvet, and I saw improvements in the texture after the first application. I will use it for the rest of my life. Do not ever discontinue this! I did not expect to be so amazed by this cream, but it is life-changing. Buy it! You won't regret it." — Michelle Brown
Get a 2.5-ounce jar from Amazon for $24 (also available in an 8-ounce size for $48).
And if (when) you do fall in love with the scent, they make tons of other products!
14. And a hair and body fragrance mist from the same brand that'll have you wondering if it's considered proper etiquette to sniff yourself in public. Not to see if you smell bad, but because you'll smell so yummy, you won't be able to resist taking in your delicious aroma.
When I tell you this has been on my wish list for like a year, I'm not kidding. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to spend $24 on a fragrance mist, but I was SO enticed. Finally, after putting it in an article at the beginning of the year and seeing how many BuzzFeed readers had purchased it, I decided it was time to just do it. This stuff really smells so good...like I want to bathe in it and might cry when it runs out because the price point pains me a bit, but I just can't be without this stuff now that I own it. Now, I will say when it comes to going out for special occasions, I stick with perfume instead, but this is great for those more casual days where you want to still smell DELICIOUS but don't want to feel like you're wearing an overpowering perfume either.
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in seven scents).
15. Compound W One Step Pads for applying to plantar warts — they just look like bandages, but really they're working hard to remove those stubborn little guys.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"More than six years with a large, sometimes painful plantar wart on the bottom of my foot. The doctor tried freezing. I tried apple cider vinegar, aspirin, freezing at home, over and over again...nothing worked. Never showing the bottom of my feet, refusing to get a pedicure with the girls, and so, so embarrassed. It felt as if I was doomed to have it forever; it was resistant to everything. Literally six years of fighting it, and on a whim, I tried these because of the good reviews. ONE APPLICATION. I wore the bandage overnight. I didn't think it did anything, but a few days later, the wart just came off. I know it's silly to be so emotional over a stupid wart, but I'm telling you, I nearly cried. I've never been so happy with a product in my life. Highly, highly recommend giving these a try if you've got stubborn plantar warts." — Liz Dube
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.69 (available in two styles and larger packs).
16. A nail and cuticle care solution for helping your nails look fresh and healthy. Use it consistently for results that'll wow you!
Check out the CND cuticle oil on TikTok!
Promising review:" This product is a game changer for my nails. I use it every night before bed. It has helped my nails become stronger because they are no longer dry and brittle. I highly recommend it." — Christine Murray
Get it from Amazon for $9.90.
17. A lightweight snail essence (no snails are harmed in the making of this product, promise) that'll deliver seriously good hydration and can help brighten your skin and reduce/prevent acne.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out the Cosrx snail essence on TikTok!
Promising review: " Skincare game changer. I started using this two years ago, and this product has transformed my skin completely! I have dull, dry skin and this helps hydrate and makes my complexion look healthy and hydrated. I use this under my moisturizer day and night." — Nhi Luu
Get it from Amazon for $18.50.
18. A set of acne patches you can apply over a popped whitehead. Simply put the patch over a zit, let it sit overnight or throughout the day, peel it off, and watch it take all the pore-clogging gunk with it.
I suffer from hormonal acne — it's just something that I have come to terms with and will have to deal with for many more years to come, and while it's not fun, these acne patches make it sooo much easier. When I have a pimple about to come to a head, I pop one of these babies on it before bed and then peel it off along with all the gunk it pulls out. It definitely helps speed up the process, and they're gentle on my sensitive skin!
Promising review:"These patches are the only reliable way to shrink an existing pimple. I always get pimples that swell up but won't come to a head. I've tried all the lotions, creams, salves, hot compresses, etc. Nothing worked on existing pimples. But these patches take the swelling right down. For really bad ones, it sometimes takes a couple of days of wearing the patches, but it will go away (much faster than the one to two weeks it always takes if I just do nothing). Plus, the patch keeps you from touching or picking at it.' — snowmentality
Get 72 stickers from Amazon for $21.97 (also available in a pack of 36).
19. Dishwasher cleaning tablets so the machine you rely on to clean the things you use to eat isn't gunking them up even more. These tablets remove odor-causing residue and help get rid of lime and mineral build-up that naturally occurs inside dishwashers.
These are safe to use in stainless-steel tubs and plastic tub dishwashers.
Promising review:"After using this product, I am happy to report that my $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and just not getting clean. Then, I became aware that the water softener was no longer doing its job, so I had the rental company replace it. Dishwasher performance improved somewhat. I decided to do two more loads before purchasing a new one. Then, I saw a product test review for Affresh in a magazine. I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway, so I added that to my order. When it came, I tossed one of the tablets into the bottom of the full machine and ran the regular cycle. I did not expect the results I got! My glassware, which I thought was permanently etched and ruined, came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable. I will use this faithfully on a monthly basis, as recommended. I can even put it on my subscribe and save order, so I will get a new pack every six months. I am amazed!" — Sheila
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $8.99.
20. A pet hair remover you simply swipe over surfaces covered in hair from your furry bestie. It saves more time (and is a heck of a lot easier) than fussing around with a vacuum and lint rollers!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
ChomChom Roller is a Massachusetts-based small biz creating an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to sticky lint rollers.
Promising review:"Where has this been all my cat-loving life? Sticky rollers work fine for clothes, but this is the only product that has ever COMPLETELY removed all the cat hair from my bed. I have a long-haired, 20-pound tabby, and if you run your hands up his back a few times and fling the hair everywhere, it looks like it's snowing — he never stops shedding no matter what I do. After using the ChomChom, I can put on a black dress and roll around on my bed and not get a single hair on me. It's absolutely amazing. Everyone is getting one for Christmas, even if they don't have a pet. I don't care; it's THAT good." — DH
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).
21. A portable digital luggage scale because it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful.
I simply do not need the entire JetBlue terminal judging me for being so indecisive that I felt the need to pack my entire closet into my suitcase.
Promising review:"This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighing your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead-on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, it's easy to pack in your bags." — Teresa Daniels
Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in six colors and a two-pack).
22. A curl spray leave-in conditioner great for both kiddos and adults! Simply spray it on damp or dry hair and bask in the glory of soft, bouncy, defined curls.
www.amazon.com
This spray is ideal for all hair types and has tons of reviews from folks with 2a–4c curls who absolutely swear by it!
Check out the curl spray on TikTok!
Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
23. A butt acne-clearing lotion because, yes, acne on the derriere *is* a thing, and if you're reading this thinking you were alone in this struggle, we're here to remind you, you're not. Enter this product, made with pure plant extracts like Australian tea oil, to help target the root of this annoyance on your booty and help kick it in the ~behind~.
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
Promising review:"I've battled painful acne on my rear end for years, and no dermatologist, cream, scrub, antibiotics, or ointment has ever been able to keep it under control. I bought this cream on a whim based solely on the reviews, and I'm so glad I did! After just one week of treatment, the acne was gone! No more painful days sitting at my desk or nights wondering if sitting on the couch too long was going to make my butt sweaty and cause another breakout. It's been almost two months, and just following the recommendations on the bottle, the acne hasn't returned. The scars from previous breakouts are even starting to fade. This cream is amazing, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. You won't regret this purchase." — deirdreD
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in a two-pack).
24. A clinical strength deodorant that boasts up to 72 hours of sweat protection from stress and activity. If you feel like you're constantly having to freshen up your pits throughout the day, this might just be the product for you.
Promising review:"I have been trying all kinds of deodorants for months, trying to find one that works! I sweat a lot at work, and this stuff works! I don't have to reapply. This doesn't leave any staining on my clothes. The smell is nice and light. Finally found something that works!" — Zindarella
Get it from Amazon for $8.19 (also available in a two-pack).
25. A shaved sheep plushie you can love in two different ways — with a zippered wooly coat on or off. Either way, this smiling little cutie is happy to become your new BFF.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love him. He is so cute and so well-made. He is the perfect size and shape. I named him Banana Peel Son since his wool comes off like a banana peel. Adorable. Would recommend to everyone." — Aerebys Stare
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
26. A veggie chopper for those who wanna cook homemade meals but are so daunted by the thought of prepping the ingredients, they're already ordering Seamless a fourth night in a row.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Fullstar is a small biz that specializes in super useful kitchen gadgets!
Promising review:"Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food, and it has a generous container." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in four colors and five sizes, also available in a super cool croc version).
27. A portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that boasts strong spray and suction, so cleaning stubborn stains will feel effortless. Messes left behind by pets or small children shouldn't mean permanently ruined carpets, furniture, or car interiors.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Each cleaner comes with a trial size of Bissell's Spot & Stain Formula, which is also available on Amazon for $12.99!
Check out the Bissell Little Green machine on TikTok!
Promising review:"I love my green machine. A big game changer for cleaning up messes on furniture. I don't even need to add soap most of the time. Just the pressure of the water and vacuum works for most messes. Worth the money. Highly recommend." — Amy
Get it from Amazon for $120.49.
28. A bag of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix if you're looking to up your hydration game! This is Popsicle Firecracker flavored so it'll *gasp* actually make you excited to drink more water throughout the day!
www.amazon.com
FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "Liquid I.V. does an amazing job hydrating. I purchase their product for 40+ employees who work in a construction-related industry. Hydration is so important while working in the hot Georgia Sun, and this product aids in this 100%. Now, let's talk about the firecracker flavor! When we produced these for our crew, ages 23–60, all of their eyes lit up, and they were super excited. Many of them did not know this flavor existed. Quite honestly, I didn't either until I came across them on Amazon. They all loved the flavor. In particular, the ones who were older kept telling me it tasted like their childhood. Seriously, who hasn't stood outside an ice cream truck ordering the Firecracker Popsicle?" — Disney Diva
Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.99 (available in 15 flavors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Woman Films Her Last Night in Maldives, Disaster Ensues: 'Still Recovering'
Woman Films Her Last Night in Maldives, Disaster Ensues: 'Still Recovering'

Newsweek

time25 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Woman Films Her Last Night in Maldives, Disaster Ensues: 'Still Recovering'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A woman on her final night in the Maldives found herself diving into rough waters to retrieve her phone after it was swept into the sea while trying to film for TikTok. The clip, shared on July 13 by TikTok user @georginagrigg88, has amassed more than 96,000 views and captures the moment a relaxing vacation turned into a search mission. "It's my last night in the Maldives, I've been there two weeks," she says in a voiceover in the video. "Every time I left the villa, I have set my tripod that I can record a video of me leaving the villa for my TikTok [video], that I'm gonna make when I get back, of me every time I leave the villa." The video shows the woman wearing a dress and walking away from the camera before a sudden shift in weather changes the mood. "There'd been a storm that afternoon, it was a bit windy but no windier than it had been earlier in the week, so I thought it was fine," she says. Moments later, she adds: "Just as I'm opening the door, I see the tripod fall into the sea, next to my villa." What follows is a chaotic realization as she sees that her "phone's become detached from the tripod. The tripod and light [on it] had been swept out to sea—God knows where they are now." Faced with the possibility of losing her phone on the last night of the trip, the woman remained calm but aware of the stakes. "I tried not to panic. It's my last night. I'm flying home the next day. I've got no way of contacting the taxi man. I've got work the day all on my phone," she said. She later spotted a "glimpse" of the phone in the water beside the villa and thought "that looks like it's settled on the sand." So, she "stripped off" and "shoved a bikini" on as well as a life jacket and jumped into the sea, swimming around where she thought she saw the phone. Despite the rough conditions, she didn't give up. "I'm feeling around with my foot. I can't find it. I'm about to give up and like a miracle, I find it," she says. Remarkably, the phone was still functioning. "I feel it underneath my foot and I grab it with my toes and pull it up. As I'm pulling it up, I hear an Instagram notification. I can't believe it is still working. I literally can't believe my luck," she said. While the brand of the woman's phone is unknown, the durability of her device echoes broader market trends. The global market for waterproof and rugged smartphones was valued at $993 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1319 billion by 2031, according to QYResearch, a market research firm founded in California. The report said that such phones are built to higher standards than conventional smartphones, with more rigorous structural designs and sealing technologies. The report also noted that these some high-end models "comply with military-grade stable performance under extreme conditions such as high/low temperatures, humidity, and vibration." In a caption shared alongside the TikTok video, the woman said: "Still recovering from the trauma to be honest. P.S. I can swim, but the sea was so rough from the storm that I was worried I might get swept out to sea and no one would know I was I was trying to save the glam." The woman remained astounded not just by the successful rescue of her phone, but the condition she emerged in. "If ever I believe there was someone looking down on me, it would be now," she said. "I didn't even get my hair and makeup wet, which was a miracle in itself." She ended the night on a high note: "I got out of the sea and put my dress on and I went for dinner and I had a lovely last night in the Maldives." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified. A stock image of a woman sitting on the deck near a villa at a Maldives resort. A stock image of a woman sitting on the deck near a villa at a Maldives resort. Getty Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

Fit for TV: Where is The Biggest Loser's Rachel Frederickson now?
Fit for TV: Where is The Biggest Loser's Rachel Frederickson now?

Cosmopolitan

timean hour ago

  • Cosmopolitan

Fit for TV: Where is The Biggest Loser's Rachel Frederickson now?

Between the likes of Wife Swap and The Simple Life, the noughties provided some of the best reality TV moments in entertainment history. Clips from the era are now being shared on TikTok feeds globally, with meme-worthy moments reaching viewers that weren't even alive when the shows initially aired. But, not all reality shows from the noughties are worth praising in the modern day. The once-popular Brat Camp – which saw 'badly behaved' teenagers sent to strict therapy programs – has been hit with allegations and claims the centres were more like "child-abuse institutions". Now, another memorable reality TV series from the noughties is under the spotlight: The Biggest Loser. In a new three-part documentary titled Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, Netflix takes a deep-dive into The Biggest Loser, interviewing former contestants, coaches, and health experts to uncover "the true story behind the hit weight loss reality show." But one face is noticeably missing from the docuseries. Rachel Frederickson is one of the most well-known contestants to have appeared on The Biggest Loser, but her name is merely mentioned in the three-parter. Here, we explore what happened to The Biggest Loser's Rachel Frederickson and where she is now... The Biggest Loser premiered on US channel NBC in 2004 and, according to Netflix, it was a "reality show unlike anything America had ever seen". The show saw groups of "overweight" people compete in a 30-week program with the goal of losing as much weight as possible in that time. The person who dropped the most weight was crowned "the biggest loser" – hence the show's name – and typically won up to $250,000 (roughly £186,000). The show was an instant success – many put this down to the country's obesity rankings, which have at times topped global charts – with millions tuning in for the season one finale. The Biggest Loser became such a cultural phenomenon that a British version premiered just a year later. The UK edition of the series ran on Living TV from 2005 to 2006, then moved to ITV in 2009 before the last series aired in 2012. While some contestants opted not to step into the spotlight following their time on the show, there have been plenty of famous faces to come out of The Biggest Loser. The show's first female winner, Ali Vincent, went on to write a book and launch her own TV series, while season nine's Michael Ventrella went on to become a motivational speaker. But one contestant fans repeatedly ask the whereabouts of, is Rachel Frederickson – the winner of season 15. Rachel Frederickson appeared on the 15th season of The Biggest Loser at the age of 23. She started the series at 260 pounds (18.5 stone, 117.9 kg) and ended up winning the show, weighing in at just 105 pounds (7.5 stone, 47.6 kg) at the finale. Frederickson's dramatic transformation on The Biggest Loser prompted concern from viewers – one journalist described her as having a "now-emaciated body" – and the show received a lot of criticism for this. Even the show's trainers, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, looked visibly shocked at her appearance during the finale. Following Frederickson's win, critics argued the show had "gone too far" in its pursuit of extreme weight loss, and just two series later, The Biggest Loser was cancelled. A year on from her win on The Biggest Loser, Frederickson penned an emotional essay for TODAY in which she recalled her time on the show and its impact. She admitted that the comments over her dramatic weight loss were tough to handle, describing them as "hurtful", and revealed she'd gained 20 pounds (1.4 stone, 9 kg) in the year since filming ended. Regardless, Frederickson said that the most important opinion to her was that of her own. "There will always be other voices in life. The trouble comes when you stop listening to your own," she wrote. "I am committed to trusting my decisions and standing strong behind them. I found strength in this struggle and I am listening to my own voice again!" Describing her time on the show, Frederickson said: "When I stood on stage at the live finale, I had never felt stronger. I had accomplished everything I wanted to do. I was extremely proud of myself." Since then, Frederickson – who is now 35 – has kept a very low profile, remaining out of the public eye. Her Instagram account (on which she has over 3000 followers but is following no one) is private, with a bio that reads: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live life to the fullest!" Elsewhere online, her LinkedIn profile reveals that she works in Minnesota at a farmer-owned food and beverage manufacturing co-operative. All three episodes of the Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser documentary will be available to stream on Netflix from Friday 15 August. Sign up to watch

Prominent SF chef Luke Sung says viral scandal with influencer has tanked career and family, blasts TikTokker for not doing her homework
Prominent SF chef Luke Sung says viral scandal with influencer has tanked career and family, blasts TikTokker for not doing her homework

New York Post

time2 hours ago

  • New York Post

Prominent SF chef Luke Sung says viral scandal with influencer has tanked career and family, blasts TikTokker for not doing her homework

A celebrated San Francisco chef claims a viral TikTok scandal with an influencer who visited his restaurant for a collaboration video has shattered his career and left his family needing to 'heal' — while still blasting her for being 'unprepared' and not doing her 'research,' according to a report. Luke Sung, 52, shared his side of a tense exchange at Kis Cafe in Hayes Valley, where 'micro-influencer' Karla Marcotte, @itskarlabb on TikTok, claimed she was belittled by the James Beard award-nominated chef over her follower count last month, according to a video posted to her platform. 3 A celebrated San Francisco chef claims a viral TikTok scandal with an influencer who visited his restaurant looking for free food has shattered his career and left his family needing to 'heal.' San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Advertisement 'She came in at 5 p.m. on a Tuesday, when the dining room was empty. My partner didn't tell me she was coming until she got there, and I didn't know anything about her,' Sung told the San Francisco Standard of the moment Marcotte walked into his restaurant last month. 'I thought she'd say, 'Hey, Mr. Sung, I read about you, and I am so happy to be doing this with you.' But she showed up and sat down and didn't say hi,' the chef said. 'My high expectation for professionalism has failed me again and again — it just brings disappointment.' Advertisement The chef — who once helmed the beloved Cal-French restaurant Isa and trained under SF culinary legends like Roland Passot and Sylvain Portay — admitted to then scrolling through Marcotte's social media, which she later described observing in her viral account of the incident. 3 Marcotte's follower count has since skyrocketed to more than 475,000 since she shared details of the incident, which left her 'in tears.' itskarlabb/tiktok 'I wanted to see what she did, so I started to look at her TikTok. Right away, I saw creamy spaghetti in a pan with sliced, overcooked New York steak on top that she had made,' he told the outlet. 'That night, I was running a special with this beautiful coho salmon. I didn't want to be misrepresented by someone who doesn't understand the difference between Atlantic salmon and king salmon,' Advertisement Sung then claims he told Marcotte to do her 'research' after she allegedly admitted to him that all she knew of the restaurant was that it was a 'wine bar,' he said. The influencer then left the restaurant, stating she felt disrespected by Sung's attitude toward her. 'She left. But before she left, she said, 'The restaurant world is really small. There will be consequences,'' Sung recalled. What followed the interaction was an alleged digital hate campaign that Sung claims has devastated his family and livelihood. Advertisement Overnight, Kis Cafe, which was doing 100 covers a night, was bombarded by thousands of one-star reviews on Yelp, he described. The wine bar serving small bites, which opened in May, announced shortly after that Sung had left as a chef and co-owner, later clarifying he had done so of his 'own accord' and was not technically fired. 'Our chef's behavior was unacceptable, and he is no longer a part of the team,' Kis Cafe wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday. Sung even had to step back from working at a sushi spot, Domo, after a separate TikTokker sent people to leave 'hate comments all the way from Copenhagen, England, Malaysia,' he told the outlet. 3 Overnight, Kis Cafe, which was doing 100 covers a night, was bombarded by thousands of one-star reviews on Yelp in an alleged digital hate campaign. FOX The incident has also left his influencer daughter, Isa Sung, and son 'traumatized.' 'My daughter stayed up all night watching everything go down. She got 20,000 hate comments, and my son, who's a musician, also got a ton of hate comments. They were traumatized,' Sung said. 'My family is going to therapy together soon. Everything is broken into pieces. I have to try to pick it up and glue it back together. I have to just let it heal,' he said. Advertisement Marcotte's follower count has since skyrocketed to more than 475,000 since she shared the story of the interaction — which left her 'in tears' — on TikTok. The influencer said she wants to 'be an advocate for micro influencers' who don't receive as many handouts. 'You don't need to have a million followers to be respected or feel like you're making a difference,' she said. Though he admitted he could've used more grace, Sung said the incident proves how fast a viral moment can tank a career, even one that requires an abundance of 'pride.' Advertisement 'It really takes pride to be a chef. Which is why I had that tone [with Marcotte], I guess. When you don't have pride, maybe you won't take the tone that I did with Karla — but the pride is the part that keeps you going,' he said. 'I mean, why would a young chef go and learn how to cook today, if some inexperienced anybody can come in and close your restaurant? They don't even need to hear what you have to say,' Sung said. Marcotte did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store