I'm A Beauty Reporter. I Swear These Drugstore Products Are Even Better Than Luxury Ones.
Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more.
A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara
This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening lashes.Get it from Amazon for $8.24+ (available in nine shades).
A magical loose powder with an old school formula
This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts forever.Even though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades).
A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore
I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products underneath.In my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque finish.Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six colors).
A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base
I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skincare products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes).
A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk"
Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors).
A flexible and imperceptible concealer
The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark circles.Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs
I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+.
Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender
For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even powders.Get a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos).
The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used
If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege
Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my skin.Get it from Amazon for $18.30.
A nourishing body oil that's not greasy
My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa.If you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my skin.Get it from Amazon for $22.
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27 Kitchen Products To Make Cooking Much Easier
An egg timer so you end up with perfectly ~egg-cellent~ boiled eggs every time — whether you want them soft, jammy, or hard! Promising reviews: "I've used this product for many years (at least 15 years and I honestly think it's been more years than that). I get perfect eggs every time. It's so easy to use! I add it into the cold water while I put my eggs to boil, and the red part starts turning a dark color from the outside in, as the timing correlates to whether your eggs have cooked long enough to be soft, medium, or hard. I wash this easily with a soapy sponge (never used in a dishwasher). Two friends were recently fascinated by this, so I just got these as little gifts. I was sure to get them this exact brand as it's what I've always used. I have never had to replace it and it has consistently gotten a lot of use over the years." —Mezzanine Daze"I just used it for the first time to hard-boil 12 eggs, and it worked perfectly! All 12 eggs came out perfectly hard-boiled. It was super easy to use, too. I just boiled water, put the eggs in along with the timer, and waited. As soon as it turned black, I took the eggs out and put them in ice. The eggs slid right out of their shells and were the perfect level of hard-boiled, with no runniness. I highly recommend buying this, so you don't need to worry about taking the eggs out too early or overcooking them. It is a much easier way to make the most amazing hard-boiled eggs!" —Briana PutrusGet it from Amazon for $9.99. An Instant Vortex Plus air fryer that will let you whip up delicious foods with practically just the touch of a button. (Seriously, it's as easy as that!) Plus, it can also broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat just as easily. Wowza! Promising reviews: "Love this! Makes my cooking easier. Love this so far. It is fast and reliable. The only thing I miss is having a recipe available for use. But overall, I have enjoyed using it, and the food comes out delicious. Very happy with my purchase." —Juls B"Have you ever used one of these things? They are freaking great, I could cook all kinds of stuff in it without heating up the whole house, and it's pretty damn quick. Really easy to clean, which makes me really happy because, honestly, I hate kitchen work. This thing has made my life easier and I love it." —DanielGet it from Amazon for $139.95+ (available in two sizes). And a magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to make cooking with your new air fryer even speedier. This handy guide lists out cooking times and temperatures for all sorts of popular food items, including meats, vegetables, frozen foods, and more, so you don't have to waste all that time sifting through online recipe blogs. Promising review: "All the info I need. And right where I need it. It's easy to use and makes using my air fryer so much easier." —Pamela it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in two colors and in bundles). A TikTok-famous veggie chopper since it will make slicing and chopping all those veggies a piece. of. cake. The bottom part even acts as a storage container, too! A heat-resistant meat and potato masher because you'll find it's a whole lot less work to use this handy tool than trying to smush everything with a fork or traditional masher. Work smarter, not harder, my chefs! An Instant Pot ready to take up the position of head chef in your household. Save yourself the hassle and let this do the (pressure) cooking, roasting, broiling, steaming, and sautéing for you! I love my Instant Pot all year long and use it at least once a week. During colder months, I tend to make a new soup, chili, or stew every week, and in warmer months, I use it for roasting veggies, baking potatoes, cooking rice, and more! It's such an easy and quick way to meal prep for the week, or portion and freeze for easy weeknight meals, which is ~super clutch~ when you're a busy gal like me (and who isn't busy!).Promising review: "I absolutely love my Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1! This versatile kitchen gadget has quickly become my go-to appliance for making dinner time so much easier. The combination of nine functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, rice cooking, steaming, and even yogurt making, really saves time and space in the kitchen.I've used it for everything from tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken to perfect rice and even delicious homemade yogurt — and it's delivered every single time. The pressure cooker feature is particularly a game changer, cutting down cooking times drastically, which is a lifesaver on busy interface is user-friendly, and the display is clear and easy to read. I was a bit intimidated at first, but after reading the manual and using the pre-programmed settings, it's been smooth sailing. It's also easy to clean, which is a big you're looking for an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease, I highly recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus! It's a total time-saver and has helped me elevate my meals without the hassle." —Ronnie JacobGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in two sizes). An electric griddle for all my breakfast and brunch lovers. This thing is perfect for sizzling up your entire morning spread, from pancakes and crepes to bacon and eggs — and the nonstick surface makes it a breeze to clean, too! I'm not kidding when I say that our electric griddle came out every single weekend when I was growing up. It's just that good. The non-stick surface is so much easier to cook on than a regular pan, reviews: "My family loves breakfast night — and this bad boy makes breakfast cooking for a crowd so much easier. I have had one just like it for 10 years — I'm just now replacing it!" —Kindle Customer"I had one of these a million years ago. It started to peel, so I threw it away. This is the perfect way to cook pancakes. You get the exact temp. I always used just between 300 and 350. This is even nicer than my old one was... You can take the handles off!!! Stores perfectly. AND wow... Talk about non-stick... This surface is is the perfect appliance that I have ever owned. Really, if you cook a lot of stuff at once, this is the trick. temp control is the bees knees." —G. TurnerGet it from Amazon for $59.99. Plus, a cleverly designed pancake dispenser bottle in case you tend to struggle with pouring out the batter on the griddle or pan. Use this for perfectly shaped flapjacks with no drips or spills! Promising reviews: "This thing makes pancake mornings so much easier. I add the ingredients in, shake it up, and pour. No bowls or mess. The little blender ball inside helps mix everything up nicely, and the spout gives you good control, which is great if you like getting creative with pancake shapes (I don't lol). Plus, it stands on its own, which is super handy." —Juliana Narvaez"Most likely the best thing to ever be invented for moms lol. This makes cooking pancakes or anything liquid so much easier. It's mess free and it's so easy to clean up when done using." —AliciaGet it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors and in bundles). A nonstick cookware set since you deserve stylish pots and pans that won't leave half the food stuck to the bottom, giving you a headache both while you're cooking and afterwards, when it's time to do the dishes. Enter these gorgeous babies! The set includes medium and large frying pans, a saucepan with lid, and steamer, a casserole pot with lid, a saute pan with lid, and a white silicone review: "These pans are super stylish. I love the material, the style, and the color. They're so nice looking, I added wall hooks to keep them on display when not in use. They're easy to cook in and even easier to clean. I've had no issues with food sticking at all. Everything wipes out super easily. They have a nice feel to them. Much heavier than typical aluminum pans, which allow them to heat more evenly and stay in place while in use. Some of our smaller nonstick pans were off balance due to the handle being heavier than the pan itself. These CAROTE pans don't have that issue at all. The included utensils are heavy as well. They have a nice feel to them. They're great pans for the price. I enjoy each piece of this set. It's a great addition to your own kitchen, or would make an amazing gift for somebody." —JMVGet it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in six set sizes and three colors). A rather genius expandable colander that rests directly over your sink. Such a clever solution for rinsing veggies, straining pasta, peeling potatoes, and other kinds of prep work — we love to see it! Promising review: "Loved this and bought a couple as Christmas presents. Works great and makes cleaning veggies easier. Would highly recommend." —Amazon Customer"This is one of those little appliances that make your life in the kitchen easier." —RigovichGet it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in seven colors and various two-packs). A super handy clip-on strainer to help ensure you don't lose a single noodle when it comes time to drain the excess water — this attaches directly to the rim of the pot to prevent any such tragedies. Promising reviews: "Works exactly as described!! Makes pasta cooking and the straining process waaaaaaaaaaay easier! :) love it! Everyone should have one in their kitchen! Or two lol! (Washes great in dishwasher)" —Amazon Customer"Great kitchen gadget to have! Every single kitchen should have one of these! Super easy to use stays put and does the job!" —Donna VGet it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in seven colors). Or, a bestselling microwavable pasta cooker so you can skip the whole boiling and straining water bit entirely and just use the good 'ole microwave instead. A digital food thermometer because the key to preparing perfectly moist and tender meat is to cook it to the exact right temperature, which this will conveniently measure and display for you in real time. No more guessing games — just simple BBQ-ing that delivers ~sizzling~ results. Promising review: "I'm really impressed with the ThermoPro TP025 Digital Food Thermometer. The extra-long stainless steel probe is perfect for safely checking temperatures on the grill, in the oven, or deep inside large roasts without getting too close to the heat. It gives quick, accurate readings in just a few seconds, which makes cooking so much easier and more precise. The backlit display is bright and easy to read, even in dim lighting, and the foldable design makes it super convenient to store in a drawer or take on the go. Overall, it's a solid, reliable kitchen tool that's become a must-have for me. Great quality for the price, and I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who cooks at home or outdoors!" —Amy GriffinGet it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two-pack). A Ninja professional blender featuring 1,000 watts of high-speed, ice-crushing power and an extra large 72-ounce capacity, which means you can whip up even more of your fave smoothies, soups, and sauces in record maybe even sneak in an extra serving or two of veggies for the whole fam. Promising reviews: "There are some products that just change your life. The blender is mostly plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap. It is very secure. It locks onto the base with a satisfying click. The lid locks down with a similar click. Unless you have heard both clicks, the blender won't start. And good thing. The blades are very sharp. They are angled to create a vortex that instantly turns any fruits and vegetables inside into viscous liquid. I like that the spout has a lid that locks open so you can pour easily. The blades come out so they can be cleaned easily, along with the inside of the decanter. This blender has high, medium, and low settings. You can pulse. It is loud, which I take to be a feature and not a drawback. Neither my kids nor I particularly like fruits and vegetables, so we don't get nearly enough. And yet I can put in 10 bananas, two cartons of strawberries, two of blueberries, a bag of spinach (yes, spinach!), a cup of plain Greek yogurt, one interrupted ambrosia! The decanter is huge, and yet between the three of us, we can and do empty it in one meal. Yay!" —The Wheels Go Round"My husband has been using this blender for a while and it's a GIANT upgrade from our last one. The lid is sturdy and basically locks in place. The pitcher also locks in place. No leaks! Has a nice spout to pour out of. Cleaning is a breeze, no small parts for connecting the blade to the pitcher! It's just the lid, the pitcher, and the blade "pole". The pole has 3 tiers of blades, which is probably the best part. Makes blending so much quicker and easier. This is THE blender, seriously." —AustinGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in four styles). Or, a nine-speed immersion blender since it basically does the job of a big boy blender, only directly in the pot, bowl, or cup itself! Plus, it has attachments for frothing and whisking too, so you can whip up a fancy little latte, should you so desire. Promising reviews: "Would definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a small, lightweight but durable and functional blender tool for your soups and a mixer for your baked goods. It's great to have two different attachments. Super powerful but not overly spastic. It keeps your kitchen clean and makes cooking that much easier." —Matt Rinidini"Packaging was well done. Very pleased with the product, and it makes cooking simple to achieve. I cook for a family of seven!!! Any way to make a task easier, I am all about it. Buy this, it helps make smoothies, salsas, soups, mixing, and beating, and is much easier to use and clean." —JacksonGet it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two other bundles). Our Place's "Always Pan 2.0" if using lots of cookware at once quickly overwhelms you. This multi-functional beauty does 10 (!!) different jobs to make cooking less complicated: saute, sear, bake, braise, steam, fry, boil, roast, strain, and serve! Promising review: "Amazing how easy this purchase has made cooking! It has eased the stress of preparing meals and actually made cooking something to look forward to! You really don't need high heat to make amazing meals, and the nonstick pan and easy cleanup are *chef's kiss!* And the handle holder is an amazing bonus! This would make an amazing birthday, housewarming, or holiday gift for friends and family! Amazing investment for cooking at home!" —Alison it from Our Place for $129 (available in five colors and two other sizes). A silicone baking mat so you can ditch the parchment paper (which is real P.I.T.A to rip out of the container, right?!) for something just as effective and less wasteful. Talk about a win-win! Promising review: "We have been using a set of silicone mats for several years. We have been very pleased with the Amazon Basics brand! Easy to use and easy to clean!Ever wake up to a baking tray that someone has left in the sink with a stuck-on pizza crust? If any of you have ever had a teen cook in your house, you can relate! My problem was SOLVED with these!! We have had no issues at all with higher heats! Do they stain? Yes, with some foods, such as spaghetti sauce. There is really little you can do about that. I purchased a new set today so my husband has perfect ones to bake his Christmas cookies! We also needed two more so he can bake more cookies at a time! Easy to clean! They are safe on the top rack of your dishwasher, or you can handwash if you like. We only use them in our dishwasher. It's just plain easier. We have purchased these as gifts and they are much loved. We have trained our new chefs in the house to use them! Yay! No more cooking spray all over!" —Olivia"This is the best thing! It fits perfectly on my cookie sheets. It is easy to clean and is a helpful tool in my baking!" —Alissa GGet a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two styles and four-packs). A revolving spice rack that's fashionable, functional, and certain to speed up your cooking time. Did I mention it comes with 20 spice jars already pre-filled and labeled?! The jar includes the spice rack and 20 pre-filled spice jars: basil, bay leaves, celery salt, chives, cilantro, coriander, crushed mint, dill weed, fennel seed, herbes de provence, Italian seasoning, marjoram, oregano, parsley, pizza seasoning, rosemary, savory seasoning, season salt, and sea reviews: 'I love this spice rack. I organised my spice jars in alphabetical order to make it easier to locate each spice. Good-sized jars of spices. Looks great on the countertop too. If you're looking for something like a well-made product, then look no further! And, to top it off, you get 5 years of free refills!" —Susan C"Love the look and the combination of spices! It is so much better to have them handy when cooking. It makes everything so much easier and enjoyable!" —Lina BarzevaGet it from Amazon for $33.37 (also available in a three-pack, which would be great if you plan to gift these to people). An absolutely adorable bird-shaped lemon juicer to squeeze out your citrus juice and have a little fun while you're at it. It's almost like the bird is singing a juicy little lemon tune for us, no? A leakproof kids' bento box with five compartments since it will make prepping and packing a healthy school lunch easier for you and actually eating said lunch much more enjoyable for them. No more foods getting all mushed together during the bumpy bus ride. Promising review: "I recently got the Bentgo Kids Mermaid Leak-Free Lunch Box for my 3-year-old daughter, and I am so impressed! The five compartments are perfect for packing her favorite snacks, from fruit and crackers to little sandwiches and even a small treat. She loves how everything is separated, and I don't have to worry about foods mixing together. Cleaning is super easy as well, and it's lightweight enough for her to carry herself, which she enjoys. Overall, this lunch box has made packing her meals so much easier and more fun, and I'd definitely recommend it to other parents!" —Jennifer YangGet it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in 33 styles). A *crab-tastic* silicone spoon holder that clips to the pot lid and quite literally pinches the utensil in place with its cute little claws! Yep, this is a need not a want. Promising review: "Red the spoon crab is about the size of a baseball, and very sturdy. What I didn't know is that he can clip onto your pots and pans easily and securely to hold the spoon over the pot to freely drip. He also ROTATES TO MAKE LIFE EASIER!!! He arrived as advertised and it was no effort to clean him up. He's in the kitchen now waiting on me to make dinner, and I think he's the best kitchen purchase I've made in a long time! If I could award above 5 stars I absolutely would, this company and their products UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT and surpass every mark." —AshleyGet it from Amazon for $16.95. A two-stage knife sharpener to get those dull blades back to their former pointed glory. Effortlessly slicing through meat and tough veggies is wayyyy easier than having to practically saw through 'em. A "Bacon Bin," which unlike the old pickle jar you've been using, is actually meant to collect and store grease. This easy-to-use cutie is heat resistant and features a built-in strainer to separate out small bacon bits. As soon as the grease hardens, you can scoop it out for easy disposal, or if you're feeling more adventurous, reuse it in other recipes. Promising review: "I love this little guy. I make a lot of Bacon Jam for friends/family and that results in generating a lot of bacon grease. I needed something convenient, yet small, to store the bacon grease in. This little guy fits the bill perfectly. Makes it easier to use the bacon grease in my vodka pie crust instead of lard or shortening when I make my homemade pot pies. He's practical, doesn't take up a large amount of space on my counter, and just downright cute!" —BonBonGet it from Amazon for $18. A garlic press that works through a gentle rocking motion rather than by loading the cloves in and smushing the garlic out (like more traditional presses). Why is this design far superior? Well, it's not only way easier to use but also easier to clean. *Plus* it comes with tools for peeling off the shell and scraping the minced garlic off the surface. Promising reviews: "Excellent kitchen tool. I bought three of them as gifts and everyone uses them, and loves them. They make prepping fresh garlic so much easier and less time consuming. Great price, great value!" —purchasee"I use fresh garlic in a lot of recipes and this makes mincing it so much easier and faster than just using a knife. I love that it comes with the garlic peeler and little knife to help scrape it off the tool." —Ansley RickGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two colors). An adjustable measuring spoon designed to replace the army of measuring utensils currently on reserve in your drawer. This one tool can measure dry and wet ingredients up to 1 tablespoon or 15 ml, and that means fewer dishes to clean later. This can measure wet ingredients from 1 ml up to 15 ml and dry ingredients from ¼ tsp up to 1 reviews: "It's easier to know what quantity is in the body. There are no spills. It's just easier to use than the traditional spoon set. It also takes up less room." —Bizzy"BUY! SO much easier! As someone who cooks dinner at least six times a week, the constant use of measuring spoons is vital, but also annoying because they add up in the sink. This is one dish, and quick and easy to clean. Love!" —JocelynGet it from Amazon for $8.99. A four-pack of collapsible funnels since they're super handy for all sorts of random things, like refilling the salt and pepper, and measuring out liquids *and* they fold up super compact for smart storage. Promising review: "I love these they are awesome easy to clean and store away because they with the different sizes collapsible and stackable. Make my life easier." —TishGet it from Amazon for $5.38 (also available in a six-pack). A nifty multitool jar opener about to become your trusted sidekick in the fight against super tight jars. According to reviewers, it's easy to use even if you've got weak grip strength or arthritis. Plus! It's got a bunch of other neat features, like a bottle cap grip, jar breaker claw, pull tab assister, soda can tab opener, and bottle opener.
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- Yahoo
Pilot Reassures Terrified Passengers After He Makes 'Aggressive Maneuver' to Avoid a Mid-Air Collision with Another Plane
"This is not normal at all," the pilot said of the incident that took place on July 18NEED TO KNOW A pilot made an 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft during a July 18 trip from Minneapolis to North Dakota He reassured the plane passengers after he made the unexpected move that all was well "It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all," the pilot said in a viral TikTokA pilot reassured his terrified plane passengers that all was well after he made an 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft. In a viral TikTok uploaded on Saturday, July 19, the pilot told travelers that he made the unexpected move during the flight from Minneapolis to Minot, N.D., due to unclear air traffic control instructions as a military airplane flew nearby. "For those of you on the right-hand side, you probably saw the airplane kind of coming at us. Nobody told us about it, and so we continued. There's no radar here, so the tower does everything visually," the pilot explained in the video. He then claimed that he was directed to "report about six miles from the airport" and was instructed to make a specific turn. But when he saw the other aircraft, and told the comptroller, "There's an airplane over there," the pilot said he was told to instead turn in the opposite direction. "By the time we went back to clearance with nowhere, I saw the airplane that was kind of coming on a converging course with us," he continued. The pilot then apologized for the sudden movement of the aircraft, telling plane passengers, "So sorry about the aggressive maneuver." "It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all," he continued. "I don't know why they didn't give us a heads-up, because the airport base does have radar. And nobody said, 'Hey, there's also a B52 in the pattern.' " "Long story short, it was not fun," added the pilot. "I apologize for it." The TikTok user explained in the caption of her post that the video was captured by her sister on a flight that took place on July 18. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Skywest Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Sunday, July 20. 'SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota on July 18, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path,' a spokesperson for the airline said. The incident is currently being investigated. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Boston Globe
17 hours ago
- Boston Globe
D-Day veteran and TikTok star ‘Papa Jake' Larson dies at 102
'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest,' his granddaughter posted on his social media accounts. Advertisement Mr. Larson in 2019, before going for a ride in the "The Spirit of Benovia" World War II-era aircraft in Oakland, Calif. Eric Risberg/Associated Press Born Dec. 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minn., Mr. Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age since he was only 15. In 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up He was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the Normandy shore on D-Day, June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements. 'We are the lucky ones,' Mr. Larson told The Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, speaking amid the immaculate rows of graves at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Advertisement 'We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.' He advanced on to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, a grueling month-long fight in Belgium and Luxembourg that was one of the defining moments of the war and of Hitler's defeat. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award. In recent years, he made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations — and at every stop, 'Papa Jake' was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered up a big hug. One memorable encounter came in 2023, when he came across Bill Gladden, a then-99-year-old British veteran who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle. 'I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,' Mr. Larson told Gladden, as their handsclasped tightly. Gladden died the following year. In his TikTok posts and interviews, Mr. Larson combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war. In addition to the invasion of Normandy, Mr. Larson fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Eric Risberg/Associated Press Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Larson said he is 'no hero.' Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: 'Make peace not war.' He often called himself 'the luckiest man in the world,' and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. 'I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok,' he said in 2023. Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honor D-Day's heroes and fallen shared tributes online. Advertisement 'He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook. 'He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake,' it read.
