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43 Products For Anyone In Their Thirties Who Gets Their ~Thrills~ By Saving Money

43 Products For Anyone In Their Thirties Who Gets Their ~Thrills~ By Saving Money

Buzz Feed20 hours ago

A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect.
A "spray and go" enzyme-based laundry stain remover that works its magic in one wash to help you instantly get rid of all that discolored dried sweat, oil stains, or deodorant residue on your favorite clothes, so you don't have to spend big money replacing them when the Stain Fairy lays her curse.
A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray so you can go full YEEHAW!! on an at-home pedicure without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck.
A cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more — without the high price tag of the electronic or liquid versions.
An airtight Deli ProKeeper so beloved that it's gone viral on FridgeTok (if you know, you KNOW). Not only does this free up space and clutter in the fridge, but it keeps deli meat and cheese so fresh that you'll actually get your darn money's worth by preventing waste.
And a hybrid berry basket and colander designed not just to make cleaning your fruit way easier, but to keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible, so you can snack on your farmer's market haul without racing the clock.
A cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the pricey Sol de Janeiro version 👀☀️ . This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents!
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version.
A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time.
The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it "gold in a jar" and "witchcraft." This is the perfect alternative to pricey paint jobs and replacing cookware!
Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time.
An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra just as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat.
A super effective and strangely whimsical foaming drain cleaner for anyone who simply does not want to see another expensive plumber this year. This gentle but powerful foam pulls up gunk and cleans out drains in sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains, helping prevent plumbing issues and making everything smell ~squeaky clean~.
Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works.
A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this summer — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits.
A shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a punch as powerful as the $30+ versions — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration.
Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) with results so quick and delicious that reviewers love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it "Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo.
A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!"
A 52-week tear-off meal planning pad with space to plan all your meals in advance, plus a weekly shopping list you can grab and take to the store with you to keep yourself on track for your budget goals. (Unless there's a new flavor of Oreo to try, in which case, ABANDON BUDGET SHIP.)
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradual-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier, and a HECK of a lot cheaper than its competitors.
A set of darling reusable Swedish dishcloths that can be washed up to 50 times in the dishwasher, and are designed to replace 17 (!!) rolls of paper towels each. These are strong enough to tackle tough stains and grime, but gentle enough that they won't scratch cookware or hurt your skin.
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.
A lawn dog spot repair treatment to help your grass look as spiffy and green as it did before Fido decided to mark their territory by peeing in the same parched spots over ... and over ........ and over again. Reviewers notice results within *days* (and your bank account will weep in relief that you didn't hire lawn professionals to do it).
A ribbed button up tank top with some real Abercrombie & Fitch energy to perfectly straddle that line of "professional" and "I am 100000% going out after work today, and a martini glass will be involved."
A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute.
A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer.
A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness so you can get dinner on the table as quickly (and cheaply!!) as possible. The takeout delivery driver will miss you. 👋
A Bentgo stackable lunch container perfect for commuters who want to get back in the groove of bringing cheaper lunches from home again — this right here is a perfect leakproof, sturdy option for your mobile salad/charcuterie/"girl dinner" situations. It's also nice and deep for mixing salads, has an upper compartment to keep your other ingredients separate, *and* a container for dressing.
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.)
A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies instead of buying the expensive precut ones at the store. This gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess.
A set of Bottle Bright tablets so you can tackle all the sludge caked on your automatic kettle, coffee maker, or favorite ceramic mugs instead of replacing them for a pretty penny.
An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket you can get in all kinds of fun, lively sprints that will startle your boring couch into having a personality, or give your bed a *much* needed reset.
A reusable microfiber Swiffer mop pad that reviewers love not only because it's ready for action again right after a wash cycle, but because it picks up a ton more dirt, gunk, and debris than the disposable mops do, *and* it's a heck of a lot cheaper than stocking up on the one-use versions over time.
A bar soap bag, which is the ultimate hack not just to exfoliate your skin with your favorite bar soaps, but to *really* get your money's worth out of them — these produce much richer lather so a little goes a loooong way, and you won't have to replace your bars as often.
A bottle of Angry Orange pet odor eliminator that's working OVERTIME on preventing you from replacing your carpets — not only does this vanish the evidence of pet-related stains and odors, but it leaves the area smelling so nice that you'll be like, "Um, is this my new signature perfume??" Extremely bonus: it also deters pets from peeing, so if there's a ~hot spot~ your doggo loves to frequent, this ought to curb the habit.
A jewelry-cleaning stick with cleansing solution on a brush designed specifically to get in the nooks and crannies of your jewelry, so you can dig out all the grime that's accumulated over the years on the cheap instead of taking it to the jeweler.
An egg bite maker so you can flex on Starbucks and Costco and all the other places where you're paying top dollar for fresh or frozen egg bites by — gasp?? — customizing and making your own for cheap. Bonus: you can take the silicone molds off of it and use it as a regular grill for sandwiches!
A roll of clear heavy-duty double-sided removable tape, which did NOT come here to play — people use this for everything from mounting wall hangings and electronics to securing their vases and glass objects to tables to keeping their rugs in place. It's also easily removable and leaves no residue behind!
A bottle of wood polish that will make all your scuffed-up cabinets and hardwood floors look brand spanking new in mere seconds, even if you're pretty sure the damage is older than you are.
A TubShroom, a little gizmo you can stick in your shower drain to catch all your hair before it clogs up your pipes and you have to call a professional. The hair coils around it to make it even easier to remove, making it both handy *and* semi-horrifying!
A set of universal reusable K-cup pods so not only will you cut down on expensive pods and environmental waste, but you can get reeeeal picky about exactly what blends you're brewing into your beloved cuppa every morning. We are all officially getting too old not to have Annoyingly Specific Coffee Preferences, and this is here to help us on that journey.
A two-stage knife sharpener, because those blades you bought back in the day?? They're probably super dull by now. Instead of replacing them with pricey versions, ~refresh~ them with this.
An insulated soundproofing strip that easily sticks to the outer rims of your door — this not only gives you some much-needed peace and quiet between apartment walls, but also saves you money by preserving your heat in the winter and your AC in the summer.

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27 Beauty Products From Amazon's 'Most Wished For' Section You'll Be Glad You Finally Bought
27 Beauty Products From Amazon's 'Most Wished For' Section You'll Be Glad You Finally Bought

Buzz Feed

time4 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

27 Beauty Products From Amazon's 'Most Wished For' Section You'll Be Glad You Finally Bought

Sol de Janeiro's Hair And Body Fragrance Mist — imagine the delicious smell of their iconic Bum Bum Cream, with notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla, but as your body spray! It basically smells like summer in a bottle, and you're gonna want that since it's practically right around the corner. Or, a Phlur *Vanilla* Skin body mist you can spritz on both your skin and hair, with warm notes of vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, and jasmine. Reviewers are obsessed with how it's not overly sweet-smelling and say that it lasts all day, especially when sprayed on your clothes! A tube of nongreasy Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles — *and* not strip your skin of moisture thanks to the hyaluronic acid. Reviewers are "impressed" with how this works because it's lightweight, absorbs instantly, and delivers solid results. A SPF 30 Hawaiian Tropic mineral powder sunscreen for those moments when the UV index is climbing but your motivation to reapply... isn't. Just brush the translucent powder on your face (or scalp!) for an easy refresh — it mattifies by soaking up excess oil, leaves zero white cast, and won't mess up your makeup. It blends seamlessly into a range of skin tones and even doubles as both a primer and a finishing SPF touch! A Summer Fridays "Pink Sugar" tinted lip butter balm that delivers a sheer pink tint while drenching your lips in hydration thanks to shea and murumuru seed butter. It's nonsticky, leaves a gorgeous shine, and blends well with other lip products — perfect for those midday touch-ups when your pout needs a little pick-me-up. No wonder it's getting all the hype. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion designed to deliver lightweight and long-lasting moisture (24 hours to be ~exact~) without that horrible greasy feeling other moisturizers can leave behind. Your skin will not only feel super smooth, but reviewers say this smells like "heaven on Earth." 🌎 Shark's FlexStyle Air Styling hair tool to curl, straighten, volumize, and blow dry your hair — all with one tool that rivals the MUCH pricier Dyson Airwrap. 👀 With interchangeable attachments, four heat settings, and three airflow options designed to minimize heat damage while still giving you salon-worthy results. It's lightweight, powerful, and basically pays for itself once you realize your new favorite stylist is... you. A Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub that'll buff away dead skin so you're left feeling silky smooth and smelling like a dream. The little grains are just the right size (not too rough, not too gentle), and it's packed with moisturizing goodness that won't irritate sensitive skin. You'll be obsessed with the value, too: you get a ton of product for a price that feels like a steal! An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil to help control sebum, remove blackheads *and* dissolve makeup — some people are even left with visible residue on their fingertips! If you want to start double cleansing, this is the perfect first step. A pack of single-use Clean Skin Club Clean Towels, because unlike a bath towel that may be full of bacteria, these are designed to be wayyy cleaner (which can help with acne concerns). Plus, they're super soft, making them extra gentle on your skin. A Tirtir cushion foundation reviewers call "magic" because it's brightening and does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. It lasts up to a whopping 72 hours and blends easily into your skin to hide blemishes, under-eye bags, and redness. Plus, it's buildable, so that means you can rock a natural *or* full glam look. Or, Laura Geller Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation, a powder foundation that leaves a smooth demi-matte finish (think not too dewy, not too matte). It offers light to medium coverage that you can build up without it looking cakey. Reviewers who are 50 years old and up especially love it for their mature skin since it doesn't settle into fine lines or cling to places they don't want. Medicube's Collagen Night Wrapping Mask designed to improve your skin's elasticity and moisture retention, so you wake up with that glowy, well-rested look — the definition of ~beauty rest~. It goes on like a jelly and sets into a thin, clear layer you can peel off in the morning. Reviewers say it's gentle on acne-prone skin, and a few even said it gave them that viral glass skin finish. A nongreasy Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter for those "ow, ow, ow" moments when you underestimated the power of the sun. It's packed with shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil to keep your skin moisturized for up to 12 hours and help soothe the sting. It can even help *prevent* peeling! Medicube's Jelly Cream packed with collagen, niacinamide, and plant-derived squalane to help improve skin elasticity, fade dark spots, and prevent moisture loss. It has a thicker consistency, but absorbs quickly and is the perfect overnight cream for deep hydration! Grace & Stella under eye masks so your tired eyes say "well-rested" instead of "running on four hours of sleep." They help reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, and give your under-eyes a hit of hydration. With over 20,000+ 5-star reviews, adding this soothing step to your routine is kind of a no-brainer. A Wonderskin Lip Stain in the shade "Whimsical" that goes on blue but leaves behind the prettiest rosy tint — and yep, it's totally waterproof and smudgeproof. Just swipe it on, wait 10-30 seconds, then wipe it off with a damp tissue to reveal a long-lasting flush. Reviewers love using it in place of lip liner since it doesn't budge and outlasts those pricey pencils. Fewer touch-ups and more money in your pocket? Yes, please. A plumping Nature Republic Honey Melting lip tint, aka what would happen if your favorite lip balm and your go-to tint had a ridiculously hydrating baby. It glides on like a dream, feels like butter (without any stickiness, thankfully), and gives your lips a juicy pop of color that actually stays put. It'll keep your lips soft *and* give your pout a plumper look. Naturium's The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash — it starts as a luxe oil and then transforms into a soft, soothing lather that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and glowier after you step out of the shower. Reviewers with sensitive, dry skin say it's gentle and addresses their itchiness and flakes without any irritation. A Laneige lip sleeping mask that'll make dry, flaky lips feel so smooth, luscious, and nourished, you'll notice a difference after just one use! Just slather on the murumuru seed and shea butter formulation nightly — and hey, you may want to use it during the day, too, because it leaves a beautiful, glossy shine. ColourPop's "Going Coconuts" nude eyeshadow palette — it serves up the *perfect* mix of smokey, shimmery shades without breaking the bank. It's packed with all the go-to colors you'll reach for daily *and* the ones you'll want for those weekend nights out. Reviewers rave about the minimal fallout, buttery blendability, and serious pigmentation. A lightweight Saltair Body Oil in the scent "Santal Bloom" that sinks right into your skin to leave you glowy, hydrated, and nourished — no greasy residue in sight. Warm a few pumps between your hands and massage into your damp skin post-shower or bath. You'll be flowing and smelling like a dreamy blend of sandalwood, amber, and sensual musks. A chip-resistant OPI RapiDry Quick Dry nail polish designed to set (without smudging!) in just 60 seconds. So if you need to click "next episode" while doing your self-care, you can do so without ruining your nails in the process. While it only lasts up to five days, the fast dry time makes an at-home mani less of a hassle *and* way cheaper 'cause the salon ain't cheap. Or, a set of Glamnetic's press-on nails if you're feeling a little lazy 'cause these only take minutes to apply. These nails can be reshaped and reused, and they come in so many chic styles that choosing just one will be IMPOSSIBLE. Reviewers say they last a long time, too — one reviewer who's a mom said they lasted two full weeks through the holidays without falling off or budging! A pack of Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep masks for glowier, more hydrated skin by the time you wake up. Just apply it before bed, let it work its magic overnight, and peel it off once it turns transparent. It can help deeply moisturize, minimize the appearance of pores, and leave your skin looking radiant! A tub of Medicube dual-textured toner pads with lavender, AHA, and BHA to help soothe, cleanse, and minimize the appearance of T-zone pores. Swipe on the textured side first to help exfoliate dead skin, then pat in the serum with the silky side. A highly pigmented waterproof eyeshadow stick that applies as a crème but stays on like a powder — say what!? The candelilla wax–infused formula is super easy to blend, either with the built-in smudger end or just your finger, for a seamless look in seconds.

When SkinnyTok Came for Me
When SkinnyTok Came for Me

Atlantic

time6 hours ago

  • Atlantic

When SkinnyTok Came for Me

The bride had to do just one last thing before she walked down the aisle. 'I currently am in the bathroom in my wedding dress I asked everyone for just a few mins alone so that I could message you this.' Was she writing to an estranged friend? An old lover—the one that got away? At the beginning of her 'journey,' the bride weighed 134 pounds. 'My goal was to just lose 5lbs,' she wrote, but she had somehow dropped down to 110. 'I'm crying writing this because I have never felt so healthy and confident. THANK YOU!!!' The message was accompanied by two photos—a before and an after. The first shows a thin woman who looks to be a size 2 or 4. In the second, the woman's bones are visible beneath her skin, and her leggings sag. She owed all of this to Liv Schmidt, a 23-year-old influencer known for her harsh, no-bullshit approach to staying thin. 'You feel like a best friend and sister to me,' the bride wrote to Schmidt, who shared the message on Instagram. Schmidt is the queen of SkinnyTok—a corner of the internet where thin, mostly white women try to make America skinny again. Her 'what I eat in a day to stay skinny' videos thrust her into virality about a year ago. There she is with her mint tea—which she always drinks before eating anything, to check if she's really hungry or just bored—or a mile-high ice-cream sundae that she'll take three bites of before tossing. She's very clear: She stays skinny by not eating much. Many find this refreshingly honest. Others think she's promoting eating disorders. Influencers have condemned her; magazines have published scathing critiques. Last month, Meta removed her ability to sell subscriptions ($20 a month for access to private content and a group chat called the 'Skinni Société') on Instagram, and this month, TikTok banned the SkinnyTok hashtag worldwide, saying it was 'linked to unhealthy weight loss content.' And in response, the right has championed Schmidt. She has been canceled, and she may be more powerful than ever. I didn't mean to join the legions of young women on SkinnyTok. It happened fast. I liked an Instagram reel about an 'Easy High Protein, Low Calorie Breakfast.' What I got next, I didn't ask for. Within hours, my Instagram 'explore' page was flooded with videos of conventionally pretty, thin women preaching one message: Stop eating. Phrases such as 'You're not a dog, don't treat yourself with food' and the Kate Moss classic, 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,' began to flood my feed—and my subconscious. At lunch with a friend one Saturday, I didn't finish my salad. 'Do you know Liv Schmidt?' I asked. 'The three-bite rule? Of course I do. She's kind of a genius.' I realized I wasn't down this rabbit hole alone. Conor Friedersdorf: The many ripple effects of the weight-loss industry 'I know the advice I'm getting from these women is not healthy,' another friend said, but 'everything I want is on the other side of being skinny, and these women are going to help me get there.' 'I like SkinnyTok. It helps me to not eat 'the extra thing' I don't need. Don't like it? Don't follow it.' 'It's internalized misogynistic brainwash!' 'I love that skinny bitch.' Where had Schmidt come from, and what had happened to the 'body positivity' movement that had been so loudly touted through the past decade? You can form a community around anything online. When I was a kid in the 2000s, teenage girls with eating disorders were gathering on 'thinspiration' websites, where they could exchange tips. Tabloids sold copies off body shaming—one day Britney Spears was too fat; the next, Lindsay Lohan was too skinny—and my friends and I were going around with 100-calorie Chips Ahoy! packs in our lunchboxes. By the time I was a teenager, the body-positivity movement had arrived, promising to change the culture. Plus-size models started appearing in ad campaigns. The problem wasn't women's bodies, activists argued, but women feeling bad about their bodies. Yet when people tried to force society to embrace new body norms, society lashed out, bringing to the surface a lot of underlying hatred. 'Body positivity didn't resonate with a lot of people, because it felt like lying,' Maalvika Bhat, a 25-year-old TikTok influencer who is getting a doctorate in computer science and communication at Northwestern University, told me. Many felt that the movement was in denial about both the practical health risks of being overweight and America's willingness to put its engrained fat phobia aside. Ozempic has accelerated that backlash against body positivity. Many of the plus-size leaders of the body-positivity movement shut up and shrunk down. Their followers noticed that they were using a weight-loss drug. Apparently you didn't have to love yourself as you were—and you didn't have to suffer to change, either. You just had to have a prescription and enough money to pay for it. But what about those pesky last 10 pounds, the difference between being a size 6 and a size 2? Although some healthy-weight women with no medical reason to take GLP-1 drugs have nonetheless found work-arounds to get their hands on the medication, most aren't going to those lengths. How would they keep up now that skinny was back? For some, the answer was SkinnyTok. You don't need a prescription to be ultrathin. You just need a bad relationship with food, fueled by a skinny stranger yelling mean-girl mantras at you. In the end, the body-positivity movement's lasting effect may have been to prove the validity of the very message it was trying to combat—that thinner people are treated better. At least, many women feel, SkinnyTok is telling them the truth. As one SkinnyTok influencer put it, 'Don't sugarcoat that or you'll eat that too.' I started listening more closely to the SkinnyTok videos. They weren't just about self-deprivation. They were about being classy. They were about being a lady—the right kind of woman, one that men drool over. They were, most importantly, about being small. In one of Schmidt's videos, she's approached by a man in a black car during a photo shoot. The caption reads: 'This is the treatment Skinni gets you. Was just taking pics … Then a Rolls-Royce rolled up begging for my number like I'm on the menu mid photo. He saw clavicle he swerved. He saw cheekbones lost composure.' From the July 2025 Issue: Inside the exclusive, obsessive, surprisingly litigious world of luxury fitness SkinnyTok influencers basically never talk in their videos about politics. They aren't preaching about Donald Trump—let alone about issues such as abortion or immigration. And yet everything they talk about—the emphasis on girls and how girls need to behave and how small they need to be—is, of course, political. A few days after my Instagram feed surrendered to the SkinnyTok takeover, the tradwife content began to sneak in. Beautiful women baking bread in linen dresses spoke to me about embracing my divine femininity. I should consider 'softer living' and 'embracing my natural role.' All of a sudden, I wondered whether I, a single woman in her late 20s living in Manhattan, should trade it all in to become a mother of 10 on a farm in Montana. Watch a few more of these videos, and soon you'll be directed to the anti-vax moms, or the Turning Point USA sweetheart Alex Clark's wellness podcast, Cultural Apothecary, or the full-on conspiratorial alt-right universe. This is just how the internet works. Eviane Leidig, the author of The Women of the Far Right: Social Media Influencers and Online Radicalization, sees a connection between SkinnyTok and tradwives in their 'very strong visual representation of femininity.' Whether they mean to be or not, they have become part of the same pipeline. Algorithms grab your attention with lighter, relatable content while exposing you to more extremist viewpoints. The alt-right, she said, is great at making aspirational and seemingly apolitical content that viewers relate to. 'This is a deliberate strategy that the conservative space has been employing over the last several years to capitalize on cultural issues as a gateway to radicalize audiences into more extreme viewpoints.' Two months ago, Evie Magazine, a right-wing publication that promotes traditional femininity, ran a profile of Schmidt: 'Banned for Being Honest? Meet Liv Schmidt, the Girl Who Made 'Skinny' Go Viral.' The magazine had one of the biggest tradwife influencers, Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm, on its cover back in November. The article about Schmidt focused on her being canceled and banned on a number of platforms for promoting thinness. 'I don't owe the internet a version of me that's palatable,' Schmidt told the magazine. 'If a girl bigger than me posted what I eat in a day, no one would care. But when I do, it becomes controversial. Why? Because I'm blonde, thin, young, and unapologetic.' Last year, Evie profiled Amanda Dobler, another SkinnyTok figurehead, whom it described as 'TikTok's skinny queen'—'both brutally honest and surprisingly sweet.' The more the left has attacked Schmidt, the more the right has celebrated her. Bhat, who describes herself as progressive, said, 'I think the left is deeply, deeply exclusive.' On the right, 'you're allowed to make dozens of mistakes and not be shunned. They say, 'If the left doesn't welcome you, we will.' And they always do.' You can't deduce a political manifesto from someone's Instagram followers, but it seems worth noting that Schmidt follows conservative figureheads including RFK Jr., Candace Owens, and Brett Cooper. When she posted about losing the paid-subscription feature on her Instagram, through which she had been making nearly $130,000 a month, according to AirMail, she tagged Joe Rogan. 'She's clearly trying to get her foot in the door with the alternatives,' Ali Ambrose, an influencer who critiques SkinnyTok, told me. (Ambrose struggled with an eating disorder for years, and says Schmidt's content pushed her back into unhealthy habits.) Schmidt's appeal does cross party lines, though. When I polled a politically diverse group of my own friends, my most conservative friends loved SkinnyTok. A number of my progressive friends did too; they just felt like they shouldn't say so out loud. Schmidt has written that the Skinni Société is not 'a starvation or extreme diet community.' She didn't respond to multiple requests for an interview, but I spoke with Amanda Dobler, another SkinnyTok influencer. She remains on TikTok, though she has twice been temporarily barred from its Creator Rewards Program, through which she made some money for her videos, for not abiding by 'community guidelines.' Dobler is almost 10 years older than Schmidt, so she attracts a slightly different demographic. I asked her if she considered herself a political person, or her content politically charged. She responded with a decisive no. 'I'm up at 4 a.m. working my ass off, so I would say I'm the opposite of a tradwife,' she told me. 'If people relate it to right wing, to left wing,' she said, 'there's only so much of the narrative that I can control.' Sophie Gilbert: What porn taught a generation of women Dobler is known for her directness. If anything, she's even harsher online than Schmidt is. Right before our call, I scrolled through her TikTok profile: 'You are killing yourself with the shit you eat. It's disgusting. And you should feel shameful.' I briefly wondered if she'd be able to detect my own insecurities through the phone. But the Dobler I spoke with was approachable and friendly. I instantly liked her. I even opened up to her about the things I wish I could change about my body. 'There's nothing wrong with wanting to look a little better,' she said. Unlike a number of SkinnyTok influencers who only just entered the field, Dobler has been a fat-loss and mindset coach for six years. She talks about the importance of getting your nutrients instead of exclusively practicing restraint. She also pushes for a consistent workout routine, while others focus exclusively on their step count to burn calories and avoid bulking at the gym (SkinnyTok is a spectrum). I brought up the criticism that SkinnyTok content encourages young people to adopt disordered-eating habits. Dobler said that she doesn't coach children, and that the majority of her clients are in their 30s through 50s. 'I get it. It's hard if you're a parent seeing stuff online,' she told me. 'But at the same time, there's porn online; there's a bunch of weird crap. I think that there is a lot of other censorship that should be going on.' When I asked why she was so harsh in her videos, she told me, 'That's the type of talk that I need. I wouldn't say that I'm mean. I'm just blunt.' She added, 'I've been in all of the situations that I'm talking through. So it's not like I'm just up here scolding people.' This echoed something Bhat had said to me: SkinnyTok's ruthless tone rings true to many women because they're already being so ruthless toward themselves. I'd be kidding myself if I said a woman's body size doesn't affect her prospects for dating, and even jobs. I would be lying if I said I did not desperately want to be slightly thinner—that I hadn't wanted that from the moment I first watched my mother critique her own body in her bedroom mirror. I hesitate to admit that I've lost four pounds since I saw my first SkinnyTok video. I have not walked 40,000 steps a day, nor have I stopped eating after three bites. I've just stopped eating when I'm full, which, as silly as it sounds, I did learn from SkinnyTok. Still, I think it's time to unsubscribe. The body of my dreams isn't worth risking my health for. I have two nieces, ages 3 and 6. I hate the idea that somebody might one day tell them to shrink themselves. To them, a swimsuit is nothing but a promise that they'll spend the afternoon running through the sprinkler. They're perfect, and they dream of being bigger, faster, stronger—not smaller.

49 Affordable Swaps You'll Feel Smug Saving So Much
49 Affordable Swaps You'll Feel Smug Saving So Much

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49 Affordable Swaps You'll Feel Smug Saving So Much

A plated clover bracelet, which looks awfully similar to the $4,600 one by Van Cleef, but you can enjoy making this piece part of your signature daily style without spending more than a month of rent on jewelry. 🙂 A tinted lip balm that delivers a sheer, buildable black cherry hue, so similar to the more expensive, cult-favorite "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey by Clinique. Trust that no one will be able to tell the difference unless they peep the tube, so you can enjoy a lovely pop of color and the nourishing blend of beeswax and vitamin E on your lips without spending an arm and a leg. A reversible quilted throw blanket — it's giving Anthro Home vibes for a fraction of the price in case you want to switch up your bedroom decor for a more colorful, summery look. Its lightweight cotton design also makes it the perfect throw blanket for napping on the couch with the windows open before it's time to finally turn on the AC. A beaded shoulder bag if you can't convince yourself to splurge on the $295 Staud bags that just might wreck your carefully created budget. Shop a little more responsibly and treat yourself to the Anthropologie alternative, which offers a similar beaded design in lots of styles — will you choose the olives, espresso martinis, sardines, or nab several at such an unbeatable price? A top-rated tennis skort created with similar uber-soft material as the bestselling DreamLux leggings, making this an affordable Lululemon alternative! The built-in shorts are the star of this miniskirt, along with the hidden interior pocket for holding your athletic club membership card. A mid-century modern round glass coffee table that at first glance looks like the popular $600+ West Elm table with its tiered design. But this piece will set your living room apart from the others with its earthy hues and goldtone accents, making your space have a retro '70s feel to it. A set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your skin *and* hair because the silky material helps lessen friction. This means reduced damage to your tresses and salon looks that'll actually last! Who wants to spend money on more expensive brands like Slip and Blissy, when you could save money without sacrificing comfort with these?! A pair of high-waisted biker shorts designed to fit like a glove and make your booty pop, similar to the Buffbunny shorts that cost almost twice as much. Elevate your summer wardrobe with these buttery soft, soft-wicking bottoms that you can wear to hot yoga and also to happy hour on the patio. A Briotech topical skin spray featuring an alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved formula that contains hypochlorous acid — the main ingredient in the more expensive Tower 28 SOS Spray, BTW — for targeting the kinds of bacteria that lead to skin irritation, acne, and other blemishes. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen, which boasts a lightweight, non-greasy finish with SPF 35, so you don't feel sticky and weighted down before even stepping outside. You can even use it as a priming base for your makeup, so if it's time to reup but the price of Supergoop is making you (and your budget) cringe... this is a darn good alternative! An adorable pair of wrist and ankle weights, so you can get your sweat on while walking the dog without needing to run or spend a bunch on a barely-used gym membership. And yes, these cuties are verrrrrry similar to the popular Bala Bangles, but literally less than half the price! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — instead of splurging on the pricier Dior version, enjoy the same juicy finish and hydration benefits with this one, thanks to a blend of vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils. Time to pucker up and receive compliments from everyone you cross paths with! An spaghetti strap sundress to keep you cool when the temperature is blazing, but also make sure you don't flash everyone when (if?) a strong gust of wind comes by thanks to a dependable pair of built-in shorts. This summer is all about function and spending less, and this warm weather piece checks both boxes since reviewers swear it's a great alternative to a pricier version from everyone's favorite mall brand. 👀 A pair of mesh jelly sandals with a netting design that looks jaw-droppingly similar to the almost $800 Mara flats by The Row. And for the price, you'll be very impressed by the breathability and comfort that these Y2K-inspired ballet flats offer to your summertime style. Or some Nortiv 8 walking shoes because the popular Hoka sneakers can get a little pricey. Enjoy cloud-like comfort with each step while showing off bold hues with your favorite Pilates 'fits, especially now that you don't have to choose between your monthly gym membership or a pair of dependable footwear. A six-piece (!!) set of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks that deliver an expensive-looking, velvety bold finish thanks to a quick-drying, waterproof formula. And yes, the price is right because in this set of six, each lipstick comes out to $1.49! Reviewers say they compare to the matte lippies by Kylie Cosmetics, which cost $23 a pop! A cute two-piece pajama set made with an ultra-comfy cotton-blend that you just might want to live in these with their colorful patterns and matchy-matchy style. If anything, you'll definitely pack a pair for every upcoming overnight in your calendar, and yes, you can even buy several because the price is over $100 cheaper than the popular Roller Rabbit version without sacrificing the cutesy design! A very affordable Dash stand mixer that'll effortlessly complement the rest of your carefully-curated kitchen decor, while saving you money because its hundreds of dollars less than a splurge-worthy KitchenAid mixer! It's also perfect if you're just getting started on your baking journey and want to aesthetically vlog all the creations you whip up with its six powerful speeds and 3-quart bowl. A Renpho percussion massager to help you release knots, muscle tension, and other body aches you might not even have noticed were making you a grump on the daily! Sometimes foam rolling just isn't working out your knots enough, and this massager is cheaper than both the triple dollar sign TheraGun *and* paying for a professional. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat that'll help keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays without ruining your summer 'fits. Because it rolls up, you can literally pack it for every trip you've got coming up this season and enjoy splurging on souvenirs after saving so much money by nabbing this version instead of a $50+ hat from Wallaroo or the $128 packable sun hat from Cuyana. A bottle of the top-rated Elizavecca hair treatment, which helps restore and repair damaged hair that's been through... a lot (aka dye jobs, heat damage, and even sun damage). Packed with collagen and ceramide 3, this protein treatment brings your hair back to life and has some reviewers even saying it's better than the much more expensive Olaplex treatment! A pair of retro-looking pilot shield sunglasses that are making the rounds on TikTok for their lookalike style to a pair of Bottega Veneta glasses that run for $699. 😮‍💨 At $15 each, you should definitely treat yourself to more than one pair! Orrrrr a pair of retro-style oval sunglasses if your fashion goals scream Miu Miu but your budget wails "No No." Instead of spending $400+ on designer looks, create your own luxury looks with thrifty alternatives and let even your haters think you're a big baller when they spot you at the local watering hole, aka that popular $$$ brunch spot. Skin1004's skin-lifting and pore-tightening face masks with over 8,000 5-⭐️ ratings from reviewers because it's that good at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, calming skin, and delivering a smoother, brighter-looking complexion! Similar to the much more expensive Hanacure masks, as it dries, it delivers a "zombie" look because of ingredients like aloe vera extract and albumin (egg whites), which aim to intensely hydrate and lift skin. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven, which comes in eight bright and bold colors that'll look great on the 'gram when showing off the process for your latest loaf as you join the ranks of the sourdough community. Plus, it's versatile enough to boil potatoes, roast a chicken, or even fry fish when you feel like throwing down in the kitchen. Did I mention it costs a lot less than the (also) aesthetically-pleasing, but budget-busting Le Creuset Dutch ovens? A popular long-sleeve bodysuit featuring a "Smoke Cloud" fabric with a soft, seamless design similar to Skims when it comes to support *and* comfort. Plus, some reviewers say the double-lined torso offers enough support that they don't even need to wear a bra! Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress if you really can't afford to splurge on Skims cult-favorite pieces right now, but still want to build your capsule wardrobe. This fitted dress is designed with compression that mimics the body-hugging Kardashian style without the luxury price! A faux-leather bag, which bears a striking resemblance to the $$$ Polène's Cyme handbag that you've probably seen online or IRL while exploring your local shops. It's probably time for you to get a shiny, new, gorgeous everyday bag and this lookalike will actually fit your budget! Slingback heels that are giving luxurious Chanel looks without the bank-breaking prices. Seriously — these sophisticated puppies will keep you comfortable and have everyone wondering where and how you got them! And another Chanel alternative: this quilted faux-leather crossbody purse because there's no such thing as owning too many purses, and this designer lookalike can fool everyone into thinking you spent some hard-earned cash for high-fashion style. A baroque-inspired mirror, which is a much more affordable version of the very popular Anthropologie mirror and other expensive options. This mirror will fit seamlessly into your space as a luxury statement-maker and every single selfie you take in it will look *extra* incredible because of the frame alone! A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones featuring cushy padding, 10 hours of playtime per charge, noise cancellation, and even a built-in mic, so you can take calls hands-free! These may look like the drool-worthy AirPods Max, but they costs hundreds and hundreds of dollars less. 😭 The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution, which delivers TikTok-famous results thanks to a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids. If you've been trying hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial — these ingredients are very similar and lot's of reviewers report they even provide similar results! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks in case you've been looking for a worthy and even *cheaper* alternative to the Laneige masks. This set offers three different flavors, making the math come out to around $3.30 per mask! Hoard them all in your makeup collection or dole them out to your besties as stocking stuffer gifts! A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress that's a dead-ringer for the $765 16Arlington dress that you've might've spotted Mrs. Hailey Bieber in when scrolling through your pop culture news updates. But don't worry, you won't be mind-boggled at the price of this under-$100 alternative that'll make you still look like nepo-baby royalty when you're enjoying a free cocktail at your best friend's wedding reception. Cushionaire slides — nope, not Birkenstocks, but over 1,000 reviewers agree they're a darn good lookalike — designed to keep you comfy with a suede insole that contours to your foot for a *literal* perfect fit and flexible footbed. When you're making your way through the state fair, theme park, festival, or wherever else this summer, you'll be stylish and have zero worries about your dogs barking at the end of the day. *woof woof* A CZ tennis bracelet that looks waaaay more expensive than it actually is, but no one has to know you spent less than 25 bucks on your new favorite accessory! The sophisticated sparkle will usher in so many compliments, and some reviewers even say it's similar to a much much pricier Swarovski piece! Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. 🤫 An app-controlled Govee neon rope light for adding customized lighting to your space, thanks to a flexible design that morphs into different shapes for unique backlighting *or* colorful decor. And compared to pricey custom-made neon signs (which can only display one thing), these won't cause you too much emotional pain when you click *add to cart*. If you want to elevate the vibes of your Sims 4 gameplay, grab this affordable option to add even more drama in your meticulously crafted PC soap opera! Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats to make you feel like you're walking on cloud nine with a comfy memory foam insole. As a much more affordable option to the popular Rothy's and Vivaia styles, yes, these are also machine washable, so you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work! An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum featuring a blend of vitamins C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, which together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with regular use. Reviewers report noticing brighter and firmer skin within weeks, and with over 93,000 5-star ratings... this $20 serum is practically a steal compared to SkinCeuticals' $140 version! A ridiculously versatile nylon tote bag because it's water-resistant, boasts a roomy interior with pockets, and has a chic faux leather accent to elevate your daily style. Plus, this minimalist bag is a perfect option for anyone not ready (or willing) to splurge on an authentic Longchamp's Le Pliage bag because they look extremely similar! A cherry bag charm that makes a budget-friendly alternative to the $95 charm from Coach, if you truly only care about adding a ~sweet~ little accent to your favorite wallet or belt bag and not about name brands. Spend more money on the the charm! A faux-pearl choker to elevate your everyday fashion looks with a touch of elegance without spending hundreds of dollars on an actual Vivienne Westwood piece. It's subtle enough to exude expensive taste without being too gauche about it, you know? E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with a hydrating formula featuring squalene to keep your skin hydrated underneath a blurred, photo-filter matte finish. If you've been spending $$$ on velvety primers like Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer, this affordable option is going to blow your mind! A pair of satin block-heel dress shoes that only your wallet will know aren't real Loeffler Randall pumps. Complement your going out fits with the pleated design and chunky heel, while still staying comfortable when it's time to bust out the "Cupid Shuffle" choreo at the arts district block party. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt, which is much cheaper than the popular Lululemon scuba hoodies ($118, btw) and allow you to effortlessly layer up in style. The lightweight cotton blend will keep you comfy while doing everything from running errands in the a.m. to catching up on your fave trash TV in the evening. A set of golden bracelets you can stack up and style, while saving up the thousands of dollars to splurge on real Cartier gold pieces... or, you know, you could pay for an international trip and simply wear these? 🤷‍♀️ Plus, a gold-plated, jewel-embedded ring, which looks similar to the top-of-your-budget $1,250 Cartier Love Ring. 😭 Over 4,600 5-star rating customers have fallen in love with its simple, but luxe design, so you too, deserve to treat yourself to a new dainty accessory! A 12-pack of soft reusable makeup removing towels that only require water to remove your makeup! Stop wasting money on disposable wipes and cotton pads. Each cloth is just over $1, AKA definitely worth it since the popular Makeup Eraser towels are $20+ each. 😳

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