Check Out These 31 Useful Items Under-$25
Mise En Scene Perfect Serum with a blend of argan, olive, jojoba, coconut, and other moisturizing oils to have your hair looking *and* feeling luscious. Reviewers love the scent of this and appreciate how it doesn't leave their hair feeling weighed down.
An airtight Deli ProKeeper to keep your deli meats and cheeses fresh because dang, do they rack up your grocery bill. This helps free up space in your fridge, and its grooved bottom prevents any excess juices or moisture from spoiling your food earlier than it should.
Utilize a legging organizer since you've got a lot of one thing: leggings, and a little of another: space. This holds up to 10 pairs on a single hanger, and the clips make it super convenient to grab those buttery-soft leggings when you're running out the door.
And a hybrid berry basket and colander that makes it easy to clean your favorite fruits, but also store them in a way that keeps them fresher for longer. Plus, it's great for those who like to snack on the go!
The iconic Alleyoop Pen Pal, which is basically a cooler makeup version of the classic BIC 4 Color Pen. This has four retractable colors so you can touch up your brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights. Plus, it takes up little to no room in your makeup/toiletry bag!
A super lightweight mesh tote bag so you can hold all your essentials without compromising style. Reviewers love how durable it is and say it's great for a farmers market, a beach day, or to pack on a trip since it packs super easy!
The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which includes the viral cleaning paste that one reviewer refers to as "liquid gold" because of how well it works to remove dirt, oil, grime, rust, and stains from pretty much any surface, AND a cute pink sponge to help you get the job done.
A set of darling reusable Swedish dishcloths — each one is equivalent to 17 (yes... 17!!!) rolls of paper towels. They're durable enough to tackle tough stains and grime and can even be put in the dishwasher up to 50 times!
Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm formulated with salmon complex and collagen to help reduce the look of fine lines and boost hydration in your face, lips, and eyes. Plus, this has gone viral on TikTok for helping to achieve that "glass skin" look.
A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with lavender, Epsom salts, and peppermint so those feetsies of yours can finally get a well-deserved break. Just leave these on for 30 minutes, put your feet up, and enjoy having no more achy feet.
A set of family-friendly pastel "unbreakable" deep plates perfect for anyone who needs to be practical, but doesn't want to sacrifice on prettiness. These chic plates are unexpectedly lightweight, making them easier for kids to use, but are still dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for up to three minutes.
A set of toss-and-chop salad tongs for anyone who appreciates a bite of salad that has a little bit of everything in it. These help chop your ingredients and make sure everything gets evenly coated in your favorite dressing. They're even strong enough to work on raw veggies and meats.
A bottle of Wet & Forget cleaner destined to turn your shower and tub from grimy and dirty to spiffy and shiny. All you gotta do is spray, let it sit overnight, and rinse! Finally, now you can enjoy your own scrub-a-dub-dub time *without* having to scrub-a-dub-dub the hard-to-reach crevices on your hands and knees.
Owala's "SmoothSip" travel tumbler because there are days that you don't need a refrigerator-sized water bottle and just want a more compact way to bring your favorite drink with you. The sliding mechanism ensures it's leakproof, so if you end up tossing it in your bag while running out the door, it'll be no problem.
A dishwasher-safe chicken shredder, great for when you don't feel like using two forks to pick away at your chicken breast that just came out of the oven. This has anti-slip strips at the bottom to secure the base, a clear top to see how small you want your shredded pieces, and ergonomic handles for easy movement. When you host your next taco night or pulled pork sandwich cookout, this will leave you feeling like a winner-winner chicken dinner.
Some deep-reaching, ergonomic "flossing toothbrushes" because we all brush our teeth every day, but flossing... that's another story. Thankfully, these tiny bristles do the flossing for you, getting all that plaque that builds up in between your teeth!
A ChomChom pet hair roller that will basically split your life into two parts: life BEFORE the ChomChom and life AFTER the ChomChom. No need to be wasteful or waste money with those sticky adhesive papers because this roller can be used over and over again. All you need to do is just roll, watch the fur disappear, and easily empty it all out for a super fast cleanup!
A bottle-emptying kit so you can get every last drop of that fancy-schmancy shampoo or expensive face serum that you spent a pretty penny on. Just screw this onto your bottle and let gravity do its thing to save you from wasting product and wasting money!
A nonstick microwave pasta cooker that gets those noodles ready for eating in just 12–13 minutes! Life is full of pasta-bilities so don't be waiting around for water to boil when you can enjoy a quick and easy meal thanks to this genius thing.
A car seat gap filler to prevent your phone or sunglasses from falling into the deep, dark abyss known as the space between your seat and the center console.
A purse organizer insert that'll solve your problems of wishing your favorite tote had more pockets (because we all love things with pockets). This will effectively organize your bag so you don't get slowed down by rooting around your purse looking for your keys or your fave lip gloss.
A hidden fly trap ready to catch all those little flying buggers that live in your house rent-free (so rude!). No more running around with the fly swatter or making desperate calls to the exterminators. Plus, the sticky cartridges are easily replaceable, so you can avoid touching those nasty bugs.
A makeup-correcting stick that comes in real handy when you've gone a little overboard trying to match your left winged eyeliner to your right or for any other makeup mishaps. Plus, it's infused with anti-inflammatory vitamin E!
A TubShroom hair-catching drain made from stainless steel, which easily catches hair so you don't have to use one of those weird drain snakes. *This drain is not like a regular drain, it's a cool drain* that catches hair out of sight so you don't have to see a hairy mess block the shower drain or tub.
A car seat buckle release tool for when your fingers suddenly aren't strong enough to unbuckle your grumpy little one who just wants to get out of their carseat. It will surely become a staple product that you'll want to attach to your key chain (so you'll always have it on hand and so your kid can't accidentally get a hold of it in the car).
I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder if your hair has been looking like it's been a while since wash day. Tap this on to say goodbye to greasy roots and make it look like your hair got a nice lil' refresh. Plus, this is TSA-friendly which makes it great for traveling.
A set of mopping "slippers" since you don't want to constantly step on your wet floors with bare feet or have the bottom of your shoes basically ruin the cleaning that you just did. Some reviewers have even used these on their Swiffers since they fit around it perfectly and can act as a reusable pad!
A defrosting tray for anyone trying to avoid the disappointment of coming home from a long day after work and realizing you forgot to defrost your chicken or steak for dinner. This speeds up the thawing time and helps prevent you from becoming your mom, who was rightfully annoyed that you didn't take the chicken out of the freezer.
A super-soft Makeup Eraser, which lets you go from full beat to au naturel with no makeup remover solution required. Just add water, and your foundation, waterproof mascara, and lipstick will be gone in a flash! Plus, it's reusable and machine washable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to disposable makeup remover wipes.
A set of cleaning brush attachments you can pop onto a regular drill for some serious scrubbin'. If you've ever broken a cleaning brush scrubbing with too much elbow grease, this is the thing for you. Your back will thank you, your bathroom surfaces will sparkle, and you will be so thankful that cleaning took half the time it usually does.
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Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Spotify boycott: Artists leave ‘garbage hole' platform after CEO invests in AI weapons
Greg Saunier already had reasons to be wary of Spotify. The founder of the acclaimed Bay Area band Deerhoof was well acquainted with the service's meager payouts to artists and songwriters, often estimated around $3 per thousand streams. He was unnerved by the service's splashy pivots into AI and podcasting, where right-wing, conspiracy-peddling hosts like Joe Rogan got multimillion-dollar contracts while working musicians struggled. But Saunier hit his breaking point in June, when Spotify's Chief Executive Daniel Ek announced that he'd led a funding round of nearly $700 million (through his personal investment firm, Prima Materia) into the European defense firm Helsing. That company, which Ek now chairs, specializes in AI software integrated into fighter aircraft like its HX-2 AI Strike Drone. 'Helsing is uniquely positioned with its AI leadership to deliver these critical capabilities in all-domain defence innovation,' Ek said in a statement about the funding round. In response, Deerhoof pulled its catalog from Spotify. 'Every time someone listens to our music on Spotify, does that mean another dollar siphoned off to make all that we've seen in Gaza more frequent and profitable?' Saunier said, in an interview with The Times. 'It didn't take us long to decide as a band that if Daniel Ek is going harder on AI warfare, we should get off Spotify. It's not even that big of a sacrifice in our case.' A small band yanking its catalog won't make much impact on Spotify's estimated quarterly revenues of $4.8 billion. But it seemed to inspire others: several influential acts subsequently left the service, lambasting Ek for investing his personal fortune into an AI weapons firm. Spotify did not return request for comment about Ek's Helsing investments. This small exodus is unlikely to sway Ek, or dislodge Spotify from dominating the record economy. But it may further sour young music fans on Spotify, as many are outraged about wars in Gaza and elsewhere. 'There must be hundreds of bands right now at least as big as ours who are thinking of leaving,' Saunier said. 'I thought we'd be fools not to leave, the risk would be in staying. How can you generate good feelings between fans when musical success is intimately associated with AI drones going around the globe murdering people?' Swedish mogul Ek, with an estimated wealth around $9 billion, may seem an unlikely new player in the global defense industry. But his interest in Helsing goes back to 2021, when Ek invested nearly $115 million from Prima Materia and joined the company's board. [Helsing, based in Germany, says it was founded to 'help protect our democratic values and open societies' and puts 'ethics at the core of defense technology development.'] With his investment, Ek joined tech moguls Jeff Bezos and Palmer Luckey in pivoting from nerdier cultural pursuits (like online bookselling and virtual reality) into defense. The Union of Musicians and Allied Workers said then that Ek's actions 'prove once again that Ek views Spotify and the wealth he has pillaged from artists merely as a means to further his own wealth.' A range of anti-Spotify protests followed later, like a songwriters' rally in West Hollywood in 2022 and a boycott of Spotify's 2025 Grammy party, after Spotify cut $150 million from songwriter royalties. Neil Young and Joni Mitchell pulled their catalogs in response to Rogan spreading misinformation about COVID-19. Yet eventually, both relented. 'Apple and Amazon have started serving the same disinformation podcast features I had opposed at Spotify,' Young said in a pithy note in 2022. 'I hope all you millions of Spotify users enjoy my songs! They will now all be there for you except for the full sound we created.' Ek's latest investment seems to have struck a nerve though, especially in the corners of music where Spotify slashed income to the point where artists have little to lose by leaving. After Deerhoof's announcement, the influential avant-garde band Xiu Xiu announced a similar move. 'We are currently working to take all of our music off of garbage hole violent armageddon portal Spotify,' they wrote. 'Please cancel your subscription.' The Amsterdam electronic label Kalahari Oyster Cult had similar reasoning: 'We don't want our music contributing to or benefiting a platform led by someone backing tools of war, surveillance and violence,' they posted. Most significantly, the Australian rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard — an enormously popular group that will headline the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 10. — said last week that it would pull its dozens of albums from Spotify as well. 'A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology,' the band wrote, announcing its departure. 'We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better?' 'We've been saying 'f— Spotify' for years. In our circle of musicians, that's what people say all the time for well-documented reasons,' the band's singer Stu Mackenzie said in an interview. 'I don't consider myself an activist, but this feels like a decision staying true to ourselves. We saw other bands we admire leaving, and we realized we don't want our music to be there right now.' Ek's moves with Prima Materia come as no surprise to Glenn McDonald, a former data analyst at Spotify who became well known for identifying trends in listener habits. McDonald was laid off in 2023, and has mixed feelings about the company's priorities today. It's both the arbiter of the record industry and a mercurial tech giant that only became profitable last year while spinning off enormous wealth for Ek. 'It's well documented that Spotify was only a music business because that was an open niche,' McDonald said. 'I'm never surprised by billionaires doing billionaire things. Google or Apple or Amazon investing in a company that did military technology wouldn't surprise me. Spotify subscribers should feel dismayed that this is happening, but not responsibility, because all the major streamers are about the same in moral corporate terms.' McDonald said the company's push toward Discovery Mode — where artists accept a lower royalty rate in exchange for better placement in its algorithm — added to the sense that Spotify is antagonistic to working artists' values. More recently, Spotify rankled progressives when it sponsored a Washington, D.C., brunch with Rogan and Ben Shapiro celebrating President Trump's return to the White House, and raised $150,000 for Trump's inauguration (Apple and Amazon also donated to the inauguration). While Ek's investments in Helsing are not directly tied to Spotify, the money does come from personal wealth built through his ownership of Spotify's stock. Fans are right to make a moral connection between them, McDonald said. 'Ek represents Spotify publicly, and thus its commitment to music. Him putting money into an AI drone company isn't representing that,' McDonald said. 'He can do whatever he wants with his money, but he is the face of a company as controversial and culturally important as Spotify. So yeah, people want to hold him to a less neutral standard.' For artists looking to leave the service, the actual process of getting off Spotify varies. For King Gizzard, which releases its catalog on its own record labels, it was easy to remove everything quickly. Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu needed time to clear the move with several labels and former band members who receive royalties. Being a smaller, autonomous band enabled Saunier to act according to his values, even at the cost of some meaningful slice of income. He has considered that, by torching his band's relationship with Spotify, Deerhoof's music could slip from away from some fans. 'Everyone I know hates Spotify, but we've been conditioned to believe that there is no other option,' he said. 'But underground music is filled with so many beautiful examples of a mom-and-pop business mentality. I don't need to dominate the world, I don't need to be Taylor Swift to be counted as a success. I don't need a global reach, I just need to provide myself a good life.' Yet the only artists that might genuinely sway Ek's investments would be ones with a global reach on the caliber of Swift. She has pulled her catalog from Spotify before, in 2014 just after releasing her smash album '1989.' 'Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for,' she said, before eventually returning to Spotify in 2017. It's hard to imagine her, or other comparable pop acts, taking a similar stand today, especially as the major labels' fortunes are so bound up in Spotify revenues. Spotify reported a $10 billion payout to rights holders in 2024, roughly a quarter of the entire global recorded music business. Its stock has surged 120% over the last year, but in the second quarter of 2025, the firm missed earnings targets and dropped 11% this week, for the stock's worst day in two years. 'While I'm unhappy with where we are today, I remain confident in the ambitions we laid out for this business,' Ek said in an earnings call. This recent, small exodus most likely didn't contribute to that. But it might add to a creeping sense among young listeners that Spotify is not a morally-aligned place for fans to enjoy beloved songs. 'I actually think Spotify will eventually go the way of MySpace. It's just a get-rich-quick scheme that will pass, become uncool, one that had its day and is probably in decline,' Saunier said. 'They wrote an email to me seemingly to do face saving, which makes me think they're more desperate than we think.' Acts like Kneecap, Bob Vylan and others have been outspoken around the war on Gaza, at real risk to their careers — proof that young fans care deeply about these issues. While Ek would argue that Helsing helps Ukraine and Europe defend itself, others may not trust his judgment. 'Maybe it's silly to expect cultural or moral leadership from Daniel Ek, but I don't want it to be silly,' McDonald said. He thinks fans and artists can morally stay on Spotify, but hopes they build toward a more ethical record industry. 'It's hard to see what 'stay and fight' consists of, but if everyone leaves, nothing gets better,' he said. 'If we're going to get a better music business, it's going to come from somebody starting over from scratch without major labels, and somehow building to a point where we have enough leverage to change the power dynamic.' King Gizzard's Mackenzie looks forward to finding out how that might work. 'I don't expect Daniel Ek to pay attention to us, though it would be cool if he did,' Mackenzie said. 'We've made a lot of experimental moves in music and releasing records. People who listen to our music have been conditioned to have trust and faith to go on the ride together. I feel grateful to have that trust, and this feels like an experiment to me. Let's just go away from Spotify and see what happens.'
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Bugatti Veyron, Vision & Vibes: How Carl Runefelt Turns Dreams into Reality
Before the cameras, the supercars, and the fame, Carl Runefelt's story began in the aisles of a Swedish supermarket. With no financial background and zero industry connections, he relied solely on one thing: his belief system. Fast forward to today, and Carl is not only making headlines in the crypto world but also stepping into the music space with a fresh creative spark. In one of his most talked-about videos, Carl introduces fans to his 2010 Bugatti Veyron — a machine that symbolizes more than just wealth. For him, the car represents focused manifestation, persistence, and proof that a dream visualized consistently can eventually take physical form. Carl Moon openly shares insights into what it takes to own and maintain such a powerful vehicle, removing the filters of glamor and giving viewers a grounded look into luxury ownership. While Carl is known for his success in crypto and business, a lesser-known side of him is now gaining attention — his passion for music. Recently, he shared a track originally created in 2012 that's now available on Spotify, signaling the beginning of something deeper: Carl Moon Music. His music isn't just about beats — it's about expression, ambition, and inspiring others through rhythm just as he does through his vlogs and lifestyle. What sets Carl apart is not just the life he lives, but the message he delivers. He blends entrepreneurship with authenticity, encouraging others not just to chase money, but to chase meaning. Whether it's through a high-speed ride or a heartfelt track, Carl keeps showing that every moment can be a piece of your dream—if you're intentional enough. The Carl Runefelt you see today — stepping out of a Bugatti, releasing tracks under Carl Moon Music, and living life on his terms — is the result of vision backed by action. His story continues to evolve, and each chapter reminds us that greatness often begins in the most ordinary places. For those still dreaming, Carl's journey offers a loud and clear message: don't wait for opportunities—create them. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new crime thriller movie is now streaming — and it's a compelling look at psychological turmoil
Netflix keeps proving it knows how to serve up a solid thriller, and 'An Honest Life' is another slow-burn entry to add to the list. The premise is what drew me to this new Swedish original: A law student who's eager to start fresh gets pulled into a violent protest where he meets a magnetic and fiercely rebellious woman. It's a story that explores how easily someone can lose themselves chasing purpose in all the wrong places. While 'An Honest Life' might not come with big-name stars, it's backed by strong direction and a compelling narrative that feels both timely and emotionally resonant. The movie teases a sharp look at political unrest and the price of idealism without feeling preachy. So, if you want a thriller that's more about mood and tension than non-stop action, this is one to watch. Here's everything to know about 'An Honest Life' now that it's streaming on Netflix. 'An Honest Life' follows Simon (Simon Lööf), a young law student who moves to the city of Lund with high hopes for the future. But as he grows disillusioned with his studies, he finds himself drawn to Max (Nora Rios), a bold and rebellious activist he meets during a violent protest. Captivated by her charisma and radical worldview, Simon is slowly pulled into her world of protest, secrecy, and underground movements. Their bond, once thrilling and rebellious, begins to twist into something far more destructive. As Simon becomes more deeply involved, he's forced to confront dangerous truths and make choices that threaten to destroy everything he thought he stood for. 'An Honest Life' is more of a character-driven drama than a traditional thriller. While there are plenty of thriller elements like violent protests erupting in the streets and the protagonist's growing psychological conflict, the story stays tightly focused on a small group of characters. At the center is Simon, who, in the movie's opening moments, is hit with his first 'test' when someone on the phone instructs him to steal a set of expensive watches. We learn that Simon once aspired to be a writer but chose law instead, mainly because he felt he didn't have anything real to say. But on his way to begin law school, he stumbles into the chaos of a protest and is mistakenly identified as someone who threw an explosive. He's chased by police and only escapes thanks to Max, a mysterious woman in a gas mask, introduced with heavy breathing that gives off serious Darth Vader vibes. If you closed your eyes and just listened, I guarantee you'd think a 'Star Wars' movie was playing. 'An Honest Life' has many themes woven throughout, but two of the main ones are class disparity and exploitation. Simon lives with a group of wealthy, privileged housemates who treat him more like hired help than an equal, asking him to set the table, serve starters, and clean up while they go out drinking. It's a quiet but telling dynamic that shows the class divide between them and Simon's role as the outsider. It's the kind of environment that makes him especially vulnerable to someone like Max. This is where 'An Honest Life' slowly shifts into thriller territory, as Simon begins to fall under the influence of Max and her group of rebellious friends. His path as a law student grows increasingly uncertain, and the deeper he gets, the more blurred his sense of direction becomes. It's a slow, unsettling descent into psychological manipulation. Some viewers may not find 'An Honest Life' as immediately appealing as other Netflix originals. It's a slow burn that leans heavily into character drama, without relying on action or mystery to propel things forward. It takes a while to fully settle into the story, and its two-hour runtime might be off-putting for anyone after a quick, high-stakes thriller. But 'An Honest Life' stands out in Netflix's ever-growing thriller library. It trades fast-paced twists and explosive moments for a quieter, more psychological kind of tension. If you're into serious, character-driven storytelling, this one should hold your attention, especially if you're willing to let it take its time. If you're into stories about youthful idealism clashing with harsh realities and how that collision can spiral out of control, this Swedish movie is definitely worth a look. Anchored by a strong lead performance and grounded direction from Mikael Marcimain, 'An Honest Life' rewards patience with a story that makes an impact. Sadly, I don't think it will make much of an impact on Netflix, considering it's a different kind of thriller, but I'm hoping it will get some recognition, at least. You can stream 'An Honest Life' on Netflix now. For more streaming recommendations, see what's new on Netflix in August 2025.
