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The Independent
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Gossip Girl and Friends made me want to move to NYC — I visited to see if the city still lives up to the hype of millennial TV shows
'I've wanted to live in New York ever since Gossip Girl aired,' I overheard a woman my age confide wistfully to her partner on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The steps were packed with people trying to find the exact spot where Blair and Serena had their ritual breakfast yoghurt every day. Yellow taxis whizzed by, the smell of overpriced, freshly baked bagels from a nearby cart filled the air, and I smoothed down my red jacket for a photo I'd mentally choreographed years ago. I wasn't the only one trying to relive a scene from a show that defined our teenage years. For millennials raised on a diet of Gossip Girl, Friends, Sex and the City, and The Devil Wears Prada, NYC was the dream — a stylish, fast-paced fantasy where careers were built in heels, friendships over brunch, and meet-cutes in bodegas. Now, over a decade since my favourite shows ended and well into adulthood, I finally made my NYC pop culture trip – not just to sightsee, but to find out what's real, what's changed, and whether the New York seen on screen still exists. Spoiler: it does – just with an astronomical price tag, more queues, and only if you arrive with a healthy dose of self-awareness. I was an impressionable teenager when Gossip Girl dropped. Like many others, I was quickly swept up by the image of the Upper East Side. I was borderline obsessed with breakfast at Sarabeth's and enamoured by Blair Waldorf's sass and impeccable fashion sense. In some ways, our lives overlapped – minus the boatload of generational wealth. We both attended private all-girls schools and applied to NYU. In Blair's case, daddy pulled strings. In mine, no scholarship came through (despite having the grades). We also shared a love of headbands – although these days, my scalp protests more than it used to. Even though I was devastated at not attending NYU's journalism programme, the real heartbreak was not getting to live out my New York fantasy. A friend from the city had once rolled her eyes when I'd confessed this. 'What kind of teenager can really afford to skip school to have drinks at Gramercy Tavern or visit the Empire State Building on a random Tuesday?' she asked. Well, years later, as an established journalist with the ability to book my own flights, I was in New York with my husband to find out. One of our first stops was indeed the Empire State Building – on a random Tuesday, just like Blair. We walked from our Midtown hotel to West 34th Street, stopping first at the Comfort Diner. Not quite Sarabeth's, but we swapped $24 avocado toast for an all-American breakfast: eggs, buttered toast, fried potatoes and bottomless coffee for $11. The streets outside Macy's at Herald Square buzzed with 'Macy's in Bloom'. Midtown might lack Upper East Side sparkle, but it houses top attractions within walking or subway distance. Bryant Park has excellent indie coffee, Rockefeller Center hosts Fallon tapings, and the Museum of Modern Art packs a century of culture in one building. After a TSA-style security check and a 72-minute queue, we made it to the top of the Empire State Building — first the 86th floor, then the 102nd. No wonder Blair missed Chuck when he asked to meet her there. It costs $80 plus a $5 transaction fee per adult, with an official photo at $25, a magnet for $12, and a drink for $18. My friend was right — even as a financially independent adult, this was an expensive Tuesday. And it wasn't even midday. The skyline was, of course, breathtaking. But a half an hour stroll west on 34th Street reveals a much cheaper – and arguably more romantic – way to experience the city: the High Line. Built on a disused elevated railway, this two-mile-long public park on Manhattan's west side offers street art, performances, and sublime views. It ends at Little Island and Pier 57, where we grabbed 'sodas' at a Duane Reade and enjoyed the skyline from the rooftop park offering views all the way to the Statue of Liberty. It cost just $7 — far more reasonable than the $235 we'd shelled out a few hours earlier. The Waldorfs and Van Der Woodsens would never approve, though. It started to rain just as we finished our drinks, but the 20-minute walk to the West Village wasn't too tough as seasoned Londoners. Contrary to what Friends has us believe, Greenwich Village is far from a haven for rent-controlled flats. Outside 90 Bedford Street, tourists posed in front of the sun-kissed building that stood in for Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey's apartments. Exasperated drivers politely honked and everyone scrambled out of the way. Back in the early 2000s, a two-bedroom flat here likely cost between $3,500 and $4,000 a month – already a stretch for a struggling twenty-something chef and a runaway bride-slash-waitress. However, Monica inherited the lease from her grandmother, which was the necessary plot twist. As for Chandler and Joey living across the hall – with Chandler's mystery job and Joey's acting career – that remains well within the domain of sitcom logic. These days, a two-bed here costs between $9,000 and $14,000 per month. Perhaps, the more tangible Friends experience lies right beneath 90 Bedford: The Little Owl, the restaurant that stood in for Central Perk. In contrast to the six friends who always had space on the orange couch, there was a queue. I ordered a cappuccino just to say I'd had coffee at the 'real Central Perk', paired with their signature string beans with chillies, sesame, mint, and oyster sauce. I was tempted to order onion soup in honour of Monica's many soups throughout the show, but settled for their skate sandwich – as did my husband, who added a lemonade. The total came to $105.30 for two. Feeling the pinch, we decided to retire to our hotel for the evening. The next morning, we headed to the Upper East Side for breakfast at Lexington Candy Shop — the last surviving authentic NYC luncheonette, established and family-run since 1925. The place was lined with photos of famous diners, and a worker behind the counter casually made a giant root beer float. We ordered a stack of butter pancakes, some grilled cheese, and a glass of orange juice that cost a whopping $8. It's a far cry from the Soup Burg Carrie Bradshaw used to haunt for bottomless coffee and column-writing. The beloved diner's last branch – just seven minutes from Lexington Candy Shop – shut in 2014 and was replaced by a TD Bank. Once serving full meals for under $10, the inaugural Madison Avenue location hadn't been able to survive rising rents even in 2006, when the landlord hiked it from $21,000 to $65,000 a month. Today, working from a Soup Burg counterpart like Lexington would set Carrie back $50–60 for a cappuccino, pancakes and orange juice — a far cry from her bottomless coffee days. Unless she was earning $1 a word (which, let's be honest, she wasn't), she'd need to file multiple freelance pieces to cover a single breakfast shift — let alone her Chanel shoes or 'rent-controlled' Upper East Side flat. For a more affordable Sex and the City moment, we headed to Magnolia Bakery; a shop made famous when Carrie and Miranda once sat outside analysing Aidan's good looks. Instead of cupcakes, we got their 'world famous' banana pudding: vanilla custard layered with banana slices and whipped cream. At $5, it was the cheapest thing we'd eaten all trip — but for those after the full SATC cupcake moment, a box of six frosted buttercream ones costs $24.99. With our wallets fast depleting, we retired to our hotel overlooking the glorious Lower Manhattan skyline. Fittingly, it was just a short walk from the apartment Andy Sachs shared with her boyfriend Nate in The Devil Wears Prada. How she managed to live a stone's throw from the Financial District, Chinatown, and Manhattan Bridge as an unemployed-slash-fresh-graduate aspiring journalist is beyond me. That's the thing about New York City. As a journalist, so much of pop culture that shaped my teens revolved around writing and publishing — with characters who shared my love of storytelling. New York made dreaming big feel inevitable. And while real life may sometimes be closer to Peter Parker sprinting through pizza deliveries or Kevin McCallister getting yelled at for spending $450 a night at The Plaza, the city still offers cinematic moments — just ask the crowds recreating their favourite Blair and Serena scene on the MET steps (for free).
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
41 Game-Changing Products You Never Knew Existed
Stained glass-like window film for anyone with one of those tiny bathroom windows who is just begging for a lil' revamp. This will be so easy to incorporate into your home and, now that the sun has finally returned, will breathe new life into your space. Faux peonies for anyone who has claimed them as their favorite flower since Blair Waldorf said they were hers (guilty). These will remain just as beautiful as the day you buy 'em because, duh, they're fake! Plus, an eye-catching glass bag vase that'll give your designer one a run for its money. This beauty will help you *accessorize* any home space, whether you decide to fill it with florals or turn it into an aquarium!!! The Pink Stuff's "Sqeezy" sponge set — a fan-favorite miracle cleaning paste and a game-changing sponge that gets soft in warm water but hardens up in the cold. It's the superhero duo you didn't know you needed! Ahem, putting on my deep, booming announcer voice to tell you dramatically that it can clean EVERYTHING from pots and pans, stove tops, sinks, shower doors, tiles of all kinds, kitchen appliances, grout, outdoor furniture, AND your car!!! Bella's Ceramic Fold-n-Store Dual Griddle, because even if you live in a studio apartment with a claim to The World's Smallest Kitchen, you shouldn't be deprived of the ability to whip up 12 pancakes whenever the mood strikes. A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, then enjoy the fruits of your labor straight out of the same container. A Dash mini maker, perfect if you live solo and don't have to make egg sandwiches for an entire household of hungry humans. You can use this baby to craft a delightful bite for yourself with minimal cleanup — who wants a sink full of dishes when you're the only one responsible for washing them? Not me! A storage container designed to give your deli meats and cheeses a place to call home. It has an air-tight seal to keep your items fresh *and* you can write on it with a dry-erase marker, so you can remember what you bought at the store when you're bleary-eyed and whipping up a quick sandwich before the workday. A family-size Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest. Alas, it *won't* replace your inability to perfectly replicate your mom's prized Sunday sauce, but it'll give you the right tools to keep trying! A set of colorful mixing bowls with easy-to-pour spouts built right in so you'll never waste a drop of your good-enough-to-be-famous chocolate cake batter. They come in an array of lovely shades, are dishwasher-safe, and conveniently stack inside one another for easy storage! A set of rustic-style ceramic ramekins if you're hoping to channel your inner–Pioneer Woman the next time you serve your family an easy recipe like baked mac 'n' cheese. Simple meal? Yep. But will it feel cozier than eating it out of a standard bowl? Absolutely! A hybrid berry basket and colander to add a splash of color to the annoying task of cleaning all of the berries you just grabbed at the market. Toss 'em right into the colander, let 'em drain, then pop it back into the container to keep them fresh. Cute and functional is the name of MY game, in case you were wondering. An Owala SmoothSip Slider (say that 10x fast) that'll have you donating all of your other cups to make room for this one in every color — it has a slide-top spout to prevent spills, so you won't ever have to show up to a doctor's appointment covered in Reviewers love that it can keep drinks hot for six hours and cold for up to 24! And a sleek temperature-detecting thermos to save you from burning your tastebuds off (again) so you can enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of hot coffee you carefully crafted before heading out of the house. It comes in fun colors and has a clear-as-day digital display to tell you precisely what temp the beverage is inside. An elegant set of square wineglasses you'll want to raise a toast to because they're just that lovely. They have a shocking resemblance to the ones you've likely been eyeing from Crate & Barrel but haven't wanted to commit to. These will certainly do the trick and garner you tons of compliments the next time you host a girls' night. A dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than twenty bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to your daily stack. You might want to warn your pals to shield their eyes — this beauty is going to be DAZZLING in the sunlight at brunch. Plus, a plated, jewel-embedded ring with Cartier love ring vibes, so you can enjoy the same style without shelling out thousands of dollars. This take on the classic accessory even has a bit of extra razzle-dazzle to it the original simply doesn't! Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume for anyone who tried the sample size of YSL's Black Opium and fell in love with it but simply doesn't have $95 to spend on smelling lovely. Luckily for you, this one is super similar and will leave you with enough money left to *also* treat yourself to lunch. Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, aka a K-beauty must-have you may not have heard of just yet, but, boy, are you about to now! The jar is filled with tiny, poppable capsules you can snap and apply directly to your skin for the glowy revival you've been hoping for since Jack Frost did his worst. Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse because not all of us have been naturally blessed with Brooke Shields's iconic eyebrows — this product comes in six shades and will give your brows the boost they need. Crest's "Sensitive Teeth" 3D Whitestrips, so instead of grimacing in pain from the whitening process you can simply show off your stain-free pearly whites with a big ol' smile. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Ouai Wave Spray to get your hair looking fresh, frizz-free and help you get out the door in 1, 2, 3. It works wonders on wet or dry locks with the least amount of effort necessary so you can save your strength for wrangling your hyper pup at the dog park or sitting through meetings that could've been emails. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream because chances are you've been neglecting these specific skin areas for years — well, now's their time to shine! This cream is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and has been crafted to improve skin's elasticity and texture. TL;DR: you're welcome for introducing you to this magical stuff. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse a must-buy whether you have curly curls, wonderful waves, or splendidly straight locks — it's designed for all hair types! See ya later, frizz. Hello, hydration and volume! Laneige Neo Blurring Powder will make you feel like an oil-absorbing, pore-blurring wizard. All you have to do is dab-dab-dab with the lovely puff the powder comes with, and then admire your perfectly matte complexion for the rest of the day. Tarte Big Stick Energy duo, made up of the new Shape Tape blur concealer stick and brush, will replace any other coverage product you've got on your bathroom vanity. It's creamy, buildable, and won't settle or get cake-y under your eyes. It's a 10/10, new must-have item for your makeup bag. OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish to keep at your desk for an impromptu manicure during a video meeting, which definitely could've been an email (sigh). It comes in so many lovely shades you'll easily be able to pick your fave and keep it on hand for mani emergencies (or, erm, boring meetings). Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows because, if we're being honest (and I like to think we've reached a point in our relationship where we can be blunt), the ones you've been sleeping on are starting to resemble Flat Stanley. It's time for you to upgrade your sleeping situation, friend! And a waffle-knit duvet cover set to give your bedroom the makeover it deserves. Not to mention you *also* deserve a super soft and cozy place to rest your bones after a long day. A heated eye massager complete with five different massage modes and Bluetooth music so you can fully indulge and relax while relieving pain from eye strain and headaches. Pop on that Lo-Fi playlist you've been reserving for a moment of calm, turn on this gadget, and breaaaathe. Gauzy super-wide pants I'm going to have to go ahead and apologize right now for showing you because you're going to want them in all seven styles. Oops. Anyways, they are lightweight, will travel beautifully in your suitcase, *and* have pockets! A bodysuit with over 24,000 5-star reviews, which feels pretty significant for a stretchy, barely there piece of clothing, don't ya think? It's hailed for being breathable, soft, perfectly accentuating of natural curves, and delightfully similar to Skims. Sounds like a winner to me! A chic button-down linen dress to pay tribute to the butter yellow trend that's all the rage right now — and if bright hues aren't your thing, you can try it out in one of the other three shades available! A classic Madewell tee that was likely what Taylor Swift was thinking about when she wrote the lyrics "We never go out of style." An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, because you and I know you've been itching to give this style a whirl but hadn't found an affordable option you were willing to take a chance on. Well, hellloooooo! Here she is! A pair of plush checkered slippers to protect your feet from the ice-like tiled floors in your home while also letting you remind your family of how punk rock you are, even if your checked slip-on Vans have been retired to the back of the closet. 🤘 Ruffled ankle socks that'll add a dainty flair to your daily uniform of chunky sneakers and leggings, and mimic the darling ones you used to wear as a kid. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc, and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. A ribbon bookmark that'll have you tossing your Kindle aside so you can show off this coquettish beauty in a physical book. Can't you imagine Belle from Beauty and the Beast accessorizing her novel of the day with one of these?! And wireless over-the-ear headphones for anyone with a lengthy commute who, honestly, is burnt out on hearing everyone else's background noise. Tune out everything *but* your go-to Dead and Company playlist, crack open a book, and let the headphones do their job.
Buzz Feed
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
42 Products You'll Seriously Wonder How You Lived Your Life This Long Without Knowing About
Stained glass-like window film for anyone with one of those tiny bathroom windows who is just begging for a lil' revamp. This will be so easy to incorporate into your home and, now that the sun has finally returned, will breathe new life into your space. Faux peonies for anyone who has claimed them as their favorite flower since Blair Waldorf said they were hers (guilty). These will remain just as beautiful as the day you buy 'em because, duh, they're fake! Plus, an eye-catching glass bag vase that'll give your designer one a run for its money. This beauty will help you *accessorize* any home space, whether you decide to fill it with florals or turn it into an aquarium!!! The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set — a fan-favorite miracle cleaning paste and a game-changing sponge that gets soft in warm water but hardens up in the cold. It's the superhero duo you didn't know you needed! Ahem, putting on my deep, booming announcer voice to tell you dramatically that it can clean EVERYTHING from pots and pans, stove tops, sinks, shower doors, tiles of all kinds, kitchen appliances, grout, outdoor furniture, AND your car!!! Bella's Ceramic Fold-n-Store Dual Griddle, because even if you live in a studio apartment with a claim to The World's Smallest Kitchen, you shouldn't be deprived of the ability to whip up 12 pancakes whenever the mood strikes. A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, then enjoy the fruits of your labor straight out of the same container. A Dash mini maker, perfect if you live solo and don't have to make egg sandwiches for an entire household of hungry humans. You can use this baby to craft a delightful bite for yourself with minimal cleanup — who wants a sink full of dishes when you're the only one responsible for washing them? Not me! A storage container designed to give your deli meats and cheeses a place to call home. It has an air-tight seal to keep your items fresh *and* you can write on it with a dry-erase marker, so you can remember what you bought at the store when you're bleary-eyed and whipping up a quick sandwich before the workday. A family-size Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest. Alas, it *won't* replace your inability to perfectly replicate your mom's prized Sunday sauce, but it'll give you the right tools to keep trying! A set of colorful mixing bowls with easy-to-pour spouts built right in so you'll never waste a drop of your good-enough-to-be-famous chocolate cake batter. They come in an array of lovely shades, are dishwasher-safe, and conveniently stack inside one another for easy storage! A set of rustic-style ceramic ramekins if you're hoping to channel your inner–Pioneer Woman the next time you serve your family an easy recipe like baked mac 'n' cheese. Simple meal? Yep. But will it feel cozier than eating it out of a standard bowl? Absolutely! A hybrid berry basket and colander to add a splash of color to the annoying task of cleaning all of the berries you just grabbed at the market. Toss 'em right into the colander, let 'em drain, then pop it back into the container to keep them fresh. Cute and functional is the name of MY game, in case you were wondering. An Owala SmoothSip Slider (say that 10x fast) that'll have you donating all of your other cups to make room for this one in every color — it has a slide-top spout to prevent spills, so you won't ever have to show up to a doctor's appointment covered in Reviewers love that it can keep drinks hot for six hours and cold for up to 24! And a sleek temperature-detecting thermos to save you from burning your tastebuds off (again) so you can enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of hot coffee you carefully crafted before heading out of the house. It comes in fun colors and has a clear-as-day digital display to tell you precisely what temp the beverage is inside. An elegant set of square wineglasses you'll want to raise a toast to because they're just that lovely. They have a shocking resemblance to the ones you've likely been eyeing from Crate & Barrel but haven't wanted to commit to. These will certainly do the trick and garner you tons of compliments the next time you host a girls' night. A dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than twenty bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to your daily stack. You might want to warn your pals to shield their eyes — this beauty is going to be DAZZLING in the sunlight at brunch. Plus, a plated, jewel-embedded ring with Cartier love ring vibes, so you can enjoy the same style without shelling out thousands of dollars. This take on the classic accessory even has a bit of extra razzle-dazzle to it the original simply doesn't! Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion that'll shockingly cost you less than a Grande iced latte at Starbucks (wowza!). Reviewers rave about how it's not greasy at all, sinks right in, leaves skin feeling (and smelling) amazing *and* will likely remind you of the ever-popular Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel la la! Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume for anyone who tried the sample size of YSL's Black Opium and fell in love with it but simply doesn't have $95 to spend on smelling lovely. Luckily for you, this one is super similar and will leave you with enough money left to *also* treat yourself to lunch. Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, aka a K-beauty must-have you may not have heard of just yet, but, boy, are you about to now! The jar is filled with tiny, poppable capsules you can snap and apply directly to your skin for the glowy revival you've been hoping for since Jack Frost did his worst. Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse because not all of us have been naturally blessed with Brooke Shields's iconic eyebrows — this product comes in six shades and will give your brows the boost they need. Crest's "Sensitive Teeth" 3D Whitestrips, so instead of grimacing in pain from the whitening process you can simply show off your stain-free pearly whites with a big ol' smile. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Ouai Wave Spray to get your hair looking fresh, frizz-free and help you get out the door in 1, 2, 3. It works wonders on wet or dry locks with the least amount of effort necessary so you can save your strength for wrangling your hyper pup at the dog park or sitting through meetings that could've been emails. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream because chances are you've been neglecting these specific skin areas for years — well, now's their time to shine! This cream is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and has been crafted to improve skin's elasticity and texture. TL;DR: you're welcome for introducing you to this magical stuff. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse a must-buy whether you have curly curls, wonderful waves, or splendidly straight locks — it's designed for all hair types! See ya later, frizz. Hello, hydration and volume! Laneige Neo Blurring Powder will make you feel like an oil-absorbing, pore-blurring wizard. All you have to do is dab-dab-dab with the lovely puff the powder comes with, and then admire your perfectly matte complexion for the rest of the day. Tarte Big Stick Energy duo, made up of the new Shape Tape blur concealer stick and brush, will replace any other coverage product you've got on your bathroom vanity. It's creamy, buildable, and won't settle or get cake-y under your eyes. It's a 10/10, new must-have item for your makeup bag. OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish to keep at your desk for an impromptu manicure during a video meeting, which definitely could've been an email (sigh). It comes in so many lovely shades you'll easily be able to pick your fave and keep it on hand for mani emergencies (or, erm, boring meetings). Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows because, if we're being honest (and I like to think we've reached a point in our relationship where we can be blunt), the ones you've been sleeping on are starting to resemble Flat Stanley. It's time for you to upgrade your sleeping situation, friend! And a waffle-knit duvet cover set to give your bedroom the makeover it deserves. Not to mention you *also* deserve a super soft and cozy place to rest your bones after a long day. A heated eye massager complete with five different massage modes and Bluetooth music so you can fully indulge and relax while relieving pain from eye strain and headaches. Pop on that Lo-Fi playlist you've been reserving for a moment of calm, turn on this gadget, and breaaaathe. Gauzy super-wide pants I'm going to have to go ahead and apologize right now for showing you because you're going to want them in all seven styles. Oops. Anyways, they are lightweight, will travel beautifully in your suitcase, *and* have pockets! A bodysuit with over 24,000 5-star reviews, which feels pretty significant for a stretchy, barely there piece of clothing, don't ya think? It's hailed for being breathable, soft, perfectly accentuating of natural curves, and delightfully similar to Skims. Sounds like a winner to me! A chic button-down linen dress to pay tribute to the butter yellow trend that's all the rage right now — and if bright hues aren't your thing, you can try it out in one of the other three shades available! A classic Madewell tee that was likely what Taylor Swift was thinking about when she wrote the lyrics "We never go out of style." An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, because you and I know you've been itching to give this style a whirl but hadn't found an affordable option you were willing to take a chance on. Well, hellloooooo! Here she is! A pair of plush checkered slippers to protect your feet from the ice-like tiled floors in your home while also letting you remind your family of how punk rock you are, even if your checked slip-on Vans have been retired to the back of the closet. 🤘 Ruffled ankle socks that'll add a dainty flair to your daily uniform of chunky sneakers and leggings, and mimic the darling ones you used to wear as a kid. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc, and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. A ribbon bookmark that'll have you tossing your Kindle aside so you can show off this coquettish beauty in a physical book. Can't you imagine Belle from Beauty and the Beast accessorizing her novel of the day with one of these?! And wireless over-the-ear headphones for anyone with a lengthy commute who, honestly, is burnt out on hearing everyone else's background noise. Tune out everything *but* your go-to Dead and Company playlist, crack open a book, and let the headphones do their job.
Cosmopolitan
20-05-2025
- Cosmopolitan
Move over Barcelona: Why Porto tops the 10 best European cities for a girls trip in 2025
It's finally happened. The stars (and your busy calendars) have finally aligned, the budgets are budgeting, and the ASOS order is on it's way - it's time to book the annual girls trip. Except there's one problem left to solve. Where are you actually going to go? It's the issue that happens every time. One person is desperate to live out their Blair Waldorf fantasy in Paris, while another is all about the nights out in Berlin, and the rest want to soak up the sun in Barcelona. But thankfully we have the solution to your problem as the official top 10 best European cities for a girls trip in 2025 have been revealed. According to research conducted by Titan Travel, Porto in Portugal is the number one place in Europe to head to for a girls trip city break. The travel company looked at factors include walkability, safety, spa and wellness options, food and drink scenes, hotel costs, and seasonal climate data to find the top 10 best cities. So without further ado, if you're ready to book a trip with your girls, then make it one of these 10 cities.
Buzz Feed
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
43 Products You'll Seriously Wonder How You Lived Your Life This Long Without Knowing About
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · A cute tennis bracelet I can buy and still afford to pick up a morning coffee? Sign me up. 1. Stained glass-like window film for anyone with one of those tiny bathroom windows who is just begging for a lil' revamp. This will be so easy to incorporate into your home and, now that the sun has finally returned, will breathe new life into your space. Promising review: "Best film ever! Super thick and high quality. I loved it so much that I bought more for another window that needed privacy help after my cats destroyed the blinds. Worth every penny. It's super easy to install since it's not flimsy like many of the films out there. Hopefully, they will produce more designs in the future. Can't recommend it enough" — Mar Get it from Amazon for $15.56+ (available in six sizes and eight styles). 2. Faux peonies for anyone who has claimed them as their favorite flower since Blair Waldorf said they were hers (guilty). These will remain just as beautiful as the day you buy 'em because, duh, they're fake! Promising review:"I'm extremely pleased with this bunch of peonies. They come as a spray on one branch, so I cut each stem off and arranged them individually. The resulting arrangement is lush and beautiful. There are enough leaves and other pieces that make it more than just the flowers and allow for some spiky bits to pop out. You will not be disappointed!" — c2believe Get them from Amazon for $16.99 (available in 30 colors). 3. Plus, an eye-catching glass bag vase that'll give your designer one a run for its money. This beauty will help you *accessorize* any home space, whether you decide to fill it with florals or turn it into an aquarium!!! Promising review: " I love this vase. It is exactly as described, if not better! It is fantastic quality and looks so great in person. I'm so excited to see how different flowers look in it, and honestly can see it being used for so many fun displays!! Highly recommend, might even buy another." — kate hochwalt Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles). 4. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set — a fan-favorite miracle cleaning paste and a game-changing sponge that gets soft in warm water but hardens up in the cold. It's the superhero duo you didn't know you needed! Ahem, putting on my deep, booming announcer voice to tell you dramatically that it can clean EVERYTHING from pots and pans, stove tops, sinks, shower doors, tiles of all kinds, kitchen appliances, grout, outdoor furniture, AND your car!!! Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want to do. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower and although it doesn't look brand-new like I was hoping, it's 10 times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99. 5. Bella's Ceramic Fold-n-Store Dual Griddle, because even if you live in a studio apartment with a claim to The World's Smallest Kitchen, you shouldn't be deprived of the ability to whip up 12 pancakes whenever the mood strikes. Promising review:"I love how spacious yet compact this griddle is. It's big enough to cook for the family but folds up neatly for easy storage. The non-stick surface works perfectly—nothing sticks, and cleanup is super quick. The dual temperature controls are a nice bonus, letting you cook different foods at once. It's a simple, reliable tool that makes cooking so much easier!" — SAMAS Get it from Amazon for $49.40+ (available in four colors) 6. A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, then enjoy the fruits of your labor straight out of the same container. Amazon, Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action. Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface, no problem. Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in three colors). 7. A Dash mini maker, perfect if you live solo and don't have to make egg sandwiches for an entire household of hungry humans. You can use this baby to craft a delightful bite for yourself with minimal cleanup — who wants a sink full of dishes when you're the only one responsible for washing them? Not me! Promising review: "This is the perfect easy breakfast sandwich maker. It cooks the egg perfectly (I used jumbo eggs, and it worked perfectly, just like regular eggs). It's honestly one of my personal favorite appliances. I just had a baby, and having something I can crack an egg into and let it sit to cook without having to flip, and it's done within five minutes is honestly a lifesaver, and it cleans super easy! 10/10 I love this thing; it's just like my George Foreman!" — Emily Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six colors). 8. A storage container designed to give your deli meats and cheeses a place to call home. It has an air-tight seal to keep your items fresh *and* you can write on it with a dry-erase marker, so you can remember what you bought at the store when you're bleary-eyed and whipping up a quick sandwich before the workday. One reviewer also notes it's great for storing smaller vegetables! Promising review:"Love this storage container great to keep bacon in. Keeps it fresh longer. Plus, you write with a dry-erase marker on the lid so you know what's in it and date it. Would be great large amounts of deli meats as well" — susan dirr Get it from Amazon for $14.39. 9. A family-size Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest. Alas, it *won't* replace your inability to perfectly replicate your mom's prized Sunday sauce, but it'll give you the right tools to keep trying! Amazon Promising review:"When it comes to cookware, I truly believe you can't do better than this brand, the material used, the rich, beautiful color, the ease of use, and the nonstick properties are absolutely amazing. I will make sure that I buy every last pot from this line." — Lori Bush Get it from Amazon for $163 (available in six colors). 10. A set of colorful mixing bowls with easy-to-pour spouts built right in so you'll never waste a drop of your good-enough-to-be-famous chocolate cake batter. They come in an array of lovely shades, are dishwasher-safe, and conveniently stack inside one another for easy storage! Promising review:"I love these mixing bowls. The packaging is very beautiful. The bonus for me is the black rings in the bottom to prevent the bowls from sliding around on the counter when you're mixing/whisking. I bought them to make pancakes, but I use them for everything now. The set is a nice upgrade from using a regular soup bowl for mixing." — Sarita Get the set of four from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in 10 styles). 11. A set of rustic-style ceramic ramekins if you're hoping to channel your inner–Pioneer Woman the next time you serve your family an easy recipe like baked mac 'n' cheese. Simple meal? Yep. But will it feel cozier than eating it out of a standard bowl? Absolutely! Mora Ceramics is a small business that specializes in home goods. One reviewer (shown above, right) even used it to dress up serving pizza rolls! Promising review: "Very high-end ramekins! Pricey, but worth every penny. They are absolutely stunning! They are very well-made. They are large and I absolutely love them. I highly recommend and I will also definitely buy again from this company." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles) 12. A hybrid berry basket and colander to add a splash of color to the annoying task of cleaning all of the berries you just grabbed at the market. Toss 'em right into the colander, let 'em drain, then pop it back into the container to keep them fresh. Cute and functional is the name of MY game, in case you were wondering. Promising review: "My blueberries stay fresh and crisp in this container, rather than the familiar fate of becoming soggy and moldy! I love how I can wash the berries in the strainer, pop it into the basket, and then look forward to the BEST blueberries EVER!!!!!" — Anonymous Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 13. An Owala SmoothSip Slider (say that 10x fast) that'll have you donating all of your other cups to make room for this one in every color — it has a slide-top spout to prevent spills, so you won't ever have to show up to a doctor's appointment covered in Reviewers love that it can keep drinks hot for six hours and cold for up to 24! There are also tons of other Owala styles reviewers love — BuzzFeed editor Sally Elshorafa personally adores her Owala FreeSip bottle. Check 'em all out here. Promising review:"I usually don't like to drink my coffee from travel mugs because something about the lid makes the coffee taste weird….. this lid is not like others! It has a smooth texture and doesn't have a plastic taste. It is completely leakproof (my 14-month-old constantly turns it upside down and throws it around when I'm not looking). And lastly, I've dropped this thing a few times now, and not a dent or scratch on it. Perfect size, very happy with it!" — Hannah Chase Get it from Amazon for $24.98+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). 14. And a sleek temperature-detecting thermos to save you from burning your tastebuds off (again) so you can enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of hot coffee you carefully crafted before heading out of the house. It comes in fun colors and has a clear-as-day digital display to tell you precisely what temp the beverage is inside. Promising review: "I ordered one based on reviews, and it did not disappoint. I like my coffee HOT and my water COLD, and this lets me know exactly what to expect. It keeps ice for HOURS, as in well over 24 if the lid is on and over 12 even if the lid is off. Best feature ... I've managed to drop it TWICE in as many days, and although the top is a little scratched (I had a sleeve from a different bottle that almost comes up to the lid), the thermometer still works. Still leakproof. Couldn't ask for a better thermos." — Kelly H. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors). 15. An elegant set of square wineglasses you'll want to raise a toast to because they're just that lovely. They have a shocking resemblance to the ones you've likely been eyeing from Crate & Barrel but haven't wanted to commit to. These will certainly do the trick and garner you tons of compliments the next time you host a girls' night. Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B Get them from Amazon for $28.98 (also available in a set of two). 16. A dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than twenty bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to your daily stack. You might want to warn your pals to shield their eyes — this beauty is going to be DAZZLING in the sunlight at brunch. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves this brand! She owns a bunch of their pieces and wears 'em daily (like this ring). Promising reviews: "I bought this bracelet to wear with my watch! It looks like the real deal! Sparkling, feel like I'm wearing diamonds! Easy to put on and take off!" — Lauren Carroll "I ordered this to match my Swarovski necklace, and it was beautiful. Hard to open clasp at first, but the size was perfect." — Cassity Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 17. Plus, a plated, jewel-embedded ring with Cartier love ring vibes, so you can enjoy the same style without shelling out thousands of dollars. This take on the classic accessory even has a bit of extra razzle-dazzle to it the original simply doesn't! Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find, honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knock-off when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." — Eva Richterkessing Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles). 18. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion that'll shockingly cost you less than a Grande iced latte at Starbucks (wowza!). Reviewers rave about how it's not greasy at all, sinks right in, leaves skin feeling (and smelling) amazing *and* will likely remind you of the ever-popular Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel la la! Promising review: "I was worried after some people said the scent was a bit strong, but as someone who is usually sensitive to smells I'm extremely happy with this. N ot only does it feel amazing and super creamy, it smells SOOOO good. I love that it feels like expensive body butter and the smell literally lasts all day. 100% recommend" — Carley Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes, five other scents, and multi-packs). 19. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume for anyone who tried the sample size of YSL's Black Opium and fell in love with it but simply doesn't have $95 to spend on smelling lovely. Luckily for you, this one is super similar and will leave you with enough money left to *also* treat yourself to lunch. Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront! Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I'm super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day, you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." — Amazon Customer 20. Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, aka a K-beauty must-have you may not have heard of just yet, but, boy, are you about to now! The jar is filled with tiny, poppable capsules you can snap and apply directly to your skin for the glowy revival you've been hoping for since Jack Frost did his worst. Promising review: "This moisturizer is one of the nicest feeling moisturizers ever. The appearance of the vitamin C capsules inside the gel goop on TikTok enticed me to purchase it for myself. This moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and comes with a scooper, making it very easy to apply. You get a decent-sized jar of moisturizer for the price, and the moisturizer is pretty thick. Although it is sticky, I would say it absorbs into your skin pretty quickly. It may leave a slight sticky residue left behind, but I think overall it is amazing for all skin types. After using this in the a.m. before sunscreen, I noticed my skin really glow and feel smooth! I had gifted a jar to my 60-year-old mother and she had told me how her skin felt like a baby's bum the next morning!" — tracey + kiwi Get it from Amazon for $19.90. 21. Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse because not all of us have been naturally blessed with Brooke Shields's iconic eyebrows — this product comes in six shades and will give your brows the boost they need. Amazon Promising review:"So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nice without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." — jessica alexandra Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six shades). 22. Crest's "Sensitive Teeth" 3D Whitestrips, so instead of grimacing in pain from the whitening process you can simply show off your stain-free pearly whites with a big ol' smile. Amazon Promising review: "I have only been able to use at-home teeth whitening kits after finding this one! Usually, my tooth sensitivity is unbearable after chemical-based teeth whitening, but this one didn't bother me at all! It is a 30-day kit, meant to be used once per day. A fter the first use, I noticed my teeth were already whiter. I was skeptical about being able to use the strips every day because I figured it would amp up the tooth sensitivity. However, I'm several days in and still have no problems. Highly recommend!!!" — CsameC Get it 18 treatments from Amazon for $38.49. 23. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Amazon Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" — Ken Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 24. Ouai Wave Spray to get your hair looking fresh, frizz-free and help you get out the door in 1, 2, 3. It works wonders on wet or dry locks with the least amount of effort necessary so you can save your strength for wrangling your hyper pup at the dog park or sitting through meetings that could've been emails. I have naturally wavy (but frizzy) hair and after trying many products this is where I've happily landed. Ouai is the first brand I recommend to my fellow wavy-haired ladies. It's light, doesn't leave your locks feeling crunchy, doesn't have an overpowering smell, and keeps hair looking fresh. My only complaint used to be that it didn't come in a massive-sized bottle, but their new formula (that is even BETTER than the first and contains coconut oil and rice protein) comes in both a 3 fl oz bottle *and* a 6 fl oz bottle! Ouai also has a curl cream that I'm a huge fan of — it's lightweight and also does the trick (though the wave spray is still my favorite). In the photo above (right), I literally threw my hair into a half/up situation right out of the shower, gave it a spritz, and moved on with my day. Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes). 25. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream because chances are you've been neglecting these specific skin areas for years — well, now's their time to shine! This cream is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and has been crafted to improve skin's elasticity and texture. TL;DR: you're welcome for introducing you to this magical stuff. Promising review:"I've been using this for five days, and I can't believe how much it's helped with the saggy skin under my chin. I'm 37, and I've been using various products, but nothing was making a difference, and my skin continued to get loose in that area. I came across this, looked at the reviews, and decided to try it, though I honestly wasn't sure it would work for me, considering other things I've tried that haven't helped. I can't even express how much better I feel now. I have no idea how this cream works and actually tightens up the skin, but I'm so grateful. I'm no longer self-conscious about it, and I actually like looking in the mirror now and not seeing the extra skin hanging from the bottom of my chin." — 📚#WHYCHOOSE Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 26. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse a must-buy whether you have curly curls, wonderful waves, or splendidly straight locks — it's designed for all hair types! See ya later, frizz. Hello, hydration and volume! Promising review:"I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel dried, and put my hair in a pony tail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." — Marissa Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 27. Laneige Neo Blurring Powder will make you feel like an oil-absorbing, pore-blurring wizard. All you have to do is dab-dab-dab with the lovely puff the powder comes with, and then admire your perfectly matte complexion for the rest of the day. 28. Tarte Big Stick Energy duo, made up of the new Shape Tape blur concealer stick and brush, will replace any other coverage product you've got on your bathroom vanity. It's creamy, buildable, and won't settle or get cake-y under your eyes. It's a 10/10, new must-have item for your makeup bag. Let me tell you, I am SO obsessed after trying out this product. The photos above are from when I tried it out for the first time after having very little sleep the previous night (and, if I'm being honest, many nights prior, as my baby girl is not a fan of sleep in general). It felt super creamy as I applied it to my skin. The diamond-shaped tip of the stick helped me "draw" it into the curves of my face as needed. The Shape Tape blur conceal brush also blew me away — it felt so soft against my face and like using a magic wand to blend in the concealer. I didn't even need to apply a second dose to minimize my undereye bags! I've been using the original Shape Tape for years and adore it, but this new version is absolutely going to replace it in my makeup bag simply because it is so much easier to apply. It also blends better than the original with the help of the new brush and, overall, feels lighter on my skin. Consider me a lifelong fan! Get it from Tarte for $29 (available in 48 shades). 29. OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish to keep at your desk for an impromptu manicure during a video meeting, which definitely could've been an email (sigh). It comes in so many lovely shades you'll easily be able to pick your fave and keep it on hand for mani emergencies (or, erm, boring meetings). Amazon, Promising review: I only needed one coat for coverage over the OPI primer. The nail polish quickly dried and stayed on my nails for two weeks before starting to chip. The polish is a great value for money, color, and shine." — lois Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 31 shades) 30. Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows because, if we're being honest (and I like to think we've reached a point in our relationship where we can be blunt), the ones you've been sleeping on are starting to resemble Flat Stanley. It's time for you to upgrade your sleeping situation, friend! Promising review:"I was just looking at these pillows again in case I had to purchase new ones. I originally purchased them two years ago. They are the most wonderful and comfy pillows I've ever had. When I read the reviews saying they washed up badly, I was ready to buy new ones. Lo and behold, I washed them and dried them in the dryer, and they turned out great. I just have the older type stackable washer and dryer set, not large, just regular sized. I put both pillows in the washer on gentle, then put both pillows in the dryer. I ran the dryer on medium heat and ran the cycle several times, just to make sure. I'm happy they turned out so well 'cause I love these pillows!" — T. Rune Get a set of two from Amazon for $59.99 (available in Standard/Queen or King sizing). 31. And a waffle-knit duvet cover set to give your bedroom the makeover it deserves. Not to mention you *also* deserve a super soft and cozy place to rest your bones after a long day. The set comes with a duvet cover and two pillowcases. Promising review: " We searched high and low for a new comforter and went through three before we finally found something that was attractive, durable, and comfortable. We bought the Bedsure duvet insert to go with, which breathed great on its own when used without a top sheet. The duvet cover was easy to put on (flip it inside out, lay it over the bed, and lay the insert on top. Tie the ties, reach inside to the top corners, grab the insert, and flip the whole thing inside out… easier with two people if you have a king). Already had an instance where we needed to spot clean, and it did well. Also did well in the washer and dryer before we put it on. The waffle texture is just beautiful and it seems like it is well-made and will last. We are extremely happy with this purchase." — K Washington Get it from Amazon for $82.99+ (available in full, queen, oversized queen, king, California king, and oversized king sizes and 40 styles). 32. A heated eye massager complete with five different massage modes and Bluetooth music so you can fully indulge and relax while relieving pain from eye strain and headaches. Pop on that Lo-Fi playlist you've been reserving for a moment of calm, turn on this gadget, and breaaaathe. Heather Braga / BuzzFeed After reading about how much reviewers loved this product (and including it in my articles for years) I was so excited to finally try it out myself. I wasn't disappointed! It's a little louder than I thought it would be (as the air compresses in and out to relieve tension), but once I put music on with it, I didn't notice the noise anymore. I've been using it to relax my eyes after a long day of working on screens *and* parenting. I also break it out when I have sinus pain, and it's been really helpful in easing that pain. Consider me a fan! Promising review: "I saw this product on one of Amazon's must-have TikTok videos and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though the price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn't interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse and this technology has helped me get through the night easily. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $52.99 (available in seven colors). 33. Gauzy super-wide pants I'm going to have to go ahead and apologize right now for showing you because you're going to want them in all seven styles. Oops. Anyways, they are lightweight, will travel beautifully in your suitcase, *and* have pockets! Old Navy Promising review: " Love these, soft and comfy, but would size down next time." – anonymous Get them from Old Navy for $24 (available in women's sizes XS–2XL, 2X–4X, and seven styles). 34. A bodysuit with over 24,000 5-star reviews, which feels pretty significant for a stretchy, barely there piece of clothing, don't ya think? It's hailed for being breathable, soft, perfectly accentuating of natural curves, and delightfully similar to Skims. Sounds like a winner to me! Promising review:"I own a lot of shapewear and when my best friend introduced me to this brand it changed the game. IT SNATCHED ME RIGHT ON UP MAMA. 🤗" — lecreesha thomas Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in women's sizes 2XS–4XL and 11 styles). 35. A chic button-down linen dress to pay tribute to the butter yellow trend that's all the rage right now — and if bright hues aren't your thing, you can try it out in one of the other three shades available! Lulus Promising review:"This dress fits exactly as pictured and is a very nice material. It's perfect for a lunch out or vacation!" — Meryl G. Get it from Lulus for $45 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and four colors). 36. A classic Madewell tee that was likely what Taylor Swift was thinking about when she wrote the lyrics "We never go out of style." Madewell There's no way you won't end up getting this in all three colors, sorry. You can even have it customized with up to eight characters — might I suggest "Piper no." Get it from Madewell for $19.50 (available in women's sizes 2XS–2X, three colors, and with or without personalization). 37. An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, because you and I know you've been itching to give this style a whirl but hadn't found an affordable option you were willing to take a chance on. Well, hellloooooo! Here she is! Promising review:"This is exactly has described. The material is so light, soft, and stretchy. Love that it can be dressed up or a more casual look, depending on the accessories and shoes. IT HAS POCKETS! If you're on the fence — DO IT— you won't regret it!" — Cody Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 32 styles). 38. A pair of plush checkered slippers to protect your feet from the ice-like tiled floors in your home while also letting you remind your family of how punk rock you are, even if your checked slip-on Vans have been retired to the back of the closet. 🤘 Promising review:"These slippers are not only super cute but also really comfy. I walk all over my house in them, and they feel so cushy with the memory foam soles. They are easy to clean, too, since they are machine washable. True to shoe size." — Brenbren Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and five styles). 39. Ruffled ankle socks that'll add a dainty flair to your daily uniform of chunky sneakers and leggings, and mimic the darling ones you used to wear as a kid. Promising review:"The CUTEST socks!! I paired them with my pink Nike Dunks. Not too thick, not too thin. Cute ruffle design at the top of the socks, with ribbed material throughout the body of the socks. I want to buy ALL the colors now!" — Sarita Zanona Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine styles). 40. A Bogg bag all of the other moms have been toting around at school pick-up while you wonder if all the hype about them is real — spoiler, it is. They come in *so* many colors, have a bunch of accessories you can add, are easy to clean, and are so durable that even your teething tot won't destroy it. Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Bogg I recently got my very first Bogg bag in the medium size (or as the brand calls it, "The Baby." When I opened it, I thought, "This is as if a Croc became a handbag!" because they have so many fun accessories you can plug into the sides (similar to the charms on Crocs). I'm starting with a cup holder and a phone holder, but you should absolutely check out all their accessory offerings. It's very lightweight since it's made of rubber, which is great because I know I will stuff it to the brim with beach gear this summer. Also! Bogg is a small business! Promising review:"Perfect!Very cute and, surprisingly, the perfect bag for me! The bag is still easy to carry even with it all loaded up. Today, I had a 30oz Stanley, my book, snacks for my two boys, their lesson books, a pack of wipes, two pullups for my toddler, my tiny crossbody purse, my keys, meds, and phone in it. And it wasn't heavy! Definitely kept everything steady and safe." — Holly Get it from Amazon or Bogg for $70 (available in larger and smaller sizes and 56 styles). 41. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc, and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it's my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." — Philip Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 32 colors). 42. A ribbon bookmark that'll have you tossing your Kindle aside so you can show off this coquettish beauty in a physical book. Can't you imagine Belle from Beauty and the Beast accessorizing her novel of the day with one of these?! The Bestie Booksleeve / Etsy The Bestie Booksleeve is a small business that sells cute book accessories. Promising review: "WOW!!! This bow bookmark is a charming addition to any book lover's collection. The delicate satin ribbon gives it a soft, romantic look, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their reading accessories. It securely holds your place without damaging pages and doesn't add bulk to your book. 10/10 highly recommend! 🤍✨" — Bailee Get it from The Bestie Booksleeve on Etsy for $8 (available in 16 colors). 43. And wireless over-the-ear headphones for anyone with a lengthy commute who, honestly, is burnt out on hearing everyone else's background noise. Tune out everything *but* your go-to Dead and Company playlist, crack open a book, and let the headphones do their job. Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. See what BuzzFeed Writer Emma Lord has to say about this: " I own a pair of these, because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point." Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in five colors). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
