Latest news with #Munsterman
Winnipeg Free Press
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion: Conclave's cardinals could vote for change
Opinion What's really going to happen as the conclave begins Wednesday in Vatican City to decide the next pope of the Roman Catholic Church? Nobody knows for sure, of course. But Hendro Munsterman, a veteran Vatican correspondent for Nederlands Dagblad , a Christian newspaper in The Netherlands, has some inside information. I met Munsterman last October at the Vatican press office when I was in Rome to cover the Roman Catholic Church's Synod on Synodality. A view of the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals gather to elect the new pope, at the Vatican on Tuesday. (Vatican Media via AP) In his conversations with cardinals who will vote to select the next leader to represent 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, he has heard nothing but support for Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88. 'They all appreciate how he took the church to the margins, how he sought to serve the poor and the 'least of these,'' Munsterman said. 'Nobody is challenging that.' Privately, some suggested Francis went too fast with his reforms, especially in his efforts to involve the laity in making decisions about the church. 'Not everyone in leadership in the church accepted Francis' synodal process,' Munsterman said, suggesting the younger cardinals were more on board than some of the older ones. 'There is a clear generational difference,' he said. For some cardinals, there is a fear that Francis gave too much power to lay people, and also to women — he appointed some women to top positions in the Vatican that had previously been reserved only for men. Those cardinals fear that through his changes, Francis undermined the authority of cardinals, bishops and priests. 'The question is, how big is this group?' said Munsterman, noting that could play a role in determining the next pope. What they decide could slow down or stall the reforms Francis started, he added. Another issue that may come up in the conclave is doctrine, based on what Munsterman said he hears from cardinals. 'Some are saying Pope Francis raised a lot of doubts,' he said. 'Is homosexuality good or bad? What about divorce? Some want to go back to the doctrinal certainties of Pope Benedict XVI and John Paul II.' Where the 2013 conclave produced Francis, a pope who brought changes to the church, some cardinals say change is needed again — to the way things were. Munsterman said this conclave could end up like the one that followed the death of Pope John XXIII, who created the Second Vatican Council that produced significant change and modernization in the church. After he died in 1963, his successor, Paul VI, continued the council's reforms but slowed down. 'They could elect someone who wants to continue what Francis did, but in a more moderate way,' Munsterman said. 'Something that will keep the old guard on board, but not close the windows Francis opened.' As for who that new pope might be, that's anyone's guess. One thing he is certain of is no Canadian is on the list. This includes Canadian cardinal Michael Czerny. 'He's a Jesuit, and after having a Jesuit as pope in Francis, the cardinals will not want another one,' Munsterman said. Gérald Lacroix of Quebec is also not a contender, due to the sexual abuse charges that were levelled against him — even though he was cleared by the Church. A dark horse candidate for Munsterman is Robert Prevost. The American cardinal holds top positions in the Vatican as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Prevost is a moderate, spent time among poor people in Peru, is a good administrator (that was not one of Francis' gifts, Munsterman said) and, importantly, could have the ear of U.S. President Donald Trump. 'He is the least American of the American cardinals,' he said. Munsterman believes a new pope will be chosen before Sunday. 'The Cardinals won't want to go past the weekend. They will want to have a new pope to meet the faithful in St. Peter's Square by Sunday.' faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John Longhurst Faith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography
Buzz Feed
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
These 57 Products Aren't Messing Around When It Comes To Results
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 · "It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe. Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem. Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone. Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe. And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free!" —the reviewer of the much cheaper alternative to Scrub Daddy's (always sold out) Damp Dusters 1. The Pink Stuff, a TikTok- (and reviewer-) beloved cleaning product that miracles! Name your mess, and this mildly abrasive paste will take care of business — including but not limited to bathroom tiles, sinks, stove tops, painted walls, grills, and outdoor furniture. A lot of people compare it to the Magic Eraser in paste form, so even your weirdest, most stubborn stains will meet their match. Promising review:"Found this product on TikTok. I don't think I've ever seen value like I do this product! Literally use it on EVERYTHING!! Kids and teens have dirt, grime, and grease on their walls? ...This will make it look like a new paint job. Baseboards need some love? A pea-size amount of this makes them look brand-new. Need a shoe cleaner? PERFECT for sneakers. I could name a million more uses, but I can ASSURE you this is worth every penny. What's more? You need such LITTLE of this product, it will last a VERY long time. Thank you, TikTok!!!" — Rachel in CLT Get it from Amazon for $5.29. 2. CeraVe Retinol Serum that lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other more expensive options (like Murad's Retinol Serum, which retails for $92). And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising review:"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman Get it from Amazon for $16.81. 3. A boot and shoe stretching spray, because breaking in those new boots can be a chore and lead to painful blisters. You can skip the discomfort entirely and get right to long walks on crunchy leaves in no time — just spray this magic potion on the inside + outside of your kicks (they work on lots of materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, and more), wear them with a pair of thiiick socks, and walk around in your shoes until they dry. BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Amanda Davis says:"So, I have about three pairs of shoes that have just been sitting in my closet because while they are sooo so cute, the leather was too tight for my foot to comfortably get inside 'em. Did I return them? Nope. (We all know the hassle of online returns, right?) Instead I bought this shoe stretch spray on a whim. I didn't expect much but WOW! The shoes that took me a minute of struggling to get into fit *perfectly* now!! The process was as simple as could be, too. I just sprayed my shoes (inside and out, heel to toe) like there was no tomorrow, I put on some semi-thick socks (just to ensure I had ample room later), and wore the shoes around my house for about 30–40 minutes. As I was walking around, I could literally feel them begin to loosen up. After about 30 minutes, I took my shoes and thick socks off, and the shoes just ~slide~ on. Easy Peasy. Now I have a new favorite pair of shoes and zero dollars have been wasted. I tried these with a pair of chunky leather loafers, but I can only imagine what they'll do for my pair of Doc Martens — the boots known to take a while to break into. This stuff is a must!" Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 4. A dozen Bottle Bright tablets that'll deep clean your thermoses and on-the-go bottles — no scrubbing required. These'll get into all those hard-to-reach spaces and remove *all* the gunk. Promising review:"I seriously can't believe how well these little tablets work. I had the most disgusting HydroFlask coffee mug — I tried everything. Bottle brush, different kinds of soap, vinegar, EVERYTHING, and there was still a seemingly impenetrable layer of black sludge inside. It grossed me out so much that I bought ANOTHER HydroFlask to replace it. Now eventually they both got black inside, so I tried these little magic tablets. I let a tablet sit in each of my mugs for an hour or two, and the black sludge rinsed out COMPLETELY, without even scrubbing. They look brand new. What a magical product. No weird smell or taste afterward, either. I liked it so much I used it on another HydroFlask I use primarily to hold my Bloody Mary mix in the fridge. I couldn't put anything else in it because it would always taste like spicy tomato juice. Bottle Bright to the rescue! No residual smell or taste anymore. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $7.99. 5. A microfiber cloth to remove every single trace of dirt and makeup (even waterproof formulas!) with just water. And the cloths are super soft, so you won't have to resort to harsh scrubbing that can dry out your face. BuzzFeed Promising review:"This thing is serious magic. if you're familiar with LipSense products, you know they don't leave your face unless you want them to. The lip color and liner especially are like spackle, which I LOVE!! They never budge!! This cloth removes ALL OF IT. From basic easy off makeup all the way up to the industrial strength should-pay-rent-on-your-face stuff — WITH JUST WATER. I was skeptical but I'm a believer. scrubbing is NOT abrasive, and I'm no longer using harsh products to remove my face!!" — Amber Liz Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in nine colors and patterns, plus more options on their store page). 6. A window-insulation kit that'll help keep your heating (or air conditioning) bills down — no more comfortable temperatures (and money) going out the window while the drafts come in. Just apply, smooth on, and shrink and remove wrinkles with a hair dryer. Then just trim the edges and you're done! Promising review: "Very easy to use once you get the hang or it. I live in an apartment building with very drafty windows and electric heat; this insulation saves me a lot of money on my winter heating costs, and I've gotten really good at making it nearly invisible over the years." — Julie Get a three-window kit from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in five-window and 10-window kits, as well as patio door and large window kits). 7. A Migrastil roll-on stick to help evaporate your migraine or tension headache within minutes. Just apply the blend of essential oils (including lavender, spearmint, and peppermint) onto your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck — and POOF! Relief is here. Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins. Promising review:"Years ago a massage therapist I went to used a cream at my temples that helped greatly with headaches & nausea. I have tried to find that scent for years. THIS IS IT!! I use it daily on my temples & the back of neck just below my hairline. It helps 100% with the nausea I suffer from meds I take. Many of my headaches I can prevent from going to a migraine by applying again at start of headache. I take so many meds because of autoimmune disease's that I like not having to pop another pill for my headaches. I am the most skeptical person you will find when it comes to homeopathic or oils etc., but this works!!" — DVS Get it from Amazon for $11.01. 8. TruSkin vitamin C serum, which *six separate reviewers* are calling a "magic potion." It's formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten and smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!). When it comes to vitamin C, this formulation is on the stronger side, so you should do a patch test before using! And make sure you use SPF after (tbh as you should every morning)! Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising review: "Magic potion. Where has this been all my life? This stuff is amazing! At 31, I am trying to take care of my skin more as I noticed my face looks "tired." I started to use this and saw immediate results. I apply it after washing/using a derma roller and follow up with applying moisturizer afterward. My husband has even noticed a difference after using a week and has said things like"your face is glowing", "your face looks radiant", "you look different, younger", "whatever you are doing is working". Bottom line, if you're in search of an anti-aging serum, stop looking and buy this." —J.D.M. Promising review: "I should have started using this years ago! I'm in my mid-30s, and I've tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I've always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I've tried. I've tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.67+ (available in two sizes). 9. A pack of duster sponges, because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen and wipe whatever surface needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean, and you're done! I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too! Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color packs). 10. Retainer Brite tablets to make deep cleaning your retainer or Invisalign easier than you think! Just drop one into a glass of warm water, along with your retainer, Invisalign, dentures, mouth guards, TMJ devices, etc., to remove odor, buildup, and other gunk. They can even kill bacteria and remove cloudiness and staining! When I got a night guard (I'm a clencher!), my dentist recommended these very tablets for daily cleaning, and they work great! Promising review: "I have Invisalign retainers and had been using other products. My retainers were stained yellow-brown. Even my dentist used their ultrasonic cleaner and couldn't improve them. My hygienist suggested this product, just for my daily use, and voila! my retainers are COMPLETELY CLEAR! They look brand new! I didn't expect this at all! And there is no grainy residue after I've soaked them. It's really magic. So glad I found it!!!" — Amazon Customer Get a pack of 120 tablets from Amazon for $20.39. 11. The Brumate Era 40-ounce water bottle, because any hydration enthusiast will be blown away by this guy. It has a genius design with a metal straw inside but a silicone straw on top for drinking comfort — and it LOCKS *with the straw in place* for zero leaks, even if you hold it completely upside down. who?! I have the Simple Modern one, too, and it's great for being at home and drinking water at the perfect temp. *But* if you're worried about leaking AT ALL (or prefer a metal + silicone combo straw to plastic), the Brumate Era is 100% wizardry, sorcery, and magic. It claims to keep ice for over 24 hours — I've had cold water stay COLD for ages in this bottle! The tapered base is also cupholder friendly, and the whole darn thing is dishwasher safe, too! Let me tell you, this is my new favorite water bottle. I can lock the lid with a quick twist and throw it LITERALLY SIDEWAYS in any tote and not even think *twice* about it leaking at all! you've seen some of those videos about hidden mold in certain that this disassembles incredibly easily, so you can just toss the pieces in the dishwasher. Promising review: "As a nurse, I know we are picky and loyal to brands of pens and water bottles. I've had a Stanley, Owala, and a giant Hydrojug. This tops them all! I had ice from over 24 hours left! It fits in my car cup holder, the handle is sturdy, the straw breaks down easily for cleaning, and it's TRULY leakproof! Yeah, the straw is exposed, but I just wipe it down with little alcohol wipes from work before I drink from it. For those who say the lid is hard to get off, you have to turn the lid to drink mode to unseal the lid, and then you can turn it. LOVE THIS!" — Dani Get the 40-ounce size from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 14 colors, plus a 30-ounce size). 12. O'Keeffe's Lip Repair, a lip sleeping mask from the brand behind the cult-favorite Working Hand and Healthy Feet creams — and just like those borderline miraculous products, reviewers say this balm will heal and repair dry, cracking, chapped lips like no other product has. Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic, and I won't go anywhere without it now." — Anna C. Adams Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 13. A neck pillow you can twist into several different positions so you can get actual rest from the aisle, middle, or window seat— without your head bobbing up and down. Arriving at your destination actually refreshed?? What a concept. Amazon Promising review:"Have wanted a travel pillow forever! Took a chance on this. Oh my gosh it's amazing! It forms to my neck and no matter which way I turn my head, I can fall asleep instantly. This is so much better than standard travel pillows. One of my best Amazon purchases to date!" — Lauren Grubb Get it from Amazon for $49.97+ (available in kid's and adult's sizes and 11 colors). 14. Suguru, a self-setting rubber adhesive with the power to fix just about anything, from dishwashers to iPhone cords. You can fix fraying wires, hang pictures (without a nail), create ergonomic grips on tools, and soooooo much more. It sets strong because it turns into silicone rubber, permanently bonding to almost any surface. It's waterproof (use it to secure a shower caddy!), heat- and cold-resistant (use it to insulate a pot handle!), and electricity-insulating (fix those constantly fraying smartphone cords!). Promising review:"I've used Sugru for years and can testify to its durability and versatility. Probably the longest term repair is the perch on a birdfeeder. It has been hanging outdoors 365/year for 5 years now in rain snow and heat, and still holding up. I've also used it to repair a favorite silicone cooking spoon, all sorts of cord management, bathroom 'caulk', sunglasses repair, lamp repair, and more I can't think of at the moment. I few times I've needed to remove it, and thats easy too. (I don't really understand a product with such good adherence can also be so easy to remove, but ther you have it!) Plan your usage carefully, because once you open the packet you might as well use the whole thing up. No matter how tightly I've re-wrapped it, it always becomes unusable within a few days." — Big Shopper Although the reviewer above notes that once opened, the leftover product hardens in a few days, many reviewers note that it stays usable if you keep it in the fridge! Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $26.35 (available in seven color sets). 15. A wad preventer, because balled-up sheets that NEVER seem to actually get dry?? Not on my watch! Who has the time?! This genius invention will keep the corners from getting bunched up to increase your tumble and decrease your dry time. Amazon Just tuck the corners of your flat or fitted sheet into the holes to prevent tangling and twisting aaaand (according to the backed up by reviewers) improve dry time by 75%!!!!!!!! Promising review: "Best purchase! You wouldn't think a small product like this could make a difference, but it makes a world of difference! I am amazed and so glad I found these. Gone are the days of wet clothes being wrapped up in sheets, or having to continuously check the dryer to untangle sheets. I will be purchasing more of these for myself and buying some as gifts!" — Becca Get it from Amazon for $19.99. Wad-Free is a small biz, and their products are made in the USA. 16. Or for non-sheet loads, a set of extra large wool dryer balls that'll ensure your laundry dries quicker and gets softer than ever — *25%* faster. Those towels that take FOR-E-VER (The Sandlot voice) to dry? No more. Amazon Promising review: "I was excited but skeptical about this product but I just used them for 4 loads of laundry and they are awesome! I would normally have used about 20 dryer sheets but I just used the dryer balls instead. My clothing, towels and sheets came out of the dryer wrinkle free, soft and no static cling. I am buying the lavender essential oil to try. I used to spend quite a bit of money on fabric softeners and fragrance boosters. I am thrilled not to have to add a bunch of chemicals. The scent is lovely and clean even without adding the oil. Best purchase of the year." — mskrippers Get a six-pack from Amazon for $19.99. Woolzies is a small business, and these dryer balls are made in New Zealand from 100% wool, and they're hypoallergenic and safe for people with wool allergies! For an extra boost of scent, you can add your favorite essential oil to the balls too! 17. A compact Verilux therapy lamp (called the "Happy Light") that casts UV-free, full-spectrum light to mimic the sun's rays. Reviewers with insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, and even those who work in an office that's low on natural light swear by these to make the darker winter days a little more bearable. It has two brightness levels and two interchangeable lenses (one brighter and one to reduce glare). Either keep it on the detachable stand or mount it on the wall, whichever you prefer! Read more about sunlamps and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic. Promising review:"I've suffered from SAD for a numbers of years now, and have been looking for some sort of relief that I could do on my own. Decided to give this a try although I am a natural sceptic. The Happy Light has been the best purchase I've made in years!! Started using it just after DST ended in November and I have to say that I did notice a difference in how I managed seasonal changes emotionally this year. This product worked so well that I purchased a smaller one to use when I'm at the office." — P. Willis Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (also available in a smaller size for $39.99 and a desk lamp version for $79.99). 18. A pair of TikTok-famous Cushionaire slide sandals that seem to get more popular with every passing day — and for good reason. Reviewers swear the molded cushioned footbed (made from a *waterproof* foam) stays comfy for hours and hours, whether you're using them as at-home slippers or actual outside shoes. I bought these myself earlier last year and they're all I wear at home. Especially when cooking or baking, these babies help cushion my feet on hard floors so they don't ache! Promising review: "Wow!!! Best slides I've ever had. I have designer slides and these surpass. True to are super light but sturdy to walk, even on grass and on uneven side walk. Used them to walk my dogs and don't get my feet dirty because of the wedge height. I've put them to the test and I'm Ordering in more colors and a back up pair. They are also stylish so they look cute to wear out. Ordered the orange which is like a camel color. Highly recommend!!!" — Krizia Promising review: "Best Amazon purchase I've made! I have spondylilothesis and spinal stenosis, so I get horrible back, leg and foot pains. This literally helps relieve my pain while I'm working standing on my feet. They are super cute I get tons of compliments on them and they are breathable, lightweight and easy to keep clean. Perfect for Hawaii weather! 💁🏽♀️ There are other brands that look like this but don't be fooled THIS is the brand that is the most comfortable I have other brands and they don't cut it!" — Chelsea Proenza Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes 5-12 and 32 colors). 19. A foaming carpet shampoo people love to use on their car interiors. And with all the ice cream cones I've dribbled in my life, I can CERTAINLY understand why. And anyone with a dog? Yep, you need this. It's citrus scented so after it FOAMS AWAY deep-set stains, you'll be left with a refreshing scent rather than "Old McDonald's Fries." Promising review:"This stuff is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! I posted before-and-after photos (above) for you to see for yourself! My 1996 Toyota Camry is 23 years old — this is the original carpet! It took me exactly three hours to clean this carpet and I will tell you this: IT WAS WORTH IT!" — treylee Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 20. A liquid-free rolling screen cleaner to clean your tablet, phone, laptop, and more back to straight-from-the-box newness. You know when your screen goes dark and you're like, "Oh wow, that's a lot of dust and sneeze particles!" That's over now. Oh, is that just me? Promising review:"This little device removes the oil from your screen. Often, when you are 'cleaning' your screen by wiping it with a cloth, you are simply pushing around the oil into a thin enough layer to see through without noticing it as much. This device actually lifts the oil and removes it. My screen feels like new, which is great because I am picky about my devices. Also, this is much better than cleaning the screen with some kind of wipe since repeated cleaning with most wipes will damage the screen over time. Unbeknownst to me, my wife was cleaning her screen daily and now her screen collects oils far too quickly because she wore off the protective layer. With this product, you don't need to worry about that. Clean it as often as you want/need and you can continue to enjoy that pristine screen without fear of wearing the oleophobic layer off prematurely. I would highly recommend this to others." — Alex Get it from Amazon for $24.95. 21. A nongreasy eye cream designed to deflate your under-eye bags, hydrate your delicate skin, and brighten your under-eyes, thanks to a blend of aloe, rosehip seed oil, and vitamins C and E. Under-eye bags and circles are natural and NBD, but helping reduce their appearance can make you ~feel~ more awake! Promising review:"I have been using this daily for about eight months now. I am 60 years old. It reduced the puffiness and bags under my eyes. I am Sicilian and had dark circles. It has brightened up my eye area. I am very surprised as I have paid much more for eye creams that have done so much less. I recently had precancerous cells removed at the bridge of my nose. After healing, I was left with a dark scar. The dermatologist told me that it would heal over time. Since I began to apply this eye cream, the mark has almost disappeared entirely. I shop constantly from Amazon. This is the first time that I have taken the time to write a review. That's how impressed I am with this product. If you decide to purchase this, you won't be sorry." — Lynda M. Get it from Amazon for $20.18. 22. FryAway, a plant-based solidifying powder capable of turning leftover cooking oil into an easily disposable solid, so you *don't* end up pouring grease down the sink and dealing with clogged pipes later on. And it hardens completely, meaning no leaking in the trash! Just sprinkle a packet of the power into your *hot* oil, wait for it to cool toss! FryAway is available in three sizes: Pan Fry (which comes with four packets each capable of solidifying two cups of oil each), Deep Fry (which comes with two packets, each capable of solidifying eight cups of oil each), and Super Fry (which comes in a bag you can scoop for any size need). Promising review:"Honestly I didn't know if this would work, waiting for it to cool down made me nervous, but once it was at room temperature it was solid. It popped out of the fryer so nicely. Worth every penny." — Emma Get the Deep Fry size from Amazon for $8.47. FryAway is a woman-owned and Latina-owned small business, and they donate 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on water conservation. 23. A wine-aerating spout to help your three-buck chuck breathe and open up, helping the individual flavors and ~nuances~ of the wine be more apparent — even to beginner wine palates. Amazon Promising review:"I am not a wine specialist, but I know what I like and buy very good wine at very reasonable prices. I did a taste test to see if I could notice a difference. Sipped some wine out of the bottle left to breathe for a couple of minutes; then some wine poured through the aerator and sipped immediately. The difference is VERY NOTABLE, even to my untrained palate. The wine tasted fresher, smoother, less harsh and more flavorful! I no longer drink reds without using these. And if I forget, I pour the wine back in the bottle and attach the aerator. Another nice feature? There are no wine drops coming down the side of the aerator, so no more risk of dripping onto a tablecloth or a shirt." — J. Long Get a pack of two from Amazon for $15.95 (available in three colors). 24. A pack of Avarelle pimple patches formulated with tea tree oil and calendula oil (to heal and shrink zits faster overnight). AND they come in two sizes — classic circular patches & large, square patches so you can easily treat and shrink clusters of pimples all at once. A lot of reviewers who have also tried Cosrx and Nexcare patches prefer these! Promising review:"I've tried so many brands of pimple spots, and these are hands-down the best on the market. I'm a performer at Walt Disney World, and a clear complexion is required. Last night, I put these on a few acne problems (a small cyst, a Whitehead, and a pimple I shouldn't have picked and has been a bump for about three weeks now.) I just woke up and am writing this review in disbelief. THEY'RE FLAT! Gone! All of them! I could cry I'm so happy. The packaging is also ideal, because it allows you to conveniently and easily peel the stickers off without stretching them out or folding them back on themselves. Do yourself and your complexion a huge favor! Have these on hand for a stubborn zit when you really need help. Make sure you apply them to completely clean and dry skin." — Caitlyn Get the box of 40 round patches from Amazon for $7.22. OR try their large, rectangular size to tackle multiple pimples at once. Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $7.64. 25. A set of Rubbermaid produce-saving containers that'll regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, keeping fruit, veggies, and greens fresh for 80% longer... and saving you money. BuzzFeed I recently got a couple of these and a bunch of basil and strawberries stayed fresh for SO LONG!! Promising review:"I always have the best intentions when I buy fruits & veggies, but then they go bad so quickly. I have been using these for quite some time for strawberries and blueberries. I decided to buy more for broccoli, peppers, lettuce, baby carrots, etc. The 8-piece set (4 containers with lids) seemed to be the best value for the sizes that I wanted. Now, they do take up a lot of space in the fridge. I can only fit the smaller ones in my crisper bins. But if they help me save money on produce then it's worth figuring out how to fit them in. So far my veggies seem to be hanging in there quite well several weeks after purchase. The green leaf lettuce is especially nice, it would have been slimy by now if it were just in a plastic bag and it looks just as fresh as when I bought it. These really do seem to work and are a good investment." — Jules Get the set of four from Amazon for $23.05. Check out our full Rubbermaid Freshworks review of these game-changing containers! 26. Grooming gloves designed with nodules on the fingers and palms to make brushing the excess hair from your cat, dog, or even horse more like petting. Amazon Promising review:"I love these gloves. I have three German shepherds that shed constantly and they do not sit still very well, but with these gloves they feel as if they are being petted and don't mind at all. These gloves easily pick up the loose hair and leave my dogs sleek and shiny. Also it is very easy to just shake the hair off the gloves. You don't have to dig the hair out of the grooves like you do with some brushes. I am so happy to have found these." — Margie Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes junior and S–XL and seven colors). 27. Fenty Stunna Lip Paint, a 12-hour liquid lipstick that'll look good on lit'rally everyone! Reviewers love the color payoff and stay-put formula, and that soft matte finish is Sephora Promising review:"Wow. My new favorite lip color!! I ate three meals today and it stayed completely on all day. It truly is a great color for all skin tones. It's so lightweight when you wear it and also very matte. Would highly recommend!" — Crystal Cas Get it from Sephora for $29 (available in five shades). 28. A red wine stain remover that'll turn any party foul into an amazing party trick. It's non-toxic and bleach-free — working at the ~molecular~ level to break up stains (both new and old) for easy removal. I love science, don't you? Promising review:"It did pass my first test! I did not expect to use this product a couple of days after I received it. Had a spill of red over one of my favorite shirts. I did try to remove the most dramatic area with water and soap right away; then I let this product sink in for half hour before washing and voilà it was all gone!" — Gerson Melgar Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 29. Londontown's illuminating nail concealer, a sheer but buildable formula that cancels out yellowing or staining, leaving healthy-looking, glowing nails and a little flush of color, which you can also layer for that glazed nail look that's so on trend! Amazon Promising review:"I'm not a big review writer but I had to write one about this polish! Now, it has only been a few days but so far it has been the best nail polish I have ever used! I was hesitant because it's way more than I have ever spent on a nail polish. But it is so worth it. I don't know why it seems so different but it was easy to apply and looks as good as when I get a manicure. I have never had that when I have done my own nails! So far, I am hooked!" — jenc Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in five shades). Londontown is a woman-owned, family-run business btw! 30. A self-closing, mess-free toothpaste cap to help cut down on toothpaste waste *and* mess, especially for families with kids ( tbh) who might be a little heavy-handed when it comes to squeezing those tubes. Promising review: "I saw these on an Amazon review video on YouTube and figured I'd give them a try because my boyfriend tends to leave the toothpaste bottle a complete mess and I can't stand it! These things have a great seal and give out a good amount of toothpaste when you squeeze it. It wipes clean very easily. So glad they come with more than one but not sure what I'll use the other ones on yet." — Kimberly C. Get a set of three from Amazon for $6.45. 31. A one-handed bottle opener for quickly removing beer tops — *without* bending the edges. Amazon Promising review:"My husband says this is the greatest beer bottle opener ever. Hate struggling to crack open your beer, well now you don't have to! In one quick squeeze, it's all over with and you're enjoying your beer. And it's a magnet, so it will never get lost in the drawer." — 4eva Get it from Amazon for $23. 32. An ergonomically designed detangling brush with cone-shaped bristles that separate tangles by pulling them apart sideways, not tugging them down. Reviewers say it's a miracle worker for everything from thick, coily hair to the finest strands! Promising review:"I always skeptical of products that claim to 'glide through,' but this brush actually works! I have very thick kinky coily hair and this brush passes through my hair easily both wet and dry. I'd recommend this product to anyone looking for a good detangling brush. And yes, I'm leaving my Denman brush for this one." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 10 colors). 33. An easy-to-use jewelry cleaning brush for polishing up your brand-new or decades-old precious stones and keeping them as sparkling as your love still is (aw!) — in just a few quick swipes. Amazon, It's filled with a cleansing + polishing solution to rid stones of clouding dirt and oil and ensure every facet shines. Just twist the bottom of the pen to dispense the fluid and brush on! Promising review:"Don't get me wrong — my wedding ring was gorgeous before. It did sparkle and still made me smile every day. using this..*oh my goodness*! After one use of the Diamond Dazzle ring is absolutely breathtaking! I knew my ring got dirty now and then, simply from sweating and being outside in the elements. However, I never realized just how much dinge and schmutz marred my beautiful diamond until I cleaned it. It literally took my breath away with its fiery, dazzling brilliance! My wedding ring is something that always makes my heart beat a little faster: for its beauty, for what it now, my smile is even bigger and my heart skips a beat a little more as I gaze upon this amazing clarity. It is an amazing value with mind-blowing, beautiful results!" — liltreeclimber Get it from Amazon for $9.48. 34. A bottle of Chamberlain's Leather Milk conditioner that'll bring new life to your furniture, shoes, handbags and more. It's like a time machine for dull, scratched, or dried-out leather, is what I'm saying. Promising review:"Had an old ottoman that the leather was just so dried out. Thought about just tossing it but then I researched leather restoring products this was listed as one of the best. As you can see from the photos, the transformation from dried, discolored leather to what is as close to the original luster that was made with just one application is pretty remarkable. And the feel of the leather is soft and supple. No sticky feeling at all. Very satisfied with the results." — Bonnie Get it from Amazon for $34.13. 35. A seven-in-one Instant Pot you've probably heard a lot about — for a good reason. Or rather a good seven reasons: It slow cooks, pressure cooks, makes rice, sautés, makes yogurt, and keeps food warm. Bye-bye, other appliances! Amazon Promising review:"I cannot believe how amazing this product is, I've been writing all over FB about it and encouraged get my friends to invest in one. We live in a small apartment that heats up quick with use of the oven, this baby saves us energy on and time! I cooked a pretty good size roast in about 45 minutes. Which would usually take 4-5 hours in the oven. Yeah, I'm in love. I really didn't think it was possibly for this machine to be as great as it claims, but it really is! It's WORTH IT. Don't hesitate, take the step forward this awesome investment." — Amanda D. Get a three-quart size from Amazon for $79.95 (also available in a six-quart size). 36. A Tubshroom, a game-changing drain strainer to catch every single strand of shed hair and make clogged showers a thing of the past. BuzzFeed Promising review:"Can't say enough good things about this product. I have a family of four and would frequently have to snake our shower drain, it appears I won't be having that problem ever again. I even give my dog baths and this collects the hair. It does not seem to slow down the flow of water down the drain significantly. I'm very impressed having been using around a month. You don't know how much hair you wash down your drain until you use this!" — Aaron Morlock Get it from Amazon for $11.04 (available in five colors). 37. A wine saver that'll remove the air from your open bottle of wine, then seal it with a stopper, so you can enjoy the rest of it later — and it'll still taste fresh! Tap to play GIF Amazon, Promising review:"I'll admit i was a little skeptical about this but bought it due to all of the good reviews and research I did. It seemed almost too simple, if that makes sense. But yes, it really is that easy to work it and you definitely hear the clicks when you're got it sealed up. It is very easy to take the stopper back out as well. I highly recommend this. I also don't think it would be too hard for someone with arthritis, since you can grip the handle on the unit well and even the last pump or two it doesn't take too much force." — Celinenme Get a vacuum sealer, plus two stoppers from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors). 38. A bottle of No Pore-Blem primer to smooth out the canvas of your skin pre-foundation, diminishing the look of pores and uneven skin — all while protecting and adding moisture, thanks to collagen and green tea extract! Amazon Promising review:"I wanted to give this product 10 stars.. But was only limited to 5. This stuff is AMAZING!!!! I'm almost 30, and my face has become super oily... Like I can fry chicken on it by the end of the day. So for months I've neglected wearing any kind of foundation or makeup in general. After reading reviews I figured I would give this a try. The glow it gives you is AWESOME!!! it makes my skin so soft.... I'm probably going to wear just this and no foundation 50% of the time. I went for it and did my whole face and ladies.. You know that could mean several steps of the Ttexas the amounts of sweat. My face was No oil... No smears... No pores... This is literally sent from heaven!!!! My ONLY dislike is the fact that you cant purchase this in five-gallon buckets!" — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 39. A pair of wine glasses with markings so you can play a full A-major scale just by running your finger around the rim. Uncommon Goods Promising review:"It really does play individual notes, on correct pitches. It was fun to play around with. If you're a dorky musician (like me), this is definitely a fun way to enjoy music and wine!" — Gabe Get a set of two from Uncommon Goods for $68. 40. A few sheets of LED-dimming stickers to finally keep those pesky router, TV, clock, and other electronic lights from ruining your ~room of complete darkness~. They dim 50-80% of the light, so you can still tell that your devices are still actually *on* and functioning. You can always double them up to completely block out the light source if you'd like (many reviewers do this) or buy the stronger **full black-out** edition! Promising review:"This is the best thing you never knew you needed. I own a digital clock with the numbers displayed in red LED light, and every night I've blocked the light with a cover so it doesn't shine in my eyes as I sleep. Silly I know, but I like my room pitch black and cave-like. On a whim I bought this product. OH MY GOD! Game changer!! For the first night EVER I didn't have to cover the clock display before I went to bed!! I had no idea how big a difference this little dimmer could make, but I'm more than pleased with the result. I can still see the time display just fine, but now my room is a happy cave! Some commenters argue you could get the same effect using electrical tape, regular tape covered in sharpie, etc, but true to the name of these products if you're looking for something to DIM, then this is for you. Also the product is easy to remove and doesn't leave a sticky residue at all, which can't be said for most tapes. I did notice a slight lag in response when I covered my TV LED sensor, so if you're trying to block something that actually senses inputs I would maybe not suggest this. Other than that, excellent product!" — Amazon Customer Get a sheet of over 100 dimming stickers (in multiple sizes and shapes) from Amazon for $3.99. 41. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that can dissolve that pesky hard, dead skin in just a few minutes — for real, don't leave it on for more than that. Then just rinse, sand with a pumice stone or rasp, and enjoy those silky-smooth feet! If you love Baby Foot but hate waiting, this is a great option. Promising review:"As many folks have said, have all the things you need (gloves, phone, shower head, etc.) at hand when you apply this freaking miracle. I have heels like a busted can of biscuits, and I don't have much faith in any product. Any trip to the salon is basically worthless for my calluses. So I soaked my feet and dried them. Applied the gel and waited. Rinsed and started using my rasp. I have NEVER seen so much skin come off. And it just kept coming. I rinsed and put lotion on, then slept in thick socks. My feet are so soft! Game changer." — VR Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two-pack). 42. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which over *200,000* 5-star reviewers swear by for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. All for *under $5* too — meaning you'll actually replace it as often as you're supposed to. Promising review:"My favorite find of 2022. This is the best mascara I've tried! Great coverage, smudge proof and last all day long. I always get compliments on my lashes when I wear this (I don't wear it daily because I'm lazy). Beautiful color on this and I love the application wand. Will definitely be buying again!" — Strickley Sara Promising review:"After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte ($23) for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long wearing. I go from an eight-hour work day right to the gym and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E. Miller Get it from Amazon for $4.49 (also available in a three-pack). 43. A mold & mildew removing gel, because you don't need to get your whole shower redone once this is in your life. Just squeeze out and let this non-drip gel work its magic overnight — NO s c r u b b i n g. Promising review:"I CANNOT emphasize enough that this stuff works MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had taken before photos, because when I say magic, I mean UTTER WITCHCRAFT. The caulking around my tub was staining moldy, but a little hit of this and it was GLOWING WHITE like we had just recaulked. I recommended it to my aunt, whose house was built in the 1970s so her tub caulking stains were over 40 years in the making, and she was going to pay someone to come in to strip the caulk and do it over new. I told her no need — just use some of this stuff! Worked like witchcraft AGAIN!!!! Her caulking is also glowing white now, and she's recommending it to HER friends now!!! This stuff is so good, you'll recommend it to everyone you know. No caulking stains are too deep for this!!!!!!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 44. An odor-eliminating candle that'll truly knock out the worst pet stinks and leave your home smelling ahhh-mazing. They're made with soy wax that burns for up to 70 hours, plus the scents are allergy-friendly! Amazon Promising review:"I have multiple dogs in the house and am always concerned that it smells like that to visitors even cleaning everyday. I have use other candles and melts that add a pleasant smell to the underlying odor, but One Fur All Pet House Candles do better. I have been able to leave the house for hours and when I first open the door, on my return, I don't smell dog. We recently had a house full of people (many of them pet parents) over for Christmas dinner and it was actually commented "Your house smells really nice. How do you keep the dog smell out?" I laughed and told them I was just wondering if the candles were working. I guess I got the BEST answer." — LLL Texas Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in six scents). Check out BuzzFeed's Pet House candle review for more info. 45. A Revlon one-step drying brush (now with an upgraded motor) with a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. It's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them. Promising review: "I never write product reviews, but this brush is amazing! I have curly/wavy hair that is past my shoulders, but very fine. If I don't blow dry and straighten it right away it gets very curly and frizzy and has always been a pain to blow-dry and flat iron. I have never been very good at blow-drying with a round brush and have always relied on the flat iron to get my hair smooth after drying. With this brush, I can let my hair air dry for a bit, and then use this, and I don't need to use the flat iron at all. My hair looks so full and bouncy that several people have asked me if I just got my hair done. Honestly, with this brush, it looks better than when my hairdresser blow dries! It is so easy to use and takes way less time to do than blow drying. I haven't tried from wet wet, but today I only let it dry a bit and then used the brush and it was still fast. My only complaint is that the handle is a little big and hard to hold on to, but that is fairly minor. Also, I was worried about it getting tangled in my hair, but so far I have been able to wrap my hair around the brush and not have any issues getting the brush out. I love it!" — Bostonchick Promising review: "I doubted it but it worked wonders on my hair. I'm never using a blow drier again!! This was amazing on my 4C hair!!!" — SherryK Get it from Amazon for $33.58 (available in eight colors). 46. A ~Fasta Pasta~ cooker to make perfectly al dente pasta right in the microwave — no waiting for the pot to boil. Plus, the lid doubles as a strainer, so you really won't dirty any extra dishes! Amazon Promising review:"I bought this microwave pasta cooker at a time when I did not have a stove. Even though I have a stove now, I still use this cooker for dinner for myself sometimes because it works so well and quickly! There are lines to indicate how much water to put in the cooker versus the amount of pasta you intend to cook. The pasta comes out very soft and perfectly cooked when instructions are followed. When the pasta is done, the lid is used to drain the cooker of water and works very well. I highly recommend this to any college student or adult who needs a fast microwave pasta cooker!" — Kelsi Murphy Get it from Amazon for $17.95. 47. A pet hair-removing roller with a patented brush design (and *no* adhesive strips) to rid your lovely black sofa of all your furry friend's shedding in a quick roll — so you can get back to cuddling together. It has over over 140,000 5-star reviews! Promising review:"Where has this been all my crazy cat-loving life? Sticky rollers work fine for clothes but this is the only product that has ever COMPLETELY removed all the cat hair from my bed. I have a long-haired 20-pound. tabby and if you run your hands up his back a few times and fling the hair everywhere, it looks like it's snowing – he never stops shedding no matter what I do. After using the ChomChom, I can put on a black dress and roll around on my bed and not get a single hair on me. It's absolutely amazing. Everyone is getting one for Christmas, even if they don't have a pet. I don't care, it's THAT good." — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four colors). 48. A BodyGlide blister-preventing balm that'll provide a layer of protection between those ouchy-ouch shoes and your delicate foot skin. Promising review:"I thought this stuff was a bunch of BS, I was like pssh what a waste of $8 ON AMAZON FOR THIS LITTLE THING. Well, I put it on today on spots where my flats rub off the skin. My feet survived an entire day, INTACT! Highly recommend. This product made wearing shoes that rub on your ankles/backs of your feet doable!!!!" — Jamie Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 49. A set of silicone egg poachers with perforated cups to mimic the traditional poaching method (aka swirling water around and around) without having to do any work — and so your egg stays perfectly round and never wisps away. Amazon Promising review:"FINALLY! My long search is over for a solution that really works! The eggs poach perfectly! The process involves simply dropping an egg into the poacher and waiting a few minutes for the desired level of firmness — no stirring the water to create a vortex or messing with the egg during cooking! This means that when you need to cook for several guests, multiple poachers can be used to prepare as many eggs as needed at the same time! There was even a handy chart with suggested poaching times which is dead-on accurate. Cleanup is a breeze! I am ordering another set and won't poach any other way than with Good Grips. My only negative comment is that I will probably eat way more Eggs Benedict than I should now that it is so easy to prepare the eggs!" — JoeBT Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99. 50. A scent-free, biodegradable odor eliminator for those stinks you didn't think you'd ever smell the end of. It bonds with ~odor molecules~ to get rid of the stink without leaving any perfume-y smells behind. Dead mice, run-ins with skunks, pet messes, years of cigarette smoke — reviewers have stopped them ALL with this spray. Promising review:"I have seen the commercials for others with claims of removing odors (and tried them too) but I have used this for years and will continue too use it. Zero Odor works where all others have failed. The first time I used it we were clean out an apartment to prepare it for new people and the prior tenants had a strong, offensive odor they left behind. I thought nothing would work and we would have to completely refinish the entire area and that would have cost a fortune, well Zero Odor was a last ditch effort because we had tried about seven or eight other things already, from chemical cleaners (hours of labor) to every type of spray I could find and none of them even put a dent in it, a few masked it for about an hour but that was all they did. I purchased Zero Odor specifically for this problem area, I sprayed everything, walls, floor, ceiling and the closet too. We came back the next day and it was totally free of any odors at al, it was 100% clear and clean. Keep mind the placed smelled so bad before that we had to keep the windows open, well Zero Odor became a part of my cleaning kit from that day on and I will never go without it. This one works, plain and simple. I have no idea how but when everything else failed Zero Odor did it and continues to time after time. Let the others claim whatever they want but this product does exactly what it says with no compromise, not even a hint of the old odor is left behind. No way around this one, it's great stuff." — Stonington Get a pack of three bottle sizes from Amazon for $29.95. 51. A set of bake-even strips you can wrap around cake pans before you bake for a more level, evenly baked result. No need to cut off the top of your cake = no wasted cake!! Amazon, Although I do sometimes like to snack on that part. Just soak them in water while you're mixing up the batter, then wrap! Promising review:"I first heard about these bake-even strips on a baking blog and just had to try them out. I am so glad I did! My cakes would usually come out looking like a dormant volcano and I'd have to spend quite some time trying to cut them down to be level, usually ending up trimming almost half the cake away! But with these bake-even strips, my cakes came out flat and pretty evenly baked without the darker, slightly over-cooked edges. I even got compliments on how even my cake levels looked... a definite MUST HAVE for those who do a lot of baking." — Shari Nakano Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.85 (also available in a two-pack). 52. A Clorox toilet wand with disposable scrubby heads *preloaded* with cleaner so you can clean the whole bowl with one hand — and *one* product. Amazon I use these myself and they get the JOB DONE. Promising review:"You ever look at your toilet brush in disgust and resentment? How's a dirty used up brush sitting in your throne room? You clean your bathroom but then you put that sucker down in its place and it's just like, mocking you. It's never truly immaculate. Never knowing true cleanliness. Fear no more. Now you can shine the porcelain throne and not have to worry about a used up toilet brush mocking your clean sparkling bathroom. Gone are the days of breathing in dirty poop particles from the reusable potty cleaning brush thingy. Clorox Toilet Wand is the answer to your prayers if you want an easy, deep cleaning, toss-away-after-you're-done type contraption for that porcelain throne of yours. Fast, cheap, and easy. Just like.... How we like to clean." — Juliana Get the kit (one wand and six scrubbers) from Amazon for $20.86. 53. A Luminoodle — an LED lighting strip you can affix to the back of your TV for a backlighting effect that'll create sharper images, increase color contrast, and reduce eye strain. Promising review:"I'm obsessed with this product! I'm actually mad I haven't had this all my life. It looks amazing and fancy lighting up my TV area. My husband and I always fight about the lamp begin on while we're watch tv in the dark so this was the perfect compromise. It helps my eyes too bc if it's pitch dark my eyes hurt watching the bright tv.. this eases my viewing experience with the lamp off. But mostly I love how it looks!!!!! Worth every penny. It was so easy to install, sticks great even after unpeeling and moving it a little. I will be buying another for my other TV." — Cris Promising review: "THE BEST MONEY EVER SPENT!!! JUST GET IT!!!" — saylthecell Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six sizes, regular and pro). 54. A drain-clearing tool with a rotating handle and five replacement snakes with 4,000 micro hooks and a slim design to shimmy down any drain (you don't even need to remove the cover) and snag all the hairs and goop that's clogging the system — in one quick pull. Amazon, Promising review:"I don't write many reviews, but when something blows my mind like this, I have to! Not only did this remove an enormous amount of hair from my drain, it took less than 30 seconds to do so! I didn't really read the instructions, but it's pretty straightforward. Stuck it in the drain, cranked the handle, pulled it out. Voila, no more hair! Buy it! You won't be disappointed." — Linsey Barbieri Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 55. Elizabeth Mott's cult favorite Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer to keep your favorite eye makeup look on lock all day AND all night — *no* creasing, *no* budging. That's right, you will NOT have to reapply before your evening plans. Promising review: "This stuff is MAGIC. During the summer months when it's 100 degrees, my eyeshadow & eyeliner would be melted into my eyelid creases halfway thru the day and I was having to constantly fix it. This primer will keep your makeup looking fresh for 24 hours. No eyelid creases ALL day and into the night. Even fell asleep with my makeup on and it was the same in the morning! This has become a permanent staple in my makeup bag." — Katie Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 56. A weighted blanket reviewers swear by to help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The just-heavy-enough pressure can help you relax and feel comforted enough to drift off. Amazon It's available in five sizes and and 10 weights, so whether you're looking for one for a kid, for yourself, or to use in a king or queen-sized bed with your partner, there's an option for you! Promising review:"This is the BEST purchase I have ever made. I have been an insomniac for years and have never successfully been treated. Even with many doctors' appointments and medications — NOTHING worked! On top of that I have RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). I thought I would give this blanket a try. This product is not advertised for RLS but it absolutely should be! I have had my blanket for three days and I have been basically sleeping in a coma-like state!!! It is the soundest and best sleep I have ever had in my life. And the comforting weight on my legs and boy just eases those RLS symptoms and drifts me off to a sound sleep!!! It is so hard to describe the feeling of peace and comfort the minute you lay it on your body. I actually ordered the 15-pound blanket for my weight and height because I wanted the extra weight just in case. I decided to go ahead an order a second one if I have an emergency situation and need even more weight on my legs. This product is phenomenal to say the least!!!" — DeAnn Barksdale Get it from Amazon for $29.90+ (available in 31 colors and prints). 57. A pair of arch supports with compression to help relieve foot pain, whether you have fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, or just spend all day on your feet. Read more about how a lack of arch support can aggravate plantar fasciitis at the American Podiatric Medical Association. Promising review:"I run 3-5 miles, circuit train and lift 5-6 days a week. I totally overdid it a few weeks ago. To make matters worse, I realized my sneakers were too old. The pain was unbearable. I have very flat feet, weak ankles and I suffered multiple feet/ankle injuries as a competitive athlete when I was a kid. I bought new sneakers, which definitely helped, but the pain was still there, so I gave these a shot, not expecting much. But WOW what a difference! My foot pain has probably decreased by 70-80%. I still can't believe it. Best $15 I ever spent. The arch support is fantastic, the compression is secure. Only complaint is that sometimes they make my feet cramp, but my feet cramp all the time anyway. An amazing buy that I didn't expect to work but it really did!" — Melissa Get them from Amazon for $15.95. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Steve Borthwick's selection shows England's desperation – but there is logic behind bold calls
Marcus Smith has been here before. It is the week that France are coming to Twickenham and the Harlequins playmaker is the subject of a huge selection call. In 2023, it was his promotion to the starting side at Owen Farrell's expense; in 2025, it is his shifting to full-back to accommodate Fin Smith 's first international start at fly half. It was Kevin Sinfield who first suggested exploring the attacking potential that utilising the Harlequin at full-back might create. During the 2023 World Cup, with England looking to find ways to maximise their offensive options amid the development of a limited kick-pressure led gameplan, the rugby league legend and then-defence coach convinced Steve Borthwick to give it a try. Three starts at the position, including in the quarter-final against Fiji, brought three wins. The circumstances, clearly, are different here. Necessity was not necessarily the initial mother of this invention, but with England on a run of seven straight defeats against non-Japanese opposition, Borthwick has felt a shake-up is required for the mighty challenge that awaits them on Saturday. There is a certain irony to the fact that Marcus Smith has been among England's most consistent performers in that time - but doubts remain about his ability to best structure and set-up a backline; two strengths of his younger namesake. Deploying them together, Borthwick feels, might bring the best out of both. In Super Bowl week, John Madden's old saying of if you have two quarterbacks, you have none comes to mind. But playmaker primacy appears to be becoming less and less important in international rugby. Look, for example, at the top four sides in the world. South Africa have flitted between Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard in the last 12 months – if Pollard remains their dead-eyed closer, the greater gifts of his younger teammates clearly have a role to play in the Springboks development. Ireland, meanwhile, are balancing the demands of the present and future as Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley vie. The Munsterman's timely arrival off the bench helped them over the line last weekend but Prendergast's controlling role has been perhaps underrated. New Zealand swapped and switched between Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett in 2024 amidst attempts to retrieve Richie Mo'unga from his lucrative, leisurely life in Japan. Even France, where Romain Ntamack would usually have a relatively secure grip on the starting shirt, have used both Matthieu Jalibert and Thomas Ramos at the position plenty during Ntamack's injury woe or, as is the case this weekend, disciplinary struggles. The presence of Ramos at 15 shows also the developing tactical importance of having a second playmaker at full-back. If it was once the 10/12 creative axis that was in vogue, increasingly in international rugby the trend has been to having a second distributor in the backfield – be it Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn or Willie le Roux. It is not a slight on Freddie Steward to say that he is not currently that player; the Leicester full-back has a great many other strengths that provide significant value. But not, perhaps, as much in a game like this – unlike other teams who kick to contest regularly, France prefer to lump it long with a well-formed chase. In the absence of George Furbank, Borthwick feels that Marcus Smith is the man to spark his side on the counter-attack, as he did in the build-up to Cadan Murley's try in Dublin last week. The head coach will recall last year's thriller in Lyon, when Furbank's eighth-minute injury forced the Harlequin to 15 early. England's best attacking performance in recent memory followed. The difference, of course, was that it was a 95-cap George Ford as pilot then; Fin Smith has none of the veteran's accumulated Test wisdom. But there is confidence in a 22-year-old that England feel is capable of thriving the biggest stage. A short senior career has already included a strong showing in a successful Premiership final performance, and starring roles in wins over Munster in Limerick and the Bulls in Pretoria. France are a better team than the one fielded at the end of last year's tournament, aided, of course, by the return of the masterful Antoine Dupont. Their Shaun Edwards -drilled defence dealt Wales their first nilling in the competition since 1998, though the visitors' attack (overseen again by Rob Howley) was hugely simplistic and lateral in Paris. England are confident that they can cause more problems. Of interest at the Stade de France was the use of Dupont in the 13 channel as an aggressive blitzer on the edge of Edwards's system. With defensive linchpin Gael Fickou absent due to injury, Dupont caused havoc in a new role – forcing Nick Tompkins to drop the ball cold by a well-timed surge to cut off the corner, and later making an excellent read to shut down Dan Edwards. It feels strange to target someone so good, but if France return to the tactic against England, look for Marcus Smith to try to get to the outside of Dupont as a second receiver behind Fin Smith and a pod of forward carriers. The other key selection call from Borthwick comes in the back row, where Tom Willis joins Tom Curry and Ben Earl. The Saracens No 8 adds much needed ball-carrying ballast and is perhaps a player best used growing into games from the start rather than off the bench, a bit like his predecessor for club and country, Billy Vunipola. His inclusion does add a little bit of extra height to the lineout but England remain with just one real specialist option in Maro Itoje. Having gone away from their mauling game over the last 12 months, they were forced to use a number of shortened set pieces and quick throws against Ireland, preventing too much structured attack, and may again look to play at speed on Saturday. Four of France's back five forwards are genuine jumpers – there is a clear contrast in strategy. Borthwick's bold calls might have to work to avert Six Nations disaster. England XV to face France (4.45pm GMT, Saturday 8 February): 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 George Martin; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Henry Slade, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry; 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly. France XV: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Alexandre Roumat, 5 Emmanuel Meafou; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Damian Penaud; 15 Thomas Ramos. Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou; 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Sam Prendergast handed keys to kingdom as Ireland reveal side to face England in Six Nations
Ireland rugby fly half Sam Prendergast has been handed his first Six Nations start after beating Jack Crowley to the number 10 jersey against England. Leinster youngster Prendergast will open Ireland's title defence as chief playmaker after impressing in his debut international campaign in November. The 21-year-old, tipped as a long-term successor to Johnny Sexton, displaces Crowley despite the Munsterman's key role in steering Ireland to the title last year. The selection is a bold first call from interim coach Simon Easterby, who oversees the squad for this tournament with Andy Farrell on sabbatical while preparing to take charge of the British and Irish Lions. Ireland are hoping to become the first side to win three consecutive Six Nations titles after backing up a grand slam in 2023 with 2024 success. 'I have been hugely impressed by the effort of the squad,' Easterby said. 'We've enjoyed some competitive sessions and it wasn't easy selecting a squad for this week's game given the quality of those who haven't made the final 23. 'Credit to those who missed out on selection for this game, there was obvious disappointment but they all stepped up brilliantly to help prepare the team this week. 'England are a talented squad with quality across their panel and we know that we will need to hit the ground running to deliver a winning performance. The atmosphere will be electric come kick off and I know how excited the Irish public will be to see their team perform. That opportunity to represent the Irish people is something that always motivates the players and there has been real intent in how they have approached this week's training. We're ready for the challenge and excited to get going.' The absence of lock Joe McCarthy due to injury is a significant blow to Easterby's pack. With the bulky second row absent, James Ryan partners Tadhg Beirne in the engine room with the rangy Ryan Baird on the blindside. James Lowe starts on the wing after making his own comeback from injury for Leinster last week, while hooker Dan Sheehan is set to feature off the bench having made a rapid return from the serious knee issue sustained in South Africa last summer. A relatively settled 23 sees Finlay Bealham deputise for the absent Tadhg Furlong on the tighthead and fellow prop Cian Healy set to extend his Irish caps record with a 135th appearance. Ireland XV to face England in Dublin (4.45pm GMT, Saturday 1 February): 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan. Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw.
