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Strategic partnerships manager Elisabeth Chambry tried the Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner system with a leave-in treatment.
Elisabeth Chambry/Insider
Even with a sea of options, it’s hard to find haircare that feels like it’s really made for you.
Function of Beauty is changing that with custom haircare that’s based on your quiz results.
We tried it and loved the personalization process, but our thoughts about the formulas were mixed.
Table of Contents: Masthead StickyProduct Card (small, Preferred: Function of Beauty)
Human beings are unique. We wear outfits that show off our personal style. We create playlists so we can listen to the music we love whenever we want. We have myriad interests and passions which we proudly display on our social media profiles. For the most part, the world that we live in makes it easy for us to personalize everything in our lives – from monogrammed phone cases to data-driven subscription boxes.
So, why doesn’t our haircare get the same treatment?
Function of Beauty was founded in 2015 with the intention of helping people embrace their one-of-a-kind hair- and shaking up the shampoo aisle with some much-needed personalization. After all, we search for customization in so many other aspects of our lives, why should we settle for two-in-one shampoo and conditioner?
Zahir Dossa may not seem like your typical beauty brand founder. But, the MIT alum (with four degrees from his alma mater) saw a need for customization in the space. While receiving his PhD, Dossa started working on a beauty cooperative. When he asked a group of people for feedback on the same product, he was surprised at the wide range of answers he received. It was that experience that planted the seed that would soon become Function of Beauty, a haircare brand that lets people customize their routine with totally personalized shampoos and conditioners.
What we thought after trying Function of BeautyElisabeth shows the before and after using Function of Beauty on her curly hair.
Elisabeth Chambry/Insider
Function of Beauty has received tens of thousands of five-star reviews, but we wanted to see how it actually worked on our own hair. So, four of my colleagues swapped out their regular shampoos and conditioners for customized Function of Beauty regimens. They all filled out the hair quiz and received an eight-ounce shampoo and conditioner just for them. Find their reviews, below.
Elisabeth’s Function of Beauty haircare lineup includes: purple shampoo, purple conditioner, and leave-in treatment.
Elisabeth Chambry/Insider
Elisabeth Chambry, strategic partnerships manager:
Hair type: light brown, curly, fine, dry scalp, long
Products: shampoo in purple, peach scent; conditioner in purple, peach scent; leave-in treatment
Elisabeth’s experience: As a curly-haired girl, I was skeptical of the Function of Beauty haircare products but pleasantly surprised by the results. It might not be noticeable to the untrained eye, but my curls look more defined, less frizzy, and more moisturized.
I’m always searching for the perfect leave-in and curl cream combination for styling my hair. For the last two months, I’ve exclusively used my Function of Beauty leave-in treatment. It does a great job conditioning my curls and fighting frizz without weighing down my hair. The shampoo was sudsy even though it was silicone-free. I had to use much more conditioner, so the bottle is about 50% less full than my shampoo. This is common for me as a curly-haired girl who needs a lot of conditioners, so I wouldn’t necessarily note it as a drawback. I have used other conditioner formulas that penetrated my hair better, making it softer and detangled, but I thought this formula did a fine job. The bottles are a joy to have in the shower, but the pumps also lock easily for travel.
As for my scalp, I didn’t notice any difference in ridding flakes and dryness. I’ve had trouble finding a haircare product that competes with my simple apple cider vinegar rinses. I’ll likely continue my treasure hunt to find something that absolutely blows me away, but I’ll keep Function of Beauty in my back pocket for a reliable and fun-to-have haircare system. Finding products that work for my hair is pretty difficult, but I enjoy the chase.
Product Card (small, Preferred: Function of Beauty)
Connie Chen shows the before and after using Function of Beauty on her color-treated hair.
Connie Chen/Insider
Connie Chen, senior reporter:
Hair type: dark brown (color-treated), medium coarseness, straight, medium-length
Products: shampoo in purple, pear scent; conditioner in blue, pear scent; hair mask
Connie’s experience: With most haircare, it often feels like I have to compromise somewhere, whether it’s an ingredient I don’t want in the formulation or being pigeonholed into certain fragrances. I love that Function of Beauty gives me way more control. I have dyed hair, so I was able to choose a purple shampoo to reduce brassiness. At the same time, I could choose to have my products address my specific hair goals, which include strengthening and conditioning with a nice smelling formula. Over the last six weeks, I’ve used the shampoo and conditioner every other day. I apply the hair mask once a week and my hair looks and feels much healthier. A plus is that all the fragrances smell amazing – I’ve tried the pear, peach, and mango over the years and they’re some of the most memorable haircare scents I’ve used.
Product Card (small, Preferred: Function of Beauty)
Alyssa’s Function of Beauty custom haircare lineup includes: turquoise shampoo and purple conditioner.
Alyssa Powell/Insider
Alyssa Powell, graphic designer:
Hair type: black, tightly coiled, short
Products: shampoo in turquoise, lavender scent; conditioner in purple, lavender scent; both silicone-free
Alyssa’s experience: As much as I love my tightly coiled, well-put-together hair, maintaining moisture, retaining length, and finding the right products have always been a struggle for me. So I chose the following hair goals when customizing: curl definition, hydrate, and strengthen. I also chose to get the silicone-free formula for both, in the True L(o)vender scent because it was 100% natural.
The packaging of these products was beautiful. I loved my name printed on the bottles and on the direction booklet. When I tried Function of Beauty last year, I was not impressed. However, I decided to give it another try because I finally found a wash routine that had been working for me. I also wanted to use the products properly this time.
I followed my normal routine: shampooing once a week, using conditioner every other day, then following up with a leave-in gel from another brand. I let the conditioner sit for the directed 5-10 minutes. I liked the way my hair felt after using the shampoo and conditioner. It was clean, moisturized, and the products smelled amazing.
After one month of using the products, I think Function of Beauty has earned a spot on my bathroom shelf. Having a consistent routine and following the directions made all the difference.
Product Card (small, Preferred: Function of Beauty)
Mara’s custom Function of Beauty lineup includes: a purple shampoo, white conditioner, hair serum, and body lotion.
Mara Leighton/Insider
Mara Leighton, senior commerce reporter:
Hair type: brunette (color-treated), thick, wavy, long
Products: shampoo in purple, eucalyptus scent; conditioner in white, eucalyptus scent; body lotion in eucalyptus scent; hair serum in pear scent; body wash in white, eucalyptus scent; body lotion in white, eucalyptus scent
Mara’s experience: My hair can be as dry and frizzy as grass in a drought, so I tend to favor hydrating products – and I was surprised by how much I loved Function of Beauty’s formulas.
First, I was able to customize my shampoo and conditioner to include the stuff I know I need but hate looking for in ingredient lists, such as ingredients to combat brassiness in color-treated hair and nutritious oils to smooth and hydrate. Personally, I don’t care about the option to pick the color. But most importantly is that my hair consistently dried to look better hydrated and less frizzy, but still clean and voluminous.
If I could only buy one thing again, though, it would be the Hair Serum. It makes my hair look so uncharacteristically hydrated, shiny, and more defined (the qualities I find most difficult to replicate) without edging on greasy. It’s also more manageable after I’ve applied the Hair Serum. I’ve definitely used too much before, but in my experience, that’s difficult to do; my hair drinks this formula up. And the pear scent smells really nice.
The lotion and body wash are nice but don’t reinvent the wheel (and they don’t need to). My one nitpick is that I wish I’d gone for light strength on the fragrances. I chose the fresh, clean eucalyptus (which smells a lot like mint) for most of the products, and it’s just slightly heavy for my liking.
Product Card (small, Preferred: Function of Beauty)
How to create your personalized shampoo and conditioner
Creating your own Function of Beauty haircare is simple. You’ll follow these steps to get a customized formula:
Fill out a quiz about your hair type and hair structure (curly, straight, thick, fine, etc.)
Choose five hair goals (Do you want to banish brassiness? Reduce oil? Add shine or volume?)
Pick out a fragrance (some of the scent options include eucalyptus, lavender, and peach)
Choose from nine color tints (all 100% vegan and sulfate-free; you can also choose to leave it dye-free)
The hair quiz tells the FOB team everything they need to know about your hair, and the brand’s algorithms will get to work to find you the perfect formula. Your products will also come to your door in cute personalized bottles.
Pricing
There are a few ways to buy Function of Beauty products. You can choose to get a delivery just one time, every six months, every three months, or once a month. In terms of size, you can choose from an eight- or 16-ounce bottle of either shampoo or conditioner. The pricing ranges from $29 for a single eight-ounce shampoo bottle to $49 for a 16-ounce shampoo and conditioner set. These are definitely pricier than your drugstore haircare brands, but the price tag reflects the custom approach as well as the high-quality ingredients used.
If you love the idea of custom haircare but need something less pricey, Function of Beauty also has a more affordable product line at Target. It works by having you first pick out a base formula, and then mix in booster packets that address your specific hair needs. The base formulas are $10 each and the booster packets are $2.99 each. You can learn more here.
The bottom line
Function of Beauty’s custom shampoo and conditioner is fun to create and the colorful bottles look great on a bathroom shelf. Most of us were won over, but whether or not it works for you will really come down to your personal preferences. What we can all agree on is that we appreciate the clean scents, the thoughtful details, and the easy-to-use ordering process.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged Congress on Wednesday to extend a July 31 deadline to pay down a portion of the federal government’s $28 trillion in debt to investors and foreign governments.
Without the extension, she warned of an “absolutely catastrophic” default that would imperil the nation’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
“I think defaulting on the national debt should be regarded as unthinkable,” she told the Senate Appropriations Committee, calling it “utterly unprecedented in American history for the US government to default on its legal obligations.”
Though borrowing is a routine cycle the federal government uses to keep the country running through the sale of bonds, it’s reaching its “debt ceiling” on July 31 and needs to service its debt before it can borrow more. The Treasury has some ability to keep payments flowing beyond that date, but Yellen said it could exhaust those measures sometime in August during the month-long Congressional recess. Increasing the debt ceiling does not mean additional federal spending.
If the federal government defaults, Yellen said it could jumpstart a chain reaction of cash shortages starting with US bond holders, which include individuals, businesses, and foreign governments.
“I believe it would precipitate a financial crisis,” Yellen said. “It would threaten the jobs and savings of Americans and at a time we’re recovering from the COVID pandemic.”
Congress last suspended the borrowing limit in July 2019 for two years under President Donald Trump. Yellen also emphasized the pandemic is causing uncertainty around the Treasury’s emergency powers to step in with emergency payments if it became necessary.
Some Republicans have signaled they will press for spending cuts in exchange for signing onto a debt ceiling increase, despite supporting a surge of red ink under Trump. Among many Democrats, memories of a 2011 brawl between House Republicans and President Barack Obama on the debt ceiling are still fresh, as it sent stocks tumbling and caused the first downgrade to US credit.
“This is a page from the Obama-era economic sabotage playbook, and I’m not going to let Republicans play games with the economy for their political benefit,” Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, told Insider in April.
With July 4 approaching, many mattress brands, including Casper, Leesa, and Dreamcloud, are having sales that will continue through the holiday. If you’re in the market, you’ll have a bit more time to figure out the best kind of mattress for your budget and sleeping type. Some of these deals are only available through the manufacturer, and we’ve rounded them up here.
Here are the best deals still available after Prime Day 2021
Watch Series 6 (40mm, GPS) (medium, Preferred: Walmart)Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (medium, Preferred: Walmart)Essential Wireless Video Doorbell (medium)Original Pillow (medium)iPad Air (4th Gen., 64GB) (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Nest Thermostat (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Joy Machine (medium, Preferred: Amazon)AirPods Pro (medium, Preferred: Walmart)Foodi Deluxe XL Cooker & Air Fryer (medium, Preferred: Amazon)S6 Robot Vacuum (medium, Preferred: Amazon)S6 Pure Robot Vacuum and Mop (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Mac Mini (2020) with M1 (medium, Preferred: Amazon)iPad 10.2-inches, 128GB (8th Gen.) (medium)New MacBook Air (M1) (medium)Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug (medium)One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer (medium)Original Hybrid Mattress (Queen) (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Precision Cooker Nano (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Fire TV Stick 4K (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Mint Mattress (Queen) (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Echo Show 5 (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Smart Cooker (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Personal Water Filter (2-Pack) (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Breed + Health Kit (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Subscription (medium, Preferred: Amazon)
A McDonalds’ restaurant sign is seen as the restaurant is closed due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on April 19, 2020 in Southampton, England.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Insider investigated the campaign finance records of Arkansas lawmakers who sponsored anti-transgender legislation.
Several visibly LGBT-friendly companies, their agents, and franchise owners gave money to the laws’ sponsors.
McDonald’s franchise owners and State Farm agents donated a combined $107,000 to the Arkansas legislators.
The franchisees and agents of companies like McDonald’s and State Farm directed vast sums to legislators that backed some of the most anti-LGBT legislation passed this year.
Arkansas was one of several states across the US that enacted legislation restricting trans women from playing on women’s sports teams during the 2021 legislative session and was the only state to pass legislation that aims to remove access to medical care and punish those who treat trans youth.
Insider pored through campaign finance records from the Arkansas Secretary of State for the 76 members of the Arkansas legislature who sponsored House Bill 1570 or Senate Bill 354. We then digitized the records to identify key corporate supporters and found that several corporations that position themselves as LGBT allies have agents, employees, and franchise owners that donated to the sponsors of Arkansas legislation using their company’s name and branding since 2018.
State Farm Insurance, for example, frequently takes part in local Pride Month events and proudly touts the company’s support on its website. State Farm public affairs specialist Michal Brower told Insider that the company does not donate directly to state legislators.
“State Farm does have a Federal PAC (SFF PAC), which allows our employees and agents to collectively provide funds to individual candidates across party lines,” Brower said. “The SFF PAC does not provide contributions to state-level candidates or legislators in Arkansas, past or present.”
But while the company itself did not send money to Arkansas legislators, several of its individual agents donated $72,000 through a separate political action committee: the Arkansas State Farm Association PAC. The two surviving PAC officers did not respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Much like State Farm, McDonald’s also proudly positions itself as a supportive ally of the LGBT+ community through various digital campaigns and media sponsorships, but McDonald’s franchise owners donated a combined $35,000 to 52 of the sponsors of the anti-trans legislation since 2018 through the McDonald’s Local Owner Operators of Arkansas PAC.
The company promotes on its Diversity and Inclusion webpage that it received a perfect score in each of the last five years on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. McDonald’s did not respond to Insider’s request for comment.
LGBT advocates told Insider that corporate support on Pride Month is inadequate if the company continues to finance the sponsors of deleterious legislation.
“Corporations can’t celebrate Pride with us in June and expect us to look the other way if they fund anti-LGBTQ campaigns, legislators, and activist groups,” GLAAD Rapid Response Manager Mary Emily O’Hara told Insider. “Being a corporate ally means speaking up for what’s right and helping fight anti-LGBTQ discrimination all year long. It’s not just throwing a rainbow on some packaging one month out of the year.”
Former NSA consultant and data privacy advocate Edward Snowden tweeted on Wednesday that Julian Assange “could be next,” after antivirus mogul John McAfee died by apparent suicide in a Barcelona prison cell following news that he was being extradited to the US on criminal tax evasion charges.
Spanish outlets broke the news of McAfee’s death by suicide on Wednesday.
“Europe should not extradite those accused of non-violent crimes to a court system so unfair – and prison system so cruel – that native-born defendants would rather die than become subject to it. Julian Assange could be next,” Snowden tweeted.
“Until the system is reformed, a moratorium should remain,” he added.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was arrested in April 2019 in the United Kingdom, and a UK court temporarily blocked his extradition to the US in January 2021 on 18 charges, most through the Espionage Act, of obtaining and sharing classified information.
The 27 best products we bought on Amazon Prime Day 2021:
Toshiba 32-inch and 43-inch Smart TVs
Amazon
I knew that come Prime Day, I’d want to grab a couple of cheap TVs for the guest bedroom and home gym, and these Toshiba sets checked all the boxes for under $200 each. They come with built-in Fire TV, which means they will work seamlessly with my existing streaming setup. – Ellen Hoffman, service journalism editor-in-chief
I’m getting married in September and I drink several cups of coffee a day, so you do the math. I waited to buy these on Prime Day after seeing that they were one of the most popular deals from last year, and I’m glad I did because I saved about $22 on the kit. It’s the one thing I didn’t get price-gouged on for my wedding! – Sally Kaplan, executive editor
I wore Invisalign all throughout the pandemic and now that I’m done straightening my teeth, I’ve wanted to show them off a little! I’ve seen these Whitestrips on sale before during events like Black Friday and waited until Prime Day to snag some. – Julia Pugachevsky, education & personal development editor
White Luxe Glamorous Whitestrips (button) Coop Pillow
Amazon
I bought a Coop Pillow last year on Prime Day but my partner and I recently upgraded to a King bed, so I needed a King-size pillow to match. After sleeping on and absolutely loving the Coop for the last year, I wasn’t going to settle for an inferior pillow this time around. I snagged the King version — something I would’ve bought at full price anyway — for 20% off. – Jen Gushue, home & kitchen reference editor
Ever since Coop landed the top spot in our guide to the best pillows, I’ve been strongly considering them. I finally bought one for myself — a stomach sleeper — and one for my boyfriend — a back sleeper. We both have neck pain from time to time, so the ability to customize these and the 100-day trial gives me peace of mind. – Lisa Sabatini, pets & parenting editor
Last year, my husband needed a new pillow so I bought him the Reviews’ team cult favorite, the Coop Pillow on Prime Day. However, I made the dumb mistake of thinking I wouldn’t like shredded memory foam fill (I’ve always been more of a down pillow gal myself) and didn’t buy one, too. Well, I’ve been kicking myself ever since and hoping all year it would go on sale again for Prime Day. I’m a light side sleeper with neck pain, and I was wowed by how comfortable the pillow is and can’t wait to sleep on it! – Emily Hochberg, travel editor
As someone who has tried and failed to give themselves a salon-quality blow out, I jumped at the chance to buy the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer this Prime Day. The price of $49.99, plus an additional $10 with a coupon at checkout, was incentive enough. I’m excited to begin styling my hair more and more with this tool. —Gareen Puglia, story production fellow
We ditched our gym memberships during the pandemic and don’t have any plans to reactivate them. Instead, we’re slowly building out our home gym in the basement. And since workout benches are actually pretty expensive, my fiancé jumped on this deal for $60. – Ellen Hoffman, service journalism editor-in-chief
I like to count my steps but don’t always like to bring my phone with me on walks or runs. I didn’t feel like I needed something as high-tech as an Apple Watch or the Fitbit Sense Advanced. Instead, I was looking for a cheaper option with just the basics that also wouldn’t be too bulky. The Fitbit Inspire 2 checked all those boxes so I snagged it when it went on sale for nearly 50% off. — Hannah Freedman, associate travel editor
Inspire 2 (button) Levi’s 501 Original Shorts
Amazon
The 501 denim shorts that put Levi’s on the map is selling fast on Amazon, so I jumped on Prime Day’s 30% off sale. I’m a huge Levi’s lover because they’re meant to last forever, but the price tag always deters me. This time, I didn’t have to splurge close to $100 on one pair and bought my pair in Jive Stone for just $25. – Jacqueline Saguin, style & beauty fellow
Women’s 501 Original Shorts (button) Toilet paper
Amazon
Our executive editor turned me on to the fact that Prime Day is an excellent time to purchase a year’s supply of toilet paper, so that’s exactly what I did. My favorite part is that it all ships right to my door, so I literally never have to walk the TP aisle of the supermarket again this year. – Lauren Savoie, senior home & kitchen editor
I’ve been looking at this monitor for quite some time. I currently have two monitors and want to make the switch to one gigantic one. This particular chonker will not only display gigantic spreadsheets with ease, but also packs a 144hz refresh rate to keep up with my games of “Overwatch.” I found it for 25% off on Amazon Warehouse, and it was too good of a deal to pass up despite my “only essentials during Prime Day” rule. – Tercius Bufete, deals editor
I love my library app, except for the long waitlists for new releases. Four months — aka a whole summer — of free beach reads? Count me in. – Julia Pugachevsky, education & personal development editor
Kindle Unlimited Subscription (4 Months) (button) Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser in white
Amazon
Last Prime Day, I wanted to pick up a waterpik, but I couldn’t snag one before they sold out. Since I have a permanent retainer, it’s very difficult to floss with regular floss. Everytime I go to the dentist, my hygienist recommends that I purchase a waterpik as an alternative way of flossing. I hope it makes my life easier, and I’m glad I was able to get one at such a steep discount. – Victoria Gracie, associate distribution producer
WP-660 Water Flosser (button) eufy 2K Video Doorbell
Amazon
A video doorbell was high on my list of things to buy after a recent move. This one from eufy came highly recommended by our tech editors and was on sale for Prime Day, so I finally added it to my cart. – Ellen Hoffman, service journalism editor-in-chief
2K Video Doorbell with HomeBase (button) Insignia 32-inch Smart TV
Amazon
I’m not a huge TV person, but I’m moving into a new place in September, and I wanted something small for my nightly “Real Housewives” binges. This Insignia smart TV is low-profile enough that it isn’t an eyesore, but it has all of my apps built right in. – Maria Del Russo, senior style & beauty editor
32-inch Smart HD TV (button) Anastasia Brow Gel
Amazon
I’ve been using this brow gel for 5+ years and it never fails to give me a fluffy look that stays in place all day. I use the clear gel, but if you don’t have thick brows already you might prefer one with pigment! – Elisabeth Chambry, style & beauty strategic partnerships manager
Tinted Brow Gel (button) TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Amazon
We have great WiFi in the front of the house, but it struggles a little bit in the back. So we picked up a mesh WiFi system since they’re known to provide better coverage than a traditional router. It’s also supposed to be easy to set up … so fingers crossed! – Ellen Hoffman, service journalism editor-in-chief
Deco S4 Mesh WiFi System (button) Ring Doorbell with Chime
Ring
My partner and I just bought a new house, so this is the first time we’ve ever really had to consider home security. Ring doorbells came highly recommended by my partner’s dad and our own team’s tech experts. – Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Video Doorbell Wired with Ring Chime (button) Uarter Beeswax Wraps
Amazon
Beeswax wraps have completely eliminated my need for plastic wrap in my kitchen, so whenever they go on sale I stock up. This is the best price I’ve seen on these so far, and the largest ones can wrap around an entire baguette! And the best part is that they’re compostable once they break down. Just cut them up, place them in your compost bin, and order another round — hopefully for an equally low price. – Maria Del Russo, senior style & beauty editor
Massage guns are great tools for relieving muscle soreness, whether it’s from a heavy workout or if you just need to loosen up. A friend of mine flagged this brand to me and absolutely loves its stuff, so when there was a big price drop plus a 20% off coupon, I had to grab it. It’s small, which makes it portable, and apparently it’s just as powerful as the Theragun, so I’m excited to gift these to my favorite people. — Tiffany Chang, strategic partnership manager
NEX Gen Mini Percussion Massager Gun (button) Right Guard Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Amazon
While fancy gadgets and big kitchen upgrades get all the attention during Prime Day, I love the boring, necessary purchase. That’s why I purchased deodorant and soap every year for five years during Amazon Prime Day. This particular four-pack is 35% off at checkout. This should be enough to keep me odor-free through the hot NYC summer. – Tercius Bufete, deals editor
Sport Aluminum-Free Deodorant Invisible Solid Stick (4-pack) (button) Kona 360° Grill Brush
Amazon
I actually bought this grill brush a few weeks ago when it wasn’t on sale. For $20 (and now even less during Prime Day), it makes quick work of cleaning grill grates. – Ellen Hoffman, service journalism editor-in-chief
My wife and I needed to get a dedicated and good white noise sound machine to help our new baby sleep, as the smart speaker we were using was proving unreliable for 24/7 streaming of white noise. We bought this one based on its simplicity and various options for white noise and fan sounds, and it’s been a dream for us and our baby, so far. – Antonio Villas-Boas, senior tech editor
LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine (button, Preferred: Amazon) Google Nest Indoor Cam
Nest
Our current indoor camera that came with our alarm company was miserably bad at recognizing motion — it would rather record changes in lighting than actual people. So I bought the Google Nest Indoor Cam hoping it would fare better. So far, so good. – Antonio Villas-Boas, senior tech editor
I’m a big fan of attainable luxury, and in my early 20s, that means satin pillowcases for under $10. The pillow cases I ordered have already arrived, and I love the smooth texture and deep burgundy color. I prefer the zippered enclosure like on these cases because it keeps the seams aligned with the top and bottom of my pillow. — Lily Alig, junior home & kitchen reporter
Silk Satin Pillowcase (button) Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts
Amazon
I’m a big fan of Levi’s jeans but haven’t tried their denim shorts. And after seeing that these shorts were 40% off, I thought it was the perfect time to try them out. I snagged a pair in Luxor Baked and am super excited to get plenty of wear out of them this summer. — Victoria Gracie, associate distribution producer
Women’s 501 Original Shorts (button) Quaker Life Breakfast Cereal
Amazon
What do you get the guy who has everything? Food! I only bought snacks on Prime Day. I got two Frito-Lay 40-pack party mixes and some granola bars. I haven’t had Life in a long time. Four boxes for $7 seemed like a good deal, and I like how it has relatively little sugar for a cereal that tastes good. When I’m hungry at night, I like to have a bowl of cereal with almond milk, which makes for a healthy treat. Plus, Mikey likes it. — James Brains, home and kitchen reporter
Life Breakfast Cereal (button)
Apple iPad Air
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
I’ve been looking to upgrade to a new iPad and Apple Pencil for a while now, so when I saw the iPad Air drop to a new low of $519, I snapped it up immediately. I love the color variety, and I’m going to use it often for drawing. I picked the Sky Blue finish, and I’m excited to take Procreate on a spin. I also got to utilize an extra 6% back using my Prime Rewards Card as part of a Prime Day promo. — Sarah Saril, deals reporter
iPad Air (4th Gen., 64GB) (button) PhoneSoap 3
Amazon
The PhoneSoap is easy and effective at sanitizing phones, keys, and anything else that can fit; it’s so good that it’s the best overall screen cleaner in our guide. I’ve bought these in the past for my family, and it’s been great both for my parents and young nieces. They all loved it, so I was excited to grab one for myself at the lowest price I’ve ever seen. — Tiffany Chang, strategic partnership manager
Now a new reality dating show coming to Netflix in July has set the online world aflame once again. It’s outlandish, slightly nightmare-inducing, and it might be exactly what the platform needs if it wants to keep HBO Max and Disney+ from gaining on it.
“Sexy Beasts” will test people’s chemistry by dressing up contestants in elaborate costumes and prosthetics, transforming them into creatures like beasts, demons, and dolphins. The participants will then go on blind dates with each other and then make personality-based decisions on who they choose to match with.
Based on the trailer, there’s a “Beauty and the Beast” moment in the end when the couple is revealed to each other in their human, makeup-free forms.
Netflix’s promotional photos of the show, in all of their absurd glory, instantly prompted memes across the internet. You couldn’t log into a social media website Wednesday without spotting the furry and made-up faces of the show’s participants.
“Sexy Beasts” is the latest example of Netflix dropping a new release and immediately taking over the world of pop culture. But it’s also indicative of what Netflix banks heavily on to keep viewers hooked: wild original programming, and the wilder it is, the better.
Netflix defines original content as anything offered exclusively on its platform. That’s been the company’s strength in the streaming market as it competes with Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon instead of, for example, rounding out its movie selection.
Of course, other platforms have had a similar cultural effect, such as Disney+ with every new Marvel release and HBO Max with its DC content. But those services mainly tether their movies and shows to specific characters. Subscribers love Disney+ because it’s a cozy home to everything Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more.
And while Netflix also has storyline-driven movies and series, it’s evident with “Sexy Beasts” that the company is determined to keep as many customers entertained as it can with a wide array of content.
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, picked apart a growing argument from Republicans that the US military has gone “woke” with excessive diversity training.
Republicans were asking the Army general, who was chosen for his post by former President Donald Trump, about the role diversity training and “critical race theory” play in the military, the latter of which has become a major focus for the party in its messaging and fundraising efforts.
Milley grew animated during his testimony, which was ostensibly convened on the topic of the Department of Defense’s requested budget.
“I want to understand white rage – and I’m white,” Milley said. “What is it that caused thousands of people to assault this building and try to overturn the Constitution of the United States of America? What caused that? I want to find that out. I want to maintain an open mind here. And I do want to understand that.”
Milley earlier said that “a lot of us have to get much smarter on whatever the theory is,” referring to critical race theory.
“I do think it’s important, actually, for those of us in uniform to be open minded and be widely read,” he said, “And the United States Military Academy is a university.”
Republican talking points often refer to diversity trainings and the academic discipline of critical race theory as “indoctrination.” Milley bristled at that accusation, and outlined how reading something does not mean one immediately becomes a devotee of that ideology.
“I’ve read Mao Zedong, I’ve read Karl Marx. I’ve read Lenin. That doesn’t make me a communist,” he said. “So what is wrong with some situational understanding of the country for which we are personally here to defend?
“And I personally find it offensive that we are accusing the United States military, our general officers, our commissioned or non-commissioned officers of being, quote, woke or something else because we’re studying the same theories that are out there,” Milley continued.
Mostly confined to the realm of academia, critical race theorists look at how America’s history of racism and discrimination continues to impact the country today through laws and other policies that disproportionately affect people of color, regardless of intent.
Milley listed a series of laws and legal doctrines that discriminated against Black people in the US through the decades after over a century of slavery.
“That [critical race theory] was started in Harvard Law School years ago, and it proposed that there were laws in the United States – antebellum laws prior to the Civil War that led to a power differential with African Americans that were three-quarters of a human being when this country was formed,” Milley said. “And then we had a Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation to change it, and we brought it up to the Civil Rights Act in 1964. It took another hundred years to change that.”
A refillable water bottle is a great sustainable option for staying hydrated while you’re on the go.
The best should be durable, easily portable, and able to keep your beverages cold or hot for hours on end.
Our top pick, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, features rugged construction and excellent temperature retention.
Reusable water bottles are a must for anyone who wants to quench their thirst without leaving a trail of landfill-clogging plastic in their wake. But just like travel mugs, choosing a water bottle isn’t as simple as picking the prettiest option or the cheapest one.
If your bottle is mostly going to sit on your desk or travel from room to room in your home, your needs are quite different than if you want a lightweight companion for a weekend hike or a leak-proof option that rattles around in your gym bag without soaking everything inside.
To find the best currently available, we tested and researched a variety of bottles and bottle types. The following guide includes versatile stainless-steel options, inexpensive but reliable plastic bottles, and even a sturdy one for glass lovers. We also include picks for anyone who wants a bottle with a high-end design and a collapsible water bottle for situations when weight and portability are paramount.
At the end of this guide, we’ve also included some insight into how to shop for a water bottle and what to keep in mind when picking out which bottle fits your lifestyle best.
Pros: Very durable, great at keeping drinks cold or hot, easy to use, compatible with three kinds of lids, comes in high-capacity options
Cons: Heavy, expensive, flip top may leak, not dishwasher-safe
Hydro Flask is a great choice if you hate gulping warm water in the summer. It also offers some much-appreciated versatility, with a wide opening that fits three lids depending on your needs: A flip lid with a loop, a flex cap with an even larger loop (included), and a straw lid for more convenient sipping. We like having the option to switch out lids, and the wide mouth also makes it easy to load this bottle up with ice. You can choose between 18-, 32-, 40- and 64-ounce capacities and a number of fun colors.
During Outdoor Gear Lab’s testing, ice resisted melting for nearly a full 24 hours, and water was ice cold for more than a full day. The insulated stainless steel also keeps drinks warm for several hours, so Hydro Flask can pull double-duty as a travel mug for coffee and tea.
This thing is seriously rugged, too. Like all stainless-steel water bottles, it can dent when dropped, but in Outside’s tests, it managed to survive being pelted with large rocks and getting backed over by a Toyota Camry and a Chevy Silverado. After all that punishment, it sustained a quarter-inch dent and one small scratch. It also has a loop on the lid that makes it easy to carry one-handed.
Insider Reviews senior reporter Owen Burke calls Hydro Flask water bottles “lightweight and nearly indestructible” (he tested the 24-ounce version). But he found the silicone loop on the lid to be “not the most durable thing in the world, and it will eventually break.” Nearly every member on the Insider Reviews team uses a Hydro Flask. You can read about their experiences on why they like the company’s products.
It’s heavier than other bottles (the 18-ounce version weighs in at 11.6 ounces, the 32-ounce closes in on 1 pound) so serious hikers looking to save on weight might want to consider lighter options.
The flip-top is not leak-proof, so consider sticking with the flex cap if you want to toss your bottle in a bag without worrying. A few also complain of a slight metallic taste. Finally, this bottle is hand-wash only – steer clear if you live and die by the dishwasher. — Saundra Latham
If you prioritize price or weight over temperature retention, consider the inexpensive and easy-to-use Camelbak Chute water bottle.
Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, durable, easy to carry, gulp-friendly spout, dishwasher-safe, comes in high-capacity options
Cons: Lid is tricky to lock down, won’t keep your water cold for long, may “sweat” with condensation on a hot day
Stainless-steel water bottles like the Hydro Flask have a lot of pros, but they’re heavy. A plastic water bottle like the Camelbak Chute is cheaper and a lot lighter. In fact, the largest 50-ounce Chute weighs a measly 7.6 ounces. If you’re not quite that thirsty, no worries: There are 20-, 25-, and 34-ounce versions, too.
Like the Hydro Flask, the Chute has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill and load up with ice, and the large spout means you can gulp until you’re content instead of dealing with a valve that restricts flow, which is common on other water bottles. It also has a loop on the cap, making it easy to clip to a backpack or hook around a finger or two.
Though the Chute may not be as tough as stainless steel, it’s still relatively rugged for a plastic water bottle. It’s made of BPA-free, dishwasher-safe Tritan plastic that is engineered to resist cracking. Even better, most say the bottle doesn’t impart any funky plastic taste to their water.
A few minor issues: Other testers have found that it can be tricky to lock the cap down onto the lid while drinking, though they still appreciate having the option to keep the cap from springing back and bonking them in the nose. Of course, plastic isn’t great at regulating temperatures, so if you need to keep drinks hot or want to keep them cold for longer, take a look at the pricier and, of course, heavier stainless-steel Chute. — Saundra Latham
The best glass water bottle
Lifefactory
The Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle is a better choice for the most discerning palates and a more eco-friendly choice for anyone concerned with green living.
Pros: Glass won’t alter the taste of water, more recyclable than other options, silicone sleeve provides good grip and protection from bumps and drops, compatible with three kinds of lids, dishwasher-safe
Cons: Heavy, glass is less durable than plastic or stainless steel, flip-top may not regulate flow well enough for sippers, may “sweat” with condensation on a hot day
If you hate that metallic or plastic taste you get with other water bottles, you’ll love the Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle, which keeps water fresh and untainted, even after a full day sitting in the bottle. You don’t get the aftertaste that metal or plastic tend to impart.
The Lifefactory is also a good option if you’re worried about the chemicals in plastic and want something that is more readily recyclable.
No, glass bottles won’t survive as many drops as stainless steel or shatter-resistant plastic, but the Lifefactory bottle is protected by its substantial silicone sleeve. The sleeve also provides a grippier surface for holding the bottle. Since glass “sweats” more than other materials, this is a feature most users should appreciate.
You have a few lid options with Lifefactory water bottles: A silicone flip cap (included), a straw cap, and a leak-proof classic cap meant for those who want to toss the bottle in a bag without worrying. Other testers have said the wide mouth makes it easy to fill, though they do note it can be easy to misthread the cap, raising your risk of leaks. The bottle is dishwasher-safe, even with the silicone sleeve on.
Other issues are minimal: The flip cap can pop off and doesn’t regulate flow well enough for users who may just want a sip. Of course, like all glass bottles, the Lifefactory is heavy — the 22-ounce bottle is just over a pound — so it isn’t the best pick when weight is a big concern. — Saundra Latham
Pros: Wide range of beautiful designs, great at keeping drinks cold or hot, relatively durable, doesn’t “sweat”
Cons: Heavy, expensive, narrow mouth, not dishwasher-safe
S’well has become something of a phenomenon in a few short years, thanks in part to powerful backers like Oprah and massive retail partners like Starbucks and Target. Stainless-steel S’well bottles are always a standout on store shelves thanks to their eye-catching designs, whether you like wood grain, marble, metallic, animal print, or more.
Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey loves her stone-style S’well bottle for its slick design, ability to keep drinks cold, and its trusty lid. There are three sizes — 9, 17, and 25 ounces — and the smaller two bottles can fit in standard cup holders.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the design of a S’well bottle, but its triple-walled body means it’s just as good as the Hydro Flask and similar bottles at keeping drinks cold or hot – up to 24 or 12 hours, respectively. Users note that the bottle doesn’t sweat, keeping their hands dry. S’well bottles should stand up to a good amount of abuse, but reviewers note that like any steel bottles, they can sustain dents and dings if dropped.
S’well features a simple twist cap that receives high marks for its ease of use, and it really is quite leak-proof. Though S’well’s classic bottles have a narrow opening many reviewers say they’re still able to fit standard ice cubes inside. S’well offers a flip-top sport lid, but if a straw lid is more appealing, S’well won’t be an option. You’ll also want to hand-wash these bottles, a common recommendation for stainless steel.
These aren’t the lightest water bottles around – the 25-ounce bottle weighs in at a pound, similar to the 32-ounce Hydro Flask. You can’t ignore the fact that S’well bottles are on the pricier side compared with others. — Saundra Latham
The best flexible water bottle
Vapur
The collapsible Vapur Element weighs just one ounce unfilled, so you may even forget it’s in your bag.
Pros: Very lightweight, inexpensive, freezable, can be rolled up when empty, integrated carabiner makes for easy carrying, easy-to-use flip-top design
Cons: Slow to dry out, may spring a leak after extended or heavy-duty use
“Water bottle” may not be the best way to describe the Vapur Element. In fact, Vapur bills the Element as an “anti-bottle,” which does sound a lot cooler than “water pouch.” Made of a flexible BPA-free plastic, the Vapur can be squished, folded and rolled up when empty. Best of all, it weighs only about an ounce. There are two sizes: 24 and 34 ounces, though Vapur makes similar anti-bottles that are smaller and larger.
It’s the perfect water bottle for backpackers and anyone who’s always on the go. Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey brings the Vapur with her every time she travels because it’s so easy to carry. It’s often in her bag during the weekend, too.
As if weighing next to nothing and flattening for easy packing isn’t enough, the Vapur has a few more tricks up its sleeve. It’s freezable, which means your water stays colder longer, and the mouth is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes. Despite its flexibility, it’s still designed to stand up on its own.
The cap has an integrated carabiner that can be used to clip the bottle onto a backpack or belt, or keep it neatly rolled up when it’s empty. The mouth is also large enough to allow a brush inside, and the bottle is dishwasher-safe.
As for cons, most have to do with durability and cleaning. Over time it may start to leak from the seams, especially if you’re rough on it. Some reviewers say it’s also difficult for the Element to thoroughly dry out between uses. While the lining is antimicrobial, germophobes may want to look elsewhere. — Saundra Latham
If you feel like you spend much of your life on the road or on a plane, the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is the travel essential you can’t go without.
Pros: Lightweight, collapsible, great for travel or for folks on the go, easy to carry
Cons: Some customers have noted that it’s difficult to “un-collapse” the bottle after being collapsed
Not all collapsible water bottles are bottles. Some are pouches like the Vapur, some are basically water bags, but none of these are quite as cool as the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle. It’s cylindrical, maintains its shape even as you empty it of liquid, and has a lid with a sippy top. But once you’re done drinking or need to get through TSA, you can collapse the Hydaway into a flat disc that won’t take up a huge amount of space in your bag.
Rather than toting about a bulky bottle that has nothing in it, you can simply compress the Hydaway and, as the name suggests, hide it away. Even though the water bottle can be collapsed to take up no space at all, when it’s full, it can actually contain up to 20 ounces of water. So don’t think that you’re cheating yourself of much-needed hydration simply by choosing a bottle that’s super portable.
The Hydaway is made with food-grade silicone and plastic, which have both been tested by third parties and certified safe. The bottle is also BPA-free and dishwasher safe for added convenience. Thanks to its watertight seals throughout, you won’t have to deal with any leakage from this bottle, and there’s a carry handle that easily fits your finger or a carabiner so you can attach the Hydaway to a backpack or piece of luggage.
While some silicone leaves its contents with a rather plasticky taste or odor, I didn’t have this problem at all when I tested out the Hydaway. — Lulu Chang
How to shop for a water bottle
Shopping for a reusable water bottle doesn’t have to be an arduous process, and comes down mostly to how you intend to use the bottle. The most important features to keep in mind when deciding how you’ll use it are the materials used to manufacture the bottle, the amount of liquid it’s able to hold, the durability of the bottle, and whether it’s easily portable.
Here’s how each of those features factors into which bottle is best for your lifestyle:
Materials: The bottles featured in this guide are made of either stainless steel (Hydro Flask), glass (Lifefactory), or plastic (Camelbak and Vapur). If you plan on being on the go often with your bottle, consider buying a plastic or stainless steel model, as those will always be far less likely to shatter than glass. The Lifefactory glass bottle is quite durable but no matter how much reinforcement its rubber exterior provides, glass can still easily break.
Capacity: Most brands offer their reusable bottles in a variety of capacities, with some of the smallest holding anywhere from 8 to 12 ounces of liquid, while the larger bottles can hold upward of 64 ounces (or more). If you’re shopping for a bottle to have around the house, a larger bottle would certainly suffice, though it would be harder to take on the go should you decide to tote it along to the office or anywhere else.
Durability: This is sort of a 1b to materials’ 1a in terms of importance, and again depends on if you plan on just keeping the bottle around your house or taking it on the go. Stainless steel bottles can handle far more of an everyday beating than a glass or plastic bottle, so if you plan on commuting or traveling, stainless steel is the way to go.
Portability: Though stainless steel water bottles are consistently the best for portability, a bottle like Vapur’s collapsible is also a great option for the frequent traveler or commuter. The fact it’s able to fold down to something as big as a small wallet makes it easy to store in a backpack, purse, or even your pocket. Stainless steel bottles are inherently portable thanks to their durability but they will take up far more room in a bag.
