• It's good for your skin to remove makeup every night, but it can be a pain without the right makeup remover.
• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is our favorite makeup remover because it's fast, effective, foolproof, and it can be used repeatedly without stripping your skin.

However tempting it is to fall into bed after a tiring day or a big night out, removing your makeup is a must. If you want healthy-looking skin, it's the golden rule.

At night, your skin repairs itself, so if it is caked in makeup, it can cause more harm than good. Not only can leaving your makeup on overnight clog your pores and cause breakouts, it can accelerate the aging process, leaving you with dull skin and wrinkles. And, you'll end up with smudges all over your pillow!

A good makeup remover should easily remove all traces of makeup without much, if any, rubbing. There's an array of different types of makeup removers out there, from micellar waters and wipes to cleansing oils and lotions, each with different benefits and uses.

We've done our research and tested the best makeup removers on the market to come up our top recommendations. Whether you're a devout double cleanser or prefer removing makeup on the fly, there's something on this list for everyone.

Here are the best makeup removers you can buy:

• Best overall: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
  
• Best cleansing oil: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
  
• Best cleansing oil solid: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
• Best foaming cleanser: Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
• Best cleansing wipes: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths
• Best milk cleanser: Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser
• See also: The best eye makeup remover you can buy

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated links, formatting, and prices. 

The best makeup remover overall

If you want a classic, no-fuss makeup remover that is effective, affordable, and has instant results, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is a winner.

Touted as a miracle cleanser that doesn't need rinsing, Micellar water has seen a revival in recent years and is all the rage. Bioderma, considered the Queen of micellar waters, has a cult following. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Wateris the best-selling version, and one bottle is sold every two seconds, according to the French company.

This award-winning, one-step makeup remover is designed to remove all makeup even waterproof mascara instantly. There's no need to rinse, no oily residue, and no irritation. The oil-free, hypoallergenic formula is enriched with soothing cucumber extract and has been designed for sensitive skin, but it is ideal for all skin types.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is hugely popular with celebrities, and makeup artists, and is often used on runways as it is foolproof, efficient, and can be used repeatedly without stripping skin. An added bonus is that it is multipurpose, acting as a toner and moisturizer, too. If you are looking to simply your skincare routine, it's ideal.

In testing, I was very impressed at how quickly it removed all my face and eye makeup leaving my skin soft, clean and refreshed with no residue. It worked well on water-resistant mascara and heavier eye makeup but I needed to use more liquid.

It's not just me who loves this must-have from French pharmacies, it features on Style Craze and Women's Health Magazine best makeup remover lists. It is one of Amazon's bestsellers, getting an average of 4.4 out of 5 from more than 2,700 shoppers.

Although Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is the most popular Bioderma micellar water, you can also buy Bioderma Hydrabio H2O for dehydrated skin and Bioderma Sebium H2O for oily, blemish prone skin

Pros: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, fragrance-free, oil-free, can be used on both face and eyes

Cons: None

The best makeup remover oil

For gentle but effective makeup removal in just one step, Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil is hard to beat.

Fans of clean beauty will love this 2-in-1 cleanser and makeup remover from Japanese brand Tatcha. It promises to gently melt impurities, erase all traces of even long-wear and waterproof makeup, and deliver soft and silky skin. It is designed to thoroughly cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, leaving it balanced and nourished.

The soothing formula contains Japanese camellia oil, a lightweight ingredient that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, plus anti-aging superfoods such as green tea, rice, and algae that aim to restore healthy-looking, youthful radiance

To use, simply apply one to two pumps to your hands, massage onto dry skin, then rinse with water. Oil cleansers are often used as part of a double cleanse routine. This is where you first use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and follow it with a traditional lathering cleanser and water to give your skin a thorough clean.

However, the beauty of Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oilis that you only need to do the first step. It is safe to use around the eye area, too, but be sure to remove contact lenses first.

In testing, I liked the subtle smell of the oil. It emulsified into a milk when I added water and removed my makeup effortlessly. My skin felt clean, soft, and smooth, and there was no residue. I was nervous the oil formula might irritate my skin or cause breakouts, but it didn't react.

It's not just me who loves Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, it is highly rated by sites such as Women's Health Magazine and Elle. It also gets 4.5 out of 5 on Sephora with one customer saying, "You only need a small amount to fully cleanse all your makeup off including mascara and liner."

Pros: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, safe for eye area, anti-aging, does not contain mineral oil, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, free from SLS, parabens, and phthalates.

Cons: Pricey, better for face makeup

The best cleansing oil solid

The cult-favorite Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original was reformulated with cleaner ingredients and a higher melting point so you won't have to worry about it leaking all over your gym bag in the summer, or even your luggage while on a tropical vacation. 

Despite our love for oil cleansers, one of the major downfalls is that it's an oil and has immense potential to leak out onto just about everything in its vicinity.

But that won't happen with solid oil cleansers, and this one from Banila Co recently got upgraded with a higher melting point to withstand hot bathrooms and hotter summer temps. This also means you can shuttle it back and forth to the gym, and even take it on vacation, without any worries.  

The original mineral oil formula, which was questionable and potentially irritating for some people, has also been upgraded to a cleaner one with ester oil and vitamin C-rich fruit extracts.

To use, scoop a bit of the cleanser with the included spatula (or just use your fingers), gently massage over your skin, be amazed at how smooth the solid melts into a thin oil, and rinse off with warm water. The water should turn a little milky as it emulsifies the oil and washed clean. The result is a super fresh complexion with zero oily residue. 

The solid balm more than 600 5-star reviews on SokoGlam and the brand claims it sells a tub of the cleansing magic every three seconds. 

Pros: Doesn't melt easily, clean mineral oil-free formula, portable, inexpensive for the value 

Cons: Smallest 3.38 oz. size may not be considered travel-friendly for some 

The best foaming cleanser

If you're looking for an effective traditional foaming wash-off cleanser to remove your makeup, Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash is hard to beat.

Clean beauty fans rejoice, this wallet-friendly face wash from drugstore brand Pacifica makes removing makeup a breeze. It performs as well, if not better than foaming cleansers from premium brands.       

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash promises to remove makeup, cleanse, and tone your skin and deliver a glowing complexion. The lightweight gel-based formula is packed with natural, plant-derived ingredients such as coconut water, sea algae complex, and papaya extract that will nourish your skin.

I'm a huge fan of wash-off cleansers as I like the completely clean feeling you get. In testing, I loved the delicious tropical coconut smell. The liquid gel foamed up nicely and felt gentle on my skin. It washed away all my makeup and my skin felt squeaky clean and soft, but not dry.

Pros: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, vegan, cruelty free

Cons: Those with very dry skin might find it too drying

The best makeup remover wipes

For convenient and effective makeup removal when you're on the go, Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths are superb.

These oil-free, no-rinse wipes are a favorite with makeup artists as they are formulated to gently but quickly remove all traces of face and eye makeup including stubborn waterproof mascara, while at the same nourishing your skin.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Clothsare ideal to leave by your bedside for the days when taking off your makeup seems too much of a chore, for use pre- or post-workout, or when you're traveling.

The organic cotton cloths are pre-moistened with mineral-rich spa water infused with essential herbs including rosemary leaf, sage leaf, lavender, and ginger to protect, calm, and hydrate your complexion.

In testing, I found the wipes felt thick and luxurious and had a pleasant scent. One wipe cleaned off all my face and eye makeup, quickly and easily, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed. There was no sticky residue and no irritation.

Pros: Suitable for all skin types, good for sensitive skin and eyes, effective on waterproof mascara, free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance, oil-free, alcohol-free, no need to rinse

Cons: Pricey

The best milk cleanser for makeup removal

Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser is gentle but effective, easily removing makeup and impurities without needing to rinse.

Milk cleansers are ideal if you have sensitive or blemish-prone skin as they are known to be gentle, removing makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser promises to take everything off including mascara and lipstick without leaving a sticky residue in just one step, and leave you with a glowing complexion.

The no-rinse formula contains lightweight ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to moisturize and spring water to soothe and soften your skin. To use it, you simply massage it onto your skin and remove the excess with a cotton pad.

In testing, the milky liquid had a pleasant fragrance. It quickly removed all my makeup leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Pros: Suitable for all skin types, ideal for sensitive skin, no-rinse formula, free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, gluten-free, non-drying

Cons: None

Check out our eye makeup remover guide

The best eye makeup remover you can buy

Eye makeup is notoriously stubborn and difficult to remove, so you need a good, safe makeup remover in your arsenal.

To save you time and trouble, we have researched and tested the best eye makeup removers on the market according to consumers and experts, to come up with the best of the best. Only ophthalmologist-tested eye makeup removers are featured in this guide.

Here are the best eye makeup removers you can buy:

• Best remover overall: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
• Best remover pads:Burt's Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads
• Best remover splurge: Chanel Demaquillant Yeux Intense Eye Makeup Remover
• Best remover for sensitive eyes: Klorane Soothing Makeup Remover
• Best remover for heavy makeup: Neutrogena Oil Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Check out our other skincare buying guides

• We've tried more skinny jeans than we can count.
• After testing the best new skinny jeans, Warp + Weft got our vote for best overall with its vast size offerings, various inseam lengths, sub-$100 prices, and different skinny jean styles.

For many women, skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple. For one, they can be styled to look ultra-casual or night-out polished. Skinny jeans are generally comfortable, with a good amount of stretch woven into the denim. The slim-fit silhouette is flattering across a variety of body types. Plus, there are now a wide range of washes, rises, sizes, and lengths available from affordable denim brands — many of which are also dedicated to body inclusivity.

If you're reading this article, I'm certain that you've owned plenty of skinny jeans before. You may already have a couple of favorite go-to pairs. Maybe you haven't found a pair you absolutely love yet. But what I do know is that even the most avid skinny jean wearers tend to diversify their arsenal. After all, different jeans offer different things.

That's why we tested several different skinny jeans to come up with this buying guide to the best skinny jeans offered by the buzziest direct-to-consumer denim brands and to decode the key features that may be most important to you when shopping for a pair of skinnies.

Here are the best women's skinny jeans you can buy:

• Best skinny jeans overall: Warp + Weft
• Best skinny jeans with minimal stretch: Everlane
• Best skinny jeans for curvier bodies: Liverpool Jeans
• Best skinny jeans with a high-rise: Mott + Bow
• Best skinny jeans for plus sizes: Universal Standard

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated links, prices, and formatting. 

SEE ALSO: We tried the skinny jeans the internet has been raving about — and they really are that slimming

The best skinny jeans overall

With sizes ranging from 00 to 24, Warp + Weft skinny jeans offer a wide spectrum of trendy and classic styles for every kind of body type.

What impressed me most about Warp + Weft is how many great styles the brand offers across so many sizes, which made me think this is a brand dedicated to offering jeans to an inclusive customer base. There are a variety of both classic and trendy styles to choose from, which is important to note, especially since many skinny jeans tend to come in one particular look.

Warp + Weft sells coated jeans, distressed jeans, destroyed hems, and colorful denim for more adventurous wearers. For that reason, I gave the Petite MXP — with its stretch-blend fabric and exposed pull-ring fly zipper — a test run. The pants were slim-fit down to my ankles (though a little long in the inseam), sculpting every curve from my hips to my calves for a seamless look. The exposed fly detail is out of my ordinary aesthetic, but I was delighted to see how fashion-forward and understated it looked at the same time.

For a more classic affair, a representative of the brand told me that the JFK mid-rise skinny is the "hometown favorite" because it comes in the widest variety of fabrics and colors, and can be scored for less than $100.

This denim is super soft, with a touch of stretch and lift, allowing it to hug your curves without squeezing or digging into your body. A common characteristic of stretch denim is that, yes, it's designed to stretch over time. So if you're interested in a style from Warp + Weft, it is recommended that you order a whole size down to bypass this issue.

Pros: Fun and trendy details, wide variety of sizes

Cons: Petite inseams run too long, may loosen over time

Buy the JFK Skinny at Warp + Weft for $98

Read our full review of Warp + Weft on Insider Picks

The best jeans with minimal stretch

The ethically-made High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Everlane are made with a high-quality Japanese fabric that's 98% cotton and 2% elastane.

Everlane has two skinny jean fits available for women — a high-rise and mid-rise, with different washes and lengths (ankle and regular) available for each.

Since I'm a petite woman at 5'3, I opted for an ankle-length style, which fit my frame perfectly without hemming or cuffing (those who are shorter may need additional alteration). What I like most about this Everlane pair is how structured it is compared to the other brands in this shopping guide. The company used cotton with a mere 2% elastane for a touch of stretch.

In other words, this style is less likely to stretch out or get baggy over time. Some shrinkage did occur after giving the pair a wash, but after a day or two of squeezing back into them, the jeans eventually gave way back to the original size.

As with all Everlane products, these jeans are produced under ethical and environmentally-conscious processes. And at $68 a pair, the price isn't too shabby either. I highly recommend Everlane denim if you're a woman who prefers her jeans to hold her in at the waist, but don't expect these pants to do any favors during a large dinner.

Pros: Two lengths available, transparent ethos

Cons: Sizes max at 32 in European sizing (roughly 13/14 in US sizing)

Buy the High-Rise Skinny Jean at Everlane for $68

Buy the Mid-Rise Skinny Jean at Everlane for $68

The best skinny jeans for curvier bodies

Liverpool Jeans"cross fits" its styles across multiple body types, which means these skinny jeans are designed to flatter curvier silhouettes.

While I myself have a relatively straight body shape (there isn't much of a difference from my waist to hips), Liverpool is known to make a great pair of jeans for other varying body types. Liverpool employs a "cross fit" innovation process, which has the brand reworking jean styles until it accommodates most everyone, including wider hips and muscular thighs and calves.

Even though a handful of women may all be the same pant size, Liverpool ensures that its jeans will also fit and flatter across the board. Liverpool told me the cross fit begins with a professional size four fit model, followed by a personal test run by co-founder Jill Perilman who makes sure all points of measure grade are also consistent in a size six.

From there, a whole array of samples are cut from sizes zero to 12 and tested across many women staffers at Liverpool for diversity. Feedback is collected, samples are revised, and fit/construction issues are addressed before a style goes into production. As you can tell, Liverpool takes this process very seriously.

The most popular style, the Abby Skinny, is a classic mid-rise that is offered in 16 different washes and up to a size 16. The denim is super-soft with a generous amount of stretch without feeling like the style is going to bag out.

I would compare the fit similar to the way compression workout leggings feel — form-fitting around the legs with plenty of give for those aforementioned curves. As a petite woman, I found myself having to cuff the hems a few inches, but overall, Liverpool has made a great pair of affordable everyday jeans that can easily translate from day to night.

Pros: Designed to flatter multitude body types, many washes and sizes available

Cons: Not available as a high-rise, style runs a bit long for petites

Buy the Abby Skinny Jean at Liverpool for $89

Read our full review of the Liverpool jeans on Insider Picks

The best skinny jeans with a high-rise

Mott & Bow's High Rise Skinny Jeans hold in the waist for a stylish and secure fit with super soft denim, rich color options, and a 10-inch high-rise.

Whether you prefer a mid-rise or a high-rise jean is solely dependent on your preference, but I admit to being partial to high-rise styles myself — especially when it comes to stretch denim — because I find high-rise jeans are at better retaining their slim-fit shape with less need to "pull them back up."

Mott & Bow's high-rise pants pass with flying colors if you're looking for a stylish pair that will wear securely at the high waist around your belly button area.

The Jane is a gorgeous deep indigo denim that is constructed from a blend of cotton, tencel, polyester, and only a 1% touch of elastane. The softness and shape retention primarily comes from the 42% tencel, which is important to note if you're wary of so-called "stretchy denim"— these particular jeans promise to upkeep its skinny shape.

These Mott & Bow jeans, in fact, fit over my legs like second skin, all the way down to the 9-inch leg opening, creating a seamless and attractive silhouette. While these jeans felt a bit tighter and more compressed than the other jeans that I've tried for this guide, the stretch was just enough to feel like the jeans held me in and still proved to be comfortable for all-day and all-night wear. And even after a wash, the richness of the indigo held on strong.

A rep from the company let me know that other top sellers of Mott & Bow include the Bond (a super-flattering black jean), the Carmine (a comfortable jean in a beautiful true blue wash), and the Orchard in dark gray (for those interested in non-blue or non-black denim).

Unsurprisingly, all of the brand's most popular styles are high-rise, as well. It seems as though Mott & Bow have hit this particular shape out of the ballpark. But, if you're still on the fence, take advantage of Mott & Bow's "Free Home Try-On Program," where you can order a pair of jeans and include a second pair of a different waist for free, to determine which one works better. Simply use the pre-paid label to return the pair you don't want for a beyond-convenient way to test out the jeans before committing to them.

Pros: Great high rise, perfect fit, try before you buy, many washes

Cons: Compressed feel

Buy the Mid-Rise Skinny Jane at Mott & Bow for $96-$128 (Price varies on wash)

Buy the High-Rise Skinny Jane at Mott & Bow for $96-$128 (Price varies on wash)

Read our full review of the Mott & Bow skinny jeans on Insider Picks

Best skinny jean for plus size

The Seine skinny jeans from Universal Standard are an affordable, versatile, and stylish wardrobe staple for women who wear sizes 10 through 28.

While plus-sized women have traditionally been shut out of the fashion industry conversation, there are now more burgeoning brands offering stylish pieces for the 67% of all American women who wear a size 14 or higher. One example leading the way is Universal Standard, a brand that makes quality basics at reasonable price points.

When it comes to skinnies, the brand's under-$100 Slim Cut Seine Jeans are a particular fan favorite. For this pair, I turned to a plus-size acquaintance to test out and give an honest review of how these fit.

The fabric is great — not too stretchy, not too thick — and the fit is true to size and sits at the high waist. There are several wash and color options including solid black, olive green, distressed blue, indigo blue, and distressed black if you're looking for variety. One notable upside to the jeans is that they are offered in two lengths — 27 and 32 inch inseams — so if you're on the taller side, there is a longer option so you won't inadvertently have to resort to a cropped style.

When it comes to stretch, Universal Standard offers two options: The original Seine is comfortably stretchy, while the Slim Cut Seine is less stretchy and more structured.

The one complaint about the jeans is that the back pockets are placed rather wide apart. They do not feel proportional to the booty (this may be more noticeable on the larger sizes, as this seemed to be the case of the size 24 pant). But overall, you can count on Universal Standard to make a solid pair of everyday skinny pants.

It should be noted that women who need larger sizes also have terrifically trendy and affordable options at brands like Eloquii (which is expanding its range to sizes 32 by fall) and Torrid (which is known as a more budget-friendly brand, with many jeans offered for as little as $20-40).

Pros: Longer inseam lengths and stretch options available, sizes up to 28 waist

Cons: Back pocket placements may be unflattering to some

Buy the Siene Skinny Jeans at Universal Standard for $90

Read our full review of Universal Standard's denim on Insider Picks

• A good raincoat needs to be functional, but it also needs to look nice so that you'll actually want to wear it when bad weather hits.
• The North Face Laney II Trench, with its mix of classic trench coat vibes and functional rain jacket features, accomplishes just that.

Nothing says "I'm a put-together adult who does my taxes on time every year" like owning a dedicated jacket for rain. It takes real foresight to check the weather before you leave the house and decide to grab a raincoat instead of taking your chances on your beloved leather jacket that will dissolve at the mere hint of humidity.

Raincoats and rain jackets have a reputation for being either visually unappealing or about as functional as a sheet of tissue paper. But that doesn't have to be the case. There are stylish options that will keep you warm and dry without making a huge dent in your wallet.

When shopping, it's important to keep your lifestyle in mind. If you're the outdoorsy type, you probably don't want a cutesy clear rain slicker or anorak designed for city life. Likewise, if your idea of "being in nature" is walking down a tree-lined street from the office to the subway, you don't need something with lots of high-performance materials and features.

Or, you can always opt for a raincoat that blends the best of both worlds! No matter what, your new favorite topper is bound to be in our guide.

Here are the best women's rain jackets and raincoats in 2019:

• Best overall: The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat
• Best for travel: Joules Right as Rain Packable Printed Raincoat
• Best for outdoors activities: Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket
• Best for work: Everlane City Anorak
• Best transparent jacket: Hunter Boots Original Smock Coat
• Here are also the best rain boots to buy.

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best raincoat overall

The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat is the ideal mix of classic trench coat and sporty rain gear. 

There's nothing like a rainstorm to put a damper on an outfit right? (Sorry.) You leave the house feeling pretty cute, but you're frazzled and soggy by the time you arrive at your destination. What you need is a raincoat that works for just about any occasion: The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat. It's sportier than the average trench but still looks fashionable.

The jacket is made of the North Face's durable, waterproof HyVent fabric and it's "lightly insulated" to ensure you stay warm on chilly, windy days. It features an attractive silhouette with a hood, hidden zipper, and my personal favorite detail: adjustable tabs on the sides that cinch your waist in and create a loose hourglass shape. It's ideal for when you don't want to look like a paper bag just because it's raining.

With 316 reviews on Nordstrom, The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat is a hit with shoppers. One five-star reviewer says the jacket "[i]s lightweight but actually very warm (would be too warm for summer rain, but just right for fall/spring)."

Another fan called it "perfect for layering on a rainy day" and added that "you can dress it up or down pretty easily."

Pros: Waterproof, lined, comes in four neutral colors, has a hood, cinches at the waist, interior "media pocket" to protect electronics

Cons: Will be too warm for spring and summer temperatures in many places

Buy The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat at Backcountry for $144.97 (originally $179.95)

The best rain jacket for travel

Joules' Right as Rain Packable Hooded Raincoat won't take up a lot of room in your luggage and comes in a range of cute prints that won't ruin your vacation outfit.

You never realize how much stuff you use in a day until you're trying to distill your life down to the size of a carry-on. A rain jacket isn't always a vacation essential, but if you're traveling to a drizzly locale — Portland, Oregon? London, England? — it's not a bad idea to bring one along.

The Right as Rain Packable Hooded Raincoat by Joules is a great option. It's unlined and easy to fold down so it fits into even the smallest empty space in your luggage. Thanks to an array of cute prints from florals to dogs, you're almost guaranteed to find one that fits your style. You can finally kiss ruining your vacation Instagrams with an ugly raincoat goodbye.

This topper comes recommended by experts at Best Products, PopSugar, and CNN and it has a 4.5-star rating on Nordstrom. People love the fit (it features a waist-defining drawstring) and the fact that it's lightweight and easy to pack on-the-go.

Pros: Foldable for easy packing, cute patterns, under $100

Cons: Unlined so you'll need to layer in cold weather

Buy the Joules Right as Rain Packable Hooded Raincoat on Amazon from $45 and up

The best rain jacket for outdoors activities

Patagonia's Torrentshell Jacket is tough enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, but it's not bulky.

If you live for the great outdoors, you need outerwear that will have your back on all kinds of adventures — and in all weather. Patagonia's Torrentshell Jacket is an expert-approved rain jacket that will keep you dry on long hikes, without any added bulk to weigh you down.

The jacket is made of the brand's sturdy (and cleverly named) H2No fabric, which is both waterproof and breathable, two characteristics that aren't always compatible. The jacket has plenty of additional features that make it stand out. The neck area is lined with soft microfleece designed for both comfort and to "[protect] waterproof/breathable barrier," there's an oversized adjustable hood with a visor and handwarmer pockets that zipper closed.

The Wirecutter named the Patagonia Torrentshell its favorite raincoat for daily use, specifically because of the roomy hood. "Unlike cheaper jackets with hoods that don't fit your face, the Torrentshell's is cavernous, keeping precipitation off your nose, chin, and hair," says Wirecutter writer Eve O'Neill.

The publication also notes that "[t]he fit is generous, which makes this coat ideal for layering when it gets cold. And, if you work up a sweat, armpit zips let you vent heat," making this a great pick for varied temperatures or outdoor activities.

Pros: Sturdy fabric, breathable lining and zip vents at the armpits, large hood to keep you extra dry

Cons: You'll want to layer in really cold temperatures

Buy the Torrentshell Jacket at Patagonia from $90.03

The best raincoat for work

For those times when you really don't want to look like you're wearing a raincoat, check out The City Anorak by Everlane.

Think of The City Anorak from Everlane as your non-raincoat raincoat. It's a simple polyester anorak with a hood and two pockets that comes in three muted colors: black, surplus green, and navy.

You don't have to wait for a rainy day to wear this jacket, but you certainly could. While perhaps not ideal for a torrential downpour or freezing cold temps (it's not fully waterproof and is unlined), this is a great option for the everyday commuter who wants to stay mostly dry while heading to the office or an evening out with friends. It's the perfect "April showers" coat.

The style is just as cute as a regular jacket, with the added bonus of protecting your outfit from precipitation. And the best part? It's only $88. The City Anorak has a 4.5-star rating on Everlane based on 872 reviews. It's also a hit with experts, too — Best Products and PopSugar are both fans of the Everlane anorak.

Joanne Goddard from Cup of Jo told New York Magazine's The Strategist, "[the Everlane City Anorak] is my absolute favorite because it has a flattering silhouette, cozy hood, and comes in three colors."

Pros: Under $100, stylish silhouette, oversized hood, lightweight fabric good for transitional seasons

Cons: Unlined and not fully waterproof

Buy The City Anorak at Everlane for $88

Read our review of the ReNew Anorak

The best transparent rain jacket

The transparent Hunter Boots Original Smock Coat is adorable, durable, and waterproof.

See-through rain jackets are iconic, but they aren't always the most practical. Experts agree that the Hunter Boots Original Smock Coat is the exception.

I've wanted a transparent raincoat for basically as long as I can remember, but I've always been a little wary. They look cool, but would they actually do the job as well as their more opaque counterparts?

Enough people online have gushed about this version from Hunter Boots, called the Original Smock Coat, that I feel confident it won't disappoint. Buying a rain jacket from the brand that makes fan favorite wellies seems like a pretty safe bet.

The Original Smock Coat is made of waterproof vinyl and features a hood and drawcords at the waist and neck. Despite its transparent design, the jacket really is completely waterproof. It even has welded seams to make sure water doesn't seep into the coat from the outside.

There are a few color options, but my personal favorite is the clear white, which looks like a fashion-forward poncho.

The Original Smock Coat appears on a number of "best raincoat" roundups, most notably at Redbook, Best Products, and The Strategist. "I love that this raincoat is sheer, so you can still see your outfit underneath," Caroline Maguire of Shopbob told The Strategist.

Pros: Waterproof, sheer design, good hood, multiple colors

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Hunter Boots Original Smock Coat on Amazon for $69.10-$218.50 (price varies by size and color)

Check out the best umbrellas and rain boots you can buy

The best umbrellas you can buy

A rainy day can ruin your plans, your outfit, and your mood, but with a great umbrella in your hands, rain need not put a damper on the day.

You're sure to find an umbrella or two on our list that will help keep you dry during the next rainstorm. The only issue is whether or not you'll remember to keep one close by. 

Here are the best umbrellas you can buy:

• Best umbrella overall: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
• Best golf umbrella: G4Free Automatic Double Canopy Golf Umbrella
• Best heavy duty umbrella: BLUNT Metro Travel Umbrella
• Best ultra-compact umbrella: LifeTek FX1 Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best women's rain boots you can buy

Rain boots don't have to be ugly. We did the research and testing to find the best rain boots that are both good looking and functional.

Here are the best rain boots you can buy:

• Best rain boots overall: Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Rope Emboss Neoprene Rain Boots
• Best ethically made rain boots: Everlane Rain Boots
• Best lightweight rain boots: Sam Edelman Tinsley Rain Boots
• Best rain boots for serious rainfall: Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots
• Best rain boots that aren't rubber: Timberland Women's Nellie Lace Up Utility Waterproof Boots
• Best rain boots for wider calves: UGG Sienna Boots
• Best luxury rain booties: Aquatalia Tilly Weatherproof Booties

• Finding a strapless bra that stays put and gives shape is a necessity, but it's also really difficult.
• We've done the research to find the best strapless bras you can buy. The ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra is our top pick because it offers diverse sizing and its smart design will stay in place all day.
• See also: The best bras

Everyone knows the right foundational pieces can make or break an outfit. In warmer weather, slinky dresses and off-the-shoulder tops are very popular, but you need a good strapless bra to wear underneath those more revealing pieces.

But with so many silhouettes, sizes, and styles to choose from, finding the right strapless bra for your needs can be downright overwhelming. It's often the trickiest bra to shop for since you have to find one that not only fits properly but will also stay put all day without slipping down or digging into your side.

Whether you are looking for a strapless bra for larger cup sizes or one that gives your bust some lift, these strapless bras will be the perfect addition to any lingerie drawer.

Here are the best strapless bras you can buy:

• The best strapless bra overall: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
• The best affordable strapless bra: Lily Of France Gel Touch Strapless Push-Up Bra
• The best strapless bra with a plunge: Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra
• The best strapless bra for lift: Calvin Klein Naked Glamour Strapless Push-Up Bra
• The best strapless bra for fuller busts: Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra
• See also: The best bras

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. Added a few related links. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best bras you can buy

The best strapless bra overall

ThirdLove's 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra comes in a wide range of sizes so it fits perfectly and stays in place all day long.

Almost 80% of women purchase the wrong size bra, which leads to discomfort and an unflattering fit. ThirdLove is here to change all of that with its FitFinder test that is designed to help you figure out your perfect size in less than 60 seconds. You may be surprised to find out that you should actually be wearing a different size or even a half-cup size.

ThirdLove's 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra is made with super soft micro jersey fabric, flexible nylon-coated nickel-free underwires, and cups that were designed to offer a great lift. You can buy the bra in three different colors. Bands range in size from 32 to 48, and cups from AA to I. 

The nylon/spandex fabric stays perfectly smooth under all types of clothing and each bra comes with two sets of removable straps, one tonal and one clear. The bra has two to four hook closures on the back, depending on your size. That way, it won't fall down.

We've tested ThirdLove's 24/7 T-Shirt Bra at Insider Picks before, and we loved it. We also recently tried this strapless bra and came away impressed. Guides Editor Malarie Gokey has never before found a strapless bra that stays in place all day, but the 24/7 strapless bra actually works. Even larger bust sizes get the support they need, and that's impressive.

The ThirdLove bra has a 4.5 star rating with over 2,900 reviewers on the company's website. Verified Buyer Eyde M. wrote "It is the most comfortable strapless I have owned and stayed out. I would highly recommend this bra!"

While most rave about how much they love the bra, some buyers noted that the bra's wiring makes it stiffer than expected.

Pros: Half-cup sizes, FitFinder test, stays in place, makes a smooth shape, works for large and small busts

Cons: Can seem stiff, expensive

Buy the Third Love 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra for $68

The best affordable strapless bra

If you are looking for a strapless bra that stays in place, enhances cleavage, and gives a smooth shape, the Lily Of France Gel Touch Strapless Push-Up Bra is a good pick.

TheLily Of France Gel Touch Strapless Push-Up Bra is made with gel cushions that offer a slight lift at the bottom of the cup. A silicone lining rings along the underwire, the sides, and back of the bra, in order to prevent it from slipping down.

The bra also comes with removable clear straps that can turn the strapless style into a convertible bra that can be worn under everything in your closet. A lacey edge adds a pretty feminine touch, but the bra still remains smooth under clothes.

This strapless bra has a3.7-star rating on Amazon, with 65% of reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars. Most ladies report that it is a well-built bra that offers support and stays in place.

One reviewer named Emily said "I pretty much gave up on strapless bras after how frustrating my past ones were. I stumbled across this one on accident and decided to take a chance after reading the reviews. BEST decision ever!"

Some reviewers did note that the bra left marks on their skin after wearing it for long periods of time. You can buy the bra in beige, black, or white. Sizes range from 32A to 38D.

Pros: Affordable, stays put, enhances cleavage, convertible, gives a smooth shape

Cons: Can leave marks after long use

Buy the Lily Of France Gel Touch Strapless Push-Up Bra on Amazon  for $14.40+

The best strapless bra with a plunge

The Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra is a sleek and sexy strapless bra that works perfectly with plunging necklines.

Lingerie brand Simone Perele is famous for its ability to produce bras that are innovative, comfortable, and elegant at the same time. The Velia Plunge Strapless Bra is no different.

Made with ultralight materials to make it super comfy, the seamless bra also features two concentric bands of ph-balanced latex inside it, to help keep it in place. The plunging neckline was designed for you to wear under even your lowest-cut garments without worrying that your bra may show.

Journelle, a one-stop-shop for lingerie, started selling the bra when an employee, with a 32D cup size, wore it under a sheer t-shirt and it fit so perfectly, no one could tell it was a strapless bra.

The Journelle's website is full of positive reviews for the bra, including this one from a buyer named Rose, "I am a 32E and this bra stayed in place all day while wearing a low plunging blouse. It was so incredibly comfortable, I even forgot I was wearing a strapless. I have it in both colors."

While it is a little pricier than other bras in our guide, the Velia is made to last for years to come, making it a worthy investment. Sizes range from 30B to 38F.

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, stays put, plunging neckline

Cons: Slightly pricey

Buy the Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra from Amazon for $79.99+

Buy the Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra from Neiman Marcus for $82

The best strapless bra for lift

The Calvin Klein Naked Glamour Strapless Push-Up Bra will help give your bust an extra boost while keeping things in place.

If you are looking to give your cleavage some extra oomph, look no further thanCalvin Klein's Naked Glamour Strapless Push-Up Bra. Each bra is made with felted underwire and extra padding to help support and push up your breasts for a smooth and natural look.

The non-slip grip material placed at the interior of the bra, along with the side boning keeps the undergarment in place as you move around all day long. Each bra is made with a hook and eye closure and comes with adjustable and removable straps.

Rank & Style users loved it, saying, "Great strapless bra! Fits well, stays up, and is comfortable. I'll be back to get another one in a different color for sure." Plus, 88% of buyerson Calvin Klein's website say they would recommend this bra to a friend.

The bra comes in four different colors, so you can match your skin tone to your bra. Cup sizes range from A-DD. Some reviewers did mention the bra can run small, so be sure to check the size chart before you buy it.

Pros: Affordable, extra padding, stays in place, comfortable

Cons: Can run small

Buy the Calvin Klein Naked Glamour Strapless Push-Up Bra from Amazon for $21.92+

Buy the Calvin Klein Naked Glamour Strapless Push-Up Bra from Nordstrom for $27.50

The best strapless bra for fuller busts

The Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra is made for women with larger cup sizes who need a full-coverage strapless bra that supports and stays in place.

A lot of women with larger bust sizes say that strapless bras are not something they can wear, as they often lack the ability to support full-bust silhouettes. But the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra is here to give you the support you need to wear strapless styles.

Made with a fuller busted woman in mind, the bra features underwire cups with a silicone grip lining at the top, to keep it from slipping. The side bands stretch to smooth and minimize any bulges, while the hidden boning keeps the bra in place. The bra comes in black, nude, and brown and ranges in cup sizes C-H.

Wacoal's bra scored the coveted top spot in Rank & Style's Best Strapless Bras of 2018 list. One of the commenters said, "The bra fits like a brand new glove (slightly snug but will fit better over time)-and gives great support. I also love that you can wear it with the straps, in multiple ways."

The bra also has almost5 stars on the Bloomingdales website after 450 reviews. One shopper named Mary commented, "I could never find a strapless bra as my breasts are large and heavy and aren't as perky as others. I just thought maybe I could never wear one. Well, that changed when got this Bra. It supports my heavy girls and gives them a little lift. Best purchase I've made so far."  

Pros: Full coverage, made for fuller figures, stays in place, comfortable

Cons: No small cup sizes

Buy the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra at Amazon for $47.99+

Buy the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra at Bloomingdale's for $68

Check out our other underwear buying guides for women

The best bras

We know that finding a bra that's so comfortable that you forget it's on sounds impossible, but it's not. With an intelligent fit finder quiz, half sizes, and carefully designed bras that are as sexy as they are comfortable, ThirdLove makes the best bras you can buy.

You'll also love Hanes for budget-friendly bras, Natori for a bra that will fit atypically sized or shaped breasts, and Wacoal for a great strapless, convertible bra.

The best women's underwear

You have to wear it every day, so you better make sure your underwear is the most comfortable clothing you own. Tommy John makes the most comfortable women's underwear we've ever worn.

You'll also love Everlane for its ethical all-cotton underwear, Commando for the best seamless underwear,Aerie for an unbeatable price, TomboyX for gender-inclusive underwear, and Thinx for period underwear. 

• Eye creams and serums are likely the product you know you should be using but have no idea how to actually shop for.
• If you're unsure of where to start, reach for the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Serum. Buyers and experts agree that this is the cream of the crop when it comes to treating under eye circles.
• See also: The best exfoliators you can buy

When talking about skin-care regimens, eye creams and serums tend to be products that a lot of folks skip. "I'm already using a moisturizer," they think. "Why do I need a separate cream for under my eyes?" So instead of incorporating yet another step into their routine, they'll move straight on to moisturizers.

But this can be a mistake. The biggest reason being that the skin under your eyes is actually a lot thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face; therefore, it needs to be treated differently. 

If you're using a face cream with super potent ingredients, it can actually hurt your under-eyes more than it can help. Similarly, if you need to target puffiness or discoloration under your eyes, your face cream may not deliver those results. If not treated properly, your eyes can be the first thing to show signs of aging.

How you apply your eye cream is just as important as what's in it. You should put your eye cream on after your serum and before your facial moisturizer. A pea-sized dollop is about the amount that you want for each eye, and you should tap the product on lightly with your ring finger, as rubbing can damage the delicate skin.

Got all of that? Great. Now it's time to go shopping. Ahead, find the best eye creams on the market today. Depending on what your main concern is, one of these will be right for you.

Here are the best eye creams and serums you can buy:

• Best eye serum overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Serum
• Best eye cream for the morning after: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
• Best drugstore eye cream: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream
• Best natural under-eye oil: Uma Absolute Anti Aging Oil
• Best eye cream to wear under makeup: Lancôme Visionnaire Eye Cream

Updated on 10/24/19 by Mara Leighton: Updated formatting, links, and prices.

SEE ALSO: The best clay masks you can buy

The best eye serum overall

The Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Serum targets dark circles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity to diminish all of those signs of aging.

There are certain things that one should always look for when it comes to buying eye cream. You want it to be lightweight enough that it absorbs quickly into the skin in the evening, or doesn't feel too heavy under makeup. It should also contain a heady mix of ingredients to dull the signs of aging, while also brightening up those stubborn dark circles. Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Serum checks all of those boxes.

As evidenced by the name, this serum relies heavily on the supercharged antioxidants retinol and ferulic acid. Retinol helps to accelerate skin renewal and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it's the industry's gold standard when it comes to fighting signs of aging. But what about ferulic acid? This lesser-known ingredient works to fight free radicals that cause aging in the first place.

An important thing to note with this serum: You absolutely must use a sunscreen, too. Because of the high potency of active ingredients in this serum, your skin can become extremely photosensitive. 

Pros: Has a powerful mix of active ingredients, works well under makeup

Cons: Those with sensitive skin may find this product a bit harsh, so make sure to do a patch test first

The best eye cream for the morning after

If deflating your peepers is high on your agenda, then Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream is for you.

For some of us (myself included), the biggest issue we deal with when it comes to our under eyes is puffiness. No matter how much water I drink, how little salt I eat the day before, or how many pillows I prop under my head at night, I seem to always wake up with a face that looks like it was inflated with helium. And unfortunately for me, the puffiness seems to localize around my eyes.

Because of that, I've gotten in the habit of slapping an ice mask over my eyes in the morning to take down the puff. But when the cold started triggering my migraines (if it isn't one thing, it's something else), I had to find a different way. Enter, Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream.

This cream instantly became a cult-favorite amongst the beauty nerds of the world. I reached for it because of its star ingredient — caffeine. Caffeine is something that beauty gurus have always said is one of the best ways to take down puffiness in your eyes. This is why you've likely seen "cool black tea bags" as a swollen eye remedy.

Caffeine works to deflate your eyes because it helps dissipate the fluid buildup that causes it. Auto Correct pairs caffeine with Brazilian ginseng, which works to energize your under-eye skin. That makes your eyes appear brighter, which makes you appear more awake.

Auto Correct is also packed with ingredients that lift and moisturize under the eyes, which makes it great as an all-around eye cream. 

I like to keep Auto Correct in the fridge so that it's nice and cool when I apply it. This helps to take the puffiness in my eyes down even more. Since incorporating Auto Correct into my regimen, I've had no migraines due to ice packs and no residual puffiness.

Pros: De-puffs the eyes quickly while adding major hydration.

Cons: Since it's made with shea and cocoa butter, its on the heavier side, so it takes a minute to fully absorb

The best drugstore eye cream

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream is perfect for those who need a hardworking eye cream that won't break the bank. 

One of the biggest complaints a lot of folks have when it comes to eye creams are the price points. And it makes sense. These products are made with highly potent ingredients. Because of that, they tend to cost more than your average face cream or exfoliant. And when you skimp on the pricing, the efficacy tends to decrease, too.

But that just isn't the case with Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream. Ringing up at under $20, this wallet-friendly option actually works to combat the normal signs of aging.

Instead of relying on expensive antioxidants like retinol and ferulic acid, Aveeno's eye cream keeps the cost down by harnessing the antioxidant power of blackberries. Blackberries, in fact, are ranked as one of the most antioxidant-rich berries on the market. Couple that with a mix of vitamins C and E, which are fantastic for regenerating skin, and you've got a recipe for success.

One thing to note, though. If you're looking for a cream to reverse deep-set lines and wrinkles, Aveeno's formula may not be the one to reach for. It's more for people looking to fix the early signs of aging. If you're looking to do heavier lifting, you'll want to find a cream with slightly more powerful ingredients.

Pros: Wallet-friendly, great for eye cream beginners

Cons: Not heavy-duty enough to tackle deep-set lines

The best natural under-eye oil

If you're looking for a more natural option, or are really big into oils for skin-care, reach for Uma Absolute Anti Aging Eye Oil. 

There's been a recent trend in skin-care toward all-natural routines, with buyers and experts alike lauding the benefits of switching to products that contain little to no chemicals. But these folks tend to hit a wall when it comes to products that are typically thought to be anti-aging.

Most of the traditional ingredients that work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles are chemical compounds, or synthetic versions of naturally-occurring ingredients, in order to keep the price down. Because of that, it's hard to find an eye cream or serum that is all-natural.

Uma Absolute Anti Aging Oil is filled with a powerhouse cocktail of natural oils, all intended to help fight the signs of aging. There literally isn't anything in this eye oil except for, well, oil. It's a skincare minimalist's dream.

While the ingredients read like a laundry list of good-for-you elixirs, there are definitely a few standouts. Frankincense and sandalwood essential oils revitalize your skin, while rose essential oil is a powerful hydrator. Then there's eucalyptus essential oil, which works to eliminate puffiness and signs of fatigue. The list goes on, with oils such as lavender, geranium, and rosemary rounding out this bouquet of skin ingredients.

It's also a hit among pros. Like Ashley Weatherford wrote over at The Cut, "The oil, which by definition behaves as a sealant atop skin and traps moisture, prevents the under eyes from becoming dry better than eye cream and moisturizer alone." And a hydrated under eye is a happy one because hydration means fewer wrinkles.

So what's the catch? The price tag. Because of all of these oils, Uma's serum rings up at more than $100. That might seem like a very steep price to pay, but a little goes a long way with this bottle.

Pros: All natural, smells incredible, and intensely hydrating

Cons: It's the priciest treatment on this list

The best eye cream to wear under makeup

If you're committed to wearing eye cream during the day, reach for Lancôme Visionnaire Eye Cream. 

When discussing skin-care, it's a common idea that eye cream belongs in an evening routine — not a morning one. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Dabbing on the right eye cream in the morning can instantly brighten up your eyes. And, if you're like me, it's an important part of your morning routine because it helps alleviate puffiness.

Unfortunately, a lot of eye creams are heavy or extra slick, making them a nightmare to put on ahead of foundation or concealer. But that's one of the reasons why Lancôme Visionnaire Eye Cream is such a stunner. It dries completely matte, making it the perfect base for the concealer you need while your eye cream is still doing its work.

But its matte finish isn't the only thing that makes Lancôme's cream a serious contender. It's formulated with a special concoction of ingredients that help to blur imperfections around the eyes while treating them. 

Pros: Dries matte, helps blur imperfections

Cons: Might be a little too light for advanced signs of aging

Check out our other great skin-care guides

The best exfoliators you can buy

Whether you're new to the exfoliation game or a seasoned skincare pro, Glossier's Solution is the exfoliator you should be reaching for. Its powerful mix of acids dissolves dead skin cells and improves your complexion, giving your face a gorgeous glow. You also might want to try one of these options: 

• Best exfoliator overall: Glossier Solution
• Best drugstore exfoliator: Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub
• Best exfoliator for daily use: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
• Best exfoliator for sensitive skin: Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub
• Best exfoliator for uneven skin tone: Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub

The best moisturizers you can buy

Everyone wants healthy, smooth, and soft skin. Dry skin not only looks dull and flaky, it also feels tight and itchy. The solution? A good moisturizer. Our favorite moisturizer for both face and body is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Some others you might like: 

• Best moisturizer overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Best facial moisturizer for under $25: Neutrogena Hydro Boost 
• Best drugstore facial moisturizer for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
• Best inexpensive organic facial moisturizer: Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream
• Best drugstore body moisturizer for very dry skin: Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion
• Best inexpensive moisturizer for very sensitive skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
• Best moisturizer with clean ingredients: Nécessaire Body Lotion 
• Best antiaging facial moisturizer for less than $25: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
• Best drugstore hand cream: Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream

• Every woman needs a classic jean jacket in her wardrobe.
• Our top pick is the Gap Icon Denim Jacket because it's affordable, well made, and pairs perfectly with everything in your closet.

A denim jacket is a classic piece of outerwear that should be a staple in every woman's closet. The versatile jacket can be layered over everything from fancy dresses to oversized sweaters. Denim jackets have a way of making even your most laid-back pieces like hoodies and leggings look polished and pulled together.

While denim trends change seasonally, a tailored jean jacket in a classic wash, without embellishments, rips, or holes, is a timeless all-American piece that will never go out of style. Since outerwear is typically more expensive than other items of clothing, it certainly helps that denim jackets tend to look better and feel more comfortable with age — you only have to buy a jean jacket once.

Whether you are looking for a traditional fitted topper, a jacket with a little bit of stretch, or even a high-tech option, we've got you covered. 

Here are the best denim jackets for women you can buy:

• Best denim jacket overall: Gap Icon Denim Jacket
• Best high-tech denim jacket: Levi's Trucker Jacket with Jacquard By Google 
• Best oversized denim jacket: Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket
• Best affordable denim jacket: Wrangler Authentics Women's Denim Jacket
• Best plus-sized denim jacket: Torrid Distressed Denim Jacket

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated links, prices, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best women's skinny jeans you can buy

The best denim jacket overall

The Gap Icon Denim Jacket is a high-quality jacket that fits well and can easily be dressed up or down.

Gap has been synonymous with quality denim for decades, and it shows in the Icon Denim Jacket. The topper is made with the Gap's premium 1969 non-stretch denim in a medium indigo wash that will easily match the rest of your wardrobe.

The 100% cotton jacket features two chest patch pockets with button-flap closures, a spread collar, and silver buttons down the front. Its straight silhouette lays flat against the body and lands right at the hip.

Buyers love this well-made jacket. More than 700 reviewers gave the Gap Icon 5 stars. One shopper named Darcy from Los Angeles wrote, "I tried on several others from big names, but none came close to the quality, fit, and comfort of this one! The color is wonderful — a great medium blue that goes with everything — and the cut is terrific."

Some buyers did say that the jacket ran a little small so be sure to check the size chart before shopping. The sleek Icon Denim Jacket ranges in size from XS to XXL and it also comes in Tall and Petite sizes.

Pros: Affordable, well-made, versatile, fits well, a wide range of sizes

Cons: Can run small

Buy the Gap Icon Denim Jacket for $42 (originally $69.95)

The best high-tech denim jacket

The Levi's Trucker Jacket with Jacquard By Google is a high-tech take on a classic denim jacket that allows you to link the jacket to your phone for music controls and more.

There's a reason why Levi's has been a go-to denim brand for more than 150 years. The brand is known for producing stylish yet durable pieces that stand the test of time. Now with the Levi's Trucker with Jacquard By Google, the brand has given its iconic Trucker Jacket a futuristic upgrade.

Levi's enlisted the help of Google to engineer a conductive Jacquard Thread that links your phone to the jacket via Bluetooth. Once you attach the chargeable snap tag to the conductive thread in the jacket, you can control music, screen phone calls, or get directions with just the tap or swipe of your sleeve.

The jacket lived up to the hype when we on the Insider Picks team tested it. Amir Ismael liked the many high-tech functions, including the flashlight, Find Your Phone feature, and Navigation app. All of the jacket's features make commuting more enjoyable, but more importantly, Amir liked that the jacket was so comfortable and stylish that no one noticed that it was a high-tech gadget.

Each Levi's Trucker with Jacquard comes with a one-year warranty and can be washed up to 10 times once the snap tag is removed from the cuff. Sizes range from XS-XL. You can get the same Trucker Jacket style for $50 to $80 if you don't want to go all-out on the high-tech version.

Pros: Stylish, high-tech, connects to phone, comfortable, one-year warranty

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Levi's Trucker Jacket with Jacquard By Google for $198

The best oversized denim jacket

The Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket is a stylish, on-trend jacket that is comfortable, roomy, and super soft. 

Oversized denim jackets have been trending for a while now, so it makes sense that Madewell's oversized denim jacket is so highly reviewed. The jacket is designed to look and feel like a men's vintage jean jacket, but it's dimensions are tailored to perfectly fit a woman.

Made with 100% Turkish cotton from the renowned Orta mill, the jacket features matte silver hardware and contrast stitching. You can even monogram up to nine letters on the jacket for just $10 more. The service is free for Madewell Insiders.

Around 95% of buyers recommend the jacket, and it has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on the brand's website. One buyer named Darcy from Los Angeles commented "I fell in love with this jacket the moment I set eyes on it. I had been looking for something different from the usual fitted, somewhat cropped style. This oversized, longer, roomy jacket was it, with a terrific wash, slit pockets, and even secret deep INTERIOR pockets."

Reviewers did warn if you are tall or have long arms, you should go a size up, as the sleeves can run short. The jacket comes in a classic indigo wash, as well as black. Sizes run from XXS to 3XL.

Pros: On-trend, well made, durable, comfortable, soft

Cons: Sleeves can run short, expensive

Buy the Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket for $128

The best affordable denim jacket

If you are looking for a durable, well-made jean jacket that won't break the bank, try Wrangler's Authentics Denim Jacket.

Wrangler'sAuthentics Denim Jacket proves you don't have to spend a lot to look good. The jacket retails for less than $30 but looks just as sleek and polished as its designer counterparts.

The jacket is made from 62% Cotton, 24% Polyester, 13% Rayon, and 1% Spandex, so it offers more stretch and movement than denim made from 100% cotton. Buyers love that the jacket fits true to size, is super comfortable, and hits right at the waist.

Out of 1,462 reviews onAmazon, about 81% of reviewers gave the denim jacket 5 stars. One buyer named Roxanne said, "The minute I put this jacket on, I knew I had a winner! It is soft, comfy, and has both outside and inside pockets. I have tried a number of jean jackets but this one is by far my favorite. Terrific value for the price, too."

While most reviewers liked the extra stretch in this jacket, a few didn't like that it meant the jacket had to be hand washed. The jacket comes in a dark and lighter shade of blue and sizes range from S to XL.

Pros: Super Affordable, stretchy, true to size, comfortable

Cons: Must hand wash

Buy the Wrangler Authentics Women's Denim Jacket at Amazon from $29.99

The best plus-sized denim jacket

The Torrid Distressed Denim Jacket is a perfect classic jean jacket that comes in inclusive sizing.

Plus-size retailer Torrid is all about producing stylish, wearable fashion in inclusive sizes. Torrid's Distressed Denim Jacketis one of our favorite pieces because it is a well-crafted garment that looks as good as it feels.

Made from a blend of cotton and spandex, the structured jacket has a nice stretch to it without being too loose. It features silver front button closures, button-flap chest pockets, as well as welt pockets. The jacket was designed to be slightly distressed in a medium wash for a high-fashion feel.

The denim jacket has a 4.7-star rating on Torrid's website based on more than 800 reviews. Buyers love that the classic design allows them to wear it with everything from cozy leggings to printed dresses. But their favorite part was how the jacket fits.

One shopper wrote, "I was kind of in doubt to purchase this jacket since previously I had bought denim jackets and always had a problem with them being too tight mostly on the arms but I gave it a try and I am so happy to say it's the best denim jacket ever. It has the perfect stretch in it. It's so comfortable to move in. It is just awesome!"

Sizes run in Torrid size 00 to 6, which equals traditional sizes ranging from 10 to 30.

Pros: Inclusive sizing, affordable, comfortable, stretchy, allows you to move

Cons: Doesn't come in sizes lower than 10

Buy the Torrid Distressed Denim Jacket for $41.23 (originally $58.90)

• Business Insider attended an event in New York kicking off National Women's Small Business Month to hear from female entrepreneurs about their experiences and strategies for growing their businesses.
• Bank of America hosted the event and released its fourth annual report on the most pressing issues facing women small-business owners.
• The report, which was conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs, found that 58% of women surveyed said they didn't have the same access to capital as men. Only 42% of men shared that opinion.
• Women entrepreneurs were more bullish than their male counterparts on some indicators, like revenues and hiring, but remain frustrated by limited access to capital.
• The fourth annual Owner Spotlight asked a national sample of women-owned small businesses about their business outlook, financing options, societal issues, and other keys to success.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When the entrepreneur Camille Newman went in search of financing to run her business, she said she was met with a barrage of questions she felt were both invasive and insulting. She had an award-winning business plan and an underserved customer base but could not raise the operating cash to keep going.

Newman, an African American woman and the granddaughter of a tailor, started her high-fashion business, Pop Up Plus, as a series of private shopping parties for women like herself who wear size 14 and up clothing. Over the past nine years, Pop Up Plus transformed into an e-commerce site that has hosted pop-up retail experiences around New York.

This summer, Newman ran into cash-flow challenges and could not secure the credit to continue growing her business — so she began to wind the company down. And she's not alone.

Through her involvement as a counselor with Brooklyn Women's Business Center at the Local Development Corp. of East New York, Newman has worked with others grappling with the emotional experience of closing up shop.

"Access to capital is the No. 1 issue," she said. "You could have good credit and a good balance sheet, and still have problems getting funding. I see it with my clients and in my own business."

Optimism in the face of persistent challenges

Newman and about 70 other women and men gathered at the Luminary collaboration space in New York on October 1 to kick off National Women's Small Business Month, where a panel of women discussed their experiences in entrepreneurship and the challenges of building a business in a male-dominated marketplace.

Anchoring the discussion was the release of the fourth annual Women Business Owner Spotlight report from Bank of America and Ipsos Public Affairs. The study's top line — that women entrepreneurs are overwhelmingly optimistic about near-term opportunities — was well-received by the attendees, who represented a diverse cross-section of businesses and backgrounds.

Behind the optimism is a more sobering fact: More than 30 years after Congress outlawed gender discrimination by lenders, 58% of women surveyed said they still have unequal access to capital. In addition, nearly a quarter of women surveyed said they believed female entrepreneurs would never achieve the same capital access as men.

"It's disappointing — I don't want that,"Sharon Miller, Bank of America's head of small business, said in an interview. "I want everyone to understand that there is equal access to capital. Bank of America's response is 'come in, and let's help you grow your business.'"

Miller said women were actually overrepresented among Bank of America small-business clients, compared with the general population, and pointed to increasing representation of women in upper management and local branches at the company as evidence of the company's attitude toward equal opportunity.

"Whether you're a man or a woman, it's a business," she said.

The fact remains that the decision-makers in the business world are mostly men, and leaders of either gender tend to be white. The majority of male business owners in the survey, by the way, said they believed women already have equal access to funding.

Drawing strength and support from diversity

At the Spotlight event, women of color described feeling either invisible or shunned as they navigated the business world. The panelist Deepti Sharma spoke candidly about the obstacles she faced as she built her food-service company.

"Venture funders were asking me when I was going to have kids," Sharma said. "Even my friends and relatives don't ask that!"

After watching men she felt had weaker proposals successfully build their funding base, she realized she needed to take a bolder, riskier approach to networking.

"Now I pitch myself for everything," she said. "I get a lot of 'nos,' but I also get some great 'yeses.'"

Also of note: For the first time in the survey's four-year history, women reported stronger intentions than men on expanding operations, raising revenue, and hiring workers.

Miller expressed hope that the outlook would translate to more women approaching her bank earlier in their development. "Women in general think they have to have it all right before they come in," she said.

"Come in sooner rather than later when you need the money so that you can work with someone that's going to understand what you need to do to get a loan," Miller said.

Speaking on the panel, Miller added she wanted women entrepreneurs to know the bank is there for more than just financing. It can also be a source of advice and insight about how to refine an idea.

"It does no one — not you, not the bank, not your community — any good if your business fails," she said.

According to the survey, more than half of women believe their local business conditions were improving, but looking ahead to the coming year, they reported a heightened concern over consumer spending and trade issues compared with six months ago.

As important as all of these factors are, the crowd murmured in agreement when Sharma said women entrepreneurs wanted one thing most of all.

"Don't tell me I have a nice business," she said. "Buy from me."

If you or someone you know runs a women's small business with a story to share, please email Dominick at dreuter@businessinsider.com.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Super-Earths are real and they could be an even better place to live than Earth

• Jane Fraser became president of Citi yesterday, setting her up to become the first woman CEO of a major US bank. Alison Rose will succeed Ross McEwan as CEO of RBS on November 1. 
• These recent announcements bring powerful women to the forefront as leaders in global finance. 
• Stanford researchers published a study in September suggesting that a firm with a high level of gender diversity causes stock prices to go up.
• To highlight banks that are leading in gender diversity, Business Insider compiled the following list of some of the top female leaders in global finance, and what they have to say about the issue.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Jane Fraser of Citigroup was appointed president of the company and CEO of global consumer banking, placing her in direct line to potentially succeed bank CEO Michael Corbat. If she ends up taking the helm, she would become the first woman to run a major US bank.

Across the Atlantic, another woman is poised to take the reins of one of the "big four" banks in Britain: Alison Rose is set to become CEO of RBS on November 1. 

These announcements reinforce the findings of a September report on gender diversity in finance. Researchers found that gender diversity does more than create a precedent for future female leaders: It also has a measurable effect on the way shareholders interact with companies.

"This goes beyond saying diversity is a good idea because it's ethical," Dr. Margaret Ann Neale, distinguished professor of management and researcher at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, told Stanford GSB. "Shareholders are saying, 'If you're not as diverse as we want you to be, there are going to be economic consequences.'"

Women in senior leadership positions are rare, particularly in the financial sector. Banks have been vocal about working to add more women to senior ranks, but this was undermined by a moment in April of this year, when Rep. Al Green (D‑Texas) asked the CEOs of Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, State Street Corp., and Bank of New York Mellon if they believed their successor would be a woman or a person of color. Not one CEO raised his hand.

This anecdote fits into an unfortunate bigger picture: Only 25 CEOs in the Fortune 500 are women. 

Despite the progress that needs to be made, there are silver linings. The Stanford GSB researchers noticed that companies in the financial sector with greater gender diversity saw a rise in stock prices. When the researchers looked at why investors appear affected by gender diversity, they found that investors thought that gender-diverse firms were more ethical, less likely to draw in negative political attention, and more likely to think outside of the box. 

Many women in the financial sector are paving the way forward within their companies. Here's Business Insider's list of the 19 most powerful women in global finance. 

SEE ALSO: Women are taking on 'invisible tasks' that lead to burn out and keep them from the C-suite. Here's what they are — and how to stop them

SEE ALSO: These 15 major US companies are showing that gender diversity is key to outperforming the competition

Jane Fraser, President of Citi, CEO of Global Consumer Banking

Appointed: October 2019

When she joined the company: 2004

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"When I first was put in charge of Latin America, there was some pretty negative headlines in the press of Mexico about having a female foreigner with responsibility," Fraser told Breaking News Report. "And this was seen as a bit of an insult in Mexico."

She tackled this problem by "embracing the power of her femininity" and feeling comfortable with who she was. She further said she wants to bring more women into senior roles at the bank, but doesn't think it's all about gender.

"We've also brought in people from different countries, we've brought in people from different industries. So, I've learned it's about diversity, it's not just gender," she said.

Alison Rose, appointed CEO, RBS

Appointed: November 2019

When she joined the company: 1992

Thoughts on gender diversity:

"In the early part of my career I was, like most people, very gender-blind," Rose told Insider Media Limited. "I got on with the job, didn't really think about it, and then when I got to a certain level I looked around and there were no other women. Suddenly you're the only woman in a room and you really do stand-out."

"I don't think I've ever felt a glass ceiling, because I'm quite determined, but sometimes [it feels like] there's asbestos in the walls as you go through," she continued. "There are different barriers you have to work through and challenges."

Ana Botin, executive chairman, Santander

Appointed: September 2014

When she joined the company: 1989

Thoughts on gender diversity:

"After years of serving as an executive I've seen enough to know, on balance, women are not treated fairly," Botin wrote in a LinkedIn post. "But I frequently heard feminism equated with the idea of setting quotas. My gut reaction was against setting quotas."

She continued in a later paragraph: "Still, I always believed women have the intrinsic abilities to get ahead on merit. Working for eight years for a US bank in New York taught me something: If I spoke up and work harder than my bosses, my efforts won't go unnoticed."

Eileen Murray, co-CEO, Bridgewater Associates

Appointed: 2014

When she joined the company: 2008

Thoughts on gender diversity:

Murray told Irish America: "I started to understand that people were having problems with color and gender when I became more senior, then I started seeing a little bit more of "Hey, these people play golf together or do this and that," but I've always found that if you work twice as hard you'll get there…"

Marianne Lake, CEO of consumer lending, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Appointed: May 2019

When she joined the company: 1999

Thasunda Duckett, CEO of Chase consumer banking, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Appointed: September 2016

When she joined the company: 2004

Thoughts on gender diversity:

"When I walk into a room, you're gonna see my race and you're gonna see my gender," Duckett said at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit. "I just think that we need to stop being apologetic and trying to fit in."

Abigail Johnson, CEO, Fidelity

Appointed: 2014

When she joined the company: 1988

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"As employers, we need to accept that women and men operate differently in the workplace and set up development and training programs that are designed to target high potential employees in both groups," Johnson told Glassdoor. "As women, we need to remind ourselves to have an 'opt in' attitude. Career downturns happen to everyone and we must remember to treat them as opportunities to change how we work or try something new. That is what shows our true mettle."

Stacey Cunningham, president, NYSE

Appointed: May 2018

When she joined the company: 1994 as an intern; left in 2005; returned in 2012.

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"It wasn't, for me, about breaking glass ceilings or breaking barriers; it was about accomplishing what I set out to accomplish," Cunningham told Vox.

Later, she said, "It's not just about gender. Different people have different dynamics, and you have a much more well-balanced view as a leadership team if you're focusing on making sure you're not all talking with the same voice."

Jenn Piepszak, CFO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Appointed: May 2019

When she joined the company: 1994

Jennifer Johnson, president and COO, Franklin Templeton

Appointed: December 2016

When she joined the company: 1988

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"I never consider myself a female executive but I always position myself as a professional executive," Johnson told the South China Morning Post. "There is always someone who is biased about gender but my advice is not to waste your energy or pay attention to those people. Just focus on getting your job done in a professional way and you will be successful, regardless if you're a man or a woman."

Cathy Bessant, chief operations and technology officer, Bank of America

Appointed: July 2015

When she joined the company: 1982

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"Diversity is not just a cultural imperative; it is a business and economic development imperative as well," Bessant wrote in the American Banker."Throughout my more than 30-year career, I have found that diversity connects us more deeply to our customers. At the end of the day, diversity always wins."

Mary Erdoes, CEO, JPMorgan Asset & Wealth Management

Appointed: September 2009

When she joined the company: 1996

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

When a senior JPMorgan banker wondered if it was fair to consider Erdoes to run the bank in 2005, seeing as she was a mother, "he was overruled,"Forbes reports. Erdoes told Forbes, "I can't imagine someone saying that about a man with two children."

Suni Harford, global head of investments, UBS Asset Management

Appointed:2017

When she joined the company: 2017

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"What I really mean to say is that the concept of a solution or a fix-all for a universal, internal peace between the tug of both sides of a life, work life and personal life, is a myth," Harford said at a CFA Institute Alpha and Gender Diversity Conference. "The scale is ever-present. On one side of the scale are the things that pull us away from work, things that make working hard. On the other side of the scale are things that pull us toward work, give us reward, and make it worth it for us to put in all the hours and all the travel, etc."

"So back to the balancing act," Harford said. "Work is hard versus work is great. If we want to retain women, we have two choices. Make the left hand of the side of the scale lighter. Make it easier to work, make it easier for them to do what they need to do. Or make the right hand of the scale heavier, which is to say give them more rewards, more opportunity, more reasons to stay at the job."

Kristi Mitchem, head of global asset management, BMO

Appointed: March 2019

When she joined the company: 2019

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"If you're a young woman coming into finance today, you don't see a lot of successful women in elevated positions," Mitchem told Theglasshammer. "We need to have women visible in high-level positions so young women can see what's possible."

She continued "I consistently see women who could improve their skills in the area of presence and would benefit from seeking guidance on how to talk persuasively and powerfully. One of the most wonderful things I have realized is that it is a learned behavior that you can enhance over time."

Julia Wellborn, head of private wealth management, Wells Fargo

Appointed: July 2019

When she joined the company: July 2019

Thoughts on gender diversity:

Wellborn transferred to the University of West Georgia, and one of her sorority sisters there inspired her to apply to certain banking programs that resulted in her current career trajectory. She told UWG that hiring is crucial: "The most important thing I can do at this level is to select the right leaders who are experts in each of my business lines, support their success, and foster collaboration among them to achieve our overarching goals."

Mellody Hobson, co-CEO, Ariel Investments

Appointed: July 2019

When she joined the company: 1991

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"I am a person of color who happens to be a woman as well, and I have firsthand dealt with inequality, despite having shown up with all of the credentials. I do not sit here believing that if you've just gone to a great school and this, that and the other, it's all going to be fine," Hobson told the NYTimes."It just doesn't work like that in our society. I think about those people who were like me and are like me. That goes into the boardrooms that I'm in. I also think about the people of color who are inside of those companies, making sure they get the same opportunity as those who are in the majority population."

Sasha Wiggins, group chief of staff, Barclays

Appointed: April 2018

When she joined the company: 2002

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

Wiggins stated the following on an Accenture panel when she was CEO of Barclays Ireland: "Women do feel the need to tick every single job criteria before they'll even apply for a job. I think, therefore, that whilst we as women need to check ourselves and be bold and take decisions and put ourselves in situations that we wouldn't think we could be in, I think organizations have a duty to respect and understand that that's a fact, and to reach into the organization and help people understand that they could take on more."

She continued: "I have to say from a personal perspective that I would not be here today if Barclays hadn't reached in and helped me see that. Now, I had to go through a process, and it wasn't sure that I was going to get offered the job. They interviewed me seven times for it." 

"But I do think organizations must understand and appreciate that women just work slightly differently to men. Doesn't make them better, doesn't make them worse. Just makes them a little bit different, and we need to have initiatives to focus on that."

Julie Monaco, global head of corporate and investment banking coverage for the public sector, Citigroup

Appointed: July 2013

When she joined the company: July 2007

Thoughts on gender diversity:

"There is a lot more variety in the positions and types of jobs in banking than people would imagine," Monaco told Theglasshammer. "College students majoring in business often tend to think only of being a 'trader' or an investment banker however there are a broad range of different positions available which can give greater flexibility to exploring one's interest and developing skills, particularly for young women."

Adena Friedman, CEO, Nasdaq

Appointed: January 2017

When she joined the company: June 2014

Thoughts on gender diversity: 

"You see so many fewer women in the recruitment pool, so therefore it makes it harder to reach parity," Friedman told CNN's Poppy Harlow. "That's why we've got to get more women to go into finance, to get more women to go into tech, and to take advantage of the education available to them because that will then get them into the industry."

"Our pitch is that Nasdaq provides the technology that drives economic growth around the world, and you could argue that banks provide the fuel for growth around the world," Friedman continued. "Young people coming into Nasdaq specifically realize that they're here more than just to have a fun experience, but they're actually here to make a difference."

• Sheet masks are the latest Korean beauty craze to take the world by storm.
• They offer a super-easy, speedy way to give your skin some extra love without having to leave home.
• For the ultimate post-facial glow in an instant, the SK-II Facial Treatment mask is the best sheet mask you can buy.
• You can also check out our guide to the best moisturizers.

Sheet masks act like flash facials to provide an instant fix for your skin andaddress all sorts of concerns. Despite the fact sheet masks make you look terrifying temporarily, they have reached cult status among celebrities, dermatologists, and beauty junkies alike. Instagram is filled with people snapping scary sheet mask selfies (check out Victoria Beckham's account).

So what's so amazing about this K-beauty trend? The reason for our sheet mask obsession is that they are the easiest and fastest way to give your skin some extra attention without having to go to a spa. These masks are made from cotton, paper, or gel and saturated with concentrated ingredients that penetrate deep into your skin for plumper, more radiant complexions. You see results in just 10-15 minutes and unlike traditional masks, they are super-easy to remove. However, in our testing, we did discover that many sheet masks didn't produce any visible results, so you have to do your research before you buy your first mask.

As well as being renowned for their incredible hydrating properties, sheet masks treat different skin concerns, from soothing sensitive skin to brightening dull complexions. Some are great for a pre-night out boost, while others work better if you wear them before you go to bed, so the serum can soak in and you can wake up with glowing skin. Most experts are now using sheet masks as part of their daily skincare routine.

With the incredible number of sheet masks on the market, working out which one is right for you can be a minefield. As well as researching thousands of reviews from beauty experts and buyers, we've tried and tested all sorts of sheet masks, from super cheap to super expensive, to come up with our top picks.

Here the best sheet masks:

• Best overall: SK-II Facial Treatment Masks
• Best for hydrating: Patchology Hydrate Flashmasque 5 Minute Facial Sheets
• Best for brightening: Erno Laszlo White Marble Bright Hydrogel Masks
• Best for soothing: Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Masks
• Best for breakouts: Leaders Insolution AC Clear Treatment Masks
• Best for anti-aging: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Masks
• Best under $5: Tony Moly I'm Real Avocado Masks
• Best for a quick fix: Talika Bio Enzyme Brightening Mask
• Best for sensitive skin: St. Ives' Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask
• Best for pollution: Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask

Updated on 10/25/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. Added a few related links. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best body oil you can buy to stay moisturized all winter

The best sheet mask overall

Japanese brand SK-II's face mask is a cult classic because it visibly hydrates, brightens, and firms your skin.

The SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is an all-in one-sheet mask that does everything you need for a glowing, gorgeous complexion. Beauty editors, bloggers, and celebrities such as Cate Blanchett are obsessed, and so are we.

The sheet is soaked with SK-II's signature serum Pitera. Discovered in a sake brewery back in the '70s, this liquid is packed with naturally-derived vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. It is designed to refine texture and address uneven skin tone, dryness, large pores, and oiliness. SK-II suggests you use a mask once or twice a week or before a special event.

The SK-II Facial Treatment Mask lived up to the hype in our testing. It made my skin look more radiant instantly, and my skin felt tighter and softer. The mask fit well and stayed put, although it felt a bit slimy. Granted, most face masks feel a bit slimy because it's the slime that fixes your skin.

The SK-II sheet mask gets rave reviews from buyers and experts alike, including Rank and Style. Elle's Executive Beauty Editor also says it's one of her top five favorite beauty products, and buyers on Sephora give it great reviews, too.  — Janine Clements

Pros: Hydrates, brightens, firms, good for all skin types, fragrance free, not tested on animals

Cons: Expensive

Buy SK-II Facial Treatment Masks, 10-Pack, from Sephora for $139

The best sheet mask for brightening dull skin

For an easy, fast path to radiant skin, Erno Laszlo's Lighten & Brighten Hydrogel Mask should be your go-to sheet mask.

The Lighten & Brighten White Marble Hydrogel Mask from renowned skincare brand Erno Laszlo is designed to instantly brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and aging. The serum is made up of allotonin to plump up the skin, essential oils including peony and chamomile to moisturize, and sunflower seed oil to protect against wrinkles.

We're obsessed with Erno Laszlo's range of sheet masks, and this one is awesome. Each sheet mask comes in two pieces of gel-like material. It felt a bit slippery and strange, but it was easy to apply. I liked that it didn't or slip off my face so I could walk around while the mask did its work.

The mask has a very light, clean smell, unlike some sheet masks that smell a bit weird. After I took it off, my skin looked way less tired and had a visible dewy sheen. This is a perfect pre-night out treatment.

Beauty bloggers and buyers agree, giving this mask consistently high ratings. The experts at Conde Nast Traveller included the Lighten & Brighten Hydrogel Mask on a list of top hand luggage beauty essentials.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Suitable for all skin types, you can move around with it on, ideal pre-night out treatment, paraben, phthalate, sulfate free

Cons: One of the more expensive sheet masks

Buy Erno Laszlo's White Marble Bright Hydrogel Mask, 4-Pack, from Walmart for $40.49

The best sheet mask for soothing sensitive skin

When you want to give dried-out sensitive skin some extra love without spending a fortune at the spa, the Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask is ideal. 

Our favorite water-based face mask for sensitive skin comes from the legendary Korean Brand Dr Jart+. The mask is packed with soothing ingredients like allatonin, marine collagen, chamomile flower water, and witch hazel to moisturize sensitive skin without irritation. The mask is designed to calm redness and cool irritated skin, making it a godsend for people with sensitive skin.

The sheet mask was a bit big for me and it kept slipping if I moved. So, it was a great excuse to lie down and do nothing for 20 minutes. After I took it off, my skin looked much less red and felt very soft.

Expert reviewers at Rank and Style and Allure rate this mask very highly. Buyers at Sephora give it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Reviewer after reviewer reports how much more hydrated and smooth their skin feels. This is the kind of face mask you can use before you go to bed to give your skin a chance to recover.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Great if you have sensitive skin, formulated without artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Cons: A bit big so it can slip off

Buy Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask from Sephora for $7.50

The best sheet mask for anti-aging

For smoother skin in just 15 minutes, the Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is our top pick.

Tatcha's gel-like face mask is packed with powerful anti-aging products including red algae and hyaluronic acid, as well as green tea and rice to target dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness. It is derived from coconut and is more effective than paper masks.

Tatcha claims it can increase the skin's total moisture by 200% in 15 minutes. While we can't verify that claim, we can say that it left our skin feeling great. 

The Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Masksmelled deliciousand it stuck to my skin better than most of the paper ones. It was a bit fiddly, as you have to remove one of the layers to put it on, but it fit well. After taking it off, my skin felt much tighter and my fine lines were less obvious.

Experts from Harpers Bazaar's also agree that it's great for hydration and hiding fine lines. The Tatcha mask also gets rave reviews on Sephora. One buyer said it's the best one on the market.

Beauty does come at a price, though, and at $25 a pop, this is a great mask for special occasions or when your skin needs some extra attention.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Firms, smoothes, hydrates, doesn't slip off your face

Cons: Expensive, it's a bit fiddly to apply

Buy Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Masks, 4-Pack, from Sephora for $95

The best sheet mask for hydrating dry skin

For smoother, hydrated skin in just five minutes, the Patchology Hydrate FlashMasque 5 Minute Facial Sheet Mask is hard to beat.

Patchology's mask is your secret weapon for defeating dry skin because it features ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, and vitamin B5 and betaine to improve elasticity and smooth skin.

Traditionally sheet masks take up to 20 minutes to work, but the Patchology Hydrate Flashmasque accelerates delivery of the ingredients to the skin with its unique material, so you see results in just five minutes.

This speedy skin saver is perfect for a last minute touch up before you put on your make up or before you go to bed. It is the ideal quick fix for winter when your skin needs some extra hydration or on a long flight (as long as you don't mind scaring the flight attendants).

Beauty blogger Cou Cou Jolie said on her skin looking more fresh and plump after using the Patchology Hydrate Flashmasque. It also gets great reviews on Ulta Beauty, with users reporting glowing, smoother skin.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Quick results, hydrates, smoothes dry skin, good for all skin types

Cons: Very wet, can be tricky to unfold

Buy Patchology Hydrate Flashmasques, 4-Pack, from Nordstrom for $30

The best sheet masks for breakouts

If you're prone to breakouts and want effective, instant relief, then you'll love the Leaders Insolution AC Clear Treatment Mask.

The AC Clear Treatment Mask from Korean company Leaders Insolution balances skin and provides relief for irritated, stressed, and sensitive skin that's prone to breakouts and inflammation.

This hypoallergenic 100% cotton sheet mask is packed with maple water, hyaluronic acid, and snail secretions to calm skin and reduce redness. It's gentle enough to be used daily and the more often you use it, the better the results.

The AC Clear Treatment Mask features in Byrdie's top sheet masks for acne and it gets lots of praise for how effective it is from buyers. Reviewers reported you do need to use it multiple times to get the best results.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation; prevents flare ups with regular use; great price

Cons: Better results after multiple applications

Buy Leaders Insolution AC Clear Treatment Masks from Soko Glam for $5

The best sheet masks for under $5

For a fun and very affordable sheet mask with great results, the Tony Moly I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask is a winner.

Established in Seoul more than ten years ago, Tony Moly pioneered the Korean sheet mask beauty trend that has spread across the world. The innovative brand is now a household name in the US.

There are 14 different masks in the Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Mask collection to address every possible skin concern and we've tried them all. Our favorite is the I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask.

Ideal for dull, dry, and stressed out skin, this highly moisturizing sheet mask is soaked with nutrient-rich avocado essence. The paper sheet had a pleasant smell, but felt quite delicate so I had to be careful not to tear it. After leaving it on for 20 minutes, my skin definitely felt softer and looked fresher.

Beauty blogger The Sunday Girl says this mask is one of her favorite sheet masks ever and it gets 4.5 out of 5 on Influenster. Some buyers did comment on it the fit not being great.   — Janine Clements

Pros: Good for dry skin, great price, cruelty-free ingredients

Cons: Delicate so may tear

Buy Tony Moly I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask from Macy's for $3.00

The best sheet mask for a quick fix

Talkia's Bio Enzyme Brightening Mask is the quick fix you pray for when your skin is looking sad ahead of a big event.

You know those times when you wake up the morning before a big event, and your skin looks totally sallow? Your acne scars are popping, your under eyes are sagging, and you just wish you had a magic wand to instantly make your skin sing?

That's when Talika's Bio Enzyme Brightening Mask comes in. It's formulated with argan oil, alpine herbs, and cinnamon, and it's the closest you can come to a skin care cure-all. Just one use of this mask will deliver you a more glowing, clear complexion in 30 minutes.

It's true. The first time she used it, Refinery29 writer Megan McIntyre was downright shocked with how clear her complexion looked after just one use. The cinnamon's tingling sensation helps to brighten your skin, while the argan oil hydrates and adds glow. That's what makes this the perfect mask to pop on when you're in need of a quick fix.

One word of warning, though: Sensitive skin types may react negatively to the cinnamon. If this sounds like you, try this mask out on a day where you can handle a little redness to see how your skin reacts. — Maria Del Russo

Pros: Soothes and brightens skin after one use

Cons: May cause redness in sensitive skin types

Buy Talika Bio Enzyme Brightening Mask from Amazon for $12

The best sheet mask for freaked out skin

Suffer from sensitive skin? St. Ives' Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask helps calm even the reddest of faces.

Folks with truly sensitive skin know it's no picnic. Just the slightest bit of irritation can cause hours of redness — and splotches aren't necessarily our favorite things to be sporting. If you're one of these people, then you should ever be without St. Ives' Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask.

Just like the oatmeal baths of your childhood, this oatmeal mask instantly soothes whatever is ailing your face. Sunburn? Pop this on. Windburn? You got it. That's all thanks to the oatmeal extract. It works to calm any type of skin issue, while leaving your face feeling refreshed and clean.

And since it's in an easy-to-use sheet, you can get all of the benefits without the mess. People love this mask. One commenter wrote that even though her sensitive skin tends to react negatively to sheet masks, this one actually nourished and calmed her face.

Because of its calming properties, this is actually a great mask to pop on after you've applied a more detoxifying mask. It will calm things down while sealing in the good-for-you ingredients of the first. — Maria Del Russo

Pros: Good for even the most sensitive skin

Cons: The serum is watery, so it can get a little messy

Buy St. Ives Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask for $3.19

The best clay mask for city dwellers

Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask helps fight free radical damage, leading to a bright, beautiful complexion.

If you live in a city, it's not just the sun you have to worry about every time you step outside. Free radicals brought on by pollution can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to a dull complexion. Free radicals are also one of the worst catalysts for aging skin.

But a skin care regimen rich in antioxidants is perfect for combating these issues. And Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask should be a regular part of any antioxidant-rich regimen.

This little mask is chock-full of good-for-you ingredients that help fight free radicals. Vitamins C, B, and E are the powerhouses of this mask, while acai berries come in for the assist. All these ingredients work to wick away the negative effects of pollution.

The one downside? Some people have reported that this mask can be a little tough to put on. — Maria Del Russo

Pros: Helps fight pollution, smells great

Cons: Can be difficult to put on

Buy Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask from Ulta for $6

Check out our other great skin-care guides

The best exfoliators

Whether you're new to the exfoliation game or a seasoned skincare pro, Glossier's Solution is the exfoliator you should be reaching for. Its powerful mix of acids dissolves dead skin cells and improves your complexion, giving your face a gorgeous glow.

Here are the best exfoliants:

• Best exfoliator overall: Glossier Solution
• Best drugstore exfoliator: Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub
• Best exfoliator for daily use: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
• Best exfoliator for sensitive skin: Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub
• Best exfoliator for uneven skin tone: Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub

The best moisturizers

Everyone wants healthy, smooth, and soft skin. Dry skin not only looks dull and flaky, it also feels tight and itchy. The solution? A good moisturizer. Our favorite moisturizer for both face and body is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

Here are the best moisturizers:

• Best moisturizer overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Best facial moisturizer for under $25: Neutrogena Hydro Boost 
• Best drugstore facial moisturizer for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
• Best inexpensive organic facial moisturizer: Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream
• Best drugstore body moisturizer for very dry skin: Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion
• Best inexpensive moisturizer for very sensitive skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
• Best moisturizer with clean ingredients: Nécessaire Body Lotion 
• Best antiaging facial moisturizer for less than $25: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
• Best drugstore hand cream: Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream

The best eye creams

• Sunglasses double as a fun fashion statement and protective eyewear.
• You could just get a cheap pair that'll break in a week, or you could go all in on a nice pair of sunglasses that will last for years if not decades.
• Our favorite pair of sunglasses for women are the Under Armour Road Getaway Sunglasses because they have a classic look and a sturdy build.

Summer's just around the corner, which means it's time to bare your shoulders and your legs, but not your eyes. Even as you let the rest of your body soak up the sun, you'll want to be sure that the windows to your souls remain closely guarded, and that means buying a great pair of sunglasses for the sunny days to come.

Before you decide that the $5 pair of shades you found in the street stall will serve your purposes, you'll want to do a little bit more research about what it really takes to protect your eyes and help you look great all summer. While you don't have to spend a fortune in order to get quality sunglasses that provide adequate protection from the bright rays of the warmer seasons, you'll want to ensure that the glasses you ultimately select not only serve a fashionable purpose but a functional one as well. To that end, select shades with UV protection so that you can spend long summer days in the out of doors without worrying about damaging your retina.

You'll also want to get sunglasses that can withstand your fun in the sun. Be sure to select lenses that are scratch resistant. After all, you won't be able to see out of your protective eyewear if they're totally marred by evidence of all the good times you're having.

And unless you plan on buying a new pair of sunglasses every season (not that there's anything wrong with that), it'll probably behoove you to choose styles that are fun, yet timeless. While this isn't to say that you should shy away from new aesthetics, it will also be beneficial to have a pair of sunglasses that you'll love and use forever. The sun will always be there, after all.

Regardless of which of our favorite women's sunglasses you select, we're confident that your eyes will be well taken care of, and that you'll be in vogue all season long. You can also check out our top picks for the best men's sunglasses.

Here are the best sunglasses for women:

• Best women's sunglasses overall: Under Armour's Road Getaway Sunglasses
• Best affordable sunglasses: MVMT for shades
• Best prescription sunglasses: Warby Parker
• Best classic sunglasses: Ray-Ban's Clubmasters
• Best premium sunglasses: Dior So Real sunglasses

SEE ALSO: The best sunglasses for men

The best women’s sunglasses overall

Under Armour's Road Getaway Sunglasses help you see clearly and stay in place no matter what you're doing, all while being decidedly chic.

The best thing about buying sunglasses from a company dedicated to athletes? You know that these shades were built to perform. While Under Armour manufactures plenty of protective eyewear for fun in the sun, my favorite pair is undoubtedly the brand's new Road Getaway Sunglasses.

Whether you're engaging in a competitive game of beach volleyball or just lazily throwing around a ball on the beach, these newest Getaways keep your eyes safe while keeping you in vogue. The new Under Armour Tuned Road lenses offer contrast enhancement, which helps you see your surroundings more clearly even in the brightest of days.

The classic aviator frames are flattering on just about any face shape, but more importantly, the shades will keep your eyes shielded from 100% of the sun's harmful UVA/B/C rays. The lenses feature "multiflection" coatings, which means that even if you take a tumble on the sand or any other surface, you'll be guarded against scratches and smudges. Plus, the coating protects against intense sunlight, which means that you can wear these quite literally all day long.

Of course, if you're planning on keeping a pair of glasses on your face for hours on end, you'll need to make sure they're comfortable. While I often struggle with glasses staying on my nose (life can be so hard), this isn't the case with the Getaways. Because these shades come with an adjustable nosepad, you can effectively customize the fit of your shades, and make sure that they're resting comfortably all the livelong day.

Should you need to loan these sunglasses to a friend, she'll be able to adjust the glasses to her specifications as well. The arms of these shades are also quite flexible, so I've never had an issue with feeling as though the sidings were digging into my face.

All of Under Armour's products are clearly meant for performance, and its sunglasses are no exception to this rule. The Road Getaway sunglasses will keep you sharp no matter what summer or winter activity you may find yourself engaged in.

Pros: UA Tuned Road lenses provide great contrast enhancement, flattering frames, good sun ray protection, unisex

Cons: Adjusting the frames to get the perfect fit may take a little bit of trial and error

Buy the UA Tuned Road Getaway Sunglasses from Under Armour for $145 

Shop all Under Armour sunglasses

The best affordable sunglasses

MVMT offers a wide range of stylish, protective, and wallet-friendly sunglasses that will keep you in style and on budget.

You may know MVMT best for its line of simple yet sleek watches, but the brand has since taken its popular aesthetic to another accessory — sunglasses. MVMT began making sunglasses for the masses in 2016 and hasn't stopped since with its huge selection of creative and stylish lenses that are as varied as your moods.

The sunglasses themselves range in price from $60 to $90, though if you elect to add the polarized lens option, you could be looking at a top price of $105. Still, that's quite a reasonable price to be paying for sunglasses that look as though they could walk out of any designer shop without suffering from any sort of imposter syndrome.

Many of MVMT's sunglasses reflect the brand's commitment to timeless, classic pieces, like the Runaway shades — a simple aviator style with dark lenses. But the brand also offers up a few shades that are a bit more daring, like the Savage, a rectangular frame that comes with frames in a bronze gradient; or the Icon, a pair of sunglasses that look like they stepped right out of another decade, but somehow look fresh and original.

And best of all, if you're looking to recreate, say, the Dior So Real sunglasses look for about a quarter of the price, MVMT can help with Nightowl sunglasses. For $80, you can get a similar aesthetic in unique color schemes like Fuchsia Havana/Mauve Rose Gradient, or Clear/Silver Mirror Lenses.

With such a wide and varied set of options, the biggest challenge you're likely to face is narrowing down your selection to just a single pair of sunglasses.

Pros: Affordable, huge range, flirty frames, polarized lenses available, comfortable for all-day wear

Cons: Some buyers have complained that the nose pieces aren't particularly reliable or adjustable

Shop the MVMT sunglasses collection starting at $45

The best prescription sunglasses

You may know Warby Parker best for its direct-to-consumer prescription glasses, but the brand also makes killer prescription sunglasses.

Warby Parker has been making affordable eyewear since 2010, with most of its extensive collection setting customers back just $95. That's a reasonable price for any pair of shades, and if you want to add a prescription to those frames, you'll pay somewhere between $80 and $280 more, depending on the type of prescription.

When you shop at Warby Parker, you're able to place orders for up to five pairs of sunglasses (or regular glasses) in your cart and get them delivered to your doorstep so that you can try them out in the comfort of your own home. Shipping is free, and you'll have five days to decide which pair (or pairs) suit you best. Just send the samples back when you're done and order your prescription lenses for the pair(s) of your choosing.

All of Warby Parker's sunglasses feature anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings at no extra cost, which certainly will help you keep the sun at bay. I'm a particular fan of the Tilley, which incorporates just the right amount of retro chic into its aesthetic.

If you're not entirely sure of which sunglasses are best for you, Warby Parker has an online quiz that can help you figure out what sunglass shape works best with your visage. You'll answer questions about how you prefer your fit, what colors you like, and what materials you want to see in your frames.

Once you've gone through the questionnaire, Warby will recommend the frames that are most likely to tickle your fancy, and you can get them delivered.

If you're looking for a way to give back to your community through commerce, Warby Parker can help with its "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" pledge. Just as the name suggests, with this program, Warby Parker will donate a pair of glasses to someone in need with every purchase of a pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses.

Pros: Affordable, online quiz helps determine the best frames for your face, free anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings

Cons: Prescription sunglasses may be costly depending on the severity of prescription (but they're still affordable when compared to other options)

Shop prescription sunglasses from Warby Parker starting at $95

The best classic sunglasses

Ray-Ban's Clubmaster sunglasses are an American classic, plus, you can customize them to make these shades your own.

Although Ray-Ban's Wayfarers may be more popular, the Clubmaster sunglasses are a great, classic pair of sunglasses that you can customize to suit your style. The mid-century design has a distinctive browline frame with round, metal-rimmed lenses for a retro aesthetic that looks amazing on everyone.

Over the years, Ray-Ban's Clubmasters have graced the faces of many celebrities, artists, and, of course, us normal folk. Both the black or dark mock tortoise frames with gold metal accents offer a simple, classic look, but Ray-Ban offers 14 different colors on its site and the option to customize your glasses to suit your style. 

You can get flashy mirrored lenses in many different colors, unique frames, and even prescription lenses, though those will add to the price. Like other Ray-Ban shades, the Clubmasters are crafted with glass lenses and sturdy acetate frames, so they're well worth the money and should last a lifetime.

Guides editor Malarie Gokey actually has a pair of these as regular prescription glasses, which she wears quite frequently. She can attest to their great build quality, comfortable fit for all-day wear, and stylish appeal.

Pros: Quality construction, glass lenses with a durable metal and acetate frame, 1950s style, customizable

Cons: This style is currently not made in Italy

Buy the Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses from Ray-Ban starting at $153

The best premium sunglasses

Sometimes, a single accessory is all it takes to make you feel like a million bucks, and the Dior So Real sunglasses are capable of doing just that.

If there's ever a time to be just a little bit extra, it's the summer. And what better way to show off your ostentatious side than by donning a pair of sunglasses that are known to grace the faces of stars like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner? Meet the Dior So Real sunglasses. They're so expensive, but oh so worth it.

I managed to get my hands on a pair a couple years ago when I forgot that my FSA money was expiring (pro tip: use your FSA funds to buy designer sunglasses, and you'll love yourself forever). Every time I throw them on, I feel a new bounce in my step. Am I being a bit silly? Sure. But am I at all sorry? Nope.

We really haveRihanna to thank for bringing the So Real trend to the streets of Hollywood, New York, and every in between. The songstress wore a mirrored pair of the shades at Dior's 2014 fall show in Paris, and ever since, they've been the eyewear of choice of the fashion forward. Part of the appeal, of course, lies in the unique shape of the lens itself. And then there's the mirrored aspect of the frames, which are great for shielding your eyes from the paparazzi (or just from the sun).

But aside from being great to look at, the Dior So Real sunglasses really are great to look through as well. The shades offer 100% UV protection, and while I sometimes feel as though I have to squint even from behind my sunglasses, this is never the case with the Dior frames.

The So Real sunglasses also provide excellent coverage, thanks to the unique shape and their relatively close fit, you won't find a ton of UV rays streaming in from every which direction. Because the lenses are mirrored, you'll reflect a lot of the light that might otherwise harm your eyes.

Happy customers have noted that "These Diors...are absolutely stunning. Perfect fit, excellent quality." And while they tend to sell out quickly, don't be afraid to check back frequently on your favorite online shopping destination.

Pros: Unique frames, beautiful, well-made design, excellent coverage, 100% UV protection

Cons: At $495, luxury comes at a high price

Buy the So Real Split Lens Mirrored Sunglasses from Bloomingdale's for $495

• If there's one thing many women never leave home without, it's mascara.
• It makes your eyes pop and brightens up your face in an instant.
• We tested dozens of mascaras to find the best, and Chanel Le Volume Mascara is our top choice because it delivers long, lush lashes that last all day.

A good mascara works wonders even if you have no other makeup on, but there is a dizzying array to choose from. We even found one brand that had 17 different mascaras!

Whether you want volume, length, curl, or all three, when looking for the perfect mascara, you'll need one that doesn't run or clump and has staying power.

We tested dozens of mascaras, including drugstore brands, designers, cult classics, and all-natural options. We also looked at thousands of reviews from women who wear mascara and beauty experts to find the absolute best mascaras you can buy.

Here are the best mascaras you can buy in 2019:

• Best overall: Chanel Le Volume Mascara
• Best drugstore brand: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
• Best volumizing: Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
• Best lengthening: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
• Best curling: Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling and Lifting Mascara
• Best waterproof: Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara
• Best fiber formula:L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara 

Updated 10/25/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.

SEE ALSO: The best foundation you can buy for beautiful skin

The best mascara overall

Chanel Le Volume Mascara boosts lash volume, doesn't clump, and stays on all day to keep you looking gorgeous.

Our winner, Chanel Le Volume, lives up to its name, adding plenty of lash-boosting volume without clumping, which is often a problem with volumizing mascaras. It has a spiky brush with a blend of short and long bristles that are designed to separate and lift.

The creamy formula plumps lashes, and in our tests, we really noticed our lashes looked longer and curled upward, too, making eyes pop. All you need is one coat for daytime or two for a night out. The color is rich and bold, plus, it coats your lashes easily. In case you want it, this mascara comes in a waterproof formula, too.

Celebrity makeup artists, Kara Yoshimoto Bua and Rachel Goodwin, swear by this mascara and it is one of Elle's top mascaras. It also gets rave reviews from women who wear it every day.

One buyer who wrote a review on Macy's website said she had compliments from her co-workers the first day she wore it. One reviewer did say she experienced a little clumping, but it's easy enough to solve the issue.

Pros: Easy to apply, adds volume, length and curl, long-wearing, no flaking or smudging

Cons: High price tag

The best drugstore mascara

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara adds volume, length, and curl for an effect that rivals many high-end mascaras. 

Many people swear by drugstore mascaras, and this bestseller certainly has a cult following. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise outdoes many more expensive types of mascaras and, in fact, is often compared to Too Faced's best-selling Better than Sex mascara.

Our drugstore favorite comes in an all-pink tube and is easy to apply, thanks to the wavy brush, which has more than 200 bristles. We were impressed with the volume and length it created with our lashes.

It also feathers lashes, really opening up the eyes. For a more dramatic look, just add a second coat. We didn't see clumping or flaking, and it stays on for hours. The formula is washable, although we found it betterto use makeup remover when you take it off.

L'Oreal's mascara was even named Harper's Bazaar's Best Mascara of all time. It gets rave reviews on Influenster, with one customer saying, "it is amazing for separating lashes and really getting mascara on to each and every single one, creating a very full looking lash." It also comes in a waterproof formula.

Pros: Volumizes, lengthens, curls, washable

Cons: Possibility of some clumping

The best volumizing mascara

For bold lashes that last and last, Lancôme's Monsieur Big should be your go-to mascara.

It's hard not to fall in love with this fabulous mascara. Lancôme's Monsieur Big claims to deliver 12 times more volume with 24-hour wear, and in our tests, it seemed to deliver. It certainly lasted all day and made our lashes look thick.

The wavy brush is easy to use and the soft bristles won't scratch your eyelids. The creamy formula contains polymers that pack lashes full of thickness, length, and jet black color. It opens up your eyes and extra coats create insane volume as well as length, for a false lash effect that we loved. It also looks as good after a night out as it does when you first put it on.

This mascara gets consistently high ratings from beauty experts and was a winner in Allure's Best of Beauty Awards in 2017. It has 10,000 likes on Sephora, with one buyer saying it was her new Holy Grail mascara.

Pros: Easy to apply, adds exceptional volume and length, very long-wearing, doesn't smudge

Cons: Can be difficult to remove

The best lengthening mascara

If you crave long, lush lashes that last, then Estée Lauder's Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara is the one for you.

Short lashes be gone. Estée Lauder's Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara aims to give you extra long lashes with 15-hour staying power. In our tests, the mascara lifted our lashes and made them seem longer by adding a nice curl. Even after wearing it all day and into the evening, the mascara hadn't smudged, which is a huge plus.

The brush has micro-fiber bristles to lengthen and separate to help you avoid clumping, while the formula features smudge-proof technology and polymers that coat each lash and give it a glossy, intense color. A big plus is that this mascara can resist high temperatures and humidity, making it perfect on a hot, summer's day.

Beautypedia's experts gave this mascara a perfect score, and it gets superb reviews with one Influenster reviewer, who said it made her lashes so long and her eyes look much bigger. However, there were a few reports of clumping.

Pros: Lengthens and curls lashes, doesn't smudge, stays on all day.

Cons: Needs more than one coat, tube can dry out, high price tag, easy to remove

The best curling mascara

If your straight lashes need a lift, then you'll love Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara, which delivers maximum curl that lasts.

Benefit's Roller Lash mascara is specially designed to curl and lift lashes. In our testing, this award-winning, best-selling mascara worked wonders on our straight lashes. Its instant curve-setting formula holds for about 12 hours, too, so you keep your lashes curled to perfection.

We love the black and pink tube it comes in because it looks very glam. The special Hook 'n Roll brush, inspired by retro hair rollers, separates, lifts, and curls lashes. The formula is also designed to stay put without clumping or flaking. Benefit added pro-vitamin B5 and serin to the formula to help condition your lashes. The mascara is water-resistant, too, so you never have to worry about it running.

Rank and Style named it the best curling mascara, and one happy Sephoracustomer said it made her lashes look flawless. Other reviewers reported it lasts all day long.

Pros: Curls and separates, adds lengths, doesn't flake, lasts all day, water-resistant, ingredients to condition lashes

Cons: Can smudge after a while

The best waterproof mascara

Whether you're watching a tear-jerker, hitting the gym, or heading to a pool party, Urban Decay's Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara will be your new best friend.

Waterproof mascara is a summer beauty staple. Your lashes need to look lush without drying out and your mascara needs to last all day. It can be hard to find one that lives up to expectations. On our hunt, we tested some top rated waterproof mascaras but were constantly disappointed. Then we came across Urban Decay Cannonball Mascara.

It has a thick, fuzzy brush designed to maximize length and volume without flaking. Once it's on your lashes, the Japanese gel-formula just won't budge.

After testing this mascara, we were very impressed with the effect and its serious staying power, which is why it is our top pick for waterproof mascara.

Instyle's Beauty Team also recommends Urban Decay's mascara, and it gets great reviews from women who wear it every day. One Macy's buyer reporting it never came off even after lots of swimming. When you do want to take it off, you need a good makeup remover.

Pros: Adds volume and length, doesn't come off in the water

Cons: Difficult to remove

Best fiber formula

The two-step L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara gives you super-long lashes without much effort, and washes easily without makeup remover.

Fiber mascaras are infused with teeny-tiny fibers that latch onto your natural lashes to add length and drama without too much effort on your end. Instead of needing to go over your lashes a hundred times to build up volume and length, the fibers do it all for you. I love the double-sided L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara for this very reason and it's one of the only things I use on my short, stubby lashes. The fact that it's also affordable at under $7 is icing on the cake (fibers on my lashes?)

You'll first have to swipe on the primer on one end of the tube. Mascara primers aren't totally innovative, but instead of the usual white color, this one is black so it blends into dark lashes and adds drama to light lashes. Then you'll sweep the fiber mascara through your lashes like you would any other regular formula; the two steps might take you a few more seconds but it's worth that additional effort. Your lashes will look super long, fluttery, and voluminous but with none of the clumps that come with piling on several coats of mascara. 

It also rinses easily with water (unless you get the waterproof version), and you'll either be freaked out or impressed by the black fibers in the sink after you wash your face. 

Marie Claire lauded the product as one of the best fiber mascaras that'll double the volume of your lashes (though the brand claims it's actually 7x) and Glamour dubbed it a 2019 Beauty Award Winner. Looks like both brands were impressed — just like I was. 

Pros: Affordable, washes easily without needing special makeup remover, has both regular and waterproof versions

Cons: Two-step formula can be annoying for some

Here are all the mascaras we tested

Mascaras we loved

• Benefit They're Real
• Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For The Mascara
• IT Hello Lashes
• Lancôme Definicils
• Lancôme Definicils Waterproof
• L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara
• Maybelline Total Temptation
• Maybelline Lash Sensational
• Two Faced Better Than Sex

Mascaras we liked

• Body Shop Lash Hero
• Body Shop Super Volume
• Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes
• Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes
• Dior Show Plump and Volume
• IT Superhero
• Juice Ultra-Natural Mascara
• Laura Geller Lash Boss
• Lancôme Hypnose Drama
• Lancôme Grandiose Waterproof
• Mac False Lashes Waterproof
• Mac Haute & Naughty Waterproof
• Maybelline Great Lash
• Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express
• Urban Decay Perversion
• Urban Decay Troublemaker

Mascaras we didn't like

• IT Tightline
• Mac False Lashes Extreme Black

• The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) published a report on the progress of the European Union countries in terms of gender equality.
• The EIGE measured the individual index's by looking at seven main areas: work, money, health, knowledge, time (the balance between household and leisurely tasks), power and violence.
• While Greece and Hungary were ranked at the bottom of the list, Nordic neighbors Denmark and Sweden made the most progress in terms of gender equality.
• "We are moving in the right direction, but we are still far from the finish line," the director of the institute said.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) published an update of its Gender Equality Index last week, which analyzes the progress of the 28 countries of the European Union (EU) in terms of gender equality. The EIGE report revealed that "the European Union is moving towards gender equality at a snail's pace." Virginija Langbakk, the director of the institute, said: "We are moving in the right direction, but we are still far from the finish line."

To carry out this study, the EIGE measured the efforts made in seven main areas: work, money, health, knowledge, time (the balance between household and leisurely tasks), power and violence. Each country is then scored using a point system on a scale from 1 to 100. The European Union as a whole obtained an average score of 67.4 out of 100, which is only 5.4 more than in 2005, and 1.2 more than in 2015.

Greece and Hungary were ranked at the bottom with a score of 51.2 and 51.9 out of 100 respectively. Gender equality in the European Union is more respected in the areas of health (88.1 points) and money (80.4 points). As far as power is concerned, the EU is still far from equality (51.9 points), although this is the area that has made the most progress since the last report.

Here are the 10 European Union countries that obtained the highest score on the gender equality index in 2019.

10. Luxembourg (69.2/100)

Between 2005 and 2017, Luxembourg's points have increased by 4.8 points, although it is progressing towards gender quality at a much slower pace than most EU countries. It is among the countries with the lowest wage inequality, and its greatest improvements are in the domains of power.

9. Spain (70.1/100)

Spain's ranking hasn't changed since 2005. Gender equality is most pronounced in the domain of health, with a whopping 90.1 points. But it has a major inequality in the domain of power — only 40% of its parliament is female. This, however, is still an increase of 16.1 points from 2005.

8. Belgium (71.1/100)

Belgium has the lowest wage gap in all of Europe. It is now 1.1 percent, which is less than a third of what it was in 2007. Its overall index is 3.7 higher than that of the EU. It's stronger areas include money and power.

7. Ireland (71.3/100)

With 71.3 points, Ireland has improved it's ranking by three places since 2005. It is showing faster progress than most EU member states and is particularly developing in health.

6. The Netherlands (72.1/100)

In the Netherlands, a 25-year-old Emancipation policy strives to achieve equality in all fields, including employment, education and private life. However, trafficking of women, prostitution and domestic violence still remain issues of concern.

5. United Kingdom (72.2/100)

Although the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, it is still included in the 2019 gender equality index. Coming in 5th place, the country scored highest in the domains of health and money. While there is still inequality in domains of power, the UK has seen improvement since 2005.

4.Finland (73.4/100)

Finland's highest marks were in the domains of health and money, where's progress has stalled when it comes to employment. The country has dropped one ranking since 2005 and is progressing at a much slower pace than other EU Member states.

3.France (74.6/100)

France is in third place with 74.6 points out of 100 and has moved up two places from last year. It is the country that's made the most progress in terms of equality between 2005 and 2017, especially in the field of power.

2.Denmark

Denmark, like a lot of its Scandinavian neighbors, has an impressive record on gender equality— especially in the workplace. At 70.8%, Danish women have one of the highest employment rates in Europe.

1. Sweden

Maintaining its rank since 2005, Sweden remains at the top of the list. This might not seem so surprising, as the Nordic country has consistently excelled in enforcing gender equality across all areas of society, including health, labor, and political power. While Sweden has not had a female Prime Minister yet, women constitute 41% of its government.

• October is National Women-Owned Business Month, in recognition of the 12.3 million women-owned businesses across the US.
• Business Insider profiled several female entrepreneurs, interviewed numerous experts, and reviewed key research findings that illuminate the opportunities and challenges facing women in business.
• Here you'll find links to our coverage from October 2019. You can read them all by subscribing to BI Prime.

Scroll down to find links to our coverage during National Women-Owned Business Month, with advice and insights from female entrepreneurs about how to get funding, build your team, and broaden your professional networks.

• By the numbers:Here's how much things have changed for women-owned businesses since the '80s (and how far we have to go)
• Templates for starting a business:I built a multimillion-dollar business in two years. Here are 3 templates I used to make my first $10,000 in 3 months.
• Accessing capital:Women entrepreneurs talk about the frustrations they face when starting a business, and how they've handled challenges like limited access to funds
• Taking a new approach to markets:The woman who founded top health-tech VC Rock Health is now launching her first startup with $5 million, and it shows that a long-neglected market is heating up
• Becoming a coach:I quit my job to launch a private coaching company. Here's the unexpected marketing trick that earned me my first $100,000 as a new business owner.
• Avoiding bad hires:A 29-year-old female founder who's raised $2 million for her retail company believes that leaders need to remove emotion from the hiring process to avoid bad hires
• Going independent:The ultimate guide to going freelance — and making more than you did at a full-time gig
• When to go to B-school:Here's how to decide when to go to business school, according to 5 graduates who went at drastically different times in their lives
• Using banks:How small-business owners who rely on Bank of America can tap into its benefits offerings to improve hiring, keep employees, and prioritize their local markets
• Boosting self-esteem:I'm a shy introvert who now operates a multimillion-dollar business — here are 3 tricks that boosted my confidence
• The accelerator boost:A fifth of the companies launched from Silicon Valley's most famous accelerator have female founders. Here's how Y Combinator impacted a summer 2019 female-led startup.
• Disrupting male-dominated business models:6 principles women entrepreneurs can use to disrupt 'boys' club' industries
• Staying ahead of the game:The subscription box industry is still booming — here are 4 ways the founders of Birchbox and BarkBox keep their businesses relevant
• How to be a boss:We spoke to 5 people who took Anna Wintour's $90 MasterClass on leadership. These are their most valuable takeaways.
• Winning e-commerce strategies:Amazon says these are the 6 best women-owned small businesses selling on its platform. Here's how the e-commerce giant chose them, and why their decision matters.
• Embracing the risks of leadership:The CEO of fitness brand Daily Burn shares how women leaders can use mentorship to overcome fear of failure and claim their place in the C-suite
• Closing the funding gap:Jack Dorsey's former chief of staff and the woman behind Y Combinator's legendary Demo Day are joining All Raise, a nonprofit trying to close the funding gap for women
• Defining strategic goals:How a serial entrepreneur uses vision statements to build multimillion-dollar businesses
• Telling your story:The woman who founded Maven explains how her first career taught her 2 key skills that helped her raise $42 million at the digital-health startup
• Making your pitch:Startup founders need 3 kinds of pitch decks tailored to different fundraising situations. Here's a quick rundown of what to include in each.
• Investor relations:A parenting startup said its investors offered to put up millions more before the founders even started fundraising. Here's what the ex-Googler CEO said they did right.
• Raising initial cash:Women founders and CEOs share 9 hard truths about raising capital all small businesses need to know
• Going at it alone:I earn three times as much as a freelancer as I did in my full-time job. Here are the 5 lessons I've learned about going off on your own.
• Using metrics and staying organized:The founder of an urban gardening company is one of Amazon's best small business owners under 30. We asked her to share her keys to successful entrepreneurship.
• Managing your budget:The ultimate Excel guide for small businesses to go beyond bookkeeping and save money on software costs
• Using social media:6 tips for building a strong social media community that small businesses can use to drive sales

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Flip flops are the unofficial footwear of summertime. Wear them to the beach, backyard barbecue, or anywhere that calls for casual attire.
• But this type of open-toe sandal has a reputation for being plasticky, flimsy, and uncomfortable.
• Sanuk's flip flops for men and women are soft as a cloud and made of cushy yoga mat material.

You know the person who shows up for beach day in leather sandals with like eight buckles and makes everyone wait around for 20 minutes at the edge of the boardwalk while she takes them off? Yeah, that person is me.

I never have the right footwear for the beach, because I've never found a pair of flip flops I really love, and flip flops are really the only appropriate footwear for the beach. Some people live in them from June through September, and I think they are onto something. Flip flops are so versatile — you literally don't have to think about them. Depending on the material, you might not even need to worry about sudden summer rainstorms while wearing them.

When most of us think of flip flops, we think of slim, inconsequential shoes with no real arch support that we mainly buy because they are cheap and simple. But these days there are plenty of comfortable options appropriate for more than just lounging poolside. Maybe you won't wear them to the office (or maybe you do, if you're lucky to work in an ultra-low-key office), but these picks are suitable for exercising, outdoor showers, and even lunch with friends on a hot day.

Here are the best flip flops you can buy:

• Best women's flip flops overall: Sanuk Women's Sling Flip Flop
• Best men's flip flops overall: Sanuk Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flops
• Best colorful women's flip flops: Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops
• Best colorful men's flip flops: Havaianas Men's Top Sandal
• Best poolside flip flops: Vertico Shower and Pool Sandal
• Best budget men's flip flops: Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for Men
• Best budget women's flip flops: Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for Women
• Best stylish flip flops: Hari Mari Flip Flops
  
• Best comfortable flip flops: Oofos Sandals
• Best rugged flip flops: Keen Kona Flip
• Best women's flip flops for travel: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials
• Best men's flip flops for travel: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best flip flops overall

Sanuk is reinventing the flip flop with unique designs for men and women made of yoga mat material for maximum comfort and ultimate style.

When you do yoga, there's a moment when you press your hands into the mat during downward dog or sink into child's pose, and the world melts away. That sense of relief and comfort is in large part due to the mat itself. Yoga mats, though relatively thin, make you feel cushioned and supported even on top of a hardwood floor. Sanuk makes flip flops that mimic that experience.

The footbeds are made of actual yoga mat material. It's a cool, unique concept that translates well to real-life comfort. The brand's most popular style for women is the Yoga Sling 2, which has well over 6,000 Amazon reviews and one of The Strategist's picks.

A stylish wrap-around silhouette that is clearly yoga-inspired, makes these art-gallery-owner-chic. While not a true flip flop due to a piece of fabric that secures around the ankle, it still gives you that thong sandal look.

For men, there is the cleverly named Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop. With more than 1,500 reviews and a 4.1 Amazon rating, these are popular. This is more of a traditional flip flop with thick straps, Sanuk's signature yoga mat footbed, and a curve for additional arch support.

"Love, love, love. Very comfortable and swishy," writes one Amazon customer. Another shopper says, "I have a previous pair I bought five years ago that I still wear to this day."

Pros: Cushy footbed made of yoga mat material, cute styles that work for a variety of occasions, comfortable for walking long distances

Cons: May want to size up, material isn't waterproof

Buy the Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flop on Amazon from $11.52 and up

Buy the Sanuk Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop on Amazon from $14.99 and up

The best colorful flip flops

Havaianas are the most iconic flip flops around, with a huge selection of rainbow colors, fun prints, and simple designs for men and women.

Havaianas are the ideal beach sandal — durable, colorful, and able to withstand rough conditions. Even if they get a little scraped-up and windswept, they'll still look cool after the fact.

The sandals come in a wide variety of color and style combinations. The most iconic styles — the ones you think of first when you hear the brand name — are probably the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flop and the Men's Top Sandal Flip Flop.

Basically men's and women's versions of the same shoe, they both have a slightly curved footbed and slim rubber straps stamped with the Havaianas logo. The Slim Flip Flop comes in more colors and has almost 2,000 reviews on Amazon, while the Top Sandal Flip Flop has about 500.

Both are highly rated and raved about by fans. "I don't think you can ever go wrong with Havaianas! They're so comfortable, cute, durable, and last forever!" says one reviewer. Even though they look more appropriate for the beach than the hiking trail, another shopper says they even held up while camping.

Pros: Simple, comfortable, comes in many colors and designs, holds up well over long periods of time, good for the beach

Cons: Super-casual style probably won't work for less-casual settings

Buy the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops on Amazon from $17.39 and up 

Buy the Havaianas Men's Top Sandal on Amazon from $13.99 and up

The best poolside flip flops

Maybe the Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals won't be the most stylish shoes in your closet, but they're comfy and you can get them soaking wet.

Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals are great for wearing in water. They're more of a slide than a flip flop, but they will still give you that satisfying slapping-sound when they hit the base of your heel.

Considering these rubber shoes are pretty orthopedic looking, they are very popular: They have almost 2,500 Amazon reviews and a 4.4 rating. I came across them in The Strategist and was surprised to find out they had such a rabid fan base.

They're chunky and a little bit ugly but in a cool sort of way that reminds me of Everlane and Crocs at the same time. The sandals are so comfortable you may not even want to take them off when you're no longer poolside. Unlike regular flip flops, there's traction at the bottom to prevent slipping.

"I use [these shoes] in the sauna, steam room, and shower," writes one Amazon customer. "I do not know what the product quality consistency is like since I have only ordered one pair. However, given how frequently I have used them, and what I use them for, I find them to be durable, comfortable, and much better than some other types and brands of shower shoes."

Pros: Water-resistant for shower or pool, able to float, vented for comfort in the heat

Cons: Not the most attractive shoe

Buy the Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals on Amazon from $12.99 and up

The best affordable flip flops

Old Navy flip flops come in a rainbow of colors that go with every summertime outfit, from sundresses to cutoff shorts.

If you've never owned a pair of Old Navy flip flops, we probably didn't go to high school together. I strongly associate their simple designs and rainbow colors with days spent at the public pool or the mall with my friends.

The signature thing about Old Navy flip flops is that they are cheap — not affordable or inexpensive, but cheap. Most pairs are normally $3.99 when not on sale, but they are seemingly always discounted. If you like the look of Havaianas but don't want to spend a lot of money (especially if they may become sand-logged), check out the Old Navy Classic Flip Flops.

They come in men's and women's sizes that look the same aside from minor adjustments to accommodate different foot shapes. Old Navy offers the Classic style in tons of colors, including some fun pastels. The women's version has nearly 15,000 online reviews on the Old Navy website and a 4.7 rating.

"I love Old Navy flip flops," writes a customer. "They are durable and super comfortable. I literally have a pair that I have had for at least 5 years. And if you can catch the $1 flip flop sale it's a major score. Very good quality for such a low price!!!"

Of course, being so cheap, you sacrifice some quality and comfort. Don't be surprised if you have to replace one each year. But, Insider Picks Guides Editor Les Shu wears the Men's Old Navy Classic flips flops to the gym showers regularly, and find that they hold up nicely. He does recommend actively replacing them often if you do use them for the gym, to prevent bacteria buildup.

Pros: Cute, less than $5, perfect for the beach or casual wear

Cons: Not as comfortable as flip flops with cushioned insoles

Buy the women's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for $2.50

Buy the men's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops from $3

The best stylish flip flops

Hari Mari makes flip flops that even people who hate flip flops will love because of the luxe materials and sleek, sporty design. 

I don't have the kind of life that requires me to own "boat-safe" shoes, but Hari Mari makes me wish I did. "Boat safe" in this case essentially means nonslip, so they're suitable for just about any slick terrain. These are flip flops for everyone, even people who don't normally wear flip flops. They're cute and sporty, but more attractive than your average pair.

What really makes Hari Mari flip flops unique is the memory foam toe, designed to minimize the awful chafing you get from other thong sandals. It's described by the brand as "a formidable cylinder of memory foam encased in soft nylon to help grip toes, reduce abrasion and do away with painful break-in periods."

The brand has been featured by Fast Company and Insider Picks writer Amir Ismael recommends the Fields Flip Flop. At $60, they're on the pricier side, but many of the styles have 5-star ratings on Zappos and cost less than $40.

"This is an amazing leather flip-flop that just keeps getting better every day!" says one Fields Flip Flop reviewer on Zappos, "If they get wet they dry beautifully. They wear perfectly. These are the flip-flops I look to put on every day!"

Pros: Made of luxurious materials like nubuck leather, memory foam toe, boat-safe sole

Cons: Expensive

Buy Hari Mari Flip Flops from Zappos for $35 and up

The best comfortable flip flops

Oofos' sandals are beyond comfortable, machine washable, and come in several colors and styles.

Oofos reinvented the flip flop to make the most comfortable sandals we've tried. The special foam is built to absorb even more shock that your average sports shoe.

Oofos specifically markets these sandals as recovery shoes for people who need more arch support and impact absorption than others. Many athletes and people with feet problems swear by them.

I discovered Oofos sandals at a shoe store about five years ago and I've been wearing them at the beach, around the house, and while traveling ever since. These flip flops offer stability, comfort, and durability.

They are formed to fit the curve of your arch, so Oofos' sandals offer much more support than your average pair of flip flops. They absorb impact and they don't move up and down as you walk, either.

I've bought Oofos for a few different family members and they're all converts. Even though the sandals are a bit pricey, they are worth it because they will last and last. You can even machine wash or hose them down after a day on the beach to get rid of all the sand they pick up.

They may not be the most beautiful sandals you'll own, but they sure will be the most comfortable. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Comfy, machine washable, absorb impact, they float

Cons: Pricey, not that attractive

Buy Oofos sandals at Zappos from $42.99 and up

The best rugged flip flops

Flip flops that wear like rugged shoes? With the Keen Kona Flip, you can traverse on sand, rock, gravel, water, and pavement with ease and comfort.

You go the beach and upon stepping onto the sand, your flip flops start to sink into it and, before long, slip right off and get buried in the flip flop graveyard. Then, the burning sand on your bare feet causes you to convulse in some strange dance. If this sounds familiar, what you need is a pair of rugged flip flops that can tackle rough environments: the Keen Kona Flip.

The Kona Flip has a thin profile that makes it easy to pack, yet the compression molded footbed provides comfort. It has good weight balance: light enough that it doesn't hold you down, yet heavy enough to help you walk competently on sand, water, muddy trails, rocks, pavement, or wherever your adventure takes you.

I wear the Kona Flip because it's the flip flop that changed my view on flip flops. I used to think all flip flops were cheap sandals that aren't designed as footwear and hated wearing them on sand. But since having worn my pair of Kona Flip on a variety of surfaces and find it to be very sturdy, easy to wear, and, in my opinion, stylish. I also find it fits my feet almost perfectly, like a glove (if feet could wear gloves, that is). And, I've never lost mine while walking on the beach.

The Kona Flip is available for men and women, and fairly identical. On Zappos, it has a 4-star rating; most customers found it fits true to size and width and offers moderate arch support. Despite the high marks, some complained that it didn't fit right; some of these customers seem to be loyal Keen fans. Considering the high price, you should try one on before buying or purchase from an online retailer with a good return policy; few dissatisfied customers gave kudos to Zappos' customer service. — Les Shu

Pros: Comfortable, slim profile, tough molded footbed

Cons: Pricey, small percentage of customers complained of poor fit

Buy the Keen Kona Flip from Zappos for $39.95

The best flip flops for travel

Lightweight and waterproof, the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials blends the walking comfort of a Birkenstock sandal with the versatility of a flip flop.

The Birkenstock sandal is controversial footwear: It divides people, much in the way that pineapple pizza has both its fans and detractors (#teampineapple here). Some find it stylish, while others think it's an abomination. Whatever your view, there's no denying that the Birkenstock cork footbed is one of the most comfortable ever developed, which is why the Arizona Essentials is my favorite for travel. It has the comfort of a Birkenstock sandal but wears like a flip flop.

Modeled after the popular leather-and-cork Arizona, the Arizona Essentials is made entirely out of EVA, i.e. plastic. I was first turned off by the thought, but having worn one for some time, I find it to be very comfortable, especially if you're walking a lot during a city sightseeing tour like I did. No, it won't have the softness that the regular Arizona offers, but it's one-third the price.

The Arizona Essentials has some advantages over its pricier sibling. It's waterproof, so you can just hose it down if it gets dirty. It's also lighter, making it easy to pack. It functions like a flip flop, but the contoured footbed and buckle-straps provide a secure, shoe-like fit. Best of all: It comes in many colors.

Being that it's made from a synthetic material, I did worry about odor and heat- and sweat-resistance. I've worn these under the hot sun in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur and found it to hold up well.

What really attracted me to the Arizona Essentials is its price of $40. No, you can't really compare it to a traditional Birkenstock sandal, but it offers a lot of benefits, particularly for travelers (great for airport security). And, it's made in Germany, so it's a quality product. Even die-hard Birkenstock haters should give it a chance.

The Arizona Essentials has a 5-star (out of 5) rating on Zappos, with 94% reporting it feels true to width and 78% saying it feels true to size. Dissenters complain that it doesn't feel like the leather sandals, but that's because they aren't.

Take it from Insider Picks Editor Sally Kaplan, who was a huge fan of the leather sandals before converting to the Essentials because she finds the EVA footbed to be just as comfortable yet costs way less. Read her full review. — Les Shu

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, waterproof, great for walking, flip flop versatility

Cons: If you hate plastic, you probably won't like this

Buy the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials for women from Nordstrom for $39.95

Buy the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials for men from Zappos for $39.95

• After researching and testing a ton of highly rated foundations, we found our top picks across several categories.
• Our best overall foundation is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation because its lightweight texture feels more like a serum than a thick cream, and the oil-free formula offers buildable coverage.
• It's pricey at $42, but we've also chosen a great drugstore buy from Maybelline that costs less than $12. 
• See more: The best long-lasting foundation

Foundation in the right color and formula can help make your skin look like you slept 18 hours and drank 10 gallons of water. But the paradox is finding that perfect foundation. 

No one needs foundation, but anyone who's ever even thought about it knows there's a bewildering array of formulas, shades, claims, prices, and more. 

That's why we researched a ton of highly rated foundations, tested them ourselves, and confirmed with shopper reviews to find the best foundations to help narrow down the endless options. 

Here are the best foundations you can buy:

• Best foundation overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 
• Best drugstore foundation: Maybelline Urban Cover Foundation
• Best luxury foundation: Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation
• Best longwear foundation: Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation 
• Best mineral foundation: Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
• See more: The best long-lasting foundation

Updated on 09/26/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated prices and formatting.  

The best foundation overall

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is more like a fluid texture that goes on like, well, silk. It dries to a natural, almost satin-y finish, and looks incredibly realistic.

Unlike other foundation formulas that are creamy like moisturizers, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is thin and fluid, almost like a serum. It feels weightless, goes on incredibly smooth, and dries down to a satin-y finish that looks and feels like your skin. 

That doesn't mean you're not getting coverage though — it's actually really buildable from sheer to medium, and you can easily mix it with moisturizer, sunscreen, or even a facial oil to customize your base.

Because the texture spreads so easily, I only need half a pump for full-face coverage — which is great for my wallet because at $42 for a 1-ounce bottle, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is definitely a splurge. Considering you'll only need a little for coverage, it'll last a seriously long time. 

The formula includes what Armani calls "Micro-fil Technology" which helps blur the appearance of pores and lines for an airbrushed look. It sounds a little high-tech for a foundation, but I think it does help make my face look smoother.  

Ever since the foundation launched in 2001, it's topped all the best-of lists. It was an Allure Best of Beauty winner back in 2008, Meghan Markle is a fan, and thousands of shoppers have written love letters. In fact, it holds a 4.5-star rating with more than 1,600 shopper reviews on Nordstrom, a 4.6-star rating with more than 2,500 reviews on Influenster, and a 4.3-star rating with nearly 3,000 Sephora reviews. All this is to say that it's an overwhelming crowd favorite. 

There are 30 shades, which isn't an overwhelming amount compared to some of our other top picks which have 40, but it's not too limited either. The range was extended to 31 in 2018, but it looks like it's back to 30 as of publication time. 

Pros: Thin fluid texture, buildable coverage, oil-free formula, 30 shades 

Cons: Expensive, might not be moisturizing for those with dry skin, shade range isn't as extensive, doesn't have SPF

The best drugstore foundation

For less than $12, Maybelline Urban Cover Foundation offers a full-coverage base with SPF 50 and protective antioxidants. 

In my quest to debunk all the myths you've heard about drugstore makeup, one of my recent go-to foundations is Maybelline Urban Cover Foundation. In fact, it's sitting right on my desk as I write this review. 

The squeeze tube is easier to use (and far safer to commute with) than a glass pump bottle, and the formula features SPF 50, antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors like pollution (hence the name "Urban Cover"), and niacinamide to strengthen your skin. Texture-wise, it feels like a traditional foundation so it's slightly creamy, and dries down to a natural finish. Even though it offers full coverage, it doesn't look cakey or make me look like a mannequin. 

One of the biggest problems with shopping for drugstore foundation (or foundation, for that matter) is trying to find the right shade for your skin. Maybelline has a helpful foundation finder tool on its site where you'd answer a few questions about coverage and formula, upload a selfie, and get a match. There's still a bit of trial and error this way, but at least you'll have a more narrow focus when you're shopping for your shade. 

It holds a 4.3-star rating on Target with more than 300 reviews, and a 4.2 with more than 370 reviews on Influenster. The foundation has only been around for a few months so the low amount of reviews is understandable; shoppers are generally impressed with the quality, coverage, and protection that the drugstore find offers. 

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, antioxidants help prevent free radical damage, SPF 50, 16 shades

Cons: Limited shade range, hard to find ideal shade in drugstores

The best luxury foundation

Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation is basically luxury in a bottle — but it does come with a price tag to match.

While Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation is technically cheaper than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, it earns our top luxury pick because it was inspired by fashion shows and offers coverage for your face and body. If you have concerns about matching your foundation to your neck and shoulders (especially in the summer), this can be a great solution.

The 1.6-ounce bottle offers more product than most other formulas since you can use it on your body, and the squeeze bottle has a small tip that dispenses just a little bit of product so you won't go overboard.

Since this foundation can be used all over your body, it's formulated to be waterproof and sweat-resistant. The foundation comes in 40 shades with medium to buildable coverage and a natural matte finish — so basically, it'll look like skin. 

It holds a 4.3-star rating on Sephora with more than 1,700 reviews and 86% of them saying they'd recommend it to a friend. It also has an impressive 4.4-star rating with more than 1,500 Influenster reviews, and many say that the price is justified by the amount of product you get as well as the natural finish and airbrushed effect. 

Pros: Buildable coverage, can be used on face and body, natural matte finish, waterproof and sweat-resistant, squeeze bottle prevents excess product

Cons: Expensive

The best longwear foundation

For a matte, but not stone-like complexion, try Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.

Anyone who's ever tried a matte foundation knows the struggle of finding a formula that looks natural and not one-dimensional. Somehow Fenty has gotten it right with its Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.

Like its name, the formula dries down to a soft matte finish, so it looks realistic and not mask-like. It's also made with adaptive technology that is resistant to heat and humidity so it won't fade or slide off for hours. 

The coverage is medium to full so you can build it up, or sheer it out with a moisturizer if you want. The pump dispenser makes it easy to get just the right amount of product needed. With an impressive range of 50 shade across warm, cool, and neutral undertones, you'd be hard pressed to not find a match. 

But even more impressive are the ratings — it has a 4.1-star rating with nearly 15,000 Sephora reviews, and a 4.4-star rating with nearly 17,000 Influenster reviews. Many of the reviews suggest moisturizing, or at least priming, before using the foundation to further prevent a mask-like finish.

Pros: Matte finish, 50 shades, formulated without oil, parabens, phthalates, adaptive technology is resistant to heat and humidity

Cons: Might be too matte for some, skin needs to be prepped beforehand

The best mineral foundation

If you're avoiding silicones, Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation offers sheer coverage in the form of pressed powder.  

Filled with aloe vera, cucumber, licorice root, white tea, pomegranate, and vitamins E and C, Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation is 100% vegan, hypoallergenic, and suitable for many skin types. It's also made without any potential skin irritants or silicone.

I first turned to mineral foundation years ago, as it became increasingly difficult to find any without silicone — a common ingredient in foundation and moisturizers. Silicone is fine for most skin but causes mine to break out like I'm back in my teen years.

The Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation goes on quite sheer, so my skin doesn't look chalky, cake-y, or clown-like. And while the coverage is buildable, it still looks very natural, which can be hard to find in pressed powder foundations. I've had no problems with oxidation or creased foundation, both of which were daily annoyances with the bareMinerals powders I used to use. 

Best of all, my maturing-and-yet-still-very-oily complexion has settled down since making the switch. I've had far fewer breakouts, my skin looks super-healthy, and though I do still have to blot a few times per day, the Mineral Fusion foundation sticks around until I wash it off at night.

You'll find Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation at Whole Foods, but it costs a lot less on Amazon, where it has more than 500 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars. Shoppers love the sheer-yet-buildable finish and the natural ingredients.

There are only 15 shades to choose from, which is a lot less than others on this list, but because it's sheer, one shade might work for several skin tones. The powder is good for many skin types, but it's especially great for combination, oily, or sensitive skin. The finish is natural and just slightly matte, but never mask-like. — Michelle Ullman

Pros: Formulated with fruit and botanical ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin, buildable coverage

Cons: Coverage might be too sheer, only 15 shades

What else we considered

• NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($49): This foundation truly lives up to its name, covering all types of skin imperfections to make it look like you're not even wearing makeup. The finish is natural — not matte, not glowing, but just the way healthy skin should look. But there are only 20 shades to choose from, so the range is really limited compared to our other picks here. 
• Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint ($9.99): This oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup contains hyaluronic acid, which boosts skin hydration without feeling even the slightest bit greasy. As a sheer foundation, this isn't going to entirely cover blemishes, dark spots, or red blotches, but it smooths over all types of imperfections, gently improving the look of your complexion without a heavy or mask-like appearance. There are also only 10 shades, and they're sometimes hard to find online. 
• L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation ($8.99): Although the foundation's finish is matte, it isn't dull, heavy, or fake looking. In fact, this makeup base glides on with a rather light feel and then dries to a just-matte-enough texture to keep oily shine at bay for hours.  There are only 12 shades to choose from, the finish is demi-matte, and most suitable for oily or combination skin.
• Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($39): Urban Decay's foundation is loaded with skin-boosting ingredients, including peptides to smooth away fine lines, antioxidant green tea, hyaluronic acid to replenish skin moisture, and gentle brighteners to bring back a healthy glow. The oil-free makeup goes on with a very light, natural feel, and then dries to a demi-matte finish that never looks too heavy or fake. It comes in 26 shades, is suitable for many skin types, and has a lightweight, slightly matte finish.

• After researching and testing the most classic formulas along with some new and popular ones, we've narrowed down our list of best lipsticks.
• Our overall best lipstick is Urban Decay Cosmetics Vice Lipstick ($9.50) because of its extensive range of finishes and shades. Whether you want a matte, cream, or sheer finish in classic red, bright fuschia, or even deep plum, you'll find your new favorite (or five) with Urban Decay.
• We also love lipstick from Revlon, Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, and Marc Jacobs.
• See more: The best long-lasting lipsticks

For some women (including myself), going out without lipstick would be like walking around naked. It's like moisturizer or SPF — I have to wear something on my lips at all times. 

Dark red was just about the only color of lipstick available until the 1930s, when Elizabeth Arden started offering a range of shades. Now, colors literally span the rainbow from deep plum to classic red and even pastel yellow. Various finishes and formulas are available too — matte, sheer, hydrating, longwear, and more.

There are so many excellent options in the beauty aisle that it's hard to figure out what's truly the best. So we've researched all the players, tested them out ourselves, read through shopper reviews, and come out with our five favorite picks for you.

Here are the best lipsticks to buy in 2019:

• Best lipstick overall: Urban Decay Cosmetics Vice Lipstick
• Best drugstore lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
• Best luxury lipstick: Tom Ford Lip Color
• Best matte lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
• Best longwear lipstick: Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick
• See more: The best long-lasting lipsticks

Updated 10/29/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.

SEE ALSO: The best foundation you can buy

The best lipstick overall

With 135 colors and six finishes, you'll find the perfect lipstick (or five) in Urban Decay's Vice collection.  

Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick collection spans 135 colors in your usual reds, pinks, purples, and neutrals, but also browns, greens, and blues, and six different finishes – mega matte, comfort matte, cream, metallized, sheer, and sheer shimmer. 

Name me a more extensive lipstick collection. I'll wait. 

With the exception of the sheer and sheer shimmer lipsticks, the colors are bold and pigmented, and even the matte and comfort mattes feel soft and creamy thanks to fruit oils, aloe, and vitamins C and E. 

At $20, they aren't cheap by any definition, but they're reasonably priced given the quality of the lipsticks and packaging. 

I don't know if I have a favorite shade as I switch every day, and sometimes, the same day, but I've really liked every one — as do more than 2,800 Ulta and Sephora shoppers, and more than 20,000 Influenster reviewers. — Jada Wong

Pros: Extensive range of colors and finishes, reasonably priced for the high quality, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Not every shade is available online or in stores 

The best drugstore lipstick

For less than $10, Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick offers great color payoff and a moisturizing, almost balm-like finish that's comfortable to wear.

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick has been holding it down in drugstores for decades, and it's easy to see why it's so iconic. 

Not only is it easy to find if you've got a beauty emergency, but the formulas include avocado oil and vitamin E so they're soft, smooth, and creamy, and never cakey. Depending on the color and formula you choose, you might not even need lip balm. 

With 82 colors in crème, pearl, sheer, and matte finishes, there are a lot of lipsticks to choose from. Similar to UD's Vice Collection, there are shades like navy blue and pastel purple, but most of the colors are really wearable. 

More than 15,000 Influenster reviewers love this lipstick, with some saying they've been buying Revlon lipstick for years while others wonder why they waited so long to try it out. The overwhelming consensus is that the lipstick is super hydrating, has great wear, and is a solid drugstore buy for less than $10. — Jada Wong

Pros: Affordable, incredible selection of colors, moisturizing for lipstick, applies smoothly, easy to find in stores

Cons: None 

The best luxury lipstick

The rich formula and chic packaging of Tom Ford Lip Color makes putting on lipstick in your car during rush hour feel like a dreamy escape. 

Tom Ford has been designing clothes for decades and he's transferred that same design aesthetic to his lipstick collection.

At $55, these are not cheap and it'd be hard to stock up on them without resorting to microwavable meals for a month, but they're worth every dollar. 

Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil make the lipsticks feel like, well, butter, and the color lasts for hours. The finish is more satin-y and creamy than matte and has a bit of shine that makes your face look more alive. All the colors are firmly in the red, pink, plum, and neutral families. 

The packaging is lux and smart too — the bullet is embossed with "TF," the cap is magnetic and clasps tightly so you won't ruin your lipstick if it bursts open in your bag, and the square tube visually sets it apart from all the other lipsticks hanging out at the bottom of your purse. — Jada Wong

Pros: Good selection of wearable colors, feels creamy, good staying power

Cons: Expensive

The best matte lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution lipsticks won't dry out your lips or make them look like you've eaten a lemon for breakfast.

I love a good matte lipstick, but most formulas enhance the lines on my lips and make me look like I ate a lemon for breakfast. 

Made with soothing orchid extract, Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution lipsticks are the only ones that make my lips feel pillow-y-soft. They're not really hydrating, but they're not sucking all the moisture from my lips either.  

I like the shape of the bullet here — the rectangular shape actually makes it easier to get a defined, but not harsh, Cupid's bow. The rose gold tube is also pretty luxe and glamorous, which is the whole brand's vibe. 

While the color range is limited to 11 shades, each one of them is as wearable as the next and are firmly in the red, pink, and purple families. That's because the formula is made with red pigment extracted from the achiote tree, also nicknamed the "Lipstick Tree."

More than 1,000 Influenster shoppers agree that the lipstick is more like a creamy matte finish and won't make your lips look insanely dry. — Jada Wong

Pros: Wearable colors

Cons: Expensive, limited color range

The best longwear lipstick

Most lipsticks wear off after an hour or two, but Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick offers up to 10 hours of wear.

After an hour or two, my lip color is usually faded, but with Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick, my color is still going strong after a whole workday. 

The pigments are triple-milled so they're really fine and concentrated, and the hydrating formula is made with cocoa butter, peptides, and olive, jojoba, and avocado oils. The lipstick feels and looks creamy — hence the name "Lip Crème." The colors are all pretty opaque, but you can sheer it out with a balm or blot the color.

The bullet is round so you won't get crisp, clean lines but I haven't had any issues with it. I actually prefer a softer look myself but I'll usually smudge out hard lines.

That hasn't stopped nearly 2,000 Influenster reviews from waxing poetic about the lipstick. Many say that they love creamy texture combined with the bold pigment, though one person who owns five of the lipsticks says she's not a fan of the "makeup-y lipstick smell."— Jada Wong

Pros: Longwearing color up to 10 hours, creamy satin finish, formula is not made with parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Expensive, has a scent that might not be for everyone 

What else we considered

• L'Oréal Colour Riche Hydrating Satin Lipstick (starting at $5.82): This line has more than 40 colors, all with a creamy satin finish. While this is not specifically a longlasting lipstick, your lips will still be looking good long after your morning application of color. And the gold case has an expensive, sophisticated appearance as well, adding to your allure whenever it's time for a touch-up.
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27): This gives you rich, vivid, perfectly matte lip color, but since it's a lip pencil, it couldn't really fit into this guide. 
• Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22): Thanks to the generous amount of moisturizing avocado oil and Vitamin E, your lips won't feel dry or tight. Instead, they'll feel moist, kissable, and soft. The color is intense and creamy, with full coverage, but you won't find lipstick traces on your coffee cup, nor will it migrate into the fine lines around your mouth. It's a liquid lipstick formula though, so it couldn't fit into the guide either. — Michelle Ullman

• Finding a sports bra that looks good, fits well, and gives you enough support for your workout is really hard.
• We've done the heavy lifting to find the best sports bras for every size and budget.
• Sweaty Betty and Zensah make the best sports bras for A to B cups, Brooks and Champion make the best sports bras for C to D cups, while Panache and Syrokan make the best sports bras for DD cups and up.
• See also: The best workout clothes for women

The first prototype of today's modern sports bra was invented over 40 years ago in 1977. Not so surprisingly, traditional lingerie bras just weren't cutting it on runs, so two women named Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith took matters into their own hands. Thanks to them, we've come a long way from the "jockbra" and now there is an overwhelming number of styles and sizes of sports bras to choose from. 

Besides your running shoes, as a woman, your sports bra is the other most important — and personal — piece of workout gear that you shouldn't do without. It keeps your chest supported during your workout, minimizing any bounce and jiggle. This is important because while your breasts don't have any muscle, the skin and ligaments that give them their shape can stretch over time without proper support.

With so many styles and sizes to choose from, you're bound to find your perfect fit so you can run happy and bounce free. Below are some important factors to consider when it comes to finding your perfect bra.

There's plenty to think about when searching for the perfect sports bra to add to your running wardrobe, but we've done the testing and read the reviews to find you well-performing sports bras for every size.

Here are the best sports bras you can buy:

• Best sports bra for A/B cups: Sweaty Betty Stamina Workout Bra
• Best sports bra for C/D cups: Brooks Rebound Racer bra
• Best sports bra for DD+ cups: Panache Women's Underwire sports bra 
• Best budget sports bra for A/B cups: Zensah Seamless sports bra
• Best budget sports bra for C/D cups: Champion Spot Comfort sports bra
• Best budget sports bra for DD+ cups: Syrokan Front Adjustable sports bra

Updated on 10/29/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy

The best sports bra for sizes A/B

The supportive under band, wide straps, and waffle detailing for extra ventilation make the Sweaty Betty Stamina workout bra an all-around winner when it comes to support and performance.

Just because you're petite on top doesn't mean you should go without a sports bra. Everyone needs support, no matter their size. While you may not need a high impact bra with extra padding and underwire, a medium impact compression style bra that helps restrict any extra movement is always a good idea.

With a compression style bra, the band and material are especially important, as these are the things that will provide you with the comfort and support you'll need. The Sweaty Betty Stamina delivers in both departments, with a wide under band and sweat-wicking, seamless fabric.

The wider band makes this an ideal bra for high impact sports like running, and if you cross train on the days you aren't running, it will do double duty. It's comfortable enough for other types of workouts like spinning and yoga. Workout gear isn't always cheap, so versatility is a great thing to have, giving you the most value for your money.

The Sweaty Betty Stamina is on the more expensive side, but its multi-use functionality does help justify the price, as do its features. The seamless design adds comfort and reduces chafing on longer runs, and the strategically placed waffling in the fabric provides extra ventilation where you'll need it most. The wide straps won't dig into your shoulders, and the tight-knit fabric and added elastane give this bra a soft, yet supportive feel.

The Stamina comes in 14 different colors. It's available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and XL instead of cup sizes, so you'll want to refer to the bra guide to find your perfect fit. Some buyers do wish that an extra small was offered, but otherwise found the Stamina comfortable, and like that it washes well.

According to the product description, it will give medium support up to a C cup, but for adequate running support, most reviewers with up to a B cup felt that it provided them with the support they needed for higher impact workouts. Those with larger busts loved the comfort of this bra, but don't recommend it for running.

If you're looking for a sports bra that can take you from the road, to the yoga mat, and then go the extra mile with you on your weekly errand running, this is the "must have" that can help you do it all in comfort.

Pros: Wide under band for support, seamless design, wide straps for added comfort, waffled fabric detailing for extra ventilation, washes well, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Expensive, some reviewers wished it came in extra small

Buy the Sweaty Betty Stamina workout bra for $50.00

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes A/B

The Zensah Seamless is a no fuss, affordable sports bra that has a seamless design, making it a favorite among distance runners who want chafe-free runs.

Even some of the most well-designed sports bras will start getting uncomfortable once you're 5 miles into a run, but this isn't the case with the Zensah. At first glance it looks almost too simple, but for those with smaller chests looking for compression support, simplicity wins out.

There are no hooks, plastic, metal, or tags on this pullover bra, and the seamless design means nothing will be jabbing you repeatedly while you log your miles. The fabric is sweat wicking and odor resistant, so you can stay comfortable even as the temperatures rise and the sweat starts to pour.

The racerback design won't hinder your motion, and there are plenty of fun colors patterns to choose from, making this the type of bra you could wear alone or under a top.

This bra shows up repeatedly in "best sports bras" lists, including the Runners World Best Bras of 2017. While it may look simple, the Zensah is anything but. Most of its features are knitted directly into its fabric. The wider fabric knitting in the back allows for ventilation, while the more sturdy ribbing on the sides and in the band itself offer more structured support without the use of underwire or additional padding.

The simplistic, clasp free style also lends itself well to mat workouts on the days when you're giving your muscles a rest, so you can do your Savasana without anything digging into your back and distracting you from your state of mindfulness. If yoga isn't your thing, the Zensah's support also lends itself well to other high impact cardio workouts.

While the price range varies depending on the color and size you choose, most styles are available for under $30.  

This bra is best suited to those requiring an A or B cup for running, but those with a C cup have also had good results while running with the Zensah. 

There are few downsides to this bra, but if you're looking for extra coverage on those cold days, be aware that the material across the chest doesn't have any additional padding.

Pros: Seamless design, sweat wicking fabric, fabric ribbing on the sides and in the band for extra support, affordable

Cons: Not as much coverage across the chest

Buy the Zensah Seamless Sports Bra on Amazon starting at $31.15

The best sports bra for sizes C/D

The Brooks Rebound Racer is a high impact bra that delivers support without extra padding and has adjustable straps for comfort and a customizable fit.

While Brooks is a well-known brand when it comes to reliable running shoes, the company also makes some great running apparel. The Rebound Racer bra is a perfect example. Finding a high impact sports bra that provides enough support without any padding can be a challenge, but this sports bra does just that.

I was able to test the Brooks Rebound for myself and can attest to both the comfort and support it provides on a run. While those with A and B cup sizes would be fully supported in this sports bra, its design is also fantastic for those with a little more up top.

Compression style bras don't always provide enough support for those with C or D cups, but the molded, compressive cups keep everything in place while creating a flattering silhouette. In short, you get compression-style support without the dreaded "uni boob" effect that can sometimes occur with this style of bra.

The sweat-wicking fabric and strategically placed mesh ventilation keep you dry and comfortable. Adjustable straps, as well as an adjustable rear enclosure, add to the comfort of the Rebound Racer, provide a more customized fit, and make it easier to get it off after a long, sweaty run. 

I've taken this bra on multiple runs without any issue. While running, I felt completely supported and didn't notice any chafing. The adjustable straps were one of my favorite features, allowing me to find my perfect fit, and preventing the straps from cutting into my shoulders — an issue I've had with many other sports bras I've tried in the past.

I liked that the fabric used was thick enough to provide coverage with no additional padding needed, giving this bra a less cumbersome feel. It was also nice not to have to remove any padding before washing. I've washed the bra multiple times, and it's held its shape completely, making it feel like new every time I put it on. I've never put this in the dryer, which isn't recommended as drying will shorten the lifespan of any sports bra, but it also air dries very quickly thanks to the sweat-wicking material.

Most buyers love this bra and the support it offers. Reviewers on REI say it's "great for C cup runners" and they "love the secure hold of this sports bra." Another reviewer liked the fact that they didn't have to worry about removable padding, stating it "provides support for my C/D cups without a wire or those dumb removable pads that just get banged up in the wash."

Some reviewers did feel that the sizing was a little off, and did need to size up to find their perfect fit. It's important to note that this is a compression style bra, so the fit will be snug, but it shouldn't be snug enough to make you uncomfortable. 

Pros: High impact support without padding, adjustable straps and rear enclosure for a customized fit, sweat wicking fabric, washes well

Cons: Some reviewers feel that the sizing runs small

Buy the Brooks Rebound Racer on REI starting at $31.73

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes C/D

With gel-cushioned straps, wire-free molded cups, and targeted ventilation, the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra provides comfort where you need it most. 

A more affordable option than most, the high impact Champion Spot Comfort bra features molded cups, making it ideal for C and D cup ladies that need a little extra support, but don't want any underwire. While compression can be an effective form of support, for those with a larger bust size, a combination of encapsulation (individual cups) and compression creates provides all-around motion control and a more flattering shape.

Instead of having a racerback design, the Spot Comfort clasps in the back and is adjustable so you can find your perfect fit. Being able to completely unclasp the bra allows for easy removal — a major plus after a sweaty run when you can easily give yourself a workout just by trying to get out of your sports bra.

Along with an adjustable rear enclosure, the straps of the Spot Comfort are also adjustable and are gel-infused, giving you freedom of motion, and preventing any shoulder chafing. Mesh paneling is placed along the top and in between the cups, giving you ventilation where you'll need it most on your runs. The material is sweat wicking and quick drying, so you'll stay comfortable even on summer runs.

The inside of the bra features a smooth lining for additional comfort, and the back is tag free to minimize any chances of chafing. There are plenty of color combos to choose from, so you can find the one that goes with your favorite running top. This is also a bra that looks stylish even on its own for the hot summer days when you want to ditch as many layers as possible.

The Spot Comfort goes by traditional bra sizing (band and cup size) for a more tailored fit and goes up to a DDD cup size. Some people have found the back clasp difficult to reach, and others don't care for the stitching on the inside on the top of the bust, finding it itchy. Overall, though, the Spot Comfort is a good and affordable option.

Pros: Molded cups for additional support and more natural silhouette, adjustable gel-cushioned straps, targeted ventilation, sweat wicking material, hook and eye enclosure for easy on and off, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Back clasp can be difficult to reach, some people found the flat stitching in the interior of the bra itchy

Buy the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra on Amazon starting at $14.99

Buy the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra on Champion starting at $13.99

The best sports bra for sizes DD and up

If you have a large cup size and need a sports bra that will keep bouncing out of the equation, the Panache Underwire sports bra is for you.

So often, women find themselves sacrificing style when it comes to larger clothing sizes because the options become more limited, and it's a sacrifice that shouldn't have to be made. Luckily, more brands are finally starting to see the light and provide stylish options in a wide range of sizes.

Athletic wear especially has seen changes in recent years, and it shows in sports bras like the Panache Women's Underwire, which is specially designed for women with a full bust. Notable for its ability to eliminate bounce, this sports bra combines both function and style, creating a flattering shape in multiple colors and patterns to choose from.

The options don't end at colors, either. The Panache also has adjustable straps and an adjustable hook and eye enclosure so you can create a more customized fit. The wide padded straps are designed for comfort and are convertible so you can choose if you want a racerback style.

The underwire gives extra support and shaping, and is completely encased so you won't feel any uncomfortable jabbing during your run. The cups are lined with sweat-wicking material for additional comfort, and mesh paneling built into the bust will eliminate sweat build up, keeping you dry and eliminating the chances for chafing to occur.

There is a science behind the bounce-free design, as it encapsulates instead of simply compressing your breasts against your chest, making for a far more comfortable (and flattering) fit while reducing movement in all directions.

The Panache Underwire comes in a wide range of sizes and goes up to 40H. 

Though it is expensive, it's worth the investment because of its ability to support well and minimize bounce.

Some people have found that sizing runs small for them, and found a better fit by sizing up. Others report that the metal rings on the straps tend to squeak when worn as a racerback.

Pros: Bounce free design, plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, wide adjustable straps, adjustable hook and eye enclosure, mesh paneling for added ventilation, encapsulation style support for a more comfortable and flattering fit

Cons: Expensive, the sizing ran small for some people, metal rings on straps can squeak when worn as a racerback

Buy the Panache Women's Underwire Sports Bra on Amazon starting at $39.99

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes DD and up

Women with a DD+ bust will appreciate the comfort the affordable Syrokan Women's Front Adjustable sports bra offers, with its wire-free, full coverage.

It can be hard to find a sports bra that truly keeps everything in its place, looks flattering, and provides options for a more customized fit for an affordable price. The Syrokan Front Adjustable is a sports bra that rises to this challenge.

Available in sizes ranging from a B cup to an F cup, it checks off all the boxes so you'll be able to conquer your runs in comfort. True to the name, the straps are completely adjustable, and they can also be undone. The wide underband offers full coverage and support and prevents the bra from riding up during high impact workouts like running.

The straps aren't the only adjustable feature on this sports bra. The racerback has a rear enclosure, giving the band a more customizable fit, and allowing for easier removal. Though it doesn't have any underwire, this bra uses more than compression for motion control.

Molded cups allow for encapsulation support, with limited stretch to keep everything in its place. Sweat-wicking fabric will keep you dry, and the mesh inserts on the sides of the bra and in the back provide additional ventilation.

It may not be the flashiest sports bra, but the Syrokan does offer a good number of color options, and its simple style allows it to look good under any running top. It also has just enough padding so it will also look flattering worn on its own.

Some people find it tricky to reach the rear enclosure or wish for even more separation, but, despite some downsides, the Syrokan is a worthwhile purchase, especially at the affordable price.

Pros: Velcro adjustable straps, adjustable rear enclosure, sweat wicking fabric with mesh inserts for additional ventilation, encapsulation for additional support, affordable

Cons: Some people find the rear enclosure hard to reach, some wished there were more separation for an even more flattering fit

Buy the Syrokan Women's Front Adjustable sports bra on Amazon for $25.99

What to look for in a sports bra

Size

Starting with the right sized sports bra is the key to having comfort and support during your workout. Unlike 40 years ago, there are now a wide range of sizes to choose from whether you're on the petite side or rocking a curvier figure. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and sports bras finally reflect that fact. 

Comfort

Once you've determined the size you'll need, you'll be able to find a comfortable fitting sports bra. Material and style can also determine how comfortable a bra will be. Sweat-wicking synthetic materials are best, since they'll dry more quickly and reduce the chances for uncomfortable chafing during a run. Style is very much a personal preference, but features like adjustable straps, mesh paneling, and seamless designs can all contribute to comfortability.

Support

Even if it feels comfortable at first, there's no point in wearing a sports bra that doesn't give you adequate support once you put your body in motion. If you feel any jiggle up top, or have to do any adjusting, it likely means your bra isn't fitting correctly and isn't supportive enough.

A sports bra's support comes more from the band than the straps. For running, you'll want to look for a medium to high impact sports bra depending on your size. Save the low impact sports bras for workouts like yoga or barre, when you aren't hitting the pavement. With medium and high impact sports bras, the only bounce you should feel is in your step.

Sports bra care

Once you've found a sports bra you love, the last thing you want to do is shorten its lifespan by washing it incorrectly. Doing so can cause it to lose its elasticity, and in turn its support. While no sports bra can last forever, with the proper care, you'll be able to get the most mileage out of it, and make the most of your money.

The best practice is to hand wash and air dry your sports bras, but if you do have to machine wash them, avoid using fabric softeners which ruin the effectiveness of sweat-wicking fabrics. The one thing you should avoid at all costs is putting them in the dryer with high heat, as this can ruin the elasticity of the fabric.

Check out our other great workout gear guides here

The best workout clothes for women

With the right clothes, you'll actually want to get to the gym and show off your style before meeting friends for a much-deserved drink afterward. 

• Best workout clothes overall: Sweaty Betty
• Best workout clothes from a fitness company: Nike
• Best affordable workout clothes: Old Navy
• Best beachy workout clothes: Vuori
• Best comfortable workout clothes: Bandier
• Best workout clothes that you can wear all day: ADAY
• Best high-end workout clothes: Live the Process

The best smartphone armbands for runners

If you take your phone on runs and workouts, you need a comfortable, secure armband to hold it. The Trianium ArmTrek Pro is our top pick, because it's affordable, comfortable, water-resistant, and fits a variety of phones.

• Best armband overall: Trianium smartphone armband
• Best armband for iPhone users: Grantwood Technology TuneBand
• Best armband for visibility: Griffin Technology LightRunner
• Best armband for phones with large cases: Tune Belt armband
• Best budget-friendly armband: Tribe armband

The best running belts

There are a vast number of running belts on the market, from money belts that are just glorified fanny packs, to high-tech hydration belts. The SPIbelt hits a sweet spot in the middle, with an expandable pocket that allows you to carry personal items on your run with a bounce free, comfortable fit.

• Best running belt overall: SPIbelt
• Best minimalist running belt: FlipBelt
• Best running belt for hydration: Fitletic Hydration Belt
• Best running belt for durability: Aqua Quest Kona

The best running socks

Your feet carry you on every run you undertake, so why not pamper them with the best pair of running socks?

• Best overall: Rockay Accelerate Running Socks
• Best tough socks: Darn Tough Tab no show running socks 
• Best socks for comfort: Balega Hidden Comfort no show socks
• Best socks for cold: Smartwool PhD Run Cold Weather mid crew socks
• Best socks on a budget: Saucony Performance No Show socks
• Best for blister prevention: Injinji Run 2.0 lightweight no show toe socks
• Best compression socks: CEP Progressive Compression socks
• Best stylish running socks: Zensah Limited Edition Running Socks

• Amazon recently announced the finalists for its first-ever Small Business of the Year awards, and there was a special category for women-owned businesses.
• The 6 women finalists hail from across the US, and offer unique products from agriculture and heavy industry to wellness and playtime.
• Business Insider reached out to each of the finalists to hear their advice for how other entrepreneurs — men and women alike — can capture ideas, get funding, and continue to develop and grow their businesses.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

Women-owned businesses represent more than 40% of US small businesses, and Amazon makes it easy to find and buy products from women sellers on its platform through its Storefronts initiative.

Six businesses were recently named as finalists in the women-owned category of Amazon's first-ever Small Business of the Year awards, highlighting some of the innovative ideas offered by female entrepreneurs.

Business Insider reached out to each of the finalists to hear their advice to other entrepreneurs for how to capture ideas, get funding, and continue to develop and grow their businesses. Their answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

SEE ALSO: Amazon says these are the 6 best small business owners under 30 selling on its platform. We asked them to share their keys to successful entrepreneurship.

SEE ALSO: Amazon says these are the 18 best small businesses selling on its platform. Here’s how the e-commerce giant chose them, and why their decision matters.

SEE ALSO: The small retailer’s ultimate guide to partnering with Amazon so you can make a boatload of money with fewer risks, from small-business owners and Amazon itself

1818 Farms — Natasha McCrary, Mooresville, Alabama

Website: 1818Farms.com

Amazon: 1818 Farms

McCrary turned a family dream of owning a farm into a thriving business that is an example of environmentalism with more than 10,000 seasonal flowers.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

The inspiration for 1818 Farms originated with my middle child, who fell in love with a Southdown Babydoll Sheep that he met at a petting farm in October 2011. Owning a Babydoll was all he could talk about, and I began to dream my own plans for a small profitable farm where we could teach our children to appreciate the land and animals and to be good conservationists. 1818 Farms' bath and beauty products have grown from our commitment to our farm and the need for simple products that really work. In 2017, we began our "Seed to Vase" initiative to educate others on identifying, growing, harvesting and arranging seasonally grown flowers. Today, we have over 10,000 flowers growing in our fields. 1818 Farms is a working farm, a bath and beauty business, a flower farm, and so much more!

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

The startup of 1818 Farms was funded through personal savings. The business started small, and different facets were added when we could afford them.

Always have sharply defined goals. If you realize that something isn't allowing you to achieve a goal, don't be afraid to make changes. Invest in the product photography. Quality photographs are invaluable in e-commerce and connecting to the customer. Think long term when building your brand and customer loyalty.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

We sell our artisan products via Amazon Handmade. This curated Amazon platform ensures that customers purchase handcrafted products from trusted sources. Being a member of the Amazon Handmade Community provides brand credibility to our product line. Both 1818 Farms and Amazon Handmade strive to provide unique, high-quality products to their prospective buyers.

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

I graduated from The University of Alabama, Culverhouse College of Business, in 1994 with a BS in marketing. The gifting and floral industry is constantly changing. I stay up to date on the latest trends by attending trade shows, reading industry publications and participating in specialized private social media groups. We use Shopify to manage many aspects of our business. The Shopify blogs provide wonderful resources to build a successful business.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

Organization is key to running a successful business. Although it is one of iPhone's most simple apps, I can't live without Notes. I rely on the Notes app to create social media posts, to-do lists and record business ideas. Notes is one tool I cannot do without. Other helpful apps:

• MailChimp is our preferred method for customer communication and building our priority contact lists.
• We use Quickbooks for all accounting functions. We prefer the desktop version of Quickbooks because it offers more dynamic reporting capabilities.
• Right Networks provides the cloud service for Quickbooks so that we can access information from either the home, office, or on the road.
• We use Square for all our Point of Sale needs at various holiday and road shows. The Square Register Kit is worth the investment. We also use Square to process credit card payments on our wholesale orders.
• Shopify is home to our online store

EazyHold — Kerry Mellin, Simi Valley, California

Website: EazyHold.com

Amazon: EazyHold

Mellin went from a career designing film costumes to inventing an adaptive cuff for people who struggle to hold everyday objects.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

Kind of crazy story, but I went to sweep out the barn for a family get together. A lifelong cowgirl, years of ranch work had taken its toll on my hands, and on that day I found my thumbs too painful to grip the broom. But with my family coming soon I had to figure out a way to finish. So I made a duct-tape loop on the broom handle and slipped my hand inside. I was really surprised to find that little bit of support over the back of my hand gave me the grip and control I needed.

It got me thinking about all the other people who might be experiencing the same thing and looking for help. After a little research I learned that there was a huge population of children as well as adults with grip disabilities and special needs, and no adaptive aids to help them.

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

EazyHold was definitely a bootstrapped company. I always wanted to open a family business with my sisters, and they liked the product idea, so we each contributed $6,000 to design our product line and open Mellin Works LLC.

We found that one of the best ways to grow a business on a shoestring budget is to do the initial work yourselves. Product drawings, prototyping, photography, graphics, packaging, and marketing can make bringing a product to market affordable if you can work in-house as much as possible.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

We love the Fulfilled by Amazon feature! Having them pack, sort, ship, keep a record of the sales and returns, not only makes selling super easy for us but provides excellent 24-hour service for our customers. As a brand new product and company, our business strategy is all about being a small family business you can reach out to at any time with questions. We let the customer know that our product will arrive on time and in good condition, and if not satisfied can be easily returned. It's a win-win feature!

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

As a motion picture costume designer in the film industry for 35 years, designing and building our product line has come easier for me than the business part of running a company. My sister Merrily, however, has 35 years in the corporate world as director of early education in the independent school system, and so maintains the day-to-day operations, and the importance of keeping good books.

When we first started our company we often used the Small Business Administration for free advice and resources, and also took advantage of the nonprofit Score, which provides free mentoring from successful business people in all industries across the US.

For staying at the top of our game in design and manufacturing of adaptive daily living equipment, we not only seek out expos and conventions to keep abreast of the latest equipment for occupational therapy and rehabilitation, but we try to reach out and speak to doctors, therapists and caregivers about what kinds of products are most needed for their targeted demographics.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

For driving sales and building our community, we are sold on Mail Chimp. It's a great platform for newsletters and marketing, has plenty of templates and is very easy to navigate, as well as a great resource for customer engagement.

Nerdbugs — Ronak Mehta, Madison, Wisconsin

Website: Nerdbugs.com

Amazon: Nerdbugs

Mehta combined her passion for medicine and silly puns to create a line of plush toys to help people feel better about going to the doctor.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

I was and still am working as a full-time doctor, so I wanted to add a little bit of creativity into my life. Naturally, it seemed at the time like selling organs online was a wonderful idea. (Not those kinds of organs, of course! Plush toys shaped like organs.) When I set out to create this line of plush toys, I knew that I wanted to combine my two favorite things: silly puns and medicine. I wanted to create a fun vibrant quirky line of plush organs that could be gifted as get-well gifts or as health and wellness educational tools in the classroom and at home as a fun way to teach about the human body or as a fun "just because I thought of you" gift to tell someone "neuron my mind."

Our mission at Nerdbugs is pretty simple: it is to "spread kindness, stay nerdy." Being a doctor, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to impact the lives of my patients. However, with Nerdbugs, I feel so incredibly grateful to be able to do this on a much larger scale and in some small way help impact the lives of strangers all over the world by helping bring them a smile into their life while they may be going through the rougher patches in life.

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

I have funded this entire endeavor myself since the beginning. Going into this entire endeavor I told myself, "I will invest X amount of dollars, and I need to be OK now with losing that because there is always a chance that this will not succeed." Nothing in life is a guarantee, and in the event that this doesn't work out, it's OK. I came to terms with not seeing that money again once I made the decision to invest it in myself.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

Currently, I'm focused on working on the advertising side of things. I've found it challenging to learn how to advertise the product myself, so I'm hoping to possibly hire someone on that front going forward. I think having great marketing and advertising will help us reach the people that are already looking for my products.

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

Since I don't have a formal business education background, I have learned a lot by immersing myself in reading books or listening to audiobooks on entrepreneurship and self-development. I'm a huge fan of podcasts and some of the podcasts that I listen to religiously include NPR's How I Built This, Chris Gillebeau's Side Hustle School, and Jay Shetty's On Purpose, just to name a few. I find the stories incredibly encouraging and learning from the ups and downs from their stories has helped to navigate my own story.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

My morning routine. I find the best way for me to have clarity, be focused, and manage stress is having a solid morning routine. I hate to rush my way through the day, and I have found that creating moments of time to myself in the morning really helps to set the tone for the rest of the day. I wake up at 4 am to start my day and spend time to enjoy my morning coffee while I journal, then meditate, and exercise prior to heading to work.

Soul Insole — Laina Gossman, San Diego, California

Website: SoulInsole.com

Amazon: Soul Insole

Gossman studied how the human body moves and worked with individuals to improve their foot ailments. Now she's reaching larger numbers of people.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

I studied kinesiology and biomechanics and worked for many years in orthotic design. After exhausting every other resource including doctors, $500 custom orthotics and surgeries, people came to me with their serious foot ailments. My designs worked. I wanted to help more people than I could by individually hand-carving orthotics, so I decided to get my designs manufactured.

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

During the business planning phase, I worked other jobs in retail footwear, as an account manager and doing sales and marketing. With each of these jobs I picked up a few skills while saving up money to funnel into the cost of starting my business. Once I had filed my patent, secured my manufacturer and made working prototypes, I launched on Kickstarter to get my first orders. As an entrepreneur, you tend to wear many hats, so I've found it very helpful to have a wide range of previous work experience.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

We initially began on Amazon Launchpad, which ran on the Vendor Express platform that no longer exists. It's been a whole new learning experience with Seller Central where we are now doing our own advertising directly through the Amazon platform. It's constantly changing and evolving, so it can be fun to play with, explore and try new ways of reaching out to potential customers. Amazon's platform helps to streamline expansion in many ways. We are excited to not only be a part of Amazon.com, but also be able to use this platform in Canada and Mexico.

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

Business was one part of my undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies. I've always been interested in learning how to improve my business skills, so I often read articles about relevant topics online and in books and I listen to podcasts. A major influence in my life has been Tim Ferris. He has a book called 4-Hour Work Week and he has a podcast where he brings in many successful entrepreneurs who are full of great business advise. It's a really entertaining way to soak up skills from the best entrepreneurs of our time.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

Google is full of amazing tools. With Google, I can use Google spreadsheets, Google docs, Google drive, Gmail and Google calendar, which can all be accessed from wherever I have internet. Google spreadsheets helps keep my contacts, business tools and important notes organized. As for Gmail, the Inbox Zero method has made a big difference in helping me get through my large number of emails. I highly recommend watching a video about Inbox Zero on YouTube. I also use Google calendar every day as it makes it simple to set meeting times and important reminders.

OBIA Naturals — Obia Ewah, Dallas, Texas

Website: OBIANaturals.com

Amazon: OBIA Naturals

Ewah used her education in chemisty, biology, and public health to develop a line of vegan cosmetics for the multicultural beauty market.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

In 2009, both my brother and I were hospitalized with life threatening health conditions. Afterwards, I became more health-conscious and decided to stop using potentially hazardous chemicals in my hair and skin.  I formulated a brand of vegan hair & skin products for women & men with a focus on healthy ingredients.

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

This business has been bootstrapped and self-funded.  We have no outside investors. My number one tip would be, "Don't quit your day job!" You may not be able to pay yourself a salary immediately after starting a business.  If you do not have full-time job to sustain yourself during the growth phase of your business, then you will divert valuable funds away from our business to pay for basic necessities like rent and food. By maintaining a full-time job, until your business is sustainable, you are able to reinvest any profit and scale your business faster.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

Our main goal is to achieve inclusion and prominent display on Amazon's "Texture & Hues" platform. OBIA Naturals would be a great fit as the entire project is geared towards the textured hair and multicultural beauty market, which is our forte!

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc.) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

I have a dual degree in biology/chemistry, a master's degree in public health, and I was a dual MD/MBA student when this business was started at the age of 29. I am in a constant state of learning and researching. I utilize memberships in professional organizations including the Society of Cosmetic Chemists to stay on top of the latest trends and developments. My top book that was very useful in the beginning of the business is "The Four Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferris. I watch Shopify Academy training modules and keep up to date with online marketing and advertising.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

Personally, I love the calendar (iCal) app on my Apple devices. I have entries for everything, both personal and business-related, and it all syncs seamlessly across my phone, watch, laptop, etc. I can also share certain elements with my team to ensure we are all aligned with our daily tasks and duties. I also keep a to-do list with deadlines. A weekly to-do list has really helped me to make sure that I accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

Ultimation Industries — Jacqueline Canny, Roseville, Michigan

Website: UltimationInc.com

Amazon: Ultimation

Canny saw an opportunity to improve customer satisfaction by manufacturing equipment in the US and implementing customer service lessons from other industries.

What was the inspiration for your business idea?

Everyone was talking about offshoring of manufacturing when I acquired Ultimation in 2011. But I realized it made a lot of sense for many items to still be made in the USA, such as larger assemblies, or systems that needed to be produced quickly and close to the end customer. Conveyor systems and material handling equipment tend to be pretty bulky and customers always want them as quickly as possible. With the great manufacturing hub that already existed in the Metro Detroit area, I saw an opportunity.

How did you fund your business at the start? And what is your top tip that might help other entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses?

We grew quickly in our first couple of years, and landed some major export projects in Latin America. We took advantage of Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed export credit lines to help us manage those projects. I'd really recommend it for anyone working with exports or long payment cycles.

What feature of the Amazon platform are you most focused on right now, and how does that fit with your overall business strategy?

The nature of B2B purchasing is changing. Today's purchasing agent is using channels like Amazon and Google to find the best, fastest, and lowest cost suppliers for all their needs. In our industry, it used to be a network of sales reps knocking on doors and handing out printed catalogs. Millennials want the same great service, but delivered through digital channels where all the information is at their fingertips. They just don't need multi-level distribution structures.

Our Amazon strategy is simple: Made in the USA products, sold directly to the end customer, shipped quickly and with the best pricing.

What is your business education background, and what resources (books, trainings, podcasts, etc) do you use to learn and stay on top of your game?

I have a master's degree, but really, it's my sales, marketing and customer service experience from hotels, pharmaceuticals and other industries that has helped me learn how to succeed. The customer-centric focus is the key to any business. We answer every phone call with a live sales associate. We get back to every enquiry within 24 hours. We work hard to make as much information available on our website as we can to educate and inform customers. Every contact enquiry we get is an opportunity to learn how to be more customer centric.

What is the top tool, app, or technique that helps you stay organized?

We developed our ISO-9001 quality system a few years back, and then went through the certification process. I learned that you can really adapt that process to help improve your business. We added safety, financial and inventory processes to our ISO-9001 system. The Amazon metrics are intensely customer centric, and selling on Amazon has helped us improve all our processes.

• We tested dozens of smartwatches to see which ones are best for women in terms of style, size, and function.
• The 40mm Apple Watch Series 5 is the most stylish, high-tech smartwatch for women with its simple interface and attractive looks.

The first smartwatches were bulky, ugly monstrosities that only the most ardent of tech addicts could stomach wearing every day, but over the past few years, smartwatches have become much more fashionable.

As more and more fashion-forward brands join the latest tech craze, smartwatches for women have started to arrive. Fossil, Skagen, and Kate Spade are getting into the wearable world. Of course, traditional tech companies are taking notice of the trend, too.

Apple was one of the first tech companies to make female-friendly Apple Watch styles, and it remains the only company to have successfully made a smartwatch that's small enough for women with dainty wrists. Meanwhile, Samsung, LG, Huawei, Motorola, and others have dabbled in making attractive versions of their smartwatches for women.

As a female tech reviewer for the past six years, I've tested nearly every smartwatch that has come out to date — no matter how big or manly — so I can confidently say that these are the best smartwatches for women.

Our buying guide of the best smartwatches for women includes all kinds of watches to suit every style, so whether you like gold, silver, or a unique finish; whether you like chunky watches, slim ones, or futuristic styles, we've got you covered.

Here are the best smartwatches for women:

• Best smartwatch for women overall: 40mm Apple Watch Series 5
• Best smartwatch with a classic design: Fossil Q Julianna HR
• Best smartwatch with a minimalist design: Skagen Falster 2

The best smartwatch for women overall

The Apple Watch Series 5 has a cool new always-on watch face, a female-friendly fit, and excellent fitness features.

It doesn't get better than theApple Watch Series 5. The new slimmer body and always-on watch face make it sleeker and more stylish than ever before. The unique modern design works for both men and women.

The smartwatch comes in 40mm and 44mm styles to fit wrists big and small. You can buy it in several finishes to match your style and there are dozens of Apple-made and third-party watch bands to make the Watch your own. Apple brought back the premium ceramic and stainless steel finishes, too.

No other smartwatch offers this much variety and customization, especially when it comes to female-friendly options. The Apple Watch is the only smartwatch I've ever worn regularly each day for months on end. I've reviewed dozens of Android Wear watches, and although many of them are nice looking as well and they have improved over the years, they're not as fully featured or easy to use as the Apple Watch. They're not quite as slim or natural-looking on my wrist, either.

The Apple Watch boasts cutting-edge smartwatch tech including mobile payments with Apple Pay, stand-alone GPS, full waterproofing up to 50 meters, and thousands of apps. The user interface is very simple and attractive. It's easy to use and it has advanced, easy-to-use fitness tracking features, thanks to many sensors and an excellent heart rate monitor.

The Series 5 can even detect when you fall and even alert emergency contacts if need be, as well as an electrical heart rate sensor that works with an app to alert you to heart health issues. The electrocardiogram (ECG) app has been certified by the Food & Drug Administration.

You can also get an LTE version of the Series 5 for standalone smartwatch functions like calls, texts, and internet access. That way, you can leave your phone at home when you go out on a run or a long hike.

The LTE connection will cost you a monthly fee at most carriers, and the LTE model does cost more. There's a non-LTE version, too, if you're not interested in the new feature. Most people probably don't need LTE, frankly, unless you regularly go on hikes or long runs and you don't want to be weighed down with your phone. Still, it's a nice option to have.

The Series 5 lasts a full day on a charge, but you can get more out of it if you don't get notifications from every app on your iPhone. The new always-on display does lessen the battery life a bit, too.

While other companies struggle to pack tons of tech into bulky smartwatches, Apple effortlessly offers all the tech you need in the most compact and attractive smartwatch you can buy.

Pros: Gorgeous larger screen, slimmer watch case, haptic feedback from the crown, great watch faces, tons of band options, lots of apps, new health-focused features

Cons: Expensive, battery life is short, only works with iPhone

The best with feminine details

The Kate Spade Scallop 2 is a truly feminine, whimsical, and charming smartwatch that packs serious tech features like a heart rate monitor, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments.

Most smartwatches are still more unisex than specifically made for women. Even though Fossil, Skagen, and Apple make very convincing unisex watches that women can actually wear, none of them are unapologetically feminine. If you, like me, have been waiting for the day when you can look at a smartwatch and say, "Oh my God! It's so cute!" your day has come. 

The Kate Spade Scallop 2 is fully and completely designed for women. The round metal watch casing is relatively slim, very sleek, and absolutely adorable because it has the cute little detail of scalloping around the watch face.

The watch faces themselves are classic Kate Spade designs. You get a sultry winking moon face with perfectly curled lashes, calling you a leading lady; cute bubbly balloons for a digital watch face with numbers; a speeding cab that reassures you that you'll be there in a New York minute; and a daisy that loses petals as the time ticks away in a classic game of "He loves me; he loves me not."

The cute scalloped silicone band in black or a leather band in blush pink and the well-made, slim metal bracelet style watch band complete the feminine look. It is these little touches that make this watch so fun. 

Underneath all the fun design is Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) with all its skills and limitations. Like all the other Wear OS watches in our guide, you can pair it an iPhone or Android device to get apps and all your notifications.

The second-generation Scallop even has GPS, NFC for payments, and a heart rate monitor, making it more high tech than ever.

Pros: Adorable design, feminine watch faces and casing, cute straps, subtle details for fun, GPS, NFC, heart rate monitor

Cons: A bit expensive

The best with a classic design

The Fossil Q Julianna HR is a sleek smartwatch with a classic design, a heart rate monitor, GPS, NFC, and the power of WearOS.

If you're an Android user who wants a female-friendly smartwatch, you're in luck. Over the past few years, fashion brands and watchmakers have been making great Wear OS smartwatches. Fossil's smartwatch line continues to grow each year, and the new Q Julianna HR is its fifth-generation model.

In the new version, the watch casing is smaller and less bulky and there's also the latest tech like a heart rate sensor, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments.

Fossil offers several different finishes for the Q Julianna's watch casing. I love the simple rose gold casing and leather strap option, but you can also get one with a metal bracelet.

If you don't like any of the included straps, Fossil and other brands sell dozens of 22mm watch straps you can choose instead to really make the Q Julianna your own.

It's a chunky watch, which is great for women who like bigger watches. Even though it's stylish, this smartwatch is also waterproof up to 3 ATM, so you can swim with it on.

As for the tech inside, the Q Julianna runs Wear OS (previously known as Android Wear) and works with thousands of apps on the Google Play Store. You can answer texts, interact with notifications, and choose your own watch face — just like you would on any other smartwatch. Fossil has lots of nice watch faces in feminine colors, too.

It'll work with both Android phones and the iPhone, but it's best with Android devices. When Android Wear watches are paired to the iPhone, a lot of functions no longer work, and you're left with a pretty watch that gives you notifications.

Pros: Classic watch design, stylish color options, lots of compatible watch straps, and it's compatible with iPhones and Android phones

Cons: It's a bit chunky, not as good with iPhone

The best for minimalists

The Skagen Falster 2 has the same unique, simple design as the original, but now it has a heart rate monitor, Google Pay, and GPS built in.

Skagen is known for its minimalistic design choices, and the Falster 2, its second smartwatch, is a prime example. The Falster 2 looks very different from most other smartwatches with its unique lugs and simple bands. It's also slimmer than the original Falster.

It's an interesting smartwatch, because it could easily suit men or women. I tried the Falster 2 on for size, and while it was large for my notoriously small wrists, it looked just fine on other women's larger wrists and on men. If you like bigger watches, it'll look right at home on you.

Just like all other Wear OS (previously Android Wear) smartwatches, the Falster 2 works with both iPhone and Android devices. As always, Wear OS is best with an Android phone. Some functions simply don't work as well when you pair this watch to an iPhone.

You can download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store and get notifications on your wrist. This second-generation smartwatch also has GPS, NFC for Google Pay, and a heart rate monitor built in, so it's more fully featured and high tech than the original Falster. It's everything we wanted the original Falster to be.

Pros: Cool design, simple mesh band, suits women and men, Wear OS, works with iPhone and Android, GPS, NFC, heart rate monitor

Cons: A bit pricey

What else we considered

We're currently in the process of testing several new smartwatches for women that were just released, so stay tuned for a bigger update. Here are the ones we're currently looking into and testing.

• Garmin Vivoactive 4S: Garmin makes great fitness-focused smartwatches, and the 4S looks to be a good Apple Watch alternative, as it has many of the same specs. It has a simple design that looks good on both women and men.
• Fitbit Versa 2: The Fitbit Versa 2 could be a great contender for the best smartwatch upgrade for people who have an old Fitbit tracker and want to try out a smartwatch for the first time. The previous generation of the Versa was our pick for fitness fans.
• Michael Kors Access Lexington 2: Michael Kors has been making smartwatches alongside Fossil for years now. If you like MK, you'll probably like this watch as it has many of the same features and a flashy feminine design.

• The trench coat is a true classic fashion staple that looks good on everyone. It's the perfect coat for rainy or slightly chilly days.
• With the look of Burberry at an under-$200 price point, the London Fog Trench Coat is our top pick of 2019. This is the Holy Grail: a classic silhouette from a legacy brand, at an affordable cost.

Trench coats. They are as classic as vanilla ice cream and "The Catcher in the Rye." Just as you should always have those two things in your refrigerator and on your bookshelf, respectively, you should always have a trench hanging in your closet. Preferably of the khaki variety, because then it will go with every outfit, from evening dresses to work slacks.

You don't have to spend a fortune on a trench coat, either. Most of the picks in our guide run below $200 and look as good as the high-end versions. A beautiful trench can be an affordable luxury that makes you feel put together (and about 25% more British) when you slip it on.

This is the beauty of a great jacket: Even if you've got a sweatshirt and jeans on underneath, the right topper can elevate you to model-off-duty status. The trench coats featured here for your shopping pleasure are outfit-makers.

Here are the best trench coats you can buy:

• Best overall: London Fog Trench Coat 
• Best oversized: Everlane Drape Trench Coat
• Best for rain: The North Face City Breeze Raincoat
• Best plus-size: Eloquii Puff Sleeve Trench Coat
• Best fitted: M.M.LaFleur Osborn Trench

SEE ALSO: The best shorts for women

The best trench coat overall

London Fog's Trench Coat is just as iconic and effective as other more expensive styles from luxury brands, but it's much more affordable.

Fancy designer trench coats get all the buzz, but they aren't always better. Take the London Fog Trench Coat, for example. It's beautifully made and looks strikingly similar to some of the most popular Burberry trenches, but it only costs $198.

This is your typical belted, double-breasted silhouette with zero frills. It lacks any bells and whistles, besides the buckle details at the sleeves and the detachable hood that it comes with. A button-up storm flap at the bust allows for additional protection from the elements.

The Trench Coat is available in two classic colors, "Black" and "Stone." Nothing about this jacket screams "high fashion," but it's a great pick if you want a durable jacket that won't look dated by next season. And it works for a variety of weather conditions, thanks to its detachable lining.

Did I mention that this really looks like a Burberry jacket? The Mom Edit even did a detailed side-by-side comparison of a London Fog Trench alongside a Burberry coat and the results are striking. She called it "an almost exact replica" and noted that they even have similar features, like the removable lining and a water-resistant finish.

Shoppers have also noted the resemblance. "It seriously looks like a Burberry jacket but for wayyyyy cheaper," writes one Nordstrom shopper, "Excellent quality as well. Would love to get another color in the future."

Pros: Timeless design, water-resistant, removable lining and hood, looks designer, machine washable

Cons: Reviewers noted the fabric has a tendency to wrinkle

The best oversized trench coat

Leave it to Everlane to make a trench coat that feels fresh and modern — The Drape Trench is slouchier and more relaxed than most, giving it an updated feel.

Everlane is known for its array of perfectly executed basics, so of course the brand has an amazing trench coat. It's called The Drape Trench, and it's a great pick for anyone who wants a roomy fit.

If you find a lot of coats too fitted to layer to your liking, you'll be a fan of The Drape Trench's oversized fit. Don't let the 100% cotton twill fabric scare you off — This jacket is water-resistant and features a protective storm flap. The style boasts what Everlane describes as a "cooler" and "more relaxed fit" and is a bit longer than the London Fog version we mentioned above.

The Drape Trench comes in khaki, black, and navy. It's a hit with fashion experts — The Cut recommended it twice and Who What Wear devoted an entire article to showing readers how to style it. Everlane customers give it an overall 4.6 rating based on 420 reviews.

"This is an instant classic coat in my wardrobe," says one shopper. "Tremendously flattering, I get compliments on it when I wear it out. Very chic and durable, especially during heavy downpours."

Pros: Relaxed fit, longer length, water-resistant, under-$150

Cons: Brand recommends sizing down if you don't want it to be as oversized

The best trench coat for rain

The North Face City Breeze Raincoat gives you the look of a fabulous trench coat with the waterproofing of a rain jacket.

Trench coats are often considered raincoats by default. Not all of them are waterproof or water-resistant, but many styles are. Sometimes, you need more. That's where The North Face City Breeze Raincoat comes in.

Simply put, it's the cross-pollination of a trench coat and a rain jacket, built for the outdoorsy folks who don't want to sacrifice style. Details like waterproof DryVent fabric, a hood, and an interior "media pocket" make this an exceptional option for heavy downpours, while adjustable buckles allow you to tailor the fit to your body type.

The jacket has 4.4-stars at Nordstrom. Reviewers comment on things like the practical pockets, just-right fit, and waterproof shell. The coat looks sportier than most trench coats, though some colors, particularly the beige option, have a more classic trench look. 

Pros: Waterproof with additional features like a "media pocket" to keep electronics dry, lined, hood and adjustable buckles

Cons: Looks sportier than a traditional trench

The best plus-size trench coat

Eloquii's Puff Sleeve Trench Coat offers a classic trench silhouette with a fun twist.

The general point of trench coats is that they are classic and go with everything. For the most part, a trench coat produced 20 years ago is of the same breed as a trench coat designed today. But it's possible to add some fun details while still keeping the look timeless.

Take Eloquii's Puff Sleeve Trench, for example. It features the usual facets of a trench — neutral color (khaki), double-breasted neckline, belted waist. But it also has fun puffed sleeves that give the coat a modern, trendy edge. The sleeves aren't over the top big, but they make the coat feel unique.

The Puff Sleeve Trench comes in sizes 14-28. The lightweight fabric is great for layering over thick winter sweaters.

"The quality and fit of this product was great. I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a new lightweight jacket... this is the way to go," writes one 5-star reviewer. Another customer calls the jacket, "a keepsake that can be enjoyed for years to come".

Pros: Comes in sizes 14-28, classic trench with chic sleeves, versatile

Cons: A few reviewers said the jacket ran big

The best fitted trench coat

The M.M.LaFleur Osborn Trench is an elevated take on the classic shape, with thoughtful tailoring and a wide range of sizes.

M.M.La Fleur is a women's workwear brand that's taking the guesswork out of getting dressed for work. Its clothes are luxurious, comfortable, stylish, and designed thoughtfully with the daily needs of working women in mind. 

The Osborn Trench is a sleek version of a classic trench. The fit is tailored, but not tight. A belt lets you cinch the jacket around your waist if you'd like a more fitted look. The knee-length coat is pleated at the back, a stylish addition that adds volume to the look while keeping the overall silhouette close in. The storm flap on the back also adds to the shape but more importantly helps keep you dry. There's even a hook closure at the neck for when you need to cover up from the rain. 

Like the rest of M.M.La Fleur's pieces, this is a great coat for travel. It's easily packable and works for all sorts of occasions, regardless of the weather. The jacket isn't too heavy, but the Italian wool-blend fabric is naturally insulated to keep you warm. The water-resistant finish is great for rainy days.

The jacket comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 3XL. If you need tips on how to style the jacket, check out M.M.LaFleur's capsule wardrobes.

Pros: Stylish, wide range of sizes, good for travel

Cons: Dry-clean only, pricey

Check out our other women's style buying guides

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