We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and itspublishingpartners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Including the hair treatment that takes just eight seconds to work its magic.
1. A super-gentle yet hydrating Cerave eye cream to perk up your puffy eyes and fool people into thinking you got a full eight hours of sleep last night. It contains hyaluronic acid for extra moisture and three essential ceramides to protect the delicate skin around your eye — and some reviewers say it works better than more expensive alternatives.
Promising review: "I've been embarrassed for years about the bags under my eyes, but with two preschoolers at home, stress, and mild insomnia, I didn't see a way out. This is like a little miracle tube. I use it before bed and then in the morning, too. I use it even if I don't wash my face. I've gone from looking like there are bruises under my eyes to looking normal again. I no longer feel the need to use concealer under my eyes on a regular basis. I highly recommend!" —Amber J.
Get it from Amazon for $14.44.
2. A Maybelline Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, which proves you don't have to spend a lot of money for high-end results. The lightweight formula is infused with haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin.
Promising review:"I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I sit with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines).This little gem is great.I use this concealer everydayinstead ofallmy high-end brand concealers.It's full coverage, buildable, lastsallday, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everydaymakeup bag." —Brittney
Get it from Amazon for$8.49+(available in 21 shades and various pack sizes).
3. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors you can use to shape your eyebrows and remove fine hairs. You can also use it to remove any stubborn peach fuzz so your foundation will glide on more seamlessly than ever. Go ahead and cancel that eyebrow appointment!
Promising review: "I used to pay a professional to dermaplane my face once a month to remove the peach fuzz, which makes me look older and makes the makeup application more cumbersome. I searched for years for a home product to use to save money and time. This is the closest I have been able to get to professional dermaplaning in the convenience of my home, on my time/schedule, and at a fraction of the price. Love it!" —SEM1969
Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.62 (also available in a pack of nine).
4. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream, because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention, but those fancy LED neck masks are way too expensive (and let's face it, you'll forget to use it). It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration.
Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine." —JAcosta
Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack).
5. A L'Oréal repairing hair treatment, which takes just eight seconds — yes, eight seconds! — to help repair damage, restore shine, and have you feeling like you just left the most exclusive salon. Apply it after shampoo but before conditioner, and let the amino acids and "lamellar water technology" work their magic to smooth your hair without weighing it down.
Reviewers with hair textures fromtype 1a (stick straight) to type 4c (coily) have left 5-star ratings for this bottle of magic. Those with straighter hair say it helps smooth flyaways and add volume, while those with coily hair say it enhances their natural curls and adds shine.
Promising review: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one, I absolutely have to. I have 3c-type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair ... I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing, and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen." —Theressa Hailey
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
6. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 193,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5?! Reviewers say this doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes — and think of all the money you'll be saving on lash extensions!
Promising review: "Love it, love it, love it!!! You really look like you have fake eyelashes on. This mascara is amazing! It's not thick and lumpy, and it glides on smoothly and precisely. You feel like you had a makeup artist do your eyes!!! It lasts all day — no touch-up required, no smearing, no clumping. I use soap and warm water to remove. I am 500% completely happy and satisfied!" —Very Satisfied!!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two colors and a pack of three).
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
7. Elizabeth Mott's waterproof eyeshadow primerthat'll make the shades from your favorite palettes last all day long. The smoothing texture prevents your eyeshadow from settling into fine lines and wrinkles, and the matte formula keeps excess oil at bay. These are the kind of long-lasting results you thought could only be found in a pro makeup artist's bag.
And it's cruelty-free!
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for$13.99.
8. A hair-finishing stick with a unique mascara-like applicator to keep flyaways and cowlicks at bay when you don't have time to mess around with creams or serums — or don't feel like spending money for a hair appointment before the office holiday party you totally forgot was happening this week 😬.
Promising review: "I have super-fine hair with lots of breakage. No matter how I put my hair up, I have bad flyaways. This stuff is great! So easy, and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hairspray." —Jill Stilfield
Get it from Amazon for $6.78(also available in two other styles and a pack of two).
9. Or anEbin New York 24-hour edge tamerthat's infused with castor and argan oil to provide a touch of extra moisture while keeping your hair securely in place. It's water based, meaning it's lightweight enough for 1a-4c hair types.
Just a note that you don't have to lay your edges, but this is great if you do!
Promising review: "The quality of this product is simply just amazing. It will lay those 4C edges for all day up to 8 hours of coverage. The smell is not as pungent as other products I have tried. This product is thick — [you] must use an edge control brush — use it as you would any other edge control. Apply a little to the brush, place it on those edges, tie it down, let it dry, and walk away. The price point is amazing. The size of the container will last quite a while, depending on how much you use. Can't go wrong with Ebin." —ms. jackson
Get it from Amazon for $5.49+(available in five sizes).
10. A pack of cooling, hydrating eye gels with hyaluronic acid and collagen you can put on 15 minutes before that early morning weekly meeting, then toss off right before you click on the Google Meet link. Who needs the spa when you've got these little slices of golden decadence???
Promising review: "First of all, amazing deal for the price! Secondly, they work amazing!! I have issues with tired eyes, and I used the patches for about 30 minutes after I washed my face, while I was in the shower, then took them off when I did my makeup, and my under-eye was so moisturized and rejuvenated!" —Tiara Baker
Get a pack of 10 pairs from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in packs of 20 and 30 and in a matcha formula).
11. A bottle of facial toner that proves products for acne-prone skin don't have to be overly harsh to be effective. This potion uses a blend of witch hazel and aloe vera to control excess oil, tighten pores, and reduce irritation and redness. Your dermatologist will think you've been seeing someone else in between appointments 👀.
Check out our full review of Thayer's Witch Hazel Facial Toner.
Promising review: "I've been using this every day for about nine months as a toner in my skincare routine and I've seen a tremendous difference. My dark marks and acne have gone away tremendously. I also dealt with fine bumps and textured skin and it greatly reduced that as well. My skin is almost clear. I'm almost on my third bottle of this. I'm never letting this go. I also use it after I shave my legs and 'down there' (not inside of it just pat it on the perimeter) and it prevents any bumps or irritation that may occur. No complaints whatsoever. If you want an all-natural, multipurpose, affordable toner product this is for you." —Sue Craig
Get it from Amazon for $8.16+ (available in six formulas and packs of two).
12. Mane Club One Hit Wonder, a 10-in-1 spray that sounds like an all-inclusive salon package: it conditions, detangles, provides heat protection up to 445 degrees F/230 degrees C, prevents breakage, hydrates, smooths, softens, controls frizz, strengthens, and boosts shine. The cannabis sativa seed oil will help add some extra luster, while glycerin pulls in moisture from the air to help reduce frizz!
Amazon, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed
Check out how one usertransforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok! And check out ourMane Club 10-in-1 spray reviewfor more deetz!
Promising reviews:"My hair, when wet, tangles so easily.I couldn’t tell you how many knots I’ve tried to rage comb out, nor could I tell you how many different brands I’ve tried. I havefine, dense hair, and this product doesn’t weigh it down at all. This stuff works like magic, and as a bonus, it’s so affordable! I just got my new shipment today and rushed to write this as the difference between combing my wet hair yesterday and today is profound." —Mary S.
Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
13. A bottle ofLottabody's super fluffy mousse, which gives you the same curls and bounce of an expensive heat tool in a $4 bottle of magic. Just scrunch some of this through your towel-dried hair and let the blend of coconut oil and shea butter add some extra moisture and bounce to your curls. Reviewers say it's super lightweight and never leaves behind a greasy or sticky residue.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: "First, let me start with the price. My favorite thing about this product is its price vs. its quality.Most times, we find a low or responsible-priced product...well, let's say you get what you pay for, so usually you're left disappointed, BUT this stuff is wonderful. The smell, the de-tangling ability it has, plus I love how soft my hair is and my curls. No stiff hair and, on the days I want a little more hold or crispness, I just mix some of my firmer hold mousse in with this in my hands before I apply it. Wish I knew bout this product sooner. Thanks, TikTok." —Angelia Taggarrt
Get it from Amazon for $3.98(also available in a pack of two).
14. A pack of Avarelle Acne Cover Patches you can quickly plop on any pimple and let the blend of tea tree and calendula oils help shrink your zit in just a few hours. It's like making an emergency house call with your dermatologist, except this is actually a thing and way less expensive.
These aremade of a wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid that can drain fluids from any open pimples and cover any that are already on the surface.
Promising review: "I love this product! Whenever I have a pimple that is ready to burst (whitehead), I put one of these stickers on for a day, and BOOM, it flattens and sucks up all that yucky junk. It feels really comfortable and can be barely noticeable if you have a small pimple that needs to be removed. There were times when I wore these out to school. Great product!" —Jenny
Get a pack of 40 from Amazon for $8.49(also available in packs of 80, 120, and 200).
15. And a post-blemish rescue balm, because even though you know you really shouldn't pop that pimple, sometimes you just can't help yourself. Just drop a little dab on that popped blemish to add moisture, reduce irritation, and help prevent scarring. Future you will be so glad you can save your money on expensive scar creams.
16. A bottle of Vanicream facial cleanser, which dermatologists love for its extremely gentle formula that's oil- and soap-free and contains zero fragrance, dyes, or other typically irritating ingredients. But don't worry — it still packs an impressive punch when it comes to breaking down dirt, excess oil, and even makeup.
Promising review: "I bought this after much research and review scouring, and I’m so glad I did. I have been trying to repair the moisture/lipid barrier on my face and needed a cleanser with the right balance to aid in that process. Washing with Vanicream cleanser is great because it removes things like sunscreen and light makeup, but it will not leave your skin feeling stripped or tight." —C. Hollz
Get it from Amazon for $8.86.
17. A bottle of Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil that'll make you feel like you invested in some expensive customized facial treatments. It'll help reduce the appearance of pesky scars thanks to a special blend of vitamin A, chamomile, sunflower, lavender, and vitamin E oils.
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review: "I swear by this product. Very effective on discolored skin due to scarring. I had shingles on my face brought about by stress because we were moving. It ravaged the lower right side of my face, and I was pretty sure it was going to leave scarring. I bought this and started applying it when I started scabbing, and I still haven't stopped using it until now. I had my shingles in April, and it's August now. Check the 'before' and 'after' pics. It works." —twitch
Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in two sizes).
18. L'Oreal's Lumi Glotionto make your drugstore foundation look like a high-end formula. You can use it under your foundation to add some radiance or by itself on days you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body, because the glass skin look isn't only for your face!
Promising review: "I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin." —Jessica Giles
Get it from Amazon for $13.98(available in five shades and various packs).
19. A popularlong-lastingeyeliner stampwhich will be a life-saver for all my fellow peeps with shaky hands — it'll basically your own personal makeup artist in a little pen. You can use the curved wing side to effortlessly apply liner to the outer corner of your eye, then flip over to the regular fine tip to define the rest of the eye.
It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
Promising review:"I have very minimal makeup skills. I’m a liner, mascara, and gloss kinda girl. I’ve been wanting to do a wing for so long, but with my limited makeup application talent and hooded eyes, it just wasn’t happening. This product changed the game. After trying out the placement a few times, I got it down pat. I love how I can get different looks depending on where I place the wing. I’m beyond satisfied." —Michelle Hopson
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small bizLovoir Beauty.
Get a set of two from Amazon for$14.98(available in three sizes and a combo pack).
20. An extremely easy-to-use and downright magical spray that covers your roots in seconds, which might come in handy if you like to cover your grays. If you never have time to make touch-up color appointments, this will become an absolute lifesaver.
Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!
Promising review: "This product is terrific for hiding the pesky gray hairs that start to emerge one to two weeks after coloring my hair. I have dark hair, and a lot of gray around my forehead and temple areas, so any gray hairs are beyond obvious. Once they start to peek out, I use this product, and I can last another couple of weeks before coloring." —Carissa K
Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in 12 colors).
21. A beloved nourishing cream made with coconut oil and shea butter to condition your cuticles and help your nails grow to impressive lengths. Your hands will look manicure-fresh — but without the outrageous nail salon prices.
Promising review: "My natural nails are horrible! They are thin and brittle, and have a tendency to split, peel, and break. Consequently, I wore acrylic nails for several years until I got tired of leaving so much money at the nail salon. When I soaked off the acrylics, my nails were, of course, worse than ever, and nothing I tried seemed to restore them to even their original condition until I found Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream. I rub this into my cuticles and nail beds several times a day, and after two months, my nails are hard and much thicker with no breaking or splitting. For the first time since I took off the acrylics, my nails are growing past my fingertips. This cream is a keeper, I just ordered my second jar, and I'll never again be without it." —M. Hill
Get it from Amazon for $8.88 (also available in packs of two or three).
22. A pack of oil-absorbing sheets that will tackle the shiniest of foreheads and have you looking instantly matte without ruining your makeup. These are a must on the days when you want to touch up but don't feel like carrying around your expensive setting powder all day.
Promising review: "I LOVE these oil-absorbing sheets! I tried them out a few years ago but haven't gotten around to writing a review until now. I've tried other blotting sheets, and they've either broken me out or just did not absorb all the oil. Every time I come back to these, I realize they are truly the best. I have SUPER-oily skin (and cystic acne, which I have the scars to show for), and this makes me feel sooo fresh and even calms down active pimples/acne." —Noopur D.
Get a pack of 100 from Amazon for $6.95 (available in two formulas and various pack sizes).
23. A bestselling Maybelline eyebrow pencil with a helpful double-ended design that'll give you pro-level brows for under $10. Many reviewers say this one is thin enough to make perfect hair-like strokes, yet still super sturdy (raise your hand if you've ever had a brow pencil break on you 🙋♂️), while others say it blends seamlessly and is great for brow beginners.
I personally use this one andloveit. The actual pencil itself has never broken while using (I've had many a brow pencil from other drugstore brands snap in half before I even use it two times), and the spoolie at the end is softer and smaller than similar pencils, allowing for more precise application and less irritation.
Promising review:"Spent years using a brow pomade but got tired of it drying out in the little pot so quickly. I avoided pencils since I could never find one that went on as saturated and with a creamy sort of consistency that I was used to. I tried this on a whim since I'd seen a few positive reviews via YouTube and thought the angled tip was pretty neat.I don't know if I'd want to use anything else ever again because I love it so much! Easy to apply, goes on smoothly, and the little brush on the end is great for evenly brushing product through the brows once they're filled in.Looks so natural and precise. So very happy to get out of my comfort zone and try something new." —Shannon M Slape
Get it from Amazon for$8.99(available in four shades and a pack of two and three).
24. AnDifferin retinoid gelthat'll give you presription-level results at a drugstore price. Retinoids are known to help promote skin cell turnover, revealing a brighter complexion and helping to clear out the gunk that causes clogged pores and acne.
Promising reviews: "After a month and a half of using this product, I don’t have a single active breakout on my face. This is the first time in over a year! My only regret is that I wish I would have found thissoonerto save my skin from scarring." —Ashley L.
"This stuff actually works. I work in a spa, and I’ve tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acne-prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me, and dang if she wasn’t right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly, so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer, but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks, and I’m still amazed." —Rin Wisell
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+(available in four sizes and two bottle styles).
25. Anail concealer, which is basically a multitasking marvel. It strengthens nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done.
Promising reviews:"My Dior nail glow ran out, and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." —reviewer22
"Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I’m guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I’m nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." —Andi
Get it from Amazon for $4.48.
26. AnOgx leave-in conditioning creamthat even your hairdresser would be impressed with. It'll define your natural curls and have them bouncing around all day long! Just apply some to your towel-dried hair and let the cold-pressed argan oil work its magic.
According to reviewers, this product can add more definition to 1c wavy hair, and provide moisture and smoothness all the way up to type 4c hair.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this stuff! It's the one hair product I have to have. I rotate shampoos and conditioners but have never found anything to put on damp hair that I like as much as this. It says it's for curls, but works great on straight hair, too." —Bunco Queen of the Universe
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
27. Abrightening facial scrubfor anyone who craves the glow of a professional exfoliation treatment but doesn't want anything too harsh... or too expensive. The sea kelp will keep things soft and smooth while the French green clay and lemon peel lightly buff away dead skin. You'll be glowing before you even rinse it down the drain!
Promising review: "This stuff works great on my skin. It’s gentle yet cleans so well. It removes sebum so well! The little black seaweed has a little distinctive smell but nothing noticeable. I wish I’d known [about] it sooner. Definitely magic stuff!!!" —Kristye
Get it from Amazon for $8.39(also available in a set with the matching cleanser).
28. A creamyE.l.f. color correctorto help counteract redness, dark circles, and any other hyperpigmentation you're looking to camouflage. Reviewers especially love the green for neutralizing redness before applying foundation and concealer. This will make even your most affordable concealers look like high-end Sephora bestsellers.
The yellow shade works to brighten dullness in fair to medium skin tones, the peach shade masks dark spots in fair to medium skin tones, the orange shade masks dark spots in deep skin tons, green neutralizes redness for all skin tones, and blue can be mixed with foundation to offset overly warm tones. See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review:"So I was in a car wreck on the third of June 2024, and in the first picture [above], you can see a lot of the markings that are on my face.I just got this concealer in the mail today, and not a moment too soon, because I have an important Zoom meeting. You want to talk about coverage!!!! Now, purple is a really hard color to cover, but this product did it, and I took a picture [above] just to show how well!I am super impressed. Plus, the price point is amazing, and it's just as effective as any high-end product. It went on silky smooth! Thank you, E.l.f. cosmetics, you saved me!" —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for$4(available in five shades).
29. TheCatrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 on those busy mornings when you need to look like you got a full eight hours of sleep. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and reviewers say it's a perfect alternative to Becca X Smashbox's similar formula.
The formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "I wasamazedby how well this corrected the color under my eyes and with such little product. I literally tap the pad of my ring finger onto the product and tap it under my eyes. It's not necessary to wipe and pick it up. Love it!" —Teri L.
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades).
30. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoothat34,000+ reviewers swear by. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands, while rosemary and coconut oil are known to nourish and moisturize the scalp. You'll be so glad you found this before those Instagram ads for expensive hair-loss shampoos finally convince you to hit "add to cart."
Check out aTikTok of the biotin shampooin action.
Readmore about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever."—Diane J. Huff
"This shampoo is like NOTHING I've ever tried in the past. The way my4Chair comes out after using this is INCREDIBLE. Soft, easy to comb, and super manageable. I've been using it for two years!" —Jae
Maple Holisticsis a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients.
Get it from Amazon for $12.95+(available in three scents and three sizes).
31. Alightweight Wet n Wild tinted hydrator to give you a perfect hint of coverage while also improving your skin over time — which is a feature almost every $40+ foundation touts as a major selling point. It goes on just like a normal moisturizer but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized.
Promising reviews: "This is a sheer coverage and buildable foundation perfect forbeginners." —Fee fee mcgee
"I’ve tried so many tinted moisturizers and hated every single one. I was very surprised when I used this one, and it went on flawlessly. I used to love a heavy matte foundation with powder to finish it. However being a teacher, I need to just be able to get ready for work and go and I needed something that would stay on all day, especially on hot days. This tinted moisturizer is easy to apply, it only takes a minute, and you can top with powder if you need to, but it literally has great coverage; it stays on all day, and I believe that it’s actually making my skin look better because of the hyaluronic acid, I’ve been using it for almost a year now and my skin looks great." —Allison K.
Get it from Amazon for $5.24+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two).
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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
