If you're looking for something entertaining and beautiful that'll also inform you, there's an incredible variety of science- and nature-focused documentaries and TV shows on Netflix right now.

These films and series showcase the beauty of the planet, delve into the details of how food arrives on your plate, and explore the mysterious and alien underwater world in oceans around the globe.

The downside to having all of those options is that there's a lot to choose from. To make it easier, Business Insider reporters and editors have picked some of our favorites from Netflix' selection.

Films come and go from the platform every month, but as of the date of publication, everything on our list should be available. We'll update the recommendations periodically to reflect currently stream-able documentaries.

Here are our favorites, in no particular order:

SEE ALSO: 24 health 'facts' that are actually wrong

"Icarus" (2017)

What it's about: In 2014, filmmaker and amateur cyclist Bryan Fogel contacted Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the director of the Moscow anti-doping center, for advice about how to get away with using performance-enhancing drugs. In 2015, Rodchenkov was implicated in state-sponsored doping efforts by the World Anti-Doping Agency. So he decided to flee Russia, travel to the US, and to reveal everything he knew about the widespread Russian doping program. 

Why you should see it:  The film mixes crime, sport, international intrigue, and the science of manipulating human performance. It's both thrilling and disturbing — and is especially relevant given the recent ban on Russian athletes competing for their country in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Because of Rodchenkov's revelations, the world will never look at sports — the Olympics especially — the same way again. [Click to watch]

"Cooked" (2016)

What it's about: In this four-part docu-series, journalist and food expert Michael Pollan explores the evolutionary history of food and its preparation through the lens of the four essential elements: fire, water, air, and earth. 

Why you should see it: Americans as a whole are cooking less and relying more on unhealthy, processed, and prepared foods. Pollan aims to bring viewers back to the kitchen by forging a meaningful connection to food and the joys of cooking. [Click to watch]

"Blackfish" (2013)

What it's about: This film highlights abuses in the sea park industry through the tale of Tilikum, an orca in captivity at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Tilikum has killed or been involved in the deaths of three people while living in the park. 

Why you should see it: This documentary opens your eyes to the troubles of keeping wild animals in captivity through shocking footage and emotional interviews. It highlights the potential issues of animal cruelty and abuse involved with using highly intelligent animals as entertainment. Sea parks have historically made billions of dollars by keeping animals captive, often at the expense of the health and well-being of animals. This documentary played a huge role in convincing SeaWorld to stop their theatrical "Shamu" killer whale shows. [Click to watch]

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

I knew when I hit middle school that I could expect acne to invade my face, as it did for most other kids my age. What I didn't expect was for it to become severe and persist well into my 20s.

Adult acne is increasingly common, and if you suffer from it, you know that treating it is an ongoing process filled with ups and downs. Some days, months, or even years are better than others, and you have to continually experiment with various treatments and products as your skin changes. 

For the members of the Insider Picks team who have dealt with and are still actively dealing with adult acne, these products have helped treat those unsightly and painful bumps and blemishes. We can't say enough good things about these 12 skincare products, which truly work to improve our skin and confidence. 

A drying gel that you can wear outside of the house

Alba Botanica Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel, $15.00, available at Amazon

I know a lot of people love the pink Mario Badescu drying lotion spot treatment, but I'm way more partial to this one because it comes out and dries as a clear gel — which means I can wear it even when I'm out of the house, and put it on over or under makeup.

It has salicylic acid to dry out whiteheads, and chamomile and aloe extracts to soothe inflammation. Just be careful about putting it onto a pimple you've already popped because it'll sting. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

A clay mask with rave reviews

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $8.30, available at Amazon

This hyped-up $9 mask with over 12,000 five-star reviews that's everywhere from the Sephora beauty blog to vlogs with 1 million plus views is the real deal, but it's definitely a labor of love. What I mean by that is that while the clay mask acts like a vacuum for your pores in the 5-15 minutes that it's on, it also might feel like your face is going to fall off in the duration.

The directions call for equal parts water and powder when mixing it together before application, but I've started adding more water to the mix to keep it from feeling so tight. And if you have sensitive skin, you might want to start with only leaving it on for 5-10 minutes.

You can find my full review here, but basically, I use it because it noticeably helps the clarity of my skin rather than because it's just a fun addition to a Girls Night In. In fact, it really isn't fun to wear — but it works. And the fact that it's $9 and so long lasting that it might outlive me is also a bonus. Pro tip: it's usually a few dollars less if you buy it on Thrive Market (currently $6.59). —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

A night cream with surprising acne-fighting benefits

NO B.S. Retinol Night Cream, $50, available at Amazon

I honestly don't know what it is about this moisturizer that has helped with my acne so much — but every time I use it when I'm dealing with even the most painful, deep, cystic acne, it somehow manages to pretty much disappear the bumps.

I've never experienced a night cream that did anything but keep my face hydrated, though this does that too (and extremely well). Maybe it's the high concentration of retinol, which can increase collagen production and elasticity, or maybe it's the aloe which can soothe and reduce inflammation in the skin. Either way, this paraben- and sulfate-free night cream has worked wonders for reducing my acne overnight. I know it's a bit pricey, but it really does make a difference. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

• Tesla CEO Elon Musk has attracted controversy for his statements about taking Tesla private.
• Questions have persisted about the amount of funding Musk had secured when he first suggested he had the backing necessary to convert Tesla into a private company, barring a shareholder vote.
• The SEC has reportedly asked Tesla about statements made by Musk and the company.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk shocked observers when he said on August 7 that he was thinking about taking the company private. Since then, Musk's comments have captivated Wall Street, drawn the attention of regulators, and raised questions about how close the company is to locking down the financing necessary to leave the public markets.

Here's what you need to know to get caught up:

SEE ALSO: Ex-Tesla employee alleges Elon Musk authorized spying on workers in bombshell SEC tip

November 15, 2017: Elon Musk says in a Rolling Stones interview that he wishes Tesla was a private company.

"I wish we could be private with Tesla,"Musk said in the interview. "It actually makes us less efficient to be a public company."

July 31, 2018: Musk claims he met with the managing director of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

Musk claimed in a statement published on Tesla's website on Monday that he had a meeting with the managing director of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund on July 31. 

During this meeting, Musk claimed the director "expressed regret that I had not moved forward previously on a going private transaction with them, and he strongly expressed his support for funding a going private transaction for Tesla at this time. I understood from him that no other decision makers were needed and that they were eager to proceed."

"I left the July 31st meeting with no question that a deal with the Saudi sovereign fund could be closed, and that it was just a matter of getting the process moving," Musk said. 

The Saudi sovereign fund did not respond to a request for comment.

August 1, 2018: Tesla reports second-quarter earnings amid fear the company is running out of cash.

Tesla reported an adjusted loss per share of $3.06 for the second quarter, which was larger than what analysts had predicted, and revenue of $4 billion, which beat analyst projections. Its cash burn, $739.5 million, was lower than analysts expected. The company said it expected to be profitable during the second half of 2018.

"Going forward, we believe Tesla can achieve sustained quarterly profits, absent a severe force majeure or economic downturn, while continuing to grow at a rapid pace," the company said.

During the company's earnings call, Musk apologized to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Antonio Sacconaghi. During Tesla's first-quarter earnings call in May, Musk had referred to Sacconaghi's questions as "boring" and "boneheaded."

"I'd like to apologize for being impolite on the prior call. Honestly, I really think there's no excuse for bad manners, and I was kind of violating my own rule in that regard. There are reasons for it in that I had gotten no sleep, had been working 110-hour, 120-hour weeks, but nonetheless, there's still no excuse," Musk said during the second-quarter earnings call.

Idioms are commonly used phrases that aren’t meant to be taken literally and can be found in almost every language. Some of them may even sound downright strange when a person who isn’t a native speaker attempts to translate.

In English, people talk about "painting the town red" and "paying through the nose" all the time. But have you ever wondered where these phrases come from in the first place? There is some interesting history behind these everyday expressions. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that some of the phrases actually have a criminal past.

"Riding shotgun" was a huge responsibility.

"Riding shotgun" is the ideal place to ride during on a road trip. But in the Old West, the person sitting in the passenger seat was required to do a whole lot more than find the perfect radio station.

Stagecoach drivers in the Old West needed a person to literally "ride shotgun." The passenger would carry a shotgun in order to scare off robbers who might want to attack them, according to Reader's Digest.

A ‘highway robbery’ meant more than paying too much for coffee.

Most people would agree that paying $10 for your favorite cup of coffee is highway robbery. But the original definition of highway robbery once meant literally robbing travelers on or near the highway. The first known usage of the phrase was in 1611.

"Painting the town red" left some people with different looking doors.

For you and your crew, "painting the town red" probably means getting glammed up for a fun night of drinks and dancing. However, the phrase originates from a night out that makes dancing on the bar seem tame.

Back in 1837, the Marquis of Waterford went out for a night of drinking with some of his friends, according to Phrases.org. Afterward, the group went through the streets of a small English town destroying property. They broke windows, knocked over flower pots, and damaged door knockers. But things got really crazy when they got their hands on some red paint and literally painted the town red, including doors, a tollgate, and a swan statue.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

The Insider Pick:

• Portable power stations are great for extended camping trips, power outages, and other situations when you need lots of power on the go.

• The $600 Goal Zero Yeti 400 has a high-capacity battery that can recharge your smartphone more than 30 times, a digital camera 20 times, and a GoPro a whopping 70 times. It can even power small appliances, making it perfect for power outages and multi-day camping trips.

Whether you enjoy taking to the great outdoors on the weekend or live in an area with frequent blackouts, owning a portable power station is one of the best investments you can make. Not only do they provide a reliable source of power with AC inputs, USB outlets, or otherwise, but their ability to be easily transported allows them to go anywhere.  

But what makes these portable generators so valuable is their wide range of use. Perhaps you enjoy only partially unplugging while roughing it with the family and want an effective way to keep your smartphone, laptop, and Bluetooth speaker juiced up while out of the house. Or, maybe you’re intent on preparing for an inevitable power outage or disaster situation. Whatever the case might be, an effective portable power station works wonders for anyone’s peace of mind.

Shopping for a suitable power station might seem like a daunting task, however. From a unit’s wattage capacity or mAh to deciding between battery or gas-powered, the options are many. Furthermore, the way in which you plan on using it also impacts the variety of power station you require.

To help, we’ve tested and researched the best portable power stations available to narrow down the crowded field. So, no matter if you enjoy taking long road trips, prefer gas to battery, or simply want a compact model to carry with you as you please, there’s an option for you.

Here are our top picks for the best portable power stations:

• Best power station overall: Goal Zero Yeti 400
• Best for long road trips: EcoFlow River
• Best multi-purpose power station: EasyFocus Portable Power Station
• Best compact power station: Anker PowerHouse Compact
• Best gas-powered station: PowerPro

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best portable power station overall

Why you'll love it: The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is perfect for multi-day camping trips and power outages because it’s capable of powering small appliances and charging up to seven smart devices at once.

Almost any conversation about portable power stations begins and ends with Goal Zero and its Yeti line of batteries. With the 400, you’re not only getting a reliable and effective power solution but one that won’t become outdated or require an upgrade for a handful (or more) years.

Its $600 price may have some people second-guessing a purchase but it’s hardly a premium price to pay for this kind of premium battery.

But what makes the Yeti 400 specifically stand out is its versatility and capacity. It’s capable of charging smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras while still having the ability to run a small appliance or two.

During our time spent with the Yeti 400, we’d be able to keep all our and our friends' smart devices fully charged for an entire weekend, and we still came home with some juice left in the battery. Even when we specifically tried to drain it to zero, we simply ran out of items to charge.

Even buyers on Amazon praise the 400 for its ability to be used daily, acknowledging that they use it to re-charge a lawn mower battery, a weed whacker battery, and so on. You don’t find that kind of everyday use with just any random power station.

Durable, versatile, and compact enough to tote along wherever your weekend takes you, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is our favorite portable power station.

Pros: Powerful enough to run small appliances, capable of charging up to seven devices at once, recharges via AC or separately sold solar panels, and can recharge a smartphone more than 30 times on a single charge

Cons: Expensive (but well worth the investment)

Buy the Goal Zero Yeti 400 on Amazon for $600

The best portable power station for long road trips

Why you'll love it: Short of your actual car battery, the EcoFlow River is the most important portable battery to tote along on your next road trip with its 500-watt capacity and 11 outlets.

With a similar price tag as the Goal Zero Yeti 400 and a higher capacity, the EcoFlow River just about took the top spot. The one thing holding it back? Name recognition. Goal Zero is a mainstay, and it remains to be seen just how much longevity EcoFlow has. However, as it currently stands, the brand is making quite the push into the portable power station market and its River battery is as impressive as they come.

What started as a crowdfunding project is now the EcoFlow River. Through its inevitable ups and downs on sites like Indiegogo, the designers perfected it before bringing the current model to a wider market.

Today, the EcoFlow River sports a laundry list of what makes it great. From the fact its lightweight and compact to its ability to charge while in use or its 11 total outlets, there are few features it doesn’t have.

As mentioned above about the Yeti 400, a $600 price tag is not necessarily the easiest pill to swallow. This is yet another reason why its lack of true name recognition allowed to just barely miss the top spot — there just isn’t enough of a sample size to say, without a doubt, the investment is 100% worth it.

On the surface, it makes sense — and is why we’re strongly recommending it — but read the reviews – Amazon has plenty of glowing testimonials, too– before purchasing to make sure it fits your desired needs.

Pros: Massive 500-watt capacity, features a combination of 11 outlets, holds its charge for up to a year, can provide backup power for small appliances, quiet, and weighs just 11 pounds

Cons: $600 price tag is a big investment (but worth it)

Buy the EcoFlow River on Amazon for $600

The best multi-purpose portable power station

Why you'll love it: Though it sports a modest $180 price tag, the 300-watt EasyFocus Portable Power Station has an LED flashlight, five safety protections, and the ability to use solar panels to recharge.

Though we’ve listed it as the best multi-purpose option, the EasyFocus Portable Power Station could also satisfy those looking to save a little money. At just $180, not only is it the cheapest power station on our list, but it’s also the lightest at just five pounds.

Offering 300 watts, it may lack in capacity but still offers as many outlets — three 100V ACs, four USB ports, and four DCs — as others in our guide, meaning the cheaper price won’t dramatically cheapen the experience.

Enough about what it does the same, you came for its multi-purpose capability. With an integrated LED flashlight, safety protection for over-temperatures and short-circuits, and the ability to be recharged via solar panels, the EasyFocus Portable Power Station is the epitome of versatile.

From recharging smart devices in the backcountry to powering lights and small appliances in times of emergency, it’s essentially the most heavy-duty flashlight you’ve ever seen.

Pros: Features a built-in LED flashlight, offers safety protection for short-circuits, over-current, over-power, low-voltage, and over-temperature, comes standard with adapters for any plug-in, able to be recharged via solar panels, and features an easy-carrying handle

Cons: Smaller capacity not ideal for longer trips or larger emergency situations

Buy the EasyFocus Portable Power Station on Amazon for $180

• Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware, three of the biggest home-improvement stores in the United States, offer a similar product selection and help with home-improvement projects.
• Though the stores sell many of the same products, Home Depot's setup appears to be geared more toward professionals — like contractors and interior designers — than Lowe's and Ace Hardware's.
• Home Depot reported on Tuesday that same-store sales were up 8% in its most recent fiscal quarter, Lowe's reported in May that first-quarter comparable sales were up 0.6%, and Ace Hardware reported in May that first-quarter sales were up 2.2%.
• We visited locations of both retailers and found that Home Depot had significantly more to offer and was nicer to shop at than its competitors. 

SEE ALSO: These are the fastest-growing retailers in America right now

I visited the Home Depot in the Flatiron District.

It felt like I was stepping into a warehouse, with high ceilings and industrial lighting. On the left were small products like dish soap and cleaning supplies. To the right was the start of the flooring department.

Home Depot had an astounding selection of everything. There was a huge variety of styles and patterns available for each type of product.

The good thing about sunburns is that they're entirely preventable. With sunscreen application (and reapplication), plenty of shade, and protective hats and sunglasses, you can keep your skin unscorched.

The bad thing is that sometimes we lapse in our sun protection habits, and burns happen.

If you do get a sunburn, though, there are some expert-approved ways to mitigate that itchy, stinging, hot feeling in your skin.  

INSIDER spoke with dermatologists Dr. Allison Arthur and Dr. Marisa Garshick to learn what will help a sunburn — and what won't. Read on for their advice 

DO: Stay out of the sun

It may seem obvious, but both Garshick and Arthur stressed the importance of avoiding the sun when you're already burned.

"[When] your skin is already injured it's much more susceptible to sun damage," Garshick said. 

"If sun can't be avoided while the sunburn is healing, then I would recommend covering the [burned] areas with sun protective clothes that have a rating of UPF 50," Arthur said. 

DO: Wear loose clothing

When you're covering up to protect burned skin, stay away from tighter garments. 

"Wearing the loose clothing is helpful," Garshick said.  "It doesn't trap any extra heat."

DO: Cool down your skin

"Anytime you do experience any kind of burn, the skin feels very hot, and by putting something cool on it can be very helpful if it's done relatively quickly," Garshick said. 

There are a few dermatologist-approved ways to do this. 

"I would try to stay in air conditioning as much as possible just because sweating might make you feel more uncomfortable," Arthur said. "I recommend a cool shower or doing cool soaks, soaking thin soft cotton fabrics in cool water and letting it soak on the skin or several minutes."

Both also recommended applying aloe to sunburned skin.

"Aloe vera gels have that same kind of soothing and cooling property," Garshick said. 

• A narcissist at work may make your day-to-day difficult.
• It's not much better if that narcissist is your boss. 
• There are many narcissists in power because of traits they're able to leverage, such as risk-taking and being charming.

Research suggests that you're more likely to find a narcissist in the corner office than just about anywhere else. 

As psychoanalyst leadership expert Michael Maccoby has argued, that's because narcissists often thrive in leadership roles, since so-called "productive narcissists" are super comfortable with risk and charming enough to get people's backing for their ideas. 

"Narcissists have always emerged to inspire people and to shape the future," Maccoby wrote for Harvard Business Review. "Consider how an executive at Oracle describes his narcissistic CEO Larry Ellison: 'The difference between God and Larry is that God does not believe he is Larry.'" 

But the problem, of course, is that narcissists are typically looking out for themselves, ready to cut down anybody who challenges them, and like to take credit for other people's work. 

Here are eleven signs you may be working for a narcissist. 

Drake Baer and Vivian Giang contributed to an earlier version of this article.

SEE ALSO: There's a reason your narcissistic coworkers might be getting promotions instead of you — here's what you can learn from them

DON'T MISS: 7 signs you may be dealing with a narcissistic coworker or boss — and how to deal with them

They like to put people down

Narcissistic people intentionally put down others in order to maintain a high positive image of themselves.

"Seeking admiration is like a drug for narcissists," Mitja D. Back, a psychologist at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, told Psychology Today. "In the long run it becomes difficult because others won't applaud them, so they always have to search for new acquaintances from whom they get the next fix."

Needless to say, serious control issues and the need to build themselves up at the expense of others may not make for the ideal manager. 

Even though they're often negative about everyone around them, they reject critiques of themselves

A narcissist won't accept even the smallest piece of criticism, Dr. Karlyn Borysenko, Principal at Zen Workplace, previously told Business Insider.

Any inkling that they're less than perfect will drive them over the edge.

They really, really love being in control

Narcissists typically enjoy leadership positions since they are able to dominate others and fulfill their need for constant positive reinforcement.

They thrive in "leadership situations where they can dazzle and dominate others without having to cooperate or suffer the consequences of a bad reputation,"psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman wrote on Psychology Today.

The skin-care world can be a bit overwhelming. While it’s fun to have all the pastel colored and glittery skincare products for the perfect Instagram #shelfie, it's hard to know for sure that you’re putting the right products onto your skin.

For skin-care enthusiasts especially, it’s easy to find yourself lost in the depths of online shopping and beauty blogs. And while self-educating is super important, you can never go wrong with getting an expert opinion. So, regardless of what Instagram says, here’s what makes a good skin-care routine, according to professional dermatologists.

Don’t just cleanse — double cleanse, especially at night.

The most integral part of taking care of your skin is, of course, cleansing it, day and night. Sejal Shah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology told SELF that double cleansing (cleansing twice) in the evening is equally crucial.

"Remember it's not just makeup that's going to build up on your skin," she said. "It's also the products you've used during the day, pollutants, and debris that build up during the course of the day."

Protect your skin and prevent damage with sunscreen.

No exceptions. Most dermatologists will agree that sun protection is the most important step in any skincare routine. It's "of utmost importance as part of your year-round regimen," Dr. Carlos Charles told New York Times' T Magazine.

"Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers." Shoot for a daily moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30.

If you struggle with acne, research scientist, dermatologist, and author of "The Beauty of Dirty Skin" Dr. Whitney Bowe previously told Business Insider "I have long been a fan of the Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. For my acne prone patients, I recommend 'non-comedogenic' products like this one, meaning the product will not clog your pores."

Use an antioxidant serum in the morning.

Antioxidant serums are usually ones that contain Vitamin C, among other skin-boosting ingredients. "An antioxidant serum has a protective and preventive quality," Dr. Shah told SELF. "Free radicals are created by environmental pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. An antioxidant serum helps to counteract those free radicals that are also very damaging to the skin."

The keto diet, a health regimen and food-world trend taking social media by storm, uses a low-carb, high-fat method to reduce fluid retention and up your energy stores, encouraging your body to go into fat-burning mode. Celebs like Kourtney Kardashian, Halle Berry, and LeBron James all swear by keto, but as with any diet, the plan’s restrictions can prove challenging for anyone trying to have a social life complete with dinners out and meeting friends at the bar.

Are alcoholic drinks off-limits to keto participants? Definitely not. It’s totally possible to do happy hour while adhering to your keto diet, as long as you’re making the right menu choices. To help you out, INSIDER rounded up five boozy libations that fit into the keto rules.

Straight spirits like vodka, tequila, and whiskey are keto-friendly.

When you're doing the keto thing, it's important to keep a close eye on your carb consumption. But when alcohol enters the equation, you need to devote equal attention to the number of calories in your drinks. Because alcoholic beverages contain no nutritional benefits, the calories aren't converted into usable, fat-burning energy and are therefore considered "empty calories". For that reason, you want to choose drinks that are both low in carbs and low in calories.

Luckily, most pure spirits fulfill all of these keto-related requirements. A shot of vodka, for example, contains zero net carbs and under 100 calories, according to Healthline. The same low-carb, low-calorie principles apply to liquors like whiskey, tequila, and brandy, all of which can be easily integrated into a keto diet.

Simple spirit-and-soda cocktails are OK.

Generally, folks who want to drink alcohol while following the keto diet run into trouble when cocktails and mixers get involved. Popular booze chasers like juice, non-diet soda, and tonic water contain plenty of sugar, which the body rapidly burns for energy (therefore eliminating the need for the body to burn fat instead).

But if you still want to indulge in a spiked sipper while on keto, you have options. Keeping it simple with a 2-ingredient classic like vodka-and-seltzer won't derail your diet with extra sugar.  

Dry white or red wines are usually allowable on the keto diet.

Many keto fans assume that wine's off the table, due to a false perception of its high sugar content. In truth, however, the diet doctor reports that dry wines only contain about 2 grams of net carbs per glass, keeping them firmly within the acceptable range for keto-friendly drinks. As long as you're avoiding dessert wines like port and sherry (which get their trademark sweetness from higher sugar concentrations), you're in the keto clear with vino.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

I've been lucky enough to have traveled to Europe almost two dozen times, and spending that much time in airports and on planes has taught me the right gadgets can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort and safety when you travel. 

That means keeping a tracker in my wallet so I know the minute it goes missing, and a spare charging cable in case the one I bring frays or gets lost. It also means taking a Kindle instead of paperbacks and bringing a tablet to get my work done instead of a computer. I've learned that stuffing my bags to the brims with tech makes little sense, so these gadgets are the ones that have really earned their spot. 

Whether you're in coach or business class, have a smooth experience or miss your connection, sleep for a couple of hours or need a distraction, you'll find the best travel tech I've used in the slides below.

SEE ALSO: I travel all the time, and these are the 10 things I never get on a plane without

Noise cancelling headphones

Sony WH1000XM2 Noise Cancelling Headphones, $298, available at Amazon

Between the sound of the plane's engine, a crying baby, and people having a loud conversation next to you, getting sleep on a plane can seem almost impossible. That's why I always pack a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. 

The best pair I've tried are Sony's WH1000XM2s, which sound great, block out an incredible amount of noise, and have earpads that make the headphones comfortable to wear for several hours. The right ear cup on the headphones is touch sensitive, and placing your hand on top of it will lower your music and turn on the WH1000XM2's microphones, so you can hear airline announcements and talk to your airplane's staff without taking them off. 

An external battery pack

Anker PowerCore 15600, $39.99, available at Amazon

A couple of years ago, I missed a connection and had to spend the night in a German hotel. I'd left my power adapter with some friends who were staying abroad longer, and had no way to plug my phone in to charge it.

Thankfully, I had one of Anker's battery packs, which had enough juice to keep my phone alive through the night, and my international flight the next day. This one has enough power to fully recharge an iPhone around six times and offers two USB ports so you can charge multiple gadgets at the same time. 

Modern planes have outlets, so you can charge your tech while you travel, but that won't help you if you get stuck, or your phone dies midway through the day while you're out exploring.

A travel adapter

Travel Smart by Conair All-in-One Adapter with USB Port, $20.59, available at Amazon

A power adapter plugs into the outlet in a foreign country and allows you to charge your US gadgets, and it's an absolute travel essential. This is the updated version of the adapter I've been using the past few years, which has worked flawlessly.

This adapter can be used in mainland Europe, England, South America, Australia, and Japan, and has three plugs, plus a USB port. You can charge four gadgets through it at once, which is a lot more efficient than carrying around multiple single-use adapters. 

One thing to keep in mind is that this adapter will not convert voltage, so make the gadgets and appliances you travel with are designed to handle both 110 and 220 volts of electricity, or you'll burn them out. 

Being a child star and growing up in the public eye is hard — just ask Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore, and Jason Bateman. But while some actors continue on to have a thriving careers into adulthood, others choose to leave Hollywood behind completely, citing a desire for a normal life.

From Mara Wilson ("Matilda,""Mrs. Doubtfire") to the most iconic child star ever, Shirley Temple, here are 12 child actors that gave up acting.

Mara Wilson is best remembered for playing the titular character in 1996 film "Matilda."

Wilson was just six years old when she made her on-screen debut in "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993. In the next seven years, she racked up an impressive nine more roles, in movies like "Matilda,""Miracle on 34th Street," and "Thomas and the Magic Railroad."

Wilson, now 31, retired from acting in 2000 at age 13. She's since become a successful author and journalist.

After her role in "Thomas and the Magic Railroad," Wilson, then 13, decided to step back from the acting scene. She attended NYU to study film and graduated in 2009. She's since published a memoir, "Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame," and written a play called "Sheeple."

Even though she said in March 2012 that she was done with film acting, she appeared in an episode of "Broad City" in 2016 and voiced a character in the third season of "BoJack Horseman."

According to Wilson's website, you can also find her writing on Elle.com, McSweeney’s, The New York Times, Reductress, Vanity Fair.com, The Daily Beast, Jezebel, Cracked, Talkhouse Film, and The Toast — essentially, she's a bona-fide journalist.

Shirley Temple began acting at age three, and became Hollywood's biggest box office draw in the '30s.

Who hasn't heard of Shirley Temple? From the inescapable "Animal Crackers in My Soup" commercials to starring as Heidi in "Heidi," Temple appeared in 43 movies over a 17-year period. 

She began her acting career at age three, in 1932. From there she won a Juvenile Academy Award in 1935, and was the biggest movie star in Hollywood from 1935 to 1938.

A lot of the skin-care products and "hacks" you've stumbled upon in your Instagram feed are actually not doing your complexion any favors.

In fact, many of these trending beauty routines may sound intriguing at first, but can actually wreak havoc on your pores.

INSIDER reached out to skin-care professionals to do some skin-care myth-busting on some of the most popular beauty trends and ingredients that are secretly damaging your skin.

Charcoal peel-off masks might remove healthy skin cells.

Although those peel-off masks are satisfying to peel off, Dr. Mauricio said that they could be seriously damaging your skin. While she is a lover of charcoal, the type of glue within these masks could be too sticky and can strip away healthy skin cells.

And if you're using Retinol on a regular basis, you'll definitely want to back away from these masks: they may cause a layer of the skin to peel off, according to Dr. Mauricio. Overuse of these masks can also cause the skin to be dry and sensitive, so Dr. Mauricio says to be careful and proceed with caution when using these masks.

DIY skin-care products aren't as good as they seem.

We all love a good DIY project, but Tess Mauricio, MD, FAAD, and CEO of MBeautyClinic.com says that you should save those do-it-yourself hacks for your arts and crafts.

"DIY skincare is a huge trend as people want natural solutions," she said. "But depending on the ingredients you are using, you can get contact allergies, irritation and also bacteria can grow in your products if you store them too long."

If you insist on crafting up your own cleansers and body scrubs, make sure you stay away from ingredients that can instigate an allergic reaction.

Organic ingredients don't always work.

The "all natural" craze hit the skin-care scene in full-force, and it's clear to see why — the promise of clear skin without any harsh toxins like parabens (which we'll get to in a second) sounds almost too good to be true. Well, organic skincare lovers, we hate to break it to you, but Joshua Ross, celebrity aesthetician and owner of SkinLab, said that just because a product is slapped with the natural label does not mean it's going to do wonders for your skin.

"Not all organic products are created equally, and fragrance in a product whether it's natural or synthetic has the ability to irritate the skin," he said.

Ross highlighted that these are a few of the natural ingredients to avoid:

• Lavender: it's toxic and can cause skin cell death
• Citrus oils: they cause inflammation
• Menthol and peppermint oil: they both can be inflammatory to the skin
• Coconut oil: "While coconut oil is great to create a barrier on the skin, it doesn't allow the skin to breathe and can contribute to breakouts," he said.

If you want to incorporate skin-friendly natural ingredients into your skin care, Ross recommends using a seed oil like rosehip seed. "Those oils will mimic the oils in your skin and allow the skin to breathe," he said.

Dairy products can provide our diet with the essential calcium and protein we need, but it’s important to acknowledge that those with a lactose intolerance can’t necessarily consume milk, ice cream, or yogurt products, as they could cause gastrointestinal issues like cramping, unwanted gas, and diarrhea.

But if you are wondering what exactly causes a lactose intolerance, registered dietitian Jennifer Masson, M.A.,  RD, LDN, explained that lactose is a type of sugar naturally occurring in dairy products. Lactose intolerance, she said, usually is caused when a person has a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that helps break down lactose so the body can absorb it. A lactose intolerance can occur at any age, she suggested and can be pretty frustrating to deal with.

Masson also suggested, however, that there are lactose-free dairy products available that can be safely consumed by those experiencing a lactose intolerance. She said products where the lactose is pre-digested, for example, can be safe for consumption.

To see what other kinds of dairy products you can consume if you’re lactose intolerant, we spoke to Masson and other nutrition experts about some food choices you’ll definitely want to add to your routine. Here are some of the foods they recommend keeping in mind.

Try clarified butter products like ghee.

Masson advised trying clarified butter products like ghee if you’re lactose intolerant, as she said the dairy portion has been removed, eliminating the lactose portion of the product. To add ghee to your routine, she recommended using it as a butter substitute, as it provides a nutty and buttery-like flavor that’s pretty enjoyable.

Consume aged hard cheeses like parmesan and cheddar.

Masson also suggested that hard cheeses are also tolerable for those experiencing a lactose intolerance, as she explained that the longer the cheese has aged, the longer the bacteria have had time to ferment and, therefore, break down the lactose. She recommended eating hard cheeses like parmesan cheese and aged cheddar.

Pick up some Lactose-free milk at the store.

"You also may want to try lactose-free milk like Fairlife, as it contains no lactose, is made from cow's milk, and provides the same nine essential nutrients as traditional cow's milk," said registered dietitian Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN.

You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your friends’ partners. When you can’t stand your friend’s significant other, it can take a toll on your friendship. Here’s how to handle this delicate situation without sacrificing your bond, according to two relationship experts.

1. Ask yourself why you dislike this person.

"First, you must decide if you don't like them because it’s not someone you would choose to spend time with yourself, versus thinking that they are actively bad for your friend," said Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist who writes The Washington Post’s "Baggage Check," a weekly chat and column about mental health and relationships.

"If it’s the former, it may be worth it to take a step back and realize that even if this person is unlikeable to you, they may be making your friend happy. In the latter cases, though — where your friend's partner shows signs of not treating them well — then it is worth making a plan to express your feelings," Bonior said.

2. Consider what your friend sees in them.

"Think about why it is your friend likes this person. Might there be things about them that you are refusing to see? Can you understand why — even if this person isn't your cup of tea — your friend may appreciate their qualities?" Bonior said.

"The hardest part is being willing to see them differently. We often cling to our judgments as our way of convincing our ego we’re right," said Shasta Nelson, author of "Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness," and CEO of GirlFriendCircles.com, a friendship site for women.

The most important thing you can do is ask your friend to share more about why he or she loves their partner, Nelson explained.

3. Use this as an opportunity to grow.

In the event that your friend is happy and safe, try to recognize this as an opportunity for personal growth. Bonior suggested working to identify the possible assumptions you’re making about their partner. Then, think about what’s causing them. Is there evidence to support your beliefs, or are you jumping to conclusions? Are you basing your opinion of them on one event, or has the issue occurred multiple times?

"You can’t change her partner and you can’t change that they’re together; all you can do is change how you respond to the partner," said Nelson. It may also have "less to do with them and more to do with how you are triggered or affected by those certain behaviors," she said.

On "Gossip Girl," the only thing more interesting than the juicy upper east side gossip is getting a glimpse at what the main characters in the show are wearing. This is especially true when it comes to the show’s two female leads — Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, played by Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

Fans of the show know that Serena was a big fan of wearing Herve Leger bandage dresses just to get a cup of coffee. 

She loved sequins and a good cut-out dress, owned hundreds of coats, and was rarely seen in a pair of flats. Most importantly, she fully owned every single look she waltzed outside in, even if it was completely inappropriate for the weather or occasion.

There are plenty of great Serena looks that come to mind when thinking about "Gossip Girl." Some were so good they’re hard to forget.

Here are some of Serena van der Woodsen's best looks. 

When she made her first appearance in this iconic Grand Central Terminal outfit.

The first time we see Serena in the show, she’s in an outfit that doesn't do justice to her style in later seasons. Still, it’s a good look, and it’s actually attainable.

When she walked through Paris in a cage dress and flats.

This look is classic Serena — she’s pairing something outrageously expensive and glamorous with super-casual items for doing some shopping in Paris. For anyone else, a glittery cage dress paired with Oxford shoes, a blazer, a fedora, and a leopard print bag might look ridiculous, but on Serena, it’s truly amazing.

When she looked like a Grecian goddess at the Hamptons white party.

One of the best Serena looks of all time has to be the one she wore to a Hamptons white party during the summer. She resembles a Grecian goddess with her white gown, mixed gold accents, and elegant updo. This look is a favorite among fans.

The military diet seems to be the latest fad diet to set the internet ablaze, as interest in the diet seems to have grown in the past year. But how exactly does this three-day diet work?

According to registered dietitian Andy Yurechko, an outpatient GI dietitian at Augusta University Medical Center in Georgia, the military diet is a low calorie, (only 800-1,200 calories are recommended) a low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and moderate fat regimen type of diet that is observed for three days out of the week. You are restricted to 1,500 calories for the remaining four days of the week, Yurechko explained, and no foods are off limits.

However, it’s safe to say that no one really knows the origin of the military diet, Yurechko said, as it is certainly not approved by the military. But if you are still a tad bit curious about taking this diet out for a spin, we spoke to some experts on the subject to make sure you have all the ins-and-outs. Here are some takeaways to keep in mind.

INSIDER reached out to site claiming to belong to the creators of the Military Diet for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Experts say the meals on the military diet aren’t very nutritious.

According to registered dietitian Libby Parker, MS, RD, the foods in the military diet plan are not the most healthy or nutrient-dense, as processed foods like hot dogs and ice cream are definitely encouraged for consumption on this crash diet plan. Parker explained to INSIDER that other items like canned tuna, eggs, cottage cheese, and saltine crackers can also be eaten on the diet.

But even though these carefully-planned meals are designed to prevent you from overindulging, Parker said they are definitely not the most nutritious, as they are missing essential vitamins and minerals humans need to survive. This could cause unwanted complications to your body if the diet is done long-term, she said.  

You may have to be careful with beverages, too.

Parker says there are rules for beverages on the military diet, as she explained that you can only really consume beverages such as water, caffeinated coffee, and tea. Sweeteners, she said, are also restricted, as the only sweetener you can use on the military diet is stevia.

Experts say people should think twice before exercising on this diet.

"The issue with exercising during the diet is that you are cutting a large number of calories (your body’s source of energy) out of your diet, which may make you feel less energetic and a little more sluggish than your typical self," said Mike Mullen, a performance expert and certified strength and conditioning coach from the New York Sports Science Lab.

Exercising on top of this could make you even less energetic and more sluggish, he said.

KETTLEMAN CITY, California — Amid swaths of farmland and a smattering of gas stations, fast-food restaurants, and motels, Tesla's largest-ever Supercharger station sits tucked away from the main street that runs underneath the 5 Freeway, on a corner lot that used to be a Burger King drive-thru.

Across the street to the east is a gas station and a Carl's Jr., to the south an auto-repair shop, and to the west two budget hotels.

Farther south across State Route 41, there's a recently built strip mall, curiously named Bravo Farms, whose architecture was designed to resemble old Western saloons of generations past.

The Tesla Supercharger station, unlike the Burger King before it, makes use of nearly all the available space. An expanse of covered solar parking shelters the 40 Superchargers on the lot. A private lounge invites Tesla travelers to rest in plush armchairs, plug in their mobile devices, and enjoy soothing music.

There are vending machines, restrooms, and Tesla staff inside the lounge. A separate display section shows off Tesla Energy products: the solar panels and Powerwall battery packs it sells to residential and commercial customers.

On one of the two large flat-screen displays inside the lounge is a real-time world map with the locations of every Supercharger station on the planet. There are three numbers at the bottom of the screen — kilowatt-hours delivered, miles enabled, and gallons of gasoline saved — that tick up as you watch.

This is now Tesla's domain. Its presence in an otherwise folksy enclave — one of at least six on the route here from Los Angeles — is a clear sign that Tesla is gearing up to own the electric-car future.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Model 3s are starting to show up in stores for the first time

DON'T MISS: Mercedes-Benz stole BMW's crown in US luxury-car sales for 2 consecutive years — now BMW is planning a comeback

Tesla says the Kettleman City Supercharger is its largest in the US. Another in Baker, California, sits along a major route connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

This trip served two purposes: to determine whether I could make it to the Kettleman City Supercharger without stopping to top up, and to check out Tesla's newest digs.

I planned to drive from Los Angeles in the red Model S P100D Tesla loaned to me. Before I got on the road, I stopped briefly at the Supercharger station on the SpaceX campus in Hawthorne.

• Teachers and educators are full of usefull information for students and their parents.
• But sometimes, beurocracy, classroom management, and other outside factors can prevent teachers from being completely candid with their students.
• To help kids succeed in school and out in the real world, we asked teachers to share what insight they'd love to pass on to their students that they normally wouldn't be able to.

To maintain order in the classroom — and to keep their jobs — there are some things teachers just can't tell their students, even if they want to.

But some of these things, while perhaps controversial, could end up being a service to young people, if only someone would just tell them.

So we asked teachers everywhere to weigh in on the one thing they'd love to tell their students but can't, and more than 50 teachers shared their insights.

We've (anonymously) included some of the most constructive thoughts here:

SEE ALSO: 23 teachers share the weirdest thing they've ever experienced on the job

DON'T MISS: 19 things teachers say parents should do at home to help their kids succeed

'Really, all this stuff you learn is probably not that important'

"What is important is the life skills you learn while completing the tasks in class.

"You learn how to argue effectively and communicate with different types of people. You learn how to listen to others and respond respectfully. You learn so much that you don't even realize because it seems disguised by homework and essays. But really, you are learning to be independent adults more than you know."

'Don't waste this opportunity'

"Please just know that I love teaching and I sincerely want to help you. But I can't help you if you don't put in the effort. I chose this job because I'm passionate and hardworking and I know my s---, and I will help you get to where you need to be. But you need to meet me halfway.

"It's so frustrating because education opens so many doors, and people around the world would kill to have this educational opportunity. Malala was shot in the freaking head for it. And you're just throwing it all away, and that makes me want to tear my hair out."

'You are not your test scores'

"All the standardized testing we do is so insignificant to who you will become."

• High paying jobs can feel out of reach, but they're out there.
• Some lucrative gigs, according to Glassdoor's latest rankings, require years of graduate studies.
• Others are more easily accessible.

High paying jobs are out there — you've just got to know where to look.

Fortunately, Glassdoor has compiled a list of the most lucrative occupations in the US. All of the jobs on the list had to have at least 100 salary reports between July 2018 and July 2018 on the job site. C-suite roles were cut from the list, too.

Here's a look at the highest paying jobs in the US:

SEE ALSO: 16 high-paying jobs that saw some of the biggest pay raises over the past 12 months

DON'T MISS: 12 six-figure jobs everyone wants but are incredibly hard to get

SEE ALSO: The 50 best jobs in America in 2018

25. Data scientist

Median base salary: $96,116

Job openings on Glassdoor: 4,986

24. Tax manager

Median base salary: $96,175

Job openings on Glassdoor: 3,690

23. Cloud engineer

Median base salary: $96,449

Job openings on Glassdoor: 1,077