Fashion

The Best Air Purifiers and Humidifiers to Create Clean Indoor Air

Which air purifiers and humidifiers actually work, and are they worth it? We consult the experts….

The pandemic, and all the requisite sheltering in place that has accompanied it, has significantly driven up sales of a motley array of items: beans, puzzles, yeast, face masks, stationary bikes, inflatable pools in the warmer months, and, as it gets colder, outdoor space heaters. But the looming threat of an airborne virus coupled with all the time spent at home has also made many of us acutely aware of what we’re breathing in as we’re doing all that baking and puzzling—and keenly interested in figuring out means of making it better. Not to mention that many of the activities that we do from the comfort of our home like, say, that aforementioned baking with a gas stove, can actually be the source of some of the issues with the air.

“Indoor home air quality will be top of mind for the foreseeable future,” says Justin Seidenfeld, founder of Canopy, an innovative new humidifier brand. “People are spending so much time at home and they’re investing, not only into making it look like an oasis, but also in making it as healthy and safe as possible.” The brand saw their online sales jump 105% in spring 2020, compared to the same period a year earlier.

But is the marketing of purified air for your home just that, marketing? Or can it actually have a positive, and perceptible, impact on your health? Experts say yes and no. Dr. L. James Lo, a professor of architectural engineering at Drexel University who studies the health effects of indoor ventilation, says air purifiers can help in reducing the infectivity of aerosolized viruses. “An air purifier removes particles, and aerosolized viral droplets are very small particles,” says Lo. How much they can help depends on their CADR, or “clean air delivery rate,” meaning, as Lo explains, the equivalent of how much fresh air is being delivered into a space. “The downside here is that air purifiers can only be very effective in small spaces,” he adds. (This downside feels less negative when you consider the size of most New York City apartments.) Allergist Dr. Purvi Parikh adds that while HEPA filters (the high efficiency filters found in most of the fancier devices on the market) add a critical layer of protection, they are not foolproof. “Moreover, unless there’s a large amount of virus in the air and larger droplets, the purifier may not help as some viral particles may be too small for a HEPA filter especially if aerosolized,” explains Parikh. She says that from a COVID standpoint, filtering the air in your home is certainly good, but less of a necessity than limiting visitors, wearing a mask, and frequently hand-washing. Both Lo and Parikh agree that opening windows and doors to circulate air can provide a risk reduction similar to most air purification devices.

Canopy Humidifier

$125

CANOPY

The caveat is, unsurprisingly, that not all the devices showing up as sponsored ads in your Instagram feed will do the job well. Lo underscores the importance of looking into any product’s CADR. It’s important also to differentiate between a humidifier and an air purifier. “Both products have the goal of improving air quality, which is a combination of pollution, humidity, and temperature, but a humidifier adds moisture into the environment, whereas a purifier moves air through a filter to remove impurities from the cycled air,” explains Seidenfeld.

Seidenfeld’s Canopy humidifier is unlike the traditional ultrasonic varieties in that it improves air quality by increasing humidity, doesn’t introduce new pollutants into the air, and impacts the air and surfaces in an entire room, versus just air that flows through a filter. As for air purifiers of note, there is Coway’s Airmega 150, which uses a three-stage filtration system (including a Green True HEPA) and covers 214 square feet; Blueair’s new Health Protect which uses new HEPASilent technologist which improves upon its filtration abilities and saves energy; and Molekule’s Air Mini, which is ideal for smaller spaces, adjusts its speed based on the particles found in the air and can be tracked via a handy app and linked to your Apple Home system. And then there is, of course, Dyson, whose ubiquitous air purifying devices have been cropping up in people’s WFH backgrounds all year. Their most recent launch, Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool, straddles categories. “It’s our first multi-functional product that is a purifier, humidifier, and fan all in one,” says Andrea Ricci, a research engineer at Dyson, explaining the advanced (and complicated) mechanisms that eventually projects purified, humidified air out of the machine’s amplifier and into a room. Even their projection system is thoughtfully conceived of. “Air Multiplier technology ensures that the clean air is circulated throughout the room and dirty air is pushed back toward the machines to be filtered, otherwise you risk purifying the pocket of air surrounding your machine, but not the entire room,” explains Ricci.

Coway Airmega 150

Blueair HealthProtect 7470i Smart Air Purifier

$640

BLUEAIR

Molekule Air Mini+ Small Room Air Purifier

$500

MOLEKULE

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool

While it’s not yet clear whether air purifiers will help in protecting you against COVID, the devices do have a number of measurable benefits—which, considering how much time we’re collectively spending at home nowadays, is appealing enough. The best air purification technology can destroy an array of pollutants, mold, bacteria, and harmful chemicals. More specifically, says Seidenfeld, it can help to relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and allergies such as nasal congestion, sinus irritation, and cough. And, when it comes to a device that creates optimal humidity, your skin will benefit too. According to New York dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, optimal humidity (40-60%) allows the skin to retain moisture and maintain its barrier function so it can keep harmful pathogens at bay. “In low humid environments there is an imbalance in moisture and in turn it can start to affect your skin in as little as 30 minutes,” adds Engelman, who has been recommending Canopy to her patients to reduce dryness and cracking, redness, fine lines, and potential breakouts.

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Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

Check out this article: Kanye West Wants “Wizards Only” For His Yeezy AI Team

2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?

2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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