We review 100s of products a month — here are 9 we would actually recommend from February
In February, our small but mighty team of shopping editors tried dozens of products, ranging from sleep trackers and humidifiers to extended reality glasses, winter jackets and everything in between.
Because we're obsessed with testing products — "Is it worth buying?" is one of our favourite questions — we've curated a list of things we've tried and, importantly, actually liked from the last month. The products listed below got our editors through acne breakouts, re-inspired weekday meal prep and organized (at least a little bit of) our lives.
Scroll ahead to shop the products we would wholeheartedly recommend and get a sneak peek of the items we're testing in March.
I don't know when it happened, but at some point in the past year, egg bites became one of my most eaten foods. I am a meal prepper extraordinaire and someone who tries to squeeze in protein anywhere I can, so egg bites have become a mainstay in my diet. Because I want to avoid spending my life savings at Starbucks, I bought this handy egg bite maker to make them at home. The sous vide-style device makes up to nine egg bites, but you can also use it as a griddle, sandwich maker or frying pan.
I usually prep enough egg batter (eggs + cream + salt and pepper) and toppings (basically anything you would put in a quiche) to make 9-18 egg bites and freeze most of them for quick protein fixes during the week. The Dash maker is super easy to use, and the silicone moulds are dishwasher-safe, so clean-up is relatively hassle-free.
My only qualm with the maker is that there is no temperature dial or on/off button. To use, you just plug it in and it heats up automatically. It heats pretty rapidly, which is not a problem in itself, but if you are not prepared with your raw egg batter, it's something to keep an eye on. Also, I find the handle heats up, so you'll want to open it with an oven mitt instead of your bare hand. - Kayla Kuefler, senior shopping editor
These sliding, two-tier drawers have brought me so much organizational joy. My apartment's no.1 feature is its lack of storage, and my kitchen has only a few meagre drawers and cabinets to store all of my stuff.
These sliding storage drawers were not only easy to put together, but they're sturdy, practical, and the perfect size for my weird kitchen layout. Each pack comes with two two-tier drawers, which can be stacked if you want a four-drawer option. They would be great for bathrooms, cleaning supply closets, garages, or anywhere else you need a bit of organizing. I love them and would wholeheartedly recommend them. - KK
I've used the viral Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag on and off for a couple of years now, and I'm definitely a fan. So, when I saw them release a new ultra-mini version, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I love anything cute and miniature, after all.
After receiving it, I can confirm it's very compact; however, these Uniqlo crossbodies are of the "Mary Poppins bag" nature. They always look deceivingly small and then you come to realize they pack quite a punch.
Being one size smaller than the original, I was shocked to find that I could fit everything I needed — not as much as the larger one, obviously, but just enough. You can also remove the strap and alter the shape of the bag into a little clutch for various uses.
My favourite feature of these bags is that they're fuss-free, thanks to their water-repellent finish, which protects against rain and spills.
So, if you're looking for a small yet functional bag for everyday purposes, I highly recommend this one — you can't go wrong for $20! They make for great travel bags, too. - Melina Brum, shopping editor
These noise-cancelling earbuds are unlike any headphones I have ever tried. Why? They feature heart rate monitoring sensors for your workouts — yes, heart rate monitors in your headphones.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 were designed to be your best-ever workout headphones. They're sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they're tough enough for your sweatiest workouts. They also feature secure-fit ear hooks so they won't fall off mid-game, run or activity.
Unlike the Fit Pros, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have five ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL), so you can find the one that fits you best. They have up to 45 hours of battery life and awesome noise cancellation. I wore them on four flights last month, and the noise cancellation was great.
My only qualms with the Powerbeats Pro 2 are that I don't find them comfortable for long periods, and while the heart rate monitoring is interesting, the data is only available on third-party apps, not your phone's actual health app, so it's not easily accessible. - KK
I can't take credit for this purchase — my husband actually ordered a couple of these organizers from Amazon after knocking something off his overcrowded bedside table. I was skeptical at first given it's not exactly chic, but quickly came around — like the more than 10,000 Amazon shoppers that have rated it.
This organizer easily fits over most bed frames and is great for storing all those bedtime essentials (for me it's my retainer, melatonin, our Fire TV Stick and my Kobo) that clutter up that prime bedside real estate. The best part? Unlike other storage organizers I've seen, this one is structured and doesn't droop, which means when the bed is made, you can't see it at all.
The only downside is I find the pockets to be a bit tight on space — it would be nice to have at least one larger-sized mesh pockets on the front. — Hilary Hagerman, lifestyle & commerce managing editor
After continuously hearing so many good things about rosemary oil, I thought it was time to put it to the test. I've always wanted to treat my hair to oiling, but I didn't know which product to use. After discovering the benefits of rosemary oil, I immediately purchased this bestselling version from Amazon Canada.
I've only been using the product for just over a month; however, tons of Amazon reviewers refer to this stuff as "magic." I've been hyper-focusing on the hair around my double crown at the back of my head, constantly worrying that it's thinning. So, with claims that this oil successfully "promotes hair growth," I am excited to see long-term results.
What I can confirm is that it moisturizes my scalp, which can sometimes get dry, and leave my hair looking shinier than before. While I don't particularly love its scent, I do like that it's infused with biotin, as well as jojoba and castor oils — all great ingredients for hair growth!
My favourite part about this purchase is that it comes with different attachments, including a comb applicator, which makes it easy to disperse the product evenly. - MB
I purchased this last month when I ran out of my trusty First Aid Beauty retinol serum and, to my horror, noticed it was out of stock. I stumbled across The Ordinary's Retinol 0.2% Emulsion when I was, TBH, looking for the cheapest short-term replacement, and I have to say: I'm shocked! For a product that rings in under $25, it works ridiculously well to target fine lines and other signs of aging (and doesn't bother my skin like some retinol products do), and I'll definitely be buying it again. The only downside? The tube is quite small, so it doesn't last as long as other retinol products I've tried. Plus, the formula is yellow, so just be careful to keep it away from your clothing (it stains!). — HH
In February, I put three humidifiers to the test. One six-litre device stood out the most: the CHIVALZ 6L Humidifier. It acts as both a humidifier and a diffuser, thanks to its essential oil tray (which I have not yet tried). I love that it has 50 hours of continuous run time and requires minimal refills.
For both my boyfriend and I, it has helped relieve congestion, dry skin, brittle hair, coughing fits and scratchy throats. Plus, its quiet operation has made for zero distractions, which is a must for someone who works from home.
One of my favourite features? Its handle. It makes refilling and transporting super easy, which I appreciate because six litres is a lot of liquid. You can also control the amount of mist it releases, as well as the direction of it.
Overall, I can confirm it does a great job of keeping the humidity up in my home! - MB
After about 4 years of use, my Fitbit Versa 3 had seen better days. I looked at a number of smart watches to replace it, and landed on Apple's most affordable Apple Watch. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive and newer models, it's very comparable to my Fitbit in terms of features, but it's just a bit more sleek. Plus, if you have other Apple devices, the pairing is really seamless. I've been wearing the watch for almost 2 months now, and I really like the health and fitness tracking; it's definitely more comprehensive than the Fitbit's (I love the active calories vs. overall calories). But, there are two things that bug me. First, the Apple Watch has horrible battery life, especially compared to a Fitbit. I could go days without charging my Fitbit, but I have to charge my Apple Watch at least twice (ideally, more) a day. Plus, at least from what I can find, there's no keyboard if you're texting from your watch. I usually have my phone nearby, so not the biggest deal, but a bit inconvenient. — HH
Adidas Japan shoes
Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25"
LEVOIT Air Purifier
Angry Mama Microwave Oven Steam Cleaner
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer
NETVUE by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder with Camera
Cozey Luna Sofa Bed
ALEADER Women's Energycloud Lightweight Slip On Walking Running Shoes
New Balance 530 shoes
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Button-Down Cardigan
Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Entrepreneur
What Race Car Drivers Know That Most Entrepreneurs Don't
From having the right pit crew members to proper pacing, many strategies deployed by race car drivers on the track can be used by aspiring entrepreneurs to drive growth. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Living a full life outside of our careers gives us many opportunities to continue growing. Outside interests beyond family and friends can expand our horizons and ideas of what's possible. For me, that's studying the art of car racing. I appreciate how drivers are prepared from every angle, like prepping the car, assessing the competition and determining where and when to take risks. And I've found that the strategies deployed on the track translate well to running a successful business. Race car drivers and entrepreneurs all want to move fast and win. Beating your business competition and other cars on the racetrack both require accelerating at the perfect time. Case in point: Labor Day is now known as the time when Starbucks brings back its Pumpkin Spice latte. While that might feel early, Starbucks benefits from holiday weekend spending and while also tapping into the anticipation of the fall season. Putting the right foundation in place Pit Crew: Few things define teamwork as well as a pit crew. From the tactical direction of the crew chief to the strength of the tire changer and jack man, to the communication skills of the spotter, pit crews work seamlessly at remarkable speeds to prepare their car for the next lap and eventually the finish line. Your job is to be an agile crew chief. This could mean empowering mid-level managers to make operational calls, much like a pit crew places trust in their jackman. Or giving your marketing team the ability to practice flexible spending so they can quickly capitalize on new opportunities. It's also your job to set the tone, communicate objectives clearly and ensure everyone is aligned when it comes to roles, tactics, timelines and outcomes. Tire Pressure: Tires are a foundational element of a car, much like a strategic plan is the foundation of a viable business. Tire pressure allows drivers to optimize their handling and achieve faster lap times — it's all about the contact patch between the tires and the road. If you don't have the tire pressure right, you risk losing control during turns. Likewise, a strategic business plan gives you the ability to create alignment and achieve faster results without losing control when the unexpected happens. It gives you control and speed, and a clear view of what's working and what's not. Competitive Intel: Successfully competing means knowing who or what you are up against. Each of your competitors has some advantage. Like race car teams, you need to know the track record of your competitors — where they have succeeded and faltered, the strengths and weaknesses of team members, the amount of fuel/capital they have — and use that intel to your advantage. Get educated. Tools like Crayon share real-time insights gleaned from your competitors' digital footprints, while social listening platforms like Sprout Social offer competitor reports and performance tracking across social networks. It's not just about driving fast but driving smart. When you know the track inside out, you can clearly visualize winning the race. Related: How to Gain a Competitive Edge: 4 Key Questions to Ask When Analyzing Your Competitors Driving growth Fuel Level: Think of motor fuel as your sales and marketing expenditures. You need to know how much fuel you have left in the tank. Do you front-load your pitstops (and sales/marketing expenditures) to start out strong and then conserve for the rest of the race? Or do you make more pit stops toward the end of the race (and end of the year), so you have enough fuel to get across the finish line? A SaaS company might invest heavily in Q1 ad spend to acquire annual subscribers early. There's no right answer here, as it depends on your revenue model and resources. But knowing what works best for your venture is critical for a successful year-end. Related: 5 Strategies to Know As You Scale Your Business Pacing: Perhaps one of the most important elements of car racing and running a business is determining your pace. As a track has different sections that require different speeds, so does the growth trajectory of your business. In racing, drivers often start at a moderate pace to preserve fuel and tire life on long races to avoid unnecessary wear and tear in those initial laps. Running a business is a long race, so you need to balance moderate pacing with those "push to pass" moments, when you strategically fuel a burst of acceleration to overtake your competitors. This could mean launching a feature during a competitor's PR crisis or offering limited-time pricing in a peak demand season. Other pacing factors can include funding levels, product/market fit, cost of customer acquisition, market timing, scalability and more. This is where you lean on your business strategy as a guide in determining your business's optimal pacing. Related: Delegating Doesn't Mean You Lose Control — It Means You Maximize Your Impact. Here's How to Do It Effectively. Crossing the finish line When you're racing a car, crossing the finish line is the end of the race. In running a business, it means achieving sustainable, profitable growth. That feat takes all of the above strategies, combined with your leadership skills in risk management, adaptability and innovation. And most importantly, vision and conviction. As racer Dale Earnhardt once said, "The winner ain't the one with the fastest car. It's the one who refuses to lose."


USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
Starbucks coffee competition draws top baristas for latte art, blind tasting challenges
Starbucks coffee competition draws top baristas for latte art, blind tasting challenges Show Caption Hide Caption Starbucks to cut 13 drinks from menu amid restructuring Starbucks cuts 13 drinks from menu, streamlining operations and improving service, with more reductions expected in coming months. Straight Arrow News For the past 15 weeks, Cali Hegeman's life has revolved around coffee. By day, the 22-year-old Starbucks barista crafts lattes and mochas at the Chicago Reserve Roastery. In her off hours, she reads coffee books, listens to coffee podcasts and combs through YouTube for coffee recipes. It's all part of her training for the inaugural Starbucks Global Barista Championship, a three-day event that kicks off June 9 in Las Vegas. Hegeman is set to compete against 11 other baristas from around the world, each showcasing their talents and knowledge of the morning staple through blind coffee tastings, latte art, storytelling, store rush simulations and their own signature beverages. The competition will showcase the winners of Starbucks' regional and Reserve Roastery championships, which featured more than 84,000 baristas. Starbucks named one champion for each of its six regions (North America, China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and one for each Reserve Roastery location (Seattle, Chicago, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Milan). Hegeman was named champion at the Chicago Reserve Roastery last year after competing in front of a crowd full of friends and family holding signs like 'Rally for Cali' and 'You can brew it.' Now, she spends four hours each week working with an assigned trainer to prepare for Las Vegas, perfecting her latte art and writing a script for the storytelling challenge. Hegeman said she adds daily challenges during her regular shift hours as well, such as adding latte art to every tall order. Starbucks unveils 2025 summer menu: See the new food, drink items 'The one thing I'm really missing is the longevity with coffee – I've only been a partner for a little over two years – so I definitely felt that pressure,' she told USA TODAY. 'My roommate thinks I'm crazy, but gosh, probably over 200 hours (have been spent training). It's a lot.' The competition, which takes place during the Starbucks Leadership Experience conference, will be livestreamed on YouTube starting June 9. The winner will be named June 11, with the final four baristas competing in front of an audience of roughly 14,000 Starbucks employees starting at 7:30 a.m. PT.


USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
'200 hours' of training: How one barista is prepping for Starbucks' global championship
'200 hours' of training: How one barista is prepping for Starbucks' global championship Show Caption Hide Caption Starbucks to cut 13 drinks from menu amid restructuring Starbucks cuts 13 drinks from menu, streamlining operations and improving service, with more reductions expected in coming months. Straight Arrow News For the past 15 weeks, Cali Hegeman's life has revolved around coffee. By day, the 22-year-old Starbucks barista crafts lattes and mochas at the Chicago Reserve Roastery. In her off hours, she reads coffee books, listens to coffee podcasts and combs through YouTube for coffee recipes. It's all part of her training for the inaugural Starbucks Global Barista Championship, a three-day event that kicks off June 9 in Las Vegas. Hegeman is set to compete against 11 other baristas from around the world, each showcasing their talents and knowledge of the morning staple through blind coffee tastings, latte art, storytelling, store rush simulations and their own signature beverages. The competition will showcase the winners of Starbucks' regional and Reserve Roastery championships, which featured more than 84,000 baristas. Starbucks named one champion for each of its six regions (North America, China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and one for each Reserve Roastery location (Seattle, Chicago, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Milan). Hegeman was named champion at the Chicago Reserve Roastery last year after competing in front of a crowd full of friends and family holding signs like 'Rally for Cali' and 'You can brew it.' Now, she spends four hours each week working with an assigned trainer to prepare for Las Vegas, perfecting her latte art and writing a script for the storytelling challenge. Hegeman said she adds daily challenges during her regular shift hours as well, such as adding latte art to every tall order. Starbucks unveils 2025 summer menu: See the new food, drink items 'The one thing I'm really missing is the longevity with coffee – I've only been a partner for a little over two years – so I definitely felt that pressure,' she told USA TODAY. 'My roommate thinks I'm crazy, but gosh, probably over 200 hours (have been spent training). It's a lot.' The competition, which takes place during the Starbucks Leadership Experience conference, will be livestreamed on YouTube starting June 9. The winner will be named June 11, with the final four baristas competing in front of an audience of roughly 14,000 Starbucks employees starting at 7:30 a.m. PT.