Latest news with #AshleyMorris
NBC News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
BTW, there are a ton of Lego flower sets on sale at Amazon right now
Every time I revisit Lego's lineup of colorful sets, I'm always amazed by how detailed they are. While they're made from hundreds of small pieces, it's easy to bring them together to make something super life-like. Right now, Lego's bestselling Botanicals, Icons, Creator 3-in-1 and other sets are on sale for up to 20% off. Whether you're in the market to add to your own collection or looking for a gift to give someone special (Mother's Day is May 11 by the way), consider one of the sets below while the deals last. 4.9-star average rating from 2,015 reviews on Amazon NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris, who is our resident plant aficionado, loves this particular set because of how it looks alongside real shrubbery. 'I love displaying my Lego set by the window on my shelf with my other, real plants — it looks gorgeous even beside actual flowers, and adds a fun and playful touch to my plant collection,' she says. It has only 327 pieces so it's on the easier side to build, she says. Lego Icons Bonsai Tree Building Set 4.9-star average rating from 22,873 reviews on Amazon Inspired by Japanese cherry blossom and bonsai trees, this small set is customizable (you can keep the green foliage or replace it with the pink cherry blossoms). It's only about seven inches tall and has 878 pieces so it shouldn't take you too long to complete. Lego Botanicals Orchid Set 4.9-star average rating from 19,387 reviews on Amazon One of Lego's most popular Botanicals sets, the orchid has 608 pieces and you can even customize the finished product by moving certain parts around, according to the brand. Since it has a flat base that resembles a flower pot, you can set it on a coffee table, desk or bedside table for display. Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants Set 4.9-star average rating from 4,111 reviews on Amazon Rather than one large connected set, this option has all the pieces you need to make several small, individual sets of potted plants. The set includes a cactus, Venus Flytrap, shamrock, prickly pear and jade plant for a total of 758 pieces. Display them all together as a set or in separate areas like a desk, beside or entryway table. More Lego sets on sale on Amazon The majority of the sets below are at least 20% off on Amazon and have a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon 20% off Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses 20% off Lego Botanicals Lucky Bamboo Building Set 47% off Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box 20% off 20% Lego Creator 3-in-1 Playful Cat Toy Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select where I cover deals and sale events, including ones from Lego and other toy sets and entertainment brands.
NBC News
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Our favorite launches (so far) this month: Hoka, Garmin, JBL and more
This story is part of NBC Select's New & Notable column, where we highlight our favorite product launches. We will continuously update this article throughout the month with new releases we think you should know about. Apparel and footwear launches Hoka Clifton 10 Hoka released its Clifton sneaker 10 years ago, and to make the occasion, the brand debuted its latest iteration. Compared to the 9, which is still one of our top picks for walking and running, the Clifton 10 has a thicker, softer and more stable layer of plush cushioning, as well as a sleeker shape, smoother feel and better overall fit. The shoe also has reflective details, a durable rubber outsole, a breathable upper and a double lace lock to prevent laces from moving or untying during wear. You can buy the Clifton 10s in men's and women's sizes. Bombas Compression Calf Sleeves If you want the benefits of compression socks without the foot coverage, try Bombas' new Compression Calf Sleeves, which extend from your ankles to just below your knees. They offer 20 to 30 mmHg of compression — it's a moderate amount that's comfortable to wear during exercise or recovery, according to the brand. The compression calf sleeves can support muscles and reduce soreness, and you can also wear them with or without socks for workouts like yoga or pilates. You can buy them in men's and women's sizes. JBL Headphones and Speakers JBL launched new over-ear headphones and Bluetooth speakers this month. The two new speakers, the Flip 7 and Charge 6, have improved IP68 dust and waterproofing, longer battery life and newer features like JBL Auracast, which pairs multiple JBL speakers together. NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris has been using the Flip 7 for about a month, and loves how loud and clear the speaker sounds, despite its compact size. It's become her go-to shower speaker. Garmin Vivoactive 6 Garmin makes some of our favorite smartwatches and fitness trackers, and its Vivoactive series strikes a great balance between price, features and looks. This latest version adds more fitness features than before. The Garmin Pace Pro feature has more advanced running metrics and customizable route pacing. For workouts, there are dozens of new exercise profiles, guided animations for certain exercises and a new mobility activity focused on strength and flexibility. Like the previous version, it gets up to 11 days of battery life. The Google Pixel A-series smartphones aren't the flashiest, but they are great value for the features — I've used the Google Pixel 8a phone for almost a year, and most of the time, I barely notice that it costs half as much as my iPhone 15 Pro. Despite all the news about tariffs, the latest Google Pixel 9a still starts at $499, and has a new internal processor, brighter screen, longer battery life, improved IP68 dust and waterproof and a macro camera lens. Samsung is one of the best TV brands, and its The Frame TV has a matte screen that makes it look like wall art when turned off. The brand launched the 2025 The Frame TV, but the more interesting announcement is the new The Frame Pro series TV. The Frame Pro models use mini-LEDs to enhance contrast and brightness compared to the original version, according to the brand. Withings BPM Vision Withings is known for smart health-focused devices like smart scales and smart watches. This FDA-cleared blood pressure monitor is an evolution of the brands previous Withings BPM Connect. It comes with a tablet that gives you step-by-step instruction on how to get a proper blood pressure reading, then shows you your results in a colorful and clear manner, according to the brand. The monitor connects to the Withings app, which keeps track of your readings over time and can provide trend analysis. Professional digital cameras tend to look and feel similar to each other, says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. The Sigma BF bucks the norm in nearly every way. It's an ultra-minimal, all-metal digital camera with a sleek, striking design, and it takes excellent photos. The minimal interface and simple buttons makes it almost feel like a smartphone-camera hybrid. Rabinowitz tried out the Sigma BF and an accompanying new Sigma 50mm lens for about a month ahead of the launch and had mixed feelings. On one hand, he admires the bold design and streamlined interface, plus the camera takes excellent pictures, with razor-sharp details, pleasing colors and impressive autofocus. But the boxy shape, lack of a camera strap (it can only fit a wrist strap), lack of a viewfinder, fixed screen and heavy lens makes the camera a pain to hold. Aura Frame Aspen Aura recently released the Aspen digital frame, which has a 12-inch HD, anti-glare screen with paper-textured milling around it. It's half an inch deep along the edge, making it the brand's thinnest frame yet. You can display the digital frame horizontally or vertically, and it has a 4:3 aspect ratio to match smartphone cameras. Its light sensor adjusts the screen's brightness as needed, as well as turns the frame off when your home's lights are off at night. You can upload an unlimited number of photos and videos to the frame via the Aura app. Additionally, Aura launched two software updates, which are available on all its devices, including those currently in homes. You can now add text captions to photos and videos through the brand's app, and search for specific people while selecting content to upload. Beauty and wellness launches R+Co Bleu Air Dry/Blow Dry Crème R+Co Bleu (a capsule collection from R+Co) recently released this multitasking styling cream for air- or blow-dried hair. It makes air-dried hair softer, more manageable and improves texture, , according to the brand. On blow-dried hair, it adds bounce and helps create smooth, sleek and frizz -free styles. Regardless of when you use it, the lightweight cream, which doubles as a heat protectant, will help reduce breakage and protect hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, according to R+Co Bleu. Supergoop 's Play sunscreens are some of our favorite family-friendly options, and now the brand has a stick version and a hydrating face lotion, both of which have SPF 50 to protect the skin from UVB rays. The latter is a lightweight, non-irritating, sweat- and water-resistant lotion suitable for all skin types and tones since it doesn't clog pores or leave a white cast/residue behind, according to the brand. Its formula has glycerin and sunflower extract to support the skin barrier while simultaneously hydrating, conditioning and protecting the skin. This lightweight tinted moisturizer, available in 16 shades, hydrates the skin and gives light coverage that evens out your skin tone and reduces redness, according to the brand. Reviewers say it's as moisturizing as non-tinted facial creams, is great at blending into their skin and love that it's not cakey, heavy or oily after wearing it all day. Kérastase expanded its lineup with this four-piece collection that includes a shampoo, conditioner, smoothing leave-in spray and a hair oil. Each item has the brand's Hydra-Glazing technology (a combination of wild rose oil, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid), which targets the hair cuticles by plumping, hydrating and tightening them for a sleek, shiny, frizz-free finish. This essence uses three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, zinc PCA and natural sugars to retain moisture and sakura flowers to help firm, protect and improve skin texture, according to the brand. Reviewers say this instantly absorbs into the skin and is gentle enough that it doesn't irritate their sensitive skin or trigger any acne breakouts. Apply a small amount of this sculpting serum twice daily to your face and neck to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while also improving the skin's elasticity, according to the brand. This is possible because the gel serum has peptides and lactic acid to target sagging skin and horizontal neck lines from tech neck, according to Alpyn. Supply The Single Edge Max Supply designed The Single Edge Max for those who are new to shaving with a safety razor. It has a magnetic pivoting head that automatically adjusts to the contours of your face, giving you a close shave while minimizing the potential for nicks and razor burns, according to the brand. The razor has a durable, lightweight design with a sleek glossy finish. It comes with a wall mount, a reload cartridge and eight blades. You can buy additional replacement blades separately. Travel launches Calpak Baby Collection Calpak expanded its Baby Collection with two new products: the Baby Weekender Duffel and the Baby Crossbody Bag. Both are made from recycled, water-resistant materials. Calpak Baby Weekender Duffel The Baby Weekender Duffel is an overnight bag that doubles as a hospital bag. It has a roomy main compartment, an internal organization system, exterior pockets and a separate shoe compartment. The duffel is also made with a luggage sleeve and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Calpak Baby Crossbody Bag The Baby Crossbody Bag is a mini diaper bag. It has exterior and internal pockets, including one for baby wipes. The crossbody bag also has D-rings so you can attach it to a stroller, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Béis The Getaway Collection Béis is introducing new colorways, luggage and accessories with their summer capsule. The Getaway Collection is a line of sleek and timeless classics for convenient summer packing and travel. The products in the collection are available in black as well as new colors including Flame (an orange-red shade) and Camel (a neutral tan-brown shade). The collection also includes a travel tote, a mesh beach bag , a garment duffle bag and classics such as the rolling suitcases. Smaller items include a new makeup brush and AirTag pouches, a travel crossbody, cosmetic pouches and a mirror charm. The Evolution X is Cabeau's most supportive travel pillow yet, according to the brand. It's built to prevent your head from tilting more than 10 degrees in any direction, keeping it stable so you sleep comfortably and don't wake up with pain. The pillow has an adjustable neck strap and front closure, and you can shift the top and bottom lobes outward to customize their heights. The Evolution X is made with anti-microbial fabric and it has a machine-washable cover. Home launches Swiffer Sweep + Mop Deluxe Swiffer completely overhauled its wet and dry mop for the first time in over 25 years. It now has a collapsible pole, letting you shrink it down to half its original size when it's not in use. The pole is also more durable compared to the original mop's, according to the brand. Swiffer redesigned its wet and dry mop pads to more effectivelymorework more effectively pick up debris like pet hair, too. Pura Mini Many members of the NBC Select staff swear by Pura's plug-in scent diffuser, and the brand now sells a mini version for smaller spaces like bathrooms, entryways and home offices. You can insert any of Pura's compatible scent vials into the Mini, which lasts for up to four weeks if you use it for about 8 hours a day, according to the brand. The device connects to the Pura app, which lets you adjust settings, including fragrance intensity, schedules and timers. Tulip Kids Tulip is one of the best boob light covers available, and the brand's new collection is designed with kids in mind. It includes nine light shades, and you can choose from six colors and patterns, as well as the brand's Gem and Drum styles. Two patterns, Drum Stebbins and Gem Stebbins, were created in collaboration with New York artist Pauline de Roussy de Sales. Like all of Tulip's shades, you install those a part of the kids collection over existing light fixtures by adhering them to the ceiling using the included sticky strips. Kitchen launches Caraway recently launched stackable storage containers to help you organize your pantry or refrigerator while keeping food fresh. They're made from non-toxic, dishwasher-safe borosilicate glass and have air-tight seals you activate by pushing a lever down on the lids. The containers, which come in small, medium and large sizes, are sold individually, as well as sets with organizers, a metal scoop and a measuring cup. 'Because these containers look so nice in my kitchen, I'm more inclined to actually tidy up my pantry and pour random bags of chocolate chips, pretzels, flour and chips into them,' says Malin, who received a courtesy sample from the brand. 'I love the locking mechanism on the lid, which totally prevents air and moisture from getting to food. I never worry about anything getting stale or losing flavor.' Coleman Pro Coolers These coolers are Coleman's most durable options — you don't have to worry about beating them up while traveling, camping, tailgating or bringing them to the beach. They have oversized rubber wheels that glide smoothly across rough terrain, sturdy steel latches, oversized drainage holes, non-slip feet and tie down slots. The coolers' thick, insulated walls, lid and gasket can keep ice cold for up to five days, according to the brand. The hard coolers, which are strong enough for you to sit on, are available in three sizes (25, 45 and 55 quarts), and the soft coolers in two sizes (16 and 24 cans). Oddbird's latest nonalcoholic wine is an orange variety made from organic grapes that are gently pressed for over a week, which lets their skins soften to give the beverage a golden hue and silky, smooth, round flavor. Then, the wine is aged for 12 months before it gets to customers. It has notes of orange peel, fresh fruits, herbs and spices. Oddbird recommends pairing it with foods like sheep's milk and blue cheese, as well as grilled meat and vegetables. Figlia Sole Figlia makes one of the best nonalcoholic spirits, and this month, the brand debuted Sole, its first new aperitivo flavor since it launched in 2021. Sole is a blend of lemon, peach, black tea and botanical extracts like elderflower, basil and peppercorn, giving it a bright, crisp flavor. 'Figlia's Sole aperitivo is exactly what I want to sip during the warm months with a splash of seltzer,' says Malin, who received a courtesy sample from the brand. 'It's so refreshing, and the color is a beautiful golden color that makes it even more appetizing.' Smash Kitchen Smash Kitchen is a new condiment brand co-founded by actor Glen Powell. It currently sells staples like ketchup, yellow mustard, mayo and BBQ sauce, all of which are made from organic ingredients. In addition to classic flavors of each condiment, you can buy flavors like Hot Honey Ketchup, Spicy Mayo, Dijon Mustard and Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. You can currently shop the sauces and dips at Walmart, and it's expanding into additional retailers soon. Why trust NBC Select? To round up the best new launches each month, Zoe Malin, reporter, Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter, and Harry Rabinowitz, reporter, choose products they think NBC Select readers should know about. They include products from brands NBC Select has previously covered, or brands staffers recommend. Malin, Alvarez and Rabinowitz also regularly try new product launches to share their first-hand experiences.
NBC News
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Save 50% off on skin care, hair care and more during Ulta's spring sale happening now
As a beauty reporter and frequent Ulta shopper, I look forward to Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Event, which happens twice a year. Right now, you can save 50% across all beauty categories, including skin care, hair care and tools. The three-week long spring sale will end on March 27. But you'll need to act quickly: These deals rotate daily, so you only have 24 hours to purchase your favorite items once they go live. To help you navigate which deals are happening each day, I compiled the first week of the sale into one cohesive list and highlighted expert- and editor-approved items. Since timing is everything with this sale, I recommend taking advantage of deals as soon as possible before they expire or sell out. SKIP AHEAD March 7 sales | March 8 sales | March 9 sales | March 10 sales | March 11 sales | March 12 sales | March 13 sales | The best weekly sales Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask Regardless of your hair type and texture, this multitasking hair mask moisturizes your hair, reduces frizz and adds shine, according to the brand. It also combats heat and chemical damage using its patented technology to repair broken bonds, according to Olaplex. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 2,400 reviews at Ulta. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase 'I've gifted Kitsch pillowcases to most of my family members and friends because it's just that good,' says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. 'It's super soft and doesn't pull or tug at my hair or skin, which I appreciate since my skin is sensitive and rosacea-prone. I also love that it feels cool, which is a plus since I'm generally a hot sleeper.' The NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner is available in standard and king sizing. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 Reviewers say this moisturizer with SPF is the perfect solution for those who forget to wear sunscreen since it doesn't require an additional step in your morning skin care routine. Aside from its 2-in-1 convenience, many reviewers say this moisturizer leaves their skin more hydrated, plump and firm. This gel moisturizer has a 4.6-star average rating from over 900 reviews at Ulta. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Suitable for all skin types, this balm (which turns into an oil as you massage it into your skin) helps gently remove makeup and grime without leaving a greasy residue, experts told us in our guide to the best cleansing balms. It's also safe for sensitive skin and eyes, according to the brand. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence This Cosrx essence is a year-round favorite of NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris because it's lightweight and gives her long-lasting hydration. 'It softens my skin and gives a glow without being too oily. It helps to soothe any irritation or redness from acne flare-ups,' she says. 'I also like to use it in the summer or on vacations to give my skin an extra moisture boost on hotter, drier days.' Beekman 1802 Milk Rx Advanced Better Aging Cream Using ingredients like milk proteins, peptides and ceramides, this moisturizer hydrates, firms and maintains a healthy skin barrier, according to the brand. The rich cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, because it uses a retinol alternative (peptides) to mimic the benefits of retinol without irritation, according to Beekman 1802. It has a 4.6-star average rating from over 100 reviews at Ulta. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads One of the easiest and best ways to exfoliate my extremely sensitive skin is by swiping these pads on my face and neck. The exfoliating pads come soaked in alpha hydroxy acids (chemical exfoliants that improve tone and texture) and soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber water to counteract any irritation, according to the brand. After using these once a week, I can tell my skin is much smoother, especially around the tip of my nose where my pores tend to clog. Seen Hair Care Seen makes some of our favorite hair care items and all of the brand's products are currently on sale at Ulta, including this serum. Use two to five drops of the serum on wet or dry hair to reduce frizz and breakage, plus you can use it as a heat protectant before styling, according to the brand. The serum is suitable for all skin, scalp and hair types because it has a noncomedogenic formula (meaning it won't clog pores). It also has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. Kiehl's Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter Kiehl's Creme de Corps body care line is one of my favorites because it leaves my skin soft and smooth thanks to its trio of ingredients: honey, shea butter and sweet almond oil. Thicker than traditional body lotions, this body butter has a rich consistency that instantly absorbs into my skin, so it never feels heavy or greasy. And because it is very thick, a little goes a long way, so it's worth the higher price point. Virtue Volumizing and Thickening This shampoo, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 900 reviews at Ulta, cleanses your scalp and hair without weighing it down. It combines antioxidants, protein and lipids to thicken each hair strand for added volume and body, according to the brand. While many reviewers love how it makes their hair appear fuller, they also say the citrus, floral fragrance (with notes of white pear and lemon) smells great on their hair. Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence This water-like essence, which has the NEA Seal of Acceptance, uses niacinamide, allantoin and hyaluronic acid to firm, soothe and hydrate the skin, according to the brand. The essence can improve skin tone and texture, plus helps other skin care products absorb easily into your skin, which is why you'll want to apply this directly after cleansing, according to Peach & Lily. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 1,300 reviews at Ulta. Korres Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink Reviewers of all skin types say this facial oil is worth the splurge: Not only is it extremely hydrating, but it also softens and brightens your skin, according to the brand. The oil, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 500 reviews at Ulta, absorbs quickly into the skin, so you aren't left with an uncomfortable, oily feeling after applying it, according to Korres. Reviewers also love that it smooths out their skin and it makes their skin look slightly blurred after using. Unite Hair 7Seconds Collection This detangling spray, suitable for all hair types, improves your hair's manageability, repairs breakage and protects it from thermal and UV damage, according to the brand. Reviewers say brushing their hair is a lot easier and less painful when they use this spray because it helps their brush glide through tangles and knots, resulting in less breakage and shedding. This spray has a 4.9-star average rating from over 700 reviews at Ulta. Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Eye Patches These Peter Thomas Roth under-eye patches come in a travel-friendly tub packaging, so they're easy to take with you and apply on the go. These patches are saturated in hyaluronic acid, collagen and caffeine to reduce fine lines and puffiness while hydrating and firming the skin, according to the brand. One tub comes with 30 pairs and a spatula, so you can carefully and cleanly separate them from one another. During the 21-day sale, you can also shop exclusive weekly sales. These sales will last an entire week before the next round of deals gets released at the start of week two. How long is Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Event? The spring sale is three weeks long. It begins on March 7 and ends on March 27. Can you shop for other deals during Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Event? Yes. For the first time, Ulta will offer additional sales throughout the three weeks. At the start of each week, the retailer will release a new batch of Weekly Beauty Steals, which will also be 50% off. During the 21-day event, the deals will rotate daily and last for one day only. They will end at 11:59 p.m. CT and switch to the next day's offer at midnight CT. The Weekly Beauty Steals will last an entire week, so you have more time to decide whether or not you want to purchase an item. Is the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Event in-store or online? The sale is available in-store, online and on the app. Some deals are online only. Do you have to be an Ulta Beauty Rewards member to shop? No. If you are an Ulta Beauty Rewards member, you can earn points for every dollar you spend. If you have an Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card, you can earn two points for every dollar during the sale. These points can be redeemed on future purchases and beauty services. How often does Ulta host its 21 Days of Beauty Event? Ulta hosts the 21 Days of Beauty Event twice yearly — once in March and the other in September. I am an associate reporter for NBC Select, who frequently covers beauty and wellness sales, including the most recent 21 Days of Beauty Event, Sephora's Savings Event and Amazon Prime Day. For this story, I reviewed Ulta's offerings for the first week of the sale and highlighted products and brands that are NBC Select staff favorites, come recommended by experts or are highly rated. Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date. Bianca Alvarez
