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NBC News
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
19+ products our editors tried and loved in May
May is a great month for several reasons: It's the prime opportunity to celebrate our moms, enjoy the occasional brisk spring day at the park and prepare for all of our summer travel in the months ahead. This month has also proved to be eventful here at NBC Select, especially since we tried a multitude of new products that we couldn't stop talking about. Our editors tried out products across categories lik skin care, beauty, cleaning, home appliances and more. Some of our top choices are from premium brands like Shark and Supergoop, and others like Typology, Sofie Pavitt and DripDrop. While we try a lot of products each month, they don't always make it into our planned stories, so this column helps us highlight the products we are equally amped about. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up Elliott Hyon, NBC Select Page Hanyul Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask $30.00 $34.00 Amazon Now 12% off $30.00 Sephora What to Consider I use tretinoin nightly, but it's a strong product that often leaves my sensitive skin dry and peeling. To counteract this, I tried slugging with Vaseline and Aquaphor, which was fine until it wasn't. I have many small closed comedones and milia on my face caused by using too many occlusive barriers. When I was given the Hanyul yuja sleep mask at a skincare event, the smell of the product brought me back to my childhood when my mother would brew yuzu tea in the summer to cool me down. Like the citrus tea, the sleep mask soothes the skin and protects the moisture barrier with Vitamin C and niacinamide. I use it in conjunction with the artemesia soothing toner pads and the red rice serum from Hanyul and my skin has never looked or felt better. I'm very familiar with red light face masks. Like many of our writers, my mom loves the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Face Mask and she would let me use the device at night to target my acne and dark spots. . But I was excited to try the HigherDose red light face mask because it was less clunky and cumbersome to use. It is made out of medical-grade silicone that wraps around your face to deliver red light therapy to your skin. You can choose between a ten minute session and a twenty minute session and the straps make it easy to use on the go. It is so easy to bring around and I definitely see myself packing it with me when I go abroad for an extended period of time. I do not use tretinoin on nights when I use red light therapy and the alternating routine has helped my skin take a break from the strength of retinoids. With one use, I noticed a difference in my skin. My face is tighter, my nasolabial folds look smaller, and my skin feels softer. The Naomi after-cooking hand scrub (gifted to me by the brand) allows me to cook aromatic foods without having the scent linger on my hands. It contains enzymes and beads that gently neutralize the odor and scrub the residue of stubborn ingredients from your fingers. After using the scrub, I find myself compulsively sniffing my hands because I'm still shocked by how this hand scrub completely wipes away the most stubborn ingredients like garlic and fish sauce. Right now, I'm using the Cardamom, Iris and Sourdough Crumb soap, but the brand also has Bergamot, Sandalwood and Black Pepper as well as unscented options. Ebern Designs Analiese Wood Kitchen Cart $68.99 $72.99 Wayfair Now 5% off What to Consider My kitchen is tiny — I know a lot of people say that about their New York City apartments, but my kitchen is genuinely smaller than my cubicle at work. I've been eyeing a narrow cart like this one to give me some more space to store my supplies, and Wayfair sent me one try this month. I've had it for about three weeks and I already filled every shelf with ingredients and tools. It was very easy to put together with my mom's help — the directions were clear and simple, and while I could have done it alone, the second person is quite helpful since there are a bunch of pieces and screws. I love that the cart is on wheels, which lets me move it over to my island if I'm cooking there, and there's a pull handle on one end to hold while rolling it around. Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Interactive Puzzle Ball $7.99 $9.99 Amazon Now 20% off $7.99 $9.99 Chewy Now 20% off $7.99 Outward Hound What to Consider I'll try anything to entertain my 5-month old puppy, and lately, I've been relying on this ball. I fill it with her kibble during breakfast, lunch or dinner, and instead of eating from her bowl, she rolls the ball around, which causes a few pieces of food to fall out of the holes at a time. The ball forces her to work for her food and it extends mealtime, giving me at least 15 minutes to get something done while she's distracted. She gets excited to play with the ball when I take it out now, and since she likes this puzzle toy, I ordered a couple others to try. I've been on Tretinoin to treat acne for years, and during a recent facial at Glowbar, the esthetician recommended I start using mandelic acid as a gentle exfoliator. I was complaining about clogged pores around my nose and chin, and she thought it would help without irritating my sensitive skin. I got The Ordinary's mandelic acid serum, which I've been using for a few weeks now. I apply it on the nights I don't use Tretinoin, and I've noticed dramatic results so far. My skin is so much less congested and it feels significantly smoother. My makeup goes on more evenly, too. It's safe to say I'm officially a mandelic acid fan, and I won't mind restocking when I need to since The Ordinary's bottle is under $8. After noticing that my eyebrows were growing in thinner than usual, I consulted the experts at the threading salon I go to, and they told me to stop using my brow gel — if I was sensitive to an ingredient, the gel could be causing hair loss. I still wanted something to fill my brows in with, so I bought this defining pencil from Kosas. One end has a pencil with a thin tip, which allows me to make tiny hair-like strokes, and the other end has a spoolie brush to help me shape my brows and brush out the pigment I add. I don't miss my brow gel now that I'm using this, and my hair is growing back stronger, too. Nikki Brown, SEO editor I spend a lot of time outside gardening but I despise the stickiness of bug spray. I wasn't looking for this alternative but it caught my attention during an after-brunch walk a few weeks ago and I bought it on a whim with little expectation. I already light incense at home and love the idea of doing the same outdoors. Their vibe is so much more chill than those insect repellent fans. I lit two of these on Memorial Day and they burned down over five hours. The smell is very subtle combined with other outdoor scents but I had zero bug bites at the end of the day, so they work. I'll definitely be repurchasing. Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate Typology Lip Care Set $52.90 Typology What to Consider When I was in middle school, I found out I had lip eczema, and ever since, I've taken my lip health very seriously. I purchased the Dr. Dan's Cortibalm and have been using it for years but I wanted an overnight treatment that would help with the peeling I experience at night. After doing some research, I came across this Typology lip set and at first, was a bit hesitant because of the price but after reading the comments, I decided to take the plunge. Typology prides itself on all their products being almost 100% naturally derived. The Resurfacing Lip Peel includes Mandelic Acid and Pomegranate Enzyme and is supposed to eliminate dead cells on the lips. I was pleasantly surprised when this product didn't sting my lips or have a strong smell either. Next, I use the repairing Lip Mask which is made up of ceramides and Hyaluronic acid and lather it on before bed. It's only been two weeks but my lips are already peeling much less and feel smooth and moisturized. I am already using less chapstick during the day due to the longevity of the product. Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm $24.00 Amazon $24.00 Eadem $24.00 Sephora What to Consider May is a special month because it is also my birthday month, and when it is my birthday, I deny myself almost nothing. This year, I had my eyes on the new Lip Softening Balm from EADEM which has gone viral on TikTok and a lot of my favorite content creators use the balms. I am a lip combo girlie through and through, but the process takes time and multiple products. It has always been my dream to have one product that I could grab on the go (because it's annoying having to sharpen lip liners every other day). Le ChouChou is that balm! I bought Boba Bounce first, and fell in love with the cool metal applicator of the tube. It's so refreshing and perfect for sensitive lips like mine. Simply put: I look great and I feel great too! I love trying out new work totes, and this monochromatic one from Calpak was really speaking to me. After the brand sent a sample for me to try, I immediately started using it to carry everything lik my laptop, handheld fan, portable charger and more. It also has a long key leash attached to the inside, which makes it easy to find them when I'm heading back home. The bottom is also expandable, so I can add more space for a pair of shoes or books. Most of all, though, I love the unique chocolate brown color of it — I've already gotten several compliments on it. When I wrote about the best products for cleaning your shower, Windex also sent me a sample of this new glass cleaner to try. Compared to a typical spray bottle of Windex, it's more of an aerosol spray, similar to a sprayable sunscreen, but for windows and mirrors. I love how evenly it dispenses and I don't have to worry about a ton of residue falling on the ground afterwards. Also, it doesn't leave visible streaks, which is always a pet peeve when it comes to cleaning windows. Renting in New York City means that I have to be mindful of renter-friendly upgrades that I add to my home. With that in mind, I was excited when Poplight sent me a sample of their adhesive, drill-free sconce to try. While I have an overhead light, I love the idea of having a dimmer option next to my bed, which is exactly what the Poplight provides. It's easy to install — it has a built-in leveler and includes adhesive strips to attach it to the wall. All you have to do is make sure you let the base adhere for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight to ensure that the light stays on once you install it. It's the perfect low light for reading before bed or listening to a podcast. Shark EX201 CarpetXpert $283.99 $299.99 Amazon Now 5% off $299.99 Best Buy $249.00 $299.99 Walmart Now 17% off What to Consider I hadn't cleaned my rugs in … a while (read: probably 3 years), and they were starting to look matted and a little discolored. So when Shark sent me this to try out, I couldn't wait to get into it. The selling point for me on this particular carpet cleaner was that it comes with so many attachments — it's an upright for my carpet, meaning I don't have to be on my hands and knees with a smaller cleaner, but also has a handheld attachment so I don't need something separate to tackle stains or discoloration on upholstery. It's also really easy to use in that it's lightweight, has little lights and an auto-shutoff feature that tells you when the dirty tank is full, and it doesn't take up too much space to store. Once I started using it, I learned that my very favorite part is how long the cord is. I could plug it in one place and do my whole living room and down 2 different hallways without having to move the plug. I knew my rugs were in need of cleaning but wasn't aware of just how gross they were until I finished cleaning them and saw everything the Shark sucked up. My living room rug in particular had tiny brown marks on them from someone who didn't follow my no-shoe rule, and I couldn't get them out with any stain removers or cleaning appliances until I used this carpet cleaner. I wasn't the biggest fan of the original Backbone mostly because it didn't fit into my life gaming wise. I had a Steam Deck and my other gaming consoles and wasn't a big fan of playing games on my phone. That sentiment really changed when they added bluetooth pairing and better controller ergonomics. Moving controllers between an Xbox, Playstation, Steam Deck or television isn't the hardest thing but it takes away from your possible limited time to game. Backbone Pro made it easy with just a simple connection toggle. This along with the better hand ergonomics get closer to the feel of a Playstation or Xbox controller. I really enjoyed the upgrade and its extended battery life. Carbon38 is hugely underrated as an activewear brand if you ask me. They sent me a sample of this crew-neck sweatshirt and I've been wearing it nonstop. It has that perfect not-too-heavy terry material that makes it great for spring, while still being cozy. I typically run very hot and can never find a good summer knit that doesn't make me overheat, but this one hasn't been overwhelming temperature wise. The terry on it is really soft — and doesn't have that washed-a-million-times beach towel dry feel (at least yet). I sized up for a boxy, oversized fit and like the wide neck so you can see my T-shirt collar underneath. I also love how it looks like it has an unfinished seam so the bottom rolls up, but it's actually sewn off and completely finished so it doesn't fray. I just moved to a new apartment and had been eager to replace my 8-year-old Ikea mattress. There wasn't anything wrong with what I had, it just wasn't great so I eagerly said 'yes' when Tiami reached out offering to send me its inaugural mattress. Tiami's a new brand founded by the previous co-founders of Leesa Sleep so I figured they knew a thing or two about quality mattresses. Like many of its competitors, it comes in a box (I had a white-glove delivery service there to unpack it and take away my old mattress since both are quite heavy). What's interesting about this mattress is that you don't have to choose a firmness. It's designed to respond to your body to give you support and comfort where you need and so far it's been working for me. Historically, as a mostly side sleeper who tosses and turns, I prefer a firm mattress for that lower back support and so far, I haven't had any firmness issues. I've noticed myself sleeping deeper (and tossing and turning less), which is a huge win for me. It's also naturally cooling, and I tend to sleep hot (as mentioned above) but so far, I haven't felt myself sweating or overheating Overall, it feels incredibly balanced — nothing about the mattress feels off or exaggerated, and I feel as if I've been sleeping on air (in a good way). Sofie Pavitt's considered the acne whisperer of New York City and after using this mask, I totally understand why. Some context: We've been in the process of testing sunscreens at NBC Select and my skin is unfortunately on the receiving end of some backlash: namely breakouts all along my T zone. I typically have pretty clear skin — I get a blackhead now and then again from hormones — but I generally don't suffer from a lot of bad breakouts. Cycling through oily sunscreens every few days changed that. My skin started to react poorly and I needed a solution quickly. This mask to the rescue (the brand sent me a sample to try). Firstly, it's on the stronger side — if you've never used a benzoyl peroxide face wash or anything like it, be warned. I leave it on for 2-5 minutes (it stings, though to me, that's a sign of it working its magic) and then wash it off followed by some hydrating serums and a good moisturizer. I applied the mask to specific areas of my skin I was looking to target, like I would with a spot treatment. The mask left me immediately red after doing so — it almost looked like I got sunburn or used a laser in very specific parts of my face — so don't panic if that's your experience. Every single time I used it, I woke up the next morning with my breakouts much more contained and that scary post-use redness gone. One of the best parts of our jobs is getting to try new brands, one of which I recently discovered is DreamWeaver. The company produces hand-sewn totes and accessories in Bolivia, all of which are marketed as being 'virtually indestructible,' 'deceptively spacious' and lifetime guaranteed. I was initially a bit skeptical, but after using this cosmetic bag and one of its totes for the past month or so I can say the storytelling actually lives up to its messaging. The recycled plastic is woven in a way that makes these shockingly durable. I haven't been easy on the tote, I often carry my heavy purse and laptop among a ton of other accessories in it daily with no signs of wear or tear. The cosmetic case is sneakily large and equally durable. I've been storing about 20 bottles of SPF in it, and throwing it around my under-sink-storage for weeks. I haven't been gentle on either of the products and they still look fresh-out-of-the-bag brand new. There's not a spec of ripping or tearing, I'm pretty impressed and want to get these in all of its other interesting color combinations now. I buy DripDrop electrolyte drink mix regularly. It's one of my favorite electrolyte powders for tough workouts and long bike rides. I like how slim and small the individual packets are; it makes it easy to pack them in a pocket or bike bag while cycling. I'm partial to this variety pack because I love three out of four of the flavors: lemon, orange and watermelon (sorry grape). Nikon FG $114.00 Keh $86.70 Used Photo Pro What to Consider All my testing and obsessing to write our guide to the best film cameras got the attention of someone I wasn't expecting: my dad. He used to shoot film decades ago, and wanted to try it again, but wanted something that was affordable, simple to use and old-school (a hard combination). So I bought and tested a camera to ship his way, one I almost put in our guide: the Nikon FG. The FG balances retro and modern features well for a camera that originally launched in 1982. You load, wind, and unload film manually. You focus manually. But, crucially, there is an automatic 'P' mode you can use where the camera decides the best aperture and shutter speed for you, meaning you only have to worry about getting your shot in focus. Paired with a Nikon pancake lens, it's one of the smallest and most affordable Nikon film cameras I've ever tested. Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen $17.50 $35.00 Ulta Now 50% off $35.00 Amazon $35.00 Sephora What to Consider I'm great at applying sunscreen every morning, but I'm not so great at reapplying. I wanted to find one that I could easily throw in any bag and quickly reapply throughout the day — no matter where I am. I got this powder sunscreen during the Supergoop! sale this month, and I will 100% be using it daily for the entire summer. It's compact, easy to apply and the formula is incredibly light. I got the translucent version, so it's perfect for reapplying throughout the day even over a full face of makeup. I've also been applying this sunscreen to my scalp — which always seems to burn when I'm in the sun for a while. Mili Godio, updates editor Gola Elan Sneakers $110.00 Gola $110.00 Free People $110.00 Anthropologie What to Consider When spring and summer rolls around, I'm always on the hunt for a new everyday sneaker. This is the year of a pop of color, and these Gola sneakers are the perfect way to add color to any outfit. Even when I wear something as simple as a white T-shirt and jeans, these sneakers add the perfect finishing touch. I get tons of compliments whenever I wear these and they're incredibly comfortable — I've walked thousands of steps in these, and they feel and look as good as new. Adanola Cotton Pull-On Pants $90.00 Adanola What to Consider When it comes to these pants, obsessed is an understatement — I get as much wear as I possibly can from them, whether to run errands, lounge around in my house or go into the office. I can easily dress them up or down without sacrificing comfort, and they're super soft and breezy for those hot summer days. They're also pull-on, so I don't have to battle with buttons or a zipper (which comes in handy when I'm running out the door). They're slightly long on me, but I can simply roll up the hem and still look put together. 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.
NBC News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Here's everything our readers added to their carts in April
April is filled with the promise of new beginnings — flowers are blooming, trees are regaining life and most people are finally stowing away their bulky sweaters and coats. NBC Select readers were clearly inspired by the new season: Our bestsellers list this month is filled with cleaning supplies and sunscreen, an indication that we've officially settled into spring (and survived the woes of tax season). And with Mother's Day just around the corner, there was no shortage of dainty jewelry and fancy shower oils to round out our list. However, this April has come with heavy changes, so it's no surprise our readers were particularly interested in learning more about tariffs and how they'll affect their favorite brands, plus tips for saving money on nails, hair and more. Read on for a full list of the bestsellers NBC Select readers shopped in April. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up April bestsellers OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo If you have fine hair, you know it's a daily struggle to make sure it doesn't fall flat. This shampoo has a blend of biotin and collagen, which helps hair look thicker and boosts volume overall. It also has a subtle fragrance with notes of coconut, jasmine and lemon, so your hair will smell good hours after your shower. Korean beauty brands are the 'It girls' of skin care, and Korean sunscreens claim their title as 'status' SPFs every year. Round Lab's silky sunscreen, a favorite of NBC Select Page Elliott Hyon, has a dewy finish, moisturizes your skin and doesn't clog your pores. 'It has no white cast and has the smoothest application out of any skin product I have,' says Hyon. In between carting the Crest 3D Whitestrips (another bestseller this month), readers were also purchasing this stain-removing toothpaste. And for good reason: NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson says her teeth looked visibly whitened in just a few days — so much so that her dentist thought she had gotten a professional treatment. It has hydrated silica, which dissolves the bonds that adhere stains to teeth and scrubs them off the surface, plus fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities and repair enamel, according to the brand. It's official: spring cleaning calls for grout removal. This Zep cleaner lightens grout in your bathrooms, making your tile floors and walls look almost new, according to NBC Select staffers who tried it out. Since this is a liquid and not a spray, a little goes a long way, too. A warning: The bleach scent is very strong, so make sure you're opening a window or have a fan going while you use it. Sunscreen was top of our readers' minds this month as the weather warms up. 'My best friend recommended this sunscreen to me, and I have been using it since (over 5 years),' says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. The best part? As its name implies, it's completely sheer, so you don't have to worry about an unsightly white cast. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil This shower oil is my current obsession; I use it every time I shower because it leaves my skin baby soft. The oil turns into a milky lather when I massage it into my skin, and I'll sometimes use it as a base for shaving in place of shaving cream. The sweet almond scent is also incredible and not overpowering in the slightest. Simply put, no other shower oil does it better. Opalescence Go Prefilled Whitening Trays Opalescence Go's whitening trays have professional-grade gel and they're the strongest option we recommend. Instead of strips, these are pre-filled trays you bite into, which makes them easy to pop on and off, says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. Though they do cause teeth sensitivity, Schneider says her teeth are noticeably whiter after consistently using these trays. Olay is a household name for a reason, and this moisturizer even made our top 10 list of the 100 best moisturizers we tested. Our editors who tried it out found that their skin looked firmer and more lifted. It also has a super lightweight texture, so it doesn't feel heavy or sticky when applied to your face and neck. This Bumble and Bumble spray has six oils to hydrate your hair and protect it from heat and UV damage. But despite having oils in its formula, it doesn't weigh down your hair or leave a greasy finish, which makes it perfect for all hair types and textures. If you're looking for a thicker cream to lather on before bed, this Eucerin one is an excellent choice (especially if you struggle with dry skin). Its silky texture makes it easy to blend, and the formula helps smooth, hydrate and target fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand. It's also fragrance-free, so it's suitable for those with sensitive skin. Better Not Younger Lift Me Up Hair Thickener Spray This month, we spoke to experts about how to combat hair concerns during menopause, and Better Not Younger, a hair care brand for women over 40, topped our list for the best products to use. You can apply this thickening spray on wet hair before styling to give you more volume and mask any thinning. Caretras Bunion Corrector Since spring is unofficially open-toed shoes season, you may be thinking about how to get your feet in tip-top shape. If bunions are a concern, this corrector temporarily realigns your bunion and helps relieve discomfort, pressure and inflammation. The splint is breathable and adjustable, so you can wear it while you walk or sleep. Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Conditioner This conditioner, which has hydrating cupuaçu butter, is a great solution for dry hair caused by menopause. In addition to hydrating your strands, it also helps control frizz and address dullness. Keep in mind this conditioner is best for those with medium to coarse hair texture since it may weigh down finer hair. SmileBelle Daisy Necklace If you're shopping for jewelry under $20 (or looking for an affordable Mother's Day gift), this dainty necklace is a strong contender. It has faux-pearl daisies on a delicate chain so you can embrace the spring season. It's adjustable, too. Innisfree is one of our favorite K-beauty brands, and its expert-recommended sunscreen is a solid choice for the hotter months. It combines green tea, sunflower seed oil and cica to hydrate, nourish and soothe the skin. Plus, its silky texture gives a great glow to the skin. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of shopping categories, including beauty and pets, since 2021. For this article, I compiled a list of the top 16 bestselling products among our NBC Select readers during the month of April.
NBC News
31-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Editor's picks: 27 products we're obsessed with from March
I often dedicate the second half of March to one thing: stocking up on things for upcoming spring and summer travel. I usually try to buy travel accessories or clothes I know I can take with me or, at the very least, store in my room for the right fellow NBC Select staff members have also had travel on their minds lately, which you'll see reflected below in a lot of their recommendations. We had team members go to Japan and Rio and have their recommendations for cool vacation cameras, sneakers for those 20K step-days and of course, travelf-friendly sunscreens. Since our team consistently tests products across a variety of categories for our readers, and for fun, you'll also find some random organizing essentials, kitchen finds and other non-travel stuff we fell in love with in March. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Elliott Hyon, NBC Select Page I'm a loyal consumer of Korean sunscreens, but it's been recently difficult to order them online. My friend recommended the Olay Complete+ Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen as a substitute and I was impressed by how smooth the formula was. My skin is acne-prone and sensitive from nightly tretinoin use so it normally can't tolerate the chemical filters in American sunscreens, but this quickly became a part of my morning skin care routine. I only swatch it once on my face to blend it into my skin perfectly and it leaves no white cast. I like how my skin absorbs it and I can see plumper, softer skin from using it so it's since become one of my favorites. Kalimdor Pants Hangers I moved to NYC a few months ago and even with my closet and dresser, I still need more room for my clothes. I love my clothing rack because I can visualize my outfits and plan ahead for the week. These pants hangers are such a practical way to hold all my bulky jeans and cargo pants that I like to wear in the spring. They save me so much time when I do my laundry because I can just slip them onto the rod. It's even easier to create a rotating capsule wardrobe and stay organized when you have these hangers. Jordan Bowman, commerce editor Reebok Club C Jjjjound Suede Reebok has had a long-running collaborative partnership with the Canadian brand, Jjjjound. They released an exclusive colorway of the Club C sneaker a few years ago that caught my eye but I wasn't tempted enough to scoop up a new pair of sneakers at the time. During a recent sale, I saw a pair on sale and decided to go for it. I haven't had a pair of simple classic sneakers in my closet for a while and I was drawn to the subtle grey suede color as well. The shoe is also incredibly comfortable and easy to wear for hours. I also walked around the city for a couple of miles and my feet felt perfectly fine. If you want a more classic option without the suede Reebok has more colors available here. During a recent chat with a friend I mentioned how I wanted to get back into riding and he said he had an extra bike lying around. He's an avid cyclist and said he would drop off the bike for free as long as I agreed to log some miles. I'm happy to admit I've been obsessed ever since. I've taken rides around my neighborhood almost daily, just exploring and getting used to the way the Continuum Onyx works. The bike also has a hassle-free gear shifter, fenders to help with the rain and front hub powered lights so every time you peddle the front tires power up the light so you don't have to worry about charging them up. Ashley Morris, associate SEO reporter Salomon XT-6 Sneakers I recently took a (fabulous) trip to Rio de Janeiro, and before leaving I decided to get a new pair of sneakers for the hiking I had planned (and as a bit of an early birthday gift to myself). I've wanted a pair of Salomons for a few years now, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger — especially because when I bought them, they were on sale at Ssense. After wearing them while hiking through the jungle and walking down cobblestone streets, I can definitely say they're one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned. The sole grip is strong enough to prevent slipping, but not too much so as to trip me up while I'm walking (which is very important to a notoriously trip-prone person such as myself). I also love the sneaker's bright colors — the shoes come in a wide range of designs, and the ones I chose add a pop of brightness to my neutral outfits, or serve as a point of contrast in outfits with other bright colors involved. Tankair Studio Half-Moon Halter I bought my first top from Tankair Studios back in January, and I love it so much that I'm now fully committed to their high-quality basics. This halter top has a scooped neckline and slight flare at the bottom, which makes for a very flattering fit. It's made from a soft polyester-spandex blend, and is machine washable on a delicate cycle, according to the brand. I bought this as a casual top and so far it's been great for nights out with friends, days spent walking the city and the occasional dinner date. I also like that it has a slightly heavy feel to it — it makes the top feel more durable and resistant to damage from daily wear and tear. I received a sample of this sunscreen from Round Lab shortly before my trip to Rio, and it's been my daily, go-to formula since. The SPF 45 provides UVA and UVB protection and is safe for sensitive skin, according to the brand. It doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it great for oily skin like mine. I wore it to the beach and in the water with no issues. I love that it doesn't leave a white cast, regardless of how much I apply. Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter Counterpart The Charger Exposed and tangled wires have always been a major eyesore for me until I tried Counterpart's charger. It's a round, colorful, retractable charger the size of my palm. Unlike traditional chargers, which tend to have one set length for their wires, I can connect my devices to the retractable 4-foot cord wherever they are in my space since the cord length's adjustable. When I'm done or if I want to travel with it, I don't have to worry about it getting tied in knots since I can just hit a button that automatically feeds the cord back into its round case. Plus, it's way chicer-looking than my boxy, boring chargers. Houndsy Kibble Dispenser Growing up, I hated scooping out dog food because the smell was always terrible. The solution? This kibble dispenser. Instead of scooping it out, I now dump a bag of my 9-year-old pitbull's food into this stunning wooden storage system. Not only does it hide her food's colorful packaging and eliminate the kibble odor that tends to linger when it stays in its bag, but it also automatically portions out her food. You can set it to dispense as little as ½ cup to as much as 3 ½ cups. All I have to do is pull the lever, and it will release the right amount so I don't have to do it manually. Kitsch Hair Perfume One of my favorite launches from this past month, with just a few sprays of this hair perfume my hair smell fresh and clean, like I just washed it. The brand sent me samples of all four of its fragrances and I immediately gravitated toward Amber Shores because it has notes (like kumquat and orchid) that I love in other body mists and perfumes. It gives my hair a warm, beachy vibe that's reminiscent of a luxurious vacation. I was a little worried that the spray would cause my hair to look greasy and flat, but I haven't had an issue with it so far. Zoe Malin, reporter Wild One Dog Harness I adopted a teeny 5-pound puppy this month, and before I brought her home, I was worried about finding a harness that would actually fit her. I've heard amazing things about Wild One for years, so I bought the brand's small adjustable harness. It's a little big on her right now, but I can make it tight enough that it fits pretty well, and she has room to grow into it. I love how much padding it has — it covers most of her chest and back. Even with my puppy's constant squirming, it's easy to put on and she seems to enjoy wearing it, too, which is half the battle. Is this collar technically for cats? Yes — in fact, both of my cats have one. But because my puppy is so tiny, I bought her one and it's a perfect fit. You can customize the collar with your pet's name and your phone number, eliminating the need for a dangly ID tag, which puppies and kittens tend to chew on, in my experience. Since my pup is so small and fast, I worry about losing track of her in my apartment so I appreciate that it also comes with a bell. Within minutes of bringing my puppy home, it became very clear that I needed something other than her crate to keep her in one place when I couldn't hover over her. I found this gate at Petco, which converts into a playpen, giving me the best of both worlds. Since buying it, I put a wee wee pad inside since we're working on potty training, but it also comes in handy when I want to section off my apartment, giving my puppy enough space to run around where I can see her. The gate comes with three panels, one of which has a lockable door, and you can add or subtract panels depending on how large you want the gate or playpen to be. It's also flexible, so you can arrange it in different shapes. The whole thing comes assembled, and you don't need tools to reconfigure the gate to a playpen, or vice versa — you simply unscrew the panels from one one of my most used new puppy essentials, and I regret not buying it before she came home. Krups 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker While my family's two-slice waffle maker served us well for years, it was time for an upgrade. I like to make a big batch of waffles so everyone can eat them and save extras for later, so I knew I needed a four-slice model. After doing lots of research online, I settled on this one. It has five browning levels, so I can make some well-done waffles and some lightly browned ones. I love that it beeps and has a light that turns green when it's heated, ensuring that I start cooking at the right time. There's also a built-in cord wrap for storage. I recently got my feet analyzed at Fleet Feet, and in addition to learning that I've been wearing the wrong size running shoes for my whole life, I discovered that I have rigid arches. That means my feet don't absorb shock effectively, which can lead to injuries like shin splints and foot pain, especially when I run long distances. The pros at Fleet Feet recommended getting these insoles to solve some of my problems. The second I tried them on, I was shocked by how much support they added to my sneakers. The insoles hug my feet in all the right places, add extra cushioning where I need it and stabilize my heels and ankles. I wear multiple pairs of sneakers a week, so I put these insoles in each shoe before I run — taking them in and out of shoes every day is kind of annoying, but it's worth it. I've only been using the insoles for about a week and I can already tell how much less fatigued my feet feel post-run. I can't believe I ran without these for so long. Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager Before my two-week trip to Japan I had to stock up on film for my camera, and Kodak's Portra 400 has been my go-to for years. I tend to reserve it for big moments like vacations because it's pricier than other options, but it's so worth the splurge if you're looking to achieve a more cinematic look with your photos. It uses a fine-grain, low-contrast film, so it's not ideal if you're trying to capture more vibrant color in your photographs. I'm always so in love with how my pictures turn out when I shoot with it. Biodance Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask I have been a fan of the Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask for over a year now, so when I saw this one, which has been recently trending on TikTok, I immediately threw it in my basket. Unlike the collagen mask, which is meant to improve skin elasticity and minimize pores, this mask is designed to reduce redness and repairs the skin barrier, according to the brand. The start of spring allergy season has already begun irritating my skin, making it feel more sensitive. Because of that, I was hesitant to put on the mask, but I'm so glad I did. Not only was it instantly calming on my skin, but when I took it off after sleeping in it, the redness and rough texture I was struggling with had improved substantially and I had no irritation. I will definitely be restocking these regularly. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneaker Before my plane to Japan even took off, I had already planned to buy a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers upon arrival, and on my second day in Tokyo, I did just that. The brand's popularity surge was evident by just how packed the store was and I understand why. Their shoes are a great alternative to Adidas Sambas and since they're leather they feel more elevated than most everyday sneakers. I found the slim fit more flattering than other athletic shoes and although they look like they would be uncomfortable to wear for long periods because of the flatter bottom, they were surprisingly supportive. I walked over 20,000 steps in them in one day without any pain. Sure, my feet were a little tired by the end of the day, but that had more to do with how much I walked. Cory Fernandez, commerce editor Future Society Floating Forest Future Society sent me a sample of its Floating Forest perfume and I immediately fell in love with its bergamot top note. While it comes off as very citrusy and herby at first, it mellows out once it's been on my skin and clothing for hours. After it settles in, it becomes earthy, with base notes of cedarwood. I can already say it'll be my go-to fragrance for the summer months ahead. I've been seeing these Seavees clogs everywhere and after the brand sent me a sample I can now understand the hype. They have a modern shape, the uppers are super flexible and not too tight and the soles are incredibly soft. I love wearing them for quick grocery store runs, trips to a coffee shop or a friend's house, especially since I can easily slip my feet in them with little effort. I also love that the back of the clog doesn't rub harshly against the back of my foot. Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor Minor History The Frame Shoulder Bag A little peek behind the curtain: As an editor, I get tons of email pitches from PR reps introducing (or reintroducing) me to new or established brands. That's how I first learned about Minor History and after receiving a sample from their new spring collection, I was immediately impressed. The big draw for me behind this particular bag (beyond its color) is how secretly spacious it is — it easily fits a water bottle, keys, sunglasses in a hard case, earbuds, snacks, a lip gloss and other little knickknacks. The bag's also designed really well: It holds its shape without feeling too structured and has a long enough handle drop that it still fits over a thicker sweater or jacket without being too tight, which I appreciate. Plus, it doesn't fall over when I set it on a table. It has a perfect slouchiness that still makes it feel cool and relaxed without sacrificing function. Nikki Brown, SEO editor Yamron Soil Moisture Meter Happy gardening season to everyone who celebrates. I'm feeling extra prepared this year with an action plan and, most importantly, an actual timeline to stick to. Every year, I cover crops to prepare my soil for new plants and to pull this off successfully, you need to make sure that your soil is at an optimal temperature for whichever seeds you're planting. I've officially graduated from mostly guesswork to a proper temperature meter. I'm loving this all-in-one device because it also measures moisture percentage, light exposure and soil pH, which means I can geek out on a whole other level as I plant things. If there is such a thing as a 'makeup uniform,' I think I'm getting closer to one I absolutely love. I'm already a huge fan of Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint and the brand's new brown mascara (which the brand sent me to try) is already one of my favorite everyday products. I am very late to the brown mascara hype — black mascara is such a staple and one of those habits that can take a long time to break but I'm glad I finally did. Brown mascara gives my lashes the same level of lift and definition but it doesn't look as harsh or extreme compared to the rest of my no-makeup makeup look. I'll definitely be repurchasing after this tube runs out. Harry Rabinowitz, reporter Pentax 17 Film Camera This might be one of the best new cameras for beginners looking to try film photography. I've been using it for a little over two months after the brand sent me one to try out, and it deftly mixes modern and vintage features to create an easy and fun point-and-shoot experience. You can easily capture great images in the auto mode, but the other modes and exposure compensation dial help more experienced photographers control their shot. Uniqlo Wide Sweatpants I love a wide leg pant and a pair of cozy sweatpants — this is the perfect combination of the two. I wanted to add a new sweatsuit to my wardrobe, and when I saw these sweatpants and the matching hoodie at Uniqlo, they looked cozy and the price was right. The wide-leg design gives them a more stately appearance than your typical sweatpants and gives 'leaving the house in sweats' a new connotation. These are now the most comfortable sweatpants I own and my go-to travel outfit. I got them in navy, which is currently unavailable online, but I'm already looking to get another pair in black or gray. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about home and lifestyle topics, such as the best mattresses, reusable water bottles and handheld vacuums. I surveyed my colleagues for their favorite purchases and samples from this month.
