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NBC News
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Here's everything our readers added to their carts in May
Summer is almost officially here, which means two things are at the top of most people's minds: travel plans and surviving the heat. Here at NBC Select, we've put a lot of time and thought into how we'll navigate the sweaty months, including researching full-body deodorants, testing over 50 breezy white T-shirts and rounding up our favorite portable air conditioners, and our readers were definitely on the same page, with skin and body care essentials dominating our bestsellers list. That's in addition to buying travel must-haves like portable chargers and wireless headphones to gear up for a stress-free new season. Read on for a full list of the bestsellers NBC Select readers shopped in May. May bestsellers If you're planning a summer getaway, believe me, you'll want a portable charger (especially if your priorities are photos and videos). This Anker one is about the size of a tri-fold wallet and has a USB-C cable built into the battery itself, so you don't have to pack an extra charging cable. Plus, it has an extra USB-C and USB-A port that lets you charge multiple devices at the same time, which comes in handy if you're traveling with friends or family. It can charge most smartphones two full times before running out of juice. Hypochlorous acid sprays are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and help soothe reactive or inflamed skin, so it's great to have on-hand during the hot summer months or after a workout. Use this on your body and face to help soothe eczema flare-ups or generally irritated skin. It's also free of fragrances and preservatives, so it's safe for sensitive skin. If you have dry or irritated skin even in the summer, hyaluronic acid could be your solution: it acts as a humectant, so it draws water into your skin like a sponge. The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum is free of fragrance, alcohol and oil, which makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin has used this serum every day for the last six months, and she loves that it's lightweight, dries quickly and has a cooling effect. 'My skin soaks it right up,' she says. This mint-flavored Crest toothpaste protects your gums and enamel, removes plaque buildup and tartar, and protects against cavities. It has hydrated silica, which is a gently abrasive ingredient that scrubs surface stains off teeth. It's sensitive teeth-friendly, too. Sometimes, warehouse club memberships just make life easier — you can buy items in bulk, which helps save you the time and effort of having to grocery shop during the week. Sam's Club has one of the lowest-priced memberships with a $50 annual membership fee (which was on sale this month for just $25). The Club tier membership gives you access to savings on gadgets, groceries, household essentials and more, as well as additional perks like members-only deals and sales, same-day delivery and fuel discounts. There's also the Sam's Club Plus membership, which comes with extra benefits like free Delivery from Club or free shipping, pharmacy savings and more cash back. The Tower 28 facial spray, which has hypochlorous acid, is a staple in my gym bag — I'll apply it after a sweaty workout on my way home, and it immediately soothes my irritated, rosacea-prone skin. You can use this spray morning and night in place of your toner and before moisturizing. Earlier in May, Pharmaceutical company AvKare issued a voluntary recall of more than 75,000 cases of eye drop solution nationwide after an audit by the Food and Drug Administration. This warm compress is an expert-recommended alternative for soothing irritated eyes. It has 30 self-heating eye compresses to relieve dry eyes, reduce eyelid inflammation and unblock glands in the eyes, according to the brand. You can also purchase it using your FSA funds. You've likely seen your facialist use a pore vacuum to remove pesky blackheads and gunk. But they're not only available to the pros — you can use them at home, too (as long as you're using them with caution). This blackhead remover comes with five tip sizes and four suction modes, ranging from soft to super strong. The device is rechargeable and has a screen so you can see what mode it's on. Our top overall pick for best filtered showerhead, this one from Jolie has a built-in filtration system that purifies the water before it hits your body. Malin tested this showerhead over the past year, and she's noticed that her skin is less dry and her hair is softer. Jolie also makes managing filter subscription online easy, with options to skip or delay a filter delivery when needed. The Apple Airpods 4, which launched in September of 2024 and were heavily discounted in May, are a great alternative for those who hate the Apple AirPods silicone eartips since they have a semi-open design. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz tested these earbuds over two months, and says they're worth the upgrade due to their impressive noise cancellation, easy controls and lightweight, comfortable design. Plus, the charging case can recharge wirelessly and has a built-in speaker, so you can ping it using Apple's FindMy app and find it much easier. Parodontax's toothpaste helps break down and remove plaque, which is a collection of bacteria, food and other debris that sticks to your teeth and can cause gingivitis (also known as early gum disease) and swollen, bleeding gums. It also helps kill bacteria on your teeth, leading to a healthy, bright smile. Styes are an annoying and painful part of life, caused by a blockage of the eyelid oil glands that leads to a bacterial infection. If you're looking to get rid of the red, swollen bump along the eyelash line, this cleanser removes oil, debris, pollen and makeup from your eyelids. It has polyaminopropyl biguanide, a preservative that has antibacterial properties and kills bacteria contributing to the irritated eye area. You can also get pre-moistened pads as well, which are great for travel. Another Apple product we named as our Deal of the Day, the Apple iPad Air sits right in the middle of Apple's tablet lineup — it's more capable than the iPad (A16) but not as up-to-date as the iPad Pro (M4). But it's worth it if you're looking for a cheaper mode: It's fast (especially in graphically demanding apps) and has an anti-reflective screen with increased color depth and contrast. It's also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, which makes it a good fit for artists and creatives. 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 13 bestselling products among our NBC Select readers during the month of May.
NBC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Memorial Day sales heat up as tariff hikes loom
Memorial Day sales are underway, with shoppers expected to spend $289 on average, which is slightly less than last year. NBC Select editor Zoe Malin suggests now's the time to buy big-ticket items like appliances and furniture, before summer tariff hikes drive prices 23, 2025
NBC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The best Memorial Day sales at Home Depot: Shop 34+ great deals on tools, tech, mattresses and more
Most of my big home improvement projects require a trip to Home Depot, and if you're in the same boat, now's a great time to save with Memorial Day sales in full swing. We're already seeing steep discounts on big ticket items like appliances and mattresses, in line with expert advice from our Memorial Day Shopping guide. I associate Home Depot with DIY, so I'll be personally eyeing the brand's discounted hand tools and paint supplies. And similar to Amazon's Memorial Day sales, you don't need any special membership to shop. As a reporter for NBC Select, I've covered sale events like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and daily deals for years. Below are the best Memorial Day deals I found on Home Depot. I'll update this list as prices and deals change. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best Home Depot Memorial Day 2025 deals to shop now All of our recommendations are based on previous coverage and reporting, with a mix of editor favorite, brand bestsellers and expert-recommended picks. I bought a Ryobi cordless drill nearly 10 years ago and it's proved a reliable and essential tool in all my household projects across multiple moves. This set includes a cordless drill and an impact driver, plus two batteries, a battery charger and a tool bag. Pair it with a Ryobi drive bit kit, and you can tackle all kinds of DIY tasks. This electric pellet grill uses wood pellets instead of gas or charcoal to create heat, and infuses a smoky, woody flavor to food. You can adjust the heat between a low and slow smoke mode and a high of up to 450 degree fahrenheit. It also has a meat probe built-in to the grill, which shows the internal temperature on a small screen on the outside of the grill. If you want a larger cooking area, the Traeger Pro 34 is also on sale. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown recommends Miracle-Gro fertilizer as a reliable all-purpose fertilizer. This smaller bag is best for in-ground flowers, annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees and shrubs, and can feed plants for up to three months, according to the brand. If you have an older TV that's running slowly or not loading smart TV apps anymore, you may be able to speed things up by plugging in a streaming device. This Fire TV Stick is the brand's fastest and latest model. You can download all your favorite apps and watch TV shows, sports and movies to your heart's content. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin loves her Serta hybrid mattress, and this model is one of the most affordable from the brand. It has a cooling top cover and a mix of memory foam and coils inside the mattress. It's available in sizes from twin to California king. A leaf blower can help speed up outdoor yard cleaning, and this model from Milwaukee is compact, portable and convenient. It's powered by rechargeable batteries, and you can easily lock in to any power level with the slider on the handle. If you already have Milwaukee batteries and chargers, you can buy the Milwaukee M18 blower all on its own (on sale). Raised garden beds can be easier for beginners to use than planting in the ground. This model is a little over 32-inches high and has a planter that's about 8.6-inches deep. The bed is made of cedar wood and comes with a detachable fabric liner. You can use these genius little cleaning gadgets to spot or deep clean spaces, including walls, according to our experts. The best part is how easy they are to use: all you have to do is add water, squeeze out the excess, then go to work on stains and dirt. More Home Depot Memorial Day 2025 sales to shop now Best appliance sales Up to 40% off select washing machines Up to 40% off select dryers Up to 40% off select refrigerators Up to 30% off select ranges Up to 35% off select dishwashers Best outdoor sales Up to 25% off select blowers Up to 25% off select lawn mowers Up to 20% off select riding lawn mowers Up to 32% off select pressure washers Up to 42% off select string trimmers Up to 45% off select soils Up to 31% off select outdoor plants Up to 20% off select planters Best tool sales Up to 51% off select drills Up to 61% off select power tool batteries Up to 65% off select saws Up to 46% off select inflators Up to 51% off select sanders Best home and furniture sales Up to 25% off select bathtubs Up to 15% off select showers and shower doors Up to 25% off select toilets Up to 30% off select kitchen faucets Up to 30% off select bathroom faucets Up to 40% off select mattresses Up to 56% off select patio conversation sets Up to 30% off select patio dining sets Up to 39% off select indoor plants Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, fitness and deals. To round up the best Memorial Day sales at Home Depot, I found discounted products and retailer sales across the web, including products and brands recommended from previous NBC Select coverage.
NBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Paravel's website is shut down — 5 pieces of luggage to shop instead
This just in: Popular luggage brand Paravel has shut down its website, and customers are taking to Reddit to report that their not-yet-shipped orders have been cancelled. There are even reports that the company has filed for bankruptcy. We've covered the brand in the past, including in our story on the best luggage sets. The brand, which is known for its retro style trunks and weekenders, is currently still available on select third-party retailers — including Amazon and Bloomingdale's — but it is hard to say how long stock will last or if those items will even ship. If you're looking for luggage for an upcoming trip and were considering Paravel, we've gathered alternatives below. All of these recommendations have either been recommended by experts or NBC Select editors in previous reporting or have high ratings from hundreds of reviews. If you liked Paravel's trunk, consider this option from Away. It has a lightweight polycarbonate shell and a patented compression system inside that allows you to pack enough for a three-week trip, according to the brand. The trunk is also 20% off on the brand's website through Memorial Day. Also nice: Away just started selling their most popular suitcases, including The Trunk, on Amazon. One of our favorite weekender bags, this option is similar in style to Paravel's popular canvas bags. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin loves that it has a separate, zippered shoe compartment she can keep the dirty soles of her running sneakers away from her clothing. It also has several inner pockets to organize your stuff, top handles and a removable shoulder strap. One of our NBC Select Travel Award winners, our testers liked how easy this bag was to maneuver. It has a polycarbonate shell and inner compression panels for maximum packing room. It also has multifunctional spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock and a laundry bag included for dirty clothes when you travel. Another Travel Award winner, Dagne Dover's Dakota Backpack, is great as a personal item on a flight or for commuting to work. Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager, finds the neoprene material super easy to clean with warm water and soap. The backpack also has padded straps for comfort, a zippered front pocket and an interior laptop sleeve. As the daughter of a pilot, I've been traveling my entire life, which means I've been through my fair share of luggage. This duffel has been a game changer for me. I've used it on weekend trips or as my personal item on a plane, along with my spinner suitcase. The top handles are long enough to throw over your shoulder, but it also comes with a detachable crossbody strap. The main compartment is super roomy and there is a separate compartment for shoes. I also love that the exterior is made from an easy-to-wipe-down nylon. I recently travelled with my 4-year-old and 4-month-old, and this bag fit diapers, tons of snacks, coloring books, bottles and a change of clothes for all of us. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers various topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
NBC News
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale: Hoka, Le Creuset and more are up to 60% off right now
With summer just around the corner, you may need a wardrobe refresh. Luckily for you, Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is on, with deals of up to 60% off products across categories like apparel, sneakers, cookware and more. Below, I rounded up some of the best deals from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly sale that you can shop right now, including options our NBC Select editors have tried and love. HOKA Clifton 9 $116.00 $145.00 Nordstrom Now 20% off What to Consider NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin loves this running shoe from Hoka, which she says has 'just the right amount of everything.' They're comfortable enough to walk in for miles, and she says the outsole has a light, springy feel that helps to propel her feet forward as she walks. Le Creuset makes top-of-the-line cookware, and right now you can get this enameled cast-iron braiser for over 40% off. It's dishwasher-safe, and great for frying, steaming, and more, according to the brand. It also has an ergonomic handle and includes a matching lid. Hunter is one of our favorite rain boot retailers, and this pair has a shorter shaft that's perfect for the spring-summer transition. They're waterproof (of course) with a removable insole, along with an adjustable buckle on the side, according to the brand. I wore these sneakers for the first time while hiking through the Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and they got me through the entire day without a single blister or foot pain. They have a cushion-stabilized sole for extra comfort, and a mesh upper that makes the shoe breathable enough to be worn even in hotter temperatures. Plus, the stylish colorways are a great addition to any outfit. My Spanx AirEssentials sweater is one of my favorite pieces to wear at home, and these pants are made from the same lightweight, breezy fabric. They have a stylish wide leg and an elastic drawstring waist for adjustable comfort, and can be either dry cleaned or machine washed, according to the brand. The pants are available in sizes XS-XL. Good luggage is a travel essential, and this set from Bugatti includes a checked and carry-on bag — everything you need for your next getaway. Each suitcase has 360-degree spinner wheels and a zippered expansion system on the larger suitcase that lets you pack 20% more, according to the brand. We just tested a lot of white t-shirts, so believe me when I say I know a good baby tee when I see one. This one has a slim, yet loose fit and is made from a soft, stretchy cotton that's breathable even in warmer weather, according to the brand. It can be washed on a warm cycle in the machine, and should be laid flat to dry. You can quickly put on and remove this sneaker thanks to its easy-slip design, making it great for running quick errands or travel. It includes a removable insole for a customizable, comfortable fit and is made from a knit material that stretches and cushions your feet as you walk, according to the brand. More Nordstrom deals to shop now Up to 40% off designer items Up to 60% off women's shoes Up to 50% off beauty & fragrance Up to 70% off accessories Up to 70% off handbags Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who's been covering deals and sales for over a year. To find the best deals from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, I rounded up highly rated, on-sale items, as well as items our NBC Select editors love.
