Latest news with #coolingproducts
CNN
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
45 cooling products that work wonders at keeping you cool — even when your AC won't
Cooling products quick picks Cooling towel: Mission Original Cooling Towel Cooling beauty product: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist Cooling neck fan: Gulaki Bladeless Portable Neck Fan Cooling bedding: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set Window AC unit: LG 8,000-BTU LW8016ER Window Air Conditioner When the temperature starts to climb, the best cooling products help keep you comfortable both indoors and outdoors. From neck fans to cooling blankets, a variety of gadgets and home products can make all the difference in being a sweaty mess or staying cool. We've crafted a list of our best-tested cooling fans, cooling apparel, cooling pillows and beyond for a much more tolerable summer. There are even some cooling beauty products that can help calm your skin after scorching-hot days. A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Mission Original Cooling Towel Out of the 10 cooling towels we tested, this one delivered the most immediate relief. Beyond providing an unmatched cooling sensation, it also won points for its portability. Read our review Mission Max Plus Cooling Towel The Mission Max Plus is from the same company as our top pick, so it's no surprise that it shares many of the same features. Although we found the material a little too thick, it beat the Mission Original when it came to overall cooling our review Chill Pal Mesh Cooling Towel The Chill Pal kept cool for around 45 minutes, the longest of all the towels we tried. Even so, it wasn't great at providing instant relief, so ultimately did not nab our top our review Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set These sheets have made several CNN Underscored editors fall head over heels. Made with viscose from bamboo, these sheets are cool to the touch and even moisture-wicking. Coop Sleep Goods The EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow After searching for the right pillow for years, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus finally found the perfect match: The EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow. Whereas most pillows were too lumpy or hot, Kraus said this one "feels like an AC" for her head. Read our review Nest Cooling Mattress Topper This cooling topper is not a mattress itself, but we wanted to highlight a product that one editor thinks can actually make any mattress feel like a cooling mattress. (Plus, mattresses are expensive, you know?) Made with cool-to-the-touch foam that you sink right into, this mattress topper has completely changed the way she sleeps. Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow Cooling pillows for hot sleepers come in a variety of materials like shredded foam, gels and cotton. Look for one that holds in coolness and wicks away moisture. This well-priced, high-rated foam pillow is infused with a temperature-regulating gel for a cool night's sleep. Casper Foam Pillow With cooling foam and a three-layer design meant to make it extra huggable (who doesn't want that?), this is one of our favorite pillows to sleep on night after night. Leisure Town Cooling Mattress Pad With more than 35,000 reviews, this highly rated cotton mattress topper is filled with a down alternative to deliver comfort that reviewers love without heat and sweat. Columbia PFG Freezer III Dress Walking outside in the summer can feel like going into a home sauna, but with this ingenious dress, you can feel more at ease. Our associate editor Rachel Dennis tested out this cooling dress, which lives up to its name. If you buy one dress this summer, it should be this our review Free Fly Women's Bamboo Shade Hoodie II UPF clothing can keep you from getting burned and from overheating. You can wear it hiking, fishing, walking — just about anywhere. This hoodie from Free Fly is no exception. Made of bamboo viscose fabric, it'll help keep you cool and comfortable. It also comes in men's sizing. Cherrydew Short-Sleeve Button-Down Pajama Shorts Set If you're a hot sleeper, a pair of cooling pajamas is essential (and not just in the summer). These ones are made with breathable bamboo viscose and are a steal compared to fancier brands. Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts Chafing and overheating are two of summer's biggest issues when it comes to clothing, and this pair of lightweight shorts addresses both of these conundrums. The performance fabric pulls heat and moisture away from the body, and the shorts come in a bunch of colors to coordinate with your outfits. Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion You spent the day in the sun but, unfortunately, ended up with a burn. That's where after-sun lotions come into play. They feel cooling and calming on the skin, and this dermatologist-recommended option is loaded with hydrating and soothing ingredients. Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea In our roundup of the best cooling beauty products, Dr. Corey L. Hartman of Skin Wellness Dermatology said this spray delivers 'a quick burst of cooling to your face.' He added that you can apply it 'during the day to help cool or spritz the face right before you apply moisturizer in the morning or evening.' La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist This cooling face mist contains selenium, a potent antioxidant that is free of fragrance and preservatives, making it great for sensitive skin. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine keeps it on hand to cool and calm down her skin post-workout. Sofie Pavitt Face Nice Ice Toner Pods Packed with soothing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, green tea extract and ashwagandha, this is essentially a popsicle for your face. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw recommends rubbing it across your face until it has melted. Coola Refreshing Water Mist Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 18 This cooling mist doesn't just cool your face with organic aloe, coconut water and hyaluronic acid; it also protects it from the sun with SPF 18. Ole Henriksen Balance Cold Plunge Pore Mask With eucalyptus, green tea, algae and Irish moss extracts, this mask can help soothe inflamed or acne-prone skin. Salicylic and lactic acid also work to loosen dead skin and help to unclog pores. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask If you've got dry skin, this one's for you. Hyaluronic acid adds hydration to the skin while the cucumber, thyme and olive oil extracts in this mask soothe skin to help it feel cooler. Esarora Ice Roller If you're not into ice itself, an ice roller is a solid second option. This gel and water roller is a CNN Underscored favorite and also has a number of celebrity our review Milk Makeup Cooling Water This hydrating gel stick, made with caffeine and seawater, can be kept in the fridge for an extra-cooling sensation. Gulaki Bladeless Portable Neck Fan After we tested five neck fans in the Southern California sun, this one came out on top. In addition to having the most powerful fan, it also boasts an impressive five hours of battery life on its highest our review Amacool Neck Fan Of course you want to keep your neck cool, but this best-tested adjustable fan can cool your face and other areas too. It has three speed settings and can be folded up and tossed in your our review Comlife Bladeless Neck Fan Our editorial director wears this neck fan to keep cool while riding the New York City subway. Thanks to its 5W of power, it should make the muggiest months of the year bearable. Brooklinen Washed European Linen Core Sheet Set These Brooklinen sheets are soft and light, wicking away heat effectively for people who sleep warm but still regulating heat nicely in cooler climates. Simultaneously high-end and already perfectly worn in, these were delightful from the first our review Parachute Linen Sheet Set Among the most luxe feeling we tested, the Parachute linen sheets have a pleasant weight in hand and a unique texture. The Parachute sheets come in a broad range of colors and sizes, and each different piece of the bedding set is available individually for replacements or to mix and match with other our review Simple & Opulence 100% Pure Linen Sheet Set The Simple & Opulence sheets held their own in comfort and design, with a soft feel out of the box and lovely satin-stitched piping along the edge of the top sheet. The Simple & Opulence set has the weight and hand of much more expensive sheets, but they come at nearly half the our review The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set These light and gauzy but durable Citizenry linen sheets are a master class in stylish rest. Woven in a mill in Portugal from French flax, these have deep pockets and an amply sized top sheet to fit on any depth of our review Cultiver Linen Sheet Set Offering the best of all worlds, the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set feels elegant straight out of the box. The sheets fit on the bed impeccably and they only got softer with repeated washings. Available in more colors than any other linen sheets we tested, these sheets will satisfy nearly any taste or our review Bearaby Tree Napper Especially cooling, Bearaby's Tree Napper is made from moisture-wicking Tencel that uses eucalyptus fiber, a material that's naturally even cooler than linen and super soft to the our review Brooklinen Linen Quilt Mix and match this irresistibly soft linen quilt with your favorite cooling sheets for a chic, laid-back layered look. Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket If you're looking for a heavily weighted cooling comforter option, the Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket comes with a beautifully soft hotel-quality cover too. Bedsure Cooling Blanket If you're looking for a cooling blanket to carry around the house with you all the time, this is the one for you. Cool to the touch on one side with a snugglier cotton on the other, it's thin enough that it can roll up really, really small, so it's great for smaller apartments and storage. Tranquility Cooling Weighted Blanket We've tried this weighted blanket for several months now, and we absolutely adore it. Cool on one side and plush on the other, it's available in 12-, 15- and 20-pound versions. Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Fan A combo mister and fan, this small device has a battery life of up to 12 hours and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It's great for staying cool while lounging on your patio or getting a workout in at your home gym. Jisulife Handheld Fan To stay cool while you're on the go, reach for this handheld fan, which we named the best portable fan, that will help keep you comfortable. It has three power settings and easily fits in a bag, since it's just 8 inches tall. Read our review Dyson Purifier Humidity+Cool Formaldehyde PH04 Fan, Humidifier and Air Purifier With a striking design and impressive features, the Dyson is unlike any other fan we tested — and is far more expensive — but it combines a fan, heater and air purifier, potentially replacing three our review Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan The Honeywell tower fan has a small footprint and sleek design, a sturdy base and eight speed settings. Plus, it's quiet and our review Rowenta Turbo Silence Standing Fan This cooling fan had the sturdiest base and rod of the pedestal fans we tested, a clearly labeled control panel and easy-to-assemble and maintain metal our review Vornado 660AE Large Air Circulator Fan Sit this fan on the ground and let it cool down your space. It's lightweight, easy to move around the house and even connects to Alexa for hands-free control. It was our favorite cooling floor fan in our our review Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) The Nest Learning Thermostat studies your habits and controls the temperature in your home automatically. These smarts, along with the simple interface, make it best in our review Google Nest Thermostat The inexpensive Nest Thermostat has the same simple interface and straightforward remote control options as its bigger sibling, but it can't learn your our review Amazon Smart Thermostat If you're on a budget and live in an Alexa household, the Amazon Smart Thermostat delivers excellent performance for its low our review LG 8,000-BTU LW8016ER Window Air Conditioner In our testing, we found that this classic and easy-to-use window AC can cool your space just as well as pricier units. Read our review The best products to keep you cool depend on the activity or situation at hand. Heading out on a hike? A cooling dress and a neck fan will keep you comfortable while you're spending time outdoors. If you're just trying to stay cool at home, then swapping out your seasonal bedding can make a huge difference in how you sleep throughout the night. It all depends on what you're looking to buy, but for each category we've covered in this article, there are key things to consider. If you're shopping for anything that's made of fabric, like cooling towels, sheets or clothing, it's smart to look for breathable materials like linen, cotton and other natural fiber blends. You can also keep an eye out for sweat- and moisture-wicking materials, especially for clothes and pajamas. For fans, air conditioners and other cooling devices, most of these products will list the size of the space they're effective at cooling. So, whether you're looking to cool down an entire apartment or a smaller room, you can find something that's a proper fit for your needs. The following FAQs were answered by the CEO of Mission, Jocelyn Thornton, and include reporting done by our editorial team. Do cooling fabrics actually work? Do cooling fabrics actually work? Cooling fabrics can make a difference in keeping you comfortable during warmer months. 'Opt for lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics with built-in UPF protection,' Thornton said. 'These materials help sweat evaporate faster, improve airflow and shield your skin from harmful UV rays—keeping you cool and comfortable in the heat.' How can you cool a room without AC? How can you cool a room without AC? If you're looking to cool down a room without an air-conditioning unit, you can opt for a standalone fan. Fans circulate air in your space and create a steady breeze that can help keep you comfortable while bringing down indoor temperatures. How do cooling blankets work? How do cooling blankets work? Most cooling blankets are crafted with fabrics that allow air to flow through, giving you the comfort of a blanket without overheating. These fabrics are moisture-wicking to remove perspiration away from the body, which helps keep you cool. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on cooling products. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist, and found and director of Skin Wellness Dermatology Jocelyn Thornton, CEO and founder of Mission CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Here, associate editor Jillian Tracy, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya and writer Ellen McAlpine drew on our large library of hands-on reviews and expert roundups to surface the best cooling products, from window ACs to cooling fans and other stellar home products.
CNN
5 days ago
- General
- CNN
The 38 best products we tried and loved in May
Somehow, the month of May has already come and gone, and it officially feels like summer. Last month, our editors starting prepping for the warmer weather by trying a variety of cooling products for the home, including Shark's newest TurboBlade fan that's taking over social media and a mix of SPF products we actually look forward to using. Below, check out what our team of product experts tried out last month and recommend adding to your cart, too. Litter Genie Style Pail The Diaper Genie in my daughter's nursery is a must-have on any new parent's registry, and not surprisingly, so is the litter disposal system by the same brand for cat children. After being completely *done* with the nauseating scent of my two cats' soiled litter over the last several years, I knew there had to be a better way. The odor-fighting Litter Genie is a genius tool for cat parents who want no trace of their pets' bathroom activity for a better smelling home. I'm not sure why it took me this long to make this small yet meaningful investment. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor Tulip Gem Natural Shade + Ceiling Mount Renters are likely well acquainted with the dreaded 'boob light' — the ubiquitous round light fixture favored by landlords — but now, finally, a company called Tulip is offering a solution. It invented a light shade that can be installed over the light fixture (no tools or holes in the ceiling required) to hide ugly fixtures and soften your overhead lighting. I tried out the sculptural Gem Natural; it took about 5 minutes to install and has completely elevated my space. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller I just moved into an apartment with outdoor space, and I can't wait to enjoy some fresh air this summer. What I'm not so excited about? Bugs. Soon after moving in, I realized that mosquitos also happen to love my new backyard. Luckily, I have a trusty Thermacell set up to keep them at bay. So far, no bites! — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Simplehuman 55L Regular Step Can x Katie Merz Who says a trash can has to be boring? Simplehuman recently collaborated with artist Katie Merz on a limited-edition collection, and I instantly fell in love with the bold, fun designs. (Cute illustrations of garbage on a trash can? Yes, please!). But after actually using the trash can in my kitchen for a few weeks, I'm equally in love with Simplehuman's genius features, like the attached liner pocket/dispenser, an odor-absorbing pod and an inner rim that holds the liner in place. There's a reason this brand is so beloved. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Smell House Juice Hoax Candle As someone who loves their earthy-based, sandalwood and patchouli scents, I was blown away by this candle from Smell House that reminds me of a fresh produce department. Its clean aromatics immediately filled up the room without being overpowering, and it feels like the perfect scent for spring and summer. The brand has some of the most unique candle scents equipped with visually appealing packaging that make the perfect gift. — Molly Flores, photo editor Victorinox Swiss Classic Multicolored 3-Piece Paring Knife Set I cook often, but because I like to use tools like this viral veggie chopper, I never really put a whole lot of thought into the knives I'm using (even though I know that a good knife is a chef's most important tool). But when I got a set of Victorinox's paring knives in hand, something clicked. These knives are relatively inexpensive at under $20, but they require almost no effort to use, as they slice through everything from tough produce to a big crusty loaf of sourdough bread with almost unbelievable ease — like butter, some might say! Now, I find myself reaching for these knives even more often than my trusty veggie chopper. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Shark TurboBlade Fan Shark's recent TurboBlade fan immediately caught my eye back when it began shipping in March. I knew I had to have one and have been using it for the past few weeks. It has an adjustable design that allows you to pivot two vents to exactly where cool air is needed. In my case, it means my partner and I can sleep with varying degrees of direct air for nights when we can't quite agree on the right temperature. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor Buzzy Kid's Plastic Grow Pot Kit, Sunflower This tiny garden kit is meant for kids, but it's also great for rusty gardeners like myself. I planted the included seeds and dirt in a different pot than the provided planter and, to my surprise, the seeds began to sprout in a few days. I'm excited to see these sunflowers bloom in my apartment. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer Elevated Dog & Cat Feeder My cat's vet suggested getting her an elevated food bowl to help with digestion and overall health, so I set out to find her the best of the best. Most options I looked at seemed hard to clean, poorly designed and made with unsafe plastic or other materials. However, this sturdy trough-style feeder is perfect and can be thrown in the dishwasher. It also gets bonus points for being non-toxic and BPA-free. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro Sandals I've long been a fan of Bedrock Sandals, but I just got a pair of the brand's Cairn Evo 3D Pros, and I'm falling in love all over again. They have the same design as the basic Cairn Evo 3D sandals I have, except with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. That means they have amazing traction, even in wet conditions, which is crucial for a water sandal. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Gola Elan Sneakers In case you missed it, colorful sneakers are having a moment. So, to jazz up my very bland sneaker collection, I was excited to step into these Gola kicks, which I'd been hearing a lot of lately. I love the more subtle Green Mist color that still works as an elevated neutral, and these shoes are a nice alternative to the Adidas Samba or other popular brands everyone else is wearing. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat This might be my new favorite summer hat. Is it the most fashionable? No. But I feel like I'm channeling my inner dad fashion whenever I have it on. It has a UPF 50+ rating, a wide brim and a neck flap to keep your face, ears and neck protected from the sun. I'll be wearing it whenever I know I'm going to spend a long time out under the hot summer sun. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina) Quite truly my favorite pair of flats I've added to my rotation, these ballet-inspired sneakers toe the line between classic and trendy. It's been worn by the likes of Bella Hadid and Charli XCX after all. You can't go wrong with any of the five hues, but I love the black because it styles easily and shows less wear. I've worn them to dress up a pair of jorts and to peek out beneath full-length skirts. They feature two styles of laces — a stylish satin and a practical cord. Hailing from the comfortable flats brand Vivaia, these ones are less so than its other offerings, but they still build light padding into the sole. — Jacqueline Saguin, deals editor Laneige Lip Glowy Lightweight Hydration Balm in Matcha Bubble Tea I'm in a big matcha phase right now, so when Laneige dropped a matcha version of its bestselling lip balm, I knew I had to try it. This one doesn't have a strong scent since matcha is pretty subtle, so if you don't like overpowering products, this one is worth a try. The brand also dropped a Taro Bubble Tea scent that pairs nicely with the matcha. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Read our review DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum I have this irrational, yet very real fear of wearing perfume that I don't realize is off-putting. Well, I've finally laid that fear to rest with the universally-pleasing DedCool eau de parfum in Xtra Milk. It smells clean enough to pass off as fresh laundry but it still feels substantial enough to add intrigue with notes of bergamot, white musk and amber. With this genderless, non-toxic and vegan formula, I can finally stop overthinking my signature scent and start enjoying it — knowing others are probably enjoying it too. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor GrandeWRAP Tubing Mascara With ProVitamin B5 I'm always on the lookout for a new mascara, and when I saw this in my sister's makeup bag, I was instantly intrigued since I've used the brand's lash-enhancing serum in the past. This became an instant staple in my own cosmetic bag for a few reasons. My lashes looked so much longer after just one coat — and like all good tubing mascaras, it's very easy to take off at the end of the day. Plus, the applicator makes it easy to reach every lash, even the tiny ones in the corner of your eyes. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Merit The Uniform I use tinted SPF on my face every day, and Merit just released one of its own that I can't get enough of. The Uniform is so light, and it really sinks into your skin more like a moisturizer would, rather than a foundation. The tint is super sheer (which is what I like, especially in summer when I feel like I'm sweating off my makeup), but it still leaves my skin looking velvety. After just a couple days of use, it's really giving my longtime favorite from Tower 28 a run for its money. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Patchology Skin Remedy Calm & Protect Mist I've been trying a lot of face mists lately to freshen up in the middle of the day, and my one complaint is that so many feel like you're getting hit in the face with harsh rain droplets. Patchology's newest version solves that problem thanks to its slow-release, ultra-fine mist, so the product absorbs evenly and quickly into the skin. It's like a little spa moment on demand. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Bask Non-Aerosol Invisible Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 The branding alone of the Bask Non-Aerosol Spray was enough for me to want to try this sunscreen. After including it in our best sunscreen testing pool, I found it quickly became a favorite of mine. The scent is a subtle nod to summer, the formula sprays on clear and the UV protection lasted me over two hours. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer Qure Skincare Microinfusion Kit I'm obsessed with microneedling. Every time I get a facial, I always ask for a microneedling session so my skin glows from the inside out. The process uses tiny needles — no more than a pin prick — to penetrate deeper layers of your skin. But like anything good for your face, it's expensive and costs hundreds of dollars at the spa. Thanks to Qure, this at-home version delivers salon-quality results at a fraction of the cost, and it's so easy to use at home. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Coastal Chic Amber Fleur Hair & Body Mist Having a solid hair mist is essential for the summer. It's hard to find one that won't feel heavy on my hair, but this one is so light and has an amazing smell. I have gotten so many compliments since I've started wearing this and I can't leave the house now without it. It's a sweet woodsy scent, yet not too overpowering. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Skorr Cleanse A decade ago, Clarisonic had everyone convinced that a vibrating facial cleansing brush was the best way to wash your face. I clutched onto my Mia 2 as the brand shuttered in 2020, but eventually had to retire it. I've tried other sonic cleansing tools over the years, but none stuck in my routine — until now. Dermatologist-founded Skorr made an ultrasonic cleansing brush that is ergonomic, effective and has a dual-sided head that features thermal heating and gentle exfoliation. It's sleeker, more travel-friendly and cheaper than my old Clarisonic, and it really helps me get any gunk off my face at the end of the day. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor Tilt Beauty Lashscape Mascara Very few beauty brands keep accessibility and adaptiveness top of mind. Tilt is not only certified by the Arthritis Foundation but also approved by the National Psoriasis Foundation. This smudge-resistant black mascara lifts and lengthens in just one swipe and comes in an ergonomically refillable package that makes it easy to open, hold and apply. As someone with joint pain, it's great to see a brand thinking of everybody who loves makeup. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Each & Every This Love Deodorant Summer is coming, which means sweaty days are ahead. Since natural deodorants don't stop the perspiration, it's imperative for me to find one that stays smelling fresh all day. I usually alternate between a few pretty good ones, but I've been reaching for my Each & Every stick the most. It's not the perfect formula (I find that the product gets a little messy around the top) but the scent is amazing and it actually lasts. I caught a whiff of the floral rose notes of This Love five hours after applying it, and I was shocked that it was actually me that I was smelling. The deodorant comes in five other essential oil-infused scents, from tropical to earthy. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor Phlur Vanilla Smoke Body Mist After doing some research on hair perfume, I landed on this mist spray from Phlur. It's the perfect blend of masculine and feminine scents. It has those incense, woody and smoky undertones I typically look for in a perfume that is rounded out by sweet vanilla, and I play around and mix it with various perfumes to make a custom scent each time. The best part is that a couple sprays around my head keeps my curls smelling heavenly all day long. — Molly Flores, photo editor Backbone Pro I only just raved about the Backbone Xbox Edition in last month's roundup of Editor Recs, but it's already been replaced in my daily rotation. The new Backbone Pro takes my favorite mobile gaming controller and goes even bigger, with a more substantial and ergonomic design that feels nearly as good as a legit PlayStation or Xbox gamepad. Playing console-grade titles like NBA 2K25 and Street Fighter IV: Champion edition on this thing has been a delight, as has digging through a bunch of my retro favorites via the Delta emulator. The Pro can even function as a standalone wireless Bluetooth controller when your phone isn't attached, meaning you can pair it right to your TV, computer or iPad when it's time for some big-screen gaming. My only complaint is that the Pro makes it too easy to start gaming from just about anywhere; my productivity has definitely suffered since. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor Sony WH-1000XM6 The funny thing about being a tech reviewer is how often I test something that I can fully recommend, but still don't use as my personal device. Often, that's because I'm covering a tablet or laptop that doesn't fit easily into the Apple ecosystem, which practically has me locked in on every category Apple covers. That's where the Sony XM6 noise-canceling headphones are different, as they've ripped the pretty-good AirPods Max clean off my ears. They're so much better than Apple at both noise cancelation and comfort that I don't mind losing the auto-pairing convenience that Apple users get with all things AirPods. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone 16 Pro Case When I upgraded to an iPhone 16 several months ago, I bought a clear case because I wanted to show off my shiny teal phone. It wasn't comfortable to hold and got dirty easily, so testing this vegan leather option from OtterBox was my first attempt at a replacement. This case is superior in every way, with a large cutout for the camera button and a matching color scheme. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker My latest round of Bluetooth speaker testing has yielded plenty of standouts, but the JBL Charge 6 is the speaker I keep coming back to. This thing is just built like a tank; it still pumps out big, crisp audio even after I've soaked it in water multiple times, which has earned it a rightful place as my new shower speaker. It comes in some great color options (I love my blue unit), has a handy detachable carrying strap and is still pretty compact for something so loud and rugged. And true to its namesake, it packs the ever-handy ability to double as a power bank that can charge up your phone when you're out and about. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor Twelve South PowerCord All-in-One USB-C Fast Charger Twelve South is one of my favorite brands in the tech accessory space, and releases like its new PowerCord are exactly why. This novel new charger combines a braided nylon USB-C cable with a 30-watt wall adapter into a single product. The next time any of my friends or family members ask for advice on a new charger, I'll certainly be recommending this new charger for its convienece alone. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor Anker Nano Power Bank One of my favorite things about product testing is when my favorite device retains its title in a new round of feverish competition. So when it came time to re-test the field to find the best portable charger, I've been happy to see the Anker Nano Power Bank stand strong amongst the field. Not only did it recharge an iPhone 16 just as well as every other device, but it also did well when recharging the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the iPad Pro M4 and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. But charging speeds aren't the only reason I love this pocket-sized power adapter: Its built-in USB-C cable doubles as a little strap that lets you hold the charger aloft while you're recharging your phone. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writerRead our review Ruth Lewandowski Wines 2023 Tatto Skin Contact White Blend I first tried this skin contact blend when I had a natural wine flight in Chicago and haven't stopped thinking about it since. Being out of town and knowing it's a tough job tracking down a wine, I sadly thought I'd never be able to indulge again. Luckily, Ruth Lewandowski, an American winemaker, has an online shop! I served this at a dinner party and my guests were blown away by this complex yet super drinkable dry wine with rich notes of floral, melon and everything spring. — Molly Flores, photo editor TushGuard Seat Cushion I recently bought a new desk chair and despite its steep price point, it is not comfortable to sit in for long periods. Yes, I realize I shouldn't sit all day and the discomfort is probably a nudge to stand up and stretch my legs. What can I say? I'm lazy. The TushGuard seat cushion allows me to indulge in that laziness by providing adequate softness and support with its memory foam cushion that can attach to your desk chair, car seat or even an airplane seat. The U-shape helps relieve hip pressure and provides superior comfort all day. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Lunette The Sleep Kit I tried the Lunette Sleep Kit this month, and it's become a part of my nightly wind-down routine. From the calming scents it comes with to the thoughtful design, it's a small upgrade that's made a big difference in how I relax before bed. The best thing is you don't even need any screens or sounds to relax. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Carpe Sweat-Absorbing Foot Lotion Listen, we all sweat, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I tend to get really sweaty feet in summer, and it can make wearing shoes unbearable. This lotion is easy to use and has done wonders for stopping the gross feeling of sweaty feet without feeling sticky or leaving residue. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Original Duckhead Vases Compact Eco-Friendly Duck Umbrella May was a wet one, so I needed a reliable umbrella to keep me dry. The only problem is I tend to lose one every time I step out of the house. However, I learned that if you actually like and enjoy the appearance of your objects, you'll keep them around. The original Duckhead umbrella has a ton of stylish designs that ensure I keep an eye on mine while being compact enough that it's not an annoyance to carry around. — Molly Flores, photo editor Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler The worst thing about Yeti coolers is their size and weight. When they're fully loaded, they can be a real pain to carry around the campground. That's why I love the Roadie 48, which has big wheels and makes transport easy. It doesn't have the same ability to be bear-resistant like the Tundra or the Tundra Haul, but I love the wheels and size for beach days. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Igloo 20-Ounce Sport Sipper Bottle When you test as many water bottles as I do, the little things make newcomers stand out. Sure, this Igloo bottle is insulated like most of the competition, but my favorite feature is the silicone base. It doesn't clank every time I put it back on my desk after taking a sip. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our team shared the latest products they've tried and can't get enough of.
