As a beauty reporter, part of my job is to try new products in the skin- and hair-care space each month, so I can share the best products with our readers. In May, for example, I reported on and tried various bestselling SPF lip balms and clarifying shampoos. With each article, I test multiple products from popular brands and get recommendations from experts so I can confidently write about products that are worth your money. My colleagues, who all cover different categories for NBC Select, do the same.
While only a select few products make it into the reporting we share for our site, there are also some standouts our editors tried for the first time in May that we think you should know about. Some of these items our team purchased directly, while others are courtesy samples from brands.
SKIP AHEAD Home & kitchen | Beauty & wellness | Travel | Outdoor | Pets
Our favorite home + kitchen finds
Anthropologie Ramona Wine Glasses
After a year of using my Ramona Coupe Glasses, I decided to add the matching wine glasses to my collection. I love entertaining, and these colorful two-toned, mouth-blown glasses are fun for everyone to enjoy — plus, it’s great decor for a bar cart. They’re lightweight and have a dainty element, so I’m very careful with them when pouring, drinking and handwashing. You can buy them in a set of four in one color or mix and match them to create your own set with various colors and glasses. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
AllerEase Maximum Waterproof Mattress Protector
Since I got a new mattress recently, I needed a new mattress protector. I ordered this one from Aller-Ease and love that it fully zips around my mattress, ensuring that all sides are protected from moisture, allergens (like dust) and pests (like bed bugs). It’s machine-washable, so I have no excuse not to clean it every so often, and it’s made from soft fabric that I can’t feel under my sheets. The brand recommends enlisting the help of another person to put the mattress protector on your bed — I ignored this advice and shouldn’t have. You have to lift the sides of your heavy mattress to get the protector around it, which is definitely a two-person job. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Addison Ross Chubbie Wood Salt or Pepper Mill
I had been needing a new salt and pepper grinder for some time and when I found these gorgeous lacquered ones from Addison Ross, I knew I needed to have them. They’re on the expensive side (especially when you’re buying two), but after a few weeks of using them I can say they’re totally worth it. I really care about the items in my space being as stylish as they are functional and these are no exception. The twist off silver top, specifically, is easy to screw on and off when I need to refill the mills, and I like that you can customize how fine you want the grindings to be. – Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
Ikea Identitet Flatware Set
I’ve been using mismatched flatware for years, but after testing spoons and getting new dinnerware, I was motivated to stop being lazy and finally upgrade. I live alone and don’t cook every day, so I knew I didn’t want anything extravagant. This set supplies everything I need and not one bit more. Each piece feels lightweight in my hand but not so light that it feels cheap. They regulate food temperatures nicely and feel secure in my hands — a truly no-frills purchase that I am completely happy with. – Nikki Brown, SEO editor
Our favorite beauty and wellness finds
Olay Cleansing Melts
After receiving this cleanser from Olay, it’s quickly become a staple in my nighttime skin care routine. Unlike other cleansers, this one’s perfect for weekend trips and family vacations because it’s convenient to travel with since it isn’t liquid, so I don’t have to worry about spills or TSA agents not approving it. The dissolving melts (which look like tiny paper towel squares no bigger than a quarter) are easy to use: I pour water over it and it instantly turns into a creamy, foamy liquid I can lather. It’s so gentle on my sensitive skin and quickly removes my makeup, sunscreen and other gross things my skin gathers throughout the day. Although my dry skin normally feels like a desert after using foaming products, this leaves my skin hydrated without that tight or uncomfortable feeling. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
I’m obsessed with this sunscreen. I just spent a couple of weeks traveling in Europe and used this on my face multiple times every day without any burning sensation. As a pale, freckled redhead, that’s a win in my book. The sunscreen’s formula easily blends and settles into my skin, and its sheer, green tint helps balance out any redness. It’s also fragrance-free, reef-safe and super lightweight yet moisturizing. I’ve been using this on my face year-round and only need to replace it every few months. It’s also a top pick in our guide to the best sunscreens for sensitive skin and a must-have in my skin care regimen. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Hanni Splash Salve
It’s been well over a month since I’ve used body lotion, and I am still moisturized, thanks to this miracle worker shower salve I’ve repurchased since testing it for our Wellness Awards. It eliminates the need for an out-of-shower body moisturizer, especially if you use it consistently over a couple of weeks. The scent is intoxicating, and I love how soft my skin always feels. I learned early that a little goes a long way, which is great news for my wallet. The application process takes some getting used to, but other than that, I can’t think of anything I don’t like about this stuff. It just makes life easier. – Nikki Brown, SEO editor
Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick
After hearing my friends and co-workers rave about Jones Road, I immediately knew I had to try out a few of their products. The I Am Me Kit, includes the all the essentials like the brand’s eye cream, lip pencil, brow pencil, lip and cheek stick and balm. I absolutely loved everything in the kit, but the standout for me was the multipurpose lip and cheek stick. It has such a lightweight feel and gives my skin a nice, natural-looking flush of color — something I didn’t think was going to happen since it looks so pigmented before you put it on. It’s easily blendable (I prefer using either a brush or my fingertips), and the color is buildable, so if you want a bolder color, you can keep layering on. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
I recently ordered this fragrance-free, tinted sunscreen from Amazon, and honestly wish I had gotten it sooner. It has everything you’d want in a powerful sunscreen, like sun protection and moisturizing properties, but it’s free of common issues a lot of other SPFs have, such as a strong scent and a leftover white cast. I love that it blends in seamlessly with my skin, especially as someone with a darker complexion, and it doesn’t run into my eyes or sting, even if I’m sweating. – Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
Our favorite travel finds
Apple AirTag
I recently trekked through Europe and wanted to ensure my luggage would be safe, sound and easily locatable. I’d heard about tracking devices like the Apple AirTag and Tile before, and as an Apple user decided to go with the former for my journey abroad. I can safely say this was one of the best purchases I’ve made; the process of pairing the AirTag with my iPhone was seamless and efficient. I really liked how I was notified whenever my suitcase was no longer detected near me and how I could view my suitcase’s location like I would a person on FindMyFriends. Overall, the AirTag gave me peace of mind when hopping on and off trains and planes. I’m now inclined to purchase the four-pack to keep track of my other frequently used bags. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Calpak Insulated Lunch Box
I bring food to work every day, so having a reliable lunch box is very important to me. Calpak (one of our favorite AAPI-owned brands) sent me it’s insulated model to try, which is designed to resemble a purse. It has a chic, sophisticated look, so it’s more “grown up” than the previous lunch box I was using. The interior is deep and roomy, giving me enough space to add a few small containers and one larger bento box. There are also two exterior side pockets for water bottles (or, in my case, a can of Poppi), and an interior pocket where I put little bags of snacks, utensils and condiments in. The lunchbox cinches closed at the top, and there are two sets of handles to carry it. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Morfone 16-Pack Toiletries Travel Bottle Set
I brought this toiletry set with me on my recent trip and was so impressed by how functional, convenient and leak-proof they are. The set comes with four silicone bottles, four small jars and two spray bottles that were the perfect alternative to checking my full-size skin care essentials. I was so worried about the bottles leaking but didn’t experience this at all, which was such a relief while traveling. The bottles’ caps are also simple to use and administer liquids effortlessly, which made getting ready and unready a breeze. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Our favorite outdoor finds
Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
I went birding for the first time through a local Audubon society and I’m now hooked. Most of the binoculars they handed out were from the brand Celestron, so, after reading positive reviews, I bought this pair from the brand. I’ve only used them a handful of times, but they have a clear, wide field of view and are comfortable in my hands. – Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
Sunday Veggie + Tomato Organic Garden Fertilizer
I’m growing tomatoes in my backyard, and my mother is growing some on her patio, so we constantly FaceTime to share our progress. The other day, she couldn’t stop talking about how much my plants had grown in such a short period of time. I realized, too, that they look stronger compared to past seasons, and I’m pretty sure this fertilizer is the reason why. I mixed it into the soil when transplanting the seedlings from trays to my raised bed, and it’s seemingly doing what it’s supposed to. The brand sent me a gift card to try a couple of things on their site, including this food mix. My other favorite buy is this gardenia bush that just started blooming in my yard and smells divine. – Nikki Brown, SEO editor
Exclusivo Mezcla Waterproof Picnic Blanket
There’s not much I love more than enjoying a nice day in the park, and this super picnic blanket I found on Amazon is a must-have for my park days. It’s the perfect size for me to sprawl out in the park — it even has room for one or two more people to comfortably sit on it with me. It also easily folds up into its carrying strap. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Win Wing 2 Gravel Bike Fender
I recently rode my bike 40 miles during the Five Boro Bike Tour, and this rear fender saved me from a wet back. It rained the entire five-hour ride — the fenders, my weatherproof outer layer, and my cycling glasses kept me dry and made the weather a non-issue. I also installed the brand’s mini front fender, which, although tiny, gave some face protection against splashes. – Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
Our favorite pet finds
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
It was time to say goodbye to my cats’ old scratching post, which was falling apart and too short for them now that they’re full grown. Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager and fellow cat mom, sold me on this one after showing me videos of her pets using it. It’s 32-inches-tall, which is high enough for my cats to stand on their hind legs and scratch at with their front paws. It was easy to put together (I just had to screw the base on the post) and I love that it’s neutral color and minimalist design helps it blend into my living room. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Breast Cat Treats
I think my cats love me more now that I feed them these treats. My mom, who has two cats of her own, gave me a few for them to try, and I’ve never seen them more excited about or interested in treats. I bought a bag to keep at home, and now my cats wait all day to get a few. The treats are made from one ingredient, chicken breast, so they’re free from fillers and artificial ingredients, according to Vital Essentials. They’re also easy to break up into smaller pieces and hide inside cat toys like puzzles. I only wish the brand sold a bigger bag. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
FluffyDream Cat Scratcher Curved Cardboard Bed
This is now my cat’s go-to place of solace because it’s a cardboard scratching pad and curved bed in one. I’m now a firm believer that every indoor cat should have a cardboard bed to sprawl onto in their immediate vicinity. Not only can my cat scratch this bed and satisfy his instincts, but it provides a cozy and fun alternative to him scratching up my other furniture. I’ve had this bed for a few months now and it’s still in great shape. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
GoTags Personalized Cat Collars
We recommend this adjustable breakaway cat collar in our kitten checklist, and I bought one for each of my cats. I love that the collar doubles as cats’ ID tag so I don’t have to add an extra bulky charm that can get in the way while they’re playing. Customizing their collar was so easy — I input all the information on Amazon before adding the collar to my card, and I saw a preview of what it would look like once embroidered so I could make changes if necessary. I added my cats’ name and my phone number, and picked out the base color and stitching color, too. The collars came quickly and look adorable – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Why trust NBC Select?
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on the best shampoo bars and the best SPF lip balms. For this story, our staff shared their favorite finds from the past month.
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