As much as I try to keep my spending to a minimum each month, it’s difficult not to click “add to cart” when I see something I think I’ll love. While I’m still working on giving my Apple Pay a break from all the double-clicking and tapping, it all worked out in the end, because I secured some of my new favorite products this month.
All of us at NBC Select also got to test and try new items throughout the month for multiple articles across all shopping categories, some of which were courtesy gifts from brands. For example, this past month, we collectively reviewed body serums, compared A/C units from Windmill and July and put dishwasher detergents to the test. I compiled a list of the standout products from August. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite kitchen gadgets, beauty essentials and more.
SKIP AHEAD Travel | Kitchen | Home | Beauty + Wellness | Clothing + Accessories | Fitness | Pet
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Our favorite travel find
Away Featherlight Crossbody
Away sent us products from their new featherlight collection to test, and this crossbody bag has become my go-to work tote. When it’s empty, the bag feels as light as a Baggu reusable bag, which means I can pack heavier items like my laptop without worrying about it weighing me down. It’s also spacious, fitting my work essentials like my laptop, lunch container, AirPods Max, Hydroflask water bottle and Kindle Scribe. I like that the bag has an adjustable strap so I can make it a little more supportive when it’s heavier or let it hang loose when I don’t have as much stuff. It also has a ton of pockets, including a 16-inch laptop sleeve, a water bottle pocket and an inner zip pocket where I keep my keys, wallet, lip balms and more essentials. There’s another water bottle pocket on the outside, a small pocket on the strap big enough for an AirPods Pro case and a front pocket that has a pouch for your passport. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
Our favorite kitchen finds
Yeti Rambler French Press
I recently wrote a review of the Yeti French Press after trying out a sample the brand sent me. I’ve since realized how easy it makes brewing a large batch of coffee in just a few minutes. Unlike glass French Presses, this version has double-wall vacuum insulation which kept my coffee hot for hours and a durable ceramic lining that was easy to clean by hand (though it’s also dishwasher safe). The lid twists and locks into place and the filter glides down gently without me having to press too hard. I love that it blends in with the rest of Yeti’s rambler collection and that it’s available in 32 or 40 ounces. While I like using it at home, I think it would also be ideal for bringing coffee on camping trips or to a sports game on a chilly morning. – Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
Repurpose Drink & Dine Bundle
When my family gets together, there are more than 20 of us, so having disposable dinnerware is a must. We usually have to buy everything from multiple grocery stores, but it wasn’t necessary after we got this set delivered. This bundle came with everything we could possibly need — dinner and dessert plates, mixed cutlery and drinkware, all of which are made of a durable plant-based material, according to the brand. Since it all came in one box, we saved money, spent more time together and avoided the dishwasher entirely. The best part is that the set is compostable, so we felt better knowing we weren’t using single-use plastics. It’s the only way we will be hosting large gatherings from now on. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Fancypants Salted Caramel Cookies
I’m not a cookie person, but these cookies from Fancypants have made me a convert. The brand sent us a few of their flavors to try (including Pumpkin Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip), and while all of them were delicious, the salted caramel was my favorite. Although I love salted caramel, the flavor can be overly sweet. The Fancypants cookies strike the right balance of sweet and salty, and because they are small, I can have a couple without feeling overwhelmed. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
Zzwillb Ice Cube Tray
I like making iced coffee at home, and I prefer to drink very cold water after a run, so I’m in constant need of ice. But my freezer is tiny, and it doesn’t have a built-in ice maker, so for the past two years, I’ve been using one small ice tray to make a couple cubes at a time. This month, however, I upgraded my ice trays after I saw a similar model on TikTok and I was instantly sold. It comes with two silicone ice cube trays that stack on top of a storage container. There’s also a lid you use to press down on the mold, releasing the cubes into the container below. Beyond being an efficient way to make a lot of ice at once, this kitchen gadget is enjoyable to use and makes a satisfying sound when it releases the cubes. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Our Place Cookware Set
I initially learned about Our Place when I tried out the Titanium Always Pan Pro, so when deciding which cookware set to get for my new apartment, this was a clear choice since I loved my experience with the titanium version. This set has only four items — an Always Pan 2.0, Mini Always Pan 2.0, Perfect Pot and the Mini Perfect Pot 2.0 — so I don’t need anything else, especially because they’re so versatile and range in size. The best part of this set is the steam-release lid that comes with each pan. They help you monitor your food carefully by gently allowing steam to escape. Plus, two of the lids have a pasta strainer, which came in handy the other night when I was making dinner and realized I didn’t have a colander. While they’re not dishwasher safe, they’re not hard to clean, so handwashing isn’t a terrible experience. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
SkinnyDipped Lemon Bliss Yogurt Covered Almonds
I’m always looking for a new work snack, and while I like roasted nut mixes, many options tend to be bland. I’ve tried SkinnyDipped’s chocolate-covered almonds, but I wasn’t aware of this lemon-flavored variety. I first tried these at a Starbucks and was shocked by how tasty they were. The almonds are coated in a sweet yogurt and a thin layer of lemon-flavored powder with just the right amount of sweet and sour flavor. Each one tastes like a small bite of lemon pound cake. One serving is about 18 almonds, which has only 5 grams of sugar, so it’s perfect for people with a sweet tooth who want to manage their sugar intake. – Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
Antopy Sink Dish Drying Rack
This month, I moved from an apartment that had a dishwasher to one that didn’t, and admittedly, the switch has been tough. I knew I needed a good dish drying rack that could fit on my tiny kitchen counter, and after a few trial and error runs, I found this versatile one on Amazon. It sits both on my counter (with a small silicone tray on the bottom that collects any dripping water) and nests right over my sink, so I can switch it up depending on if I need more counter space. It has two bars on the side that expand to fit over most sinks. It also manages to fit a surprising amount of dishes — I can typically squeeze in about three cups, four to five plates and one to two small bowls, as well as plenty of silverware and cooking utensils (however, it does not fit larger cookware like pots and pans, in my experience). If I have a lot more dishes than expected, I can simply put the rack over my sink and the silicone tray as a separate drying area on my counter. – Mili Godio, updates editor
Our favorite home finds
Hulken Bag
I hadn’t heard of the Hulken bag before joining the NBC Select team. On my second or third week in office, Zoe Malin, NBC Select associate updates editor, waxed poetic about how great the Hulken bag was. She said she used it for transporting groceries and baked goods. It felt like she was giving a State of the Union speech, except it was about a bag with wheels. I was sold and immediately hopped on the Hulken bandwagon. I bought one a few weeks ago and it is incredible. It’s easy to pull around and supports up to 66 pounds and the wheels spin smoothly, even when I’m rolling the bag around uneven pavement. It’s also collapsable and folds easily so I can store it in my closet, without it taking up valuable space. – Jordan Bowman, Commerce editor
Jansport Laundry Backpack
Not having an in-unit washer and dryer is unfortunately common in NYC. Since this is the case for me, I have to haul my clothes to the laundromat near my apartment. When dirty laundry starts to pile up, the process is less than ideal, especially when I have to make multiple trips carrying it on my shoulder. Thankfully, I lucked out when Jansport sent samples of this laundry backpack to our team. It has an extra-large capacity and can hold up to two weeks worth of my laundry, including activewear and everyday clothes, and it comes with an internal zipper (great for storing my keys and wallet) and an external zippered mesh pocket for storing dryer sheets and other essentials. I love the adjustable strap and drawstring closure and that its main body is made from 100% recycled polyester fabric, according to the brand. This has saved my shoulder and my time, as I’m able to pack more and take less trips back and forth thanks to this backpack’s comfort and very portable design. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Pura 4 Diffuser
You’ll never walk into my apartment and think it stinks because I constantly have some form of fragrance wafting through the air. My mom introduced me to this smart diffuser, which keeps my place smelling great. The best way to describe this device is if a classic reed diffuser and home plug-in had a baby. After connecting it to my WiFi and phone, I can control and customize my experience (this makes it stand out from traditional methods). I create schedules to have it go off at certain times, change out scents easily, adjust the fragrance intensity and more. I have four scents, including Brooklyn Candle’s Italia, Volcano’s Capri Blue, Nest’s Sicilian Tangerine and Amalfi Lemon and Mint. It also gives me peace of mind — unlike candles, I don’t have to remember to blow it out and I can easily turn it on and off from wherever I am. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Slice Manual Carton Cutter
As project manager, I help coordinate samples for our annual events, like our Wellness Awards, where we test upward of 500 products. This means a big part of my job is opening a lot of boxes. A good box cutter is essential, and the Slice Manual Carton Cutter makes the job so much easier. My main qualm with box cutters is that they’ll accidentally slice my hand open because the blades are typically so sharp. Thankfully, though, the Slice box cutter has a ceramic blade that is sharp enough to smoothly open boxes and won’t cut you. I’ve put my finger on the blade several times because I’m still so shocked how it can open packages so well and not pierce my skin when pressed against my thumb. Whenever someone asks to borrow my box cutter, my main concern is getting it back because I love it so much. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
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Our favorite beauty and wellness finds
Soft Services x D.S. Durga Debasing Buffing Bar
I’ve had Keratosis Pilaris (KP) my whole life and have tried almost every popular treatment in the book. I’ve never been able to find an exfoliator strong enough to get at the little red bumps on my arms like this buffing bar does. Soft Services created it in collaboration with D.S. & Durga, one of my favorite fragrance companies, and it’s now a product I make sure to use at least once a week in the shower. (The brands gifted me a courtesy sample to test.) It’s not for anyone with really sensitive skin, the bar is not soft or calming in any way — it doesn’t hurt, per se, but it’s much rougher and tougher than any other exfoliator I’ve ever used, giving me that ‘wow, I actually feel totally scrubbed clean and fresh’ feeling.
It doesn’t completely get rid of my KP (I don’t think any product could completely eliminate it), but it certainly helps tame it and make my bumps much softer and less inflamed. I also love how it looks in my shower. The hot pink bar is such a chic upgrade to drugstore bar soaps and though it’s scented (it has notes of figs and coconut milk) I don’t find the fragrance overbearing. – Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
Topicals Slick Salve Hydrating Mint Lip Balm
Everyone in the office knows I am a lip balm/gloss hoarder. So naturally, this balm has been on my wishlist since it launched earlier this year, especially because Topicals is one of my favorite skin care brands. I ended up buying this on a whim while restocking on some other beauty essentials at Sephora, and I’m glad that I did. The formula is hydrating, however it’s thicker than other liquid balms I’ve tried — the texture is closer to that of a lip gloss, which is perfect because I love the shiny finish that glosses give. Although I do find myself reapplying it somewhat often (which, honestly, I tend to do anyway to maintain a fresh shine), this balm has become a rotating staple for me. It’s only been a few weeks and I’m already on the last dregs of this tube. – Ashley Morris, associate SEO reporter
Vaseline Lip Therapy Balm
As someone with chronically dry lips, I’ve tried my fair share of lip balms. Since I avoid pulling on my lips with stick balms, I’ve slowly pivoted to only using tinned varieties. The Vaseline Lip Therapy balm is one of my favorites, especially this rose-scented one. Available in both a circular metal tin and a small plastic container, this lip balm keeps my lips moisturized for a noticeably longer amount of time compared to other brands I’ve tried. I use my finger to gently apply it to my lips, though you can opt for a small disposable lip applicator. It has petroleum jelly, almond oil and rose flavoring, though it also comes in unscented, aloe and cocoa butter options. – Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade
I’ve been using the same Ilia brow gel for years, but I decided to try something new when I recently needed a refill. I tested out a bunch of options at my local Sephora and ultimately bought Glossier’s. I love that the gel comes in six shades in addition to a clear option, giving me the choice between simply setting my brows or setting them plus filling them in a bit. I got the brow gel in a brown shade — when I applied it, it made my brows look a little bit fuller, but still natural enough for an everyday look. The gel lasts all day, and the spoolie brush is a great size for brushing hairs into the exact shape I’m looking for. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Nuface Mini+
I’m late to the game on microcurrent devices but the Nuface Mini+ became an instant addition to my skincare routine after the brand sent it for me to try earlier this month. I’ve noticed a significant difference in the firmness and texture of my skin in my late twenties. Since I’ve started using the device daily I’ve noticed my face looks smoother and feels less bloated, especially around my neck and cheeks. I was nervous that the Activator Gel would irritate my sensitive skin, but I’ve had no issues with it so far. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
Igk Wave Enhancing Air-Dry Cream
As someone with wavy/curly hair that’s severely lacking shine, I’m never not looking to try products that can tame my frizz and make managing my type 2B to 3A curls easier. Igk sent me this air-dry cream earlier in the summer and I’ve been loving how soft my hair feels when I use it. I rely on a variety of mousses, gels, creams and serums on a daily basis, so I don’t use this as a standalone product; I’ve been incorporating it in to my routine after my leave-in conditioner and my beloved Ouidad styling gel and heat-and-humidity gel, making sure I coat my tips and the underside of the back of my hair, where I tend to get dry and frizzy. I noticed a difference in how soft and tame those areas look and feel, and importantly, doesn’t add a layer of hard, crunchiness to my curls, which I appreciate. I don’t love the way it smells — it has a root-beer-esque fragrance so it won’t be ideal for everyone. – Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
Act+Acre Cold Processed Soft Curl Lotion
Taming my very curly hair is near impossible in the summer. I tend to use a curl gel rather than a curl cream when it’s hot and humid out because I find that it better defines my hair and prevents frizz. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Act+Acre’s curl lotion gives my hair the exact hold I look for, plus helped it dry soft rather than stiff and crunchy. I use a few pumps of the lotion because my hair is quite thick, and scrunch it into strands after I shower. It makes my curls look bouncy and shiny when I air-dry or diffuse them, plus the lotion smells amazing. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Phlur Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
I’m a fragrance lover through and through so I was delighted when Phlur sent me its hair and body mist scents to try out. The mists are designed specifically for hair and body, which I love, because (as mentioned above) I constantly have a lot of styling products in my hair that don’t always smell the best. These Phlur scents are strong — you can really smell them on me, which I appreciate since a lot of fragrances tend to fade quickly. The bundle I got, which includes Caramel Skin, Heavy Cream and Vanilla Skin, smells like the inside of a bakery; it’s a pure sugar-tooth fantasy. I also love that the bottles are plastic so I don’t have to be too precious with them or worried about them breaking. – Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
My combination skin leans more dry than oily, especially because I use prescription acne medication twice a day. While my moisturizer prevents dry patches and flakes, I felt like it wasn’t hydrating my skin as much as I’d like, making it look kind of dull. An esthetician recommended I incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into my morning skin care routine, so I bought this one from The Ordinary. I love that it’s made with simple, non-irritating ingredients that’s safe for my sensitive skin, and it’s so lightweight that I barely feel it when I apply it. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Herbivore Star Seed Sunscreen
This sunscreen from Herbivore has quickly become my favorite of the many I have tried over the years. The consistency appears thick but the sunscreen is as light and airy as whipped cream. It has a universal tint, according to the brand and at first I was worried it would be too dark for my complexion, but it blended into my fair skin perfectly. My skin instantly looks brighter after I apply it and the light coverage helps to smooth over any redness on my face. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
Tattoo Goo Tattoo Balm
I recently got a new tattoo and restocked my supply of Tattoo Goo, a balm I’ve been using for years. It comes in a little pot, similar to some lip balms, and since it’s only about $8, I buy a few at a time. I leave one at home, one at work and one in my purse so I can apply the balm whenever my new tattoo starts to look dry. It’s never irritated my skin, and I love that I can use it to enhance the look of my older tattoos, too. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
L’Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil
I purchased this shower oil after seeing it all over my TikTok feed, and I instantly became obsessed. I use it after my everyday body wash, and though it’s super thick at first, it easily melts into my skin as I lather it on in the shower. Best of all, it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth after every use. Plus, a little goes a very long way; even the small, 2.5-ounce bottle has lasted me weeks. I also have the shea butter version of this shower oil, which I use more often due to its subtle yet clean scent (almost like baby powder, in my opinion). – Mili Godio, updates editor
Sud Scrub Antimicrobial Silicone Body Scrubber
I was an avid loofah fan for years before finding out they’re not good for your skin. I decided to finally ditch my loofah for this silicone scrubber, which has soft silicone bristles instead of rough, plastic material. I pair this with my favorite body wash and love how it’s both super gentle on my sensitive skin yet entirely removes dirt and debris from the day. It has a handle on the back, so it’s super easy to massage over my body, and a small hook to hang on my wall shower caddy and let it dry. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how soft my skin feels since I’ve been using this product. Plus it’s antimicrobial, so I don’t have to worry about it becoming a breeding ground for bacteria (like most loofahs). – Mili Godio, updates editor
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Our favorite clothing and accessory finds
Rpzl The Bella Cuff
I get so bored with my hair, and as someone who can’t do elaborate updos, I needed another way to not get tired of the same old look. So, to help with this, I’ve been using hair accessories, including this hair tie/cuff hybrid from Rpzl. I treat it like a regular hair tie, and the metal bar hides the black elastic, so you can’t see it at all. It’s crazy how much more put together and elevated I feel when I use this accessory — a slight change makes a big difference for me. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Reformation Westlyn Closed Toe Wedge
I want to be the person who wears heels to work — or at least brings them in her bag to change into at the office — but I am a sneakerhead. When I saw these on sale at Reformation, I decided this fall I would begin that journey. I usually prefer a closed-toe heel, especially if I’m going to be wearing these to the office because no one needs to see my toes at work. I love that it’s a low heel, about three inches, because my days of really high heels are behind me. I opted for the patent tortoise color because my fall wardrobe is almost exclusively brown and black, and I wanted another pair of nice shoes that would go well with many of my outfits. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
Duluth Trading Co. Women’s AKHG Outer Limit Hybrid Jacket
August was a rainy month, and for some reason, I never bought an umbrella, so the only thing keeping me safe from the rain was this jacket, which is technically for cold weather workouts. I knew it was sweat and moisture-wicking with a water-repellent finish, so it was a clear choice from all my other outerwear. While I love that it kept me dry, the best part was how lightweight it felt. Although it was raining, temperatures in the city were still in the high 80s, but I never felt like I was overheating or dripping in sweat. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Alohas Tb.490 Rife Sneakers
I’ve slowly been entering my “fun shoe” era, but I wanted to find sneakers that weren’t from the same brands I’ve been previously shopping from. During my search, I fell in love with my new favorite sneaker. These sneakers have such a classic silhouette but with a combination of colors that I can see myself wearing constantly. Some of my other colorful shoes restrict me since they’re so “out there” in terms of brightness, but this pair has the right balance of dark and bold. In my opinion, this red wine shoe is a perfect transition into fall and will be a staple throughout the year. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Our favorite fitness finds
Relife Vertical Climber
I ceased being a gym person for about a year before the pandemic. I much prefer swimming and working out at home with free YouTube videos and my own equipment. The vertical climber feels very old school but it works. I like using it while watching TV or when I’m on a long phone call. It’s also fairly lightweight and easy to store away in the corner. – Nikki Brown, SEO editor
The Sculpt Society membership
The Sculpt Society gifted me a six-month trial of its online fitness platform this winter, which ended in late July. A day or two after I didn’t have access to it anymore, I bought an annual membership because I couldn’t imagine a week without Megan Roup’s upbeat workouts. They’re one of the hardest workouts I do (yes, often harder than my 10+ mile runs) and I love every minute of them. The dance cardio and sculpt classes challenge my strength, balance and endurance, and they’re a workout for my brain, too. Combinations are often complex, so I have to intensely focus on my posture and movements. I also love that I can access The Sculpt Society online or via its app — that means I can take classes while traveling, regardless of whether I have equipment. I recommend The Sculpt Society to everyone I know because even when I really, really don’t want to workout, I throw on one of the classes and it makes my day better. – Zoe Malin, associate updates editor
Quince Two Paddle Pickleball Set
My boyfriend got me into pickleball, and since he takes it seriously — I’ve unfortunately had to use the ugliest paddles because there is a “science” to them (or so he says). That was his way of telling me I couldn’t play with a pretty set. All that changed when we got this set with three balls, a court bag and two paddles. The paddles are the perfect weight for playing (thank you, science), and I’m never worried about them flying out of my hand because the handle has a nonslip grip. While those are two very important things when picking out a paddle, my favorite part is that they’re aesthetically pleasing. This is an overall win-win for us. – Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Our favorite pet find
K&H Pet Products Ez Mount Cat Scratcher Window Sill Cradle
I can say with certainty that this is by far the best thing I’ve bought for my cat, Kiwi. My roommate and I recently replaced the old scratch pad our cats shared with this window-mounted option, which is much more suitable for our small NYC apartment, since it doesn’t take up space on the floor. It’s perfect because it not only gives Kiwi a comfy place to take naps, but it’s something he can scratch to keep his nails healthy while watching animals and passersby outside. I bought this hammock a month ago and it’s still in great shape. – Kelsey Fredricks, production coordinator
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate reporter at NBC Select, covering skin care and hair care, including recent stories on the benefits of gua sha and the best detangling sprays. For this story, our staff, who frequently try hundreds of products a month, share their favorite finds from August.
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