Editor Recs: The 56 best products we tried and loved in August

I’ve always needed to hold a pillow while I sleep, but I’ve never found the perfect one — until now. Naturepedic’s travel pillow is actually the perfect size to cuddle with (and is the ideal mix of squishy but firm) while I’m sleeping. Plus, it’s organic and made with breathable materials so it doesn’t contribute to nasty night sweats. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

As a reviews editor, I’ve tried a lot of carbonators and seltzer machines. But this newest innovation from Breville is my favorite so far. Not only is there no plug to mess with but it’s also slim and attractive so it fits on my crowded kitchen counter. What I love even more is its ability to not just make plain old seltzer (which it does extremely well) but any type of fizzy drink. Many seltzer makers don't allow you to use anything but water if you want to keep the warranty, but with the InFizz, I can throw juice or even wine in the bottle. Then, all I have to do is flick a switch on its cap to keep it carbonated in the fridge. Instant mimosas? Yes, please. — Tobey Grumet Segal, health, fitness and food editor

My toddler is a sweaty beast when she sleeps. But let me tell you, it’s hard to find cooling sheets for a crib-sized mattress that don’t cost a ton. After way more research than I’d like to admit, I found this reasonably priced two-pack from KeaBabies. I’ve liked everything else I’ve gotten from the brand, so I gave them a try. The 100% bamboo fabric is so soft and breathable, and unlike most crib sheets I’ve used, these don’t require superhuman strength to make them fit a standard crib mattress! It doesn’t hurt that they have so many cute patterns either. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor

I’ve been using the same hand soap for almost two years, but I recently switched to this refillable foaming option from Mrs. Meyer’s and I love it. Besides the refreshing scent, I love that the refills are concentrates (I mix them with water when I’m ready to use them) because they barely take up any space under the sink in my bathroom. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

I haven’t recommended anything this enthusiastically until now. I never realized how often I sit on the floor — either to play with my infant daughter or pet my large cats — and this rug in Rugs USA’s Cloud Soft line makes it easy. Not only is it modern and aesthetic enough to elevate any space but it offers an ergonomic element, making basic tasks (like sitting on the floor, oy vey!) infinitely easier. I never could have predicted how profoundly a rug with extremely high-pile fibers would change my life.?— Marissa Miller, contributing editor

My bank account has never been happier since using the NanoFoamer Pro. If you prefer nondairy options as far as milk goes, then this product is for you. It’s designed specifically to handle plant-based milk and helps me whip up barista-worthy drinks. It definitely deserves a spot in your morning routine. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I have a few issues with traditional air fresheners: They give me headaches and are full of chemicals I can’t pronounce. Azuna, on the other hand, is all-natural and powerful without being overpowering. This plant-based gel is charged by tea tree oil and can last between 60 and 90 days — which means the refill pouches last a long time. I love that it’s also pet-friendly while eliminating odors from our furry friends. — Lindsey Smith, associate newsletter editor

I’ve always been intimidated by the thought of sharpening my knives, so I never even thought about doing it myself until I tried the Horl 2. It takes the guesswork out of finding the right angle, so pretty much all you have to do is roll the discs back and forth. It’s so easy and extremely satisfying! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

Every humidifier I’ve ever owned has gotten gross, filmy bacteria in it eventually, no matter how many times I properly clean it. After two years of my daughter using a humidifier nightly and me trying in vain to maneuver and soak and scrub that thing clean, I’d had enough of worrying that it was actually going to make her sick. I found the Carepod One, and while it's more than I'd normally spend on a humidifier, it's probably the best $275 I've ever spent. It is literally five pieces that are either dishwasher-safe or super easy to hand-wash. There are no sneaky nooks and crannies you can’t reach, and the stainless steel won’t mold. So not only is it significantly cleaner and safer now but it relieved some pretty constant stress. This was absolutely a problem worth throwing money at. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor

There was a drip coffee machine at the Airbnb I stayed at last week, and the host encouraged us to brew with some of a previous guests' leftover Folgers. Nah. Even if I didn't take my coffee seriously (I do), I'm not consuming that. Thankfully, I was well prepared with some freshly roasted beans I picked up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (shout-out Snake River Roasting Co.), and this seriously sturdy hand-crank grinder. It packs away compactly, has 50 grind-size settings and partners great with the AeroPress. There's no excuse for drinking bad coffee anymore. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

Not all of us have the luxury of space for both a coffee table and a kitchen table. This ingenious storage, dining and seat solution gives you the best of every world. Day to day, it functions as a coffee table, but its lift-top surface unfolds to comfortably accommodate four diners or more. Beneath the tabletop, four stools serve as impromptu seating and storage. This piece of furniture is truly doing the most.?— Marissa Miller, contributing editor

I was in desperate need of a new living room rug (shout-out to my cat for ripping up our old one), so I decided to give Tumble a try. I was initially drawn to its antique-like style and gray/green design that matches my living room, so the fact that it’s machine-washable and pet-friendly is a bonus. It comes with a cushioned pad that reminds me of exercise mats, so it’s super soft and comfortable to sit or stand on. I haven’t had to wash the rug part yet, but if I ever do need to, I feel confident that it will fit in my apartment building’s washer and dryer. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

My son is obsessed with Japanese culture. So as a birthday gift, we got him this monthly gift box bursting with all kinds of snacks and candies that are exclusively sold in Japan (he’s making a serving of ramen he received as I write this). Other fun products he appreciated? Green tea KitKat bars and a packet of colorful mochi jellies. Plus, we all look forward to unboxing it together each month it’s delivered. — Tobey Grumet Segal, health, fitness and food editor?

With summer coming to an end, I feel like it’s my duty to enjoy every last spritz I can. Something about the bittersweet taste of Aperol instantly transports me to a glorious summer day. I love that all you need to make a great spritz is some Aperol, prosecco and a fresh orange slice. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

When it comes to cooking, the more flavorful I can make my dishes in the fewest steps possible, the better. Somos' Taco Simmer Sauce has been everything I have been looking for and more. It's plant-based and gluten-free, making it the perfect addition to my Impossible tacos. Cooking has never been easier, and it eliminates so much work after a long day. It's super flavorful and has a great price point too. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I am someone who needs to eat something every couple of hours, and while my body just wants sugar all the time, I know it needs something healthy and packed with nutrients too. So, when I found Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bites, I was pretty thrilled. They have just enough sweetness to throw my sweet tooth a bone but are full of whole-grain oats, coconut oil and sometimes even fruits and nuts. My current favorite are the strawberry ones, and I can’t wait to try the lemon poppyseed after I work my way through this variety pack! — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor

At this point, I’ve become buddies with the employee at my local liquor store. He always gives me something to try when I come in. As he knows my love for tequila, he recently introduced me to La Gritona, a woman-owned brand from Mexico. I was immediately hooked. It's one of the smoothest reposados I’ve had and is perfectly balanced when chilled. — Molly Flores, photo editor

Sometimes you want a little wine but you don’t want to open a bottle. Wander + Ivy understands this urge to moderate with its single-serve bottles of vino. I got the All Reds Set in anticipation of the cooling temps here in New York City and have already cracked a few open on weeknights when I wanted a sip, not a glug. You get four bottles of cabernet sauvignon from California and four of a Spanish red blend. And if you’re really keen, you can also subscribe and save to get your bottles delivered monthly for 30% off. — Tobey Grumet Segal, health, fitness and food editor

I don’t drink at home that often anymore (I’d much rather go out and enjoy a fancy cocktail or wine bar), but when I do, I tend to look for “healthier” cocktail mixers. So when I came across Sayso’s cocktail tea bags, I was immediately intrigued. The Skinny Cardamom Paloma tastes just like I’d expect — and is surprisingly full of flavor despite being just 15 calories. I also like that you can skip the spirits and use water to make a mocktail if desired. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

Since I've tried these chocolates, I haven't been able to stop eating them. I went on a trip to Hawaii this past May and have formed a major appreciation for macadamia nuts, especially chocolate-covered ones. Hawaiian Host knows a thing or two about sweets, and they won't disappoint. They taste just like the candies I had in Hawaii and make me miss my trip with every bite. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I have two 2-year-old cats, which means I have to deal with a lot of, well, you know. But since I got my Litter-Robot more than six months ago, I never have to scoop again. I only have to replace the bag about every two weeks, which means it’s a time saver and a game changer for when I’m traveling. Recently, Litter-Robot launched the LitterHopper, which has made my life even easier. The ingenious accessory attaches to the globe of the device (it comes with a new bonnet that’s compatible with the attachment) and automatically dispenses litter when it senses that the litter level is low. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

When I saw that these products were created by a vet dermatologist, I was instantly intrigued. As a beauty editor, I consult dermatologists all the time, but it never occurred to me that there are derms for our beloved animals too. Since the summer heat has left my dog Juni’s paws super dry and rough and her skin itchy and a little flaky, this seemed like the perfect thing for her. Since I wipe her paws every time we come inside from a walk, I’ve started massaging them with the Soothing Cream right after. The formula has natural ingredients that I recognize from my own skin care routine (coconut oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, turmeric extract) and feels conditioning even on my hands. For Juni, I’ve noticed that they make her paws feel instantly softer too. As for the Smart Skin Spray, it only has three ingredients and is basically just like the hypochlorous acid spray I use on my own face and body. It’s a multipurpose savior that helps with itching, inflammation, hot spots and more.?— Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

As someone with two large cats, I need a vacuum that’s comfortable enough for daily use. This one is not only a breeze to handle and the most gorgeous cordless version I’ve ever seen (think: a more demure and more mindful bratty green) but it doesn’t get pet hair or carpet fibers tangled in its brush roller. Plus, a short charge goes a long way. And of course, I couldn’t get the job done without its embedded LED lights that illuminate my path. It’s been such a game changer in helping me take control of my messy space.?— Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Ever since I got engaged earlier this year, I’ve been personalizing everything. And this bracelet, which I customized to say “mrs.,” is no exception. The under-$150 piece is crafted with 18-karat-gold-plated sterling silver and comes with a lobster clasp, making it extra shiny and sturdy. Even though I’m not married (yet), I couldn't help but add it to my existing stack. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social?

Silver accessories are having a moment, and these chic flats from Madewell are the perfect way to instantly elevate a simple outfit. They come in four other colors, including an olive-colored suede that’s perfect for fall. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

I got a chance to try a suit from this Spanish sustainable swim brand, and I’m fully sold. It’s so sleek and fit in perfectly on my recent Mediterranean vacation. (And looks extremely cute under this season’s crochet cover-ups.) I especially appreciate that the strappy back is actually adjustable, which is unusual in a one-piece, so it can accommodate some curves. Even better, the company is fully committed to its sustainability practices throughout the entire production process: from a preorder system to avoid overproduction, to local production and the use of recycled materials, to a simple cardboard shipping envelope. You’ll look like you just stepped off a yacht whether you’re at your local pool or in Positano. — Rena Behar, copy editor?

Though I spent much of the pandemic pumping up my sneaker collection, I have made a concerted effort to start wearing real shoes again — especially now that I have an office to go back to. Yet, at the same time, I’ve realized that my interest in sporting uncomfortable footwear has waned considerably. Which is why I turned to Scarlett Chase, a brand created by a businesswoman and mom who's on the same page as me when it comes to style and comfort. Her line of outrageously comfy, beautifully crafted shoes resonates with my middle-aged wish to stay pain-free, and I actually look forward to slipping on these gorgeous, navy leather mules that look just as good with shorts, skirts and dresses as with jeans or slacks. I have these kitten-heeled Maya ankle stretch boots on deck for fall as well. — Tobey Grumet Segal, health, fitness and food editor

August has me excited for fall fashion, so I picked up this gorgeous yellow V-neck sweater from Reformation as a transitional piece I can wear now and into the chillier weather. An instant favorite already, it fits slightly oversized and is made from super-soft, 95% recycled cashmere. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social?

The Instagram algorithm got me with this one, but I regret nothing. These absolutely saved me on a trip with temperatures in the high 90s and 5 to 10 miles of walking per day. I tried both the cotton and cooling options in 5- and 7-inch lengths, respectively. The 5-inch cotton ones work great under shorter dresses, especially now that I’m back home in New York and worried about accidental subway flashing incidents, while the lilac 7-inch cooling style is a little more transparent but provided the perfect amount of coverage under longer dresses. Most importantly, they simply do not move, no matter how much walking you do; that elastic is locked in. I’m honestly considering buying a third pair so I can go longer between laundry days. — Rena Behar, copy editor

There’s a reason these have over 4,000 reviews: They are amazing pajamas. I’m a very hot sleeper and these pajamas keep me cool all night, thanks to the bamboo material. I also love that there are a ton of adorable and fun prints to choose from. — Lindsey Smith, associate newsletter editor

Regardless of the season, I will be wearing boots. I love these boots because they have a western flare that's timeless. They are beautifully crafted, extremely comfortable and you can dress them up or down no matter the weather. — Molly Flores, photo editor

A hot new bombshell has entered the proverbial work tote villa. Sézane just came out with The Tote, a gorgeous carryall that I’m obsessed with after just one use. The bag can easily fit a large laptop, plus a sweater and a lunchbox, as I learned firsthand. Practicality aside, it’s truly a stunning specimen, with a luxe leather lining and showstopping mahogany patent leather exterior that you’ll want to show off.?— Chelsea Stone, editorial director?

There is nothing better than a fresh, crisp white tee. But what about a fresh, crisp white tee that’s oversized and decked in rhinestones? Enough said. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social

I think the mix-and-match concept behind this new shoe brand is super cool. Each style has interchangeable footbeds, so you can swap them out based on comfort or style. For example, I have these cute clog-style slides in wool that came with a patterned textile footbed. They give me cozy cabin vibes, and I can’t wait to wear them more in the fall, but for now, they get my feet too toasty in the summer weather. Thankfully, I also have the terrycloth footbeds, which are much more breathable, so I can just pop those in for a seasonal swap. They’re basically like modular Birkenstocks and are even comparable in comfort level with memory foam footbeds made in collaboration with podiatrists. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

It feels like no matter what bag I used when commuting, I was constantly ending the day with back pain. Although the Baggu Messenger Bag is an over-the-shoulder bag, the weight is evenly distributed, and it somehow makes it feel like I’m not even carrying my laptop. The nylon material is perfect for commuting to the office on boiling-hot days, and the new Photo Forest print is the perfect transitional pattern for fall. — Molly Flores, photo editor

What’s better than a good one-piece swimsuit? A one-piece swimsuit with some visual interest that happens to be really flattering. I absolutely love this suit in its limited-edition muted green-and-tan color — and so do my friends. I recently wore it to a group pool hang and got loads of compliments.?— Chelsea Stone, editorial director?

I’ve been wanting an elegant and timeless tennis necklace for a while, but I have never been able to find one I could afford that didn’t look cheap. This BaubleBar version checks all the boxes. I receive so many compliments when I wear it, and no one believes me when I say it’s cubic zirconia stones. I also appreciate how easy it is to put on since I’m always one to fumble with clasps. — Lindsey Smith, associate newsletter editor

If you’ve seen me out and about, you’ve probably also seen my Owala. For over a year now, I’ve been toting my 24-ounce bottle everywhere I go (it fits perfectly in my go-to purse), but I’ve only recently become acquainted with the other FreeSip sizes — and I’m hooked. I’ve found that the bigger 32-ounce size is great for keeping at my desk for an even bigger incentive to hydrate, particularly in the summer, and I even snagged a big 40-ounce bottle for days at the park or beach. And have you seen Owala’s cute new colors? — Chelsea Stone, editorial director

These leggings have rapidly climbed the ranks of my most-packed clothing items. They’re thin enough that they don’t take up a ton of suitcase space, super soft and smooth, easy to wear for both active pursuits and casual layering, and made with UPF 50+ protection so you don’t need to worry about getting too much sun exposure. And that UPF is no joke. I paired these with Free Fly’s UPF hoodie on a sunny, shade-free half-day volcano hike and had visible tan lines on my wrists where I had rolled my sleeves up and didn’t apply sunscreen. There’s even a legging style that comes with pockets. — Rena Behar, copy editor

Since I’ve been in my "no-makeup makeup era," I’ve pretty much ditched foundation and love using Featuring You Hydrating Skin Tint by Serena Williams' Wyn Beauty when I want a little more coverage. This pigment camouflages into my skin and offers SPF 30 protection. The formula feels thick and dries fast; however, the finish is practically undetectable. While skin tints I’ve used in the past feel nice, they fail to give decent coverage. That’s why I love how Featuring You Skin Tint makes my skin look natural while actually providing pigment to complement my complexion. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer

Skin care is important, especially for me. My face immediately breaks out when I skip a day of cleansing. Since I started using the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray, my face has never been better. I use it morning and night (and sometimes throughout the day if I need a little extra after sweating). It keeps my acne in check by preventing future breakouts, and I have seen a noticeable difference after using the product religiously for a few weeks. Not only does it keep my face clear but since it is safe to use on the body, it has helped remove all redness from my chest! I cannot recommend this product enough! — Tyler Holender, social strategist

I have unruly, untamable curls, and I’ve been on an epic journey trying to find the best hair appliance to achieve a pin-straight, flat-ironed look. It’s hard to find an affordable hot tool that can dry hair but also straighten, smooth and style all at once. That’s why the Air Glide truly blew me away. It has all the features I dreamed about in one appliance and successfully straightens my hair. It’s designed with whisper-quiet air vents and didn’t pull on my hair once. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I wasn't expecting to love Tree Hut's pumpkin body scrub this much, but after using it for the first time, I can confidently say it's my new go-to scrub for the fall. It has a decadent scent that reminds me of pumpkin pie, and it provides the perfect level of exfoliation for smooth skin without any irritation. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

This month, I tried Clearstem’s newest product, SkinSpray, and instantly fell in love. (No, seriously, I emptied my first bottle in a matter of weeks.) The magical spray is infused with hypochlorous acid, magnesium and peptides and truly delivers long-lasting hydration and all-day glow. And if that weren’t enough, the formula also protects the skin against blue light damage and doubles as a makeup setting spray. Me and my acne-prone skin simply cannot get enough of it!?— Stephanie Griffin, director of social

I’m a recent shampoo bar convert and have been loving how clean my hair and scalp feels with this one from Ethique. It creates a nice lather and never feels like it leaves any buildup behind. I love that it’s a zero-waste product, is long-lasting and that it saves space too. It’s easy to travel with, and you don’t have to worry about spillage.

I’ve been testing a couple other bars from Ethique?too. I would skip the conditioner bar (it doesn’t incorporate as easily into the hair as the shampoo bar, and I didn’t really feel a difference), but the Shampooch Solid Dog Shampoo and Pawfector Softening Solid Dog Conditioner are total wins for pet parents. They made an immediate difference in my dog’s coat, and unlike the human conditioner bar, the dog conditioner bar actually leaves my pup’s fur soft and silky. Since Ethique has a whole line of bars for different hair types and goals, I’m excited to try some of the others too. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

I love to smell good, plain and simple. My perfume collection has grown over the past year, and I have some favorites. Coco Shimmy is one of the best fragrances I have ever used. It’s perfect if you love the scent of a tropical beach. It smells like pineapple, coconut and sunscreen. Each time I wear it, I receive tons of compliments too. I also noticed that a few sprays go a long way compared to other brands I've tried. Another thing I love not only about this specific scent but Snif in general is that the bottle doesn’t take up a lot of space, so it’s easy to throw in your bag and take on the go. — Tyler Holender, social strategist

I just got back from a getaway to the Caribbean, and this sunscreen oil was my best friend the entire trip. It’s super lightweight, transparent and it gives you a nice bronzed, non-slippery finish. Not only will you get SPF 30 protection but you'll smell like Vacation's iconic scent that is so good I actually wanted to put it on. — Kevin Martinez, associate programming editor?

Unlike traditional scrubs, this innovative exfoliating brick tackles even the toughest skin concerns, including ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris. Its gentle yet effective abrasive texture, reminiscent of fine sandpaper, effortlessly smooths skin without irritation. Plus, it smells heavenly, thanks to some help from D.S. & Durga. It’s also the only product I’ve tried that preps skin perfectly for sunless tan products. — Lindsey Smith, associate newsletter editor

After having the same curly hair routine for years involving gel, I wanted to switch it up and try a mousse instead. My curls are pretty thin, and gel typically weighs them down, especially at the roots. This mousse is perfect because it's extremely lightweight, adds volume where I need it and smells amazing. — Molly Flores, photo editor

A thicker eye cream feels nice at night, but I prefer a light eye gel that doesn’t feel as heavy during the day. This new launch from Belif is a perfect option for the latter. It absorbs quickly into the skin, provides a nice base for makeup and boosts hydration with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It also has caffeine and a ceramic tip applicator to depuff the under-eye, plus niacinamide to brighten. It feels instantly cooling on the skin and leaves my tired eyes feeling refreshed. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

You could use your phone’s speaker to listen to music and podcasts when you’re in the shower, but sound quality isn’t always great from a distance (and I’m not getting soapy suds near my iPhone). So, on my last trip, I packed this waterproof speaker, as it’s got a lot of volume for its size. And while I’ve previously packed bigger and pricier Bluetooth speakers, I found this smaller model delivers more than enough sound for the bathroom. Plus, its smaller size means more room in my already overstuffed luggage, and there’s a dedicated podcast udio mode for clearer voices. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

Football tailgating season is here, and if you're serious about throwing an epic party on Sundays, this speaker will deliver. I'm more of a baseball tailgater myself and have been blown away by its performance this summer. It has simmered on asphalt in 100-degree heat and kept on booming. Its 58 hours of battery life is absurd, as I haven't had to recharge it once (and it has a USB-C charge out port). There are guitar and mic plug-ins too, if you're into that kind of thing. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer?

This iPhone stand goes above and beyond what you might expect, as it works with most camera apps to follow your face and keep you framed in the center of the image when you’re taking video. While I’ve enjoyed making clips with it at home, I became more enamored with it on a recent trip when I used it to help take photos of myself from a distance. All I needed to do was attach it, begin recording a video and then use the remote control camera shutter feature on my Apple Watch and I wound up with the snapshots I’ve been waiting for. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

I've been putting people on to headphones from Bowers & Wilkins for years now as a premium alternative to the AirPods Pro and Pixel Buds. This month, the company launched its newest pair of earbuds, the Pi8, which doubles down on everything I've loved about previous releases. The sound quality is so superb that I am looking past the nearly $400 price tag, and the design adds an extra bit of premium that even a veteran Bowers & Wilkins enjoyer like myself was surprised at. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor

Don’t get it twisted, longtime readers: I haven’t ditched MacBooks for PCs. I just really like this laptop for how long it lasts on a single charge, as well as its comfortable keyboard and elegant design. All I had to do was trim the spammy default Windows settings and I could focus on writing and browsing the web on this laptop. It’s my favorite Windows laptop in years, which is due in part to how its Snapdragon X Elite chip enables its impressive battery life. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

I just returned from a 10-day vacation that included a formal wedding, chilly trips to the tops of mountains and hot hikes in the Big Sky sun. So, I had to pack a lot of attire for different settings. This behemoth trunk suitcase from Paravel fit it all — and juuust kept me under the airline's weight limit of incurring extra charges for a heavy bag. Its wheels glide smoothly, and its hard-shell exterior survived multi-leg itineraries in both directions. Give this a look if you're packing for a long trip and need the luggage to handle it.?— Joe Bloss, associate testing writer