The 55 best products we tried and loved in September

I need to have my morning latte to start the workday right, but I no longer have an espresso machine. Having to rely on my French press until I’m ready to buy a new one means no more steam wand. Lucky for me, I’ve got the impressive Dreo BaristaMaker Milk Frother, which claims it can create micro foam with any milk or milk alternatives with just the press of a button. And it really does work! It’s so easy to use and has elevated my latte game. Now I can even make simple latte art with oat milk in the mornings. —?Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer

I reviewed this in our recent retesting for the best shower heads of 2024, and I’m a convert! The Sproos! filtered shower head has a unique filtration system that eliminates harmful chemicals and metals from the water, leaving hair soft, shiny and salon-worthy. It comes in six different colors, including pink, yellow and red, and is a breeze to install. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can. —?Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Most nights, when I clock out of my 9-to-5, I clock back in in the kitchen doing my best to deliver Gordon Ramsay-level skills. There is no cutting board I’ve enjoyed using more than this Five Two board. I love that the thick block feels super solid and sturdy to chop and cut on. It also doubles as a charcuterie or serving board, is super easy to clean and has a designated phone prop slot so you never miss a step in your recipe. —?Jillian Tracy, associate editor

Yes, I did buy a Halloween decoration in early September. This pink disco ball is only one dollar and makes the perfect desk companion. It’s lightweight and easy to move. I brought it to work and love the subtle spooky vibes it provides. —?Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer

This knot-shaped pillow from Bearaby, one of my favorite weighted blanket brands, is a chic addition to any couch or bed. I got the large size to keep in the living room, and I love propping it behind my back while I eat, curling up with it for a nap and simply holding it while I watch TV. It weighs 3 pounds, so it’s heavier than other throw pillows (aka comfier to snuggle with). — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

My home is sorely lacking storage for all those little knickknacks you need before running out the door. When I spotted this chest of accent drawers, I knew it would be perfect for this random space in my living room. It doesn’t look anything like an armoire that belongs in a bedroom, it’s got these unique mismatched fir wood inlaid carvings and it stands on midcentury modern hairpin legs for an airy feel. I’m so proud of this find and believe it’s perfect for that one alcove you’re not sure what to do with. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor

I recently swapped out my old jewelry box for this chic faux leather jewelry case from Calpak. Complete with an earring stud card, it’s spacious enough to hold all the jewelry I don’t wear on a regular basis. It’s also compact enough that it can sit on my dresser without taking up too much space. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

I have been searching for a lamp to fit into my dining room area for months. So, it was with great happiness that I finally found this Arc lamp from Lamps Plus. With no lights above my 10-foot-long table, this arc lamp gives the perfect amount of light over the part of the table my family uses the most. Plus, it’s elegant in a brushed steel finish and comes with a handsome white marble base. —?Tobey Grumet Segal, fitness, health and food editor

As a new plant mom, my biggest worry is that I will submit my darling plant child to root rot from overwatering. But as someone with no innate green thumb, I also feared not watering it enough, which is why I’m so thankful for this soil meter. It gets deep down into the pot where my hands can’t reach and gives me a reading in seconds, taking all the guesswork (and worry) out of watering.?My plant child is still alive! Here’s to hoping this gadget helps it stay that way. —?Jillian Tracy, associate editor

Mrs. Meyer’s has dominated my cleaning supplies closet for a couple of years now, but I’ve recently just discovered its soy candles, which smell divine, are very affordable and last a good while. I’m no longer spending $28 per candle at Anthropologie when these babies are a fraction of the price! I’ll be trying the Apple Cider and Iowa Pine scents next. —?Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer

I have at least four blenders in my apartment at the moment, but this new premium model from Vitamix is my current go-to. Even though it’s so powerful, it’s ridiculously quiet compared to other blenders I’ve tried. I also love that it comes with 10 preset blending modes (including smoothie, nut butter, soup and spice grinding) that take the guesswork out of how long to blend and what speed to use. Plus, I think the tamper holder that attaches to the blender base is such a nice touch because it’s so easy to lose tampers! —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

I wholeheartedly believe every household needs one of these things. We already know and love the?Original Rumpl?blanket at Underscored, so I was super excited to get my hands on the brand’s newest iteration that’s 20% warmer and 25% lighter — perfect for all indoor and outdoor pursuits. I’ve never sat on the floor more than I do now that I have an infant, so it makes for an incredibly smooth and soft surface for the whole family (and you can even wear it like a poncho in inclement weather). Unlike my other outdoor picnic blankets that collect grass, dirt and dried leaves, it features a slick and washable surface that stays pristine use after use. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Rugs USA’s collab with creative Arvin Olano is basically like having an interior designer curate a rug for your space. This special collection helped slim down the exciting yet- exhausting search to find a rug, thanks to its midcentury modern designs. I adore its muted colors, especially the Brick color, and social media seems to echo that sentiment. —?Jacqueline Saguin, deals editor

I’m a longtime fan of my Stanley and Hydro Flask tumblers, but I’m also pretty clumsy, so I frequently knock them over —?which means water inevitably spills out of the straw. (Seriously, I’ve gone to bed with a full 40-ounce bottle and woken up to it almost empty because I knocked it over in the middle of the night.) So, when I heard about the BrüMate Era’s leakproof lid, I knew I had to try it. And it really does work! As long as the lid is turned to the locked position, not a single drop of water comes out when you flip it upside down.?You just have to remember to actually lock it between sips. —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

My jewelry has slowly been taking over an entire shelf in my bedroom, so I was super psyched to get this gorgeous, roomy storage box to organize and condense it all. It has three different drawers, and the top part even comes with ring rolls and bracelet wells. Not only did it help transform the room but now I don’t have to search through bags and boxes to find what I’m looking for. I got it in this beautiful Jade color, but it also comes in Indigo and Forest. —?Tobey Grumet Segal, fitness, health and food editor

I’ve become something of a germaphobe in recent years but have always struggled with the idea of single-use wipes that end up in landfills. This chic and aesthetic wipe dispenser compatible with the brand’s plant-based compostable and biodegradable wipes are an absolute game changer in keeping my face and space tidy while doing something kinder for the planet. Sophisticated scents like?Santal Escape?and?Grapefruit Zest?are a far cry from the overly synthetic citrus scent we normally see in wipes. Plus, they’re super gentle on skin. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Since I turned 40, I've become increasingly concerned with fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots on my face, which seem to be multiplying by the day. I don’t have the courage to get a professional peel (images of Samantha from that "Sex and the City" episode plague me). I have used a few of Obagi’s products in the past (including its rejuvenating eye cream seen in this picture, which I swear by), and though everything is on the pricier side, the products are?more than worth it. As expected, my skin peeled for a few days, but it was manageable and I was the only person who noticed. After using it for a month (one application every two weeks), my skin was absolutely glowing, visibly smoother and I received a ton of compliments. I can’t wait to try out some of the brand's other products and (hopefully) look 10 years younger. —?Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Once the weather changes, my skin immediately feels it and starts flaring up. This Cetaphil cleanser has been saving my acne-prone skin these days. I appreciate the gentle formula that somehow still exfoliates my skin and is slowly, but surely, evening out my dark spots without ruining my fragile skin barrier. —?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

After seeing viral videos about One/Size's setting spray, I decided I needed to snag it on my next Sephora run. I regularly sweat off my makeup while running errands or commuting to work, but this spray keeps everything in place. My makeup looks just as good at 8 a.m. as it does at 8 p.m., and the spray doesn’t upset my skin. I don’t know what kind of magic they’ve put in this bottle but consider me bewitched. —?Jillian Tracy, associate editor

I’ve had an Agency skin care subscription for a year now and am in love with the products that are tailored just for my skin. This month, I’ve been religiously using the new Milky Hydration Concentrate serum and can attest to how smooth and plump it’s made my skin look and feel. If you’re looking for skin care products that are made for your specific skin concerns, this is the way to go. —?Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I fell in love with?Salted Muse, so when I saw the release of Nightcap, I needed to try it immediately. The vanilla base mixed with spicy undertones easily makes it my go-to evening perfume for fall and winter. What makes Orebella’s perfume so unique is that it’s oil based and blends well into the skin without being overpowering. —?Molly Flores, photo editor

Anyone who knows me, knows that I very rarely shut up about my love for Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road Miracle Balm. I think I may have this multitasking, wrinkle-bashing, moisturizing balm in every color available — and I use it in so many different ways, from all-over glow to highlighting to bronzer to blush. The newest color to hit the shelves, Pinky Bronze, is my current obsession because it's extending my summer tan into the fall. Sometimes I slather it on from forehead to décolletage,?and sometimes I just dab it on my upper cheekbones. Either way,?I plan on keeping this look going for as long as possible. Thank you, Bobbi, for giving mature women this fabulous "no makeup, makeup" routine we can use every day. —?Tobey Grumet Segal, fitness, health and food editor

My skin care routine is pretty minimal, so I like to make sure my products are of a higher quality. Recently, I got my hands on some of Osea's new face and body products — one being this lip booster — and loved it. I’ve been leaving it on my nightstand as a final step before bed and noticed my lips feeling smoother and hydrated when waking up. It can also be used as a finishing glossy shine on top of your favorite lipstick or tint. —?Elena Matarazzo, associate deals editor

I recently ditched my 12-step skin care ritual for an ultra-simplified four-step routine. A big reason for the change was how well my skin took to this Tula serum. In just a few weeks, it transformed my skin in ways that other products couldn’t in months. Since I adopted this as a staple in my routine, my skin tone looks more even and bright and any dark spots left from breakouts heal quicker. —?Jillian Tracy, associate editor

I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving vanilla perfumes, especially when they smell as good as this one. A couple of spritzes is all you need, and at the end of the day, I can still smell the warm, spicy fragrance on my wrist. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

I’ve traveled every single weekend this month, and my Alo Accolade is my top-packed sweatshirt for long car rides, airports, hotel lounging and beyond. It’s heavy enough that it keeps me warm and cozy but also not so thick that I find myself overheating. The classic black color is incredibly easy for me to style, and now I’ve got my eye on Espresso brown for fall. —?Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

Brain Dead is one of my all-time favorite brands for collaborations. These Stan Smiths are the most unique sneaker I’ve ever owned while keeping a classic silhouette. The pop of textured blue and minimal logo on the evergreen leather makes them feel super luxurious. They also come with three different types of laces for extra customization. —?Molly Flores, photo editor

My friend gifted me this dainty bracelet for my birthday while abroad, and it’s now become a permanent part of my growing bracelet stack. I love that the micro pearls feel more modern than traditional pearls. Plus, it’s made with 14-karat yellow gold so I never have to worry about taking it off to shower or workout. —?Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

I knew this black leather handbag was a winner when my younger, more stylish sister complimented me on it. (ICYMI, hobo bags are officially back in style.) The leather is so soft and supple, and the petite size is perfect for everyday use but still fits more than I expected. I only wish the strap was slightly longer, but it still fits over my shoulder comfortably. —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

J.Crew’s fall collection came to impress, swapping out bows for studs. The first time I wore these jeans out in public, I was complimented by at least four people in one night. And while I had one foot out the door of the store, this studded pair stopped me in my tracks. They run long on my petite frame, but you can cuff them or pair them with heels. —?Jacqueline Saguin, deals editor

Before I saw that Longchamp’s iconic tote was going viral in the Burgundy color, I'd asked for it for my birthday. The rich hue makes this classic bag look even more luxurious, and it holds everything I need for the day, from my laptop to snacks. Most importantly, unlike some other shoulder bags I own, this one doesn’t fall off constantly. —?Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

Modern Citizen recently opened its NYC flagship store, which is where I fell in love with this beauty of a skirt. My wardrobe is currently going through a refresh now that we’ve entered a new season, and the Riley was the perfect addition to my closet. The denim maxi skirt isn’t stiff, can be easily paired with everything from sneakers to flats and has a split up the back to make it easier to move in. The seam detailing on the skirt also adds an element of interest to it.?— Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

Now that fall is officially here, I’m looking for every excuse to not put away the skirts and (long) shorts. These knee-high boots are a great transitional staple that are equally comfortable and chic. —?Molly Flores, photo editor

Home to my favorite elevated workwear pieces, Banana Republic crafted a cream-colored tote so chic that I simply had no other option but to buy it. Its slouchy silhouette combined with a subtle pebbled texture draws on styles you would see at The Row. And with suede taking off this fall, this bag comes in styles to match. The leather purse earned a permanent spot as my work bag with its roomy interior and handy zippered pocket, plus a phone slot. It transitions effortlessly to happy hours and work dinners too. —?Jacqueline Saguin, deals editor

Now that I'm in the final weeks of marathon training, I’ve honed in on the gear I absolutely love training in. These compression socks were an affordable impulse buy and are now the first ones I reach for before a run. They don’t slide down while I'm on the go, are super breathable and I haven’t gotten any blisters from them, even on my long runs. —?Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

I am very late to the massage gun game. I used them before but found them quite painful. Maybe that’s the point, but it wasn’t something I was going to do on the regular and I was quite happy with my foam roller. However, as I've upped the ante in my workout routine after I finally recovered from a shoulder injury, the foam roller just wasn’t cutting it anymore. There are countless massage guns out there, and I chose this one because of the seven different heads that target different parts of the body and muscle groups. It has five speeds, and even the most intense setting was quiet. —?Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Disposable cameras have been making a comeback, and I’m here for it. This preloaded 35mm Fujifilm disposable is my go-to camera; the color reproduction is simply unmatched. You can capture 27 shots with a continuous flash that automatically recharges. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of getting film printed and sharing your memories with your friends. I plan on covering one of my empty walls with a bunch of prints, so I’ve been bringing my?Fujifilm anywhere and everywhere.?—?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I’m shocked, I tell you. I wanted to go my whole life without using a piece of hardware sold by Meta (which is still Facebook to me) or a mixed-reality headset. But after years of hearing about how the Supernatural VR exercises practically changed my colleague Mike Andronico’s life, I took him up on an invitation to don the helmet and feel a burn that’s anything but virtual. But while a brief demo convinced me that Supernatural’s workouts had value, it was the convenience of using that app (which costs $10 per month or $100 per year) at home whenever I needed to that truly made me a sweaty little VR trooper. I’m not canceling my gym membership (yet), but there’s something perfect about jumping into the Meta Quest 3 for a nine- to 45-minute routine that I can choose based on how much time I have. Some days, I’ve just been forced to be at home waiting for an important delivery, and Supernatural’s been there for me. I recommend buying it with a strap meant for comfort, like the Elite strap, in this bundle. You’ll also get the newly announced VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow, as a bonus. —?Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

I’ve been getting more and more into vinyl this year, and my journey has led me to the new Victrola Stream Sapphire turntable. While the premium wooden enclosure and sophisticated silver accenting are already enough to set this apart from your average record players, it’s the Sonos support that really won me over. The Stream Sapphire can output its incredible audio quality to your smart surround sound setup or to your favorite wired speaker. The $1,300 price tag is certainly steep, but it’s the next-level upgrade to my listening experience that I’ve been looking for. —?Rikka Altland, senior deals editor

Revealed over four years after its predecessor — the excellent reMarkable 2 — the reMarkable Paper Pro is the next evolution of the e-Ink tablet. For the uninitiated, the reMarkable tablet is beloved for how natural it feels to write on its displays, and this new model does a surprisingly good job of imitating pencil and paper. But that’s practically a side note, thanks to two major upgrades. Not only does its display finally support color — for writing and drawing, as well as viewing colorful documents — but it features built-in lighting for use in the dark. Using it both to take notes at darkly lit briefings of the next cool tech products and working ideas out when I’m on the couch at home, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a great example of how the best tech improves both my personal and professional life. I’m also working on a more extensive review and using the reMarkable Paper Pro to take notes. —?Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

I have no shame admitting I have been stuffing my face with my new favorite pasta-inspired snack: S’Noods. Yes, they’re as delicious as they sound. They’ve taken the place of chips and are, quite frankly, filling a snack void I never knew I needed. If you love pasta and snacking, these are a must. The brand also released its first sweet treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. —?Lindsey Smith, associate editor

With the warmer weather ending, I’ve been trying to soak in all the tropical cocktails I can get. I love this Chinola mango liqueur made with a touch of passion fruit. I’m instantly transported to the Dominican Republic with every sip. It’s heavenly with some sparkling champagne or mixed into a Daquiri or Pi?a Colada. —?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

Poppi is my go-to treat at the end of a long day or for a midday pick-me-up. The new black cherry flavor is so delicious, it seriously tastes just like a cherry cola. It’s got way less sugar than traditional sodas but has the perfect touch of sweetness. I already ordered a new pack to keep in the fridge before I’m halfway through the first. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

Any reader of Underscored knows that our team loves Fly By Jing’s range of sauces and condiments, which somehow managed to fly under my radar until fairly recently. (If you’ve never tried these before, I highly recommend starting with the trio pack.) And the brand's new noodles are equally delicious. These sun-dried Sichuan noodles come with one of Fly By Jing’s signature sauces to create a spicy, crunchy, tangy bowl of goodness any time of day (I put an egg on it for breakfast). It also comes in a sweet and spicy flavor that is also good, but I prefer mine with more heat. —?Rachel Quigley, managing editor

It’s officially spooky season, which means it’s time to start stocking up on candy. Chocolate and peanut butter is an elite combination that always hits the spot. I have been loving these new M&M’s made with smooth peanut butter and real milk chocolate. I’ve even been mixing them into popcorn — thank me later!?—?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

Beyoncé is cashing in on her time as Cowboy Carter with this stunning American whiskey. According to the SirDavis origin story, whiskey is the singer’s drink of choice, and her great-grandfather made moonshine during Prohibition. I loved digging into this stunning stylized bottle to sip the complex rye whiskey and even took the time to craft and mix one of the suggested cocktails,?the Honey Bee. It’s a perfect spirit to sip alone or with friends during the chillier season. —?Tobey Grumet Segal, fitness, health and food editor

Nothing beats a crisp glass of rosé, especially one from St. Tropez [in Provence, France]. This elegant wine from Forever Young, Bethenny Frankel’s line, has just the right amount of citrus and fruity notes. It’s still, not sparkling, if you’re not a fan of bubbles. It’s also classified as biodynamic wine —?meaning it’s made using organic farming methods — which is always a plus in my book. —?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I’ve been trying to broaden my horizons lately, and with National Mushroom Month and National Coffee Day both falling in September, I figured it was the perfect time to try mushroom coffee. I was very surprised by the taste — I thought it would be horrible, but that wasn’t the case. There are several ways to drink mushroom coffee: I mixed two scoops with half a cup of my usual java, almond milk and Stevia and whisked it up with the provided frother. Not only was it delicious but after just three days, I was down to half my daily coffee consumption. Since then, I haven’t been experiencing my usual 3 p.m. slump and have been falling asleep faster at night. —?Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Ever since I did a deep dive into tequila for a recent taste test, I’ve been very into a?ejos, which are typically aged for a much longer time than blancos. I am loving Milagro Cristalino A?ejo, which is aged in oak barrels and then filtered through charcoal for a caramel and vanilla finish — ideal for a tequila-based espresso martini. —?Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

While I love to make my own cocktails, sometimes it’s fun to sip on a premade version — especially when they come in such pretty bottles. I love having this variety pack of Via Carota cocktails displayed on my bar cart for guests, so they can just grab one and pour it over ice. With drinks ranging from a paloma (my favorite) to a French 75, there is something delicious for everyone. —?Lindsey Smith, associate editor

If you have a pet that has an accident every now and then, I can’t recommend this carpet cleaner enough. A sibling of the viral Little Green, it has made old, stained rugs in my apartment look like they're brand-new. —?Joe Bloss, associate testing writer?

My dog was lying on this bed before I could fully open the box. I love that you can open it up as more of a mat (which Ben prefers), and the watermelon design is adorable. It’s nice to have a dog bed that doesn’t feel like an eyesore in my tiny apartment! —?Molly Flores, photo editor

I’ve been a coffee shop-goer since college. If I wasn't at my apartment, my friends would find me sitting on the bench at my favorite café with a latte in my hand. This fall, I’m relying on the Los Angeles Café Passport to find my new favorite coffee shop to write and people watch. Never Bored has a café passport for 21 cities in the US and 16 cities in Canada. You can explore over 100 cafés and write your review in your book, stamping your way through the coffee shops of your favorite city. —?Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer