Editors’ Picks: The 45 best products we tried and loved in May

Yeah, I get it, there are more exciting things than a new laundry basket. But gosh darn if this Nori Hamper didn’t change my life. With two active teenage boys at home, doing the wash is no easy task, and I am constantly lugging giant bags or baskets of dirty clothes to and from the laundry room (yes, they do it themselves but never, ever enough). This new hamper, constructed of textured canvas, is not only so great-looking I can proudly place it in any room, but it also comes on wheels so I can steer it around even when it’s completely full. I also love the lid, which attaches with magnets and keeps my clothes in — and all those nasty odors out. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

I don’t have plans to visit the Hamptons anytime soon, but I love that Hotel Lobby’s newest candle brings the Hamptons straight into my house. The perfect summer scent, Hamptons is the brand’s take on the tomato candle trend, with added notes of basil, geranium, mint and rosewater. Since the fragrance is more vegetal than sweet, it’s a great candle to burn in the kitchen or during a dinner party, and I definitely plan to reuse the Kelly green vessel once I use it up (which will probably be soon). — Chelsea Stone, editorial director?

I saw these adorable glass straws adorned with mini fruits pop up on social media more than once, and when I couldn’t stop thinking about them, I realized that yes, I needed them. After using them in my iced coffees and seltzer, I can confirm that drinking beverages at home has become more fun. After all, it’s the little things in life that can bring us the biggest doses of serotonin, right? They’ve made me look forward to making iced coffee at home, which has also saved me money on overpriced coffee runs.?— Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

I've seen these fruit-adorned glasses all over my Instagram feed for well over a year, and this past weekend, I decided I couldn't go another day without one. I grabbed it in the adorable cherry design, which obviously complements my fruit straws perfectly. I love how wide and sturdy it is, which makes it the perfect glass for iced coffee or juices. It makes me look forward to making beverages at home too. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

The Stove Shelf is one of those products I came across that made me say, “I can’t believe I’ve lived this long without it.” I only have 6 feet of total counter space, and with a microwave, toaster and air fryer taking up the bulk of the room, every extra inch counts. This ingenious magnetic shelf sits atop your stove so that you can free up space and put your cooking oils and spices on the shelf. I highly recommend getting the brand’s matching accessories so everything looks uniform. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor?

I originally discovered these tagging guns on social media, where I saw videos of people using them to stitch gaps on button-up shirts closed. So when I had a wedding guest dress with a too-high slit and not enough time for alterations, I ordered the MicroStitch on Amazon. It uses small plastic fasteners to make temporary alterations to clothes, which can easily be removed if you mess up or want the garment back in its original state. It took a while for me to figure out how to use the device (I had to watch a quick YouTube video), but once I did, I was able to stitch up the slit in my dress in just minutes. —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

Not all my furniture made the cut when I moved in with my girlfriend, but this nightstand was a no-brainer. I am a sucker for anything midcentury modern and this piece fits our apartment’s vibe perfectly. The color and grain look exactly how they did online, and the drawer is surprisingly large. Though some of Article’s furniture can get pricey, you can’t argue with its quality. I plan on bringing this piece with me for many apartments to come.?— Daniel Rathburn, programming editor

Living in a studio apartment with a large dog can get snug. Luckily, I have a patio that Ben (my dog) and I like to enjoy as much as we can. But with a hound who loves to lie in dirt, it can get messy. While searching for an outdoor dog bed that’s both durable and comfortable, I came across this one by K9 Ballistics. Now we can both be less tortured by bath time and can soak up the sun more comfortably. And the 120-day chew-proof guarantee isn’t a bad plus!?— Molly Flores, photo editor?

My cat, Cleopatra, loves to scratch her claws, so I’ve always kept a couple cardboard scratchers around in order to save my carpets. The problem is, most cat scratchers are simply ugly, so they’re relegated to under the bed or behind the couch. Not this one, though, which is by far the most sophisticated and artful cat scratcher I’ve seen — and it actually looks good in my apartment. And of course, Cleo’s a fan too.?— Caroline Curran, contributing editor?

There are a couple of pretty blush trends I’m excited to try for summer, and this new Kosas powder blush is the perfect medium. For the past few years, I’ve been steering away from powder blushes, opting for cream or liquid formulas instead, but Blush Is Life has brought me back. The way the formula effortlessly blends and sets with a luminous yet velvety finish makes it so easy to apply. Usually I worry about powder formulas settling and showing texture on the skin, but this has a blurring effect. The marbled blush is talc-free and even infused with skin care ingredients for added benefits. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor?

Vacation is my favorite sun care brand, and the Shake Shake Mineral Milk Face Sunscreen is my go-to in summer. Not only is the ’80s-inspired packaging perfect, but it’s also small enough to throw in my beach bag or purse. I love how this product smells, and it melts into my skin without leaving it oily. I basically keep Vacation’s entire product line in stock in the summer months and I can’t recommend the brand enough. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor?

These concentrated ampoules are specifically made to help skin heal after procedures like microneedling. About a month ago I tried microneedling for the first time (first of all, ow!), so I started incorporating these into my routine as directed. The serum contains growth factors derived from snail slime, which is actually super gentle and healing. I already swear by the CosRX snail mucin serum, so I was familiar with the restorative powers of the slimy skin care ingredient. I loved the results from the microneedling — my pores were smaller and my skin was softer and smoother — and these ampoules helped maintain the results. Plus, it’s easy and totally satisfying to crack the ampoules open. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor?

My hair gets super frizzy and hard to manage in the summer, so a solid smoothing product is extremely necessary. My hair has literally never looked (or smelled) better since I've been using this. Cécred is Beyoncé’s new hair care line, and every single product performs just as well as she does on the stage. My hair has never felt better — and yours will thank me later! — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I’ve spent way too much time looking for a concealer that will actually cover my blemishes, dark spots and under-eye circles. This one from celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic does the trick with just a few swipes, all with a dewy finish. It’s made with caffeine to really brighten up dark spots. I appreciate the coverage of this concealer and that it doesn’t feel too heavy on my skin, which is all around ideal for summer.?— Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer?

I’m always looking for a quality, inexpensive and clean shampoo. I feel like so many brands aren’t clean or cruelty-free, and it’s hard to find?them. Even some?brands that are clean don’t work?very?well.?When I used Sadie B shampoo, I finally found my hair holy grail. It’s great on my oily hair and has an amazing scent. This will be your next clean hair care obsession! Also, it’s only $12 — what a serious steal. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I burn almost every time I step into the sun over the summer, so sunscreen is essential whenever I leave the house. I’ve always wanted to try the Vacation brand, and now that I have, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. It keeps me protected all day while simultaneously allowing me to get a glowing tan (minus the burns). I also love the shape of the face stick; it makes for easy application and glides onto the skin. If that isn't enough, it also smells amazing! — Tyler Holender, social strategist?

We’re only a couple weeks into sandal season, but my feet are already wrecked. Within the first day of breaking out some new, strappy footwear, I had blisters on the back of each of my heels. Now I don’t leave the house without keeping a few of these bandages in my bag. They come in tons of cute prints for adults and kids alike. My current favorite is the Flutter set, which includes two sizes in bright butterfly prints. Besides the cute factor, these bandages have amazing sticking power and even stayed on after a shower (I switched it out after, of course, but I was impressed that it stuck on after being drenched). — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor?

When you’ve used a product for so long (and when your job is to constantly test new ones) it’s hard to rediscover that initial, first-use magic. Over the past few weeks, I have fully fallen back in love with my IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream. My skin and I have been having some creative differences recently, and this was the only foundation that was helping keep my confidence up on the daily. It provides full coverage all day but didn't feel heavy — even on days where my skin was dry, red and irritated beyond belief. From office days to weddings to special events, when I want a creamy, blemish-free-looking base, I know that a pump or two of this will get the job done with no problem. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

While I know my co-workers and many of our readers are obsessed with a different brand of hair dryer brush, I need to gush about the T3 AireBrush. I found it’s easier to maneuver and leaves my hair much silkier and smoother than its competitors. It also doesn’t pull on my hair the way other brands have. My favorite feature is the handle's fully customizable heat and speed control, which you can change based on your hair type. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I love nothing more than perfume that doesn’t feel like I’m wearing perfume. I spritz this beachy hair and body mist into the air and then walk through it before heading out the door, and it provides this refreshing scent that’s subtle enough to pass for the scent of clean laundry or really good shampoo. —?Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Finding your go-to moisturizer is never easy. But don’t worry! I found it for you. This moisturizer not only keeps your skin fresh and hydrated but it also has SPF 30 so it helps protect you from any harmful rays. I love this brand because it's cruelty-free and reef-safe, which are things that are super important to me. I highly recommend using this for all your sunny summer days! — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator?

I normally shudder at letting any type of heavy oil sit on my face, but during a recent eczema-type flair-up, I was willing to try pretty much anything to bring some moisture back into my skin. This Nutu Moringa Face Oil was already sitting on my shelf since I tried it a while back, but it’s really come in clutch as I’ve tried to heal my skin over the past few weeks. I use it as the final layer of my nighttime routine and really like how gentle it feels on my face. Despite being an oil, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling slippery and greasy like some other body oils I’ve tried in the past. On the nights I use this, I wake up the next day with visibly less irritated and red skin, and no extra breakouts. It may have very well earned a permanent spot in my skin care lineup (a position that is not easily won). — Jillian Tracy, associate editor?

If you’re a fan of Aritzia and Abercrombie, I recommend checking out Dynamite. It has great style-minded basics at a reasonable price point. I’ll be styling this vest so many ways this summer. It looks great with jeans, trousers and skirts, and is a good balance between structured and relaxed. The vest runs just a tad big, so I would size down. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

I’ve been on the exercise dress bandwagon for a few years now, but I finally decided it was time to add a skirt into my summer wardrobe since they’re a bit more functional in terms of when you have to go to the bathroom (real talk here). Since I snagged this bestselling version from Alo, I’ve seriously worn it almost every day. It fits perfectly — not too tight or loose — and the built-in shorts are the perfect length and prevent the dreaded summertime chafing. They’re my new go-to for running errands around the city. I’m tempted to buy the other colors already because I can tell this one is going to get a lot of mileage.?— Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

I’m probably guilty of using the word "obsessed" too much, but when I tell you that I’m obsessed with this jumpsuit, I’m not exaggerating. In fact, I love it so much, I bought three in different colors. Not only is it versatile enough to dress up or down, but it is super comfortable with its hidden drawstring waist and off-shoulder style. It is light enough for warmer weather and makes the perfect travel outfit. I cannot recommend enough.?— Rachel Quigley, managing editor?

I recently attended an event where the dress code was “yellow and orange sundresses.” I didn’t have a single item in my closet that was either yellow or orange, let alone a sundress in those colors. After a quick search on Amazon, I found this gorgeous floral dress and instantly ordered it. It fit perfectly and I got so many compliments on it at the event. The smocked back provides some much-needed stretch in the bust, but the rest of the dress is flowy. My favorite part is the keyhole cutout, which is small enough for my bra to stay hidden. I’m tempted to order another in a different color! —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor?

Arcade belts seemed a little juvenile to me when I first tried them out. They have a buckle that clicks like a seatbelt, and they're made of a stretchy material instead of a leather band. But what I initially considered to be negatives are now the reason that I'm completely sold on the Futureweave. Its low-profile, adjustable buckle means I don't have to worry about fitting into the prepunched holes most belts have and instead get a much more comfortable fit. It'll be a staple for me this summer. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

Who said Uggs were only for winter? I’m a house shoe enthusiast, and these slides are the perfect summer slipper. They come with all the coziness you expect from an Ugg without being stifling and are available in a range of cute colors. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director?

After misplacing my beloved Zenni sunglasses a few months ago, I picked up this cheap pair on Amazon — and bought them again after I lost those — and have no regrets. They look pretty great for a $10 pair of Ray-Ban knockoffs, and have kept my eyes safe and squint-free now that the sun's finally out. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer??

A few editors (including myself) recently tested 10 different white T-shirts, and this one from Reformation was my absolute favorite. The 100% cotton tee has a relaxed (but not too baggy) fit that was the perfect length for tucking into high-waisted pants. I wore this shirt with jeans to get dinner with friends and wide-leg trousers to the office. It’s not see-through at all and feels way more expensive than it is, so it’s my new favorite white T-shirt. —?Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

I will not lie: This outrageously comfortable jumpsuit may have just made my top five outfits ever. A relaxed fit, elasticized waistband and super-soft cotton makes this not only perfect for any outing, be it brunch, dinner or even the beach, but it’s also simple to pack up and take with you as a versatile piece for any summer trip. You can roll up the sleeves to make it more casual or tie the cinched waistband tighter for a night out. The only bad thing I could ascertain was the idea of taking it off. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

As I’ve swapped my spring running leggings for my summer shorts, I noticed my gear was in serious need of an upgrade. Shopping for shorts, especially exercise shorts, is always dreadful for me. Most that fit my waist squeeze my thighs too tightly or the leg openings bunch uncomfortably as I move. These Fast and Free shorts from Lululemon are some of the best I’ve tried. Lightweight and comfortable, the high slit at the sides gives me maximum unrestricted movement in all directions (though you can’t be afraid of showing a lot of thigh), while the built-in liner stays in place to make sure my important bits stay properly covered. The high-rise waistband covers my lower stomach and has handy pouch pockets for keeping my keys and gels secure. While $78 is steep for one pair of shorts, I’m already getting my money’s worth of wear from them.??— Jillian Tracy, associate editor

As an editor, I spend a whole lot of time staring at my computer screen. And with all that damaging blue light we’ve heard so much about, I felt it was time to start better protecting my peepers. These super-cool aviators use yellow Day Lenses to reduce eyestrain — with the hope that it increases energy and encourages my noggin to work even better. I can report that I’ve felt a difference since I started wearing these during the day, and even better, I won’t look like a total buffoon if I decide to sport them in the office. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

Nothing makes me happier on a hot day than a cool, comfy pair of jean shorts. I like them a little big, soft and well worn, and these Claudia shorts from Dynamite fit the bill perfectly. I sized up so they sit on my hips, and I?wear them over a bathing suit during the day and with a cute bodysuit or tank and lots of bangles come evening. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

Not gonna lie: Alo Yoga has been firing on all cylinders for me recently. Not only have I been fairly addicted to its Alo Moves virtual studio app — which lets me take copious yoga, toning and even dance classes at home — but I listen to them all with my Alo x Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds. I was already a huge fan of Beats Fit Pro for working out, naming them my favorite workout headphones, but these branded buds are so frigging cute with their glossy black and chrome details. And with the snug fit and spatial audio, these true wireless headphones are great for summer travel too. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

Sure, it may cost as much as a good laptop, but the new iPad Pro is the best tablet I’ve ever seen in my nine-plus years of reviewing tech. That starts, of course, with its gorgeous OLED panels — yes, that’s not a typo: Apple’s double stuffed in a pair of OLED panels so that this tablet offers the brightness you expect from an iPad Pro with the excellent contrast and color that’s synonymous with this display technology. As I explained in my iPad Pro (2024) review, this screen makes dark movies such as “The Batman” look pixel perfect while also allowing the vibrant hues of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” to pop on this incredibly thin tablet. Combine all that with Apple’s new M4 chip delivering performance somewhere between future-proof and overkill, and you’ve got the last tablet you may ever need to buy.?— Henry T. Casey, writer (electronics)?

It's honestly comical how many chargers and cables I have to bring with me when traveling. Lightning, USB-C, Micro USB, an Apple Watch puck — the list goes on. This 3-in-1 MagSafe dock cuts down on that mess significantly with space to charge my phone, watch and AirPods all at once. It stays in place thanks to a rubbery grip on the bottom, then folds up neatly when it's time to hit the road again. It's not cheap, but it's made my life a lot easier. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

For those of us who use an external monitor with our laptops, desk space can be frustratingly scarce at times. That’s where neat and nontraditional laptop stands like the Twelve South BookArc Flex come in handy. This elegant pair of metal arcs cradles your closed laptop, placing it upright and saving a ton of space. All you really need is to be OK with temporarily losing your laptop’s screen. But as someone who’s been using the BookArc Flex long after I wrote about it, I can vouch for the value of its space-saving ingenuity. — Henry T. Casey, writer (electronics)?

The Apple Pencil finally grew up this year, thanks to a few new tricks I’ve loved during my testing time. The biggest of them is the squeeze gesture, which opens up a menu right where your stylus is hovering over. In Apple’s own apps, you’ll get to quickly select new colors, drawing tools and open the undo menu, and further customization awaits in third-party apps. Also, the new Barrel Roll gesture uses a gyroscope to let you change the width of your marking by rotating the Apple Pencil Pro while using it. Oh, and Apple finally added Find My support so you can figure out where you lost it. Frustratingly, it’s only compatible with the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Pro (2024). — Henry T. Casey, writer (electronics)?

In my ongoing quest to find the best earplugs for concerts, this affordable Curvd model has emerged as a standout. They're nearly as reliable as my beloved Eargasms in terms of protecting my ears while still letting me hear music clearly, and have a stylish wing tip design that comes in a handful of fun colors. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer??

Summer is in the air, and that can only mean one thing — it’s officially spritz season. I audibly gasped when I spotted these adorable bottles of ready-to-drink Aperol Spritzes, which are perfect for a picnic, beach day or any summer gathering. All you’ll need is a sliced orange and you’re all set!?— Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

The perfect overnight oats don’t exist? Not anymore. Whether you need a quick and transportable breakfast or a mid-hike pick-me-up, Brekki Overnight Oats are so good. I legitimately gasped when I ate my first bite and have since tried every single flavor. Currently my go-tos are the Cold Brew Coffee and the Dark Chocolate varieties. They’re not overly sweet but have so much flavor. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor?

I’ll be honest: I don’t splurge on good wine often. In fact, especially in the summer, I tend to grab a bunch of affordable, cheaper bottles that we can sip without much thought. But once in a while I like a more premium sip, and many times I’m not sure which wines are worth the extra cash. Enter the Rebel Wine Club, a marketplace that connects you directly with independent wineries to indulge in a more luxurious experience. I got three bottles shipped directly to my home (shipping included, thank you very much), and my husband and I were instantly impressed. Also included with a monthly membership is a fun tasting booklet, access to private sommelier services and a dedicated concierge — in case you want more info or more personalized service. Also makes a great Father’s Day gift in case you’re looking. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor?

It’s never officially the start of summer for me without cracking open a canned cocktail and enjoying the sunshine. I’m a huge fan of this House of Love variety pack because there is a flavor for everyone. They’re not too sweet and, in my opinion, taste way better than a Truly or White Claw. I also love that the brand offers a nonalcoholic option, which doesn’t skimp on flavor.?— Lindsey Smith, associate editor?

Negronis are all the rage these days. A beautifully balanced, spirit-forward Italian cocktail that combines Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, it’s a summer sipping classic for a good reason. To make things even easier for you, NYC’s buzzy Italian outpost, Via Carota, is offering an individual, ready-to-drink bottle (also comes in a white negroni, spritz, paloma or French 75) you can pour without all the fuss. But, for those of you not partaking in the booze, we also keep cans of Lagos Negroni, which offers a flavorful, nonalcoholic version of this popular drink.?— Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor