We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
This post features a mix of items that we purchased with our own money and those that were provided to us at no cost for the sake of review. (But! We’re under no obligation to write a review of those things, let alone a positive review.)
1. A 2-in-1 Selfmade serum and primer that'll turn up the hydration and get your complexion GLOWING. It's packed with ingredients like 1% cortinhib g (helps minimize redness), hyaluronic acid (helps boost moisture), plant squalane (helps smooth skin texture), and marine algae for moisture barrier function. Dry skin, meet your match!
This serum and primer in-one is fragrance-free, silicone-free, and alcohol-free. Here's how to use it: After cleansing and toning, gently massage one to two pumps into your cheeks, chin, and forehead until it's absorbed. It also doubles duty as a makeup primer in case you'd like to wear blush, concealer, or foundation.
"As someone who doesn't know a lot about skincare, I was skeptical of this serum at first. But I found myself pleasantly surprised how often I turn to this product, and am now fully obsessed. It's a 2-in-1 hydrating primer and serum that feels lightweight on my skin, but super nourishing at the same time. I put it on in the morning in lieu of moisturizer, and it provides the perfect base for my sunscreen and makeup to grip onto. I don't know for sure if the ingredient cortinhib g, derived from the Helichrysum italicum flower, is actually reducing the amount of cortisol in my skin, but it feels like my skin is jumping for joy every time I put it on.
Selfmade is an AAPI woman-owned brand centered around natural ingredients that encourage emotional well-being and mindfulness. And while I don't really buy into the slightly woo-woo branding (according to the product description, the serum "promotes a secure attachment aka a feeling of safety and comfort with self"), it's a great skincare product I'll use until it's all gone. And maybe reorder after that." —Allison Jiang
Get it from Selfmade for $36.
2. Chicco Duo bottles many parents (including one of our editors!) swear by for little ones. Each bottle has thin layer of durable glass, so your baby can drink formula without drinking directly from the plastic area. They're also lightweight and come with slow-release silicone nipples that help with latching and feeding.
"Before my son Noah was born, we were hoping he’d like the Chicco Duo bottles (since, at the end of the day we knew we’d end up using whatever brand he preferred). These were our first choice because they have such unique features that other bottles don’t — so we were absolutely thrilled when he took to them right away!
On the inside of each bottle is a super thin layer of unbreakable glass that prevents babies from drinking directly from plastic. I know what you’re thinking — glass = heavy, but you’d never even know there was glass in these bottles! They’re so lightweight my baby has no problem already trying to hold them up on his own (and at the time of this review he’s only two months old). Their other great feature are the silicone nipples they come with. They have a slow release design to help prevent your little one from chugging their bottle and developing gas bubbles in their bellies. Additionally, they’re shaped for intuitive latching which I can only assume would be helpful for parents who are both bottle feeding and breastfeeding their babies.
We’ve purchased three sets so we always have a bottle at-the-ready, but you can easily clean these by hand or in the dish washer and use them in a sterilizer or bottle warmer without concern. Big win for babies and parents!" —Heather Braga
Get a 2-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
3. And a Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced that'll be helpful for formula feeding: It combines formula with the correct amount of water and then dispenses it in a bottle for you, so your tiny human can have a beverage whenever they need one. No more measuring everything out when your babe is hungry — just place a bottle underneath, choose how many ounces you'd like, and press the start button, that's it!
"As a new mom who is formula feeding (which has been stressful with the formula shortage, but that’s a whole other discussion) the number one item I simply could not live without is the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced. Literally I would happily spend my last penny on this product because it has made that much of a difference in my life.
It’s essentially a Keurig for baby bottles. It has the capability of mixing formula with the proper amount of water and dispensing it at the *perfect* temperature for baby. It has a button on it so I can easily choose how many ounces I want for my son’s bottle — depending on how recently he’s eaten sometimes we need only need 2-oz instead of 4-oz, etc. The bottle settings will stay in place so while my baby is screaming (he gets hangry!) I just have to place a bottle under the dispenser and hit the “start” button. It’s so easy I can literally do it with one hand while holding him.
The spout has to be cleaned every four bottles, which I just do with hot water and a paper towel, and the water needs to be refilled once a day (like a Keurig). Other than that, all I have to do is ensure the formula container is filled. My husband set it up like a baby bar cart in the nursery, so we don’t have to stumble down our stairs to the kitchen while bleary-eyed and half asleep in the middle of the night. It really is a godsend and I don’t know what I’d do without it!" —Heather Braga
4. Butterfly wing drop earrings so gorgeous, you'll want to wear them with everything in your closet! Each pair has a shimmery design and doesn't feel too heavy to wear — excuse me while I add these beauties to my cart right now.
"These earrings are so pretty! They have flecks of gold in the wings that really shimmer in the sun. There's a pack of fourf to match any outfit you're wearing. My favorite are definitely the red/yellow ones. Also they are very light and don't pull your earlobes." —Tasia Bass
Get 4 pairs from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three styles).
5. A Nomad Base One Max station that'll power up your Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time — instead of dealing with a bunch of messy wires, this sleek dock will keep your tech items in a convenient spot. An added bonus? It can charge an iPhone roughly three times faster than a standard USB-A cable (how cool is that)?!
"Wireless devices are great. Charging them, what with their unique unsightly cords, is not. Enter Nomad's Base One Max, a gorgeous new charging station for both iPhone (8 and later) and Apple Watch (Series 4, 5, 6, and 7). Whereas I used to charge my iPhone and Apple Watch via their own cables — each connected to its own charging cube plugged into an outlet extender — I now rely exclusively on the Base One Max and its one USB-C cable to get the job done. Apple has long had a minimal, clean-lined aesthetic; now there's finally a charging option to match.
Looks aside, though, Base One Max also packs a powerful punch. Delivering MagSafe charging speeds of up to 15W, it charges my phone about three times faster than my old USB cable, and while that's not so much a benefit I enjoy at night, I've come to really appreciate it when my battery is low and I'm about to head out the door.
Speaking of which, the charger weighs around 2 pounds (which is heavy, in case you're like me and have no idea what 2 pounds feels like), so even if you reach for your ~magnetically aligned~ iPhone as you head out, the charger itself will stay anchored down. Talk about style and substance!" —Jon-Michael Poff
Get the Base One Max from Nomad for $104.95 (available in two colors).
6. A Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% so you can halt stubborn acne in its tracks and shield your complexion from future breakouts. Its noncomedogenic formula targets clogged pores and has a gel-like texture that seamlessly absorbs into the skin. Tip: If you're prone to drying or irritation, you may want to test a small area first before adding it to your routine!
"My derm had prescribed me what's basically a stronger version of this medicine that's also mixed with a weak benzoyl peroxide, and it of course worked wonders. But when I ran out of the stuff while on vacation last year, I decided to try the OTC version — which is one-third of the potency and sans the benzoyl that bleached all my pillowcases — to tide me over until I was home.
Long story short, eight months later I still need to go back to my derm because with insurance, the prescribed stuff ends up costing less and is a teensy bit better at keeping acne away during my period. But in the meantime, I can happily report that OTC Differin Gel still works incredibly well at keeping acne at bay and, when a zit flares up, helping it dissipate quickly, usually within a day. (Note that you can't use it while pregnant.) Just remember three things:
1. One pea-sized application per day is all it takes. Yes, I doubted this too at first, but it's true. Try dabbing a little bit on each of your cheeks, your nose, your chin, and your forehead first, then rubbing it all in to help get it evenly distributed. You need so little that the small tube lasts me about two and a half or three months.
2. It's just as effective over moisturizer as it would be if you applied it directly to your skin, according to my derm. My skin isn't sensitive, but it did seriously dry out when I first started using the Rx product, so I swapped it to the very last step in my evening routine and continue that now, even with this lower concentration. That way, I've washed my face, moisturized, and let that moisturizer soak in for about 10ish minutes before putting on the treatment. Oh, and I also recommend applying a good lip balm before bed, because it is drying — read my Lanolips review for my rec.
3. Apply it at night, and you MUST wear sunscreen everyday when you use this! And if you're out in the sun all day, remember to reapply every two hours. It is a retinol, which can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, and doing those two things helps protect your skin." —Natalie Brown
Get it from Amazon: a small tube (good for trying it out!) for $14.97 or a bigger bottle for $29.99.
7. A Mylk Labs variety pack for a delish and easy meal whenever you're hungry. These oatmeals only take three minutes to make and are microwave-friendly. Whether you need to make a quick breakfast at home or snack at the office, this six-piece set has you covered.
The variety pack linked above includes two Roasted Almond and Himalayan Pink Salt Instant Oatmeals, two Toasted Coconut and Cassia Cinnamon Instant Oatmeals, and two Cultivated Blueberry and Vermont Maple Instant Oatmeals.
"Mylk Labs is a California-based brand that strives to offer healthier food options without compromising on flavor. First-time entrepreneur and founder Grace Cheng believes it is important to eat healthy in one's daily life and, from experience, found it hard to do so while juggling so many responsibilities.
I was given a variety pack full of beautifully designed oatmeal packaging. My favorite was definitely the Sun-Ripe Strawberry & Madagascar Vanilla because it tasted great and the strawberries were strong in flavor! I did add some bananas which made it taste extra great and healthy, and I loved the crunch of the sunflower seeds! These oatmeal cups were so convenient to take to work with me, and I definitely needed more than one so taking two with me is simple and a great easy-to-make breakfast!" —Brittney Trinh
Get a 6-pack from Mylk Labs for $21.48 or a 4-pack from Umamicart for $12.99. Also available in larger multi-packs here.
8. A Gaiam yoga mat you'll love for your practice, because it's comfy and doesn't feel slippery. With 6mm of cushioning and a durable textured surface, you can seamlessly move from pose to pose. It's also reversible, so you can switch up the sides for at-home workouts and gym sessions.
I work out at home a lot, so it's important for me to have an exercise mat that's cushy, sturdy, and easy to roll up and put away. I received this Gaiam yoga mat as a sample and really enjoy using it for yoga and Pilates! It's so comfortable to stand, sit, and lay down on and I don't have to worry about sliding around, thanks to a grippy material. It's also fun to flip the sides (my mat above came with light blue and dark blue sides) — I've never had a yoga mat with this design before! And if you don't have a lot of space, no worries, because this mat rolls up to a compact size when you're done exercising.
Get it from Gaiam for $29.98 (available in six colors) or Amazon for $28.16+ (available in four sizes and 16 colors).
9. Casper flannel sheets so you can add a luxe touch to your bedroom setup and comfortably sleep sans sweating. A standout feature of this set is the material — 100% brushed organic cotton that'll feel soft on your skin and keep your body at a comfy temperature. If you still like to be a little cozy but don't want to feel too cold or too hot, definitely give this bedding a try.
This set comes with one flat and fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and one duvet cover!
"I have two sets of these sheets already and just bought my third set (THAT'S how much I love them). They're unlike any other bed sheets I've had before, especially flannel ones. Typically, after so many uses and washes, flannel sheets tend to get super pilly — not these. They hold their softness without being extremely hot because as someone who's an extremely hot sleeper, I would never condone them if they felt like laying in a burning sauna.
These I leave on my bed year round — yep, even in the summer and I know what you're thinking "flannel sheets...in the summer? Are you serious?" Yep, yep I am and they're cool to the touch and are just so lush and soft. I honestly don't use any other sheets on my bed but these.
The brand sent me my first two sets, but I adored them so much I just ordered a third. I also tell everyone and their mom about these sheets because I think everyone truly deserves to experience how absolutely luxe they are. There is not a better set of bed sheets on the market and I stand behind that statement." —Ali Faccenda
Get them from Casper for $104+ (originally $208+; available in sizes twin, twin XL, queen, king, and California king, and five colors).
10. A Free People Cali Crochet Clutch because you can skip carrying a big bag and stash your essentials in this cutie. Don't let its small size fool you — it can hold a phone, wallet, keys, AirPods, AND even a book. Going to brunch? You're covered. Visiting the park to enjoy a sunny day? Also covered. Plus, it comes in so many color options for your wardrobe.
"I honestly will center my outfits around this clutch because I feel like it'd be a crime not to show it off, and I receive so many compliments every time. The material is so soft and *very* stretchy, meaning you can fit a lot of things in it. I was able to put all of my essentials and more into this little thing including: a book, my sunscreen, AirPods, phone, lip gloss, AND my wallet. It fit it all with room to spare and was comfortable to carry all day long. Literally sprint to get your hands on one of these (before I buy them all)." —Rylee Johnston
Get it from Free People for $50 (available in six styles).
11. And an Ouai Melrose Place Body Cleanser so you can start or end your day with a relaxing shower: this gentle formula helps hydrate your skin and smells like bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne. You'll think you're at the spa for a moment when IRL, you're just spending some chill time in your bathroom.
"I’m basically a fan of everything from Ouai and Jen Atkin, so it was no surprise when I immediately deemed their Melrose Place cleanser my new favorite body wash. The smell is absolutely heavenly, I’ve almost finished my first bottle! We all know an empty = a good beauty product.
Anyways, it features notes of bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne (fancy, right?) and is made with jojoba seed oil and rose hip oil, making it super hydrating. It lathers up nicely and makes my sometimes all-too-short-new-mom showers feel luxurious even when I’m exhausted and rushing to crawl into bed. The pink hue also just looks lovely on my shower caddy, not a necessity but something I’ve come to appreciate.
I received my first bottle as a sample but already plan to order another before I run out of this one. I love the scent so much I basically bullied my sisters into trying the body cleanser when they’ve visited me (they love it too) and use Oaui’s Melrose Body Cream alongside it. Honestly, just writing about it has me daydreaming about the shower I’ll take tonight…" —Heather Braga
Love our product recommendations? Read more reviews by our team in last month's Things We've Tried.
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