We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out tons of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. We’re also just avid shoppers, so in the spirit of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing a few standout favorites from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. Welcome to the inside scoop.
A water flosser that makes us want to floss...
I hate traditional flossing, but using a water flosser has become my new obsession. I got this one from Quip, and dare I say, it's actually nice-looking? I can keep it out on my bathroom sink and not despise the sight of it. I use it after I brush my teeth, and it helps to get out any food residue or plaque I wasn't able to hit with my toothbrush. It has two speed settings, so if your teeth are sensitive, you don't have to feel like you're blasting them with water. Overall, it has improved my dental hygiene, so I'm a huge fan. –Alexandra Napoli ($70, Quip)
Dark spot patches that erased a spot in three days...
I told you a few months ago how stunned I was by the effectiveness of Fur’s Ingrown Microdart Patches. I had an under-the-surface pimple on my chin that I wasn’t sure what to do with, since I don’t get them often. Rather than try to pop it (I’m slowly learning my lesson), I applied one of the ingrown patches for three nights in a row and wore it while I was sleeping. I figured the salicylic acid couldn’t hurt, especially when the microdarts were helping it treat deeper levels of the skin. Every morning the swelling went down more and more. Once it was effectively flat, it still left behind a frustrating dark mark, which is where their new dark spot patches came in. I wore them three nights in a row, and by the third day, the mark was gone. There was no evidence of the cystic nightmare I had been dealing with. I’ll be the first to admit these patches are expensive, but when you have a special event on the horizon (like I did), you can’t beat a nearly foolproof way to get a pimple under control. –Martha Upton ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A mini device to dip your toe in red light therapy...
Our team has been longtime fans of Solawave's classic skincare wand, but this mini is my new favorite tool. It's perfect for beginners to red light therapy (like myself) and I love how compact it is. I use it in circular motions across my face for just a few minutes three times a week, and I've definitely seen results, even after just a few uses. It's made my skin glowy, depuffed, and lifted. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a patch test on your wrist before incorporating it into your routine. –Margo Ghertner ($89, Solawave)
A redness serum our skin drinks up...
I’ve been using this redness-reducing serum from Herbivore (one of my desert island brands) every morning for the past few weeks, and I’ve noticed both an immediate and long-term reduction in redness overall. It’s infused with cica and ceramides, two ingredients my skin loves, and the soothing, creamy texture feels more moisturizing than your usual thin serum. Since it has a green tint, it also works as a redness-reducing primer before I do my makeup. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t stay green once you blend it in.) –Caroline Goldstein ($48, Herbivore)
A cleansing balm that helped us break up with makeup wipes...
After a hectic day, all I want is to unwind. Normally, I’d reach for a makeup wipe, but this cleansing balm is a total game changer. It's so luxurious that you'll feel like royalty. My skin is incredibly soft after I use it, and with a touch of moisturizer, it’s like wrapping my face in silk before bed. If you’re ready to elevate your skincare routine — especially as we embrace cozy fall vibes — this is the treat your skin deserves. –Sarai Thompson ($68, Dermstore)
Period underwear that withstood our heaviest days...
I've always had heavier periods and typically go through more feminine hygiene products than I care to admit. I've always felt so wasteful month after month, until recently, when I tried Knix's leak-proof underwear. Let me tell you, these really effing work. I wore them on the second day (if you know, you know) and also overnight while on my period and experienced zero leakage. The material is super smooth and slightly hugs you in a way that's comforting. They're also machine-washable (important) and come in tons of different cuts and absorbency levels. I've been telling everyone I know about them. –Alessandra Rey ($20+, Knix)
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